I had two cocktail bars on my "must visit" list for Santa Fe. One was Secreto, the other was…read moreTonic. I reviewed Secreto separately. And while their cocktails were good, the service was lackluster and it was loud and crowded. Granted I visited Tonic a little later in the evening, but it was low lit, quiet, not crowded, and playing jazz. The bartender was SUPER attentive, but in a positive way. He really seemed to care that we were comfortable. In fact, most of the negative reviews complain that it was low lit and quiet and only one bartender. I found these things the most attractive. They focus on craft cocktails with seasonal ingredients. I visited late in the night after other stops at Secreto and Coyote Cafe, so I was flagging a bit. I can't even remember what I ordered, but both cocktails were great. Very herbal and complex. They have herbal cocktails, savory cocktails, spicy too. I also love how some of their cocktails have little romance novels or stories to go along with them as a way to describe their flavors/mood.

We didn't even get the chance to sit down or spend our money here. We showed up with a party of 9…read moreand were stopped at the door before we could even step inside. A staff member asked our group size, said she needed to check with the bartender, and then a male employee came up and said he was the bartender. He told us they couldn't accommodate a party of nine and also refused to let us split into smaller groups. The way it was handled made it worse--he was condescending and hit us with, "I don't make the rules, I just enforce them," with zero effort to offer alternatives or show any basic customer service. I've never experienced a place turn away a group that's clearly ready to spend money, especially on drinks. Turning away out-of-town guests like that without even trying to work with us is a pretty bad look. Definitely not a great first impression.

What a lovely hidden gem in Santa Fe! My boyfriend and I checked this place out on a quiet Sunday…read morenight & loved the ambience and decor. Every touch is well thought-out and beautiful! We were surprised to learn the bar has been closed a few months for renovations, and we are some of the first to wander in before their soft re-opening Tuesday (5/5). Our bartender was very kind & attentive, and the cocktails were wonderful! Will definitely be coming back next time we're in town!

The Dragon Room Bar was truly memorable. Although there's no reservation for an impromptu birthday…read moregathering of 8, we found a large round table not long after we arrived. We had been few years back for our anniversary and ever since then we had wanted to go back. The waiter did his best to gather extra chairs and we were able to all fit at the round table. To my amazement, we had found a spot for the night to celebrate my birthday. The waiter asked what we had wanted to start with besides water for everyone. We got a bottle of red wine started and some margaritas along with a manhattan. Then afterwards couple of fish tacos and some carne asada arrived. We had great drinks and tasty food. Everything is delicious and so much great fun vibes. A definite memorable birthday to remember at this small but fantastic bar. Here's to coming back to the Dragon Room bar sooner.

If you're looking for a moody, elevated cocktail experience in Santa Fe, As Above, So Below…read moreDistillery absolutely delivers. The moment you walk in, the atmosphere pulls you in--an almost mystical aesthetic with curated decor (think mounted skulls, vintage accents, and cozy lounge seating). This makes it perfect for a date night or a unique night out. The space is intentionally designed to feel immersive, and it works. I ordered a gin cocktail with a tajín-style rim and fresh cucumber garnish, and it was incredible. Crisp, refreshing, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of spice. Service matched the vibe--friendly and knowledgeable about what they're serving. It was easy to sit back and enjoy the atmosphere. This is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem--unique, a little edgy, and far from your typical bar scene. Whether you're into craft cocktails, cool aesthetics, or just want somewhere different to hang out, this spot is 100% worth checking out.

Terrible service Incredibly long wait…read moreBartender had no idea how to make drinks and was looking up the most simple concoctions . He didn't even know how to make a dirty martini .

* Came here for cocktails only and was not disappointed *…read moredelicious cocktails * Amazingly priced * The bartender puts time into his craft in making sure the drinks are awesome * Super friendly and attentive service * Cool space * Wine and spirit tasting options * Small plates menu available *Indoor and outdoor space

This is such an awesome wine bar in the heart of Santa Fe on the corner of Guadalupe and San…read moreFrancisco St. Shout-out to Evan who served us both times we visited the shop around happy hour time. The first time we came, we had a delicious cheese & charcuterie plate with all the fixins, including a spicy jam I asked to take to-go when we were done. Evan thoughtfully topped it off and put it in a small container. Wines were delicious--the hubs and I each ordered a flight, he a "refreshing whites" flight and I a mix n match situation (also whites, but with bubbly selections as well). The grandparents got their drinks by the glass and the kiddo was happy to have water and snacks. The ambiance is cool, both literally and figuratively....it was so pleasant to come in from the summer heat into this stylish and AC'd spot featuring local artists' work on the walls, and the hand soap in the bathroom also felt artisan and special. Individual hand towels to dry off hands after washing as well. The second time we came in it was just my husband and myself, and Evan gave us the royal treatment once again. There were other patrons and he graced every party with the same attentiveness and expertise. We each ordered a flight, and when Evan was knowledgeably explaining the wines we selected, it made me crave and decide to ask for a glass of bubbly. He went above and beyond to bring us a sampling of bubbles on the house! What?! Definitely will be back if we are ever in the area again and we highly recommend this place. Thank you, Evan, and Vara tasting room!

