Boxing Bear Brewing Co.

 

 

 

Rustic looking brewpub feel, spacious tap room, with large L-shaped bar that seats 20, tables and outdoor courtyard. 16 beers on tap, the 2 I had were very nice. Friendly service.

Updated review of their new location:
Large modern commercial building in an industrial park on the north side of town. Straight bar perpendicular to the entrance seats about a dozen with tables inside and out. 16 beers on tap, single cans to go. Friendly bartender.

Cool (literally and figuratively) location nestled in a shady spot on the river and a bike trail. Sprawling traditional NM layout with several indoor and outdoor seating areas, including one looking into the brewing area. I went with a group on a weekday evening and the place was mostly empty. There was no table service at that time, so we ordered at the bar then took our beers out to one of the cozy, tree-lined patios. The bartender was friendly and knowledgeable about the beer. Prices were cheap (comparable to other brewery taprooms in Albuquerque).

This was a nice experience in a great location. The only part of the experience that was lackluster for me was the beer. There was a large selection of house beers on tap. but all the ones I sampled were just so-so. None of my beers were particularly tasty or particularly good examples of their styles, which was a shame because I liked the place so much. With so many other brewpubs and taprooms to visit in Albuquerque that do standout beers, I'm not sure I'll be back to Boxing Bear.

 

Firstly, the food is seriously lacking here. Best Midsized Brewpub?! Not with the current menu. Beers are great, cool vibe with open seating areas inside and out with games and chill areas. But the food needs work, even by "bar" standards.

 

Nice clean place. Waiter was good. Did not like any of the brews I tried. Food was mediocre and overpriced. I would not go back

 

 

 

Hard to find brewery/brewpub, but once you find it, there is plenty of parking and tons of indoor and outdoor seating. Big bar area, attentive staff, cool music/vibe. Oh yeah, award winning beer here too. Their milk stout just took gold in Philly, and the IPA is excellent. Good sandwiches too.

 

 

Great atmosphere, staff are friendly and the food is great and consistent. Beers are very tasty plus having the home brew and wine store connected is a added plus. I have talked with one of the owners Kevin and he very knowledgeable in brewing. Compared to some other places in abq its nice to feel like they want your business m will highly recommend!

 

 

 

 

A brand-new brewery on ABQ's West Side, Boxing Bear has the distinction of being the only brewery in the city---or anywhere, as far as I know---to also operate a homebrewing store.

My first impression is that the considerably large exterior is a huge step up for Albuquerque's beer drinkers, who find ourselves often crammed into cramped breweries and their outdoor spaces. The interior was also spacious and had a wide-open feel to it. There's bar seating and tables and it seemed to me that both were well-equipped for the onslaught of people swarming to this brewery.

I didn't try the food but it seems like they offer a variety of paninis with chips.

As for the beer, having opened recently, the 5 beers on tap seemed to be what will become their core lineup: an AIPA, English IPA, APA, Stout, Hefe, and a DIPA. For a brewery with less than a week since opening, I was impressed by the quality and cleanness to each of the beers. The best of the bunch were the English IPA, East Kent Ale, and the hefeweizen, Hairy Mit. All showed promise though.

I think a flight of 5 four ounce pours was like $7.25, which is more expensive than other places in ABQ, but still cheaper than what something similar would cost in other cities.

Overall, this brewery shows promise and has a pretty good atmosphere. This establishment is here to stay.