Are you looking to discover the best bars in Albuquerque?
Then we have you covered!
On this page, you’ll find the official shortlist of all the bars in Albuquerque. (More in-depth further below). And, each with why it’s best to go.
Feel free to check out each bar’s official profile to find out more and to find out which is best for you.
We’ve also created separate shortlists for each genre you might like to visit on your time out.
So check out these articles as well:
Furthermore, you can get on the guest list or book a table with bottle service on some of the more exclusive bars. We are happy to help you out with either.
12. Anodyne
Anodyne is a dog-friendly pool hall and pub epitomizing Albuquerque’s “quirky” image. So it’s a dog-friendly bar with cocktails, imported and domestic beer, pool tables, and quirky decor. Prepare to be wowed by one of Albuquerque‘s most opulent bars. Anodyne, located at 409 Central Avenue Northwest in Albuquerque, is a popular bar. People who enjoy snooker, pinball, and billiards frequent this bar. They also have a spacious pool hall with a jukebox, which adds to the pub’s ambiance. Anodyne is an excellent location to hang out with friends of all ages and sample over 120 different types of beer. Yes, you read that correctly! If you enjoy different sorts of beers or are a beer enthusiast, Anodyne is the place for you. You can ask the staff for assistance in selecting the ideal bear for yourself.
Then you may have a happy hour while listening to the fantastic playlist playing in the background and sampling the bar’s Bourbon collection. In Anodyne, you may spend the evening playing snooker with your buddies. With billiards, snooker, pinball, a killer jukebox, and more than 120 different kinds of beer, this downtown institution attracts professionals and creative types for a quiet happy hour, then a combination of serious pool players and young hipsters later. The staff is well-educated on the beer selection and can capably guide you. (Don’t bother asking for a Bud Light, but do try some of the popular local brews.) The bourbon selection is also quite good, and the bar staff’s iPods play an excellent killer soundtrack—a hipster hangout with the soul of a 1980s fern bar.
Nice pool tables are often a good diversion when drinking. While it was intended for a younger audience, I felt at ease as the only older (ahem, mature) person there. The music from the system alternated between a diverse range of genres. Beer and beverages are reasonably priced. This is primarily a pool hall, but it’s an excellent location for hanging out with friends and talking over drinks. The library and jukebox section of the bar is dimly lit with blue, purple, and red lights that play off of the hanging plants above. It indeed felt like a bar where you could get lost in someone’s eyes over the conversation. Maybe the cheap drinks would help with that too. For three mixed drinks, the total was $18 (that includes one long island iced tea).
11. Launchpad
Launchpad is an intimate venue with a bar, a pool table & a schedule of touring musical acts & local bands. The Launchpad is the place to be if you enjoy heavy metal, hip-hop, electronica, punk rock, and rockabilly. Launchpad is one of the most fantastic bars in town, with excellent lighting and sound quality. You may also enjoy live music provided by Launchpad because it is a nexus for those who adore hardcore music. When we talk about the audience, we talk about big, towering, tattooed individuals. They are, nonetheless, some of the kindest individuals in the city. Launchpad presents well-known beverages that go well with Jack Daniels. It is a tiny bar that allows local bands to play live music events and showcase their abilities in front of Albuquerque tourists. Launchpad is located at 618 Central Avenue Southwest in Albuquerque.
Launchpad is a terrific bar to visit if you want to appreciate hardcore music and amazing alcoholic beverages. Don’t be frightened by the tattooed population; the personnel and customers are kinder than they appear. You’ll fit in if you order a “tall boy” of Pabst Blue Ribbon and a shot of Jack Daniel’s. Launchpad has often been rated the city’s most excellent live music venue. Punk rock, heavy metal, rockabilly, hip-hop, and electronica are all genres. Local bands and touring performers typically perform in much larger venues in other cities and prefer to show off in this tiny club with excellent sound and lighting systems.
(Beck once performed an unannounced hour-long aftershow set here.) There are a few rocking venues to rock in Albuquerque, but the Launchpad is where the magic happens, whether it comes to shredding, noodling, head pounding, or self-conscious toe-tapping to some great rocking music. Grab a beverage or a beer at the bar, then walk upstairs to see the entertainment. Launchpad is one of the most intimate locations I’ve seen. The 21+ entrance is in the front, while the under-21 entry is in the back. I did not pick up a ticket at the show I attended. They just had my information and checked me off a list to get in. Only people who are 21+ are allowed on the balcony. There were only about 10-12 seats up top. Anyone is allowed on the main floor. The sound is good, and the venue provides an intimate concert experience. We recommend this bar!
