Drinks while the Sandias turn pink
8 places
Get there before the sun drops. In the few minutes after, the Sandias turn pink and then a deep watermelon red. Sandía means watermelon, and that color is one story behind the name.
Apothecary Lounge
The roof of Hotel Parq Central, with downtown one way and the Sandias the other. Sit toward the back for a clear look at the sun going down.
Seats go fast at sunset, and there can be a short wait for the roof.
Volaré Rooftop Bar
Comfy chairs seven floors up in Uptown, with the mountains going pink to the east while the sun sets to the west.
Reserve on busy nights.
Level 5 Rooftop
Almost 360 degrees from the top of Hotel Chaco: Old Town, the Sawmill and the Sandias. Have a drink at sunset, then stay for the fire pits after dark.
Reservations required.
Bien Shur Rooftop Lounge
Ninth floor of Sandia Resort, the closest of these to the mountains, so the pink fills the windows.
G. Toti
The roof of Hotel Andaluz downtown, pouring cocktails from 5. In the warm months, Sunny Sunsets nights bring live R&B.
The Block
Top of The Block looks straight across the valley at the Sandias from Rio Rancho.
Ex Novo Downtown
A beer on the patio on Central as the sun goes down over Route 66. The Sunset Hazy IPA is right there on the menu.
VARA Winery & Distillery
Wine and spirits made in-house, poured on a patio near Balloon Fiesta Park with the mountains to the east.