Bars
Ezra's Place
The Funky, eclectic, quirky second of three amazing brainchildren of Dennis Apodaca (Sophia’s and Jo’s holding down the trifecta). A small regular menu and an ever-changing list of specials bring creative variations like enchiladas (duck!?!), tacos (fish, beef, or scallop), burgers (kobe, bison, poblano/mole), pancakes (lemon), and other unexpected treats.
Farina Pizzeria
This is what pizza is like when real foodies get in the kitchen. Opened in 2008 by one of Albuquerque’s most established fine-dining restaurants, the Artichoke Café, Farina has been packed to the walls since day one.
Gecko’s
Amanda’s Bloody Mary shares company in our hearts with the Anodyne’s best, plus some delicious-but-pricey tapas. Tuesdays are 3-for-2 tapas; Sunday’s bartender’s drink of the day.
Howie’s Sports Page
Your neighborhood bar, replete with neighborhood bar folk. Sturdy selection of beers on tap and in unfancy bottles. There’s a pay-by-quarters pool table in the back, and on Monday nights in the fall, free potluck while you watch the game.
Il Vicino
While there are many Il Vicino eateries all over the southwest, this Northern Italian eatery started it all in Nob Hill. The name means “the neighbor,” and being a neighbor itself to the Guild Cinema, Il Vicino is a great pre– or post-movie dinner choice.
Il Vicino Canteen
Back open after quite a hiatus, the Canteen is where all the beer gets brewed for Il Vicino (the pizza place). It’s totally updated and 100% worth the trip to that weird, industrial part of town.
Imbibe
Looking for velvet rope, pricey drinks + cigars, girls in heels and a dress code? Let us introduce you to Imbibe!
Jinja Bar & Bistro
Upon a first glance, the high-priced drinks, South Pacific/WWII-era Chinese decor and all-over-the-place Asian menu may make you think Jinja isn’t worth a second look. But then, you’d be wrong.
Joe’s/Carraro’s
Front: Carraro’s, home to tasty calzones & decent ’za. Wind your way back to Joe’s for a mighty selection of beer, pool, air hockey, ping pong and an ass-kickin’ jukebox. A great low-key Friday night dive. Kitchen closes late.
Kellys brew pub
Over 20 microbrews, from stouts to IPAs, with options to brew your own (call in advance). Rumor these days is nobody likes Kelly’s home brews, but there are plenty of other brews on tap. Beer bar means beer bar, though, so don’t expect much in wine, and food can run expensive.
La Cumbre Brewing Company
The Guide’s Kat has a rule of thumb about ABQ breweries: You can often guess how good the beer and/or taproom is going to be by the quality of writing on their newsletters or website. And La Cumbre is no exception, pairing perfect grammar with delicious beer and a cozy bar.
