Today in ABQ
Inside the 1923 First National Bank Building, John Gaw Meem-designed and Albuquerque's first skyscraper.
Locally owned for 40+ years and long called Albuquerque's Cheers bar. Nearly 40 TVs.
Founded September 2014 in Sawmill. Brewer Matt Kollaja focuses on German and Belgian styles.
Bar wraps the restored 1960s pool of the Imperial Inn motel, reopened in 2024 by El Vado's developer.
Founded June 2019 by Scott Salvas with a science-lab aesthetic. Has since expanded to ABQ NE Heights and downtown Minneapolis.
Small-batch brewery opened in 2018 with brewer Cami O'Brien at the helm. Tikka Spice Indian food shares the patio.
Indoor/outdoor food hall built from repurposed shipping containers, with a rooftop bar called The Top of THE BLOCK.
Cactus Tate
Armored Saint
Locally owned for 40+ years and long called Albuquerque's Cheers bar. Nearly 40 TVs.
Self-billed Home of the Original Rock n' Bowl, previously known as Eu-can Bowl. Attached Punky's Place karaoke pub.
Late-2022 Westside opening from founder Micah Hawk-Lowenstein, focused on New Mexican lagers.
Russian Girlfriends & Coma Recovery Record Release
Effex NightclubDowntownThree dance floors and a rooftop, Thursday through Saturday.
The LGBTQ+ club downtown. Touring DJs most weekends, and cash-prize costume contests around the holidays.
Hours Thu-Sat 9pm-2am
Good to know 21+ · Doors at 9 · Big DJ nights are ticketed
SisterDowntownLive shows up front, a pinball arcade in back.
Touring bands and local DJs most nights on Central, with 40-plus taps. DJ nights have run a $5 cover after 9.
Good to know 21+ after dark · 40+ taps · Pinball
LaunchpadDowntownThe 300-capacity rock club on Central, since 1997.
Indie, metal, punk, and hip-hop tours most weeks, plus local record-release shows.
Good to know Shows are ticketed · 21+ most nights
Founders SpeakeasyDowntownPassword-only speakeasy under the El Rey. The week's password posts on their Instagram.
Seasonal menus built on house infusions, like a rosemary-apricot tequila drink clarified with orange cream this fall.
Hours Tue-Sat 5pm-2am; Sun-Mon 5pm-12am
Good to know Get the password first · Open till 2 Tue–Sat
Revel ABQMidtownConcerts, dueling pianos, and the Draft Day sports bar under one roof.
Touring DJs and bands on the main stage, plus bingo nights and NFL watch parties with weekly picks.
Good to know Concerts are ticketed · Draft Day: 30+ beers on tap
The Dirty Bourbon Dance Hall & SaloonNE HeightsCountry dance hall with a 1,300-square-foot floor and live bands Thursday through Saturday.
Line dancing and two-step to bands like Nathan Dean, karaoke on Wednesdays, and Sunday football in the Bourbon House.
Hours Thu-Sat 6pm-2am
Good to know Reserved tables on HoldMyTicket · Cover some nights
Happy AccidentsNob HillA bar that distills most of its own spirits, right in Nob Hill.
Named 2024 Bar of the Year at the Bar and Restaurant Expo. The spirit-free drinks get the same care, and there are karaoke rooms for groups.
Hours Daily 5pm-12am
Good to know Reservations for groups of 6+ · Spirit-free menu · Karaoke rooms
Vernon's SpeakeasyNorth ValleyA steakhouse behind an unmarked steel door. Knock, and know the password.
Native American Beef on the grill, a new winter menu with elk and espresso-rubbed pork chops, and live music in The Chamber.
Good to know Reservation + password required · Dinner, not just drinks
Teddy Roe'sNob HillHidden in the alley behind M'tucci's Bar Roma. Burlesque, magic, or a band most nights.
The week's lineup posts on Instagram every Monday. Book a two-hour table.
Good to know Reservations, two-hour seatings · Weekly food specials
Apothecary LoungeEDORooftop of Hotel Parq Central: the Sandias one way, downtown the other.
Prohibition-era cocktails and a full food menu. Come up for golden hour.
Good to know Hotel rooftop · Food menu
Level 5 RooftopOld TownTop of Hotel Chaco: Sandia and Old Town views over dinner.
Rooftop cocktails and dinner on weeknights, brunch on weekends.
Hours Mon-Fri 5-10pm; Sat-Sun 8am-1pm + 5-10pm
Good to know Reservations required
G. TotiDowntownRooftop of Hotel Andaluz, named for the site of Albuquerque's first bootlegging arrest.
R&B and throwback DJ nights on the deck, and a prickly-pear gin drink called Taste of the Desert.
