Fun experience to enter the bar through the secret door. Drink and service were great and made for an overall neat experience.

Do you know the password? It's a must to get in. Fantastic staff, great drinks and cozy environment. There sometimes are holiday or speciality cocktails, ask and you shall receive. The happy hour special is a good deal here too! read more

First time coming here! I've always wanted to come here but it was hard to get into because it would get packed but luckily we got in tonight. I love the vibe and the bartenders were awesome! They were extremely nice and very professional. They made some yummy drinks. I got to try hot cocoa because it was so cold outside and a midori sour with egg. Never would've thought I drink one with an egg but it was delicious. I would definitely recommend coming here for a nice hang out with 2-4 friends and the drinks were awesome especially the hot cocoa! read more

Founders Speakeasy - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Some of the best drinks I've ever had. Truly a remarkable find and quiet little stop in ABQ. The staff was awesome too! They made great conversation with my brother and asked personal questions to nail down our drinks. I didn't expect one of the best cocktails I've ever had to be in ABQ, but the "Ruby Row" proved me wrong. read more

Founders Speakeasy - The Ruby Row: Bourbon, amaretto, giffard rhubarb liquer, fresh orange juice, honey syrup, egg white, served up in a coupe. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Not sure what all the buzz is around this place. We got to checkout it out this weekend and its over-rated. The concept is cool but the bartenders are unfriendly, the wait is long, its cramped downstairs and has poor ventilation. It reminds me of being in a electic, muggy, dorm room. The best thing about this place is the cocktails but if you order beer, they bring it from upstairs and its room temperature. read more

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Phenomenal drinks. My favorite was the banana bread old fashion. It's a true speak easy. Fun enough to find, but not impossible to get in and enjoy. Nice music. Good ambiance and vibe. Service was nice and a good menu to match! read more

Founders Speakeasy - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Small and quaint. Sat at the bar and the tender was busy yet social. It wasn't busy there and I loved that. Been waiting to go again. The decor was great, lots to look at and chat about. read more

Update: I returned to this bar on another visit to ABQ after the lead bartender/bar manager contacted me after my review and said he'd personally re-make the Fernet Flip for me correctly. Upon contacting him on my visit he wasn't available but did advise the other bartenders that I was coming and to comp my drink and made sure it was made properly. It was delicious and great service. Recommend. read more

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The old fashioned here is the best old fashioned I've ever had. Really cool ambience.

Cool little spot in downtown ABQ. Located through a cooler door in a liquor store. Dimly lit, unfinished staircase to basement. Watch your head for clearance! Don't forget to sign up on their website for the password. Perfect atmosphere for a speakeasy. Did I mention that the mixologists are amazing? Don't go there for the beer though... read more

Fun atmosphere with excellent bar service. Conversation was free and easy. Parking can be a pain but little they can do. I recommend if you just want to get out and meet locals. read more

Nothing less than 5 stars for the two maverick bartenders here. What an amazingly fun place in an otherwise low-key city. We found them on the first day we were in ABQ and returned two days in a row. They do keep the spirit of speakeasy and are kind of hidden inside another store and there is a secret passageway to get to the bar and all of this makes the experience so much unique. Once downstairs I did find the place a little stuffy as it's in a basement with no windows and space wise they are really scarce. Couple seats on the bar a few seating scattered across the floor and that's about it. Drinks are bomb though, everything we ordered turned out to be fantastic and these guys are extremely knowledgeable about their liquors . The next day we went in and asked for the same drinks and surprisingly they tasted even better. After a while ,the bartender knew what I liked and he just made stuff based on my preferences and by the time we left I don't even remember how many of those marvelous cocktails I had . The hubby tried a lot of their mezcal, and they even let him taste from one of their most expensive bottles. The friendly service and the amazing cocktails totally make this place a 5 star experience and if I am ever in Abq again, I am 100% coming back . read more

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Great drinks and a really unique environment. The atmosphere brings you back to a different time with really nice mood lighting. Get the password and check it out! read more

Stayed in downtown ABQ on Gold St. right behind this speakeasy. I love the concept and that this is open until 2am every night. Too bad many places close early at around 10-11pm here, but this is one of the few spots open late. ABQ needs more spots like this! I love speakeasy's!! And as someone who is visiting, it was convenient and a cold vibe :) HH is awesome too, from 4-6pm daily I believe! read more

