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. :)

Definitely the best bar we visited in Santa Fe…read more When we arrived there was still seating at the bar so we promptly sat ourselves there. We ordered a charcuterie and cheese board which was much larger than expected and had plenty of local options. I started with a See You At Dusk, which was a combo of Melleti, souchu, balasmic, ginger and walnut. I found it to be a very flavorful drink that paired well with the board. I next tried a Bywater which was rum, falernum, genepy and Averna. It was a very deep and rich cocktail which I also enjoyed. The bartender was very friendly and offered us small samples of a few unusual items they stock. Overall a very fun experience.

I close my eyes and I imagine the scene- that last tasting session before approving this menu. When…read moreR.R. Martin insisted the Dark Winds cocktail integrate even more beets- so many beets that the mezcal itself was stifled like a flame under shovelfuls of fecund loam and that homey odor of fresh earth itself somehow overpowering a smoke-scented spirit- when this titan of imagination demanded more beet! in his signature drink, did he bang his closed fist against the table in passion? Did tears of certainty spark his eyes as he sat under those moody lights, standing firm that yes So Long, See You Tomorrow needs not one or two but three different types of sesame- what did he feel? What did intend to bankroll? And the sickest joke of all- the Bellow's Breath- a bone broth mocktail like some crystal cup of soup. Was that beverage intended to pogo stick my friend off the proverbial wagon into the depths of glugging Long Island ice teas just to feel something familiar again? Because it did. And my heart aches for that friend but I too would lose my mind if I were to stare into such a void and see whatever it is that stares back. Was this menu the vision of a team- a baffling Frankenweenie invented by committee- or the secret wish of one troubled mind? I see it all so clearly and yet I can't help but doubt my own memory. That many beets on such an expensive cocktail menu? Who salts blueberries? This total disregard for the green chile cult that runs this city like a delicious cabal? Had no drink technician ever walked from front door to car, inhaled the piñon perfumed air outside and thought, I can do something with that. I don't know what happened and I don't think I ever will but I know I did not like it. Also the bartenders were vacant and so confused that human beings wanted to order cocktails in a cocktail bar.

The wings are so damn good. I love the juicy flavor and the Cajun rub is perfect. I came back again…read morefor them. The chicken bacon club cheese was mostly on one half and a very minimal amount of mustard/sauce. The bread was great, I did enjoy it but it was a bit inconsistent throughout. The rosemary waffle fries are great, I just did not taste a lot of rosemary and it did not have much of any parm. Truffle Mac n cheese I ordered to go. Thankfully I checked when I got to the car. There was no truffle at all on it. I came back in and the bartender was sweet and gave me a small portion cup of some. She is the one who talked me into it, even if I'm lactose intolerant, and it was worth it! I however did not get to try it with any of the herbs that were mentioned on the menu. That would have been a great enhancement. This place is cute, good food and I will keep coming back. Some things weren't great but were also corrected. The bar staff is typically very friendly, wait times for drinks are a little slow but I understand. Probably some of the best wings and Mac n cheese I have ever had.

Stopped in today on Father's Day for lunch as we're staying in town for the night. Not many options…read moreon a weekend in Los Alamos, so options were limited. We made the wrong choice. There were 10 tables occupied around 1:00 and all but 3 tables were eating their food, but we still waited 25 minutes to order after we got our drinks. I had to ask the young man hosting to find our appetizer and waitress after 20 minutes. 3 of us had fries with our entrees and they were soggy, greasy, and so salty that none of us ate them. Our son who loves cheeseburgers said his tasted funny, our daughters chicken nuggets tasted like the fish my wife ordered, and my Rueben was dry and chewy because the meat was reheated on a flattop instead of steamed like it should be. No one in the kitchen seems to have a clue how things should be done in a restaurant. I could go on, but what's the point. The only thing I'll remember about this place was bad food and the $100 we threw in the garbage. If I had the chance to have a redo, I'd go down the street and eat at Sonic, and Sonic sucks.

