Great motel. Kind staff. Good location. We enjoyed our quick stay at this unique, updated motel.

This review pertains to out last visit, June 27. 2026. We were there several times last summer and love the ambiance of the patio. There are several small restaurants surrounding the patio. Buen Provecho serves up excellent tamales and Costa Rican influenced cuisine. The Ponderosa brewery beer from the taproom is decent. So why two stars? The tables and floor of the patio area were filthy. Self-bussing is fine, IF customers do it, but several tables were littered with dirty food containers and none of the tables were wiped down the entire time we were there. Also, the two trash cans were overflowing. Get it together El Vado! Somone needs to be responsible for clearing tables, wiping down tables, and emptying trash cans. read more

Cute little bar attached to the motel where you can get drinks here and order food from one of the local restaurants. They also host comedy and live music in the patio of the bar/motel. Service here is always fast and friendly. read more

El Vado Taproom - Beer - Beer Bar Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

This place is so cool! What a perfect spot to fold into the lobby of the El Vado Motel and offer visitors a much needed beer after a long drive through the beautiful desert. I completely appreciated the friendly staff and the opportunity to have a pint (or more) while they checked me in. Location is great and the history is even better. read more

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A cute and small spot to grab beers at! It's part of the El Vado Motel and has outside seating in a courtyard. Walking in, no one was inside, and finally, the bartender walked up to assist me! The prices here are great, and they have a great local beer selection that accommodates any drinker with lighter beers, IPAS, and seltzers. It's super cozy inside with a fireplace, couch, and license plates as decorations! The bartender was cleaning up and making conversation with us and another gal. I took samples (shots) of a couple of beers to see what I liked. I actually didn't like the ones and tried and blindly ordered the Ghost Train IPA, which was soo good. All the IPA drinkers, get the Ghost Train; it won't disappoint! read more

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I Went with friends to hear a band playing on patio. That was the good part. The bad part was after asking for Chardonnay and them not having any, I decided to get a Cabernet. The bartender was nice and after pouring the wine says it's $18. $18 ?!!!! I said that's too much !! He didn't offer to take it back. This is not a fancy place and I've been there before and wine was $9. So why would it double in price? Bartender said it was an expensive wine and just fyi for next time the Pinot Grigio is $9. Either put the prices on your menu or forewarn customers of the price differences. read more

Located in the heart of the El Vado Motel. Surrounded by a splash pad for kids, HappyChickenzz a international Chicken House, Street food Sensation, Ikigai, and many more. Right across the street from the Aquarium, it's a great spot to come and relax. Beautiful covered patio with misters and a window you can order from. A really great spot to relax at after spending all afternoon in the aquarium with your kids. I'll be sure to come back and try more things than just the beer next time! read more

El Vado Taproom - Enjoying a 10 beer flight with my wife. - Beer Bar Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Excellent beer, kind and conscientious service, and a relaxing vibe . . . the El Vado Taproom covers all the bases! And as if that wasn't enough to make this fun spot worth a visit, the many excellent dining options available in the El Vado Foodcourt will seal the deal! Today we enjoyed delicious Costa Rican food from Buen Provencho, but there were many other options available. And all will deliver to your table in the taproom or on the patio. Order a beer or three and enjoy this lovely corner of Albuquerque! Cheers! read more

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So I was spending the afternoon with my friends again, and we decided to come here and eat before going on the tram for the park. We chose this place since they have a variety of dining places to choose from and plenty of outdoor seating. Walking up, I loved how the place looked. It was unique with plenty of tables with shade. they have quite a few restaurants, along with an ice cream place and a beer station. There's also a water fountain for the kids to play in, but that was shut down due to Covid 19. I went with the taco place, my friends kids got sushi and some other food as well. While we all enjoyed our food, we feel like this place missed the mark on a few things. First, I will say I know you cannot change the weather. but with outdoor dining, they did a real piss poor job of controlling the environment. We dam near got heat stroke sitting outside on their patio tables that were cemented into the ground. The umbrellas barely covered the tables and made the seats scorching hot-so much so that we had to split up between two tables because we were unable to sit on the metal because it was to much for us. They could have used some spritzers as well to cool things down, along with larger umbrellas or some additional shade. Even if its not scorching hot, what about cold and rainy days? How am I supposed to eat? They really need to step up their game here. I feel like their more concerned about people not stealing the metal benches then actually making the place more weather friendly and accommodating. I deducted 2 stars for this, as I found it to be something that made us not enjoy our visit as much. read more