10. Marble Brewery
For craft beer enthusiasts, Marble Brewery is heaven on Earth. This famous tavern provides an authentic pub atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy your night in privacy. On the outside stage at Marble Brewery, local music bands perform classic rock, reggae, and bluegrass. It is a ‘beer only’ establishment where you can sample various craft beers while listening to iconic bands perform the biggest tunes of all time. You may sample the powerful wildflower wheat beer brewed with New Mexico honey. It is one of Marble Brewery’s strongest and most popular beers. Local burgers, burritos, and tacos are available at the food truck outside Marble Brewery. However, you may not always locate the same food truck. Every other night, you may sample the delectable fare of several local food trucks.
If you’re searching for a location where you can try some of the world’s greatest beers with your friends, head to 111 Marble Avenue Northwest, Albuquerque, and enjoy your beer while dancing to live music. This stylish and comfortable downtown tavern brews a dozen specialty beers and attracts a varied and dedicated following to its bustling beer garden. Bluegrass, reggae, and classic rock bands perform several times a week on the tiny outdoor stage (no cover fee), and a new food truck is parked outside every night, providing tacos, burgers, and burritos, among other things. The main beer is a bold, vibrant India Pale Ale, while the WildFlower Wheat is created with honey from New Mexico. Marble solely offers its beer and no wine or alcohol.
Marble Brewery is a downtown Albuquerque production brewery with an on-site tasting room and outdoor beer garden. So, Marble Brewery’s keg and bottle offerings include seven house beers and a range of seasonal varieties. The adjoining pub features ten beers on tap and a 40-foot bar with a view of the brewery. There is a sandwich menu available. We recommend this location for the greatest bar and nightlife because Marble manufactures its award-winning beer, also available in local retailers. Brewery tours are provided whenever the brewer is in the home; simply ask or phone beforehand. So, this is one of the best bars Albuquerque has to offer. If you are in town, we recommend visiting this venue at least once! Go with your family, friends, or loved ones for a memorable and fun time.
9. Apothecary Lounge
Apothecary Lounge is the best and finest rooftop bar in all of Albuquerque. You certainly can’t go wrong with stopping by this lounge and bar in the Hotel Parq Central. View the sunset from the comfort of this stylish rooftop with a calm, formal ambiance. Your view is uninterrupted and beautiful because the rooftop is across Highland Park. If you’re planning a romantic evening here, I recommend their traditional Ramos Gin Fizz – it’s light, sweet, and sure to get the night started correctly. When you come, make sure to taste their special Bacon-Wrapped Dates! Don’t miss the view of Albuquerque’s famed sunsets from the Hotel Parq Central’s rooftop lounge in the up-and-coming East Downtown (EDo) neighborhood.
The 1926 structure was previously a hospital, and the vintage druggist motif of its bar is enhanced by a collection of jazz-age cocktails such as a Sazerac, Pink Lady, and an Aviation with crème de violette. The vista encourages romance, as do the double-sized lounge chairs, but if you’re going with a group, keep in mind that this is one of the few spots in Albuquerque where you can order a pitcher of margaritas or mojitos to split. The vista alone is worth a visit to Apothecary Lounge. From its heated patio on the roof of Hotel Parq Central, Apothecary Lounge provides spectacular panoramic views of the Sandia Mountains, downtown cityscape, and New Mexico’s legendary sunsets. The bar is adorned with old apothecary bottles on the inside. Cocktails are offered from the Prohibition Period, making this one of the swankiest speakeasies you’ll ever visit.
Craft beers and good wine are also available, and the menu items (although not inexpensive) are gourmet. Perfect for a date, and even better if you book a room below to avoid having to leave. We recommend this venue for the finest bars and nightlife because Apothecary Lounge, located above the historic Hotel Parq Central, is New Mexico’s premier rooftop bar, serving only vintage beverages accessible before Prohibition. Our recommendation: Heated rooftop seating on sofas with great views of downtown Albuquerque. What’s not to love about this? From the stunning vistas to the delicious seasonal beverages and small appetizers. Their always-friendly bartenders are on hand to give you seasonal prohibition-era drinks like the Sazerac or Pink Lady. There are also specialty cocktails, such as lychee fruit, lime juice, and cardamom syrup. If you don’t like them, there’s wine and local brews to choose from.
