Known as the cultural hub of New Mexico, Albuquerque thrives on its art, cuisine, and architecture. The densely populated city has Native American roots with a heritage drenched in Pueblo and Spanish influences.
Albuquerque has a lot to offer regarding entertainment, from the International Balloon Fiesta to the Gathering of Nations, yet the city’s taste for diversity makes room for an award-winning craft brewery. One cannot claim to experience the richness of the Southwestern ethnic landscape without visiting the best breweries in Albuquerque.
Although convoluted, Albuquerque’s city plan is easy to traverse, even for a novice. All you need is a map and our list guide to take you to the best breweries in Albuquerque.
- La Cumbre Brewing Co.
- Bow & Arrow Brewing Co.
- Bombs Away Beer Company
- Santa Fe Brewing Company
- Starr Brothers Brewing Co.
- Nexus Brewery
- Rio Bravo Brewing Company
La Cumbre Brewing Co.
(505) 872-0225
True to its name, La Cumbre Brewing Co. in Albuquerque is the peak of a craft brewery. The award-winning brewery is dedicated to achieving the artistic zenith of its craft by perfecting the science of the brewery. This Southwest establishment conveniences its customers with diversity in entertainment, and the spirit of New Mexico. It has two taprooms, also substituted as their game rooms, food trucks stopping by, a rotating beer menu, and live music on weekends, taking care of all aspects of your outing.
La Cumbre Brewing Co. has stayed true to its vision, Get Elevated, even a decade after its launch. The brewery’s best-selling and fan-favorite beer Elevated IPA is a hop chef-d’oeuvre, matching its reputation of offering the best hop beer combinations. Still, if you want something lighter to start, their ale options can give your taste buds the perfect warmup before the real treat.
Bow & Arrow Brewing Co.
(505) 247-9800
Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. is an ardent venture of founding partners Missy Begay and Shayla Sheppard, aiming to promote its Southwest locality. Inspired by the city’s passion for adventure, culture, and celebrations, this vintage establishment craves international recognition for its local flavors. The founders take pride in sourcing local ingredients to produce beers meant to satiate the most adventurous taste buds.
If you are craving the complex style of Brett beer, the brewers at Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. have some unique recommendations for you. Still, the rustic flavors of their farmhouse ale fermented for over a year take the stand amidst the cheer of regional spirits.
Bombs Away Beer Company
(505) 554-3204
U.S. Air Force Veteran John W. Degnaro founded Bombs Away Beer Company to assign subtle credence to his previous career. The combination of vintage and modernity in its interior adds to the picturesque ambiance of Albuquerque’s Skyline Heights district, a location known for its breathtaking views. John has weaponized his hard work and dedication and employed craftsmanship to color his passion red. His unconventional brew house has 16 taps, offering the customers a litany of flavors and styles.
Bombs Away Beer is famous for its creative spins on conventional beer styles. Its BLU0-82 Brut IPA is the driest of its kind in all of New Mexico, keeping your calorie intake to 149 cal/oz by skimping on carbohydrates and sugar. While the brewery’s diverse beer menu and the handcrafted interior may keep you grounded, its affordable food menu is bound to fuel your appetite.
Santa Fe Brewing Company
(505) 881-0887
Specializing in originality and comfort, Santa Fe Brewing Company is the brainchild of Brian Lock. The brew house hosts off-site and private events and partners with local businesses to support the community. The establishment promotes sustainable brewing projects and has its own hop farm to abide by its vision. This Albuquerque craft brewery is the largest in its locality and has charmed enough Cicerones to be hailed the best among its competitors. The company’s comfortable outdoor and indoor seating arrangement, paired with an expansive taproom offering some of the iconic brands of Southwest, makes it a mandatory stop in everyone’s beer tours.
Sanat Fe Brewing Company’s seasonal beers, Adobe Igloo and Mango Lime Squeezer, are hits among the regulars, but the year-round Java Stout and special Sanat Fe Nute Brow Ale suit a variety of palettes. Enjoy a pint of your favorite beer under the overhang of a beautiful rooftop patio.
Best Breweries in Albuquerque With Food
Most breweries have food trucks stopping by to fix your hunger and cravings, but the uncertainty that comes with the wait can be daunting. Following is the list of the best breweries in Albuquerque with food:
Starr Brothers Brewing Co.
(505) 492-2752
Heather and John Starr founded Starr Brothers Brewing Co., hoping to provide their community with a place for special events. Their brewery plus restaurant is a place to be with your loved ones if you seek delicious food, a good time, and tasteful craft beer. Named after the couple’s three sons, this craft brewery in Albequerque is fairly new in the game, yet it has created quite a stir in the neighborhood. The family behind the company strives to create the perfect local and homely experience for its customers, which is why the establishment is always buzzing with activity.
The Starr family has enlisted the help of the esteemed Rob Whitlock to take their brewhouse to new heights. The company prioritizes originality and experimentation and has concocted new flavors from traditional ones to make their mark. The combination of their signature Starrlite beer and Starr Wings is guaranteed to delight your taste buds!
Nexus Brewery
(505) 242-4100
Nexus Brewery is a dream place for all barbecue lovers and beer enthusiasts. Ken Carson, the founder, always wanted to combine his two distinct passions, but his resources limited his vision. At last, in 2019, Ken’s dreams took flight, and he expanded his craft brewery in Albuquerque from one taproom to a barbecue and soul food restaurant. Ken’s recipes and beer styles have done justice to its Southwest origins by giving Mexican flavors precedence over modern dilution.
Ken’s establishment has accumulated awards like Best of the City and Beer World Cup for its beers, making for a perfect amalgamation of food and beverages. Nexus Brewery’s beer tours are a hard-to-miss adventure for all beer and soul food lovers!
Rio Bravo Brewing Company
(505) 900-3909
Remodeled out of a historically hailed Firestone Company, Rio Bravo Brewing Company is a tourist destination by origin. The establishment is certified for New Mexico True and is owned by natives Denise and Randy Baker. The company’s expansive garage, patio, and Bier Garden allow the founders to host events like live music shows, marriages, gatherings, and office parties. Embodying the Southwest spirit, the company offers Adventure Club memberships and specials during happy hours.
Of course, the brewhouse could not have met our standard for the best breweries in Albuquerque if it wasn’t for its consistent and high-quality beer flavors. Rio Bravo Brewing Company’s beer menu includes a wide variety of barrel-aged goods and stouts, but the fan-favorites 95 Schillings and Strawberry Hefeweizen are hard to beat.
Albuquerque has a lot to offer regarding food and entertainment, yet its beverage headliners are a quick tourist sell. The city is heaven for beer lovers as it has been predominantly praised for its craft brewery.
