It is said that one of the big in this modern world of food and drink is the creative and very satisfying emergence of microbreweries in the United States.
You see them in the smallest of towns in all 50 states. Most of them seem to be tied to a great little eating place as well. Many seem to be way off the beaten path.
All are enjoyed by the locals and their secret desire may be that it remains only that way-that the brews are secret and only for the locals.
Santa Fe is another of those small towns that has their share of microbreweries and brews. So when you come to visit and if you are friends are microbrew fans you know where you can take them.
Rio Chama Steakhouse
414 Old Santa Fe Trail
This Santa Fe eatery is known for its upscale dining and drinking. There is a full wine cellar and bar. The large sized steaks just ask for a local brew to accompany it.
The Rio Chama Amber is a popular one. This brew is Munich malt that has a toasted caramel taste it is said to be a great start for those just beginning the fine art of microbrews.
Blue Corn Café and Brewery
4056 Cerrillos
When you walk into this location you see bags of malt barley, and photos of brewers a work so you know you are in a microbrewery. The menu here is Southwestern and so the beers they brew would be a perfect addition to those flavors. They have everything from the atomic Blonde which is a golden ale for the beginner, a roasted flavored brew called the Plaza Porter, a Irish stout specially designed by brewer Cullen Dwyer, or the Warrior India Pale Ale.
Il Vincino
321 San Francisco
The brewery is not in house because this former hacienda of the 1700s is too small. The brewing is done in the other location in Albuquerque. This is an Italian style bistro with wood fired pizza and calzones as a few of the offerings some of their brews are wet Mountain IPA which is full of hops, dry and very refreshing. The Brown Ale send the flavors of chocolate and hops delighting your mouth. Their Irish Red ale is another alternative to the Italian cuisine that packs a lot of taste.
Santa Fe Brewing Co.
18 E Frontage Rd.
This is New Mexico’s oldest craft brewery but as I said earlier off the beaten path a bit and not easy to find.
This is a true brewery only – no food or wine served here. Also, it is open for limited hours.4pm – 12am Wed. – Sun. The tasting rooms serves the six beers made here. They have the same beers sold in other SF locations but also Chicken Killer Barley Wine and a dry Irish stout. The décor is Western funk and includes a basketball scoreboard clock. The porch has stunning views to the west and south. The brewery is moving this Fall 2004 across the road so not when you are coming to town if you want to visit. Hot dogs and live music are available Wed. and Fri.
Second Street Brewery
1884 Second Street
This local has been described as an English pub in western furnishings. The food is British and both the fish and chips and Thursday night Cask and Curry Night are worth trying out. Although one of their most popular food accompaniments with beer is the green chile french fries. The outdoor seating is a good bet. The brewer likes to do English inspired ales spiced with Northwestern hops and seasonal specials like European lagers.
All in all if you are a brewery aficionado or just getting your feet wet Santa Fe has something to offer everyone with its own “Santa Fe Style” twist.
Eileen Richardson
