The Brakeroom - Santa Fe Brewing

In the heart of Santa Fe lies a surprising spot with a rich past—the cozy bar and tasting room, The Brakeroom. Owned by the renowned Santa Fe Brewing Company, it is housed in a historic early 20th-century brick building that once served as a home for railroad workers.

Today, this bar in the USA attracts tourists and locals alike with its unique "old world" atmosphere. The interior, featuring exposed brickwork, industrial decor, and soft lighting, is reminiscent of Prohibition-era speakeasies, creating the perfect environment for a relaxing evening.

The main pride of The Brakeroom is its 18 taps featuring a variety of craft beers, ciders, and wines. While there is no full kitchen on-site, the city's best food trucks are stationed at the entrance daily, offering guests fresh and diverse food. This is the go-to spot for those who appreciate quality drinks, history, and a comfortable setting without unnecessary pretense.

For your convenience, the venue's current contact details are provided below. We recommend checking the brewery's social media pages in advance to find out which specific food truck will be serving guests on the day of your visit.

If you have questions regarding table bookings or organizing private events, you can contact the staff directly via the phone number provided or through the official website.

At The Brakeroom, guests can explore the full spectrum of flavors from New Mexico’s first craft brewery. The 18 taps always feature legendary classics—such as the 7K IPA or Nut Brown Ale—as well as experimental newcomers from the Los Innovadores series. Seasonal drink enthusiasts will appreciate the spiced Adobe Igloo or the traditional Oktoberfest.

Beyond beer and cider tastings, it's a pleasant place to spend time with simple entertainment: you'll often find checkers on the tables and interesting historical facts about the lives of railroad workers on the walls. The interior is decorated with vintage brewing equipment, making the space an excellent backdrop for atmospheric photos.

If the weather permits, be sure to settle in on the heated outdoor terrace. Gastronomic accompaniment is provided by partner food trucks, whose menus are often developed under the guidance of award-winning chefs. And if you particularly enjoy a certain brew, you can always purchase packaged products to take a piece of Santa Fe home with you.

The Brakeroom is conveniently located in the historic part of the city at 510 Galisteo St. If you are staying downtown, a pleasant walk from the Santa Fe Plaza will take no more than 10–15 minutes, and it is just a few minutes' walk from the Inn of the Turquoise Bear.

For those who prefer transport, taxi services and Uber are always available. If you are traveling in a rental car, you can easily find street parking right next to the venue, which is a significant advantage for a downtown area.

Public transport is also an accessible option, with bus stops nearby connecting the neighborhood to other parts of the city. Additionally, Santa Fe is a bicycle-friendly city, so arriving by bike is a great idea on a fair-weather day.

The building that houses The Brakeroom today has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Originally, it was one of four identical brick structures built specifically for brakemen—railroad workers in the USA. In those days, their job was extremely dangerous, requiring them to manually turn brake wheels on the roofs of moving train cars. This house served as a quiet sanctuary for them to rest after their grueling shifts.

Interestingly, before becoming a tasting room, the building served as a private cigar club. The owner of Santa Fe Brewing Company, Brian Lock, was a member of the club himself and waited 15 years for the opportunity to transform this unique space into a bar while preserving its historic liquor license and authentic spirit.

The bar opened in March 2018. The restoration was carried out with the utmost care: while engineering systems like electricity and heating were modernized, the builders preserved the original brick facade and internal layout. This allowed the venue to blend perfectly into the architectural character of the historic district.

Santa Fe Brewing Company itself is a pioneer of craft brewing in New Mexico. Founded in 1988, it became the state's first brewery to open after a long hiatus dating back to 1939. The Brakeroom became their third signature location, celebrating the region's industrial heritage.

A standard visit to The Brakeroom usually takes about 1–2 hours. This is enough time to leisurely enjoy a flight of several craft beers, grab a bite from a food truck, and take in the industrial interior or relax on the terrace.

If you are planning to visit with a large group or want to spend the evening playing board games and having long conversations, you should set aside about 3 hours. The bar's atmosphere encourages guests to take their time and linger.

The venue warmly welcomes guests daily, although operating hours may vary slightly depending on the season. From Monday to Thursday, the bar is typically open from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM; on Friday and Saturday, the doors stay open longer—from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM; and on Sunday, the schedule returns to 3:00 PM–10:00 PM.

Before your visit, we recommend checking the brewery's official website to confirm the current schedule and find out about any possible special events or private closures.

A visit to The Brakeroom can easily be combined with a stroll through the city's most iconic spots. The historic center is packed with attractions all within walking distance of each other.

Exploring the surrounding area will allow you to dive deeper into the unique atmosphere where Spanish, Native American, and Anglo traditions blend together. Here is a list of interesting locations to visit nearby: