Albuquerque, NM
For Cocktails in Albuquerque, the local food press points to Happy Accidents and Daydream Rum Bar. Picks from Albuquerque Journal, updated July 2026.
Editor’s picks
Press picks, until locals rank their own Top 5s. Sourced from the local food press. As seen in Albuquerque Journal. Updated July 2026.
Happy Accidents · Nob Hill
A subterranean Nob Hill cocktail bar from Kate Gerwin, named for the Bob Ross line about happy little accidents. The Albuquerque Journal reports it took two 2022 awards for best new cocktail bar in the country and a Pinnacle Guide pin, one of only thirteen U.S. bars to earn one, while Gerwin landed a James Beard cocktail-service nod. Come for inventive, menu-driven drinks and dealer's-choice builds.
Daydream Rum Bar · Nob Hill
Hidden inside Little Bear Coffee on Central Avenue, this Wes Anderson-inspired lounge was named best-designed bar in North America by the 50 Best group, per the Albuquerque Journal. Rum leads the list but it pours a full bar, mixed in a velvet-and-wood mid-century tropical room. Order a tiki-leaning rum cocktail and settle in for the escapism.
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