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    Evangelos Cocktail Lounge

    3.5 (111 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated a few days ago

    Evangelos Cocktail Lounge Photos

    EVANGELOS COCKTAIL LOUNGE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Live music
    Divey
    Casual
    Very loud

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    Rebecca M.

    Had such a fun evening here last night. It's an old school no frills, no hipster, no BS kind of spot. Bring cash and check any attitude at the door or you'll get your backside handed to you. The live bluesy music (with a little old rock thrown in) was perfect. The bartender Nick has been there for 50+ years and has no time for any nonsense. Had a great time and would come back.

    Bottled beer
    Jeremy H.

    We stopped at this place because we heard there was going to be live music. We got there a little early and enjoyed some drinks while the band set up. I didn't know that this place was cash only, so be aware. There is a good selection of hard liquor and a small selection of beer. The place is kinda small, but will never complain about places that have live music. It is downtown Santa Fe, so parking can be an issue. It was an decent place.

    Vintage cash register
    Jess X.

    It's the real deal man. You want a real old western bar? Come here. It's no nonsense - I've seen other reviews saying the barkeep was rude or not very nice, but to me it's who he is- it's an old rugged western bar. The bar is interesting and has some history to it - they've filmed western movies at this bar. It's actually the oldest bar in Santa Fe. They have a sweet vintage cash register and beautiful old photographs on the wall. The history here is palpable. It's cash only so hit up an ATM before you go. As I was leaving I found out there's a downstairs that opens at 9pm. It's pretty dead before 9pm- we were the only patrons at the bar around 745pm. Definitely come after 9 for the scene. The Downstairs- pool tables, bar, food music, and rad bartender who makes sweet ass elixirs to your request. You won't get drinks like this anywhere else. There's live music upstairs after 9pm. Overall- place is cool, has that real gritty western/divey/local feel. Don't expect to be worshipped when you go in- especially in the upstairs bar. Just go in , have a drink and enjoy the atmosphere and history of this badass bar. If you're into the local dive bar scene this is the place!

    a green light

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

    Great Music. But really enjoyed the pool hall down stairs. Dive bar feel with a bar tender that got it done. Thank you

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    7 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Historic bar with good service and great band. No credit cards no tabs but cold drinks

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Place is a joke, and the drinks are poorly made. Owner is a jerk. Avoid with extreme prejudice.

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    3 years ago

    Terrific live music, cash-only, friendly crowd. Try to buy the band a round. Downstairs has pool

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Cool little dive bar! Cash only so know that going in. They have live music most nights definitely a staple in Sante Fe

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    3 years ago

    Old school cocktail lounge...no frills, the basics, cash only, grumpy bartender - incredible!

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    4 years ago

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Evangelos Cocktail Lounge

    Review Highlights - Evangelos Cocktail Lounge

    Sorry, but Nick and Evangelo's Cocktail Lounge are simply the best if you want to escape from Santa Fe pretentiousness.

    Mentioned in 15 reviews

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    The Dragon Room Bar

    The Dragon Room Bar

    4.0
    (102 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    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!

    Photos
    Bar
    Bar
    The Dragon Room Bar
    Chuhily glass sculpture hanging from ceiling

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    Chuhily glass sculpture hanging from ceiling
    Secreto Lounge

    Secreto Lounge

    3.5
    (220 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    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.

    We thoroughly enjoyed spending an hour here prior to dinner…read more 'The cocktails were inventive (lots of smoke and infusions) and the surroundings were pleasant. We sat on the veranda out front and it was the perfect spot for watching the world go by. Recommended cocktails; Smoked Sage Margarita, Secret Garden and the Secreto Old Fashioned.

    Photos
    Secreto Lounge
    Signage
    Signage
    Secreto Lounge

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    The Matador

    The Matador

    4.0
    (162 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $
    Full bar
    Locally owned & operated

    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. :)

    Photos
    Bathroom wall
    Bathroom wall
    The Matador
    Entrance to the bar

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    Entrance to the bar
    The Shed

    The Shed

    3.9
    (2.7k reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    Because of it's kitschy decor and placement right on the plaza, as well as all the tourists milling…read morearound, I was worried this place would be a gimmick I would regret. However, I was pleasantly surprised. I was greeted super warmly and was educated on their menu as the host led me to my table (this place is sprawling and has inside and outside tables). My server greeted me immediately and was so helpful in her recommendations. She was truly interested in giving me the best experience as opposed to running the bill up for a bigger tip. Fresh out of the museum of New Mexico, I had learned adovada is a native dish, so I went with the carne adovada plate. Made with slow roasted lean pork, marinated in red Chile, garlic, and oregano. Served with cheese blue corn, red Chile, and onion. With a. side of pinto beans. It was spicy. Not HOT, but not "white people" spicy. It was warm and filling. Delicious. As far as margaritas, all I had were great. I had one of their premium 24 dollar margs, but it wasn't any better than the 12 dollar one recommended by the server. They also offer huevos rancheros, various enchiladas, tamales, burritos, tacos. For those wishing to go a little more americanized (but then why would you come here), they have a buffalo burger, grilled chicken sandwich, and regular burgers. Don't let the crowd deter you. I was seated immediately mid day on a Friday. It's right on the plaza so you can stop off here during your shopping and exploring.

    We were never able to eat at The Shed, but our experience is worth noting…read more We called there three times to make reservations on separate days and no human being ever picked up the phone. This morning, a few minutes before their scheduling opening time, we walked by; the door was open and a manager was sitting on a chair. My wife entered, said hello, tried to make eye contact, and was ignored. THAT'S the way to make sure diners find their way to other SF restaurants!

    Photos
    The doors from inside to out, showing the low historical door dating back at least a century
    The doors from inside to out, showing the low historical door dating back at least a century
    Carne Adovada Plate
    Carne Adovada Plate
    Exterior/patio area

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    Exterior/patio area

    Evangelos Cocktail Lounge - lounges - Updated June 2026

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