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    Founders Speakeasy

    4.6 (105 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    Founders Speakeasy Photos

    FOUNDERS SPEAKEASY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy

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    Candles they have
    Robert C.

    This place is so cool. You go in to the EL Rey liquor store and then they take thru a door they look old like a cooler. It only holds 35 people so we had to be put on a wait list. They call you when it's your turn and you have 10 minutes to go back and check in. When you go down they will tell you where to sit. The place definitely feels like a speak easy. It's small and has a huge variety of liquors. We sat at the bar and the bartenders were really nice and told us about the place and recommended some drinks. We will definitely go back with friends.

    Mariel S.

    No cover charge. Decent prices. Yummy drinks. Demure, intimate vibe. Love. Check their IG for the password. *Note: I am from California

    Mia M.

    Love, love, love this place! I had my first experience here on a Friday night, and it was fabulous. We arrived right when they opened- which I highly recommend, because they reached capacity by 10pm. My dad was visiting from out of town, and he was equally impressed by this tiny speakeasy. The menu is amazing! I had a banana rum drink that was absolutely delicious, along with a few other creative cocktails. This spot is perfect for anyone who loves craft cocktails and a cool, dark vibe. You enter through El Rey Liquors, and you'll need a password, which you can find on their website. The bouncer and bartender were both super kind and helpful in navigating their extensive liquor selection.

    Entrance
    Richard O.

    I walked into El Rey Liquors in downtown Albuquerque expecting, you know... liquor. Instead, I found myself in what felt like a real-life episode of Scooby-Doo, minus the van and meddling kids. No sign, no crowd, just a lone man sitting by a freezer like he was guarding the last pint of Ben & Jerry's. Naturally, I walked up and whispered the password like I was auditioning for a spy movie. The man nodded solemnly and opened the freezer door--not to frozen peas and pizza rolls--but to a secret staircase. I half-expected to be handed a cloak and told I was going to Hogwarts. Down the stairs, I found Founders Speakeasy--a dimly lit cocktail haven that feels like a classy prohibition bunker. I ordered the New Mexico Old-Fashioned made with Taos Lightning bourbon and nearly wept. It was smoky, smooth, and tasted like a sunset over the desert. The Sangre y Arena? Like a classy fruit punch for grown-ups with good credit and mysterious pasts. With 150 spirits and a bunch of house infusions, this place is a playground for cocktail nerds. Just don't expect flashing signs or a guy outside yelling "DRINKS HERE!" You gotta earn this one. It's like Narnia for adults. Bring a password, an open mind, and maybe a friend to help you find the freezer.

    Cocktail #1
    Tiffany H.

    One of my fav speakeasy style spots I've been to. Cute vibe, delicious drinks, and friendly quick service. Higher cocktail prices than average for the town but right in line with similar downtown unique spots in other cities.

    Banana Bread Old Fashioned
    Serena P.

    Great drinks, very cool atmosphere, and lovely bartenders. Had a great time there and would definitely go again.

    Denise R.

    Once again it doesn't disappoint. This place has a really cool vibe to come and have one of their amazing drinks and just hang out for a bit. It does get busy but, they limit the amount of people that can enter at a time.

    Mocktail
    Lauren M.

    My husband and I randomly stopped in for a drink & loved the place! I'm pregnant, so wasn't expecting to get anything other than a sparkling water or so. Our server was great though and created an off menu mocktail for me. My husband got an old fashioned & said it was good too. My mocktail was ~$8. Very fair pricing for what I felt to be a nice NA drink. Great date spot!

    Kaitlyn C.

    Every time I go to Founders it's a great experience. I'm not sure how often they change the drinks but every time I have gone there have been new drink options which is fun. They are always delicious! The bartenders each time I have gone have been fun to talk to and helpful selecting a drink. The space is small but adorable and a great place to unwind with friends over a delicious drink.

    Custom drink with clarified Mezcal (I usually don't like Mezcal but it's clarified with vanilla ice cream). What?!? So good
    Kelly P.

