Five Star Burgers was recognized Friday by national newspaper USA Today as the “best burger joint” in New Mexico, citing the green chile cheeseburger as best in the country.

According to a press release sent out by local PR firm The Garrity Group, USA Today said: “When you talk burgers in New Mexico, you’re talking green chile cheeseburgers. What distinguishes 5 Star Burgers, with restaurants in Taos and Albuquerque, is quality. Served on a brioche bun from local Fano bakery, their all-natural, hormone- and antibiotic-free Black Angus beef is ground fresh daily and cooked to order. The 8-oz green chile cheeseburgers come in two varieties. Both are delicious.”

Patrons of the ABQ Brew Pub may beg to differ. The Uptown restaurant won the Governor’s Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge at this year’s New Mexico State Fair.

Naming the “best” green chile cheeseburger has become somewhat of a state pastime. So much so, that the New Mexico Department of Tourism has a map on its web site of the “good” ones.

 Five Star Burgers only uses all natural antibiotic free Angus Beef from Harris Ranch in California, according to the press release. Their meat is fresh, never frozen, individually hand crafted, seared to perfection on a steam powered grill and char finished. Five Star Burgers keeps business local and purchases their produce, bread and Hatch green chile from New Mexico. The restaurant also carries beer from local breweries.

Five Star Burgers is a well-known Taos restaurant that made its way to Albuquerque in early 2010. Five Star made its mark with locals with popular staples that include fried green chile, green chile mayo and crispy sweet potato fries.