I had two cocktail bars on my "must visit" list for Santa Fe. One was Secreto, the other was Tonic. 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. read more

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We didn't even get the chance to sit down or spend our money here. We showed up with a party of 9 and 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. read more

Second time this week we checked this place out. Super hot at the bar. Looks like they are having an AC issue. The patio only had one party of four. I saw something listed on the sign as you enter. The bartender ( only employee) answered me very rudely when I asked what it was. We ended up leaving and going to a bar down the street. I don't know how this place is going to make it. Rude employee. Sauna inside . Super dead. Never any music for being a jazz bar. Good luck. read more

We did like the atmosphere and the drinks, but there's been no live jazz since 2019, so the description is very outdated. In fact, the volume level of the recorded jazz is so low that it's often hard to hear. The service was extremely good, and they make you feel like they're generally happy to have you here. Had the Memphis on Moonlight - good but very bitters forward - and the Boundless Garden, which was a lovely melon drink. read more

Third stop and third cocktail of the night. The darkest place so far. One bartender managing everything. Pretty empty and 4 seats available at the bar - with a Reserved sign. I hate that. The freedom to spontaneously drop in at your favorite establishment is one of life's simple pleasures for many, an energy that can be stifled with reservations We were told we could have any seat in the mostly empty bar. We chose a large table. Oh said barman I'll have to move you if a big group comes in. Oh said we, then we will move sensibly to a table for two. The cocktails were good. We had an Ardent Autumn and a False Dawn. I think about $18 each. We left 45 minutes later, we watched other people turned away from the bar seats but no -one came in and neither did any large groups......but they might have! Awkward service indeed as others have pointed out. Our least favorite place on the expensive Sante Fe cocktail trail. read more

Tonic - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

This was our first spot on our visit in Santa Fe for drinks and it didn't disappoint. We arrived right when they open and we're promptly seated in the window. The ambience was very art deco and lovely. I ordered a cactus coke and this was possibly one of the best (top 3 best) tequila drinks I had on my trip. I'm still salivating over it and it's refreshing perfection. Basically a Moscow mule but with tequila, I could drink those all night. The waiter was the perfect amount of checking in on us and leaving us to catch up. Since we came in January, it was not super busy but I would definitely come back on another trip. read more

I absolutely love Tonic. The waiters are so charismatic and the drinks are unique and delicious! Dark lighting and warm toned interior. Perfect for a date or get together with friends! read more

I stopped at Tonic after 8pm on a Thursday night (5/29) during my recent visit to Santa Fe. When I initially arrived, there were probably only 2 other groups of people inside, but more people started coming in as it got closer to 9:30. Many other bars nearby seemed to be closing around this time, so that made sense. I sat at the bar during my visit and enjoyed my conversation with the bartender. I wish I remembered his name, but I appreciated how approachable and knowledgeable he was. Instead of ordering a drink from the menu, I made a request to have him create a cocktail that included either whiskey or dark rum and banana liqueur. The cocktail he created was well balanced and exceeded my expectations. I really enjoyed it read more

Great cocktails and an amazing bartender! It's a beautiful setting with jazz music - great for our night cap! read more

Tonic - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

We received a warm welcome from our host (didn't catch her name) and were excited to try out a fun cocktail bar. Unfortunately, Will, our server, had quite the ego and a whole lot of attitude. Refused to take our order and was very demeaning. He mocked us and was rude. Very unfortunate for the venue. We will never come back. read more

I come to Santa Fe maybe once per year when I come to New Mexico, and love to visit the downtown area for shopping and food. The plaza was missing an upscale cocktail lounge until I found Tonic! You could probably find a good cocktail around town but at a nice restaurant, so this place is perfect for pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap. Nice variety of flavor profiles on the menu, and the server gave some great suggestions based on what I was looking for at the time. It's a very chill and trendy atmosphere that is good for small groups. I definitely recommend if you're looking for a departure from typical margaritas or other classic cocktails served elsewhere! read more

Located downtown Santa Fe near the plaza. Except for the small sign I would it have known it was there. It you are looking for an awesome atmosphere this is place is it. I think the inside is amazing. Seems this is the place to stop after 9. Kind of on the expensive side, but that is expected in Santa Fe. Waiter was nice enough to get a spit as soon as it became open. I had some French onion soup and It was actually really good. I would come back just for the atmosphere here read more

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Got there about 10:15 PM on a Thursday night. The main bar was packed, so we were seated in the Cafe area. 15 minutes later, nobody had come to give us service. That is the definition of abandonment. Won't come back. read more

Stopped into this bar while waiting for our reservation at a nearby restaurant and were immediately greeted by the bartender. I had the cactus coke, which was delicious, and my boyfriend had an old fashion that he apparently loved (not my thing). read more

Place was empty. Walked in with 10 people, bartender said we can't come in with that many people. We thought he was joking. He was not, and got combative. read more

We came into Tonic as a party of 3 at 7:30 PM on Friday. We were seated instantly, and we got to admiring their cocktail names on their menu! I ordered the Cactus Coke (tequila + ginger + moroccan spices) for myself which was great. The moroccan spices left a wonderful aftertaste, and this was bubbly and bright. The absolute must try cocktail is the one named after Dune, the Sand of Arrakis. This was the most unique cocktail we had on the trip. While it wasn't mine, this is what I would have ordered next. We enjoyed our time here. Their craft cocktails are excellent here, and they have a lot of promise. I would love to return! read more

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Nice jazzy ambience, drinks were pretty good though not cheap. I saw in reviews lots of people getting pissy about not being able to sit at the bar but the bartender was very courteous in how he told people that it was for the regulars. I really liked the Mai Tai in the frog. Having your drink come in a frog is much better than the reverse (sorry, children!) My only real complaint is the bathroom was gross, it takes weeks to build up the kind of scum ring that was in that toilet. They need a cleaning service. read more

This is a great craft cocktail bar! There are lots of amazing drinks on the menu and the bartenders are very knowledgeable and will make off menu drinks as well. The bar itself has a very speakeasy type art deco style which gives this spot a nice elevated atmosphere. It also stays open late which is great in a town like Santa Fe where most spots close early! read more

Came here with a group of 10 local women after a beautiful dinner at Alkemē. We arrived around 9:30/10pm. We were told that they (Tonic) couldn't sit any group larger than 6. We asked if 6 of us could sit at one table, 4 at another, they said no? Two members of our group were so put-off by the server's unnecessary attitude that they left. We pulled up two chairs to a table and made it work, but it we would have happily sat 4 at one table, 6 at another, and made them so many more drink sales. Drinks were good, and I'm glad there was someplace open for us to keep chatting and having drinks together. We left after one round of drinks due to the awkward and unwelcoming service. The place is cute and quirky with an inspired drink menu, but I won't return due to the inhospitality. Why in the world would a mostly empty bar turn away patrons? Was it because we were all women that they assumed we wouldn't have much to drink and would just take up space? Make it make sense. read more

Can I give it a 10? Trying to find this place via GPS is crazy! When you walk up thru a small alley (not a scary alley), it's like walking thru a courtyard. The place is small and quaint and I was super excited to try the cocktails! Myrna Loy had my attention and it did not disappoint, maybe that's why I had 3? The menu is small, but I love that! Their special was Bison steak tartare, holy crap was that the most amazing and buttery tasting meat! It was served with toast points and it was so perfect! Fries were also a go to, they were so crispy and so yummy! Served with a dill mayo and some sort of tomato sauce (not ketchup). Yeah! Then the double cheeseburger with avocado and green chile, served on an English muffin.... Now let me tell you, the cheese was so meaty and so good.... Perfection! Two thumbs up! read more

Tonic - Gorgeous light fixtures! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Two of my favorite things, Jazz and Cocktails. I can handle sarcasm, quips, etc. But the bartender, let's call him Wesley, had a stick so far up his ass I didn't want to spend a dime. We had planned to sit for a few hours, but left immediately. read more

Great food. Great ambiance (little bit loud but that's ok) comfortable. Amazing for a late night bite. Drinks were phenomenal. Ordered the French onion soup and zucchini bites. Yummo read more

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This bar has a very speakeasy vibe. Cute, quaint bar with great service and delicious cocktails.

Unsure why there are negative reviews, we had a blast. The bartender was really friendly - I'm new to bourbon and he made an off menu riff on a brown derby that was delicious. And if you're hungry the royal with cheese was one of the best burgers I've had in a while. This was a delightful surprise and we actually came back the next day to have some more drinks. read more

Nasty host staff. Refused to seat parties even while they're open. Such an embarrassing establishment here in Santa Fe.

I want to start that I like this place. It all depends on where you sit that will dictate your experience. Bar area is best, sunroom tables next, counter along the windows is the worst. The counter is counter height but the stools are bar height, so your legs can't fit under it. You have to sit away from it or sideways. Do not recommend if that is your only option to sit. Good cocktails and art deco vibe. Just be particular about where you sit. Also really dark in the sunroom area at night and you will need your phone flashlight to read anything. read more

Tonic - Counter height + bar height stools = uncomfortable sitting option. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

I have been here a few times and am very impressed with the mixology. Three of us had drinks from the menu and one of us just gave the bartender a few descriptive words and was blown away by the creation he enjoyed. I see a lot of the negative reviews have the same story line and I personally have not experienced any of that on any of my visits here. I was surprised to read those reviews. The service was great. The drink menu was very creative. We only had a charcuterie board because we were going to dinner elsewhere after our drinks here. I'm really surprised that Tonic is not on the list of top cocktail places in the Best of Santa Fe. I have always enjoyed the ambiance as well. I have never felt rushed and the music was good. read more