8. Bar UNO
Bar UNO is a charming local bar in cozy, vibrant digs specializing in classic cocktails & craft beers. Uno, which bills itself as the “smallest bar in Albuquerque,” is the ideal neighborhood hangout for cocktails, beers, wine, and more. Bar Uno, one of the tiniest but liveliest pubs in Albuquerque, is one of our 50 top dive bars in America. The dinghy bar vibe is authentic, yet after a few artisan drinks, you could feel like you’re on cloud nine. Hideaway here for the evening and let the friendly bartenders create some delectable drinks for you, or try one of the local beers on tap. It is the smallest bar in New Mexico. Bar UNO offers cocktails, local beers, and the finest sarcasm west of the Mississippi. What a great place for a drink.
Small and cozy, great dive bar, great bartender. We spent a couple of hours, had great drinks, and had a great time. There are very friendly patrons. I would highly recommend cocktails here. Well worth your time. Best bar to sit on a bar stool and talk to the person next to you in Albuquerque, hands down. Bartender Steve is hysterical, kind to all his customers, human and dog alike, and can make a mean cocktail. (They have 100 on their menu!) He even makes amazing stuff like bourbon eggnog around the holidays. It’s a small place, with a warm, friendly atmosphere. I could spend all evening there and not get bored: a constant flow of friendly, chatty people, including lots of regulars, which is always a good sign.
I feel like Bar Uno (on 2nd St, not 1st, as one might expect given the name and the proximity) is quickly becoming my numero uno Albuquerque bar. You might stumble upon this great spot for classic cocktails on a random visit and end up having a really fun night! The drinks (of which there are 101 to choose from) are made with care, and the owner is fun to talk to. There is a great vibe–likely because it’s dog friendly, which seems to make everyone in there friendly too. So, this is one of the best bars Albuquerque has to offer. If you are in the city, we highly recommend you visit this bar at least once. Go with your family, friends, loved ones, or furry friends. It is a great cozy spot to have a memorable and fun time.
7. Billy’s Long Bar
Billy’s is a laid-back hangout with a fantastic selection of draught beers, pool tables, a patio, and a menu full of classic bar cuisine. So it’s a casual spot with nachos, burgers, a variety of tap beers, pool tables, and a terrace. Billy’s Long Bar is one of Albuquerque’s hidden treasures, having been locally owned and run for over 30 years. This restaurant has it all: fantastic food, drinks, and entertainment. They have over 60 draught beer options and a terrific cuisine to go with them. You can’t go wrong with Billy’s. They’re the place to go if you’re looking for a bustling atmosphere to watch your favorite athletic event or simply a spot to unwind, relax and hang out with friends. High Definition TVs around the pub, pool tables, and darts.
Go to Billy’s for a taste of Albuquerque. They look forward to seeing you soon.This bar was established in 1970. It started as a package liquor store next to the old Pizza Hut. Slowly, it has grown into a full-fledged Bar and Restaurant. The Long Bar first and a few years after, opened Hellfire and the Patio. Around every corner, there is a blast from the past with the vintage photos or antiques covering the ceiling—a unique and friendly environment where the regulars are known by name. The food is fantastic! I haven’t tried anything I didn’t love. The service is usually pretty good. This is one of my favorite bars to hang out and drink with friends. When I’m here, there’s always a fantastic atmosphere. Everyone is super friendly, and the waiter’s service is always excellent.
I typically only come for drinks, but I was hungry yesterday night, so I also ordered some food. I had the tortilla burger, which was delicious. The burger was cooked just as I had requested. Lots of fresh green chile and Avocado as well. The French fries were also great. I can say that I love the bar food here! I’ll be back very soon, I’m sure. We love Billy’s! Let me say: the Huevos Rancheros with the red sauce are delicious! Holy cow! It is always flavorful and hot, served with pinto beans and crispy hash browns. I like how there was a whole tortilla covering the plate and one for dipping. You can tell they are freshly made. So, Billy’s is one of the best bars Albuquerque has to offer.
