Best Santa Fe, NM Nightlife
La Cantina at Casa Sena
Love to hum along? Servers have been singing for your supper at The Cantina at La Casa Sena for over 30 years. Hear the best of Broadway mixed with pop...
The Palace Restaurant and Saloon
The Palace is the place to go for late-night music. Adjacent to Burro Alley, in the city's former Red Light District, it has a rich history. The circa 1900...
La Fiesta at La Fonda on the Plaza
La Fiesta Lounge at La Fonda on the Plaza, Santa Fe's oldest hotel, is popular night spot with music six nights a week. The dimly-lit bar just off the lobby...
El Farol
El Farol, the site of the oldest restaurant in Santa Fe, is known for its extensive tapas menu and late night scene with music until around midnight seven...
Cowgirl
Want a western bar straight out of Central Casting? Head to Cowgirl BBQ. Walls here are lined with cowgirl memorabilia and you'll often see working cowgirls...
¡ Chispa! at El Meson
¡Chispa! the bar at the Spanish restaurant El Meson, has been a Santa Fe music destination since the start of the new millennium. There's music five nights...
Vanessie Santa Fe Restaurant & Lounge
Love listening to mellow piano music? Head to Vanessie, Santa Fe's popular piano bar where they've been tickling the ivories nightly since 1983. Local...
The Den
See and be seen at The Den, downstairs from the popular Coyote Café. This chic cocktail lounge part with its young vibe is a favorite of Santa Fe's...
Secreto Lounge
Secreto is one of the worst-kept secrets in town. This popular bar, just off the striking lobby of the vintage Hotel St. Francis, has a dedicated following...
Local Expert Nightlife Recommendations
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Local Expert Nightlife Recommendations
About Santa Fe, NM Nightlife
At night, Santa Fe is a city of lights especially during Christmas season when farolito, once sand-filled paper bags with candles, now made from plastic and electrified, sit atop adobe walls and buildings. It’s a slow-paced city. Think mañana. Nightlife in The City Different runs from really laid back to frenetic dance clubs. For mellow evenings check out the piano bar at Vanessie or the quiet Spanish music and jazz at ¡ Chispa! the bar at El Meson of head to Secreto at the Hotel St. Francis known for their ace mixologists. Ratchet it up a notch with the DJs at The Den or the bands at Cowgirl BBQ or El Farol. For real night club action head to Shadeh at Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casinos; it really rocks. If you want a truly low-key evening, check out the Lensic Performing Arts Center, the premier concert venue. This 821 seat former movie house with its deco ambiance showcases anything from classical music to circus performers. Want something quieter? Make a leisurely dinner at a place like Geronimo your evening activity.
About Billie Frank
Billie Frank is a freelance travel, food and feature writer based in Santa Fe New Mexico. Her blog, Santa Fe Travelers, is a treasure trove of information on the oldest capital city in the USA. Billie is also co-owner of The Santa Fe Traveler, a trip-planning and tour business.
Connect with Billie via: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Explore Santa Fe
10Best Nightlife by Type
Expert Tips for Santa Fe Nightlife
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Low 'n Slow Lowrider Bar: "Check out the décor while in the hotel and bar. Many of the items are hand-crafted by artists and artisans from Chimayó, a town known for its traditional Spanish Colonial arts, especially its unique weaving style."
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Blue Rooster: "Head for Blue Rooster on your birthday and let them know it's your special day. You'll get their specialty Drunken Cookie Monster cocktail on the house. This rich concoction is includes cookies and cream ice cream."
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The Living Room at Loretto: "Want to have a fun night out? Head to the Living Room at Loretto on Friday or Saturday nights when Santa Fe guitarist Mathew Andrae plays and sings world music from 8 to 11pm. This now-international recording artist has been playing at the Living Room for over a decade."