El Vado Taproom - Beer Bar Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

We were waiting outside for our food from Cafe Chica and smelled the inviting aroma of a nearby fire. We saw it was coming from a fireplace inside El Vado Taproom. It was cool and rainy outside so we went in to in check the place out. It was warm, inviting and had cool decor. They had a good selection of beers from nearby Ponderosa Brewing Company and ciders from Sandia Hard Cider. We had some ciders which was very good. We enjoyed our visit! read more

El Vado Taproom - Interior fireplace - Beer Bar Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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I like El Vado. I came here when they first opened for a Yelp event. And I came here most recently while waiting for my entry to the River of Lights. They have some solid beers (all from Ponderosa because they are owned by the same company). And you can get food from any of the nearby places (we got burgers). This is a really chill place with a nice staff and a couple of TVs. The kids loved playing the big Jenga on the floor. There is also a really good coffee shop right here as well. Let's face it, there are not a lot of places to grab a beer and a bite in the area. El Vado is one, but is a really good one. The beer is priced appropriately. They have some ciders and seltzers as well. The space is small and cozy. Family heading to the aquarium or biopark? Want to grab a drink before or after, or just have some alone time? This is definitely the place. This is no sports bar, so don't plan to catch the game. But for some quiet time, this is a perfect spot. read more

Lots of fun, great atmosphere, chill and relaxed, good beer, and really good food. I don't know how often they have bands playing live but it was definitely a fun time! read more

Off for a Saturday exploring. It was cold out so we were looking to be indoors where ever the wind took us. We decided to stop and visit the tap room. We had heard mixed on the place and decided to see for ourselves. There are a few small businesses along the way as you make it to the entrance of the tap room. It is very small but has character. The server was very nice and gave me a couple of samples before I decided on what I wanted. They serve both beer and wine and have a buffet of menus to choose from if you decide you are hungry. We enjoyed people watching from the barstools and knowing Albuquerque, this will be a hot spot next spring and summer because the outdoor area is great with many food selections to choose from and also a space for entertainment. I gave it a three because I feel it is lacking in warmth. I can not pin point it but something was missing and it could just be the weather detoured others from spending a Saturday afternoon exploring. read more

El Vado Taproom - Beer Bar Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Good beer and a nice atmosphere. Love that it's so close to the bike path and the BioPark. Lots of choices and bartenders are helpful.

I feel this place is an unknown gem to relax outdoors, grab food and beer, and take in old school Albuquerque vibes without feeling unsafe or bothered by the homeless. There really isn't any other place with this vibe. I really feel the local vibe. Come down and take it all in. The locals, being on Central, people cruising, the stucco building, the many food choices, being outdoor and bad on weekends. read more

My favorite eats there is Happy Chicken (Aden Bowl, scipy) & Heavenly Treats (Mason jar treats). read more

El Vado Taproom - I always have to stop at A Heavenly Taste Cakery when I'm at El Vado. COFFEE CAKE & HEART SUCKER (just in time for Valentines). - Beer Bar Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Small but perfectly lovely for an afternoon pint with some friends. Happy hour is perfect because you skip the crowds. A taproom is the perfect addition to El Vado and an excellent business strategy because the more beer I drink, the more food I want and thankfully all the businesses will deliver right to your table. The service is quick and the samplings are aplenty. They also offer a small wine list if beer isn't your thing. It's also kid friendly so that's a plus too. As I said before, it's small and when they do live music it's even more cramped and you're lucky to find standing room but you can enjoy your beer in the courtyard and there's even a window for ordering. I opted to order a pretzel too and although it's a separate entity, I paid at the tap room, so I'm not sure who to review here. I have to say the pretzel was a bit disappointing. The cheese sauce was almost solid and the pretzel was barely warm. The jalapeños and cheese half melted. I expected more but ate it because I was starving and the flavors were good. Cheers for the pints and the food accessibility. I'll be back and the locals seem to love this place too! read more