6. Bourbon And Boots Country Bar
Bourbon & Boots, located on Route 66 in downtown Albuquerque, provides a selection of bourbon, beer, and other alcohol and has a vast dance floor ideal for breaking in those dancing boots. They offer you dancing, sports, and some of the most excellent Southwest drinks. Their vast dance floor is always set to go. Come in and watch your favorite sports team on one of their numerous TVs if you want to leave your boots at home. The bar, Bourbon & Boots, features a mix of current and classic country western music, with live acts on Fridays and Saturdays. The bar was built in the former home of Maloney’s Tavern, in the Crossroads building at 325 Central Avenue NW. You will love going here and listening to live music. So, you will have a great time every time you go.
I can’t rave enough about the quality service, food, and ambiance Bourbon & Boots exudes! I hosted a wedding shower for 30 guests with the assistance of the incredible, professional, and helpful GM, Rhiannon. Before arriving to decorate my event, the staff already had tables and tablecloths ready. They took the guesswork out of an extraordinary occasion. Please try their brunch- eggs Benedict, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, and yogurt parfaits were delicious. Not to mention the tastiest breakfast potatoes I’ve ever tried. The waitresses and staff took fantastic care of my large party! Especially Brianna, attentive, friendly, and professional! If you have an event or want a good drink with yummy food in a killer set, try Bourbon & Boots! Amazing spot. Lunch or evening time.
The staff is always friendly, the facilities are immaculate, and the staff is excellent at what they do. Food came out hot and fast. We were constantly checked on, and beverages were refreshed continuously. So, you will revisit this bar. They accept Credit Cards at this bar as a form of payment. There is live music present at this venue. So, this aspect adds to the entertainment factor of this bar. The best nights at this venue are on Saturday. You should look forward to their Happy Hour Specials for a fun time! Therefore, this is one of the best bars Albuquerque has to offer. If you are in the city, we recommend visiting this bar at least once. Go with your family, friends, or loved ones for a memorable and fun time.
5. Effex Bar Nightclub
An LGBTQ+ friendly nightclub and bar, Effex features go-go dancers, a rooftop bar, and DJs spinning Thursday through Saturday. It is a lively nightclub & bar featuring a rooftop bar & DJs spinning popular tunes, plus a bar food menu. Are you ready for a vibrant nightlife in Albuquerque that caters to individuals of all ages? Effex is a homosexual nightclub with a rooftop dance floor and a large patio for a relaxing evening. Effex presents DJ nights and Drag acts that complement Albuquerque’s most delicate beauty. This nightclub has a calm setting and a musical atmosphere where you can have cocktails with your friends while listening to the decade’s best singles in the background. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, Effex hosts activities. Special activities, open decks on Tuesdays, and beer bust programs on Thursdays.
On Saturdays, the house berserk to the smooth spins of the DJ, who plays some of the biggest Hip-hop tunes. This famous nightclub also hosts private and corporate parties. All you have to do to go to Effex nightclub is 420 Central Avenue, Southwest Albuquerque. If you’re searching for a nightclub with a blazing dance floor, Effex Nightclub is the place to go. Effex is a massive, open warehouse facility in the old downtown offices of the local power company, including one of the city’s few rooftop dance venues. Cocktails are provided in plastic glasses because of the high-energy atmosphere. Downstairs, music blasts, lights flash, and go-go dancers spin on raised boxes. When you feel too hot, head upstairs to the airy roof, where there’s a new DJ and a smaller dance floor. Inside, there is a more refined seating area where you can see and be seen.
Put on your highest stilettos and totter over to Effex if you want to stay up with the glittering stars and see how crazy Downtown can get. This renowned gay nightclub has go-go dancers, kickass DJs, a rooftop bar, and plenty of people to dance with. Take a drink from several bar locations and shake that thang. So, Effex bar and nightclub is one of the best bars Albuquerque has to offer. This venue is also one of the city’s most fun spots to visit. The nightclub and dancing aspect of this venue boasts the hype and quality time at this bar. So, go with your friends and loved ones for a memorable and fun time dancing at this gay bar and nightclub!
