Must-see nightlife in Central New Mexico

  • Kakawa Chocolate House

    Santa Fe

    Chocolate addicts simply can't miss this loving ode to the sacred bean. This isn't your mom's marshmallow-laden hot chocolate, though – these rich elixirs…

  • Apothecary Lounge

    Albuquerque

    The views of the city are superb from this relaxed rooftop bar atop the Hotel Parq Central. The craft cocktails are a highlight – we like the prickly pear…

  • Santa Fe Spirits

    Santa Fe

    The local distillery's tasting flight includes an impressive amount of liquor, including shots of Colkegan single malt, Wheeler's gin and Expedition vodka…

  • Marble Brewery

    Albuquerque

    Convivial downtown brewpub, attached to its namesake brewery, with a snug interior for winter nights and a beer garden where local bands play early…

  • Red River Brewing Co

    Central New Mexico

    Folks were recommending this new brewery all across northern New Mexico – and the place delivers on the hype. Big-windowed views of the surrounding…

  • Rowley Farmhouse Ales

    Santa Fe

    This one's for the beer geeks: this place specializes primarily in sours – one of which is brewed on-site – and saisons (Belgian-style farmhouse ales),…

  • Cumbre Brewing Co

    Albuquerque

    Despite its location in a lightly industrial zone, this low-key spot feels like a neighborhood pub. And though the vibe is local, solo travelers will do…

  • Bathtub Row Brewing

    Santa Fe Region

    No wonder this place feels like a neighborhood bar – everyone in town seems to own a piece of it. Run by a local cooperative of beer lovers, this laid…

  • Anodyne

    Albuquerque

    An excellent spot for a game of pool, Anodyne is a huge space with book-lined walls, wood ceilings, plenty of overstuffed chairs, more than 100 bottled…

  • 377 Brewery

    Albuquerque

    The name pays tribute to the 377th Air Base Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base, so this brewery is, unsurprisingly, a gathering spot for members of the…

  • Taos Mesa Brewery

    Taos

    This hangar-like space out by the airport has great beers, live music and à la carte tacos, making it a can't-miss après-ski/hike hangout. Indoor seating…

  • World Cup

    Taos

    The little World Cup coffeehouse is one of those places that looks too obvious, perfectly poised between the Plaza and the highway, to be any good. Or…

  • Fire & Hops

    Santa Fe

    From baseball caps and beards to kale-pesto connoisseurs, this gastropub is often overflowing with an eclectic bunch filling up on green chile poutine and…

  • Mine Shaft Tavern

    Central New Mexico

    Attached to the town museum, this 1919 tavern is a great spot to meet locals, eat a green chile burger (mains $13 to $18) and enjoy live music on weekends…

  • Second Street Brewery at the Railyard

    Santa Fe

    Santa Fe's long-running brewery makes a good place for a pint after a long hike, serving its own handcrafted English-style beers plus a hearty selection…

  • Adobe Bar

    Taos

    There's something about the Adobe Bar. Everyone in Taos seems to turn up at some point each evening, to kick back in the comfy covered atrium, enjoying no…

  • Santa Fe Brewing

    Santa Fe

    The flagship location of New Mexico's oldest brewery is a bit of a haul, 13 miles southwest of town, but fans of Happy Camper IPA will want to make the…

  • Holy Spirit Espresso

    Santa Fe

    With just enough room for a counter, an espresso machine and two or three customers, plus two tables somehow squeezed onto the sidewalk, there’s not…

  • Bosque Brewing

    Albuquerque

    Minimalist taproom with a horseshoe bar and concrete floors that fills up almost every night of the week thanks to the central Nob Hill location. Five or…

  • Teahouse

    Santa Fe

    This spacious, relaxed indoor-outdoor cafe at the eastern end of Canyon Rd makes the perfect break while gallery hopping. More than 160 teas from all over…

  • Taos Mesa Taproom

    Taos

    If you don't fancy the 15-minute drive out to the brewery, the in-town taproom will hook you up with the same beers, plus wood-fired pizzas ($13 to $19),…

  • Gruet Tasting Room

    Santa Fe

    The second-largest winery in New Mexico has a lovely bar in the Hotel St Francis, where you can sample five wines for $12. Wines are mostly sparkling and…

  • Counter Culture Cafe

    Santa Fe

    Hip hangout in the artsy Baca St compound, with loads of good food made from scratch (cinnamon rolls, lemon ricotta pancakes, tom yum soup) in addition to…

  • Java Joe's

    Albuquerque

    Best known these days for its explosive cameo role in Breaking Bad, this comfy coffee shop still makes a great stop-off for a java jolt or a bowl of the…

  • Humble Coffee

    Albuquerque

    Hip, hospitable and, well, humble we guess. If you're traveling Route 66 west of the I-25 and need a caffeine pick-me-up, stop here. We like the raised…

  • Blue Heron Brewing Co

    Santa Fe Region

    Funky little adobe, formerly a veterinarian's office, where local brewmasters pour handcrafted ales in an arty cafe space – it’s a great spot to grab a…

  • Iconik Coffee

    Santa Fe

    Sip your house-roasted java in steampunk style inside this longtime favorite or grab a sunny spot outdoors. There's a second location downtown (314 S…

  • PärCht

    Taos

    On the Plaza for happy hour? Stop by for a diverse selection of wines from Europe and the West Coast, paired with charcuterie and cheese boards.

  • New Mexico Hard Cider Taproom

    Santa Fe

    Apple and specialty ciders pair up with green-chile bacon hotdogs and a four-cheese grilled cheese sandwich at this kick-back taproom.

  • CrowBar

    Santa Fe

    A Dia de los Muertos motif and younger crowd makes this one of the hipper choices for a cocktail or three in the Old Town.

  • Coffee Spot

    Taos

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

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Copper Lounge

    Albuquerque

    Just west of the UNM campus, you'll find a friendly, mixed crowd and daily drink specials at this hip place, which has a casual patio and a dark lounge…

  • Dragon Room Bar

    Santa Fe

    One-time favorite for Hollywood visitors, this 300-year-old adobe remains a popular spot among locals. Drop by for a signature Black Dragon margarita.

  • Rooftop Cantina

    Santa Fe

    For a rooftop view with your margarita, try the convivial Rooftop Cantina perched atop Coyote Café – for the young and young at heart.

  • Nob Hill Bar & Grill

    Albuquerque

    Fancy cocktails here get all the attention. If you like Moscow Mules, there are seven varieties on the menu.

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