I've always enjoyed a nice cold brewski here and there but after moving to Albuquerque and being surround by literally dozens of breweries, I pretty much immersed myself in the New Mexican culture and established a new found love and appreciation for beer. There are so many breweries in Albuquerque worth visiting, each with its own spin of craft beers. You are sure to find an array of lagers, IPAs, sours, and ciders. There is something for everyone to enjoy. Throughout my months in ABQ, I started doing my own personal brewery tour and found that there is something special about each brewery I visited. If you are in ABQ whether short term or long term....here are my personal top 5 breweries that I'm sure won't disappoint.
1. Nexus
This black-owned brewery-restaurant is truly one of a kind. It fuses New Mexican cuisine with soul food and is a great place to enjoy a craft beer alongside chicken and waffles, collard greens, cajun chicharron de pollo, okra, nachos with green or red chiles, or fried catfish (to name a few of my favorites menu options). The perfect place for dinner with your family, date night with your SO, or brunch with your gals. Nexus has award winning beers on tap. My typical go-to beer is an IPA and the Nexus IPA hits the spot for me with it's perfect citrusy finish. I also enjoyed their Honey Chamomile Wheat which was equally refreshing and sweet. In the mood for BBQ? Nexus sister restaurant- Nexus Blue Smokehouse is the perfect spot to statisfy that craving!
2. Marble
I immediately loved Marble for the simple fact that it is a 5 min drive from UNM Hospital :) AKA the perfect post-shift hang out spot with your coworkers (if you're here as a travel nurse). Located downtown, this fairly large brewery has two floors with two bars so space is never an issue. Catch those stunning New Mexican sunsets on their rooftop and oversee the city. Enjoy live music in the evenings and grab food from the food trucks that are often parked right outside the brewery. You can't go wrong with the fish tacos from the taco truck which pairs well with a glass of Desert Fog-an all time favorite IPA for me. Think orange juice mixed with tones of grapefruit and pineapple. 6.8% ABV. DELICIOUS. Their seasonal Pink Lemonade Lager is a summertime hit and they sell this one along with other beers in cans for you to take home! Marble also has two other locations in town.
3. La Cumbre
Located in the Northwest side of town and walking distance from the home I was renting...La Cumbre was the most convenient brewery for me to visit with my dog Nala. Most breweries in ABQ are dog friendly so I never had problems bringing her along but Nala loved getting treats from the friendly staff here and they never failed to bring her a bowl of cold water for her to enjoy as her mama enjoyed her beer! With the perfect view of the Sandia Mountains, this spot has cafe vibes with plenty of booth space to get some work done and a spacious patio where you can enjoy the views while you get lost in a book. While La Cumbre does not serve food, it is perfectly located next to a Grassburger, Sushi Freak, and Rusty Taco. My choice of beer here is definitely the Elevated IPA. Though it is more bitter than my usual liking, it uniquely stands out with its herbal aroma, and earthy, pine notes. Hoppy at it's best. We always take a couple of cans home with us!
4. Tin Can Alley
This food hall and shopping center features the Santa Fe Brewing Co. Yet another brewery overlooking the Sandia Mountains, this spot is a favorite hang out location for all ages. Grab ABQ souvenirs at 505 Brotique and a delicious personal pizza pie from Amore Pizzeria. The 7K IPA is (*chef's kiss*) oh so tasty!
5. Ex Novo
Though this brewery is technically located in Corrales, NM (about 20 minutes from downtown ABQ), I had to include it on this list! If you plan on gathering with a big group and want to bring your fur animals, this is the spot to hit up. Their beautiful patio which include fire pits and garden space is perfection for both a summer night out or fall evening. The coolest thing about Ex Novo though, is their initiative of giving back to the community and contributing to organizations that help build a better world and support those in poverty. There is nothing like enjoying a glass of beer knowing that those proceeds are going to a great cause!
I'm adding a link below which includes more info on breweries in town. This site is also great for when you are planning your trip and want to get the latest info on events and activities happening in the city. Albuquerque has so much to offer and I truly enjoyed my time there. Cheers and enjoy!