10 Best Nightlife Experiences in Albuquerque

Apothecary Rooftop Lounge is an outstanding bar to settle down for a drink when daylight fades away in Albuquerque. Here, you can overlook the city and the surrounding mountains with one of Apothecary's signature cocktails in your hand, or an exotically flavoured bitter – the lounge's speciality.

Pair your drink with dishes made with fresh produce from the region, such as local cheeses. The Apothecary Rooftop Lounge has an alfresco terrace, as well as an indoor section less-than-favourable weather. 

With its luxurious appearance and spectacular accommodation, Sandia Casino & Resort is a universe on its own in Albuquerque. Besides comfy rooms, you can find all sorts of entertainment under one roof. The resort even has an 18-hole golf course, where you can play with the breathtaking Sandia Mountains as a backdrop. 

The complex has a collection of restaurants, bars, spa treatment areas, and the casino. Try your luck at the countless slot machines, or sit down for a game of poker or roulette in this 4-star hotel in the northern part of Albuquerque. 

Sister Bar is a large pub with an extensive food and drinks menu that sits right in the lively centre of Albuquerque. If you’re into craft beer, the Sister Bar has a fantastic selection on tap, including roughly a dozen beers from local breweries. Food options range from quick, tapas-style bites to tacos and sandwiches.

Apart from regional drinks and a spacious seating area, the bar offers arcade and pinball machines for your divertissement. Sister Bar also regularly hosts live gigs from very talented musicians.

Fork & Fig has quickly established itself as a popular modern American diner in Uptown Albuquerque. This eatery mainly serves comfort food – think burgers and wraps – and a choice of mains such as short ribs and pastrami sandwiches. It has a small kid’s menu, keeping the youngsters happy, too.

Fork & Fig has 40 seats inside, as well as an outdoor seating section for warmer summer nights. You can find it near the Coronado Center mall, so it’s convenient to hunker down after an afternoon of shopping.

El Rey Theatre opened its doors in 1941 and, to this day, remains one of Albuquerque’s most loved playhouses. After serving as a nightclub for decades, the theatre has now become live music venue, hosting performances by songwriters, DJs and bands from all over the country.

El Rey Theatre has a bar where you can order snacks and beverages to enjoy during the concerts. It can be rented too, in case you want an intimate private concert or celebrate your wedding in this historic auditorium.

The Copper Lounge is a dedicated cocktail bar in Downtown Albuquerque. Snug couches, a huge selection of mixed drinks, and dinner offerings transform it into a compelling bar where you can raise a glass with family or friends.

Before visiting, it's recommended to have a look into their specials – Taco Tuesday offers discounted tortillas, happy hour from 3 pm to 6 pm (Mondays to Fridays) with discounted cocktails, and Tiki Thursday offers exotic mixed drinks. The Copper Lounge can also be rented for events and private parties.

Sixty-Six Acres is a local restaurant in a scenic area just north of Downtown Albuquerque that serves craft beers and cocktails. From the outdoor patio – furnished with a fireplace – the views of the Sandia Mountains are unspoilt. The restaurant serves many types of beers and hard drinks from regional breweries and distilleries.

When in the company of friends or family, Sixty-Six Acres is an engaging spot to gather around with dishes that are meant to be shared, such as a hummus trio with flatbread and spicy calamari and peppers.

Tablao Flamenco Albuquerque is a dance venue in the centre of town where you can feel the intimacy and energy of the famous flamenco dance. Professional dancers and musicians perform this Spanish folk dance and music show during the weekends in small-scale rooms.

For more Latin vibes, you can order from a menu of tapas, cheeses, cured meats, wines, and cocktails. Shows last for 75 minutes, and tickets are available at the counter or by pre-purchasing on the website of Tablao Flamenco Albuquerque.

Uptown Funk is the place to be during a late night out in Albuquerque. This club has a full liquor bar, and a spacious dancefloor to set your feet into motion. Uptown Funk is known for its Duelling Pianos sessions, during which professional piano players cover songs from any genre on request.

Because of the laidback atmosphere, Uptown Funk is a favoured location for bachelor parties and a girls’/guys’ night out. Happy hour is from 6 pm to 8 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

QBar Lounge is the onsite nightlife spot of Hotel Albuquerque, a 4-star establishment in the middle of the city. The lounge is laidback, with lovely couches and chairs around tables to accommodate groups of different sizes. On the menu, you’ll find a wide array of spirits and wines from regional vineyards.

As a customer at QBar Lounge, you can use the piano lounge and billiard tables for an additional fee, which makes this venue an appealing site for a pleasant night with your loved ones.