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We've been to El Vado a couple times but I hadn't review it yet. We actually stayed at the remodeled Motel when we were house hunting in town month ago and adored it! The space was beautiful and fit in well with historic Albuquerque and Route 66. Anyways, in addition to the remodeled hotel, the entire complex was remodeled as well to include a few small shops, restaurants, and a tap room. We visited the Tap Room today and had a great time. The bar was crowded so we sat outside on the patio and enjoyed some Ponderosa Beers. We love the ambiance of El Vado, but would enjoy it a lot more if other breweries were offered besides Ponderosa. Despite this, I would recommend visiting El Vado without hesitation. read more

Every Saturday night during the summer this place has outside music that is free to attend. Events usually take place from 7 to 9 PM. I believe there is six different places to eat as you sit and watch the music. There is also a tap room that serves beer and wine. If you're one who drinks they probably have a great selection I am not a drinker. They also have a place that serves ice cream and shakes. read more

El Vado Taproom - Patio area - Beer Bar Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

I cannot speak to their beers as I can't drink them, but I have visited for seltzer or cider many times. I love they have a little window accessible from the outside patio area so you don't have to go all the way inside to get a drink. I wish they had some better/different cider and seltzer offerings as the flavors they carry are my least favorites, but that's probably more on the brewers they partner with to can better flavors. It's a great thing to have a place to get a drink next to all the different little restaurants, and hanging out at El Vado is a great way to spend an afternoon! read more

Came to enjoy the patio and the food hall options. Service here was super rude, after asking multiple times for something nonalcoholic for our driver they recommended the water fountain by the bathroom which had a nice brown hue. Would not explain the menus at all and talked down to every question I had. Continued to roll his eyes and go back to a conversation with another worker. This place is really going down hill since opening. read more

Good selection of beers. Recently I shared a large bottle of Belgian brown ale while watching live music outside. There is some seating indoors as well. Unless I'm mistaken, there was a wood-burning stove for heat on Friday night. One of the big draws of El Vado is the selection of locally owned restaurants. Imagine a food truck plaza without the trucks. Street fare ranging from burgers and fried chicken to pizza and Latin American cuisine is served out of renovated motel rooms. The concept is so unique, you really have to see it in person. This is an ABQ success story, the union of Route 66 nostalgia and local pride. Family-friendly and free parking available at the Biopark lot on the other side of Central. You're going to leave with a smile on your face. read more

Such a cool concept! We stayed at the motel and were so excited to have this literally footsteps away from the room! A fantastic selection of local beers with good ambiance. Inside is a bit small since it's essentially a converted hotel room/lobby so grab a seat on the patio. read more

Cool tap room concept. Good beer, try the Hopmosa and enjoy the outside covered area with misters. If it gets too hot walk over the the kids splash pad and stick your head in. Several food pods to choose from while you enjoy your beer. Great atmosphere within walking distance of Old Town. read more

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I've been going to El Vado taproom since they first opened and I LOVE it every single time! Today I tried the Old Town Brown and their house mixed chelada made with the Taos locally made Bloody Maria mix. Perfect for any day of the week and pairs with any of the different food shops they have in the motel courtyard. The stout was delicious and the chelada was amazing with the lime cerveza they use, you don't even need a lime wedge! They also have wine and mimosas if beer is now t your go to. The beer tenders are always professional and outgoing and will answer any questions you have. El Vado Taproom is a place for anyone and the aquarium is right across the street. Also don't forget to stop by the many cute and fun local shops, from apparel to plants the owners are good friends of mine and they really make it such an amazing community! read more

El Vado Taproom - Old Town Brown and House Mixed Chelada. - Beer Bar Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Wow, Wow, Wow. What a fantastic place. Really a place to bring visitors and show them how cool Albuqueruqe is. Great food choices, tasty beer and some cute shops. Plus a big patio to enjoy. read more

Went there last night. Great venue for outdoor music and enjoyed the variety of beverages and food choices, especially the Costa Rican fare across the patio. Enjoyed the local band too. read more

Civility goes a long way.I can only express my deep disappointment with the human that felt it necessary to be snide. I hope that whatever you are going through gets better. I will not be returning here as i was made to feel unwelcome back. Please continue to support local. My experience was unfortunate but yours might be better. I paid $16 for two drinks and didn't even consume them due to how poorly i was treated by staff of el vado taproom. I politely returned both drinks FULL and paid, then I left. I was at this establishment for about 15 minutes before i left. I hope things are better for the next person. read more