What a beautiful venue. You walk inside, towards the bar area and you are transported to the Gatsby years. Dark, big chandelier, arched wall with art deco designs surrounding the full bar, and servers are wearing flapper's dresses. To the right there's a stage where a Jazz band was playing, giving this place more of that retro vibe. I believe live music is on Fridays and Saturdays and it does get busy. But servers work hard to get to everyone quick and keep the drinks coming. They also have a second room if you want a bit of a more casual atmosphere and rather talk instead of listening to the music. Or just if the bar area is full. The drinks are fun, strong and classy. And they are open later than other establishments, making this a great spot to come after dinner. Note: The establishment is 21 years old and over, regardless of if you are drinking or not, and they ID. So if you are of age, do make a point to visit Tonic and enjoy! read more

Tonic - Myrna Loy - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

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This is my favorite bar in the world. The key is to have one of the specialty drinks or, even better, tell them what you like and ask them to make you something. These are true mixologists dedicated to their craft! read more

Very quirky, dark, and creative cocktail bar. The interior is very inviting;Seductive lighting, cozy seating, and high ceilings. A perfect place to stay warm away from the biting cold downtown. They also had live music, which was refreshing. This place has some of the stranger drinks I've tasted in this lifetime. One being the sotol infused with dandelion and wormwood mixed with grapefruit juice and cinnamon simple syrup. Wrap your brain around those flavors. My partner and I both ordered two drinks each during our time there. One we both liked, and the other was questionable. Hers was the aforementioned sotol drink, and mine was an off-the-menu Manhattan. I love Manhattans. It's a good back-burner cocktail when you haven't quite found anything you like on the menu. I did not love this Manhattan, as I feel it was made with too much vermouth which made it excessively bitter. To get through my drink I needed a handful more of Luxardo cherries. As I know this is a very simple drink, I will not fault the bartender, but just assume he was having an off-night because of how busy it was. Would come here again. read more

Tonic - The bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

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The main part doesn't open until 7 pm So happy hour drinks served on an enclosed NARROW patio. Waiter told me they had a full service bar separate of their specialty drink menu. I asked for Jack Daniels with a splash of diet. "Oh sorry we don't have Jack" and "we don't have soda". ????? You just told me you had a full service bar. Save your time and $$. read more

We stumbled across Tonic on our first night. It was cozy and the perfect place to grab a drink - a memorable experience and a unique setting. Loved the Art Deco decor. We had arrived late to Santa Fe when most places were closing for the night, and we appreciated how welcoming they were. read more

Tonic - Art deco ambiance - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

First of all, the bartender here was extremely rude for seemingly no reason. He wouldn't let me sit at the bar, and said it was "reserved seating tonight", but then the next person that came in was allowed to sit there, even though they weren't part of some group or anything. The bar remained slow, and no one else came in to sit at the bar. It was really weird and discriminatory. Second, I ordered a "Cactus Coke". It had way too much syrup and lime, and basically tasted like a Ginger Beer. It managed to be cloyingly sweet and puckering sour all at once. No subtlety of flavor or taste of spirit. And no, I'm not just saying that because the bartender was rude. It was just a poorly made drink. read more

Awesome mocktails and cocktails. Very chill vibe. Knowledgeable and friendly bartenders.

The drinks and food were quite expensive, even for it being in the Santa Fe Plaza. Inside area was a bit small and tables were awkwardly close. Not the best place to take a date. Staff was attentive. read more

Be sure to search out this gem of a bar! Fabulous interior. Creative crafted drinks. Good service. Great music and atmosphere. Highly recommend giving several of the drinks a try. We had the Sequoia Arroyo ( Mescal, oolong syrup, cocci Americano, Black Lime bitters, soda water) Oh so good! I enjoyed the southwestern flair to all of their drinks. Also had the Cactus Coke (Tequila, ginger, lime, bitters). Definitely the place to be! read more

Tonic - The Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Didn't make reservations, so were wandering, searching for some grub. We definitely didn't expect much, but had a wonderful time. Really excellent (if small) burger and fries. One of the best food surprises I've had in a while. The cocktails were on point as well. Lots of classics and riffs. Decent prices for the location, and we had a great bartender who put together some custom drinks for us. My wife is just starting to try Bourbon, so we asked for something that showed Bourbon off without being booze forward and he made...something. it was incredible. Highly recommended!! read more

This place is too expensive. Drinks are like $17, $18, non alcoholic drinks are a whopping $12!!!!! Additionally, poutine is.....market price? This just doesn't make sense. We tried to sit at the bar but were told it was reserved yet it sat empty the entire time we were there. Their website also says they are "a first come first serve establishment" but clearly it's just a bunch of pretentious pricks. We won't be going back and you shouldn't either. read more

We had the best craft cocktails and poutine! The atmosphere was great, we sat at the bar with an open window. The staff was very kind and knowledgeable. We will come back! Definitely try the Cactus Coke! read more

I have nothing good to say about this place, except maybe for the polite server. The ambiance on a Friday night was surprisingly creepy with old drunkards harassing some women. We ordered a Cactus Coke, which tasted like concentrated fermented ginger and nothing else. The Suavé, which tasted like a shot of mezcal with seven teaspoons of corn syrup. I wanted a Lagavulin or a Macallan or a Johnny Walker as a last resort. Nope, they don't serve those. I recall when this place housed the Atomic Cafe which is the only remaining good memory. Waste of a Friday night. read more