By Stephanie and Walt Cameron

Publishers Stephanie and Walt Cameron are sharing some of their favorite finds around New Mexico in edible’s newest department, Eight Around the State. For this issue, they searched for craft breweries.

Albuquerque and Santa Fe have definitely put New Mexico on the map with their brewing scenes, but we wanted to explore the rest of the state to find some lesser-known players. We love craft brews, but for us, it’s everything that comes with a local brewery—the ambiance, the people, the food—that makes the beer taste so good. We found lots of fabulous patios, bars, people, and food in our search and now share them with you, our readers.

We would love to hear about our readers’ favorite eats around the state. Drop us an email at info@ediblenm.com with your best finds from anywhere in the Land of Enchantment.

Truth or Consequences

Truth or Consequences Brewing Company

What we are drinking: Cerveza Gold

Worth noting: After visiting T or C several times over the last decade, and seeing a clear need in the town for a brewery, we were delighted to find that this watering hole has become a bustling hub for its community. With the Me Gusta World Street Food truck permanently parked out back, you can enjoy flavors from around the world—from poutine to elote and from Korean BBQ sliders to mojo pork tacos.

Find: 410 N Broadway Street, Truth or Consequences

Mesilla

Spotted Dog Brewery

What we are drinking: Cerveza

Worth noting: This was by far the friendliest patio we sat on and you could feel the love and hospitality from the staff. And, damn, it was the best “board” we’ve ever had—the Nuevo Nosh Board comes with bold links of sausage, a variety of cheeses, warm pretzel rolls, compote, and beer cheese sauce. Oh, and did we mention that there are buckets of unshelled peanuts on every table?

Find: 2920 Avenida de Mesilla, Las Cruces

Lincoln

Bonito Valley Brewing Company

What we are drinking: Gauss Golden Wheat

Worth noting: As historian and Bonito co-owner Tim Roberts might tell you, “Come for the beer, stay for the history.” When you visit, you are sure to learn something new about the legendary town of Lincoln, which has become another small community brought together by craft beer. Check out their Facebook page for community gatherings—this town likes to celebrate.

Find: 692 Calle la Placita, Lincoln

Cloudcroft

Cloudcroft Brewing Company

What we are drinking: A flight with Adobe Wheat, Trainwreck IPA, Railspike Red Ale, and Amber Ale

Worth noting: A spectacular brewery and entertainment venue (inside and out) set in the mountains with the feel of a giant open-air log cabin. With a kitchen that specializes in wood-fired pizza, you won’t go hungry here. Their beers are brewed with rainwater caught in giant rainwater catchment barrels housed in the brewery, and they do micro-batches featuring hops that grow up their walls.

Find: 1301 Burro Avenue, Cloudcroft

Rinconada

Blue Heron Brewing Company

What we are drinking: Amber Sun Ale

Worth noting: We have been whizzing past this unassuming brewery for the last several years on our way to Taos on NM 68, but until recently we never took the time to discover that it was a little gem along the Rio Grande. We were delighted to find a nice patio out back for enjoying the fresh river air with our brews. They also have live music several nights a week—another great example of a small-town community hub.

Find: 2214 NM-68, Embudo

Eagle Nest

Comanche Creek Brewing Company

What we are drinking: Golden Aspen Oktoberfest

Worth noting: After brewing for nine years in an old blacksmith shop, Comanche Creek opened their new taproom and brewery in May 2019, just a couple of miles down the road. We don’t know that you can beat this view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains across grassy green fields, and this mighty little brewery is definitely worth the miles traveled.

Find: 5 Comanche Creek Road, Eagle Nest

Angel Fire

Enchanted Circle Brewing

What we are drinking: A flight of Hells Bells Helles Lager, Fuzzy Nubian, Panty Tosser Peach Wheat, and Oktoberfest Marian Lager

Worth noting: Their tongue-and-cheek beer menu and the backs of the servers’ T-shirts are definitely a conversation starter with sayings like “Good Food . . . Great Head” and “I got my panties tossed @ Enchanted Circle Brewing.” With a solid bar food menu, we loved their beer-battered fries with green chile, bacon, and beer cheese. Take in the fresh air with a great view of the ski area from their deck.

Find: 20 Sage Lane, Angel Fire

Red River

Red River Brewing Company

What we are drinking: Lazy Bear Blonde

Worth noting: With two floors, inside and out, this is one of the state’s largest breweries. Whether it is a beautiful summer evening or snowy winter day, the brewery is equipped to make you comfortable in the crisp mountain air with a brew in hand. Taking advantage of the heating elements on the patio, we enjoyed a rousing game of big Jenga on a cold fall day with bar-goers cheering us on. With twelve beers and a root beer on tap, there is something to pair with each of their many gastropub offerings.

Find: 217 W Main Street, Red River

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Edible celebrates New Mexico's food culture, season by season. We believe that knowing where our food comes from is a powerful thing. With our high-quality, aesthetically pleasing and informative publication, we inspire readers to support and celebrate the growers, producers, chefs, beverage and food artisans, and other food professionals in our community.