Best place in town. Good service, good drink, affordable. A good all around environment for whatever you need, from a casual meal to a birthday party. Food is always good, like an A-, but what I love about it, is that it's consistent. Enjoy
(5)
Drew B.
Tapas in Nob Hill Some smoked kielbasa please And bring me some booze
(4)
Jason M.
Great local bar! Food and drink are great as well as the crowds early sunday for football! Would like to see some more variety in the food - seems everything is fried... The service is great!
(5)
T N.
Last time I went to Geckos was in December 2007 (before moving) and therefore my review may be outdated. I lived one block from Geckos and therefore was a frequent visitor. Monday nights ( 10 cent chicken wing) ....they made "fries wings" for me ..since I do not eat meat. Wednesday nights ( 1/2 price burgers). Wonderful place for the nob hill locals on weekdays.
(4)
James H.
When you're a tapas bar and restaurant, please have a wide selection to choose from. The point is to order a number of plates and share different tastes around. The tacos are possibly the best item on the menu and the nachos may be the worst. The tacos are light and tastefully done. The nachos are just drowned in everything. That sounds like a great idea but it smothers any flavors. Again, there just isn't a wide menu to choose from.
(2)
Michelle S.
It is just another hidden treasure in Nob Hill. Tucked away in a cul du sac off of central next to the Co-op and Scalo. They have a fabulous patio where you can enjoy the great tapas or over indulge in the chili cheese fries or hot chicken wings. They have nightly specials on drinks. It can get kinda busy and the wait staff sometimes gets overwhelmed BUT none the less they are always pretty cool. They have sports playing on the several TVs so if your into sports this is a good place. Try the hummus its great-you will have to ask for extra pitas but I am pretty sure you don't get charged extra.
(4)
Tanna C.
I'm originally from Albuquerque and rediscovered this gem during my last visit. Decent menu, including tapas (i love to graze). The green chili cheese fries hit the spot! The daytime bartender was friendly and attentive. The place reminds me of what I miss about Albuquerque.
(4)
Susan S.
I love Gecko's. I always have a good time there and I adore the staff!
(5)
Tina J.
I moved about a year ago, but miss this place so much! The patio, the grilled artichokes, the nachos, and of course the drinks all combine to create an awesome place to hang out. I miss you Geckos! Plus, half price burger nights!
(5)
Misti Y.
Perfect watering hole for grabbing eats, drinks and a game. It might cute to say "everybody knows your name" type of place, but it is the dead truth here. We were out of towners, but every single person that came in the door was greeted by their first name and appeared to know everyone else in the place. It was quite fascinating as it wasn't just young hipsters; there were some old timers kicking back Foster's. Worth noting: A nice selection of bourbon, creative eats (I didn't love my basil Caesar salad, but the magical pepperoni sauce on the nachos was wildly delicious), and every sporting event on every ESPN channel ever created being piped in daily. They had so many boxes and screens it was like an army command center. If you're looking for a local spot to drink, grab quick eats and watch a game, this is your spot.
(4)
Davey R.
I do quite a bit remember this place. It was my first night in Albuquerque. The tapas were amazing, and for all three of us and massive amounts of calories ingested, the bill only came to $39. That included drinks as well. This is apparently a local legend of a place, and the facade looks quite cool. It's also one of the closer establishments to the edge of a sprawl of awesome shops/restaurants. Good place to be, you will be seen.
(4)
Mark N.
Like this place because of the nice outdoor patio and the Nob Hill location. More of a bar than a restauarant, the food is kind of hit and miss. The tapas concept is good, some of the tapas and other items actually are quite good.. The service is sometimes terrible, some of the servers are just plain rude.. The atmosphere is nice, very casual and sort of a "hip" crowd with a sort of neighborhood bar feel. I lived 3 blocks away so it was just that for me.. You can actually talk to people here, it is not too noisy for that unlike some bars
(3)
Walt W.
This place sucks. the prices are lame and the service is laughably terrible..
(1)
Derrick W.
The vibe and service at this location is so much better than the one in the heights. Its amazing that there could be such a difference but there is. Although we live near the heights location, we'd rather make the trip to the Central location because it is so much better.
(4)
James B.
Best bar food in Albuquerque, decent prices. The music won't appeal to the snobs but hey even they will sing along to the cure when the time is right. The patio is wonderful on any given summer or fall afternoon/evening. When winter comes the inside can get a bit crowded but I like sitting out in the bitter cold drinking rum and hot apple cider. What better way to spend the winter?
(4)
Justin C.
Disappointing. I'm from out of town so perhaps my expectations were too high. The wait staff was very nice. However my first drink was wrong. No problem, I can live with a mistake. The recommended tapas dish tasted like the spinach came from a can. And when the bill came, despite vodka drinks being $4 happy hour special, I was charged $1.50 per drink for the addition of the generic kahalua substitute...which is cheaper than vodka anyway. Overall, just a disappointing experience and given the other restaurants within walking distance I regret my decision.
(2)
Charles H.
I eat small amounts of food all day long. Meals are taken at restaurants but I would live at Gecko's. As always, better with friends.
(4)
Jack O.
Gecko's has been my favorite haunt for a few years now. Service is very friendly. Food is pretty good, too! Sit out on the patio and enjoy Nob Hill!
(5)
Swim K.
Pros: 1) The menu is short and sweet. It's nice not having 88 options to choose from. 2) The weekly specials appear to be nice. 3) It's located in a great part of Nob Hill. Location, location, location. Cons: 1) People are allowed to smoke on the patio. Great for some people, bad for me. 2) The food is nothing special. I know it's bar food but even the bar food was a little weak to the taste. 3) The further back in the restaurant you go the darker and less appealing this place becomes. The patio section out in front is appealing but once inside you get disappointed. Overall: This is a dive bar, in my opinion, I will likely not attend more than once or twice a year.
(2)
Tosha B.
A group of us came here after work and sat on the outside patio which was nice. Our waitress Marissa was AMAZING and super helpful. We told her we were from out of town, so she gave us suggestions on local beers to try. We ordered some tapas, calamari, tacos, and beef and it was all fabulous! They had a special buy 2 tapas and get 1 free, so that was nice. When Marissa brought our check, she also included a handwritten note with suggestions for local beers and breweries while we were in Albuquerque. We all thought that was super sweet and just was the icing on the cake for our time there. I'll definitely come back here next time I'm in town.
(5)
Carmen S.
While searching for a pet-friendly patio for lunch in Nob Hill, we stopped here for a salad and some New Mexico sunshine before we had to return to the dreary East Coast. Their chef salad was wonderful - spanish olives on a skewer were artistically placed on top, along with a few toasted baguette slices, fresh (but salty) feta, tummy tomatoes, cucumbers, and smoked turkey. Service was excellent - they even brought a bowl of water and a slice of bacon for our travel-weary pup. We will be back!
(5)
Brittany F.
My husband and I dropped in for drinks and appetizers on a Thursday night. It was a bit crowded, but we easily found parking and a table. The drink selection includes a myriad of beer and whiskey options, as well as several decent wine options. There are different drink specials each night of the week, and my husband took advantage of the $3.50 special on Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA. As for the food, we skipped the tapas and stuck to the bar appetizers, which turned out to be an excellent choice. The green chile cheese fries were very good. We ordered the small size, which was more than enough for two to share. The chorizo bleu cheese queso was also quite good, with plenty of chorizo and just a bit of bleu cheese crumbled on top. The chips served alongside the dip, however, are nothing to write home about. Finally, we ordered a half-dozen of the tangy chipotle hot wings, which were excellently cooked and nicely spicy for our Texan palates. The service was prompt, if not enthusiastic. All in all, it was a great experience, and we'll be back.
(4)
Lindsey H.
If you're in Albuquerque on a Sunday morning during football season, roll out of bed in your PJs, round up your friends, and get your ass into Gecko's. This is a great place to order a beer, some finger food tapas (that taste like they might have been previously frozen), and watch all the football games in America at once on their dozen or more TVs.
(4)
Nick N.
Great place!!!! The service has seen better days, well that's how long you have to wait for drinks, or food. If you do get food, amazing, well drinks nice and strong! Although if your there long enough, and do get served a proper amount of booze, the bathrooms are quite nice to barf in, ( auto flush), or the patio,( I have seen a few patio pukers). Its nice when your on a date, just stay clear of 90% of the douch bags at any given time. Avoid staying later than 11:00, all the weird local nobhill people show up, either to smell up the place, or to offer to buy smokes, but never really do, or just stare at you and yell. They might let the retard ward in after hours come to think of it It's a good place to people watch, and waitress watch. depending on the day, I rate Geckos 5 stars, to no stars; just depends on who the Great servers are.
(3)
Alfredo M.
Now an ABQ institution. Usually one of my first stops when back in the 5-0-5 and need to sip a Santa Fe Pale or Marble IPA on the beloved patio (always good for interesting dog & people watching). Excellent food, including the sneaky good "grilled two-cheeser" and almost always great "quesadilla of the day." Most of the tapas are very well done, though a pinch pricey. You wouldn't know it from the normal vibe of the place, but it's also great for NFL watching on Sundays...the top-notch bloody marys are the highlight. The only knock on Gecko's is that, like most places, it can get a little uncomfortable when it gets too crowded. The narrow interior bar and single occupancy restrooms don't lend itself to good times if and when the crowd gets to standing room only levels on popular evenings.
(4)
Bobby M.
I popped into Gecko's today with the intention of ordering and taking my food away. I've been told by a few people that the wings are pretty fantastic here, and I've been on the hunt for good wings since arriving in ABQ. I ended up staying for a moment and it wasn't the wings that made me park it, but the glorious sight of a tap that sat behind the bar. Alaskan Amber was there, and was fresh. It was a pleasant surprise, I inquired, and was then poured a glass of said awesome. As my bartender reveled in the sports playing in the background. He was still able to care for me and the fellow patrons. After perusing the menu. I order a small Basil Caesar, and a half dozen wings. (The bartender did inform me of the .50c wings after six o'clock on Monday deal, but I opted to eat early and pay the price.) The beer flow-ith, and the food, umm, the food come-th-ith? All the food was good, that's what I am trying to say. The wings were worthy of their praise, and I am glad to have found a spot I can come get a few when I have a craving. All in all it was a good experience. I arrived with the intention of take-away, but the beer, food, and service beckoned me to stay. I'm glad I did, I will again, and the next time I will try to bring a friend or two and occupy the patio.
(4)
Jazmine V.