Hours Daily 5pm-11pm
Good to know Hotel rooftop · Open nightly at 5
Volaré Rooftop BarUptownSeventh-floor rooftop in Uptown: Sandias to the east, sunsets to the west.
On top of the Element by Westin since 2024. Open into the night, with reservations for busy nights.
Hours Mon-Thu/Sun 3-11pm; Fri-Sat 3pm-12am
Good to know Hotel rooftop · Reservations on busy nights
Vintage 423NE HeightsFar NE Heights rooftop with a fire pit and a dress code.
A fine-dining bar with oysters, burgers, and DJs on Saturday nights.
Good to know Dress code · Fire pit
AnodyneDowntownSecond-floor pool hall on Central with a jukebox and vintage couches.
One of the last real dive bars downtown, with a brand-new mural.
Hours Mon-Thu 4pm-12am; Fri-Sat 4pm-1am; Sun 4pm-12am
Good to know Pool tables · Jukebox
Gecko's Bar & TapasNob HillNob Hill tapas bar with the kitchen open late.
The first gastropub in Nob Hill. Small plates, a full bar, and the game on.
Hours Daily 11am-12am
Good to know Kitchen open till 11 · Monte Cristos on Sundays
The Copper LoungeUniversityClassic cocktails under amber light, with a disco ball for the weekend.
Shares the space with Los Conejos, the agave bar next door, at the UNM–Nob Hill line.
Hours Mon-Thu 4pm-12am; Fri-Sat 4pm-1am
Good to know Open till 1 Fri–Sat
Los ConejosUniversityPink-neon agave bar: tequila, mezcal, sotol, and cumbia.
Caribbean nights on Thursdays with vintage salsa, and a kitchen worth eating at.
Good to know Tequila and mezcal flights · Next door to the Copper Lounge
Hollow Spirits DistilleryWells ParkGrain-to-glass distillery with a restaurant and a full events calendar.
Salsa socials, infusion classes, and markets in Wells Park. There's a second location in the Heights.
Good to know Restaurant on site · Second location in the Heights
Hookah Kings ABQWestsideWestside hookah lounge with a $10 all-you-can-smoke deal.
Arabic tea, Turkish coffee, DJs on Thursday ladies nights, and the occasional comedy show.
Hours Mon-Thu 1pm-12am; Fri-Sat 1pm-2am; Sun 1pm-12am
Good to know Open till 2 Fri–Sat · Outdoor patio
12th Street TavernWells ParkNeighborhood tavern with big screens, a patio, and a take-out window.
Pet-friendly, happy hour 2 to 6, and a grilled cheese they're proud of.
Hours Daily 11am-10pm
Good to know Happy hour 2–6 · Pet-friendly
GatherNob HillDark, cozy, and voted the best old fashioned in the city.
Cocktails and small plates, with tomatoes from their own farm up the road.
Hours Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm
Good to know Mostly walk-in
Daydream Rum BarNob HillA rum bar hidden up the stairs inside Little Bear Coffee.
Named best-designed bar in North America in 2025. Order a rum barrel for a crew of two to four.
Hours Tue-Thu 5pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm
Good to know Walk-ins welcome, reservations online
Fat Frank'sNob HillCocktail lounge behind Urban Hotdog, open Friday and Saturday nights.
Book a 'delivery' and bring a donation for the rotating nonprofit. October brings Fright Nights.
Hours Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm
Good to know Fri–Sat only · Reservations online
Still SpiritsWells ParkDistillery tasting room pouring its own gin and vodka, plus a second spot in Los Ranchos.
Spanish-style gin and tonics with house tonic. The Los Ranchos back patio is the sunset move, with free flamenco some nights.
Hours Daily from 4pm
Good to know Second location: 7201 4th St NW · NM beer and wine too
Spirits of Old TownOld TownOld Town's micro-distillery, with a patio for an afternoon cocktail.
Small-batch blue agave spirits, mixed into drinks like an apple-cider margarita with a cinnamon-sugar rim.
Hours Wed-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 11am-7pm
Good to know Open from 11am
VARA Winery & DistilleryNorth ABQSpanish-American winery and distillery near Balloon Fiesta Park.
Wine and spirit flights with tapas. Sunday mimosas are $8, 11 to 4.
Hours Wed-Thu 3pm-7pm; Fri-Sat 3pm-9pm; Sun 11am-4pm
Good to know Flights · $8 Sunday mimosas
Seasons Rooftop CantinaOld TownOpen-air rooftop over Old Town. Walk-ins only.
