9 Best Bars in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Come to this longtime, low-key destination for brew fans for live music Sunday afternoons (and most Thursday nights). Picture casual picnic seating (indoors and out, where there's plenty of shade) and a sweet choice of IPAs (try the Flashback), a good red ale, a steady brown (Pecos Trail), or a briskly cold 2016 World Beer Cup–winning High Plains Pils. Don't miss the Canteen's hard ciders, wines, and seasonal selections as well.

This outstanding venue programs an inspired, eclectic slate of genres, from local nuevo folk to techno, jazz, and traveling East Indian beats. Some big names—especially from the jazz world—show up at the compact, comfortable space (perfect for serious listeners), which is a key player in bringing the world-class New Mexico Jazz Festival to the state every September.

Striking nature photographs line this popular, modernly rustic pub (an early location of a growing state-wide empire), which offers memorable ales like their Scotch-style Scotia and the award-winning Pistol Pete's 1888 as well as IPAs, hard seltzers, and ciders year-round. There are also seasonal specialties like Elephants on Parade (a raspberry-tempered wheat ale), traditional cocktails and wine, and reasonably priced savory snacks to accompany them all. Their brewmaster has made Bosque a multi-time National IPA Challenge Champion.

Albuquerque's sizable LGBTQ+ community—and anyone else seeking a jumping dance scene—flocks to Effex, a vibrant, centrally located, multi-level nightclub with a huge rooftop bar and an even larger downstairs dance floor. Also inside is SideEffex, a small but sufficient gastropub.

Beer and art still mingle successfully at this Wells Park destination, great for anyone looking for a good brew and tapas or panini. Even better, Ian LeBlanc's exuberant metal sculpture works steadfastly preside over the outdoor patio seating. Indoors, artwork and clever design details enhance a visit to this special craft brewery, where Mexican-style 505 Lager and a developing line of English-style beers (and occasional music- and dance-based events) are featured.

Key brews at La Cumbre include its award-winning Elevated IPA, the year-round, traditional Bavarian wheat ale A Slice of Hefen, and the seasonal Azulito, a blue-corn-based Mexican-style lager. Food trucks await outside the convivial taproom and its outdoor-seating "corral."

Distinctive craft brews like Idaho 7 IPA, high-octane Double White, and Malty's Oat Ale draw fans of artisan beer to Downtown's Marble Brewery, the original flagship location of this growing suds enterprise. The homey pub, with an expansive outdoor patio and skydeck, contains a beautiful 40-foot bar; food trucks provide the sustenance. There's live music most evenings.

Mixing art and brews, as Thirsty Eye does, is not unique for Albuquerque, but it's certainly welcome. As is the neighborhood atmosphere here, where craft beers are king (their own brews—El Ojo Rojo and Citrus Buzz—are regular faves, plus there's a tempting selection of seasonals and guest taps) and its indoor/outdoor set-up allows for live music weekly. Often the art on display is tied into a show at Exhibit/208 next door (the smart-eyed curator, Kim Arthun, is also a partner at Thirsty); openings, held jointly, might be accompanied by pizza made fresh on the back patio.

Fancy some great fish-and-chips (and apple ’slaw) along with your crisp cold beer (local and international, draft or bottle)? Two Fools is the place: convivial, fun, and lively. The food (a wide array of Irish standards plus some New Mexican ones and salads, too) is no afterthought here; it’s all good, as is the impressively deep list of whiskies. Imbibe the best, with a fine selection from Scotland, Ireland, and even the United States.