Backup bar in Concourse 1 when Rio Grande is slammed
Route 66 Lounge sits airside in Terminal 1, a short walk from multiple ABQ gates, and functions as the “plan B” when Rio Grande Brew Pub is packed. It’s a basic sit-down bar with a small food menu, rated around 3.5 stars and priced in the mid-range $$ bracket. Think airport-standard drinks, barstools, and a few tables rather than a full restaurant setup.
Hours vary with flight banks, but it generally tracks mainline departures in the morning through evening, so you’ll usually find it open for a pre-flight beer or a nightcap before a late flight. Regulars say they mostly order simple drinks – draft beer, house wine, basic cocktails – and skip the food unless they really need something quick before boarding.
Food runs typical airport bar pricing, so expect appetizers and burgers to sit in the roughly $12–$18 zone, with comments calling the flavors forgettable and portion-to-price ratio just okay. Several reviewers, including “Melissa S.”, say the food “did the job” but isn’t something they’d seek out again. If you’re hungry, this works as a stopgap; if you care about the meal, you’re usually better off eating earlier in the terminal.
Service is the main complaint: multiple Google reviews mention slow or inattentive bartenders even with only a handful of customers. “T. Jackson” notes it felt understaffed, and that lines for checks and refills dragged. TV volume can get cranked up for sports, and bar chatter plus overhead announcements make it a loud spot for laptop work.
What regulars actually do here: grab a barstool, plug into the nearby outlets, nurse one or two drinks, and use it as a calm-ish landing zone while Rio Grande is on a waitlist. Practical move: if you see more than 6–8 people already at the bar, assume slow service and only sit down if you have at least 45 minutes before boarding.