Sparky's 'best green chile cheeseburger' headed back to NM State Fair

The public can catch the most anticipated food contest of the year in Albuquerque on Sept. 9 at the New Mexico State Fair.

The Original Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge will kick off at noon and features 10 restaurants including 2022 winner, Sparky's Burgers, BBQ & Espresso.

Sparky's is in Hatch, New Mexico, home of the famed Hatch Green Chile. Sparky’s award-winning green chile cheeseburger are available at the restaurant located at 15 Franklin St. which is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and closed Monday through Wednesday.

“This is the Super Bowl of Green Chile Cheeseburger contests in this State,” said State Fair General Manager Dan Mourning. “It continues to get bigger and bigger each year so we decided to move it out to Main Street to accommodate the huge crowds that flock to this event. People’s choice ballots are extremely limited so make sure you’re here early."

Blind judging and the People's Choice Award will be handed out at the State Fair. Only 100 public ballots will be available, handed out by the New Mexico State Police to those who receive a wristband from the New Mexico Ag Department at the Fair.

Your New Mexico State Fair 2024 guide: Green chile burger contest, champion livestock, vendors, tickets and more

Other restaurants competing in the green chile burger competition are:

• Downshift Brewing Co. – Lincoln County
• Del’s Family Restaurant – Quay County
• Effingbar & Grill – Bernalillo County
• Savoy Bar and Grill – Bernalillo County
• Craft Republic – Bernalillo County
• Big Mike’s Burgers and More – Valencia County
• Isleta Grill – Isleta Pueblo
• Grill at the Monte Carlo – Taos County
• Slate Street Billiards – Sandoval County

Missing from the lineup is Oso Grill of Capitan, New Mexico - winners of the 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2023 green chile cheeseburger competition.

Visit statefair.exponm.com to purchase tickets including park and ride and concert tickets.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Sparky's 'best green chile cheeseburger' headed back to NM State Fair