In the heart of Mesilla, New Mexico, where historic adobe walls echo the whispers of the Old West, stands an elegant building steeped in mystery, romance, and spine-tingling ghost stories — the Double Eagle Restaurant. While the aroma of aged steaks and fine wines offers undeniable attraction, it’s the shadows in the corners and stories of eternal love that intrigue paranormal enthusiasts and travelers alike. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a portal into another time, where candlelight and spectral festivities are rumored to coexist. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or a ghost hunter in search of your next adventure, stepping through the ornate doors of the Double Eagle is like entering a beautifully haunted time capsule.
The History
Roots in the Mesilla Valley
The Double Eagle Restaurant is housed inside one of the oldest original adobe structures in Mesilla, dating back to the 1850s. The town of Mesilla itself was founded during the turbulent Gadsden Purchase era and became an important political and cultural hub in the newly acquired American Southwest. The building that would become the Double Eagle originally served as Casa Armijo, a grand family residence owned by the well-to-do Maes family before ending up in the hands of the prominent Armijo clan. Just walking through its thick adobe arches is like flipping through the pages of a vintage storybook of New Mexico’s frontier history.
A Grand Home Turned Historic Landmark
Built in the Territorial style, Casa Armijo featured handcrafted details — from tin chandeliers to pressed-tin ceilings and hand-carved woodwork. For decades, it served as a center for lavish gatherings, political discourse, and elite social events. As the tides of time changed, the mansion’s fabulous decor gradually faded, and the once-grand home found itself reimagined. In the late 20th century, the space was lovingly restored and transformed into the Double Eagle Restaurant, preserving its rich heritage while introducing fine dining, antique décor, and, interestingly, an uncanny connection to the paranormal.
The Ornate Bar and Presidential Room
As you stroll through the restaurant today, you’ll notice its luxurious stylings: antique velvet furniture, crystal chandeliers, and priceless artwork. Of special note are the Santos Room and the Carlotta Salon, where portraits of past political figures seem to almost watch you dine. The bar itself is nothing short of regal, where legend says Billy the Kid once sat taking shots of whiskey. The Presidential Room, a popular dining area, has hosted luminaries and dignitaries throughout the decades and adds a further air of significance to the already distinguished venue.
The Haunt
The Tragic Tale of Armando and Inez
No visit to the Double Eagle Restaurant would be complete without hearing the tragic love story that anchors its reputation as one of the most haunted restaurants in America. The legend goes back to the Armijo family’s tenure in the house. The family’s son, Armando, had fallen deeply in love with Inez, a servant girl working in the household. Their forbidden love sparked outrage from Armando’s mother, not only because of their class difference but also likely due to local social norms of the time.
Despite numerous warnings and threats, Armando and Inez continued their romance in secret. One fateful day, according to legend, the star-crossed lovers were discovered in an embrace in what is now known as the Carlotta Salon. Driven by a fierce sense of betrayal and class pride, Armando’s mother took drastic, fatal action — stabbing both lovers. They are said to have died in each other’s arms, their last breath shared in the very room where many now experience cold spots, eerie sensations, and objects moving inexplicably.
Paranormal Activity in the Carlotta Salon
Paranormal reports at the Double Eagle Restaurant center largely around the Carlotta Salon. Staff and guests alike have reported encountering unexplainable breezes in the sealed-off room, sudden drops in temperature, and even the faint scent of lavender — supposedly Inez’s perfume. Furniture is said to move of its own accord, and glasses have been witnessed sliding off tables with no natural cause. Ghost-hunting groups who have visited report capturing EVPs (electronic voice phenomena), some of which include whispered conversations and unmistakable sobbing.
Sightings and Spirit Encounters
Shadowy figures are occasionally seen drifting through the corridors or caught in the periphery of one’s vision, especially near the Carlotta Salon and the restrooms near the Presidential Room. Some tourists describe a feeling akin to being watched or gently touched when no one else is around. Mediums who have visited the site often describe a thick, emotional energy that hovers throughout the property, especially where Armando and Inez are said to have met their end.
Documented Paranormal Investigations
The Double Eagle Restaurant has garnered attention from paranormal investigation groups across the country. It has been featured on several television programs and radio broadcasts, earning a place on many “most haunted” lists in the Southwest. Paranormal investigators commonly refer to it as a “residual haunting” — where strong emotions from the past have left an imprint on the environment, playing out certain tragic scenes like a spectral echo.
Visit the Double Eagle Restaurant and Experience the Paranormal
If you’re a fan of fine dining with an edge of the supernatural, the Double Eagle Restaurant is a must-visit destination in New Mexico. From its breathtaking décor and award-winning wine cellar to the lingering lovesick spirits that roam its halls, the restaurant serves up ambiance with a side of afterlife. Whether you’re enjoying a romantic dinner or conducting a bona fide ghost hunt, the energy of this historic building is palpable.
Don’t forget to bring your camera, digital voice recorder, or EMF meter — you never know what (or who) you might encounter. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, often sharing their own ghostly experiences and sightings with curious guests. They fully embrace the legend, highlighting the hauntings not just as folklore, but as integral threads in the restaurant’s rich historical tapestry.
So, if you’re looking to immerse yourself in New Mexican history, sample unforgettable cuisine, and maybe communicate with the other side, look no further than the Double Eagle Restaurant in Mesilla. It’s one part gourmet experience, one part haunted heritage, and all parts unforgettable.