Santa Fe - American Southwest - page 187

THE CLUB & MUSIC SCENE
In addition to the clubs and bars listed below, there are a number of hotels whose bars
and lounges feature some type of entertainment (see “Where to Stay,” earlier in this
chapter).

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Country, Jazz & Latin
Chispa! A tapas bar with the chispa, or “spark,” of fun entertainment and dancing,
this hot spot next to the dining room at El Meson draws locals of all types. Music ranges
from guitar duos to jazz combos and Brazilian music, with flamenco dancers performing
on some Saturday nights. On Tango Tuesdays, locals turn out in their tightest dance
clothes to party. The tapas are excellent. Open Tuesday to Saturday. 213 Washington Ave.
& 505/983-6756. www.elmeson-santafe.com. Cover charge for select performances.
Cowgirl Hall of Fame It's difficult to categorize what goes on in this bar and
restaurant, but there's live entertainment nightly. Some nights there's blues guitar, others
folk music; you might also find “progressive rock,” comedy, or cowboy poetry. In the
summer, this is a great place to sit under the stars and listen to music. 319 S. Guadalupe
St. & 505/982-2565. No cover for music Sun, Mon, and Wed. Tues and Thurs-Sat $3-$4 cover.
Special performances $10.
Eldorado Hotel In a grand lobby-lounge full of fine art, classical guitarists and
pianists perform nightly. 309 W. San Francisco St. & 505/988-4455. www.eldoradohotel.com.
El Farol This original neighborhood bar of the Canyon Road artists' quarter (its
name means “the lantern”) is the place to head for local ambience. Its low ceilings and
brown walls are home to Santa Fe's largest and most unusual selection of tapas (bar snacks
and appetizers). Jazz, swing, folk, and, most notably, salsa and flamenco musicians (and
dancers)—some of national note—perform most nights. 808 Canyon Rd. & 505/983-9912.
www.elfarolsf.com. Cover $7.
La Fiesta Lounge Set in the notable La Fonda hotel on the plaza, this nightclub
offers excellent country bands on weekends, with old- and new-timers two-stepping
across the floor. This lively lobby bar offers cocktails, an appetizer menu, and live enter-
tainment nightly. It's a great authentic Santa Fe spot. La Fonda Hotel (p. 145), 110 E. San
Francisco St. & 505/982-5511. www.lafondasantafe.com.
THE BAR SCENE
The Dragon Room A number of years ago, International Newsweek named the
Dragon Room at the Pink Adobe one of the top 20 bars in the world. The reason is its
spirited but comfortable ambience, which draws students, artists, politicians, and even
an occasional celebrity. The decor theme is dragons, which you'll find carved on the front
doors as well as depicted on the walls, all within low-lit, aged elegance. Live trees also

7

Snub Out the Smokes
In 2006, smoking in Santa Fe bars and restaurants, including outdoor-dining
areas, became illegal. The law was instituted mainly to protect entertainment
and hospitality workers from secondhand smoke, but it will likely protect many
others as well.