Sunday, May 17, 2009

A Diamond in the Downtown Rough

I'll just come right out and say it- I like to go downtown on the weekends. I like to go dance, watch the frat boys get crazy and see the homies cruising around with their spinnin' rims. I will say however, that you can only go to Distillery and have your $2.50 Jager shots for so long before you start looking for another great place to go get a decently priced drink, perhaps without the drunk kids yelling and going on.

We have found that place. The Blackbird Buvette- a beautiful oasis in the downtown noise.
(Buvette (boo-vet)- French meaning "Refreshment Bar")

I had gone there once before this weekend for an Abq Web Geeks meet-up but I didn't get to stay long enough to give this little gem a real review. This past Saturday we spent the majority of our evening there enjoying the great staff, awesome priced drinks and super-cool hidden back patio.

The small patio in the front would be enough to give any people watcher a whole evening of fun. The back patio is a little different. Once you walk out the door it's like you've taken a secret passage and been transported to a big city. Towering buildings with exposed brick walls surround you a pergola provides great shade and nichos, complete with veladoras, bring back a little Nuevo Mexico to the big city feel.



They offer a great menu including breakfast, and drinks will not put a huge hole in your wallet, in fact a round of drinks for my friends only cost me $21 (much more affordable than a Moloneys or Lotus). They have a full bar and offer lots of beers on tap, wine and one of my favorite vodkas- Hanger.

The staff was friendly, energetic and knew how to make a great drink. They handled our big party well and even had a minute or 2 to come take a picture and dance with us. Finally, they had a great DJ inside playing music that made you want to get up and get moving. (Click here for the live entertainment shedule)

All in all I'm VERY impressed with this awesome little place. I'll definitely be stopping in again for a drink, some food and maybe try out the front patio this time. :)

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