What a great find thanks to Yelp! Upstairs from Lambert's is this great bar lounge. It's mellow and…read morecomfortable and plays the best music. The service is excellent and knowledgeable. Cocktails are world class and they have a great selection of food from appetizers to full entrees.

Great food and service. The bread with whipped butter and garlic is a must!!! The food was all well…read moremade and elevated. It was awkward eating a meal on a couch/coffee table, but we picked the seating, and could have opted for a more formal table at the downstairs restaurant. The atmosphere of the bar/lounge was too cool to pass up though!!!

We are in Taos for 1 night and wanted a drink after dinner. Stopped here sat outside and no one…read morespoke to us for 20 min then we gave our drink order and then another 20 min and it was not crowded! We chose to leave

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.

Passing town and was in the mood for some great live music. Turned to Yelp and guided me to this…read moreplace. Luckily we arrived before Greg Dileo started to perform. He reminded me of Bob Dylan singing, strumming the guitar and the harmonica. Samantha and Rachelle took care of us with wonderful service. Highly recommend this hidden gem

We stopped in for a snack and two drinks. They had live music, he was actually very…read moretalented-dressed nice and played originals plus a few we knew! Nice experience. I ordered an old fashion 3 outta 5 stars, girl next door was 5 outta 5. Service was great! If you're in the area, drop in! Very relaxed atmosphere.

* Came here for cocktails only and was not disappointed *…read moredelicious cocktails * Amazingly priced * The bartender puts time into his craft in making sure the drinks are awesome * Super friendly and attentive service * Cool space * Wine and spirit tasting options * Small plates menu available *Indoor and outdoor space

This is such an awesome wine bar in the heart of Santa Fe on the corner of Guadalupe and San…read moreFrancisco St. Shout-out to Evan who served us both times we visited the shop around happy hour time. The first time we came, we had a delicious cheese & charcuterie plate with all the fixins, including a spicy jam I asked to take to-go when we were done. Evan thoughtfully topped it off and put it in a small container. Wines were delicious--the hubs and I each ordered a flight, he a "refreshing whites" flight and I a mix n match situation (also whites, but with bubbly selections as well). The grandparents got their drinks by the glass and the kiddo was happy to have water and snacks. The ambiance is cool, both literally and figuratively....it was so pleasant to come in from the summer heat into this stylish and AC'd spot featuring local artists' work on the walls, and the hand soap in the bathroom also felt artisan and special. Individual hand towels to dry off hands after washing as well. The second time we came in it was just my husband and myself, and Evan gave us the royal treatment once again. There were other patrons and he graced every party with the same attentiveness and expertise. We each ordered a flight, and when Evan was knowledgeably explaining the wines we selected, it made me crave and decide to ask for a glass of bubbly. He went above and beyond to bring us a sampling of bubbles on the house! What?! Definitely will be back if we are ever in the area again and we highly recommend this place. Thank you, Evan, and Vara tasting room!

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!

Awesome speakeasy in Albuquerque. The staff was extremely friendly and nice and the vibe was so…read morecool. Walk thru a liquor store and enter thru the freezer for a cocktail adventure. The drinks were all very well made and the selection of hard liquor was excellent. The bartender was super nice and very good about selection and attended to us as well as she could given she was the only one. The drinks were excellent at her suggestions and and would love to come back to try the rest and the collection.

Customer service was friendly. Reading the bad reviews, I can see why some people felt that…read morecustomer service was rude. The guys are upstairs at essentially a liquor store. Founders kind of gives the vibe that it's supposed to be upscale, but it's not upscale. That being said, the drinks are not either. I think if I had level set my expectations I would have a better review.

Friendly prompt service, decent food and drinks. Ambiance is loud sports bar. Sante Fe seems to…read moreclose early, but this establishment is open later.

Just rating the margaritas and the karaoke…read more Margaritas were good. Karaoke had a nice stage, good mics, and a strong crowd. Regulars get more chances to sing than visitors though. Karaoke end at 12AM.