Experience Albuquerque, New Mexico through a Self-guided Craft Brewery Hop
I went to Albuquerque to attend a conference. The conference was at the Clyde Hotel in downtown Albuquerque. The downtown area appeared pretty empty during the week and did not have the hustle and bustle I expected. I was, however, impressed with the number of craft breweries in the Albuquerque area. There were several breweries downtown, within walking distance from the Clyde Hotel. I also enjoyed several breweries that were within a 10 minute Uber ride. According to the beertenders that I spoke with, the brewers and beertenders of the local craft breweries support each other in their endeavors which is super cool. Many beertenders gave me great recommendations regarding the next place to go based on their favorite place to drink..... other than work. The variety and welcoming atmosphere of every brewery made for several evenings of friendly conversations with the locals while soaking up the unique vibe & flavor of Albuquerque.
Albuquerque is New Mexico's largest city. The high-desert climate provides the city the opportunity to boast over 300 days of sunshine per year. The fantastic weather, along with the beautiful scenery make it the hot air balloon capital of the world. Albuquerque is, therefore, the perfect location for golfing, hiking, biking, mountain climbing and mountain biking. Albuquerque also has a rich history with strong influences from Native American, Hispanic and Latino cultures throughout the city which creates a wonderful location for a family vacation. And to add to the many reasons to travel to Albuquerque, the city is home to over 40 craft breweries!
Whether you are visiting Albuquerque for a conference, for a family vacation, or to do some outdoor activities with friends, there are so many things to do! We encourage you to consider the following...
Attend the Albuquerque annual hot air balloon festival if you are there in October. Otherwise, go on a hot air balloon ride.
Drive along Route 66.
Learn about and experience the Native American and Hispanic cultures at the Albuquerque Museum or the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center,
Visit the Petroglyph National Monument to see the one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America and learn about the fantastic rock carvings of the Native Americans and Spanish settlers who lived in the areas over 400 years ago.
Go on a hike to see the beautiful nature the area has to offer.
And, while you are there, spend a day (or two) experiencing the city through a self-guided brewery hop!
Brewery Hop in Downtown Albuquerque
Breweries in the Santa Fe and Albuquerque area date back to the mid 1800s, but came to a halt in 1918 with Prohibition. After Prohibition was repealed in 1933, breweries started to open again. There was a boom in the craft brew industry in the area beginning in the 1980s. Today, Albuquerque hosts over 40 breweries & brewpubs, some with multiple locations.
If you take a trip to Albuquerque, we strongly encourage you to take a day, or two, and do a self-guided brewery hop. Dive deep into the craft brewery scene of Albuquerque or, at least, check out a few Albuquerque breweries. Walk the streets from brewery to brewery to get a feel of the city. Sit at the bar and chat with the beertenders to find out the what the locals are doing, the best places to eat and fun things to do. Make a new friend or listen to some live music. We have created an easy brewery hop in downtown Albuquerque for you! Enjoy and cheers to new beers!
Gravity Bound Brewing Company
816 3rd St. NW, Albuquerque NM 87102
Start your downtown Albuquerque brewery hop at Gravity Bound Brewing.
This brewery and tap house has a huge, beautiful mural painted on the building wall and has a modern décor. You can sit inside with a view of the production tanks or outside on their large patio area. One cool thing about this brewery is that they are very green; they have solar panels and catch the rain water.
Marble Brewery
111 Marble Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Just two blocks east of Gravity Bound Brewery on Marble Street is Marble Brewery.
This large brewery and taproom has an outdoorsy, industrial vibe. You can sit inside at the bar and see into their production area, or sit on their large outdoor patio and enjoy live music and entertainment on the weekend. They serve beer and hard seltzers and often have food trucks.
If two breweries are not enough, which of course it is not, take a walk or quick drive north of Downtown to Wells Park....
JUNO Brewery + Café + Art
1501 1st Street NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
If you head north about 5 blocks from Marble Brewery toward Wells Park, on 1st street, you will run into this artistic café and brewery.
Juno Brewery serves European style beers, wine and spirits and has a Mediterranean-themed menu. They host many events including live music and dancing, karaoke, open mic, and tango lessons! This brewery and gallery has a warm industrial feel. You can sit inside at a booth, high-top table or at the bar with a view of the large production area and kitchen or sit outside on the large patio with seating around giant sculpture “trees” and experience the desert garden. It is also worth exploring the connected gallery space while you are here.
Rio Bravo Brewing Company
1912 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
From JUNO, Rio Bravo Brewing is about 4 blocks north on 1st St NW.
This large brewery with an industrial feel, has 24 tap handles and ample seating inside and out. You can sit inside at the huge bar or a table and view the production area or sit outside in their biergarten, under an umbrella and listen to live music. They serve beer, wine and a full food menu of apps, salads, sandwiches, and burgers.
Tractor Brewing Company - Wells Park
1800 4th Street
Tractor Brewing Company is about 5 blocks away from Rio Bravo. Head west on McKnight Ave NW 3 blocks and then south on 4th St NW 2 blocks.
This large brew pub has an industrial & farming vibe and features tractors, of course. It has ample seating inside and garage doors that open to a nice size patio. You can enjoy live music with a beer at this location.
Bow and Arrow Brewing CO
608 McKnight Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
If you head 5 blocks north west to 6th St NW and McKnight Ave NW, you will run into Bow and Arrow Brewing.
This large brewery is the first Native Woman-owned brewery and specializes in wild, sour and Southwest-inspired beers. It has high ceilings and beautiful chandeliers with a formal, barn style. Large tables and a patio provide lots of seating. Enjoy food from the food trucks and events like trivia, yoga and live music.
If you choose, instead of going north to Wells Park, from Marble, head to south to have a few more cold ones in the southern area of downtown...
Red Door Brewing Company
509 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Located a bit south of downtown on Central Ave and 5th St NW is Red Door Brewing.
This large, open brewpub serves beer and cocktails. It can't be missed with its red doors on the front the building. The cement walls and a red bar make for a city feel. They have a small, scratch kitchen where they make all of their homemade food.
Boese Brothers Brewing
601 Gold Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Just one block east of Red Door and one block south on 6th St NW is Boese Brothers Brewing.
This brewpub has a laid back homey feel with a couch, many tables and patio area outside. They have an onsite food truck serving sandwiches & snacks.
We hope you enjoy your brewery hop in Albuquerque!
“Let no man thirst for good beer.” - Sam Adams
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