Must-see nightlife in The Southwest

  • Coffee Spot

    Taos

    Large, ramshackle and very popular coffeehouse and bakery, serving all-day breakfasts – try the chile-smothered Taos Benedict – plus espresso, juices,…

  • Zane Grey Bar & Ballroom

    Flagstaff

    When the weather is nice, the 3rd floor wraparound porch of the Weatherford Hotel, just wide enough to hold one row of tables, makes a delightful perch…

  • Satellite Coffee

    Albuquerque

    Albuquerque's answer to Starbucks lies in these hip coffee shops – look for the five other locations around town – luring lots of laptop-toting regulars…

  • World Famous Sultana Bar

    Kaibab National Forest

    A slightly daunting local hangout, this 100-year-old bar is pretty darn cool, especially if you like the sort of place that's kitted out with deer skulls,…

  • St James Infirmary

    Reno

    With an eclectic menu of 120 bottled varieties and 18 on tap here, beer aficionados will short-circuit with delight. Red lights blush over black-and-white…

  • Edge

    Reno

    The Peppermill reels in the nighthounds with this mammoth Latin-leaning dance club, where go-go dancers, smoke machines and laser lights may cause sensory…

  • Sin City Brewing Co

    Las Vegas

    Drop off anyone who thinks shopping is hell at this made-in-Vegas microbrew bar, then come back for them once they're angelically soused on pints of…

  • Gold Spike

    Las Vegas

    Gold Spike, with its playroom, living room and backyard, is many things: bar, nightclub, performance space, canteen; sometime host of roller derbies,…

  • Wellhead

    Southeastern New Mexico

    Modern brewpub restaurant and bar in a 1905 building in downtown Artesia, halfway between Roswell and Carlsbad. As well as decent pub grub, which round…

  • Happy Burro Chili & Beer

    Southern Nevada

    There's a fabulously friendly vibe going on at this creaky antique-y bar straight out of the Wild West, but without the wild bit. Dishing out tasty, cheap…

  • Glencoe Distillery

    Southeastern New Mexico

    Sample the 'spirits of the west' at this rustically chic new distillery on the Billy the Kid Scenic Trail between Ruidoso and San Patricio. Also has…

  • Piranha

    Las Vegas

    The gay universe orbits the Fruit Loop's sexiest gay nightclub, decked out with fireplace patios, aquariums and waterfalls, plus the luxurious 8½ Ultra…

  • Spanish Steps

    Las Vegas

    Outside Caesars Palace fronting Las Vegas Blvd, order a fruity, frozen mojito, margarita or boozy lemonade while you sit and watch the world waltz by. It…

  • Griffin

    Las Vegas

    Escape from the casinos' clutches and imbibe craft beers and cocktails at this darkly lit lounge, an arty twist on the dive bar. Glowing fireplaces,…

  • Bucket of Blood Saloon

    Nevada

    The longtime family-run Bucket of Blood Saloon serves up beer and other booze at its antique wooden bar with expansive views out the huge back window, and…

  • Postino Central

    Phoenix

    This inviting branch of the flowering tree of Postino wine bars sits in burgeoning uptown. It offers $5 wine by the glass for listed wines from 11am to…

  • Bright Angel Lounge

    Grand Canyon National Park South Rim

    The dark, windowless bar inside Bright Angel Lodge doesn't offer much character, but it's a cozy and friendly spot for a beer and occasional live music. A…

  • Delizioso Global Coffee

    Northern Nevada

    For fueling up for what will likely be a long drive in any direction out of Winnemucca, delightful Delizioso Global Coffee offers creative espresso drinks…

  • Jade

    Scottsdale

    This stylish cocktail bar, perched narrowly on a scenic slope within the plush confines of Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, is an inviting place to watch…

  • Downtown Subscription

    Santa Fe

    The coffee shop of choice for Santa Fe's artists and writers serves 31 types of tea, plus espresso, pastries and savory offerings, all complemented by a…

