The Copper Lounge
American · Tapas Small Plates · Albuquerque, NM
About
Yelp reviewers say The Copper Lounge attracts "a noticeably higher percentage of gay people than at a typical not-explicitly-gay bar." It's a casual cocktail lounge and pub with an Art Deco interior, reopened in 2017 by a family that's run bars in Albuquerque since the 1950s. The vibe is social and mixed—you'll find students, hipsters, longtime locals, and everyone in between. They serve upscale comfort food like monster burgers and hefty salads, plus handcrafted cocktails and a rotating draft selection with regular specials.
Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday are the best nights to go, and they take reservations. The patio is popular when weather allows, and there's a pool table inside. Weekday specials include $2.50 drafts on Wednesdays and $3.50 cocktails. If you're looking for other spots, Flying Star Cafe is a nearby option for a quick bite.
The Copper Lounge is located in Albuquerque's Old Town neighborhood, a historic area with adobe architecture and local shops.
Features
- ✓Upscale comfort food with monster burgers
- ✓Handcrafted cocktails and rotating draft beers
- ✓Mixed LGBTQ+ crowd of all ages
- ✓Outdoor seating with a patio
- ✓Special deals: $2.50 drafts on Wednesdays
Cuisine
Good for
Practical
Best nights: Tue, Fri, Sat
What people say
Rated from 220 reviews. 15 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
“Nice Mix, Nice Place”
The place is quite nice and comfortable. In the evenings, college students hang out there, but they're the friendly sort, not rowdy. It can get loud and crowded. During the evening, it mostly functions as a bar. It's not specifically an LGBTQ venue, but the area near the university is generally very gay-friendly.
A visitor · Over a year ago
“Fun, and I felt safe!”
The bar food is excellent. Nobody seemed bothered by the lesbian in the room.
A guest · Over a year ago
“Gay-friendly neighborhood bar and grill”
The Copper is a welcoming intersection where you'll find UNM students, downtown hipsters, long-time residents, new urbanites, and a notably higher proportion of gay patrons than at most non-gay bars. That's because everyone is genuinely welcomed. They have an extensive draft selection with frequent $2.50 specials, cocktail specials for $3.50, and food specials most nights. The menu includes deep-fried appetizers, massive burgers, substantial salads, panini, and homemade cake for dessert—definitely hearty fare. Wednesdays are highly recommended, with all drafts at $2.50 a pint. Look for the bald guy drinking a Black and Tan and say hello to me.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Copper Lounge take reservations? +
Yes, reservations are accepted.
Is there outdoor seating? +
Yes, outdoor seating is available.
What kind of food do they serve? +
They serve upscale comfort food, including deep-fried appetizers, monster burgers, hefty salads, panini, and homemade cake.
Is it LGBTQ+ friendly? +
Yes, it's known for a welcoming atmosphere with a noticeably higher percentage of gay patrons than typical bars.
What are the hours? +
Monday-Thursday 4pm-12am, Friday-Saturday 4pm-1am, closed Sunday.
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