Albuquerque Nightlife

This lively and eclectic downtown bar is a hip spot to shoot pool and listen to music on what's arguably the best jukebox in town. They don't serve any food though.

Occupying a former 1930s petrol station that's a legendary pit stop on Route 66, Kelly's Brewpub has a huge patio and serves over twenty excellent house-brewed ales. There's a sports bar too.

Giant steel vats of irresistible beer mark the location of Albuquerque's best-loved brewpub, a couple of blocks north of central downtown. On hot summer days and evenings, patrons congregate on the large patio out front; in winter, the interior makes a cosy, convivial retreat.

A Las Vegas style nightclub in the heart of ABQ, Casa Esencia adds a touch of VIP style to Friday evenings with guest and celebrity DJs spin the latest dance and club music from 2100. Relax in one of the club's lounge areas or dance under the stars by an open waterfall, reflecting pool and outdoor fireplace.

Having carved out an identity as Albuquerque's premier gay club, this enormous place, a stalwart of the downtown scene, has proved so popular with clubbers of all persuasions, thanks largely to its enthusiastic championing of EDM, that the crowd these days has become much more mixed.

An undeniably unusual combination of cigar bar and night club, on Route 66 in Albuquerque's Nob Hill district, east of downtown, Imbibe has three main rooms. As well as the glass humidor cigar room for smoking, there's a rooftop patio with a separate bar and three fire pits, and the MOD room, which hosts weekly jazz nights. The decor is all neon lights, white leather couches and seating and offers a smart, exclusive atmosphere.

Retaining its colourful tropic-themed flavour and décor despite its recent move to spacious new premises, this downtown veteran remains a true local favourite. Every night sees live music of some kind, and there's a weekly calendar of themed events and dance parties.

A seminal example of Pueblo Deco architecture, the KiMo Theatre is the city's architectural gem and plays host to a wide range of local, national and international performance events, including appearances by the New Mexico Ballet Company. Several other small theatres are located downtown and around the University of New Mexico.

A downtown showcase for indie, reggae and blues bands, the Launchpad has two levels: a downstairs with a stage and a bar, and an upstairs lounge area with a separate bar, pool tables, video games and a view of the stage below. The atmosphere is casual, and there is no dress code.