The Avis car rental man in Albuquerque suggested the more scenic route to Santa Fe on State Highway 14 that goes through Madrid (MA-drid). And and to satisfy our hunger he suggested grabbing a bite at the Mine Shaft Tavern, a rustic roadside tavern offering our first taste of New Mexican fare.

Being famished, we did just that, starting with their delicious $8 house Margaritas. At that price, we had more than one, then shared their fantastic Southwestern food.

The burgers come with fries and cole slaw, with the option to sub their stew (+3.50) for the fries, which we did with one burger.

We worked on devouring their Classic Shaft burger ($15.50) with green chilies, caramelized onions and aged cheddar and the Mad Chile burger with half a pound a black Angus chuck ($18) with the spicy green chile stew with black beans, carrots, potatoes and their house-smoked brisket.

Also good is their taco platter ($15.95) with house-smoked brisket, jalapeño cream, lettuce and tomatoes, served with rice and beans.

 

 

We ordered their chocolate toffee Kahlúa mousse cake ($9), but were so stuffed that after managing a bite, we asked for a doggy bag.

From there, we headed to Santa Fe in heaven filled with their piquant and delicious food. Little did we know, this would have been one of our best meals of the trip. Yes, that good.

I highly recommend.

The Mine Shaft Tavern & Cantina
2846 State Hwy 14 (The Turquoise Trail)
Madrid, NM 87010
(505) 473-0743
themineshafttavern.com/