Wednesday 11th of May 2011 08:07:45 PM

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After a long day "in the saddle" driving from Denver, we quickly un-loaded the car, looked up Albuquerque brewpubs and decided on Chama River because it was close.

With a few mis-steps, we found it just off I-25 where the entire population of this city apparently parked.

There are a few restaurants crowded together here and that includes Chama River.

Yes, I said restaurant. I would not classify this as a brewpub, although they do brew their own but once you enter, you can readily see that the point being made is, "this is a high class joint. Do NOT call us a pub!"

OK, I won't.

The menu is extensive and expensive. The beers (10+) are all acceptable and passable although wife Persimmon and I did not find any with a "WOW" factor. I had a special Dubbel...
(served in a wine glass. A WINE GLASS? Really? Yes, really!)
... she a Sleeping Dog Stout.

The manager, when asked if I could take some photos inside to include w/my review, was wary but reluctantly said "OK. Not a problem - just want to know who's shooting pictures and for what."

OK, not a problem - but I told him that.

So, Albuquerque is a major city - THE major city in New Mexico and, should you want a nice night out with a good beer and good food and don't mind paying for it, Chama River fits the bill.

If, however, you want a good beer at a brewpub that has with character and friendly conversation with your bar-mates, look around.

Next time, I will.

Tuesday 30th of November 2010 11:06:39 PM

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Located north of town in a newer area, set next to chain seafood & steak houses, this is an upscale brewery/restaurant. I have a hard time throwing "pub" at a place with haute cuisine and cloth napkins. Nice large copper-topped bar with other seating and TVs for sports watching plus a more formal seating area as well. A total of 10 beers on tap including 6 standards and 4 specialty brews. I went for 2 of the specialties and 3 standards in a sampler. They will make the sampler any size you wish, but these five sparked my interest. I also staved the hunger pangs with a grilled shrimp appetizer and a side pinion Cesar salad. If the entres are anywhere close to as good as these, damn! This place is worth a visit and the $$$.

Noble Ale (S)- light golden Pils, strong hop notes, but still fairly balanced by the straw of the German pilsner malt.

Rio Lobo Brown - Nice! Roasted and smooth, great color. Very drinkable.

Jackalope IPA - Hoppy Heaven with a clean finish. Dark golden amber light head, well balanced

Beast of Bourbon (S)- Wow, now that is a flavor explosion! Start with their Imperial brown ale, Me Llamo Lobo, and age it a couple of months in Bourbon barrels. This would be a sipping beer with a light to medium cigar. Definite woody-bourbon aroma and strong bourbon-vanilla notes. It has the punch too @ 7.9% ABV.

Sleeping Dog Stout - nice color and roasted aroma, dark brown with a cream-colored head. Nice blend of malt, roasted flavor and smooth finish.

Monday 15th of November 2010 02:42:16 PM

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We were on a trip to New Mexico recently and I was able to visit 5-6 different brewpubs, and I really liked this one a lot! When our flight back home was delayed, I was happy to get another chance to return. Service was really good here too.

The beer list was pretty typical for a brewpub, with a brown ale, an amber, and IPA, and oatmeal stout. The oatmeal stout was one of the best I've had. They were out of special ales the first time, but they had Marble Red on tap to fill out the taster. The second time back, they had replaced it with Beast of Bourbon--an amazing bourbon barrel aged Imperial Brown ale.

The food! Another reviewer was not to pleased with the food, but I have to disagree. They had blue cheese, bacon, truffle fries! My tenderloin was perfect for dinner. My wife really liked the food as well (usually not a huge fan of pub food.) Not the cheapest meals, but I like the upscale foods.

Tuesday 9th of September 2008 05:52:49 PM

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This person needs 3 or more reviews on the site for their scores to start counting.

Chama is one of the best breweries in Albuquerque. Of course there aren't very many, but it is still really good. Their standard beer list has an IPA, pale ale, stout and a few others, but they often offer 2 to 3 special brews which can be excellent. The bar area is very comfortable, but the food is the downside. It is extremely overpriced and not that great. They remade themselves a few years ago from a "new mexican" laid back style restaurant to more of an upscale sytle. It is still worth visiting for the beer though.