Albuquerque is a city that loves to get our drink on, and we’ve got beer down to a science. Not only does Burque brew beer as well as any spot on the planet, you’ll find interesting environments where you can chug down local lagers and brown ales while you enjoy some of the best music, food and artwork in the Southwest. Of course you can cool your tongue and warm your belly with recipes honed by the local “big dog” brands such as Marble Brewery (111 Marble Ave. NW), Bosque Brewing Co. (106 Girard Blvd. SE) or La Cumbre (3313 Girard Blvd. NE) – and don’t get us wrong, they’re popular for a reason. But since you can find those beers in stores and restaurants throughout the whole state, we’d like to give you the lowdown on some of our lesser-known watering holes. Hausammann Brewhaus (2004 Central Ave. SE) is close to UNM and has a big selection of big beers as well as decent pool tables, but you’d never know the unassuming building nestled next to a skate shop on Route 66 also houses one of Albuquerque’s coolest underground music venues around back. Same goes for Thirsty Eye Brewing Company (206 Broadway Blvd. SE) where you’ll drink, catch a blues trio playing about five feet from the bar top and wander into an amazing little hidden art gallery all in one visit. Boxing Bear boasts two locations, meaning you’re close to a pint whether you’re in Midtown (8420 Firestone Lane NE) or Uptown (12501 Candelaria Road NE). In the city’s industrial district, you’ll find small-craft joints with wicked food such as JUNO Brewery (1501 First St. NW), where you’ll encounter a welcoming, mixed-batch crowd on any given night. Walk in, experience a punk show or vibe out to trippy goth music in one room, and if you don’t dig the scene, grab a high-octane stout and dance to a live cumbia band in their happening outdoor patio – which has one of the sharpest and most visually impressive designs in town.