Without a doubt the most tasteful dining experience in Santa Fe!…read morePerfect service, mind blowing creative gourmet dishes. Elegantly presented. Amazing desserts! My go-to for very special occasions!

Such an amazing restaurant. A staple on every Santa Fe visit. Beautiful restaurant with a couple…read moregreat patios. Food it top notch. We had the Corn Chowder, Onion Rings (a insiders fave), their legendary Chicken Schnitzel, Smoked Salmon Tartine and a delicious Crozes-Hermitage Blanc. Service is always top notch and they have one of the most extensive wine programs in New Mexico! Can't wait to go back!

Charming Patio, Decent Food, Better for Drinks Than Dinner…read more The patio is lovely. Cool, shaded, and surrounded by greenery. It feels tucked away and cozy, with heaters for chillier evenings. This is definitely a mezcal focused bar, so keep that in mind. Margaritas lean smoky thanks to the mezcal preference, which might be unexpected if you're used to a more traditional flavor... The chips and guacamole were just okay. The guac was overly whipped, and the salsa lacked spice. I had the asada tacos. good, though a bit dry. Service was a bit hit or miss, took some effort to get the waitstaff's attention. If I came back, it would probably be for happy hour rather than a full dinner. The vibe is great for drinks and a light bite, but not a must-visit for the food.

Best bar person in Santa Fe this restaurant is a hidden diamond among restaurants…read more Great food great service and a bar that doesn't stop Marina is the one to know and Robert is The King

Absolutely a must go when in Santa Fe. It's slightly off the downtown plaza area, so maybe it's…read moreslightly hidden? Worth the tiny bit of extra work. If you can snag a seat in the armchairs beside the real fireplace, consider yourself lucky.

The live music was amazing. We arrived at the hotel late and needed to grab a bite before bed. The…read moreatmosphere was great with the music and fireplace. Our service was excellent and when we stopped in a few days later our server recognized us. Highly recommend for some live entertainment and delicious snacks.

Secreto was hands down our favorite spot for drinks in Santa Fe. Tucked inside a beautiful hotel,…read morethe bar has an atmosphere that's both elegant and relaxed. The massive mirror behind the bar makes you feel like you've stepped into a classic Western movie, adding to the unique charm of the space. Their signature Sage Margarita is a must-try. The bar is filled with the subtle aroma of burning sage, which creates a memorable experience before you even take your first sip. The cocktail itself was delicious and unlike anything I've had before. My personal favorite, however, was the Mezcal Paloma. Our bartender, TJ, crafted it to perfection. Watching him work was like watching a magician at his craft, every drink was made with skill, attention to detail, and genuine passion. Between the beautiful setting, creative cocktails, and exceptional service, Secreto is a place I would gladly return to on my next trip to Santa Fe.

The drinks here were solid. But the service started out terrible, so not sure I would return. I…read morewould more likely go to Tonic (reviewed separately) for cocktails. When I arrived, I originally wanted to visit the restaurant, which was closed for the week due to a family emergency. So I presented to the open seating bar. Was ignored a long time. Got up to go to the bar and someone else stole my table. Took a long time to be acknowledged by the bar tender and finally made an order. Took quite a while to get it. Things got better when a bar seat opened up and I moved to the bar. But keep in mind, a different bar tender pretty much took over and kept my drinks flowing. That first bar tender could not hang, demonstrating poor time management skills and appeared to be moving slowly. The second bar tender, I think his name is Hector, really turned things around for me. I visited Secreto (another hotel based outfit, in the Hotel St. Francis) because they are supposed to be a "cocktail experience," boasting "garden to glass" cocktails. Dark wood and southwestern palate for decor. I had: Smoked sage margarita: flagship drink, smoked washed premium margarita (super herbal) Ghost ranch reverie: Tequila with peach, apricot shrub, lemon, seltzer, smoked rosemary (light, not too sweet, an "homage to the passionate artists of the southwest) Madonna of the Mesa: tequila blanco, pomegranate, mouth herbs, lemon, rose water (soft and balanced) Secret garden: basil infused gin gimlet with lime and chomilre infused honey. "Botanical crispiness meets honeyed serenity." I liked the basil, but the honey wasn't my thing. But a good cocktail. Again, drinks were good. On a Thursday afternoon, it was initially crowded and the initial service was terrible. But Hector saved the day.