From the Delta Bar to the Inn at the Delta
The Delta Bar (1949 - 1970s)
In 1949, Manuel and Marie Garcia opened a tavern on Española’s Paseo de Oñate that would become a landmark for generations. They named it the Delta Bar, inspired by the natural delta formed by the confluence of the Rio Grande and the Rio Chama—a powerful symbol of community, convergence, and local identity.
Manuel and Marie worked tirelessly to build the business, creating a welcoming space where locals could unwind. Over time, the bar was expanded in every direction, growing along with the community it served. A sign from the era proudly declared: “The Delta Bar & Grill opened in 1949,” a date that stands as the cornerstone of the Garcia family’s entrepreneurial legacy.
Through their hard work, the Garcias were able to send all six of their children to college—a testament to the bar’s success and its foundational role in their family’s future. The Delta Bar wasn’t just a business; it became a thread in the fabric of Española’s culture and economy, representing pride, perseverance, and deep community roots.
Legacy continued at the Delta (1960s–1980s)
As Española grew, the Garcia family expanded their enterprise.
In 1967 they opened a florist/plant shop on the same lot (“Delta Flowers”), adding a touch of color and service to the community.
In 1984 the Garcias opened a full-service restaurant named Anthony’s at the Delta . This fine‑dining space offered steak and seafood cuisine in a hacienda‑style adobe setting, with hand‑carved woodwork and paintings.
Anthony’s quickly became a local favorite for family gatherings and events Anthony’s at the Delta”. By combining a bar, a restaurant, and flower shop, the Garcia family turned the old Delta Bar corner into a small cultural complex.
These businesses not only provided jobs and services in downtown Española but also drew visitors off the highway, boosting the town’s economy and visibility.
The Inn at the Delta (1991–Present)
In 1991, the Garcia family once again reinvented their historic property by creating the Inn at the Delta, a adobe inn offering guests an immersive experience in Northern New Mexican culture and hospitality. Built on the same property that still house the original Delta Bar and Anthony’s restaurant, the Inn now stands as a living tribute to the family’s legacy.
The main office and lobby were originally constructed as a retirement home for Manuel and Marie Garcia, the founders of the Delta Bar. They never moved in due to its size. The Garcia siblings chose to honor their parents’ memory by converting the home into the welcoming heart of the inn. Working together, they designed and added 10 spacious guest suites, each handcrafted with care and intention.
The Inn showcases authentic Southwestern architecture—from thick adobe walls and carved wooden vigas, to traditional kiva fireplaces and colorful tilework. Each room is furnished with handmade pieces by local artisans, including carved headboards, woven textiles, and regional artwork. As the family proudly states, the adobe structures “capture the warmth and spirit of the Southwest,” and every space is meant to “tell stories of our heritage.”
Surrounded by gardens and nestled between the Rio Grande and Rio Chama valleys, the Inn at the Delta offers more than lodging—it offers a sense of place. Just a short drive from the Eight Northern Pueblos, and centrally located between Santa Fe and Taos, the inn serves as a peaceful base for travelers and a reflection of Española’s deep cultural roots.
What’s New at the Delta
The Inn at the Delta continues to be a vibrant part of Española, blending tradition with new opportunities. Part of our historic restaurant space is now leased to La Fonda Del Sol, bringing fresh dining experiences to the community while keeping the spirit of hospitality alive. Our property also remains a gathering place for life’s most memorable moments, hosting weddings, graduations, and other special celebrations in a warm and authentic New Mexican setting.
In addition to lodging, we are proud to offer new full-time housing options with the addition of a fully furnished triplex, designed with the same comfort and style as our inn’s guest suites. The property is also home to a flower shop, continuing a family tradition of beauty and creativity, now leased to local florists who add color and charm to every occasion. Together, these new ventures ensure the Inn at the Delta remains not only a place to stay, but a true hub for community, tradition, and celebration.
