Whether you are a seasoned local, a returning visitor, or this is your first time discovering all that Taos has to offer…
By Haven Lindsey
we’ve got the scoop on the patio bars and the personalities that come with them.
Al fresco dining and drinking are easy in Taos — people live here and visit here for the majesty of the outdoors so why not enjoy your favorite libation under the stars? Every place has its own vibe and individual personality,
so we’ve got you covered.
We kick if off where the locals do, The Alley Cantina. The restaurant and bar are housed in the oldest building in Taos in the heart of the historic district.
The Alley Cantina (locals refer to it as “The Alley”) has a downhome, local vibe. There is music every night and is sometimes called a “proper bar,” because it is one of the few places open past midnight. If you’re looking for a strong drink without a strong price, head to The Alley, “the most happening spot in Taos.”
The place for margaritas is also known as, “the living room of Taos.” In addition to the seating throughout its Adobe Bar and restaurant, Doc Martin’s Restaurant serves drinks on its historic, European-like patio. In-town al fresco dining and drinking doesn’t get any better than this.
The two most popular ‘ritas are the Cowboy Buddha and I Need a Miracle but you needn’t stop there – the menu is expansive and there is something for everyone.
Lambert’s of Taos has long been known as offering the best service in town. Their employees are personable and well trained and with a full-time Sommelier on staff, many locals agree that Lambert’s has the best selection of wine in town. Their patio, which locals know as “the treehouse,” has seating nestled under the apple tree offering an intimate in-town vibe with a countryside ambience.
A short walk away is Martyrs Steakhouse with ample outdoor seating and a grassy courtyard. Martyrs is recognized as “upscale and tourist-friendly,” with an authentic Taos vibe that welcomes the nattily dressed and those wearing dust-covered boots. The Honey Locust Bar, aptly named thanks to the honey locust trees all over the property, has a broad range of beers, wines, spirits and cocktail selections that include everything from absinthe to fresh lavender.
Rolling Still is the newest kid on the block. The local vodka distillery is the place for “hipsters, the young and the young at heart.” They tick all the boxes: women-owned, family run, small-batch, gluten-free, organically sourced. If that’s not enough, they partner with local farms and create vodka-inspired cocktails in varieties so interesting it can be difficult to make a decision.
If you are heading north out of town, take a right at what locals call, “the blinking light” (Hint: it no longer blinks), to Medley. Located in El Prado, Medley offers “the best view in town.” The outdoor seating is nestled at the base of Taos Mountain, and in addition to the restaurant, includes its own wine shop. A drink at Medley will be high quality and almost too-pretty-to-drink, but not quite. You won’t be disappointed.
Just down the road in Arroyo Seco, Sabroso, which literally means delicious, has the largest outdoor patio around. The meandering-like vibe with live music and a combination of low and high-top tables has a “festival-like feeling.” With arguably the most perfect ‘Perfect Margarita’ in Taos County, your mood will immediately lift simply by sitting under the trees at Sabroso and
being part of the enthusiastic, yet low-key energy.
