These Santa Fe Beer Experiences Are Unbelievable

 

With all that's going on, we realize it may be a while before you can actually use these suggestions for a trip. But while you're practicing social-distancing, it doesn't hurt to plan (and dream, maybe?) of what you're going to do when things go back to normal. With that said, enjoy this blog post about the Santa Fe beer experience.

If you consider yourself a foodie, have an eye for craft beers, and love trying new things wherever you travel, add Santa Fe to your destination list for some award-winning local beers. Beer is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide and the most popular alcoholic drink. The local beer scene in Santa Fe has something for everyone, no matter your beer preferences or the length of your trip. Add one of these experiences to your vacation itinerary and leave with a new understanding and appreciation of beer. Plus, you can purchase something new and different to enjoy at home!

Visit the Oldest Brewery in New Mexico

Established in 1988, Santa Fe Brewing Company is the oldest microbrewery in the city of Santa Fe, as well as the state of New Mexico. They brew all of their beers on the premises, and they also distribute and feature beers across New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. Their goal is to produce a beer for everyone, no matter your preferences.

Some of their year-round selections include Pale Ale, Nut Brown, and Java Stout. Their two signature creations are the India Pale Ales (IPAs), Happy Camper, and 7k. They also occasionally produce seasonal selections, such as the Twisted Root or Adobe Igloo, so check before your visit to see what is brewing at that time of year. If you are looking to take a souvenir home that is not a beverage, check out their expansive offering of collectible t-shirts, pint glasses, bottle cap magnets, and kids’ gear for the half-pints.

This establishment does not serve food, but their beers are available in six tasting rooms around the city if you are looking for the full experience. They do occasionally bring locally-based food trucks to the establishment and will recommend beer pairings to that day’s food offerings.

Beer and Pub Food: A Match Made in Heaven

If you are interested in some local cuisine to go with your beer, stop by Second Street Brewery. This establishment is popular among locals. Their most popular beers are IPAs, making this a must-visit for those enthusiasts, but they regularly have up to nine beers on tap.

Their most popular dishes are classics like fish and chips. If you are feeling more adventurous, their Alien Burger was named the winner of the 2014 Green Chile Cheeseburger Smackdown. They have three locations: the original establishment, plus two newer locations within the Santa Fe Railyard and at Rufina. New Mexico customers can get the beers produced by Second Street Brewery shipped across the state.

Biking, Beers, and Bites

If you are looking for a more active yet educational way to explore the local food and beer scene in New Mexico, consider signing up for a Brews and Bites Tour with Routes Bicycle Tours. These customizable experiences give your private group access to a handful of brewery tours, plus samples of their creations and stops to try some of the best pub food around. Plus, your tour guides are locals with extensive knowledge of the history, local culture, and landmarks of the area that can personalize your entire experience depending on the interests of the group.

Blue Corn Brewery

A favorite of locals and visitors alike, Brew Corn Brewery and Café is a must-see if you want to learn more about the brewing process. All of their beers are brewed in a seven-barrel brewhouse using the finest ingredients sourced from around the world under the direction of head brewer Paul Mallory. They regularly have five beers on tap—there is sure to be something for everyone.

They also offer food; the lamb tacos, pub steak, and carnitas are some of their best sellers. They have two locations: the original brewery and a combination brewery and café, and their beers are also available at other establishments around the city.

Tumbleroot’s Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery is one of the newest additions to the Santa Fe beer scene and offers a wide variety of handcrafted beers plus hand-distilled, locally-sourced organic liquors. They are best known for their family-friendly atmosphere; their taproom is frequently called home by some of the best musicians in New Mexico. If you bring the kids, their playground is the centerpiece of the facility. If you consider yourself a beer production aficionado or just want to learn more, Tumbleroot offers a facility tour each day. They have a small food menu to offer, but the location is also frequented by many of the food trucks in Santa Fe.

So Many Choices, So Little Time

The Draft Station has more beer choices than you will know what to do with. They feature fourteen rotating tap handles and proudly serve some of the best local beers from across the state. This includes selections from locally-based Blue Corn Brewery, Chama River Brewing Company, La Cumbre, and Marble in addition to others.

They are well-known for their pizza options too; try a supreme or the house specialty made on a blue corn crust and explore the pairing options for the full culinary experience.

A Downtown Staple

The Cowgirl, in downtown Santa Fe, has been a staple in the area for more than 25 years. In addition to serving renowned barbecue and regional American cuisine—they have been written about by the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Cowboys and Indians Magazine, and Outside magazine—The Cowgirl has 24 different microbrews on tap plus rotating daily specials. They might be best known for their Mother Burger and pulled pork sandwich, paired, of course, with one of their beer selections.


Whether you are in Santa Fe with friends, a significant other, or the whole family, a brewery tour and visit can be a fun and educational experience for everyone. Amateur tasters and aficionados alike will learn something new and find something new to drink. You will return home with a new understanding and appreciation of beer, and maybe some samples too.