The Curry in Lincoln, New Mexico
- An Old Saloon Turns Respectable after 120 Years...575-653-4873
Lincoln, NM- Up in historic Lincoln on the north side of U.S. Hwy 380 is a venerable old building nearly as ancient as Lincoln itself. It's known today simply as “The Curry” in honor of its original owner. Its easy to spot the place by virtue of the colorful flags hanging out front and because it sits directly across the road from the old 2-story Lincoln County Courthouse - which now serves as one of Lincoln's many museums.
Back in the days when Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett lived in Lincoln, The Curry was the local saloon. These days it still has the old mirrored bar that made it famous – where Billy-the-Kid, Pat-Garrett and the cowboys, desperados and fancy ladies of yesteryear shared beer and whiskey before they played cards, fought gunfights or took respites in The Curry’s famous “back room”. But nowadays it features a more wholesome and family-friendly fare as Lincoln’s only walk-in Deli making and serving fresh-made sandwiches, delicious hamburgers and cold drinks five days a week. The general ambience of the place hasn’t changed much; but The Curry is a perfectly safe place to take your family for a sandwich or a burger and a tall cool drink.
According to the current owner Debi Poremba (who is rumored to be descended from the original owners – but genteel guests should not ask how), you won’t find any “Fancy Ladies” or card-playing gamblers in The Curry these days. (Heaven forbid... We assume the oh-so-conservative Lincoln Preservation Board would have fifty fits!) Still, you’re welcome to play dominos or some card games while you enjoy your food and drink. Solitaire, Hearts, Old Maid and Trivial Pursuit are certainly allowed as long as no fights break out, no one gets shot and no money changes hands. In the future, Debi hopes to convert the back-room into a gift shop – which is certainly a more respectable use for the space than the purposes one imagines it must have served 120 years ago.
The Curry is open 9am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. In addition to breakfast burritos, fresh deli-sandwiches, tasty burgers and cold drinks, they also offer an occasional Twilight Supper and prearranged Ghost Tours as well. Be sure to ask about those services. We understand Lincoln has plenty of ghosts wandering around after sunset. So, naturally these tours are popular and space is limited. Plan to call ahead to make reservations at 505.643-4873.
Finally, in case you’re wondering, yes, The Curry still has those original wide wooden floorboards that were installed when it was built nearly a century and a half ago. And, yes, they do still squeak and creak when you walk around – just as they did when Billy and Pat ordered Cervesas with shots of whiskey there long ago. Furthermore, you’ll be delighted to find Debi and her staff have lots of tales to tell about The Curry and the historic village it calls home.
By the way, experience has taught us Highway 380 near Lincoln is populated with suicidal deer that tend to wander the road after dark. For that reason, after you finish your Ghost Tour we recommend booking a night at the historic and recently remodeled Wortley Hotel - which proudly claims they haven't had a guest shot down in over 100 years - or at one of Lincoln's two other fine hostelries -- Ellis Store and Country Inn or Casa de Patron. Each of these fine local inns is popular, historic and totally authentic. Staying overnight in Lincoln will enhance your visit, giving you a great night's sleep in the mountain air and keeping you safely indoors during the hours when Lincoln County's famous wildlife comes out to play and act like they still own the valley.
Drop in and visit The Curry. You’re certain to enjoy the place and the ice-cold drinks will taste just as good after wandering Lincoln's main street for a few hours as the beer and whiskey did in days of old.
Tell them you heard about them in Steppin’ Out, please. That’s bound to make Debi, her staff and the local ghosts smile!
This page was created by a person asserting to represent this business. This website does not endorse this business or is otherwise affiliated with or endorsed by The Curry Saloon.