4. Bien Shur
Bien Shur is a refined American fare at the top of the Sandia Resort, with panoramic views & Native American decor. If you ever find yourself staying at Sandia Resort & Casino (which you definitely should), you’ll be pleased to have the convenient and fantastic dining option at Bien Shur. Part of the resort, the rooftop restaurant and bar certainly live up to the high standards set by the hotel. The full-glass walls and windows on the rooftop give unreal views of the surrounding landscape and nature. They have one of the most excellent draught beer options in town, with my personal favorite being their original Sandia Watermelon Cider. I had a tough week before visiting this business, and the watermelon cider immediately made me feel like I was on vacation.
Don’t forget to order the excellently cooked Chilean Sea Bass with your magnificent views at Bien Shur. Sandia Resort & Casino, on the Sandia Pueblo reservation, with the Sandia Mountains as a background, features extensive musical entertainment, a casino, and top-notch cuisine. The outdoor amphitheater in front of the resort attracts big-name performers for summer performances. Inside, top-tier live bands perform amazing dance music on the casino’s main floor. This sectioned-off bar and dance floor may get packed on a Saturday night, and queues can form, so arrive early. In the summer, steel drums are often outside beside the pool to fill the air. The Bien Shur lounge is on the 9th floor and has spectacular views of the mountains east and the cityscape west.
Pop and jazz bands perform on weekends, and it is simpler to acquire a table here than below. There is a bar food menu available here. This luxurious night place above Sandia Resort & Casino boasts magnificent views of the Albuquerque city lights and the Sandia Mountains, so we recommend it for Best Nightlife. Our expert tip: The Bien Shur Lounge upstairs is more private and has fantastic views. Hungry? Request the fish tacos! This is the place to be if you enjoy seafood, burgers, steaks, and wings. It is immediately next to All Season Roofers in Albuquerque. Fridays and Saturdays are the most significant days since they have live music from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. This restaurant, on the other hand, has a no-smoking policy. So keep that in mind before making any reservations. Therefore, this is one of the best bars in Albuquerque.
3. The Copper Lounge
The Copper Lounge is a unique, swanky bar featuring inventive cocktails & elevated pub plates, plus weekly karaoke. Classic drinks, themed nights, and modern, swanky vibes make Copper Lounge, located in the University area, the cocktail bar you don’t want to miss. The Copper Lounge is a prominent cocktail bar that serves a variety of drinks as well as a meal menu. It’s a chic artisan cocktail bar and restaurant: Los Conejos, an agave bar with a modern Mexican ambiance, located adjacent to The Copper Lounge. Taco Tuesdays are held at the Copper Lounge on Tuesdays. In addition to Tuesdays, you can enjoy savings on tortillas and Happy Hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. every week from Monday to Friday. During Happy Hour, you may obtain steep discounts on well-known beverages.
On the other hand, Tiki Thursdays might provide you with amazing deals on exotic cocktails and drinks. The Copper Lounge is also available for private parties and business gatherings. Catch a cab to 1504 Central Avenue Southeast, Albuquerque, to go to the copper lounge. If you’re planning a girls’ night out, The Copper Lounge is the place to be. The Copper Lounge in Downtown Albuquerque is a specialty cocktail bar. Snug sofas, an extensive range of mixed cocktails, and meal options turn it into an enticing bar where you may raise a glass with family or friends. Before you go, check out their specials: Taco Tuesday provides reduced tortillas, a happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Mondays through Fridays) with discounted cocktails, and Tiki Thursday offers unusual mixed drinks.
The Copper Lounge may also be booked for private parties and gatherings. The Copper Lounge is a one-of-a-kind bar that serves innovative drinks and upgraded pub fare. Customers may enjoy karaoke every week. Every day from 5 p.m. till early morning, the bar is open. Furthermore, the customers can reserve a table in advance. The bar may also host public and private events. They also welcome individuals who will be shooting at the bar. Tacos, wings, and burgers are available. So, there are also chicken skewers and beef chili choices. Vodka, juniper, and cane are among the spirits available. They also have agave, American Whiskey, and international whiskey on the menu. So, The Copper Lounge is one of the best bars Albuquerque offers. If you are in the city, we highly recommend you to visit this bar at least once.
