The original Owl Cafe was born 150 miles south of Albuquerque and grew in popularity among desert travelers and nuclear scientists on their way to, or through, White Sands Missile Range.
The Albuquerque location was built in the early 1990s to resemble a 1950s-era diner. Although the atmosphere is decidedly different from the original cafe, the cheeseburgers are the same and they go for $4.50. Add the onion twirls and you will have more than a meal. Daily Blue Plate Specials sell for $6. Homemade cakes, cookies and pies are available, but few customers have room left.
• Hours: M-Th 7a-10p; F-Sa 7a-11p