Bars
ABQ Press Club
Hidden in plain sight on a tree-covered hill at Central and the I-25, this place is beyond classic. Yes, it’s a private club, but no, you don’t have to be press to join.
Allure Bar & Grill
Perhaps you’ve noticed the big blue building that appears to have sprouted between the Lexus dealership and the Rocky Mountain Stone place on the Pan Am Freeway southbound on I-25. “Didn’t that used to be Dickey’s BBQ?” you may have asked yourself. Yes, it was once, but now it’s Allure Bar & Grill, and the blue building isn’t the only way they’re trying to stand out.
Anodyne
One of the coolest bars Danny’s ever encountered. Smack in the middle of downtown Burque, Anodyne offers a wide assortment of beers and the cocktails are generously poured.
Apothecary Lounge (Hotel Parq Central)
Burqueños know exactly why this swanky east-of-downtown hotel bar is both creepy and cool: The Hotel Parq Central used to be a (possibly haunted) mental institution. And a Tuberculosis hospital.
Bailey's on the Beach
Roy ‘Iron Man’ (he competes!) Solomon, daughter Bailey, and Kirk Clark (plays with local group Chris Kill Trio), had a vision. A silky, wavy-palm-tree, with plenty of drinks in a lawn chair, in the middle of the city… type of vision.
Blackbird Buvette
A definite favorite for loud live music downtown, and in possession of one of the great drinking patios in all the city.
Burt’s Tiki Lounge
Kitschy as all fuck; the walls practically sag with tchotchkes. Surprisingly chill, if a little spooky, around 9pm. Horrible White Russians, but excellent island drinks. Hipsters everywhere; many hot. If skinny pants and ironic t-shirts get you weak in the knees, this is kinda your Mecca. Unless you’re, you know, kinda beyond that.
Chama River Brewing Co.
Two completely different locations serving the same excellent beer! Downtown has a casual, easy-going vibe (with food nearby). Up north is the huge, swanky brewery. Choose for location, mood, or who it is you intend to run into. Neither disappoints.
Charlie’s Back Door
A Burque classic! This dark Scottish-themed bar tends to the daytime-break needs of ever-present Heights construction workers. Boasts a wide variety of whiskeys and dark ales, as well as the full Front Door menu. Try the sheepdip, a bowl of just-tender meat in chile.
CLOSED M-SA 2–5
Ed’s Pub (inside Leisure Bowl)
While Leisure Bowl has its own Lebowskian merits, Ed’s brings it all together. An excellent karaoke DJ works every night of the week. The waitstaff are stern, but they’ll grow on you.
el madrid
Voted by Guide staff both Best Place to Get Shanked and Best Place to Get a Drink From a Dirty Glass. Those of you already grabbing your keys based on that description, vayan con Dios.
El Rey Theater
An old school theater that’s seen better days. Designed by Luigi Puccini, cousin of the famous opera composer, and maintained (barely) by his granddaughter. The building also used to house a kick-ass smaller venue, The Golden West, but a 2008 fire burned it to the ground.