Upstairs from Seasons Rotisserie, which turns 31 this month.
Hours Wed-Fri 4pm-9pm; Sat-Sun 12pm-9pm
Good to know Walk-ins only
O'Hare's Grille & PubRio RanchoRio Rancho Irish pub with real comfort food.
Céad míle fáilte at the door, and whiskey peppercorn gravy on the slow-roasted pork.
Hours Tue-Thu 11am-8pm; Fri-Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-8pm
Good to know Closed Mondays
Locally owned sports bar, 40-plus years in: pool, darts, shuffleboard, Golden Tee.
Happy hour 4 to 7 on weekdays, $1 wings on Billiards Wednesdays, and every game on.
Hours Mon-Thu 11:30am-12am; Fri 11:30am-12:30am; Sat 10am-12:30am; Sun 10am-12am
Good to know Happy hour 4–7 weekdays · Pool, darts, shuffleboard
Sports bar by day, Latin dance club by night.
Free salsa and bachata lessons on Taco Tuesdays, honky-tonk Wednesdays with free dance lessons, and DJs on weekends.
Good to know Cover on dance nights
NE Heights tavern with two sand volleyball courts and pool tables.
Home of the annual Sandia Mountain Volleyball Classic.
Hours Mon-Tue 11am-11pm; Wed-Sat 11am-12am
Good to know Sand volleyball · Pool tables
Ninth-floor lounge at Sandia Resort, facing the mountains.
Sunsets over the Sandias, with live entertainment some nights.
Hours Tue-Thu 5-10pm; Fri-Sat 5-11pm
Good to know Inside Sandia Resort & Casino
Los Poblanos' gin tasting room, next to the working still.
Their lavender-and-piñon Western Dry Gin, poured in Wells Park.
Hours Tue-Sat 11am-9pm
Good to know Open Tue–Sat
Nob Hill Irish pub with 200-plus whiskeys.
A hundred single malts, fish and chips, and a stone fireplace.
Hours Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-9pm
Good to know Open from 11am
Albuquerque's oldest gay bar, open since 1983.
A members' club in Nob Hill: drag, karaoke, and a cheap membership at the door.
Hours Thu-Fri 4pm-2am; Sat 5pm-2am; Sun 3pm-12am
Good to know Membership required · Open till 2 Thu–Sat
Leather-and-levi bar with a dance floor and pool tables.
Drag bingo, karaoke, and the occasional Drag Race guest.
Good to know Check s4200abq.net for events
The smallest and most dog-friendly bar in town, by its own count.
One room on 2nd Street with serious cocktails, like a mezcal paloma, and no pretension. Better for two than a group.
Hours Daily 4pm-1:30am
Good to know Dogs welcome · Open till 1:30am daily
A hi-fi vinyl lounge hidden inside Hotel Zazz. Tap the banana in the lobby to get in.
Records, cocktails, and listening. Happy hour Monday to Thursday, 6 to 7, with $2 off house cocktails. Free Tarot Tuesdays.
Hours Sun–Thu 6pm–11pm · Fri–Sat 6pm–1am
Good to know No reservations needed · You don't have to stay at the hotel
The biggest hookah lounge on the Westside.
A long flavor menu and theme nights, under new ownership as of this year.
Good to know 21+
North Valley nightclub with norteño bands and Mexican regional dance nights.
Big Saturday shows bring bands up from Chihuahua. Cover depends on the show.
Hours Daily 11am–2am (check show nights)
Good to know 21+ · Cover varies by show
Late-night dance spot on Central, with salsa on Wednesdays.
Opens at 9 on dance nights and runs till 2. Expect a cover.
Hours Wed 9pm-2am; Fri-Sat 9pm-2am
Good to know Cover on dance nights · 21+
A Heights sports bar that opens at 9am on weekdays and stays open till 2.
TVs on every wall, pool, darts, a jukebox, and cheap drinks. Regulars call it the Packers bar on Sundays.
Hours Mon–Fri 9am–2am · Sat 10am–2am · Sun 11am–2am (10am in NFL season)
Good to know Open every day but Christmas
Open since 1933, the day after Prohibition ended, on the old Route 66 loop through Bernalillo.
Still run by the founder's family. The walls are covered in decades of customer photos and hats.
Good to know About 20 minutes north of downtown
TEN 3Sandia PeakCocktails at 10,300 feet, at the top of the Sandia Peak Tramway.
The lounge and casual room are first come, first seated, and the fine-dining room takes reservations. The windows look out over the whole city at sunset.