    Since experience bars are always on my List to visit when I travel I was told that Founders was a must. Well they were right. Before proceeding to their actual location, you should go on their webpage and get the password.... Now - Like most speakeasy bars, it's limited in seating and capacity so keep that in mind if you try to go without a reservation on the weekend.... I went in the middle of the week and was able to get a spot at the bar . This place was great. The bartender was super friendly and willing to make amazing cocktails based upon the type of drink I liked and experiment with different things that we're not on the menu.. the staff was awesome all around. Let's do a quick walk-through, you walk into El Rey's liquor store, and you give the person the password. They then move you to a downstairs location that is amazing. Prices for this type of experience bar at this location I would say are moderate and the value for what you are getting is great.. I wish I could actually give this place higher stars because it's rare you find quality products with great atmosphere and friendly employees - worth it.

    Husband having a drink
    Elsa C.

    This is the place you MUST visit when in Albuquerque NM. Husband and I walked here from the train station. Map the exact address as the location is hidden as it is a speakeasy bar that is underground!!! Oh, and first you MUST go on their website and ask for the password as it does change and yes, they do ask for the password. They also check your ID, so no matter your age make sure you have an ID with you. As you walk downstairs get ready to enter a cool bar with wonderful people working. And WOW!!! The drinks are amazing and at a reasonable price. We went on a Monday and they were having an all night HH on margaritas, daiquiris, and Smoky old fashions !!! The place is small but it has alot of character. We went before they opened and got to spend some time talking to Joel upstairs. So glad we found this place as the drinks and people were great.

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    5 months ago

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    5 months ago

    Fun little speakeasy. Got to their website and request the password. Service was a bit slow but fun unique drinks

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    This place is cool! Make sure to look up the password to get in! Service and ambience were great and drinks were creative and delicious.

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    1 year ago

    Always a great spot to pop your head in after a long day!! Staff is amazing and ambiance is spot on!

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    6 months ago

    Great little hole in the wall place, fantastic drinks, and friendly staff, recommend for before or after dinner drinks!

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Fun experience to enter the bar through the secret door. Drink and service were great and made for an overall neat experience.

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    5 years ago

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    Ask the Community - Founders Speakeasy

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    G Toti - Old Fashioned Marshmellow

    G Toti

    (6 reviews)

    Downtown

    Not sure why this is listed as a speakeasy. I definite wouldn't categorize this location as one…read more But it's a solid bar! I love that they have indoor and outdoor seating. It's also listed as rooftop. Which it is... but it's on the second story. Either way, they did a great job with the space. There're options for diff seating areas to be more in the mix of things, or more secluded and private. Entrance is through the hotel, through Char, and up the stairs. Suprize and RJ were great bartenders. The clarified pina colada milk punch was delicious.

    New prohibition era-style speakeasy bar at the Hotel Andaluz. Formerly Ibiza, this space has…read moretransformed inside and out, the architectural details indoor transport you back to the 1930's with marble accents, emerald green velvet and low light. The space has been flipped around so the bar is on the opposite side it used to be. The bar is larger but the space is the same size leaving the seating area a bit cramped. Service was well enough I believe it was their first day of service so they are finding their footing. I did not try a signature cocktail however, expect to spend $15-$17 which I guess is standard these days. I had a vodka soda (my go-to) and we went outside. The patio is much more open compared to the old space, and the vibe is more boho chic with funky accents and wicker chairs. They have these fun swinging chairs outside, however , I found their placement a bit odd, because they are right in front of the dual service bar top and there's only two chairs. The music was big band, and swing and the vibe was chill, it was a precursor to our next venue but still relaxing for a Sunday afternoon. Also one thing to note is that they do not serve the downstairs menu upstairs but serve "snacks". Beef jerky, nuts, that sort of thing. Go check them out and help support local. I expect to go back again soon and will update.

    1922 Bar & Lounge

    1922 Bar & Lounge

    (10 reviews)

    Downtown

    This is a beautiful historic bar, located in the Clyde Hotel…read more I had Carrie's Burger and the Olive Oil Martini (OK, this was an experiment based on another review that I read). The burger was fantastic! Served with your choice of salad or fries. ( I picked salad - trying to be healthy ) The Martini was a bit shocking at first sip... it got better as I drank it. I thought maybe the EVOO was good for my health too . I might not order it again, but I enjoyed the adventure! Service was a bit slow, due to limited staff early on. Later, more staff arrived...just in the nick of time. I got there at 7pm, maybe that was a bit too early.

