Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House
Step back in time at the historic Buckhorn Saloon & Opera House, a Pinos Altos gem offering delicious New Mexican cuisine, live music, and an authenti...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience live music & dancing
Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House
Best Time
Experience live music & dancing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at the historic Buckhorn Saloon & Opera House, a Pinos Altos gem offering delicious New Mexican cuisine, live music, and an authentic Old West ambiance.
"Felt like I had stepped back in time. Just a wonderful experience all around."
🎯 Make Reservations
Highly recommended, especially for prime rib. Call ahead to secure your spot for a special occasion.
🥣 Taste the Green Chili
Don't miss the award-winning green chili; it's a culinary highlight that draws visitors from afar.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 734 reviews
Type
Steak House
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Legendary Green Chili
Experience the 'platonic ideal' of New Mexican green chili. This dish is a must-try, often cited as the best ever tasted.
Prime Rib Perfection
Savor incredibly flavorful prime rib, cooked to perfection. Generous portions make this a standout dish.
Historic Opera House Ambiance
Step into a piece of history. The opera house offers a colorful glimpse into Silver City's wild past.
Live Music & Dancing
Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with live music and locals dancing, creating an authentic Old West experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Step Back in Time
Reservations Recommended
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Must-see road trip stops in Southern NM, starting from Tucson?
Partner and I live in Tucson and are planning a southern NM roadtrip towards the very end of this year. It'll only be 4 or 5 days and not planning to go as far north as ABQ or Santa Fe. We don't have a set itinerary but want to spend a couple hours exploring towns (Hatch, Silver…
🎯 Make Reservations
Highly recommended, especially for prime rib. Call ahead to secure your spot for a special occasion.
🥣 Taste the Green Chili
Don't miss the award-winning green chili; it's a culinary highlight that draws visitors from afar.
💡 Be Prepared for Dim Lighting
The interior is quite dark. If you have vision issues, consider bringing a small light for the menu.
💰 Generous Portions
Portion sizes are substantial. Consider sharing dishes or be prepared for delicious leftovers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Make Reservations
Highly recommended, especially for prime rib. Call ahead to secure your spot for a special occasion.
🥣 Taste the Green Chili
Don't miss the award-winning green chili; it's a culinary highlight that draws visitors from afar.
💡 Be Prepared for Dim Lighting
The interior is quite dark. If you have vision issues, consider bringing a small light for the menu.
💰 Generous Portions
Portion sizes are substantial. Consider sharing dishes or be prepared for delicious leftovers.
🎶 Soak in the Vibe
Embrace the historic atmosphere, live music, and local charm for an unforgettable Old West experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House for its authentic Old West atmosphere, complete with live music and dancing. The food, particularly the green chili and prime rib, receives rave reviews for flavor and generous portions. While some find it a bit pricey and note the dim lighting, the overall experience is described as a unique and memorable step back in time.
"One of the best experiences I have had in ages. The bowl of green chili is seriously the best I've ever had. I always have had an idea of what this dish should be every time I come through New Mexico. This was as close to that platonic ideal as I could possibly imagine. I would drive a long way just to get another bowl of that.
We also got the prime rib, green Chile loaded fries. These too were just outstanding. The prime rib was so incredibly flavorful.
The portion sizes were quite generous as well.
The atmosphere was perfect, with live music and locals dancing. I felt like I had stepped back in time. Service was impeccable. Just a wonderful experience all around.
I am including pictures of the attached opera house. Such an amazing piece of old west Americana!"
K smith
"Omg!! What a hidden gem, didn’t expect this experience. From m the outside,! To the inside was a most welcoming place. Every one was so welcoming. The whole Vibe was exactly what you want to expect when in New Mexico, let alone In Pablo’s Altos. Thanks everyone will come back to visit."
Elizabeth Cazares
"Went to the Buckhorn Saloon tonight and if you are ever within 100 miles you should find your way here in Pinas Altos, New Mexico…fabulous food, service and atmosphere! A historical place from 1863!"
Richard Skinner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House is located in Pinos Altos, New Mexico, near Silver City. It's a notable stop for road trips in Southern New Mexico, often mentioned as a destination when traveling from areas like Tucson. Driving is the primary way to access Pinos Altos. Check local maps for the best route from your starting point.
Yes, Pinos Altos and the Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House are recognized as charming towns and unique stops for road trips exploring Southern New Mexico, particularly for those heading towards or from areas like Silver City.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the saloon and opera house itself is generally free, allowing you to soak in the historic atmosphere. However, specific events or performances might require separate tickets. It's best to check their official channels for any event-specific information.
Operating hours can vary, especially for the restaurant and bar. It's highly recommended to check their most current hours directly, as they often cater to evening dining and entertainment. Reservations are also advised.
While the opera house is a historical attraction, there isn't typically a separate admission fee just to see it. It's part of the overall experience of visiting the saloon and restaurant. Special performances might have their own ticketing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Buckhorn Saloon is renowned for its exceptional New Mexican cuisine, particularly its green chili, which is often described as the best ever tasted. They also serve outstanding prime rib and other hearty dishes with generous portions.
Yes, reviews consistently mention that the portion sizes are quite generous. This makes it a great value, and you might even consider sharing dishes or planning for leftovers.
While prices are described as moderate to good, some reviewers note that it can be pricey, suggesting it's more of a destination for special occasions rather than frequent visits. Drinks are generally reasonably priced.
Reservations are strongly suggested, especially if you plan to dine on prime rib or visit during peak times. This helps ensure you get a table and can fully enjoy the experience.
The saloon offers a selection of drinks, and they are noted as being reasonably priced. It's a great place to start your evening before dinner or to enjoy the live music.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the interior is described as very dark. This can make it challenging for photography, especially if you're trying to capture food or details clearly. Be prepared to use higher ISO settings or a flash if needed.
The historic architecture of the opera house, the lively atmosphere with musicians and dancers, and of course, the beautifully presented food are all great subjects for photos. Capturing the 'Old West' ambiance is key.
Social
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