Hours Thu–Mon 10:30am–7:30pm last seating · closed Tue–Wed
Good to know Closed for tram maintenance through Nov 11 · Tram ticket required · Last tram down at 10pm
A long neon bar with 60-plus beers on draft, pool tables, darts, and a patio.
Started as a package liquor store in 1970. Reviewers single out the breakfast huevos rancheros and the wings.
Good to know Happy hour 4–7 weekdays
A European-style bistro and wine bar on Route 66 in Nob Hill.
Sit at the bar for a cocktail and charcuterie, or book a table for seafood. The chef came from Yanni's, so the menu has a Greek streak.
Hours Mon–Thu 4–9pm · Fri–Sat 4–10pm · closed Sun
Good to know Reservations on Tock
More than 50 TVs and Sandia Mountain views, inside Sandia Resort & Casino.
Local craft beer, cocktails, and a full kitchen next to the sportsbook. UFC pay-per-views play here, and Lobo Talk tapes every Tuesday at 7.
Hours Mon–Thu 4–11pm · Fri–Sat 11am–11pm · Sun 11am–10pm
Good to know Sportsbook in the same room
Walk through a liquor store to get to the bar and steakhouse in back.
On West Central since 1970. Prime rib, green chile cheeseburgers, Greek plates, and strong drinks in a room that hasn't changed much.
Hours Tue–Sat 11am–9pm · closed Sun–Mon
Horse & Angel TavernNE HeightsA Heights neighborhood tavern with a long wall of taps and a patio out front.
Burgers and pub plates, craft cocktails, and Lobo games on the TVs. Kids are welcome until 6pm; after that it's 21 and up.
Good to know 21+ after 6pm · Reserves sections for groups
Marble BreweryDowntownThe big one north of downtown: a patio with an outdoor stage, a rooftop deck, and a sandwich shop on site.
Double White, IPA and Cerveza on draft and in cans. Free shows on the patio stage run through the warm months, and it gets packed at peak hours.
Good to know Westside taproom on Night Whisper Rd · SRB sandwich shop on site
La Cumbre BrewingBrewery DistrictOne of the most-awarded breweries in town, open till midnight on weekends, with a food truck every day.
Elevated IPA and Project Dank for hop people, Malpais Stout and Slice of Hefen for everyone else. The original taproom hosts book fairs and vintage markets on the patio.
Hours Sun–Mon noon–10pm · Tue–Thu noon–11pm · Fri–Sat noon–midnight
Good to know Westside taproom on Coors at Montaño
Canteen BrewhouseBrewery DistrictAlbuquerque's oldest brewery, since 1994, with a big patio and a stage.
Live music on the patio Thursday nights and Sunday afternoons, Brain Gang trivia every week, and a book club called Pages and Pints. Exodus IPA and Dougie-Style Amber are the regulars.
Good to know Second taproom on Tramway
Bow & Arrow BrewingWells ParkA 2026 James Beard finalist for Outstanding Bar, owned by Native women, with a beer hall and a fire pit outside.
Beers built on Southwest ingredients: Denim Tux Pilsner, Savage Times Sour IPA, farmhouse ales. A food truck is usually parked outside.
Hours Mon–Wed 3–9pm · Thu–Sat noon–10pm · Sun noon–9pm
Gravity Bound BrewingWells ParkHazy IPAs, fruited sours, and slow-made Czech lagers, with a different food truck every night.
House kombucha for anyone not drinking. Trivia Monday nights, and a run club ends here. The brewery runs on electric power with rooftop solar.
Hours Mon 4–9pm · Tue–Thu 3–10pm · Fri 2–11pm · Sat noon–11pm · Sun noon–9pm
Good to know Trivia Mon 6:30pm
Dripline BreweryWells ParkSmashburgers from a real kitchen, a big yard with space for kids, and pétanque.
Taco Tuesdays, house beers, and a non-alcoholic list with root beer, kombucha, Italian sodas and an NA IPA.
Hours Tue–Sun 11:30am–9pm · closed Mon
Rio Bravo BrewingWells ParkOne of the biggest beer gardens in town, plus a full kitchen and football on the screens.
Beer pong tournaments, Friday giveaways, and a five-course beer dinner in the barrel room the week before Thanksgiving. Host of the city's Oktoberfest.
Hours Sun–Thu 11am–10pm · Fri–Sat 11am–11pm (kitchen closes an hour earlier)
The music-and-art brewery: local artists on every can, bands, DJs, and a monthly comedy contest.
Blood orange cider and Milk Mustachio stout alongside the beer, and a house spirits line called Troubled Minds. Trivia nights at all three taprooms.
Good to know Nob Hill taproom on Tulane open till midnight · Westside taproom on McMahon
JUNO BreweryWells ParkBrewery, café and art space with a very large patio under steel trees.
Small-batch beer, a few cocktails, espresso, and Mediterranean food. Live music and events on weekends.
Ex Novo DowntownDowntownBrewpub with a full kitchen downstairs and The Bitter Nun, a cocktail bar on the mezzanine.
Mass Ascension IPA and a strong lineup of lagers, house-made desserts, and live music some weeknights.
Hours Daily 11:30am–9pm, Thu–Sat till 10 · Bitter Nun Thu–Sat 4pm–midnight, Sun 4–10pm
Good to know Corrales brewery and beer garden too
Ex Novo CorralesCorralesAlmost three acres in Corrales: a taproom and The Corral, a beer garden with grass and trees.
Mass Ascension IPA, Perle Haggard pilsner and a Mexican lager on draft, plus cocktails and cider. Food trucks most days.
Hours Taproom Mon–Thu & Sun noon–9pm, Fri–Sat noon–10pm · Corral Thu–Fri 4–9pm, Sat–Sun noon–9pm
Good to know Room for families on the grass
Sidetrack BrewingDowntownDowntown's neighborhood pub: something every night and a different food pop-up out front.
Karaoke Tuesdays, trivia Wednesdays at 7, a run club Thursdays, DJs on Fridays, and Vinyl Sunday, where you bring a record and they play it.
Good to know Big patio · Vinyl Sunday noon–5
Thirsty Eye BrewingDowntownSmall brewery and art gallery on Broadway, with live music most weekends.
Open mic Wednesdays (sign-up at 6), bands Friday and Saturday, and kombucha on tap. Happy hour is $1 off house beers from 3 to 5 every day.
Hours Tue–Thu 3–10pm · Fri–Sat 3–11pm
Good to know Food trucks most Fridays
Ponderosa BrewingSawmillSawmill brewpub with a full kitchen and an Italian Pilsner that's won gold twice.
Geeks Who Drink trivia Wednesdays at 7, a fall cocktail list (pumpkin espresso martini), and a lime lager. Walkable from Old Town.
Hours Sun–Wed 11:30am–9pm · Thu–Sat 11:30am–10pm
Good to know Taproom at the El Vado Motel too
Painted Lady Bed & BrewSawmillA haunted 19th-century former brothel that brews beer and pours it in an old trolley car.
The Ghost Light Saloon is the trolley. The beer garden hosts tarot on tap, horror readings, ghost-hunting classes and movie nights.
Hours Ghost Light Saloon Thu 5–9pm · Fri–Sat 5–10pm · Sun 5–9pm
Good to know Also a bed and breakfast
Nexus BreweryNorth I-25Soul food meets New Mexican: chicken and waffles with red or green.
Imperial Cream Ale and Honey Chamomile Wheat are past medal winners. Weekday happy hour 2 to 5 has $3 Órale Mexican Lagers.
Hours Daily 11am–8:30pm
Good to know BBQ at Nexus Blue Smokehouse on Broadway
Starr Brothers BrewingNorth I-25Sports-first brewpub with a full kitchen and weekend breakfast.
Breakfast Saturday and Sunday 10 to 2, a covered patio, and Monday Night Football with $5 hot dogs. Lampshade Porter won silver at the World Beer Cup.
Good to know Open Monday nights in football season
Chocolate Milk Stout and Uppercut IPA, brewed at the Firestone taproom off Jefferson.
The Bear Kitchen does pizza, the Cubano, and the Albuquerque Turkey. Black & Blue Tart is the sour on the regular list.
Hours Daily 11am–10pm
Good to know Bridges taproom off Tramway has a big patio
La ReformaNorth ABQMexico City-style tacos with house beer and cocktails made from their own spirits.
Tacos, quesadillas, tortas and pozole from owners with roots in CDMX. The closest beer to Balloon Fiesta Park, about five minutes away.
Hours Sun–Thu 11am–9pm · Fri–Sat 11am–10pm
Steel Bender BrewyardLos RanchosNorth Valley brewery with a full menu, a patio, and Monday Night Football watch parties.
Skull Bucket IPA and Compa Blue Corn Lager on tap, plus cider, wine and mead. Bands play the Murphy Stage on Tuesday nights.
Hours Sun–Thu 11am–9pm · Fri–Sat 11am–9:30pm
Good to know MNF watch parties with 100.3 The Peak
Hops BreweryLos RanchosPatios on both sides, and the dogs are regulars. There's a burger on the menu for them.
Lobo football on the TVs, a small menu, and local spirits behind the bar. Live music on the patio in summer.
Beer and house spirits on one of the best patios in town, in Boxing Bear's old spot by the Alameda bridge.
A Mexican lager, a dunkel and a hazy on tap, plus mezcal and tequila cocktails. Happy hour with industry pricing.
Hours Tue–Thu 3–9pm · Fri–Sat noon–10pm · Sun noon–9pm · closed Mon
Casa Vieja BreweryCorralesA brewery in an adobe house built in 1770, with music on the patio almost every night.
Karaoke Wednesdays, local bands Thursday through Sunday, and a food truck nearly every day. Wine from Viñedo Pájaro Azul too.
Hours Wed 4–9:30pm · Thu 4–9pm · Fri 4–10:30pm · Sat 3–10:30pm · Sun 3–9pm
Turtle Mountain BrewingRio RanchoRio Rancho's brewpub since 1999: wood-fired pizza and calzones, and very full at dinner.
Wooden Teeth Lager and Hopshell IPA on tap, with new pizza and sandwich specials every day. A comedy show runs the third Saturday of the month.
Hours Kitchen Mon 3–8:30pm · Tue–Wed 11am–8:30pm · Thu–Sat 11am–9pm · Sun 11am–8:30pm
Good to know Second location on Enchanted Hills
Brew Lab 101Rio RanchoFamily-friendly brewery and cidery with a lab theme and something on every night.
Trivia Wednesdays, karaoke, Singo music bingo, a pinball league, and live music in the Area 101 beer garden. A food truck every night, and outside food is welcome.
Good to know NE Heights taproom on Eubank
Small, quirky brewpub in Bernalillo with pizza and music most of the week.
Jazz jam on the patio Wednesdays 6 to 9, family-friendly karaoke Thursdays, and blues or Chicano rock Sunday afternoons 2 to 5.
Rumor BrewingCedar CrestTwenty minutes over the mountain: brick-oven pizza and beer gardens with a view, near the hiking trails.
Kids and dogs welcome. Non-drinkers get kombucha, NA beer and house sparkling water. Music on Sunday evenings in warm months.
Hours Daily 11am–8pm
Good to know East Mountains, off NM-14
Unhinged BrewingWestsideThe far-Westside brewery: New Mexican lagers, hand-tossed pizza, and a full weekly calendar.
Bingo Wednesdays with $8 old fashioneds, movie nights Thursdays, bands on weekends, and an open mic the last Monday of the month.
Good to know 21+ · Kitchen opens an hour after the taproom
A movie theater that brews its own beer and brings it to your seat.
The ABQ location brews on site. A full food menu is served in the theaters during the latest releases.
Quarter Celtic BrewpubMid-HeightsCeltic pub food and some of the most decorated lagers in the state.
Crimson Lass, the Irish red, took silver at the 2026 World Beer Cup, and you can only get it on draft here. Covered patio outside.
Hours Sat–Thu 11:30am–9pm · Fri 11:30am–10pm
Good to know Juan Tabo taproom too
An all-day breakfast restaurant with its own brewery.
The house beers and ciders, brewed here as Cantina Craftworks, go with breakfast plates. Big outdoor area out back, covered and open.
Every NFL game, college football, English soccer and boxing on the screens, never a cover charge.
Karaoke Wednesdays, a jam night Thursdays at 7, and bands on weekends. Happy hour prices all day on Monday Night Football.
A small brewpub up on Tramway with karaoke and art nights.
Kra$h Karaoke on Saturdays, Paint & Gulp and Weird Art Bingo on Sundays, and a sandwich menu.
High and Dry BrewingNob HillA neighborhood bar that brews its own, with something going on six nights a week.
Live music, an open mic, trivia, karaoke and music bingo, plus craft cocktails and a dog-friendly patio. Tikka Spice parks out front.
Hours Mon–Thu 2–10pm · Fri–Sat 11am–11pm · Sun 11am–10pm
Fifteen house beers by UNM, heavy on lagers, with a secluded beer garden out back.
Order from the Bricklight District restaurants next door or the food truck. Trivia Sundays, music bingo Tuesdays, and kombucha, coffee and tea for non-drinkers.
Hours Sun–Wed noon–10pm · Thu noon–11pm · Fri–Sat noon–midnight
Differential BrewingUniversityA neighborhood pub near the stadiums, open till midnight every night.
Local art on the walls, a big east patio where dogs hang out, food trucks out front, and creative non-alcoholic drinks. Community markets and fundraisers most months.
Hours Mon–Thu 4pm–midnight · Fri–Sun 2pm–midnight
Good to know Minors only with a parent
The 377 BreweryNear the SunportNamed for the 377th Air Base Wing at Kirtland, with a military theme and a big patio.
American-style beers plus Belgian seasonals, a small kitchen, and live music some evenings. Lobo game days get a crowd.
Bombs Away Beer Co.SE HeightsOwned by Air Force veterans, with military names on everything: Proximity Pilsner, Stockpile Stout.
A small kitchen does burgers and chili dogs, and the patio is big. There's also an apple beer, half grain and half cider.
Hours Sun–Wed 11am–8pm · Thu–Sat 11am–9pm
ZendoDowntownDowntown coffee with a gallery that turns over every Artwalk.
New shows open on Artwalk nights with a DJ on the back patio, and a run club meets here. Weekdays it's long tables and laptops.
Hours Daily 7am–7pm
Good to know Wifi · Outlets · Back patio
Castle CoffeeDowntownHouse-made syrups, an Abuelita Chocolatito, and couches for a long catch-up.
Three shops: Downtown on Tijeras, Nob Hill on Carlisle, and Rio Rancho. They pitch the downtown one as the place to sit and talk.
Hours Hours vary by shop
Good to know Fast wifi · Lots of seating · Meeting room you can rent
Humble CoffeeTen years running as the neighborhood favorite on Nextdoor.
One of the baristas has been there eight years. Bristol doughnuts on the counter, and a vendor market on second Saturdays.
Hours Daily 6am–6pm
Good to know Wifi · Plenty of outlets · Patio · Music is on, bring headphones
Michael Thomas CoffeeNob HillA roaster with a winter menu that includes Krampus chai and eggnog brûlée.
Tarot readings on some Saturdays. A second location is under construction.
Hours Mon–Fri 6am–3pm · Sat–Sun 7am–3pm
Good to know Dogs welcome on the back patio · Garden courtyard
Grandma's Coffee GardenNob HillGarden tables, a little zine library, and art markets out front.
Mornings only, Wednesday through Sunday. Home base for Rosie's dyke run, and this year's Día de los Muertos ofrenda was for pets.
Hours Wed–Sun 8am–1pm (as of spring, check)
Slow Burn CoffeeWells ParkThey roast their own, and the shelves are stocked with used books.
The books come from Down Home Books. Single origins go on espresso and pour-over, and the strawberry sumac matcha is the house oddball.
Hours Daily 7am–5pm
Good to know Wifi · Deck seating · Vegan breakfast burrito
La Luz Coffee Co.North ValleyNorth Valley roastery with a piñon spice latte.
The syrups lean New Mexican. This fall alone: a mercado, a latte-art throwdown, and an anniversary dance party.
Hours Daily 7am–6pm
Good to know Quiet enough to study · Pup cups for dogs · Street parking
Remedy CoffeeNear Old TownFree books, craft nights, and whatever their baker made that morning.
Run by Durán's Pharmacy next door, on Lomas just before Old Town. Apple empanadas, kombucha on tap, loose-leaf tea, and a patio.
Hours Daily 7am–4pm
Good to know Wifi · Fireplace in winter · Quiet inside
Catopia Cat CafeNE HeightsCoffee with adoptable cats. There's a ball pit.
Every cat comes from a local rescue, and over 1,100 have gone home through Catopia. Walk in or book a visit on their website. Coffee, baked goods, and canned drinks.
Hours Wed 11am–8pm · Fri–Sun 11am–5pm · closed Mon, Tue, Thu
Burning DaylightDowntownCoffee in the morning, draft beer by afternoon, same seat.
Pancakes and green chile grilled cheese, mimosas on the patio, and happy-hour prices on draft. People work here all day.
Hours Mon–Fri 6:30am–7pm · Sat–Sun 8:30am–5pm
Good to know Outlets for laptops · Draft beer and mimosas
Satellite CoffeeThe local chain with the carne adovada burrito.
Sister company to Flying Star, with shops around town including one by UNM on Harvard. Get the cardamom matcha.
Hours Hours vary by location
Good to know Wifi · Outlets · Dog-friendly
Flying StarCoffee, a cake case, and a full dinner menu under one roof.
Cakes and pies from scratch daily, voted Best Bakery by Rio Rancho readers. Live music some nights at the Paseo and Corrales locations.
Hours Hours vary by location
Good to know Free wifi at every location · Beer & wine · Quiet at most locations
Rust Is GoldNE HeightsThe moto coffee shop. Riders grab a cup while they wait on a tire change.
Riding jackets for sale at the counter, a yearly Monster Mash car and bike show, and yoga nights.
Hours Mon–Fri 7:30am–5pm · Sat–Sun 8am–5pm
Good to know Quiet during the day for work
Heatwave CoffeeNE HeightsA blue-corn New Mexico Cappuccino, house-made syrups, gooey cinnamon rolls.
Cars & coffee mornings run spring through fall. Catopia, the cat cafe, is in the same shopping center.
Hours Daily 7am–6pm (check)
Amalie Coffee Co.Nob HillCoffee and over-the-top croissants until 11 at night.
S'mores croissants, pistachio monsters, cinnamon-roll stacks, and a honeycomb bread filled with cheese and finished with honey.
Hours Daily 7:30am–11pm
Rise + RoastDonut shop that does coffee, with new flavors every month.
Two shops: Coors on the Westside and Eubank SE. November's special is a pecan pie donut.
Hours Hours vary by shop
Cutbow CoffeeFly-fishing roaster with a polka-dot wall and a big covered patio.
The patio is shared with Sidetrack Brewing. Their coffee porter with Steel Bender came back this fall by popular demand.
Hours Tue–Fri 7:30am–3pm · Sat–Sun 8am–3pm · closed Mon (check)
Good to know Fast wifi · Dog-friendly patio
Plata CoffeeLos RanchosMario Kart nights, yoga, game night till 8, and a monthly hang for chronic illness.
Donation drives for CasaQ by the door, dog adoption days, and a small-business market around the holidays.
Hours Daily 7am–3pm, later on event nights
Good to know Laptop-friendly · Students study here
Grinding Gears CoffeeCorralesCorrales roastery that posts its V60 recipe.
Small batches roasted on site and sealed within days. Seats inside and out, and a house blend for The Farm Stand down the road.
Hours Daily 8am–3pm (check)
Good to know Seats inside and out
Blackbird CoffeehouseOld TownA garden patio with a fountain, tucked inside Old Town's Patio Market.
An easy stop mid-stroll. The seasonal menu lives on a chalkboard, and they raffle for local causes.
Hours Daily 8:30am–5pm
Good to know Wifi · Outlets · Seating is limited
VM CoffeeDowntownFrench Toast Friday on local challah, a new version every week.
They roast their own beans, and Chef Yoyo Torres runs the kitchen: tortilla soup, crème brûlée French toast. Patio seating when it's warm.
Hours Mon–Fri 6am–3pm · Sat 10am–2pm · closed Sun
Good to know Fast wifi · Quiet
Curious ToastDowntownDowntown café and gallery on Route 66.
Green chile BLT, and posole from the chef's grandmother's recipe. It fills up every Artwalk, and there's a patio facing the public art next door.
Hours 8am–2pm, weekends to 3pm · closed Tue (check)
Oval Dogs CoffeeRio RanchoA Rio Rancho roastery with a porch and a view of the Sandias.
The café only opens Friday and Saturday mornings. The rest of the week they roast, with free bean delivery anywhere in Rio Rancho.
Hours Fri & Sat only, 8am–1pm
Little Bear CoffeeFour cafés, and the Nob Hill one turns into a wine and beer bar (LBPM) at 5.
The others are in Uptown, on Civic Plaza, and in Sawmill Market. They dial in rotating single origins, and there's a holiday market in December.
Hours Coffee daily 7am–5pm · Nob Hill bar Thu–Mon 5–11pm
Good to know Wifi · Plenty of outlets at Nob Hill · Wine, local beer, cocktails from 5pm · Dog-friendly patio
Java Joe'sDowntownDowntown standby in the building covered in murals.
Kaufman bagels, pastries from their own ovens, and local art on the walls. Sister shop Whiting Coffee on Osuna has the view.
Hours Daily 6:30am–3:30pm
Good to know Wifi · Outdoor seating
Trifecta CoffeeThey roast their own and bake hard: green chile apple cheesecake bars, hand-tempered bonbons.
Open until 6 on weekdays, and people come here to study.
Hours Mon–Fri 6am–6pm · Sat 7am–5pm · Sun 8:30am–3pm
Good to know Wifi · Quiet · Covered patio
Lasso Coffee & LagerDowntownThey roast the coffee and brew the lagers, and the long tables are good for working until 9.
Kölsch, Vienna lager and pils on draft and in 4-packs, single-origin coffee on drip, and food pop-ups most weekends. Movie nights and live music on the patio.
Hours Mon–Thu 7am–9pm · Fri 7am–11pm · Sat 7:30am–11pm · Sun 7:30am–9pm (check)
Good to know Long tables and booths for working · Beer, wine, kombucha, house cocktails · Courtyard patio