Sandia Resort and Casino, secluded in its splendor on the Sandia Pueblo Reservation with the Sandia Mountains as a backdrop, offers widespread musical entertainment along with its casino and world-class restaurants. Directly in front of the resort is the open-air amphitheater, which attracts well-known artists for summer concerts. Inside, top notch live bands enliven the main floor of the casino and play great dance music. This secluded bar and dance floor can get crowded and lines can gather, so get there early on a Saturday night. Outside by the pool in summer there are sometimes steel barrels to fill the air. Located at the top of the 9th floor, the Bien Shur Lounge offers breathtaking 360 degree views of the mountains to the east and the city’s countryside to the west. Pop and jazz bands play on the weekends and it’s easier to get a table here than downstairs. There is a bar menu here.

This cozy neighborhood bar has been a Nob Hill haunt for years and it’s no secret why – friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere, late hours, good prices and a good selection of beers, spirits and pub grub. Great service and arguably the best burgers in Albuquerque!

Located in Rio Rancho, just north of Albuquerque, Turtle Mountain is well worth the drive. There are always the brewery’s award winning beers on tap and many others from around the country as well as national and international beers. The food is almost as good as the beer, and the variety of wood-fired pizzas makes it hard to choose. Big screen TVs are usually tuned to sports, including football, but it’s also a great spot for busy, loud conversations. TMBC is the end result of way too much dreaming (and drinking) on ​​the part of owner Nico Ortiz. Beginning with a student exchange to Germany at the age of 16, he has dedicated his life to the pursuit of good beer. This brew pub is the culmination of over two decades of “market research” at hundreds of restaurants, bars, brew pubs, breweries, garages and beer festivals around the world. The name “Turtle Mountain” comes from the Tewa name for Sandia Peak. Born and raised in Oke Owingeh, north of Espanola, Alfonso Ortiz (Nico’s late father) is one of six Pueblos who speak Tewa. Nico’s father’s Native American name was “Oku Pin”, which means “Turtle Mountain”. In homage to his father, who provided the inspiration and financial means to open the pub, Nico named it Turtle Mountain Brewing Company.

Marble Brewery is a production brewery with its own tasting room and outdoor beer garden in downtown Albuquerque. Marble Brewery offers a range of seven house beers and a variety of seasonal styles on tap and in the bottle. The attached pub has 10 ales on tap and a 40ft bar that looks into the brewery. Sandwich menu is available.

Local split level bar downtown, pretty on the hip side. Pool tables, dim lighting, $2 PBRs. Complimentary pool and Thursdays all beer and fountain drinks are $2.75. Open Monday to Saturday until 2am and Sunday until midnight.

Kelly’s Brew Pub, housed in the historic Jones Motor Company, is a great summertime hangout as the large terrace has a very relaxing atmosphere and is popular with younger college folk and always busy. A sports bar and space to play billiards indoors and a relaxing outdoor terrace, it has everything including an extensive menu. Find appetizers, wraps, burgers, sandwiches and more. You also have the wide range of beers that are brewed on site. You can even reserve to brew your own beer. Enjoy the old signage and decoration preserved from the original building.

Relaxed, friendly bar where bikers sit alongside businessmen in suits. The bar menu is fairly standard, but the staff and bartenders are welcoming and the beer selection is impressive. Lots of TVs with sports channels, darts, pool tables, smoking room, nice wrap around bar (it is long indeed) and outside terrace.

If you are interested in local dives this is the place. The seats are torn, the floor is sticky and the music is live and loud. Performing some of the best live music in the South West, this is an eclectic mix of cowpunk and alternative. The crowd looks rough with lots of tattoos and piercings, but the vibe is friendly and relaxed.

The Apothecary Lounge is worth a visit for the view alone. Located on the rooftop of Hotel Parq Central, the Apothecary Lounge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Sandia Mountains, downtown skyline and famous New Mexico sunsets from its heated patio. Inside, the bar shines with old apothecary bottles. The cocktails served are Prohibition Zone, making this one of the trendiest speakeasys you’ll ever visit. Craft beers and fine wines are also served, and the menu items (though not cheap) are gourmet. Perfect for a date and better if you can get a room below so you don’t have to leave.

Voted “Albuquerque’s Best Happy Hour” and “Best Ladies Night Out” 3 years running, and now “Best Lounge” and “Best Bachelorette Party Location”, this multi-venue bar is Albuquerque’s most elegant and exclusive nightclub. In addition to a piano lounge, extensive wine list, media and billiards room, QBar offers a range of intimate spaces for conversation and a variety of entertainment options. Great for an upscale night on the town.