This place is absolutely wonderful. Me and my bf went for our first time, we did go a little late at like 9:40pm so we did have to wait 35 minutes to get in, but once we were in it was completely worth the wait. Walking threw the freezer down the stairs to the bar is just so cool lol. The service is also wonderful. These guys really know how to handle a crowd. & they all love their job u can tell. & let me tell you, your getting your moneys worth with the drinks, strong AF but who can complain about that right. 15/10 recommended. OH and don't forget to email them for the secret password to get in !! read more

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Make sure you know the password (website or Instagram) and tell it to the fellas in the liquor store. What a great bar - I had the 1922 (a take on a Manhattan), Andy had a sidecar, both excellent. Great vibe, awesome bartenders - a highlight of our Albuquerque stay! read more

Hidden below a divey liquor store, it'll take you back in time. One has to visit their website to get a password in order to be allowed in. I went on New Year's Eve... perhaps the best time to go. It's cute with its vintage furniture and decor. The drinks are strong and crafted with care. There isn't a whole lot of space but that's okay. I felt part of a secret club. Will go again. read more

Founders Speakeasy - It's an Old Fashioned, old sport! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Amazing cocktails and great atmosphere. Bartender was friendly and talented. I recommend going on a weak day night for a quiet and intimate evening. read more

One of the coolest bars in Albuquerque hands down. The bar is located through a freezer down a flight of stairs inside of El Rey liquors. The bar itself is pretty small so there is limited capacity which makes the experience more enjoyable in my opinion. The bartenders are amazing at what they do. In addition to having a huge liquor selection they also have a menu of specialty drinks if you don't know where to start. It's definitely a fun and unique place to visit. read more

Central Street was loud, teeming with people, a parade of Low Riders making its way down the street. We stepped into an unassuming storefront, spoke the password, and were ushered to the large silver freezer door, which opened onto a staircase. We descended the staircase to a dimly lit, peaceful room - a stark difference form the hubbub outside. The room has seating for perhaps thirty, or less. There where about ten patrons, some groups of two, some about for to six people. The two of us selected a four-top in the corner and began deciding what to drink. The "menu" was accessed by a QR code pasted to an empty Scotch box. I've gotten used to QR Code menus, however the format of this one particular menu does not work well with a mobile screen. A one column menu would have been preferable over the wide format of this menu. Service was superb. The bartender was eager to take our drink order and checked back with use regularly. It was happy hour when we arrived, with specials on Margaritas and Old Fashions. I chose the latter and my companion chose a drink off the menu. We ended up having four drinks each, after spending about three hours, having great conversations, and simply enjoying the "speakeasy experience". Both of us had been to other speakeasy's in large cities, and this one was pretty good - the best, no, but and enjoyable experience and an unexpected venue to stumble upon in Albuquerque. Go - you'll enjoy yourself! read more

Very cool place, and a fun excursion in downtown. Drinks were brilliant - fresh flavors, new spins on old classics, just a lot of creativity at work here. Our bartender Fabiola was delightful, and ensured we were well taken care of throughout the evening. read more

Awesome speakeasy that we keep coming back to year after year. Best cocktails in town hands down! read more

Founders Speakeasy - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

The service was the beat from start to finish! I would recommend "Liking" their Facebook page for the weekly password. Beware, what you say can be overheard! The bartenders go with it, and are professional and so, so fun! I can't wait to go back, and plan on visiting a couple, few times per week. read more

Founders Speakeasy - Cocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

I'm from Vegas, this place is a fun little dive place. Located hidden underneath the liquor store. I had one drink and less there wasn't a whole lot there. It's fairly small but fitting. I didn't expect super amazing hospitality. I feel like that's probably the vibe they're trying to set. So It met the expectations I had. read more

We visited on a Sunday evening shortly after they opened, the bar was relatively quiet and we were able to pick almost any seat we wanted. The service was attentive and the cocktails were all well made. The spirits list is relatively extensive for the area and I was overall quite happy with the menu. I will definitely be back the next time I visit Albuquerque. read more

