I rarely post reviews but if I do, I use google. This is the first time I've used Yelp. I felt compelled to review this place after reading some of the reviews.
I will address the "Alex L." guy who posted on 1/5/19 with his recommendation of the APC that read:
"Highly recommend this place if you enjoy frat culture, sexist pigs, and being treated like a burden."
Context: There was an alleged (criminal) incident that took place at the APC. The organization reviewed its cameras during their investigation. It is petty for someone to write a bad review because of the direction of an investigation. Any responsible organization will investigate similarly alleged incidents to ensure such behavior isn't repeated by those types of people again. The incident in question is publically available information but it was so awful, in my opinion, that I won't post it here.
As far as my experience - I've been a member for only a few months having just moved to New Mexico. As a professional in the communications field, I was looking for a group to join and network with. The staff and the members of the APC have been nothing but warm and friendly to my guests and I. The APC knows how to throw an event. I attended the Superbowl party and recent "Porkpocolypse" and both events were fantastic.
The atmosphere is very laid back and isn't noisy or chaotic like much of the clubs or bars downtown. The crowd here appears to be progressive, between their mid-20s to early-40s. A decent mix of diverse people including White, Hispanic, Native American, African American, LGBTQ, Muslim, folks from countries outside the US, etc. The facility is historic and there is a lot of great information to learn about the place. The APC allows smoking but there are plenty of spaces to get away from smoke (I have respiratory issues and it doesn't affect me).
During my first couple of months in Albuquerque, I would see at least one fight each time I went to some of the downtown bars. People get wild in many of the establishments near downtown Albuquerque. It's the complete opposite at the APC.
Yes, you have to be a member to join. Membership isn't expensive. If that is a problem, there are other places in the city that do not charge for membership.
To summarize: The guy who posted the one-star review because the APC decided to investigate an alleged criminal incident is a weirdo. Don't let him affect your decision to visit this gem. The crowd is very chill. The drinks are cheap. Membership is cheap. I've had some of my best experiences in Albuquerque, so far, here at the APC. read more