Great selection of beer and nice ambiance. Customer service is great also and so many options just outside to pick what to eat. I also love it's pet friendly so you can enjoy your beer and bring your little pet with you. read more

So, El Vado has made me realize I am angry person that hates my life (hear me out). 1. It has always been my dream to take an old-school Route 66 motor lodge and convert it to a hip, boutique hotel. I have kept an eye on the De Anza for years, waiting to win the lottery and make it happen. Darn these guys, they copied my idea, and now I just look like a copy cat. 2. I hate living here. I mean, how do I justify staying at a hotel one night a week when I have a home somewhere in town? I may move, just so I can come back here to stay all the time. Seriously, though, I really dig this place. They have updated the whole property. The lobby is now converted to a great taproom, and there is lots of little places to eat in some of the old rooms. These guys did a great job and they deserve our business. read more

Not a huge fan of the Ponderosa beer primarily served here, but it's serviceable. The service is great and the setting, with the incredible pizza joint steps away you can order from, is fantastic. Staff are friendly and prompt. I had a great time here, and recommend checking it out. read more

Hey, if it's new in ABQ, craft beer is a must, right? And hooray! I've always been a fan of Ponderosa brewing company, even if they are based out of Portland, it's a company that plays well with others, often pairs with our local scene for hybrid pours, and when they take on European styles they excel. I heartily recommend the beers on tap here, and you'll find a decent selection of wines and guest brews, to boot. The space is something of a delight, as well. A sizable bar offers a fun spot to chat with the beertender, and two high-ceilinged hangouts adjacent really round out an area that frames the center of the shopping and dining experience around here: restaurants south, retail north, hotel east. Speaking of dining, while I can't comment on the food, I saw solid plates of classic bar eats coming out of the kitchen, and that's kind of incredible because, in this small courtyard alone, you can take your pick from an exceptional selection of dining options. Honestly, while it's true that all new developments in this town need to include a good spot to grab a pint -- that's just ABQ mandatory these days -- it's doubly true with this boutique hotel, as the prospect of grabbing a couple beers before calling it a night around here makes a staycay very, very intriguing. read more

Nice patio and friendly bartenders. Only wish that the food places were open later. We came on a Sunday.

Great patio. Best tomato beers! Friendly service. They also serve wine and hard ciders as well if you can't do beer.

Recommend at least 2 bar tenders (or table service ....) when holding an event.......not cool to keep your customers waiting in the heat for 15-20 minutes to get a drink. Also with all the space .....please please add more tables with shade. read more

Chicken bowl is good nice moist chicken and tasty salad dressing. Will order it again. Also loved the pot stickers very flavorful.

Staff is awesome...very helpful! Large beer menu-pints are 5.50$ each. We loved the outdoor sitting area, coco porter and red velvet ale. All beers were unique and good...would definitely return here! Taproom also offered a cider and wine for non beer fans! read more

El Vado Taproom - Beer Bar Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Nice cozy little taproom with beers from Ponderosa Brewing featured. The art deco wall hanging representing Route 66 goes all around the perimeter of the establishment, so don't forget to check that out! There is a nice warm fireplace for those blustery winter days where you can sit comfortable on a couch or at a bistro table and enjoy a stout, schwarzbier, or dubbel, or even have a 'chilada. On a warmer day you can head across the plaza and grab a pizza, burger, some chicken or one of several other entrees from the restaurants just across the way. There is a nice outdoor seating area with room for plenty of people, so check it out! read more

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Love this place! First time visit yesterday, great way to spend a hot afternoon under the misters in the patio drinking a beer and having a burger. Many good options in the plaza area and the taproom has a good selection of beers. We all got Ponderosa IPA, good flavors. My only regret is not getting a pic of the huge, delicious green chile burger from Bosque Burger! Fries were crispy and delish as well! Highly recommend a visit or socially distance visit with friends! read more

My wife and I tried this place out this weekend. It has a chill vibe with great beers on tap. The ipa was killer. The bartender made were friendly and never had to wait for a beer. The patio is nice and has lots of options for food. The place is actually pretty small, but has lots of outdoor seating. read more

El Vado Taproom - Beer Bar Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico