Nestled in the charming town of Los Cerrillos, New Mexico, Black Bird Saloon offers an authentic American dining experience that artfully blends rustic saloon charm with a refined culinary touch. This beloved local gem is not just a restaurant but a gathering place where the rich flavors of the Southwest meet inventive, hearty fare that satisfies both the palate and the spirit.
The menu at Black Bird Saloon is a vibrant celebration of bold, fresh ingredients and craftsmanship. Signature dishes like the Elk Burger and the Fuddled Outlaw Burger are standout stars—each bite delivers juicy, expertly cooked meat complemented by imaginative toppings like roasted avocado paired with spiced cream cheese and piñon nuts that add a warm, nutty crunch. The Crows Nest Fries, crisp and golden, emerge as another crowd favorite, lauded for their light, delicate texture and perfectly seasoned crispiness that has patrons returning time after time.
Breakfast at Black Bird Saloon elevates traditional fare with options such as the Miners Hand Warmer Burrito and the Saloon Scramble, designed to comfort and fuel adventurers and locals alike. Lunch plates like the Two Whistles Toast Farmers Lunch Plate and tantalizing side dishes including the fresh Small Mixed Green Salad with House Vinaigrette showcase an attention to balance and freshness that resonates throughout the menu.
What truly sets Black Bird Saloon apart is its atmosphere—a warm, welcoming saloon environment that feels like stepping into a bygone era yet thriving with contemporary energy. The vintage decor paired with thoughtful service creates an intimate yet lively setting where every meal feels personal and unhurried. Reviewers consistently highlight the inviting vibe and attentive service, providing a backdrop where friendly conversation flows as readily as the excellent craft beer, local liquors, and hand-crafted cocktails like the refreshing Skinny Margarita.
Guests describe their visits as memorable not only for the food but also for the heart behind the operation. One diner shared their awe of the perfect balance of flavors in their burger, paired with "frigging awesome" fries that tasted clean and fresh, a rare find in any burger joint. Another praised the menu’s bison, pork chops, and elk chili as phenomenal, perfectly paired with Black Bird’s expertly curated beverage list. The sense of community and genuine care from the husband-and-wife team behind the saloon shines through every element—from the thoughtfully prepared dishes to the personalized attention to each guest.
Whether you’re a devoted foodie eager to explore New Mexico’s culinary offerings or a traveler seeking a cozy retreat with honest, flavorful food, Black Bird Saloon beckons with its unique blend of Southwest authenticity and comfortable charm. Every visit promises not just a meal, but a connection to the land, the people, and the stories that make this saloon a cherished destination in Los Cerrillos.
I had one of the best burgers ever. The burger was fresh, juicy, cooked to perfection. It tasted great. The French Fries were frigging awesome. Little shoestring fries that were crispband fried to perfection. Service was great. Personal attention was appreciated.
Fantastic small town saloon with excellent food. Patrick has a great thing going here and it's well worth the trip! Tomahawk pork chop and bison dog with elk chilli were both phenomenal. Excellent curated selection of craft beer, local liquor, and wine.
Hidden gem! The food was outstanding! I ordered a green chili cheeseburger that had a delicious whole chili on top. My husband got the lamb burger and the raw cheese and toppings on his were so tasty too! The birds nest fries were crispy and clean, definitely tasted fresh and like they use clean oil in their fryers unlike so many burger joints. The atmosphere is very relaxed with lovely saloon decor. I only wish they were open more days so we could stop by again on our return trip home!
We drove 2.5 hours from Magdalena, NM to check out the sweet little town of Madrid and Cerrillos. We had read about Blackbird Saloon and how it was a husband and wife operation, similar to ours at our own diner. We loved their story and the concept and everything in the photos online looked very thoughtful, vintage, and old world. We ate there twice during our trip. Once for dinner, and once for brunch. For dinner we had the market pork chop, trumpet mushroom toast, and a takeaway cheese board. All delicious, simple, high quality ingredients. Great casual service, beautiful and cozy ambiance. Brunch was also great. Met the owner Patrick, front of house manager Suzanne, and the in house baker Leslie. All very lovely people. Will definitely be back and tell everyone about this place!
The quality of food is awesome. The food wasn’t hot, although we sat outside so I can’t blame! Service and atmosphere were great.
I had the finest steak salad and French 75 I’ll probably ever have in my life. The hostess was outstanding, service was prompt, prices were not jacked up. What a memorable meal in a super cool atmosphere.
I want to speak bad of this place so it stays a secret, but I can't. The staff is the absolute best. The most welcoming feeling as soon as you walk in. It is small with very limited seating, but even if you sat on your tailgate to enjoy a beer and burger is just as good.
Such a unique and special place. Good food from local pathways, great atmosphere, one of a kind ambience.