The Land of Enchantment is known for many epic and wonderful things. From natural wonders like White Sands to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Taos Pueblo, there’s no shortage of places to explore. And then there’s the food. Wherever you turn, there’s an eatery offering local New Mexican cuisine.
But if you’re craving something different—something that makes you feel as though you’ve traveled abroad for a little while—there’s an Irish pub in New Mexico you have to visit. Located in Albuquerque, Two Fools Tavern will transport you to the Emerald Isle the moment you step inside.
Food can be transformative. I’ve been to Ireland twice so far and always enjoy the feeling of walking into an Irish pub, whether there or in the U.S. There’s something special about Irish hospitality, the comforting food, and, of course, a well-poured Guinness. That welcoming atmosphere is exactly what you’ll find at Albuquerque’s Two Fools Tavern.
While Two Fools Tavern is nearly 5,000 miles away from Dublin, Ireland, it brings a genuine piece of the Emerald Isle to Albuquerque. From the menu to the pints behind the bar, the details make all the difference. The tavern was designed as an authentic replication of the pubs the owners visited in Ireland, and it proudly lives by its motto, “Where the Craic is Mighty”—a nod to the Irish word craic, meaning good food, good drink, and lively conversation among friends.
If you love Irish cuisine, you’ll love the food here. Pictured here is Jester’s Pot Pie, filled with chicken, carrots, mushrooms, potatoes, peas, and green chiles, all topped with a flaky crust.
There’s also a full list of sandwiches on the menu, including a roast beef sandwich called “The Bookmaker.” Pair it with a Smithwick’s red ale and you’ve got yourself a satisfying Irish meal.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with a heaping plate of ale-battered fish and chips or a generous serving of Irish nachos. In fact, the award-winning fish and chips—made with sustainable North Atlantic haddock—is a must-try for first-time visitors and pairs perfectly with a pint.
And at a place like Two Fools Tavern, a perfectly poured Guinness simply feels right, each sip adding to that transported-to-Ireland feeling. If whiskey is more your style, the bar boasts one of the largest selections in the Southwest, with hundreds of options to explore.
Have you been to Two Fools Tavern yet? If you know another Irish pub in New Mexico we should feature, be sure to submit it through our official nomination form…