Pubs are a place of comfort. It’s a hangout where friends meet up and a place to make new ones. The beer is cold and the food is consistently hearty and the hospitality inspires that feeling that you’ve found your favorite place. Here are the best pubs in New Mexico.
Two Fools Tavern, Albuquerque, NM
Don’t be fooled by the name of this pub, the two “fools” who run it know what they’re doing when it comes to beer. They’ve recreated an authentic Irish pub, complete with the ales, stouts, fine whiskies and culinary fare of the beautiful Emerald Isle. There’s popular beer on tap like Magners Irish cider, plus those brewed from a wide-range of states and countries and, of course, Guinness. Pub food is traditional: scotch eggs, fish and chips, Guinness beef stew, Ploughman’s lunch and cottage pie are just a few of the highlights. Of note, they also have the largest whiskey selection in the Southwest.
Roosevelt Brewing Company & Public House, Portales, NM
Locally crafted beer made on-site is what’s on tap here. Lager, ale, stout, a Hefeweizen and West Coast inspired IPA are tasty by the pint or try a variety by the flight. Many are only offered on a seasonal basis so taste it while you can. The food, made with locally-sourced ingredients as available, is hearty, from the beer cheese pulled pork nachos to the falafel waffle sandwich to the green chile bacon cheeseburger and the assortment of pizzas.
Rio Grande Grill and Tap Room, Ruidoso, NM
Craft beer made by the Sierra Blanca Brewing Co. is the star here. You’ll also find their own Rio Grande Brewing Co. brand too, as well as stout, lager, IPA and a variety of domestic beers. You can get it to go by the six pack, case and refillable growler. Accent any meal with a flight of dif-ferent types. Food covers the range of customary pub fare with grilled meats, burgers and sand-wiches, soups and salads, pastas and an interesting selection of starters and desserts. A nice wine list for the wine lover, too.
Bosque Brewing Co - Las Cruces Taproom, Las Cruces, NM
If you’re not sure what to order here, ask for a sample. Staff is happy to accommodate the re-quest. One of the State’s largest breweries, the brewmaster has mastered the art of craft beer making, earning awards at the Great American Beer Festival and the Brewing News National IPA Challenge. On tap every day is an oatmeal stout, scotch ale, amber ale, a signature IPA and lager. There are specialty beers that pop up periodically with names like Center Fielder Extra Pale Ale and Desert Kaleidoscope. The menu is inventive. Try the duck confit eggrolls or green chile falafel or the Thai style mussels. Happy hour specials every day.
Second Street Brewery, Santa Fe, NM
This brewery is second in name only. It was the first within the city limits. It was voted Best Beer Brewed in Santa Fe and Best Local Tap Room. All serving staff pass a certification that qualifies them to answer questions about beer, beer styles and how the beer is brewed. The beer menu is huge—you’re sure to find something you like. Burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, appe-tizers and entrees like Northern New Mexican style enchiladas and live music make this a great night out.
The Wellhead, Artesia, NM
All the beers at this pub are hand-crafted by the brewmaster on the premises, and there’s a great selection. An Indian Basin Wheat is a blend of American and Belgian beer styles. Try the pale or Irish Red ale or a smooth American-style stout. Or, get a taste of three with a sampler. Any of the beers pair well with the pub food. Of course, burgers and sandwiches, fish and chips are favorites but take a walk on the wild side with an elk bratwurst or bison burger.
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