    I wouldn't typically go to a hotel bar, but this one was worth it. The old vintage feel was nice…read more The open lobby area outside the bar is really neat with velvet couches, plants, lots of ornate decor. I don't think you can have a drink out there though. We went here for a low key place to paint and spend some time. They put up with us doing art at the table well and allowed 2 of us to sit at a big round corner booth to have some quiet and privacy. The place was actually surprisingly loud when we arrived with some loud groups and sound carrying, but it quieted down later. This was a weekday evening. Our server was very nice and helpful in us selecting our drinks. The drinks were fancy and good. I was pleasantly surprised to find a pumpkin spice martini off- season. I really enjoyed the drinks I had. I ordered mushroom flatbread and it was plentiful and very tasty.

    Teddy Roe's - Solid cocktail

    Teddy Roe's

    (88 reviews)

    Nob Hill

    Tucked away behind an unassuming alley in Nob Hill, Teddy Roe's Speakeasy is one of those places…read morethat instantly makes you feel like you've discovered something special. From the moment you find the hidden "bakery" entrance and step inside, it's like being transported into a completely different era--dim lighting, vintage décor, and that perfect moody, upscale speakeasy ambiance. The atmosphere is hands-down one of the best in Albuquerque. It's intimate, cozy, and just the right amount of lively. It's the kind of spot that's perfect for a date night, girls' night, or just wanting to feel a little fancy for the evening. Now let's talk drinks--because WOW. Every cocktail feels like a work of art. Beautiful presentation, unique flavor combinations, and clearly crafted with serious attention to detail. You can tell they don't just make drinks here--they create experiences. I also loved that they pair the whole experience with live entertainment! One thing to know: reservations are definitely recommended since it's a smaller, more exclusive space, but honestly, that just makes it feel even more special and intentional. Overall, Teddy Roe's isn't just a bar--it's an experience. If you're looking for somewhere unique, a little mysterious, and full of personality, this place absolutely delivers. Easily one of the coolest hidden gems in Albuquerque.

    Heyyyyyy Albuquerque has a slick, real Speak Easy! we had…read morejust got into to the other week. I knew after dinner we may wanna grab 1 more drink so I had checked to see if there were any new spots sine the last time we were in town. I hadn't heard of this Teddy Roe's so we grabbed a reservation for the late evening. After getting dropped off by a car we tried to find the entrance. I'm not going to give away the trick to it but it was fun. Once inside we got our spot that we held. I didn't see a drink on their menu that I liked that was rum based, so I asked the kind bartender if they could make me one. I only asked that it be alcohol forward, but that I was good if it was a more fruity drink too. They brought me a concoction that was perfect. It's a real nice place. The ornate ceiling and the beautiful bar added to the regal vibes of the place. I would definite recommend Teddy's; it's one of the best speakeasies in town.

    The Copper Lounge - Sweet life and birria tacos

    The Copper Lounge

    (217 reviews)

    $$

    Midtown/University

    Went for a happy hour after work and I loved the ambiance! Dark and cozy with a speakeasy vibe…read more Once I entered it was easy to forget it was still sunny and hot outside. The menu was listed as cast of characters/script, which was lots of fun. Our group was about 20 people, which I'm sure was a challenge, but our server was great and kept us all with full glasses and no waiting. There is a small parking lot with free parking. It was full by the time I got there, but it was easy and free to park on the street nearby. They had a great selection of local beer, wine and creative cocktails. Didn't really try the food but the drinks were great. Would definitely go back!

    I had not been to this place for many years. It used to be a dive bar for unm students. It was…read moreredone apparently 7 or 8 years ago and is a cool place to go too. When you go in the entrance the bar is to the left and is now kinda of a speakeasy. It's dark, nicely done, music playing and fancy cocktails being made. They don't have a huge menu but you can get some appetizers, sandwiches, etc. We had some non traditional nachos which were very good. The service was also very good. When we left the bar, I checked out the restaurant that was to the right when you walked into the front door of the Copper Lounge. It's has a very nice ambiance and it's not dark like the bar was next door. Don't have any other info on it but looked very nice. I would recommend checking these places out if you are looking for something very different from the usual places.

    Founders Speakeasy - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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