72 hand-picked nightlife venues across Albuquerque — dance clubs, cocktail bars, rooftops, speakeasies, LGBTQ+ bars, live music rooms, pubs, dive bars, distilleries, hookah lounges.
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
Browse by vibe Latin Nights & Salsa · Pool, Pinball & Games · Bars with Patios · Breweries