I was in Santa Fe for a ridiculously niche lawyers conference and wandered into El Matador on a…read morerandom Thursday night. Then I came back Friday. And Saturday. Not because of the drinks. Not because of the atmosphere. Not because of the location. Because of Katya. Katya is not my favorite bartender. She is my favorite human being. I've spent enough time in bars to know when someone is good at their job. Katya operates on an entirely different level. She can take what feels like sixteen orders at once, remember every single one, deliver them with absolute precision, keep the entire room moving, somehow do the math in her head, and still make every customer feel like they're the only person sitting at the bar. The basement bar itself is exactly what a great dive should be; a shithole. Heavy hobo stab vibes upon entry, including Katya. Smell: multiple buttholes farting at once. Climate control: sweaty patron dependent. Lighting: liability. TV: playing a rotation of trash 80s DVDs . If business schools were smart, they'd study her. If hospitality groups were smart, they'd clone her. If Santa Fe has any sense at all, they'll do whatever it takes to keep her exactly where she is. Cash only, so come prepared. And bring plenty of it, because she deserves every penny. Katya must be protected at all costs.

Kind of a grungy, punk, divey vibe. Not exactly my thing, but where that feels unique to me this is…read morethe kind of place to remind yourself it takes all kinds. A busy setting and top candidate for beginning or ending your Santa Fe drunk parade. That is to say, it is fun. It is not refined. But it clearly does not want to be. :)

One review and I my because we found it. Place looked abandoned and so did the town. It was…read moreliterally a ghost town and would creep you out at night. Not sure why it doesn't say "permanently closed".

Good lord, can't believe this gem has not been reviewed! Unless I missed it...!!!…read more If you are in the Santa Fe area, Mary's Bar is a MUST SEE. My motorcycle buddy took me here for an afternoon beer. We pulled up to the wooden, deserted-looking bar and I was like, uh, really?? But the sign said "ABIERTO", so my friend smiled, pushed the door open for me, and thus the adventure began. The bar is basically a large room full of stuff. Crap. Boxes. A covered pool table. Covered with cats. The actual bar was a small thing on the right side of the room. Also covered with cats. I love cats, so I was okay with this. :) A woman ambled out from the back, eyeing us warily (we were the only ones there), then got us our beer and water and sat behind the tiny bar to keep tabs on us. Once she started talking, man, we got some local stories that were pretty amazing. She turned out to be Mary's granddaughter; Mary (who just turned 95!!!) was in back taking a nap. My friend was disappointed Mary was not around, as apparently she is a real firecracker. It was Mary's parents who started the bar in the late 1800's (although I read it started as a general store) and it's still going... not strong, as the town of Cerrillos is pretty much a ghost town, but it's going. A must see if in the area. You won't be disappointed!

This is THE BEST dive bar in the area. Actually I think it's the only bar in the area…read more Nevertheless, you'll be able to enjoy a cold frothy one, or take your beers to go to enjoy at home. And periodically they have a dance in the event hall that is attached to the bar.

Quiet atmosphere to stop in and enjoy a cold drink. Friendly helpful staff. Decent pricing.read more

It takes a bit but the food is so good, I love the chicharon burrito with red chili and Guacamole,…read moreit's probably one of the best burritos I had.

Tacos were delicious! Was in town on business and decided to try their crunchy tacos so I'll be…read moresure to go when in town again.

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.

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!

Authentic bar vibes with a variety of drinks to choose from. Pool table available to use an a very…read morefriendly owner!!

Dive with cold beer. Aggressively nice bar tending. Drunk happy locals. Only place in town to…read moreget a late night drink.

We stopped in for lunch while exploring Taos Plaza and were glad we did. We started with the Chile…read moreRelleno appetizer, and it was fresh, delicious, and a great way to kick off the meal. We both ordered the Spicy Green Chile BLAT Wrap, and it was fresh, flavorful, and packed with ingredients. The green chile added just the right amount of kick. The service was friendly and attentive without being overbearing. We also loved the atmosphere. The inside is cozy and full of character, and there's outdoor seating if you'd rather enjoy the fresh mountain air. We'd definitely stop here again.

When they say it's in an alley, they mean it!…read more Quiet on a Monday night, can definitely tell it's a hole-in-the-wall local joint. Looks like we're a little too early for the live music, but there's a pool table in the back room (yea, that means we'll be back! I'm having first date at Sharky's vibes as a little Elton John and Aerosmith are playing on the juke box) Plenty of bar-food options. We're grabbing the coconut chicken fingers tonight, not real hungry- just wanted a place to get out of the house for our last night in town. They arrived, hot, friend and not bad- not real heavy on the coconut (in case you were wondering). Could use some kind of a tropical pineapple-something sauce, cause the ranch just feels a little weird. I couple see us coming back- especially for the pool table!

I stumbled in on this place to get Santa Fe night life and I'm glad I came in! The bartender a very…read morechill gentlemen who is the definition of Santa Fe. The bar only accepts cash, so make sure it bring it in small bills if possible! I came in on a night where there is live music (there was a cover charge, so don't be surprised if you come on one of those nights.) If you are in Santa Fe looking for night life, this place is a blast!

Staple of Santa Fe everyone should stop in for a drink and enjoy the history. Service is prompt…read morebut not fancy, think of dive bar rather than cocktail lounge.

In all fairness ..I live right up the road from this tavern…read more so I've left a lot of reviews But I'm gonna say their FISH and CHIPS are stellar !! served with malt vinegar Very crunchy beer battered Cod with excellent hand cut fries ! Tastes to me just like the pubs in Ireland and England Not a HUGE portion, but enough for me (the coleslaw is also delicious) I have a margarita on the side w this Weird eh ? Plus the music is to DIE FOR incredible We have played here ourselves a couple times but the music keeps getting better and better

Almost 10 years later, Gayle and I enjoyed another Lunch in Madrid, fresh from landing at ABQ…read more This remains the Turquoise Trail and from there we would later stop in Los Cerrillos on our way to Santa Fe. They call these 2 places "ghost towns" which is a bit of a misnomer. I do think that Madrid and Virginia City Nevada have a similar abandoned mining town vibe that we both found charming. And with the exception of the Virginia City Hat Maker, Madrid has better art. We came in on a Friday and just before a weekend music festival was to begin with the Mine Shaft being a major participant. We missed all than, but wouldn't have minded a little early live music. We snagged a nice outdoor table on the deck and enjoyed 2 different types of delicious brisket, along with generous portion of fries. I had a local beer, while Gayle had wine. We took our time and really enjoyed our time here. Until next time....

Great cocktails and charcuterie. We hit this place late afternoon before their evening business…read morepicked up. Great place to just relax enjoy a drink and talk with friends.

I've visited this lounge a few times now and it's always a lovely experience. There is always…read moreplenty of seating inside and on the patio. Cocktails are both refreshing and interesting! Never thought I would enjoy a green Chile drink but I'd highly recommend theirs. It's a cool and casual ambiance with great service. Great for reading a book and enjoying a cocktail on the patio or going with a group of friends at night to unwind.