2. Ibiza Urban Lounge
Head to Ibiza’s downtown rooftop bar and terrace, where you can sip house-made sangria and excellent cocktails while eating tapas from the award-winning menu. Ibiza dates from the 1940s, when Conrad Hilton, the famed American businessman and founder of Hilton hotels, constructed his first hotel in his home state. Ibiza is a genuine bar with a distinct historical flavor. However, it is now a rooftop bar that serves some of the best-crafted drinks. In Ibiza, specialty cocktails such as cucumber jalapeno margaritas served in Spanish-themed little plates are available. In the evening, they have a DJ night and a party atmosphere. You may sip cocktails with your boyfriend or pals while admiring the city scenery from the rooftop. It is a cozy lounge where you may relax with your friends while sipping hot beverages from the bar.
Ibiza is located at 125 2nd Street Northwest in Albuquerque. The high-class Ibiza Urban Lounge, located in downtown Albuquerque’s Hotel Andaluz, is cozy and full of great views of the city below. This lounge serves excellent cocktails and Spanish tapas, so sit back and relax on one of the comfy sofas or couches for as long as you like. You can’t come here and not get their trademark Sangria with sparkling wine – it’s already my go-to drink. They also make a mean mocktail, so gather your pals and enjoy this rich experience that has something for everyone. Don’t forget to combine the Spanish Style Bruschetta with your favorite wine! Their wine list is wide and filled with intriguing alternatives. Conrad Hilton took his fiancée, Zsa Zsa Gabor, here for their honeymoon in the early 1940s at the first hotel he built in his home state.
Hotel Andaluz still maintains the old artwork on the lobby walls today, although the rooftop bar would appeal more to Paris Hilton than her great-grandfather. Drinks like cucumber-jalapeno margaritas are offered alongside small appetizers with a Spanish flair. The mood is calm in the early evening but contact ahead to see if any DJs are booked for later. If the weather isn’t cooperating (which it frequently is), or if you’re traveling in a group, reserve one of the six “casbahs” right off the lobby. So, this is one of the best bars Albuquerque has to offer. If you are in the city, we highly recommend you visit this bar at least once. Go with your loved ones for a memorable time.
1. Sister Bar
Sister Bar is a hip spot Downtown. It is known for its live music, video games, and delicious bar bites. Sister Bar is a massive bar with an extensive food and drink menu located in the heart of Albuquerque. If you like craft beer, the Sister Bar has a great assortment on tap, including several beers from local breweries. Tapas-style appetizers, tacos, and sandwiches are among the food options. Aside from regional beverages and ample seating space, the pub also has arcade and pinball equipment for your entertainment. Sister Bar also features live performances by a variety of great artists regularly. It’s a fun place with video games, bar food, and a large selection of draught and bottled beers. Sister Bar opened in 2012 and has established itself as Albuquerque’s best independent live music venue and nightlife destination. Sister curates a diversified schedule with some of the most intriguing national touring artists, established dance events, and local breakout bands, thanks to a bold booking philosophy.
Sister values service in addition to a colorful live stage. Sister delivers craft beers, excellent handcrafted cocktails, sophisticated local food with an enormous tap system, some of Albuquerque’s most extraordinary bartending talent, and a full-service kitchen. With an ever-changing variety of vintage arcade/pinball machines, Sister distinguishes itself as a must-see Albuquerque attraction. Sister Bar has swiftly established itself as Albuquerque’s top independent live music venue and nightlife attraction. Sister curates a diversified schedule with some of the most intriguing national touring artists, established dance events, and local breakout bands, thanks to a bold booking philosophy.
Sister values service in addition to a colorful live stage. Sister delivers craft beers, excellent handcrafted cocktails, sophisticated local food with an enormous tap system, some of Albuquerque’s most extraordinary bartending talent, and a full-service kitchen. With an ever-changing variety of vintage arcade/pinball machines, Sister distinguishes itself as a must-see Albuquerque attraction. This establishment has a good atmosphere about it. The sounds of old-school pinball machines make this area unique. The beer variety is excellent, and I had a great time with Erin, who was helpful and polite. The chili cheese tater tots were fantastic, the burrito was adequate, and we also had delicious chicken tacos. This is a great place to meet up with the homies and play games while drinking and snacking. So, the Sister Bar is the best bar Albuquerque has to offer. If you love music, bars, fun, and a memorable time, visit this spot!
