Albuquerque Nightlife Tips by bocmaxima

Nightlife Spot: The Copper Lounge

Once in Albuquerque, on July 4th, I was seeking a good drinking establishment, and Nob Hill was just too crowded. Driving back Downtown, I saw the Copper Room and stopped in. Like many New Mexico bars, it sides as a liquor store, and the bartenders often disappear behind a door to sell Bud Light and such to other patrons. I had originally stopped in looking for some New Mexican beer to take back to my hotel, but found none in the liquor store. I asked the guy behind the counter, who was apparently the owner, and he offered better beer, on tap, at the bar on the other side of the wall. How could I refuse?
So, I had a really terrible New Mexican red ale called Alien Amber that the bartender said was from Roswell (it's actually brewed in Carrizozo, but close enough). I switched to a more familiar variety afterwards and just took in the atmosphere.
There are TVs playing sports, but it's a very loungy vibe with lots of faux brass and shiny vinyl chairs around glass tables, all set up on levels. The crowd was mostly varied: older 20's to 50's, with a mix of younger coed groups at the tables laughing at their own jokes and the older alcoholics at the bar flirting terribly with the bartenders by name. Good music, too.
It was a cool place, and I'm glad that I went. Plus, being closer to my hotel, it was a little less treacherous to drive back (don't drink and drive, kids!).

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Theme: Nightclub
Dress Code: Casual
Phone: (505) 242-7490
Address: 1504 Central Ave SE
Directions: Central Avenue between University Blvd and I-25