Gene Hackman’s Favorite Santa Fe Restaurant Transforms Into Memorial as Fans Flock to Site

Fans Memorialize Gene Hackman at His Beloved Santa Fe Restaurants
(Images: Gene Hackman in 2005; floral tributes at Jinja Bar & Bistro; Hackman with Guy Fieri in 2008; investigators at Hackman’s home)

Fans of the late Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, who died in February at age 95 alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, have turned his favorite Santa Fe restaurants into heartfelt memorials.

Jinja Bar & Bistro, a restaurant Hackman once co-owned, has become a gathering place for admirers leaving flowers and notes. Owner Doug Lanham, a close friend of the Superman star, shared that Hackman often visited incognito, sometimes covering patrons’ tabs. The actor’s paintings also adorn the eatery’s walls, showcasing his lesser-known talent as an artist.

Hackman was a regular at Jinja, where his artwork remains displayed.

Another frequent spot was Harry’s Roadhouse, where owner Kathleen O’Brien recalled Hackman’s humility: “He was never presumptuous—always kind, generous, and quick with a wry joke.” In 2008, Hackman unexpectedly joined chef Guy Fieri during a Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives filming. “Guy dropped everything to chat with him for 45 minutes,” O’Brien told DailyMail.com.

The actor’s 2008 visit to Harry’s Roadhouse became a Food Network highlight.

Tragic Discovery
The couple was found dead in their $3.3 million Santa Fe home on February 26. Hackman’s pacemaker data suggested he died nine days earlier. Betsy was discovered near a space heater and medications, including thyroid and blood pressure pills. Friends noted she had dedicated herself to keeping Hackman active through puzzles and Zoom yoga sessions in his final years.

Authorities at the scene of the couple’s passing.

Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, retired in 2004 but left a lasting legacy through his films and the quiet generosity remembered by Santa Fe locals.

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