The iconic Bavarian Restaurant at the Taos Ski Valley offers giant mugs of German beer and hearty pretzels. Illustration by Jameson Simpson.
TAOS SKI VALLEY HAS MANY FINE OPTIONS for an adult beverage and munchies after a day on its often exhausting slopes, but a big favorite has always been the charming and lively Rathskeller Bar at Hotel St. Bernard. Snow surface manager Tommy Murray recommends the iconic Bavarian Restaurant, with its massive mugs of German brew and hearty eats, in the Kachina Basin.
Ski Santa Fe has limited on-slope options, but a slice of pizza, a cup of green chile stew, and a nice selection of draft beers can be had at Totemoff's. In town, there are many possibilities, from fine tequilas at Inn of the Anasazi to excellent craft suds at Second Street Brewery or a glass of wine fireside at La Posada Hotel.
In Red River, head to Red River Brewing Company & Distillery for one of its 12 rotating beers or house-made root beer on tap. El Jefe ranks as an overlooked gem in Angel Fire, with a fireplace, good drinks, and a delicious selection of tacos. Pajarito Mountain Ski Area rolls up the carpets at 4 p.m., so cruise into Los Alamos to hit up Pajarito Brewpub and Grill or Bathtub Row Brewing Co-op.
For a wide selection of options that will put the down-mountain drive from Ski Apache behind you, head into Ruidoso to the Rio Grande Grill and Taproom or the time-tested Farley’s Food, Fun and Pub. Sandia Peak is now home to the excellent Ten 3, perched at an altitude of 10,300 feet and serving everything from fine seafood to bison hot dogs.
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