  • Bell Tower Bar

    Santa Fe

    In summer this bar atop La Fonda hotel is the premier spot to catch one of those patented New Mexican sunsets while sipping a killer margarita. After dark…

  • Moon Doggies

    Las Vegas

    Moon Doggies is an iconic Las Vegas locals' institution famous for its bartenders, spin-off Naked City Pizza and chilled vibe. Kick back and watch the…

  • Old Town Cellars

    Park City

    This tiny wine bar achieves what many splashy haunts don't around here: intimacy. Locally owned with great service. Meat and cheese boards with blended…

  • Lola Coffee

    Phoenix

    Artisan roasted beans, slick decor, friendly staff and a patio for fair-weather latte-sipping set the tone for this coffee bar. Lola is ever-popular for…

  • Tonopah Liquor Company

    Southern Nevada

    The best place in town to wet your whistle after 9pm, the TLC has a down-home vibe. In a historic building that is said to be haunted. If you want to…

  • Rainbow Room

    Grand Canyon Region

    The Rainbow Room is perched above Lake Powell, with picture windows framing dramatic red-rock formations against blue water. Your best bet is to eat…

  • Freezone

    Las Vegas

    Every night is a party at this gay dive bar. Sunday is ladies’ night with go-go girls, Thursday is boyz’ night with go-go boys, Friday and Saturday nights…

  • BJ's Tavern

    Arizona

    Not stylish. Not contemporary. Not hip. And depending on your personality, that may be a good thing. Inside there's a jukebox, pool tables and karaoke…

  • Casa Fuente

    Las Vegas

    Wicker sidewalk chairs and a petite bar serving tropical cocktails make this 'money' cigar shop feel like a little slice of Miami. A walk-in humidor…

  • The Scene Pool Deck

    Las Vegas

    The highlight of Planet Hollywood's Pools, which feature two separate decks with daily DJs, is the Flowrider constant wave pool, the first of its kind on…

  • Rickety Cricket

    Arizona

    A huge neon sign proclaiming 'Kingman Club' marks the spot – the Rickety Cricket is the larger of the two breweries in town, with over 20 beers on tap and…

  • Flagstaff Brewing Company

    Flagstaff

    Popular with students and outdoors types, this downtown brewpub offers a small and convivial outdoor patio, pub fare (poutine, wings, burgers and such),…

  • Anaconda Bar

    Taos

    The Anaconda is a work of art, a real feast for the eyes. The bartenders and chefs take care of the other senses, with perfectly made drinks and gourmet…

  • Uinta Brewhouse Pub

    Salt Lake City

    Riding the wave of rustic cool, this warehouse houses a pretty good brewpub with organic and gluten-free beer options. The session ale with peach notes…

  • Green Pig

    Salt Lake City

    Your friendly neighborhood watering hole plays sporting events on big screens and hosts local bands and dance parties on weekends. Grab some chili verde…

  • Wagon Wheel Saloon

    Southern Arizona

    Kick it cowboy-style at the Wagon Wheel, where the bar is big, the ceiling is festooned with wagon wheels and harness, and the wildlife is stuffed. It…

  • Hookah Lounge

    Las Vegas

    Recline languorously with a water pipe stuffed with your pick of 20-plus premium flavored Egyptian tobaccos and exotic cocktails like lychee martinis. The…

  • Enchanted Circle Brewing

    Central New Mexico

    This local brewery with big views has teamed up with the Pork Belly Deli to serve good sandwiches and fish tacos to munch on ($10 to $19). Occasional live…

  • Byron T's Saloon

    New Mexico

    Within the Plaza Hotel and named for its resident ghost, this upscale saloon occasionally hosts live jazz, blues and country acts.

  • 5 Star Saloon

    Reno

    It's a smoky dive, but sources on the ground tell us it's the best gay bar in Reno. Drag shows, weekend DJs and karaoke nights are a draw for even the…