Stereo | Venue & Tap Room

They picked the wrong year to remove the roof, that’s for sure.
I’ve lived in ABQ going on 20 years, and 2015 ranks as possibly the wettest on record. We’ve been seeing rain once, twice, sometimes three days a week all summer; compare this to the norm, where we’ll go months without a drop. So a venue without a roof, like Stereo, has weathered a tough stormy season.
That said, I love this bar, er, tap room, whatever you want to call it. There’s a small stage that best accommodates DJs and minimal bands, and that’s typically what they book. I applaud ‘em for going after national talent that’s otherwise unknown in these parts, experimental sounds and up-​and-​coming names that don’t necessarily fit a musical niche. A good rule of thumb: if you don’t recognize who’s playing, go.
The tap selection is pretty stellar, to boot. Expect a few hard or impossible-​to-​find brews on the menu. If you’re sensitive to secondhand smoke, take warning, it’s an outdoor venue that’s smoker-​friendly. It’s also a nice spot to chill with some friends and just piss away the evening. Oh, and check your weather app, an umbrella may be necessary.

It’s places like this that help ABQ feel like a real city. It’s a chill venue with great ambiance built up from the ashes of Golden West Saloon. There’s no roof, which gives the place a fun and unique vibe. It’s charming and minimalist with a southwest feel. Wooden booths, ivy growing on brick, and a small stage for bands that aren’t big enough to take over the El Rey. The bar itself is made of wood and is accented with christmas lights. They’ve got an ample beer selection written in chalk and organized by type of brew.

Back in town visiting and delighted to discover this place! I absolutely love the outdoor vibe and the plants. I was also very impressed by the bathrooms– plenty of stalls which is rare in a bar. AND they actually have quality toilet paper! Never experienced this in any business before!

If it wasn’t for the bartender/​staff member I’m certain stole my card info, I would have given this place 5 stars. Go here with cash, or don’t go.