The bartenders at speakeasy were amazing, served some very craft drinks. However the guys that are checking the entry are trying are terrible, very rude. Tried to to control people. We literally were buying items and they kicked us out. read more

Yes. Yes. Yes. Know the password via Insta, and be escorted through the xxx door. (I don't want to give it away!) Barkeeps are mixologist, so order off their ever changing menu, or ask them to create something for you. A very enjoyable evening, and we were fortunate to get in right away. read more

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Have wanted to come here for ages and finally got my wish. First, you have to email them for a password. Then, when you go to the El Ray Liquor Store, you let them know the password and they will show you to the door. The speakeasy is very small, but has fun decor that makes it feel intimate. My friend and I went early, so we were the first to arrive, and I am glad we did because it is a small area, and there was only one bartender. The bartender was attentive and personable. I first ordered the El Fuego, which was spicy and sweet. The heat stayed in my throat a bit, but was not unbearable, but you are warned. Then I tried the Sandia, which was gib based. It was refreshing for a hot summer evening. I only had two drinks because I was already drinking at another bar prior to coming, but this place is somewhere I will frequent again. I heard it can be busy and crowded, so I suggest coming earlier and on a week day if you want a low key comfortable vibe. read more

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First time going and I was not disappointed. You need a password and it feels vintage. The decor was beautiful. I love art deco and it didn't disappoint. The drinks were amazing, the atmosphere was fun and we had the best friends night. read more

Super fun environment with fantastic bartenders! I'd definitely recommend stopping by Founders for a fun time with a laid back vibe!

Intimate, yet fun atmosphere. Great barkeep. "Hidden" gem. Because sure to get a password online.

Good vibe here. It is a tiny place but, as most original speakeasies are- that's how it is done. I went here as a single lady just wanting a drink and to enjoy the night out in a new place. It was my first time to ABQ and NM so why not test it out and see what's here. They have a nice mix of drinks and it isn't too loud nor cramped - I've definitely been in worse. It's fine regarding the space, just know what you're getting into if you can't handle people being close or if your idea of a speakeasy has been warped by a bougie bar throwing the word speakeasy on the front. The bartenders were cool and honestly I appreciate them knowing the right time to engage, say what's up and make sure all is good. I met a few interesting folks and also had a good time for being an out of towner knowing nothing about ABQ nightlife. Reasonable price and definitely worth checking out if you're in the right mood. Solid 4 for experience, and low key vibe without being surrounded by all the kiddies. read more

Came as a DD. I'm kind of shy and tried to order a few times. Then finally went up the bar. The bartenders were really unfriendly and kind of mocked me for ordering a drink with no alcohol. Maybe if I were drunk this place would have been fun but it was not it. read more

Was a bit skeptical upon entrance but not too bad. Been to a a lot of hidden gems in the world so cool Abq has one. Tall bartender with glasses was great, smaller guy with glasses and slight stash was rude and rolled his eyes a lot. Ultimately creative place and drinks! Good concept! read more

Beautiful collection and variety of bottom-lit bottles glowing in the dark. Great room with genuine speakeasy atmosphere. Spacious solid dark wood bar to lean on. Very creative menu of drinks. Brandon and Dee are two of the smartest & most hospitable mixologists i've ever met. Ask Brandon about his 5 fertilized eggs a day. Or the history of The Founders. read more

Love the speakeasy theme. Great drinks and awesome staff! Definitely coming back with some more friends.

I used to love Founders. It was my favorite bar pre Covid. We've tried to go back twice since things are open again, and the guys running the register/taking reservations at the store upstairs are beyond rude to everyone. We thought once, maybe a bad day, but again last weekend same thing. Too bad, but there are other nice bars in town that are actually friendly and welcoming read more

Cheap drinks and amazing bartenders at this hidden gem. Highly recommend for a night out with friends or coworkers.

Very cool vibe. Fun adventure to find. Very unique drinks, with a larrrge whiskey inventory to choose from. Very lovely servers. Might have to wait a little if there's no room. read more

This place is amazing and has the best mixologists! Definitely a must go to in Albuquerque read more

Founders Speakeasy - Cinnamon, orange whiskey sour. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico