Ok this is not a grill. Post Covid they did away with their kitchen. The ambience is perfection! Seriously I loved it. They don't open until 9 pm :( it's a night club not a bar. There are pool tables and a nice Dancing area. There is no food. I cannot write a review on food because there is none. The entire staff was so friendly. I was delighted with the service. read more

See all

This place completely ruined what was supposed to be a fun night. My boyfriend and I started our evening here, paid to get in, and even had stamps on our arms from earlier that night. Later, after going to another club, we came back because we had gotten separated from our friends. While waiting in line to re-enter, we decided we were just going to go home instead. Since the entrance line was packed, we attempted to leave through the exit. As soon as I tried to leave, one of the "bouncers" immediately assumed I was trying to sneak into the club without paying, which made absolutely no sense considering I already had a stamp proving I had paid earlier. I repeatedly tried explaining that I was not trying to get inside and was actually trying to leave, but she refused to listen. Instead, she aggressively stopped me, physically pushed and manhandled me, called me names, and genuinely seemed like she wanted to fight me. Her behavior was completely unnecessary, unprofessional, and honestly shocking for someone who is supposed to provide security. Some people take their jobs way too seriously and clearly have no idea how to treat paying customers with basic respect. This was by far one of the worst experiences I've ever had at a club, and I will never step foot in this place again. read more

Went back for the first time since I was scammed and the cover is now $20 lmao. If I could give zero stars I would. Not sure how they think it is worth $20. read more

Night clubs are probably just not for me because this place was not a vibe. The drinks were good. The bartenders "librarians" were friendly too. The other patrons.... a little too friendly but that's to be expected of a night club. read more

I have never experienced rude customer service the way I did here. one of the female bartenders purposefully took someone's order before ours( she had dark brown hair) and even after we addressed with that customer who also told her to take our order, she continued to skip over us and take other peoples orders. of course I got upset which led to me having a talk with the manager named "Web" who didn't care at all on how we were treated. we asked him could this matter be looked into and he said "not at this time" and continued to take peoples money that offered to pay more to get into the club faster in front of us . even when we got our first drink from her , she half assed it (mind you, me and my husband are black) . i get it's a club and money needs to be made, but the lack of professionalism in this place was ridiculous. customer service wise, I don't suggest this place at all. read more

On a recent Saturday night, the bouncer greeted my party kindly and held open the door for us to enter. We showed our IDs at the booth in the hall, then took up seats at a table near the front windows. The odor of cigarette smoke occasionally crept inside, and our view was solely directed at the strip club across the street, but it seemed like a great place to sit. Spoiler alert: it was my idea to come here. I like The Library, I really do. It's an unassuming establishment whose moniker is such a clever play on words, I feel compelled to explain it to any guests I might bring through. There are two pool tables along with huge shelves full of books. Whether the books are merely decorative, I've yet to learn. I suggest enjoying some food from The Library's full menu. The hamburgers are satisfying, while the wings (I order mine extra crispy) never disappoint. Chips & queso were specially priced at $3; ask your server if there are any promotions going on. If you are offered Jello shots, do not try the tequila ones.. This is a good place to watch a game over some unassuming domestic beers and standard bar food. Perhaps you'll want to avoid bringing the kids or grandma and grandpa, but do come with friends from your motorcycle club. This is a bastion of simple pleasures in the heart of downtown. Keep your eyes wide and check 'em out. read more

I'm from abq and this places sucks. If u enter u will be approached by a security guard with a weird complex. I do private security downtown bouncers are a joke. Weirdos yo. Tried to argue with me over my height even though he knew my id was legit. Enter then they asked for a 10$ entry fee after 2 more people check my id. So u get to have your bouncer harass people on the way in then charge them for it. I turned around tooo quick. Another weird thing is that the screen has 1$ entry fee as like 10 options. Then the lower portion shows options like 5$ and 10$. I believe they are charging people based on appearance. I should've spoke with management but I can imagine how that would have went. read more

Hello I'm augie and on 3/29 around 1:40 am or so we walked into the library bar on central as soon as we got in I noticed alot more people than usual as I'm bumping into people Saying sorry excuse me trying to make my way to the bar to get a beverage (note; I just got off of my job doing security at a different bar) as my buddy and are waiting in line 7 obnoxious females came and just cut in line, this continued on to another male and he started getting verbally aggressive and I still had my flash light on me and I tried to signal security. Finally security came but first some camera guy confronted me first asking any reason for the light and I explained to him, the bouncer took my id and asked to talk to us outside we go outside and the bouncer told us we are unfit to drink, so as nicely as possible we asked for a refund ($35) and he directed us to his higher up and then that male manager directed us to his higher up after waiting 5 min they denied our refund. This was ridiculous you do the right thing and get told ur unfit to drink. read more

While we just went in for a burger (lunchtime) and some pool, I was very impressed with Library's ambiance and food. The burger was very good, and they were quite accommodating to special requests on it. The ambiance is well done without going too overboard (it's a library theme, if the name didn't give it away). The pool tables were a bit dated (stains, worn, etc), but definitely playable (coin operated, $1.00 a game, bring quarters). I would like to see them address those, but it was a minor thing, especially in comparison with the rest of the afternoon. I'd imagine that at night it probably gets a bit crazy, but for a weekend afternoon I found it very pleasant. I would definitely recommend them. read more

The Library Bar and Grill - The Library has pool! - Bars Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

id give 0 stars if i could but the music was very overplayed songs i can't tell you how many times i've heard yeah by usher. i'm sorry but play better music. also my margarita was 13 bucks. it wasn't anything special but i'm here to get trashed not drain my wallet. read more

The Library Bar and Grill - yeah by usher - Bars Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Maybe 4 Star, because it's Hump Wednesday! This bar has been here forever, with that understanding I have one track mind of my oh yeah days! I'm addicted to Oktoberfest beers, and Samuel Adams is on the Tap!! Grill special on my mind, had the Turkey Ruben with curly fries and reasonably tasty!!! read more

The Library Bar and Grill - Bars Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

See all

Super fun place! The energy was off the charts! Played a few games of pool had some amazing drinks and dance a few times. I'm a little older than average crowd seem to be but everybody was really open and friendly! I'll definitely go back again! read more

If I could give zero stars, I would. The bald security guard completely humiliated my friend trying to get into the bar. She's from washington and is 23 and he made her provide 2 forms of ID. He harassed her and was so rude. Used to love this bar but when a man is violently yelling at a girl who is a regular at the bar over an id that he thinks is fake......i will not be returning. Awful. read more

My friend ID was real, she's from Washington, and was denied. She drove ALL the way home to get her passport and still gave her a hard time even though she showed two IDs. Security guard was awful and rude. Not recommended. 0/10 read more

Great service and a hot atmosphere at this downtown Albuquerque bar. From a visitor's perspective, this was one of the most happening places at nighttime. We stopped in during the day and loved looking at the cool decorations inside and enjoying our drinks and eye candy as well. read more

See all

I could.not have felt more unwelcome here. I walk in on a Thursday evening around 7p to have a beer and watch the game. It's not too crowded but because the small bar was full with no empty seats I planned to move to a table but wasn't sure if I could. After the bartender and a server passed by me with no attention whatsoever I stopped the third person, another server, and asked. She said to sit wherever. I grabbed a seat at a small table and the same server came over, dropped a menu, and said nothing. I stopped her as she was leaving and said I'll have a Michelob ultra. She left without a word. A few minutes later she comes back with a large draft mich ultra. Now, I had no idea they served anything larger than a pint because that's all I saw anyone with. Well, I was wrong because she brings me a big 22 oz draft, places it on the table, and leaves saying nothing. After a little more than 30 mins, still without a word from my server, I flag her down, hand her a $20, and say I'm ready to pay. She brings back my receipt and change, places it on the table, and leaves again without a word. The total bill was $6.18 yet she only gave me $13 in change. I guess here they decide to keep the loose change no matter how much there is. She basically tipped herself $14%. I got up and left never having been spoken to by any employee of this place except for the guy who checked my ID at the door and the server who said to sit wherever. Never again! read more

We stumbled onto this establishment by accident while traveling. Upon arrival the night manager Justin welcomed us and his paying attention to detail he saw we were from the east coast and asked if we would like an east coast game on one of the many TV's. Our waitress Faith was also excellent. The service, food and customer service was exceptional. If in the area, you have to stop in. You won't be disappointed. read more

Came here to hang out with my friends when they were in town for a training. We had a good time and the drinks were great. The staff was friendly and prompt as well. It was an interesting night because they were also filming a movie at the bar. The only down part was the waitresses uniforms were VERY revealing of their buttocks and thongs. It almost felt like we were at an adult strip bar but in public. read more

The Library Bar and Grill - Bars Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Speaking about the after hours part of this establishment It is a fun time. Cover is $10 at the door and drinks are like any other night club/bar. Wednesday is Latin night so just keep that in mind. The establishment is a little small so expect for it to get hot as it gets crowded and watch your feet. There is an out door section to cool off. I hope you enjoy read more

The atmosphere is fun and relaxed, the food is delicious. I had the turkey Reuben. The wait staff is excellent and I had a lot of fun here! This is the best place to go in downtown Albuquerque!!! read more

The Library Bar and Grill - Turkey Reuben - Bars Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Ice. Keep that in mind. New Years 2018, and my companion and I were looking for a place to get out of the cold, have a drink, and wait for an Uber. It was past midnight so most people were starting to flee downtown. We walk into this joint and are immediately patted down. Well, not me. They just looked in my purse. Maybe women aren't capable of hiding weapons on their person? Anyway... When we are told that there is a cover of $10/pp, we turn and go. A bouncer chases us and asks us why we're leaving, so we tell him. He let's us in for free. OK, nice. We take a seat at the smaller bar, away from the noise. The bartenders and the bar back are VERY nice. Drinks are good, albeit pricey. Towards the end of our adventure here, I ask one of the bartenders if they would provide me with a bag of ice, if I tipped them very nicely. See, the hotel I was staying had a broken ice machine and I needed ice to cool my vodka sprite once back home. Plus it was New Years and I didn't want to ask an Uber to stop for ice on such a busy night. They obliged, and I thought, What great service! I tipped well and continued on with my drink. A little bit later a bulky, unhappy, probably-hasn't-seen-his-d**k-in-ages jerk comes up and demands that my cousin tell him where the ice came from. He refused to say, not willing to allow anyone to get into trouble for ICE (actually, he probably wouldn't have spilled even if it were a dead body--he's just that kind of guy). The "gentleman", obviously displeased with who he is, took the ice and ran off, with all the arrogance and superiority of a man who bounces at The Library. I would have given this place a solid four stars, had it not been for ICE. I have drank at a billion bars and have had bartenders go above and beyond, not just because of tips, but because that's good service. In this case, they gave us a bag of free ice for a generous tip that was likely shared with the bouncers... but some guy just wasn't having any of that in his fine establishment, so ONE lousy star. read more

I'm giving library 5 stars it was a great atmosphere and security was really nice I didn't know they have a $5 cover cash only and since now and days I never carry cash the security at this place let us in for free which was nice I also have to say the music choices that where played the night I went where hands down the best music that I think out beat the other bars around the area so I definitely do recommend trying this place out if you haven't been before read more

The Library Bar and Grill - Bars Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

This bar is FUN, FUN, FUN. Right on the Route 66 strip, you can see all the nice cars so many people. Great place to gather with friends and family and enjoy the view. read more

The Library Bar and Grill - Bars Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

After a morning of traveling from New York to Albuquerque, I decided to come downtown to find a bite to eat. After perusing many, many Yelp reviews, I decided to stop in at Library. Although their star ratings are not very high, the exterior drew me in, and the friendliness of the staff kept me here. Everyone was very helpful, and the manager even came over during my meal to offer his thanks for coming in and to ask if I needed anything. Food wise - I opted for the Library burrito after my waitress suggested it. It was great! Loaded with chicken, peppers, and cheese, and complimented with refried beans + chips and salsa. I had to take half of my burrito with me! If you are downtown during the day, pop in for lunch. If you are looking for a place to party in the evening, Library turns into a club with a DJ and full bar. Thanks, Library! read more

See all

The Librarian Pizza was very good. However, the service was horrible. Clearly they were understaffed on a Monday evening, when people were coming to watch Monday Night Football. (I saw one table of people get up and leave because they are being ignored.). The bar has a normal, boring beer selection. The decor is a mix of books like a library and TVs like a sports bar. The combo is weird. The female wait staff were in tiny shorts that look quite uncomfortable and as if they should be working at a strip club. Finally this bar is on a street that has a wide mix of people, including people who seem mentally unstable. It may not be an area to walk alone at night. read more

Stop in to watch some football games and have a beer. After sitting myself in one of their comfortable booths my waitress explained the happy hour special. Ordered a 22oz beer for $4. The staff frequently check to see if I needed anything else. If ever in town again I'll go back and eat or party here. read more

Full disclosure... this review is only regarding lunch. Central Avenue has a limited number of sit down places for a mid-day meal and honestly, the Library is one of the better options. The menu is pretty standard bar fare, and portion sizes are often generous, particularly for their salads. Staff is very friendly, and the, how shall we say, scenery improves the closer you get to the weekend. You're likely to get a personal welcome from one of the owners, which is a really nice touch that you don't see often. There have definitely been recent improvements to the place, giving it a little more of a bar and grill feel. read more

The Library Bar and Grill - Bars Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

The space is pretty decent and the music was ok. My complaint is that I asked a young woman if she worked at the bar and I got a smart ass reply from her. I wanted to know if they were still serving food. I guess you shouldn't ask questions in this place. I will not be returning. read more

Also came here for an event. Paint Nite! Very cool place. At first I really thought it was a library. Inside is covered in books and I love it. I gave a low rating because drinks menu is small and drinks took forever to come out. Ordered a few mixed drink and it wasn't as good as others place I been to. read more

The Library Bar and Grill - Bars Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

See all

Impressed!! Terrific food, the service so quick, friendly and accurate! Margarita's were delicious! Staff was so very friendly and inviting! Did not know a soul and found we had found Cheers! In the Albuquerque area go follow R lunch, dinner a few drinks a game of pool! read more

See all

Profiling to the highest degree. Apparently because I looked like someone else that had been causing trouble (by a guy from inside viewing what I can only assume is a really bad camera). Would not provide any info or management names. Very shady. read more

In my younger days I use to go to the Library at night.... I never knew they had food until recently lol. I enjoy coming here during the day on Saturdays to grab a quick bite and a local IPA before I explore Albuquerque. The waitresses wear clothes similar to Hooters (some of the girls should wear leggings under their skirts....) overall a good place to grab some food and a beer. The night life here was really fun back in the day. I haven't been in a while, but from what I remember it was a popping club with long lines to the bar. read more

The Library Bar and Grill - Bars Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Lots of TVs, lots of seating of all types (high tops, booths, hidden booths, elevated booths, even folding chairs for events), scantily clad waitresses, and music bordering on too loud. The food is decent by bar food standards, but seems to be a trend nationally. And a welcome one. Drink prices are fine, and often there are specials that make prices better than fine. I would suggest this place for a prize fight, major sporting event, and so forth. For these occasions, it would get four stars. Expect to pay a cover if it's a pay per view event, but your entire evening will remain cheaper than paying the PPV ticket at home. In closing, I'm not crazy about musty sports bars with half-naked waitresses and hammered clientele, but they have a place in the bar spectrum. A place that my husband values, and I do not, but a place nonetheless. read more

Wednesday night offers FREE Latin dancing - with a half-hour group lesson starting at 9:30pm. Not a lot of space allocated exclusively for dancing (rather than drinking, eating, or playing pool) so the place gets packed. The do offer food but mostly people seem to come to drink and dance on Wednesdays. The floor is wood but not really meant for dancing. The evening starts off with mostly salsa, bachata, and merengue - but only a few people there know how to dance (together). Many people also seem to constantly walk through or just stand in the dance area. The later it gets the more reggaetón is played and the younger and rowdier the crowd gets. But it is free and apparently the only place to go dance on a Wednesday night so come before everyone else does (and already be there when they do). read more

It's a pretty fun bar, the only reason I'm giving it 3 stars is because the bouncers can be extremely rude and obnoxious at times and so can the servers. Specially the ones in the dance floor bar area. But the servers in the tv area are always super fun and social. Other than that, it can be a blast. read more

Little service, go on good looks and short shirts. Wings were cooked, thank god. read more

The Library Bar and Grill - Good hot wings, cold beer but no TV for an hour. - Bars Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Well, there is a five dollar cover for guys and guys get groped before they enter. First bad sign. Then the bartender can't make a Manhattan, and the dry martini comes in a plastic glass (sic) and uses terrible gin. There was also no garnish. The half-top, bra-exposed, plaid miniskirt outfits were tremendously tacky. As clubs go, it wasn't loud. Drinks were averagely priced.. The lap dance was also annoying. This isn't a strip club. The whole place is populated by douchebags and reeks of misogyny. I am here right now as I write this. I will not be returning read more

ON THE BOOKSHELF: --"The Roadside Geology of New Mexico", Halka Chronic (1987) --"Moby Dick", Herman Melville (1851) --"Full Bloom: The Art and Life of Georgia O'Keeffe", Hunter Drohojowska-Philp ( 2005) --"coreyg Groovin' On The Dancefloor", Corey G ( 2010) ****************************** Give me some good books, a tight DJ, a cool crowd, and I'm home. Made it to The Library on a Friday night when a group of us from a conference were in need of a spot to chill till 2am. The Library fit the bill and how! I walked into this high ceiling-ed space (library card in hand) and scanned the space to fine huge bookshelves filled with actual books!! I so wanted to jump into a book and get all scholarly, but instead, my head started bobbin', my hips started shakin', and my feet started jumpin'. My friend and I grabbed a spot near the bookshelf (friend stuffed her drink and other gear amongst the bookery). We then started gettin' down to business. The DJ was on point. He spun some old school hip hop (when I say that, I refer mainly to jams of the '90s, but "Rapper's Delight" also filled the air), a dash of reggaeton, some house, and some good ole freakin' music. Now who doesn't mind freakin' music!? Huh?? I didn't grab a drink or anything else (I just stole ice cubes from my friends empty drink). The cover was $5 for guys. The people were cool here. One chick dropped her fur jacket (I hope it was faux fur), another girl picked it up and gave it to the owner, and they kissed. Ah Albuquerqueans, you guys are awesome! ****************************** FYI, "coreyg Freakin' On The Dancefloor" is a highly requested book, so when you check it out, be sure to return it on time. Otherwise, you have to pay some high dues for being late! read more

Penning this review is tantamount to a guy stating that he reads Playboy for the articles. This place is better dubbed Booters: the lower extremities are the thang, here. Mini-mini-skirts serve up bar food in a den. If that's your thang, the Library is happy to issue you a membership, check out and renew at will. I'm updating my previous review because I dined here recently. Noonish, we were some of the first customers in the house, and the service start-to-finish was pretty impressive, considering they only staffed two mini-mini-skirt girls to handle the crowd, which eventually grew four-fold in an hour. Attentive, cool and most likely bored by the stares from the middle-aged dudes surrounding them, the ladies were proficient and the food arrived in due time. Apparently the ribs were really good. I had nachos and a side salad, served up with sides of sour cream and ridiculously weak salsa. Lots of TVs, sports bar food, a few local beers. Man, this business model is dying. Dark, almost dank, the place smelled like a cigar shop. Really, I think a remodel would breathe a lot of life into these confines, put in some big windows and a few more lights. Then again, I'm guessing the wait staff isn't too keen on an even more revealing scene. read more

Hands down one of the best atmospheres I've visited in a very long time. Wait/Server Staff was amazing and the food was great. Even had a quick talk with the owner and I figured out in a matter of seconds just why the place environment makes it all come together. I've stopped in countless restaurants around the country and world, and this place ranks up there in the elite list of places you make sure you visit. read more