I went for my first time to this Gecko's location. I've been the Alameda location and enjoyed it. I'm pretty disappointed that they don't have heaters on the patio. It's not a large patio, but it could do with 2-3 portable heaters. This location, being in Nob Hill and all, sees its fair share of business. I know that they have enough cash flow to support this small thing. The drinks were okay, the service was okay, and the food was good. A mediocre experience. Nothing bad, and nothing great.
(3)
Megan H.
Totally got ignored this afternoon at a relatively empty bar. Two people talked with us, walked back and forth, and forgot we were waiting to order. We were sitting up at the bar, too. Hard to miss. Menus were dirty, place was dingy. Won't go back.
(1)
Christina W.
My friends and I are pretty regular here so we always receive great service and have a good time. The food is consistently good and they have great deals throughout the week.
(5)
Suneye H.
Excellent service! I met colleagues here for drinks. Ended up killing a couple of appetizers. I will be back for tapas! They have ginger ale so I had J&Gs and the calamari was great. Very cool spot.
(4)
Forrest M.
A quaint little tapas restaurant and bar. Good whiskey selection and local beer. Parking can be sparse and the sometimes there can be a wait to get service, but when you do, it's lightning fast to your table.
(4)
Coco L.
A friend and I came here for some beers and apps, and the food was delish! The wait was short, and the waitress was fun and friendly. Definitely will be back next time I'm in town!
(5)
Susan P.
Another amazing place that made my life complete while I was in Albuquerque! One of the things I liked when we first arrived here was that there was patio seating. The weather was amazing during my trip so I definitely wanted to sit outside wherever we went. The food was delicious! Like REALLY delicious! Like really REALLY delicious! My friend ordered the nachos. I'm not sure how they did the cheese, but the way it was melted on the chips was so mouth watering. It literally made the whole dish! They were probably the best nachos I've ever had. I ordered the crab taquitos. I was disappointed in these taquitos because they didn't taste like crab at all. HOWEVER, the dip that it came with? OH MY GOSH... I'm not sure what's in it but I could eat it everyday. It was like an avocado/cilantro dip. The drinks were not that great. Not for me at least. They had specials on vodka, so the waitress recommended some alcoholic Arnold Palmer thing. I didn't taste any alcohol in it and felt like I was only drinking an Arnold Palmer. Maybe that's their way of making me order more. lol. If it wasn't for the nachos and dip, and seating, I probably would've rated differently. But If you ever come here order the nachos! AND a huge side of the avocado dip! You won't be disappointed! LOVED it! =)
(4)
Keira M.
It is what it is. I enjoy coming here for drinks after dinner. It invites many odd characters, yet I can appreciate that. We did have poor service on Friday night though. We had to go pay at the bar because our waitress never came to check on us, so we left. Will be back though.
(3)
Felicia A.
If Gecko's were solely a bar, I'd give it four stars. It's got a nice laid-back feel to it, and the service is friendly. If you want your drinks with a side of sunshine (or moonlight), there's a nice patio. If you'd rather avoid lighting, inside is the place for you--dimly lit like any good bar should be! Lots of good beer options on tap and solid mixed drinks too. Sadly, I can't say I've been as impressed with the food. I love the menu on paper, which consists mostly of bar food staples, many of which have a Southwestern twist. Nothing I've ordered has been bad per se, just underwhelming. During my most recent visit (during Summerfest), we snacked on the green chile fries and green chile garlic hummus. For a place so popular with locals, the chile really screams "tourist-friendly." Hardly any bite to it. I expected the chile would be blended into the hummus, but, rather, a bit was just added on top. Couldn't taste the difference between a scoop with chile and a scoop without. Likewise, I don't see what all the fuss is about with the green chile cheese fries. Fries are tasty enough, but the chile is again weak and they could give you a bit more cheese. Gecko's has a great location and atmosphere. Menu just needs a flavor boost!
(3)
Shawn M.
Food is good and they have a nice dog friendly patio. Very casual atmosphere. I have never had a bad experience in this restaurant. Good food service and predictable bar food. I come three or four times a month
(4)
Kevin W.
Very frustrated with this place! The smoking on the patio is disgusting, you can't even eat at Scalo with out sacking down some cancer. You can't have kids there after 4 which is about what time school let's out and no kids inside at all. Used to be one of my favorites but probably will never go there again.
(2)
Breeana W.
Last night I had a nacho experience to remember at Geckos. Nacho typical nachos, these were great! Highly recommended if you are in the market for tasty bar cuisine.
(4)
Mark B.
BEWARE! The businesses in Nob Hill Business Center are trying to quote 'send a message' regarding their precious 10 parking spaces. If you don't stay at their business the ENTIRE time you're parked there they will boot your car on the first offense. I frequent these businesses numerous times per week and enjoy the shop and stroll atmosphere of Nob Hill, but I can assure you, this attitude will ensure that I steer clear of Scalo and Geckos in the future.
(1)
Exiter F.
Socially welcome environment, & pretty good food. This place can get packed in the evenings! Best time to go is in the afternoon.
(3)
Theodore B.
My husband and I come here often. The service is always efficient and friendly. The food is always hit, tasty and portioned to fill. Great birgwrs, ruebens, BLT and tapas. Just wish they would I traduce some new tapas because we've had the same ones for a long time. We've had Christian as our server numerous times and she is awesome!
(5)
Nat S.
I love Geckos's, it is such a great neighborhood bar. The happy hour is from 4-7 every day. Monday is .50c wings after 6. Hot wings are crunchy, falling off the bone, and damn spicy. After eating one or two, I realized I had never had this sauce before. I asked and apparently they make it in house from Chipotle peppers. If you do not have an iron constitution- and they ask you if you want the sauce on the side, you may want to opt in. I got a heavy and wonderful endorphin rush after eating just 5. I ate 20 wings of Monte Vistas wings and had no such chemical joy. The food is pretty good, and served late -on the weekends the kitchen closes at 12 AM. So late at night when I have low blood sugar, after I get out of work- I am known to indulge in a buffalo chicken sandwich. A fried cutlet smothered in buffalo sauce and topped with blue cheese crumbles, on a bun with a heaping portion of curly fries, man that is good. This has a bit of spice, but not near the level of the wings. My boyfriend has eaten the Ruben and said it was darn tasty. They say they are known for the Chile Cheese fries, but they were not my favorite. The fries themselves hit the spot, but I did not get as much chile a I would like. I am a spice hound so- not hot for me= hell in the mouth for another. The cheese also had an inconsistent texture. It was late at night and maybe it was just an off moment. They were still highly edible and don't let me dissuade you if you are reading this with your heart set of ordering them. Staff is all super chill and does a top notch job making you feel at a home away from home- for service and drink specials five stars, food is 3-4 stars, mostly 4. I am giving it 5 stars because it is my favorite spot to chill and have a beer in Nob Hill. Also this is not a College bar, or a pure sports bar. Yes they have TV's with sports on usually but I think are open to letting you watch a show. We went here for NYE to watch the ball drop, and were just watching some Olympic Ski runs. It is pretty low key usually.
(5)
Vincent L.
The drinks are set at a decent price. 4-5 bucks per draft beer. Drinks are strong. Nachos could use some work. The biggest upset that I had with this company is that they tried to tack on other people's bill onto my tab.
(1)
Lena L.
I am a pretty big fan of Gecko's. Let's start off by saying yes, it's loud. It is a bar. It is not going to be quiet. The parking sucks. All Nob Hill parking sucks. If you want a nice, quite place to go, a bar is not a wise choice. The food, though, is quite good. It can take a while on crowded nights when the place is packed, but that is to be expected at a busy spot. The drinks are well priced and are fairly good. Service is usually good, but be warned that your waitress will be running around like a crazy person on weekends tending to fifty different people. They do try their best. It is very nice for a brunch. They have decent a decent Bloody Mary- it does lack a bit on the spice, but you can just toss in some Tabasco yourself. My one complaint on the food would be the veggie burger. While the burger itself is good, the bun is horrible. It's too thick and dry for the burger. You have to put on lots of condiments and that can overpower the veggie burger. The tapas are awesome. Good things to try are the Sauteed Escargot - I know, snails are gross, but these are actually really good! Very buttery and tasty. Another few are Crispy Polenta, Southwestern Krab Taquitos and Fried Calamari Rings. They are delicious. If that freaks you out, they have awesome burgers on their other menu.
(4)
Damon T.
This is home base for my wife and I. We met here. We call it our "second kitchen" and "the standby" when it's too late or we're too tired/lazy to cook. The staff here is great and usually very friendly. They can get slammed, and when that happens don't be surprised if it's not as speedy as you'd like. They have a decent tapas menu that changes from time to time. It's all usually pretty good. They also have a Chowder, Quesadilla and Crustini of the day, all of which are creative and almost always great. The beer selection here is decent, not great. The patio is nice, though with Albuquerque's indoor smoking ban it ends up being quite smoky out there most nights when it's busy. The patio is dog-friendly which is (usually) nice. Indoors they have a fair number of flat-screens for watching sports. They'll even turn on Football (soccer) and Rugby if you ask!
(5)
Alayne S.
This location is hit or miss. The customer service is either good or complete crap, which results in a bad experience over all. Slooow service, cold food, empty drinks, waiting... waiting... waiting...
(2)
Edwin C.
Rolled in here on a Thursday night looking for good food, drinks, and the Niners game. GREAT ambiance!!! There's an outside area with plenty of seating. Inside is dark, a little too dark for me. But the food was AWESOME!!! My wife was craving a salad, they had it. I was preparing for a marathon, so I was little more open. Got the 1/2 BLT and soup. Green Chili chowder was NICE!!! But it's really great for the Tapas and drinks. First of all, I didn't have a drink but looked at the menu and it was pretty good and VERY VERY good prices. From what I recall, they almost looked like regular happy hour prices elsewhere. THE TAPAS!!! I wish I was in a group of more people to try more. I had this pumpkin/corn dip that had a scoop of broiled goat cheese. TO DIE FOR!!! A bit spicy, but SO TASTY AND CREAMY!!! I'd (almost) go back to the ABQ just for this. Only down side might be the parking, although I didn't have a problem on the Thursday night I went.
(5)
Leah C.
Gecko's in Nob Hill is a great place to sit outside or at the bar any night of the week. Though table service has been hit or miss my last few visits and some of the cocktailers really need to learn their drink menu, they have consistently tasty vittles (I cannot resist those curly cheese fries), daily food and drink specials, a decent wine list, and a few local brews on tap. Also, those bartenders make a mean Jameson Ginger. Definitely one of my go-to watering holes.
(4)
Lauren K.
This place has some of the nicest and most welcoming employees. Specifically the girls working the bar/service area. It's a full bar with about 15+ local beers and specialty beers on tap. Upon observation I noticed that this place is a local favorite because the bartender knew what the usual patrons wanted before they even ordered their drinks. I ordered a Shocktop on draught and coincidentally it was the beer on special for Saturday. Everyday of the week there is a different draught beer on special. They also have a full food menu consisting of comfort foods and local green chile flavor favorites. I ordered the falafel dish and was extremely satisfied. It came with a salad, falafel and two generous slices of pita bread. It was definitely a choice dish for consuming more than one beer. And it just so happens that I came in on Valentine's day. To my surprise the kitchen sent out a tray of chocolate covered pretzels and cupcakes for the patrons to choose from for free. If you are ever in Albuquerque and want some great draught beers, inexpensive food, and quality service make sure that Gecko's is on your list. I really can't even think of anything that would have made my experience better than it already was.
(5)
Clayton A.
Although I've yet to find a good bar for mingling and interacting with like-minded people, I certainly can't complain about the prices at any of the bars I've been to accross the city. I still feel a bit of shock when I get a bill for 3 beers and it's under $15. I love it. What's even cooler is coming to a place like Gecko's where 3 drinks and a few snacks can still clock in under 30 bucks. It's pretty amazing compared to a lot of parts of the good old USA and something I do not take for granted. Rather, I look at this wonderful pricing arrangement as a mandate to take advantage and experiment with as much beer and liquor as my mind and body can withstand (not really though, at least not in one sitting). Geckos offers plenty to try then, with a wealth of liquors and beers to choose from, representing a variety of world regions. Having felt a bit overexposed to rum in New York City, I was pleasantly surprised to try Pyrat, a sweet, honey-like rum from Barbados (If I remember correctly). I'd never seen or heard of this back east, so Geckos gets major kudos for the introduction in this least likely of rum towns. The beers are mostly big names, with few craft of interest, but the New Belgim options are enough to keep me happy, especially while grubbing on some of the green chile cheese fries or the nachos, both so typically New Mexican, but oly the safest of options to choose from on the diverse menu. Next visit, I intend to venture out a bit (since I can order more adventurously when not burdened by boring, picky eaters) and try some of the more unique food options. Overall, this is a good happy hour, early evening bar. If you're like me and like music and dance, you'll probably want to move on as the night develops. Still, a good starting point for any night on the town.
(4)
Emily C.
I moved to ABQ from Chicago 2 months ago, and this is one of my favorite spots so far. The highlights: - Large patio perfect for sipping drinks on a summer evening - High-quality beers and mixed drinks at a fair price (most beers under $5) - Sauteed French helix snails - buttery, sour, melt-in-your-mouth goodness - Rice paper crisped gulf shrimp - crunchy, flaky, served with kimchi I will be back tonight for the Monday night special (after 6 PM) - 40 cent wings!
(4)
Page J.
I highly do not recommend going to Geckos. I went there one evening for a late dinner and couple of drinks with my friends. Our waitress Lindsay was extremely short with us and very rude. After we ordered our food the burger I got was actually coated with salt. Someone had salt on the front and back of the patty as well as on top of the cheese. Our waitress took forever to come despite attempting to hail her down multiple times, by the time she came over she removed the burger informed me that the kitchen was closing in 3 minutes but she will remove it from the bill....thanks so now everyone at my table had now cold food from waiting for me and I was left with no food at all. Having worked in the service industry for several years, I know what terrible service is and this is it. My advice, don't bother.
(1)
Ashley E.
This place makes a strong cocktail...no matter which cocktail you choose. Gecko's BLT is disgustingly GOOD!. It's three pieces of wheatberry bread, loaded with crispy bacon, thick slices of ripe tomato and crunchy, cool lettuce. It's got a healthy dose of mayo as well. The first time I ordered it, I asked for the middle slice of bread to be removed. MISTAKE! I ordered it the second time as is, and that extra piece of gluten (as much as I hate to admit it) put it over the top. It's a huge sandwich, but dang is it good. I've really never ordered anything at Geckos that I haven't liked. I prefer this location to the one on Academy hands down. The crowd is way more chill.
(4)
Jane V.
We just moved here recently. We have been to Geckos twice - a sat night and weekend afternoon. I preferred the afternoon environment because it was a little more chill. Pros: - they always have drink specials - good prices on food - delicious appetizers - great and friendly service Con: - on our Saturday night experience dogs took over the patio. I'm fine with dogs on patio if they are on leashes and with their owners. The dogs there that evening were roaming and begging for our food.
(4)
JP F.
An Albuquerque fixture for 'pub food.' Feel like I get great service here almost always. I like their caesar, wings, fries, and hamburgers. Great patio. To me this is what a good pub/restaurant should be. It isn't the food, it's the total experience.
(5)
worldtraveler c.
Great neighborhood bar! Servers are awesome and the food is what is to be expected from a bar. Vibe is always positive. I usually go for Monday night wings!
(5)
Laura V.
I give Geckos 4 stars for the bar- if I were ranking it on food it would probably be 3. My husband and I had our first date here, so I have a soft spot for Gecko's. It's a good bar, always friendly service, and damn they pour a strong drink. I love the patio and have spent many nights meeting and greeting all the cool people in ABQ who hang out here. The food isn't the best- I like the tapas idea but I can never seem to find something I like for a snack when we are there. I also wish they had a few more local beers on tap- I always end up with Marble IPA which isn't my fave. Overall it's a great place to bring friends and out of town folks and the patio is second to none.
(4)
Joshua H.
Awesome slight dive place with a good menu and full size bar! Good for catching a game or a chill date with nothing pretentious. Wait staff is always friendly and prompt. Never had a complaint there! Love this spot for meeting up with friends for some grub before hitting the bars.
(4)
Dan C.
This review is solely based on service, as one of us had a vertical license (there were a bunch of us traveling for work), and we were all denied food service. We had just finished working a full day, were starving, and they turned us away because our 28 year old colleague had a vertical license. Excuuuuuse me. What a dumb law. In any case, the people were very polite. I was excited to potentially try this place, but we ended up at Frontier instead. I'd still like to try it, though it was less fancy than we expected for a tapas place.
(3)
Sean B.
Its odd that I have not reviewed Geckos considering I have been eating here for years and consider this one of my regular bars. Every once and a while I need to get away from campus and indulge in a burger and beer... Gecko's always hits the spot. the burgers are not super fancy, but the staff is friendly and does not mind that I sit for a while and finish up some schoolwork. I especially enjoy the Gecko's patio in the fall when the evenings are a cooler (I probably enjoyed it even more when I was a smoker). the staff has always been friendly, the service is usually good, and the community is such that if you accidentally bump into someone or nudge a table you wil likely end up talking for the rest of the night.
(4)
Vero P.
wish i were there now. want better drink specials. not that great happy hour.
(5)
Michelle D.
So disappointed. It was our first time in ABQ and we decided to check this place out after reading some reviews. Interior & patio looked pretty cool, but food was just not up to par, especially for that price. We tried the red mole grilled steak tacos, green chili cheese fries, merguez lamb sausage & new potatoes and this pesto bruschetta spread on baguette slices. Nothing really impressed me, just really greasy. Portions were small compared to typical tapas that you can find in Chicago...or Spain...or anywhere. The green chile cheese curly fries were probably the best thing out of what we got. Plus, it was a little too dark inside, and sitting on the patio was a lost cause due to all the smokers. Overall, not worth the money! I'm pretty sure I could make tastier & less greasy stuff at home.
(1)
Prefers A.
not a fan. although it's got outdoor seating which is nice, I've never liked the vibe here and will often tell friends "anywhere but Gecko's" when they want to go out in Nob Hill. not impressed with the gazpacho (not sure if it's still on the menu). was asked for cocaine here on one occasion. WTF? go sit next door at Scalo if you want the outdoor Nob Hill dining/drinking experience.
(1)
Dillon S.
Awesome jerk frog leg tapas and good drink specials. Good freindly sevice and a nice atmosphere. Patio was also adaquate for the size, which was kind of small. I would definetly go back.
(4)
Donna L.
Great food! Hubby got the goat cheese, pumpkin corn and LOVED it. Good atmosphere to watch a game, but it's a bit too dark.
(4)
Lucas L.
Disclamer: This is a hipster joint. It's my local watering hole. Drinks are good, especially martini's. The service is quite prompt and the atmosphere is fantastic. Its the type of place you go where everyone knows your name... or they don't and you will be friends with the table next to you by the end of your stay. Enjoy.
(4)
Travis B.
This is my favorite spot in Nob hill. It's in a great location. It has excellent service and it has, hands down, the best bar patio in Albuquerque. The lighting is unique at night. Inside it's very dark, but the front neon lights brighten up the patio in a very unique way. But seriously the service is great, especially the bartenders. They've got a crew that is prompt, professional, but comfortable. Not an easy mix to achieve, but they've done it.
(5)
Nicole G.
Great place wish we lived closer. We stopped by to watch a game on our road trip to Dallas. We enjoyed the basil Caesar salad, green chili chicken stew, green chill fries and of course some cold brews. Everything was perfect including the service!
(4)
Bryce B.
Wonderful food, great service, and a fun atmosphere. My girlfriend says it was "the best burger I've ever had in my life". Only reason this place lost a star is because their alcohol is pricy :\ $5.50 for a draft beer is a bit much...
(4)
Emily C.
Great Tapas, Great Beer, always cool music playing, and if you manage to score and outdoor table and awesome place to just hang out with yoru friends and your dog.
(4)
clayton p.
Not great service, but finally was able to order their burger and fries. Got it and it was under cooked. Wasn't able to tell anybody until after i ate all my fries and wasn't hungry. I won't be going back here anytime soon
(1)
Heidi C.
The food is tastier than Kelly's or O'Neill's down the street, it's more casual and fun than Scalo's next door, it's less of a mosh pit than Two Fools on a Friday night, and the drinks are cheaper than Opa's. It an get slightly scenester-ish, but not too bad.and heck, it's a bar, I expect that to some extent.
(4)
Jack O.
Gecko's has been my favorite haunt for a few years now. Service is very friendly. Food is pretty good, too! Sit out on the patio and enjoy Nob Hill!
(5)
Swim K.
Pros: 1) The menu is short and sweet. It's nice not having 88 options to choose from. 2) The weekly specials appear to be nice. 3) It's located in a great part of Nob Hill. Location, location, location. Cons: 1) People are allowed to smoke on the patio. Great for some people, bad for me. 2) The food is nothing special. I know it's bar food but even the bar food was a little weak to the taste. 3) The further back in the restaurant you go the darker and less appealing this place becomes. The patio section out in front is appealing but once inside you get disappointed. Overall: This is a dive bar, in my opinion, I will likely not attend more than once or twice a year.
(2)
Tosha B.
A group of us came here after work and sat on the outside patio which was nice. Our waitress Marissa was AMAZING and super helpful. We told her we were from out of town, so she gave us suggestions on local beers to try. We ordered some tapas, calamari, tacos, and beef and it was all fabulous! They had a special buy 2 tapas and get 1 free, so that was nice. When Marissa brought our check, she also included a handwritten note with suggestions for local beers and breweries while we were in Albuquerque. We all thought that was super sweet and just was the icing on the cake for our time there. I'll definitely come back here next time I'm in town.
(5)
Bobby M.
I popped into Gecko's today with the intention of ordering and taking my food away. I've been told by a few people that the wings are pretty fantastic here, and I've been on the hunt for good wings since arriving in ABQ. I ended up staying for a moment and it wasn't the wings that made me park it, but the glorious sight of a tap that sat behind the bar. Alaskan Amber was there, and was fresh. It was a pleasant surprise, I inquired, and was then poured a glass of said awesome. As my bartender reveled in the sports playing in the background. He was still able to care for me and the fellow patrons. After perusing the menu. I order a small Basil Caesar, and a half dozen wings. (The bartender did inform me of the .50c wings after six o'clock on Monday deal, but I opted to eat early and pay the price.) The beer flow-ith, and the food, umm, the food come-th-ith? All the food was good, that's what I am trying to say. The wings were worthy of their praise, and I am glad to have found a spot I can come get a few when I have a craving. All in all it was a good experience. I arrived with the intention of take-away, but the beer, food, and service beckoned me to stay. I'm glad I did, I will again, and the next time I will try to bring a friend or two and occupy the patio.
(4)
Jazmine V.
I went for my first time to this Gecko's location. I've been the Alameda location and enjoyed it. I'm pretty disappointed that they don't have heaters on the patio. It's not a large patio, but it could do with 2-3 portable heaters. This location, being in Nob Hill and all, sees its fair share of business. I know that they have enough cash flow to support this small thing. The drinks were okay, the service was okay, and the food was good. A mediocre experience. Nothing bad, and nothing great.
(3)
Megan H.
Totally got ignored this afternoon at a relatively empty bar. Two people talked with us, walked back and forth, and forgot we were waiting to order. We were sitting up at the bar, too. Hard to miss. Menus were dirty, place was dingy. Won't go back.
(1)
Christina W.
My friends and I are pretty regular here so we always receive great service and have a good time. The food is consistently good and they have great deals throughout the week.
(5)
Suneye H.
Excellent service! I met colleagues here for drinks. Ended up killing a couple of appetizers. I will be back for tapas! They have ginger ale so I had J&Gs and the calamari was great. Very cool spot.
(4)
Forrest M.
A quaint little tapas restaurant and bar. Good whiskey selection and local beer. Parking can be sparse and the sometimes there can be a wait to get service, but when you do, it's lightning fast to your table.
(4)
Coco L.
A friend and I came here for some beers and apps, and the food was delish! The wait was short, and the waitress was fun and friendly. Definitely will be back next time I'm in town!
(5)
Carmen S.
While searching for a pet-friendly patio for lunch in Nob Hill, we stopped here for a salad and some New Mexico sunshine before we had to return to the dreary East Coast. Their chef salad was wonderful - spanish olives on a skewer were artistically placed on top, along with a few toasted baguette slices, fresh (but salty) feta, tummy tomatoes, cucumbers, and smoked turkey. Service was excellent - they even brought a bowl of water and a slice of bacon for our travel-weary pup. We will be back!
(5)
Susan P.
Another amazing place that made my life complete while I was in Albuquerque! One of the things I liked when we first arrived here was that there was patio seating. The weather was amazing during my trip so I definitely wanted to sit outside wherever we went. The food was delicious! Like REALLY delicious! Like really REALLY delicious! My friend ordered the nachos. I'm not sure how they did the cheese, but the way it was melted on the chips was so mouth watering. It literally made the whole dish! They were probably the best nachos I've ever had. I ordered the crab taquitos. I was disappointed in these taquitos because they didn't taste like crab at all. HOWEVER, the dip that it came with? OH MY GOSH... I'm not sure what's in it but I could eat it everyday. It was like an avocado/cilantro dip. The drinks were not that great. Not for me at least. They had specials on vodka, so the waitress recommended some alcoholic Arnold Palmer thing. I didn't taste any alcohol in it and felt like I was only drinking an Arnold Palmer. Maybe that's their way of making me order more. lol. If it wasn't for the nachos and dip, and seating, I probably would've rated differently. But If you ever come here order the nachos! AND a huge side of the avocado dip! You won't be disappointed! LOVED it! =)
(4)
Keira M.
It is what it is. I enjoy coming here for drinks after dinner. It invites many odd characters, yet I can appreciate that. We did have poor service on Friday night though. We had to go pay at the bar because our waitress never came to check on us, so we left. Will be back though.
(3)
Exiter F.
Socially welcome environment, & pretty good food. This place can get packed in the evenings! Best time to go is in the afternoon.
(3)
Theodore B.
My husband and I come here often. The service is always efficient and friendly. The food is always hit, tasty and portioned to fill. Great birgwrs, ruebens, BLT and tapas. Just wish they would I traduce some new tapas because we've had the same ones for a long time. We've had Christian as our server numerous times and she is awesome!
(5)
Felicia A.
If Gecko's were solely a bar, I'd give it four stars. It's got a nice laid-back feel to it, and the service is friendly. If you want your drinks with a side of sunshine (or moonlight), there's a nice patio. If you'd rather avoid lighting, inside is the place for you--dimly lit like any good bar should be! Lots of good beer options on tap and solid mixed drinks too. Sadly, I can't say I've been as impressed with the food. I love the menu on paper, which consists mostly of bar food staples, many of which have a Southwestern twist. Nothing I've ordered has been bad per se, just underwhelming. During my most recent visit (during Summerfest), we snacked on the green chile fries and green chile garlic hummus. For a place so popular with locals, the chile really screams "tourist-friendly." Hardly any bite to it. I expected the chile would be blended into the hummus, but, rather, a bit was just added on top. Couldn't taste the difference between a scoop with chile and a scoop without. Likewise, I don't see what all the fuss is about with the green chile cheese fries. Fries are tasty enough, but the chile is again weak and they could give you a bit more cheese. Gecko's has a great location and atmosphere. Menu just needs a flavor boost!
(3)
Shawn M.
Food is good and they have a nice dog friendly patio. Very casual atmosphere. I have never had a bad experience in this restaurant. Good food service and predictable bar food. I come three or four times a month
(4)
Kevin W.
Very frustrated with this place! The smoking on the patio is disgusting, you can't even eat at Scalo with out sacking down some cancer. You can't have kids there after 4 which is about what time school let's out and no kids inside at all. Used to be one of my favorites but probably will never go there again.
(2)
Breeana W.
Last night I had a nacho experience to remember at Geckos. Nacho typical nachos, these were great! Highly recommended if you are in the market for tasty bar cuisine.
(4)
Mark B.
BEWARE! The businesses in Nob Hill Business Center are trying to quote 'send a message' regarding their precious 10 parking spaces. If you don't stay at their business the ENTIRE time you're parked there they will boot your car on the first offense. I frequent these businesses numerous times per week and enjoy the shop and stroll atmosphere of Nob Hill, but I can assure you, this attitude will ensure that I steer clear of Scalo and Geckos in the future.
(1)
Dan C.
This review is solely based on service, as one of us had a vertical license (there were a bunch of us traveling for work), and we were all denied food service. We had just finished working a full day, were starving, and they turned us away because our 28 year old colleague had a vertical license. Excuuuuuse me. What a dumb law. In any case, the people were very polite. I was excited to potentially try this place, but we ended up at Frontier instead. I'd still like to try it, though it was less fancy than we expected for a tapas place.
(3)
Nat S.
I love Geckos's, it is such a great neighborhood bar. The happy hour is from 4-7 every day. Monday is .50c wings after 6. Hot wings are crunchy, falling off the bone, and damn spicy. After eating one or two, I realized I had never had this sauce before. I asked and apparently they make it in house from Chipotle peppers. If you do not have an iron constitution- and they ask you if you want the sauce on the side, you may want to opt in. I got a heavy and wonderful endorphin rush after eating just 5. I ate 20 wings of Monte Vistas wings and had no such chemical joy. The food is pretty good, and served late -on the weekends the kitchen closes at 12 AM. So late at night when I have low blood sugar, after I get out of work- I am known to indulge in a buffalo chicken sandwich. A fried cutlet smothered in buffalo sauce and topped with blue cheese crumbles, on a bun with a heaping portion of curly fries, man that is good. This has a bit of spice, but not near the level of the wings. My boyfriend has eaten the Ruben and said it was darn tasty. They say they are known for the Chile Cheese fries, but they were not my favorite. The fries themselves hit the spot, but I did not get as much chile a I would like. I am a spice hound so- not hot for me= hell in the mouth for another. The cheese also had an inconsistent texture. It was late at night and maybe it was just an off moment. They were still highly edible and don't let me dissuade you if you are reading this with your heart set of ordering them. Staff is all super chill and does a top notch job making you feel at a home away from home- for service and drink specials five stars, food is 3-4 stars, mostly 4. I am giving it 5 stars because it is my favorite spot to chill and have a beer in Nob Hill. Also this is not a College bar, or a pure sports bar. Yes they have TV's with sports on usually but I think are open to letting you watch a show. We went here for NYE to watch the ball drop, and were just watching some Olympic Ski runs. It is pretty low key usually.
(5)
Vincent L.
The drinks are set at a decent price. 4-5 bucks per draft beer. Drinks are strong. Nachos could use some work. The biggest upset that I had with this company is that they tried to tack on other people's bill onto my tab.
(1)
Leah C.
Gecko's in Nob Hill is a great place to sit outside or at the bar any night of the week. Though table service has been hit or miss my last few visits and some of the cocktailers really need to learn their drink menu, they have consistently tasty vittles (I cannot resist those curly cheese fries), daily food and drink specials, a decent wine list, and a few local brews on tap. Also, those bartenders make a mean Jameson Ginger. Definitely one of my go-to watering holes.
(4)
Lena L.
I am a pretty big fan of Gecko's. Let's start off by saying yes, it's loud. It is a bar. It is not going to be quiet. The parking sucks. All Nob Hill parking sucks. If you want a nice, quite place to go, a bar is not a wise choice. The food, though, is quite good. It can take a while on crowded nights when the place is packed, but that is to be expected at a busy spot. The drinks are well priced and are fairly good. Service is usually good, but be warned that your waitress will be running around like a crazy person on weekends tending to fifty different people. They do try their best. It is very nice for a brunch. They have decent a decent Bloody Mary- it does lack a bit on the spice, but you can just toss in some Tabasco yourself. My one complaint on the food would be the veggie burger. While the burger itself is good, the bun is horrible. It's too thick and dry for the burger. You have to put on lots of condiments and that can overpower the veggie burger. The tapas are awesome. Good things to try are the Sauteed Escargot - I know, snails are gross, but these are actually really good! Very buttery and tasty. Another few are Crispy Polenta, Southwestern Krab Taquitos and Fried Calamari Rings. They are delicious. If that freaks you out, they have awesome burgers on their other menu.
(4)
Damon T.
This is home base for my wife and I. We met here. We call it our "second kitchen" and "the standby" when it's too late or we're too tired/lazy to cook. The staff here is great and usually very friendly. They can get slammed, and when that happens don't be surprised if it's not as speedy as you'd like. They have a decent tapas menu that changes from time to time. It's all usually pretty good. They also have a Chowder, Quesadilla and Crustini of the day, all of which are creative and almost always great. The beer selection here is decent, not great. The patio is nice, though with Albuquerque's indoor smoking ban it ends up being quite smoky out there most nights when it's busy. The patio is dog-friendly which is (usually) nice. Indoors they have a fair number of flat-screens for watching sports. They'll even turn on Football (soccer) and Rugby if you ask!
(5)
Alayne S.
This location is hit or miss. The customer service is either good or complete crap, which results in a bad experience over all. Slooow service, cold food, empty drinks, waiting... waiting... waiting...
(2)
Edwin C.
Rolled in here on a Thursday night looking for good food, drinks, and the Niners game. GREAT ambiance!!! There's an outside area with plenty of seating. Inside is dark, a little too dark for me. But the food was AWESOME!!! My wife was craving a salad, they had it. I was preparing for a marathon, so I was little more open. Got the 1/2 BLT and soup. Green Chili chowder was NICE!!! But it's really great for the Tapas and drinks. First of all, I didn't have a drink but looked at the menu and it was pretty good and VERY VERY good prices. From what I recall, they almost looked like regular happy hour prices elsewhere. THE TAPAS!!! I wish I was in a group of more people to try more. I had this pumpkin/corn dip that had a scoop of broiled goat cheese. TO DIE FOR!!! A bit spicy, but SO TASTY AND CREAMY!!! I'd (almost) go back to the ABQ just for this. Only down side might be the parking, although I didn't have a problem on the Thursday night I went.
(5)
Joshua H.
Awesome slight dive place with a good menu and full size bar! Good for catching a game or a chill date with nothing pretentious. Wait staff is always friendly and prompt. Never had a complaint there! Love this spot for meeting up with friends for some grub before hitting the bars.
(4)
Lauren K.
This place has some of the nicest and most welcoming employees. Specifically the girls working the bar/service area. It's a full bar with about 15+ local beers and specialty beers on tap. Upon observation I noticed that this place is a local favorite because the bartender knew what the usual patrons wanted before they even ordered their drinks. I ordered a Shocktop on draught and coincidentally it was the beer on special for Saturday. Everyday of the week there is a different draught beer on special. They also have a full food menu consisting of comfort foods and local green chile flavor favorites. I ordered the falafel dish and was extremely satisfied. It came with a salad, falafel and two generous slices of pita bread. It was definitely a choice dish for consuming more than one beer. And it just so happens that I came in on Valentine's day. To my surprise the kitchen sent out a tray of chocolate covered pretzels and cupcakes for the patrons to choose from for free. If you are ever in Albuquerque and want some great draught beers, inexpensive food, and quality service make sure that Gecko's is on your list. I really can't even think of anything that would have made my experience better than it already was.
(5)
Travis B.
This is my favorite spot in Nob hill. It's in a great location. It has excellent service and it has, hands down, the best bar patio in Albuquerque. The lighting is unique at night. Inside it's very dark, but the front neon lights brighten up the patio in a very unique way. But seriously the service is great, especially the bartenders. They've got a crew that is prompt, professional, but comfortable. Not an easy mix to achieve, but they've done it.
(5)
Nicole G.
Great place wish we lived closer. We stopped by to watch a game on our road trip to Dallas. We enjoyed the basil Caesar salad, green chili chicken stew, green chill fries and of course some cold brews. Everything was perfect including the service!
(4)
Bryce B.
Wonderful food, great service, and a fun atmosphere. My girlfriend says it was "the best burger I've ever had in my life". Only reason this place lost a star is because their alcohol is pricy :\ $5.50 for a draft beer is a bit much...
(4)
Ashley E.
This place makes a strong cocktail...no matter which cocktail you choose. Gecko's BLT is disgustingly GOOD!. It's three pieces of wheatberry bread, loaded with crispy bacon, thick slices of ripe tomato and crunchy, cool lettuce. It's got a healthy dose of mayo as well. The first time I ordered it, I asked for the middle slice of bread to be removed. MISTAKE! I ordered it the second time as is, and that extra piece of gluten (as much as I hate to admit it) put it over the top. It's a huge sandwich, but dang is it good. I've really never ordered anything at Geckos that I haven't liked. I prefer this location to the one on Academy hands down. The crowd is way more chill.
(4)
Clayton A.
Although I've yet to find a good bar for mingling and interacting with like-minded people, I certainly can't complain about the prices at any of the bars I've been to accross the city. I still feel a bit of shock when I get a bill for 3 beers and it's under $15. I love it. What's even cooler is coming to a place like Gecko's where 3 drinks and a few snacks can still clock in under 30 bucks. It's pretty amazing compared to a lot of parts of the good old USA and something I do not take for granted. Rather, I look at this wonderful pricing arrangement as a mandate to take advantage and experiment with as much beer and liquor as my mind and body can withstand (not really though, at least not in one sitting). Geckos offers plenty to try then, with a wealth of liquors and beers to choose from, representing a variety of world regions. Having felt a bit overexposed to rum in New York City, I was pleasantly surprised to try Pyrat, a sweet, honey-like rum from Barbados (If I remember correctly). I'd never seen or heard of this back east, so Geckos gets major kudos for the introduction in this least likely of rum towns. The beers are mostly big names, with few craft of interest, but the New Belgim options are enough to keep me happy, especially while grubbing on some of the green chile cheese fries or the nachos, both so typically New Mexican, but oly the safest of options to choose from on the diverse menu. Next visit, I intend to venture out a bit (since I can order more adventurously when not burdened by boring, picky eaters) and try some of the more unique food options. Overall, this is a good happy hour, early evening bar. If you're like me and like music and dance, you'll probably want to move on as the night develops. Still, a good starting point for any night on the town.
(4)
Emily C.
I moved to ABQ from Chicago 2 months ago, and this is one of my favorite spots so far. The highlights: - Large patio perfect for sipping drinks on a summer evening - High-quality beers and mixed drinks at a fair price (most beers under $5) - Sauteed French helix snails - buttery, sour, melt-in-your-mouth goodness - Rice paper crisped gulf shrimp - crunchy, flaky, served with kimchi I will be back tonight for the Monday night special (after 6 PM) - 40 cent wings!
(4)
Page J.
I highly do not recommend going to Geckos. I went there one evening for a late dinner and couple of drinks with my friends. Our waitress Lindsay was extremely short with us and very rude. After we ordered our food the burger I got was actually coated with salt. Someone had salt on the front and back of the patty as well as on top of the cheese. Our waitress took forever to come despite attempting to hail her down multiple times, by the time she came over she removed the burger informed me that the kitchen was closing in 3 minutes but she will remove it from the bill....thanks so now everyone at my table had now cold food from waiting for me and I was left with no food at all. Having worked in the service industry for several years, I know what terrible service is and this is it. My advice, don't bother.
(1)
Jane V.
We just moved here recently. We have been to Geckos twice - a sat night and weekend afternoon. I preferred the afternoon environment because it was a little more chill. Pros: - they always have drink specials - good prices on food - delicious appetizers - great and friendly service Con: - on our Saturday night experience dogs took over the patio. I'm fine with dogs on patio if they are on leashes and with their owners. The dogs there that evening were roaming and begging for our food.
(4)
JP F.
An Albuquerque fixture for 'pub food.' Feel like I get great service here almost always. I like their caesar, wings, fries, and hamburgers. Great patio. To me this is what a good pub/restaurant should be. It isn't the food, it's the total experience.
(5)
worldtraveler c.
Great neighborhood bar! Servers are awesome and the food is what is to be expected from a bar. Vibe is always positive. I usually go for Monday night wings!
(5)
Laura V.
I give Geckos 4 stars for the bar- if I were ranking it on food it would probably be 3. My husband and I had our first date here, so I have a soft spot for Gecko's. It's a good bar, always friendly service, and damn they pour a strong drink. I love the patio and have spent many nights meeting and greeting all the cool people in ABQ who hang out here. The food isn't the best- I like the tapas idea but I can never seem to find something I like for a snack when we are there. I also wish they had a few more local beers on tap- I always end up with Marble IPA which isn't my fave. Overall it's a great place to bring friends and out of town folks and the patio is second to none.
(4)
Sean B.
Its odd that I have not reviewed Geckos considering I have been eating here for years and consider this one of my regular bars. Every once and a while I need to get away from campus and indulge in a burger and beer... Gecko's always hits the spot. the burgers are not super fancy, but the staff is friendly and does not mind that I sit for a while and finish up some schoolwork. I especially enjoy the Gecko's patio in the fall when the evenings are a cooler (I probably enjoyed it even more when I was a smoker). the staff has always been friendly, the service is usually good, and the community is such that if you accidentally bump into someone or nudge a table you wil likely end up talking for the rest of the night.
(4)
Vero P.
wish i were there now. want better drink specials. not that great happy hour.
(5)
Elmo L.
Best place in town. Good service, good drink, affordable. A good all around environment for whatever you need, from a casual meal to a birthday party. Food is always good, like an A-, but what I love about it, is that it's consistent. Enjoy
(5)
Drew B.
Tapas in Nob Hill Some smoked kielbasa please And bring me some booze
(4)
Jason M.
Great local bar! Food and drink are great as well as the crowds early sunday for football! Would like to see some more variety in the food - seems everything is fried... The service is great!
(5)
T N.
Last time I went to Geckos was in December 2007 (before moving) and therefore my review may be outdated. I lived one block from Geckos and therefore was a frequent visitor. Monday nights ( 10 cent chicken wing) ....they made "fries wings" for me ..since I do not eat meat. Wednesday nights ( 1/2 price burgers). Wonderful place for the nob hill locals on weekdays.
(4)
James H.
When you're a tapas bar and restaurant, please have a wide selection to choose from. The point is to order a number of plates and share different tastes around. The tacos are possibly the best item on the menu and the nachos may be the worst. The tacos are light and tastefully done. The nachos are just drowned in everything. That sounds like a great idea but it smothers any flavors. Again, there just isn't a wide menu to choose from.
(2)
Michelle S.
It is just another hidden treasure in Nob Hill. Tucked away in a cul du sac off of central next to the Co-op and Scalo. They have a fabulous patio where you can enjoy the great tapas or over indulge in the chili cheese fries or hot chicken wings. They have nightly specials on drinks. It can get kinda busy and the wait staff sometimes gets overwhelmed BUT none the less they are always pretty cool. They have sports playing on the several TVs so if your into sports this is a good place. Try the hummus its great-you will have to ask for extra pitas but I am pretty sure you don't get charged extra.
(4)
Tanna C.
I'm originally from Albuquerque and rediscovered this gem during my last visit. Decent menu, including tapas (i love to graze). The green chili cheese fries hit the spot! The daytime bartender was friendly and attentive. The place reminds me of what I miss about Albuquerque.
(4)
Tina J.
I moved about a year ago, but miss this place so much! The patio, the grilled artichokes, the nachos, and of course the drinks all combine to create an awesome place to hang out. I miss you Geckos! Plus, half price burger nights!
(5)
Susan S.
I love Gecko's. I always have a good time there and I adore the staff!
(5)
Prefers A.
not a fan. although it's got outdoor seating which is nice, I've never liked the vibe here and will often tell friends "anywhere but Gecko's" when they want to go out in Nob Hill. not impressed with the gazpacho (not sure if it's still on the menu). was asked for cocaine here on one occasion. WTF? go sit next door at Scalo if you want the outdoor Nob Hill dining/drinking experience.
(1)
Dillon S.
Awesome jerk frog leg tapas and good drink specials. Good freindly sevice and a nice atmosphere. Patio was also adaquate for the size, which was kind of small. I would definetly go back.
(4)
Donna L.
Great food! Hubby got the goat cheese, pumpkin corn and LOVED it. Good atmosphere to watch a game, but it's a bit too dark.
(4)
Lucas L.
Disclamer: This is a hipster joint. It's my local watering hole. Drinks are good, especially martini's. The service is quite prompt and the atmosphere is fantastic. Its the type of place you go where everyone knows your name... or they don't and you will be friends with the table next to you by the end of your stay. Enjoy.
(4)
Davey R.
I do quite a bit remember this place. It was my first night in Albuquerque. The tapas were amazing, and for all three of us and massive amounts of calories ingested, the bill only came to $39. That included drinks as well. This is apparently a local legend of a place, and the facade looks quite cool. It's also one of the closer establishments to the edge of a sprawl of awesome shops/restaurants. Good place to be, you will be seen.
(4)
Brittany F.
My husband and I dropped in for drinks and appetizers on a Thursday night. It was a bit crowded, but we easily found parking and a table. The drink selection includes a myriad of beer and whiskey options, as well as several decent wine options. There are different drink specials each night of the week, and my husband took advantage of the $3.50 special on Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA. As for the food, we skipped the tapas and stuck to the bar appetizers, which turned out to be an excellent choice. The green chile cheese fries were very good. We ordered the small size, which was more than enough for two to share. The chorizo bleu cheese queso was also quite good, with plenty of chorizo and just a bit of bleu cheese crumbled on top. The chips served alongside the dip, however, are nothing to write home about. Finally, we ordered a half-dozen of the tangy chipotle hot wings, which were excellently cooked and nicely spicy for our Texan palates. The service was prompt, if not enthusiastic. All in all, it was a great experience, and we'll be back.
(4)
Lindsey H.
If you're in Albuquerque on a Sunday morning during football season, roll out of bed in your PJs, round up your friends, and get your ass into Gecko's. This is a great place to order a beer, some finger food tapas (that taste like they might have been previously frozen), and watch all the football games in America at once on their dozen or more TVs.
(4)
Nick N.
Great place!!!! The service has seen better days, well that's how long you have to wait for drinks, or food. If you do get food, amazing, well drinks nice and strong! Although if your there long enough, and do get served a proper amount of booze, the bathrooms are quite nice to barf in, ( auto flush), or the patio,( I have seen a few patio pukers). Its nice when your on a date, just stay clear of 90% of the douch bags at any given time. Avoid staying later than 11:00, all the weird local nobhill people show up, either to smell up the place, or to offer to buy smokes, but never really do, or just stare at you and yell. They might let the retard ward in after hours come to think of it It's a good place to people watch, and waitress watch. depending on the day, I rate Geckos 5 stars, to no stars; just depends on who the Great servers are.
(3)
Alfredo M.
Now an ABQ institution. Usually one of my first stops when back in the 5-0-5 and need to sip a Santa Fe Pale or Marble IPA on the beloved patio (always good for interesting dog & people watching). Excellent food, including the sneaky good "grilled two-cheeser" and almost always great "quesadilla of the day." Most of the tapas are very well done, though a pinch pricey. You wouldn't know it from the normal vibe of the place, but it's also great for NFL watching on Sundays...the top-notch bloody marys are the highlight. The only knock on Gecko's is that, like most places, it can get a little uncomfortable when it gets too crowded. The narrow interior bar and single occupancy restrooms don't lend itself to good times if and when the crowd gets to standing room only levels on popular evenings.
(4)
Misti Y.
Perfect watering hole for grabbing eats, drinks and a game. It might cute to say "everybody knows your name" type of place, but it is the dead truth here. We were out of towners, but every single person that came in the door was greeted by their first name and appeared to know everyone else in the place. It was quite fascinating as it wasn't just young hipsters; there were some old timers kicking back Foster's. Worth noting: A nice selection of bourbon, creative eats (I didn't love my basil Caesar salad, but the magical pepperoni sauce on the nachos was wildly delicious), and every sporting event on every ESPN channel ever created being piped in daily. They had so many boxes and screens it was like an army command center. If you're looking for a local spot to drink, grab quick eats and watch a game, this is your spot.
(4)
Michelle D.
So disappointed. It was our first time in ABQ and we decided to check this place out after reading some reviews. Interior & patio looked pretty cool, but food was just not up to par, especially for that price. We tried the red mole grilled steak tacos, green chili cheese fries, merguez lamb sausage & new potatoes and this pesto bruschetta spread on baguette slices. Nothing really impressed me, just really greasy. Portions were small compared to typical tapas that you can find in Chicago...or Spain...or anywhere. The green chile cheese curly fries were probably the best thing out of what we got. Plus, it was a little too dark inside, and sitting on the patio was a lost cause due to all the smokers. Overall, not worth the money! I'm pretty sure I could make tastier & less greasy stuff at home.
(1)
Mark N.
Like this place because of the nice outdoor patio and the Nob Hill location. More of a bar than a restauarant, the food is kind of hit and miss. The tapas concept is good, some of the tapas and other items actually are quite good.. The service is sometimes terrible, some of the servers are just plain rude.. The atmosphere is nice, very casual and sort of a "hip" crowd with a sort of neighborhood bar feel. I lived 3 blocks away so it was just that for me.. You can actually talk to people here, it is not too noisy for that unlike some bars
(3)
Walt W.
This place sucks. the prices are lame and the service is laughably terrible..
(1)
Derrick W.
The vibe and service at this location is so much better than the one in the heights. Its amazing that there could be such a difference but there is. Although we live near the heights location, we'd rather make the trip to the Central location because it is so much better.
(4)
James B.
Best bar food in Albuquerque, decent prices. The music won't appeal to the snobs but hey even they will sing along to the cure when the time is right. The patio is wonderful on any given summer or fall afternoon/evening. When winter comes the inside can get a bit crowded but I like sitting out in the bitter cold drinking rum and hot apple cider. What better way to spend the winter?
(4)
Justin C.
Disappointing. I'm from out of town so perhaps my expectations were too high. The wait staff was very nice. However my first drink was wrong. No problem, I can live with a mistake. The recommended tapas dish tasted like the spinach came from a can. And when the bill came, despite vodka drinks being $4 happy hour special, I was charged $1.50 per drink for the addition of the generic kahalua substitute...which is cheaper than vodka anyway. Overall, just a disappointing experience and given the other restaurants within walking distance I regret my decision.
(2)
Emily C.
Great Tapas, Great Beer, always cool music playing, and if you manage to score and outdoor table and awesome place to just hang out with yoru friends and your dog.
(4)
clayton p.
Not great service, but finally was able to order their burger and fries. Got it and it was under cooked. Wasn't able to tell anybody until after i ate all my fries and wasn't hungry. I won't be going back here anytime soon
(1)
Heidi C.
The food is tastier than Kelly's or O'Neill's down the street, it's more casual and fun than Scalo's next door, it's less of a mosh pit than Two Fools on a Friday night, and the drinks are cheaper than Opa's. It an get slightly scenester-ish, but not too bad.and heck, it's a bar, I expect that to some extent.
(4)
Charles H.
I eat small amounts of food all day long. Meals are taken at restaurants but I would live at Gecko's. As always, better with friends.
(4)
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Address :3500 Central Ave SE
Albuquerque, NM, 87106
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Mon, Thu, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Elmo L.
Best place in town. Good service, good drink, affordable. A good all around environment for whatever you need, from a casual meal to a birthday party. Food is always good, like an A-, but what I love about it, is that it's consistent. Enjoy
(5)Drew B.
Tapas in Nob Hill Some smoked kielbasa please And bring me some booze
(4)Jason M.
Great local bar! Food and drink are great as well as the crowds early sunday for football! Would like to see some more variety in the food - seems everything is fried... The service is great!
(5)T N.
Last time I went to Geckos was in December 2007 (before moving) and therefore my review may be outdated. I lived one block from Geckos and therefore was a frequent visitor. Monday nights ( 10 cent chicken wing) ....they made "fries wings" for me ..since I do not eat meat. Wednesday nights ( 1/2 price burgers). Wonderful place for the nob hill locals on weekdays.
(4)James H.
When you're a tapas bar and restaurant, please have a wide selection to choose from. The point is to order a number of plates and share different tastes around. The tacos are possibly the best item on the menu and the nachos may be the worst. The tacos are light and tastefully done. The nachos are just drowned in everything. That sounds like a great idea but it smothers any flavors. Again, there just isn't a wide menu to choose from.
(2)Michelle S.
It is just another hidden treasure in Nob Hill. Tucked away in a cul du sac off of central next to the Co-op and Scalo. They have a fabulous patio where you can enjoy the great tapas or over indulge in the chili cheese fries or hot chicken wings. They have nightly specials on drinks. It can get kinda busy and the wait staff sometimes gets overwhelmed BUT none the less they are always pretty cool. They have sports playing on the several TVs so if your into sports this is a good place. Try the hummus its great-you will have to ask for extra pitas but I am pretty sure you don't get charged extra.
(4)Tanna C.
I'm originally from Albuquerque and rediscovered this gem during my last visit. Decent menu, including tapas (i love to graze). The green chili cheese fries hit the spot! The daytime bartender was friendly and attentive. The place reminds me of what I miss about Albuquerque.
(4)Susan S.
I love Gecko's. I always have a good time there and I adore the staff!
(5)Tina J.
I moved about a year ago, but miss this place so much! The patio, the grilled artichokes, the nachos, and of course the drinks all combine to create an awesome place to hang out. I miss you Geckos! Plus, half price burger nights!
(5)Misti Y.
Perfect watering hole for grabbing eats, drinks and a game. It might cute to say "everybody knows your name" type of place, but it is the dead truth here. We were out of towners, but every single person that came in the door was greeted by their first name and appeared to know everyone else in the place. It was quite fascinating as it wasn't just young hipsters; there were some old timers kicking back Foster's. Worth noting: A nice selection of bourbon, creative eats (I didn't love my basil Caesar salad, but the magical pepperoni sauce on the nachos was wildly delicious), and every sporting event on every ESPN channel ever created being piped in daily. They had so many boxes and screens it was like an army command center. If you're looking for a local spot to drink, grab quick eats and watch a game, this is your spot.
(4)Davey R.
I do quite a bit remember this place. It was my first night in Albuquerque. The tapas were amazing, and for all three of us and massive amounts of calories ingested, the bill only came to $39. That included drinks as well. This is apparently a local legend of a place, and the facade looks quite cool. It's also one of the closer establishments to the edge of a sprawl of awesome shops/restaurants. Good place to be, you will be seen.
(4)Mark N.
Like this place because of the nice outdoor patio and the Nob Hill location. More of a bar than a restauarant, the food is kind of hit and miss. The tapas concept is good, some of the tapas and other items actually are quite good.. The service is sometimes terrible, some of the servers are just plain rude.. The atmosphere is nice, very casual and sort of a "hip" crowd with a sort of neighborhood bar feel. I lived 3 blocks away so it was just that for me.. You can actually talk to people here, it is not too noisy for that unlike some bars
(3)Walt W.
This place sucks. the prices are lame and the service is laughably terrible..
(1)Derrick W.
The vibe and service at this location is so much better than the one in the heights. Its amazing that there could be such a difference but there is. Although we live near the heights location, we'd rather make the trip to the Central location because it is so much better.
(4)James B.
Best bar food in Albuquerque, decent prices. The music won't appeal to the snobs but hey even they will sing along to the cure when the time is right. The patio is wonderful on any given summer or fall afternoon/evening. When winter comes the inside can get a bit crowded but I like sitting out in the bitter cold drinking rum and hot apple cider. What better way to spend the winter?
(4)Justin C.
Disappointing. I'm from out of town so perhaps my expectations were too high. The wait staff was very nice. However my first drink was wrong. No problem, I can live with a mistake. The recommended tapas dish tasted like the spinach came from a can. And when the bill came, despite vodka drinks being $4 happy hour special, I was charged $1.50 per drink for the addition of the generic kahalua substitute...which is cheaper than vodka anyway. Overall, just a disappointing experience and given the other restaurants within walking distance I regret my decision.
(2)Charles H.
I eat small amounts of food all day long. Meals are taken at restaurants but I would live at Gecko's. As always, better with friends.
(4)Jack O.
Gecko's has been my favorite haunt for a few years now. Service is very friendly. Food is pretty good, too! Sit out on the patio and enjoy Nob Hill!
(5)Swim K.
Pros: 1) The menu is short and sweet. It's nice not having 88 options to choose from. 2) The weekly specials appear to be nice. 3) It's located in a great part of Nob Hill. Location, location, location. Cons: 1) People are allowed to smoke on the patio. Great for some people, bad for me. 2) The food is nothing special. I know it's bar food but even the bar food was a little weak to the taste. 3) The further back in the restaurant you go the darker and less appealing this place becomes. The patio section out in front is appealing but once inside you get disappointed. Overall: This is a dive bar, in my opinion, I will likely not attend more than once or twice a year.
(2)Tosha B.
A group of us came here after work and sat on the outside patio which was nice. Our waitress Marissa was AMAZING and super helpful. We told her we were from out of town, so she gave us suggestions on local beers to try. We ordered some tapas, calamari, tacos, and beef and it was all fabulous! They had a special buy 2 tapas and get 1 free, so that was nice. When Marissa brought our check, she also included a handwritten note with suggestions for local beers and breweries while we were in Albuquerque. We all thought that was super sweet and just was the icing on the cake for our time there. I'll definitely come back here next time I'm in town.
(5)Carmen S.
While searching for a pet-friendly patio for lunch in Nob Hill, we stopped here for a salad and some New Mexico sunshine before we had to return to the dreary East Coast. Their chef salad was wonderful - spanish olives on a skewer were artistically placed on top, along with a few toasted baguette slices, fresh (but salty) feta, tummy tomatoes, cucumbers, and smoked turkey. Service was excellent - they even brought a bowl of water and a slice of bacon for our travel-weary pup. We will be back!
(5)Brittany F.
My husband and I dropped in for drinks and appetizers on a Thursday night. It was a bit crowded, but we easily found parking and a table. The drink selection includes a myriad of beer and whiskey options, as well as several decent wine options. There are different drink specials each night of the week, and my husband took advantage of the $3.50 special on Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA. As for the food, we skipped the tapas and stuck to the bar appetizers, which turned out to be an excellent choice. The green chile cheese fries were very good. We ordered the small size, which was more than enough for two to share. The chorizo bleu cheese queso was also quite good, with plenty of chorizo and just a bit of bleu cheese crumbled on top. The chips served alongside the dip, however, are nothing to write home about. Finally, we ordered a half-dozen of the tangy chipotle hot wings, which were excellently cooked and nicely spicy for our Texan palates. The service was prompt, if not enthusiastic. All in all, it was a great experience, and we'll be back.
(4)Lindsey H.
If you're in Albuquerque on a Sunday morning during football season, roll out of bed in your PJs, round up your friends, and get your ass into Gecko's. This is a great place to order a beer, some finger food tapas (that taste like they might have been previously frozen), and watch all the football games in America at once on their dozen or more TVs.
(4)Nick N.
Great place!!!! The service has seen better days, well that's how long you have to wait for drinks, or food. If you do get food, amazing, well drinks nice and strong! Although if your there long enough, and do get served a proper amount of booze, the bathrooms are quite nice to barf in, ( auto flush), or the patio,( I have seen a few patio pukers). Its nice when your on a date, just stay clear of 90% of the douch bags at any given time. Avoid staying later than 11:00, all the weird local nobhill people show up, either to smell up the place, or to offer to buy smokes, but never really do, or just stare at you and yell. They might let the retard ward in after hours come to think of it It's a good place to people watch, and waitress watch. depending on the day, I rate Geckos 5 stars, to no stars; just depends on who the Great servers are.
(3)Alfredo M.
Now an ABQ institution. Usually one of my first stops when back in the 5-0-5 and need to sip a Santa Fe Pale or Marble IPA on the beloved patio (always good for interesting dog & people watching). Excellent food, including the sneaky good "grilled two-cheeser" and almost always great "quesadilla of the day." Most of the tapas are very well done, though a pinch pricey. You wouldn't know it from the normal vibe of the place, but it's also great for NFL watching on Sundays...the top-notch bloody marys are the highlight. The only knock on Gecko's is that, like most places, it can get a little uncomfortable when it gets too crowded. The narrow interior bar and single occupancy restrooms don't lend itself to good times if and when the crowd gets to standing room only levels on popular evenings.
(4)Bobby M.
I popped into Gecko's today with the intention of ordering and taking my food away. I've been told by a few people that the wings are pretty fantastic here, and I've been on the hunt for good wings since arriving in ABQ. I ended up staying for a moment and it wasn't the wings that made me park it, but the glorious sight of a tap that sat behind the bar. Alaskan Amber was there, and was fresh. It was a pleasant surprise, I inquired, and was then poured a glass of said awesome. As my bartender reveled in the sports playing in the background. He was still able to care for me and the fellow patrons. After perusing the menu. I order a small Basil Caesar, and a half dozen wings. (The bartender did inform me of the .50c wings after six o'clock on Monday deal, but I opted to eat early and pay the price.) The beer flow-ith, and the food, umm, the food come-th-ith? All the food was good, that's what I am trying to say. The wings were worthy of their praise, and I am glad to have found a spot I can come get a few when I have a craving. All in all it was a good experience. I arrived with the intention of take-away, but the beer, food, and service beckoned me to stay. I'm glad I did, I will again, and the next time I will try to bring a friend or two and occupy the patio.
(4)Jazmine V.
I went for my first time to this Gecko's location. I've been the Alameda location and enjoyed it. I'm pretty disappointed that they don't have heaters on the patio. It's not a large patio, but it could do with 2-3 portable heaters. This location, being in Nob Hill and all, sees its fair share of business. I know that they have enough cash flow to support this small thing. The drinks were okay, the service was okay, and the food was good. A mediocre experience. Nothing bad, and nothing great.
(3)Megan H.
Totally got ignored this afternoon at a relatively empty bar. Two people talked with us, walked back and forth, and forgot we were waiting to order. We were sitting up at the bar, too. Hard to miss. Menus were dirty, place was dingy. Won't go back.
(1)Christina W.
My friends and I are pretty regular here so we always receive great service and have a good time. The food is consistently good and they have great deals throughout the week.
(5)Suneye H.
Excellent service! I met colleagues here for drinks. Ended up killing a couple of appetizers. I will be back for tapas! They have ginger ale so I had J&Gs and the calamari was great. Very cool spot.
(4)Forrest M.
A quaint little tapas restaurant and bar. Good whiskey selection and local beer. Parking can be sparse and the sometimes there can be a wait to get service, but when you do, it's lightning fast to your table.
(4)Coco L.
A friend and I came here for some beers and apps, and the food was delish! The wait was short, and the waitress was fun and friendly. Definitely will be back next time I'm in town!
(5)Susan P.
Another amazing place that made my life complete while I was in Albuquerque! One of the things I liked when we first arrived here was that there was patio seating. The weather was amazing during my trip so I definitely wanted to sit outside wherever we went. The food was delicious! Like REALLY delicious! Like really REALLY delicious! My friend ordered the nachos. I'm not sure how they did the cheese, but the way it was melted on the chips was so mouth watering. It literally made the whole dish! They were probably the best nachos I've ever had. I ordered the crab taquitos. I was disappointed in these taquitos because they didn't taste like crab at all. HOWEVER, the dip that it came with? OH MY GOSH... I'm not sure what's in it but I could eat it everyday. It was like an avocado/cilantro dip. The drinks were not that great. Not for me at least. They had specials on vodka, so the waitress recommended some alcoholic Arnold Palmer thing. I didn't taste any alcohol in it and felt like I was only drinking an Arnold Palmer. Maybe that's their way of making me order more. lol. If it wasn't for the nachos and dip, and seating, I probably would've rated differently. But If you ever come here order the nachos! AND a huge side of the avocado dip! You won't be disappointed! LOVED it! =)
(4)Keira M.
It is what it is. I enjoy coming here for drinks after dinner. It invites many odd characters, yet I can appreciate that. We did have poor service on Friday night though. We had to go pay at the bar because our waitress never came to check on us, so we left. Will be back though.
(3)Felicia A.
If Gecko's were solely a bar, I'd give it four stars. It's got a nice laid-back feel to it, and the service is friendly. If you want your drinks with a side of sunshine (or moonlight), there's a nice patio. If you'd rather avoid lighting, inside is the place for you--dimly lit like any good bar should be! Lots of good beer options on tap and solid mixed drinks too. Sadly, I can't say I've been as impressed with the food. I love the menu on paper, which consists mostly of bar food staples, many of which have a Southwestern twist. Nothing I've ordered has been bad per se, just underwhelming. During my most recent visit (during Summerfest), we snacked on the green chile fries and green chile garlic hummus. For a place so popular with locals, the chile really screams "tourist-friendly." Hardly any bite to it. I expected the chile would be blended into the hummus, but, rather, a bit was just added on top. Couldn't taste the difference between a scoop with chile and a scoop without. Likewise, I don't see what all the fuss is about with the green chile cheese fries. Fries are tasty enough, but the chile is again weak and they could give you a bit more cheese. Gecko's has a great location and atmosphere. Menu just needs a flavor boost!
(3)Shawn M.
Food is good and they have a nice dog friendly patio. Very casual atmosphere. I have never had a bad experience in this restaurant. Good food service and predictable bar food. I come three or four times a month
(4)Kevin W.
Very frustrated with this place! The smoking on the patio is disgusting, you can't even eat at Scalo with out sacking down some cancer. You can't have kids there after 4 which is about what time school let's out and no kids inside at all. Used to be one of my favorites but probably will never go there again.
(2)Breeana W.
Last night I had a nacho experience to remember at Geckos. Nacho typical nachos, these were great! Highly recommended if you are in the market for tasty bar cuisine.
(4)Mark B.
BEWARE! The businesses in Nob Hill Business Center are trying to quote 'send a message' regarding their precious 10 parking spaces. If you don't stay at their business the ENTIRE time you're parked there they will boot your car on the first offense. I frequent these businesses numerous times per week and enjoy the shop and stroll atmosphere of Nob Hill, but I can assure you, this attitude will ensure that I steer clear of Scalo and Geckos in the future.
(1)Exiter F.
Socially welcome environment, & pretty good food. This place can get packed in the evenings! Best time to go is in the afternoon.
(3)Theodore B.
My husband and I come here often. The service is always efficient and friendly. The food is always hit, tasty and portioned to fill. Great birgwrs, ruebens, BLT and tapas. Just wish they would I traduce some new tapas because we've had the same ones for a long time. We've had Christian as our server numerous times and she is awesome!
(5)Nat S.
I love Geckos's, it is such a great neighborhood bar. The happy hour is from 4-7 every day. Monday is .50c wings after 6. Hot wings are crunchy, falling off the bone, and damn spicy. After eating one or two, I realized I had never had this sauce before. I asked and apparently they make it in house from Chipotle peppers. If you do not have an iron constitution- and they ask you if you want the sauce on the side, you may want to opt in. I got a heavy and wonderful endorphin rush after eating just 5. I ate 20 wings of Monte Vistas wings and had no such chemical joy. The food is pretty good, and served late -on the weekends the kitchen closes at 12 AM. So late at night when I have low blood sugar, after I get out of work- I am known to indulge in a buffalo chicken sandwich. A fried cutlet smothered in buffalo sauce and topped with blue cheese crumbles, on a bun with a heaping portion of curly fries, man that is good. This has a bit of spice, but not near the level of the wings. My boyfriend has eaten the Ruben and said it was darn tasty. They say they are known for the Chile Cheese fries, but they were not my favorite. The fries themselves hit the spot, but I did not get as much chile a I would like. I am a spice hound so- not hot for me= hell in the mouth for another. The cheese also had an inconsistent texture. It was late at night and maybe it was just an off moment. They were still highly edible and don't let me dissuade you if you are reading this with your heart set of ordering them. Staff is all super chill and does a top notch job making you feel at a home away from home- for service and drink specials five stars, food is 3-4 stars, mostly 4. I am giving it 5 stars because it is my favorite spot to chill and have a beer in Nob Hill. Also this is not a College bar, or a pure sports bar. Yes they have TV's with sports on usually but I think are open to letting you watch a show. We went here for NYE to watch the ball drop, and were just watching some Olympic Ski runs. It is pretty low key usually.
(5)Vincent L.
The drinks are set at a decent price. 4-5 bucks per draft beer. Drinks are strong. Nachos could use some work. The biggest upset that I had with this company is that they tried to tack on other people's bill onto my tab.
(1)Lena L.
I am a pretty big fan of Gecko's. Let's start off by saying yes, it's loud. It is a bar. It is not going to be quiet. The parking sucks. All Nob Hill parking sucks. If you want a nice, quite place to go, a bar is not a wise choice. The food, though, is quite good. It can take a while on crowded nights when the place is packed, but that is to be expected at a busy spot. The drinks are well priced and are fairly good. Service is usually good, but be warned that your waitress will be running around like a crazy person on weekends tending to fifty different people. They do try their best. It is very nice for a brunch. They have decent a decent Bloody Mary- it does lack a bit on the spice, but you can just toss in some Tabasco yourself. My one complaint on the food would be the veggie burger. While the burger itself is good, the bun is horrible. It's too thick and dry for the burger. You have to put on lots of condiments and that can overpower the veggie burger. The tapas are awesome. Good things to try are the Sauteed Escargot - I know, snails are gross, but these are actually really good! Very buttery and tasty. Another few are Crispy Polenta, Southwestern Krab Taquitos and Fried Calamari Rings. They are delicious. If that freaks you out, they have awesome burgers on their other menu.
(4)Damon T.
This is home base for my wife and I. We met here. We call it our "second kitchen" and "the standby" when it's too late or we're too tired/lazy to cook. The staff here is great and usually very friendly. They can get slammed, and when that happens don't be surprised if it's not as speedy as you'd like. They have a decent tapas menu that changes from time to time. It's all usually pretty good. They also have a Chowder, Quesadilla and Crustini of the day, all of which are creative and almost always great. The beer selection here is decent, not great. The patio is nice, though with Albuquerque's indoor smoking ban it ends up being quite smoky out there most nights when it's busy. The patio is dog-friendly which is (usually) nice. Indoors they have a fair number of flat-screens for watching sports. They'll even turn on Football (soccer) and Rugby if you ask!
(5)Alayne S.
This location is hit or miss. The customer service is either good or complete crap, which results in a bad experience over all. Slooow service, cold food, empty drinks, waiting... waiting... waiting...
(2)Edwin C.
Rolled in here on a Thursday night looking for good food, drinks, and the Niners game. GREAT ambiance!!! There's an outside area with plenty of seating. Inside is dark, a little too dark for me. But the food was AWESOME!!! My wife was craving a salad, they had it. I was preparing for a marathon, so I was little more open. Got the 1/2 BLT and soup. Green Chili chowder was NICE!!! But it's really great for the Tapas and drinks. First of all, I didn't have a drink but looked at the menu and it was pretty good and VERY VERY good prices. From what I recall, they almost looked like regular happy hour prices elsewhere. THE TAPAS!!! I wish I was in a group of more people to try more. I had this pumpkin/corn dip that had a scoop of broiled goat cheese. TO DIE FOR!!! A bit spicy, but SO TASTY AND CREAMY!!! I'd (almost) go back to the ABQ just for this. Only down side might be the parking, although I didn't have a problem on the Thursday night I went.
(5)Leah C.
Gecko's in Nob Hill is a great place to sit outside or at the bar any night of the week. Though table service has been hit or miss my last few visits and some of the cocktailers really need to learn their drink menu, they have consistently tasty vittles (I cannot resist those curly cheese fries), daily food and drink specials, a decent wine list, and a few local brews on tap. Also, those bartenders make a mean Jameson Ginger. Definitely one of my go-to watering holes.
(4)Lauren K.
This place has some of the nicest and most welcoming employees. Specifically the girls working the bar/service area. It's a full bar with about 15+ local beers and specialty beers on tap. Upon observation I noticed that this place is a local favorite because the bartender knew what the usual patrons wanted before they even ordered their drinks. I ordered a Shocktop on draught and coincidentally it was the beer on special for Saturday. Everyday of the week there is a different draught beer on special. They also have a full food menu consisting of comfort foods and local green chile flavor favorites. I ordered the falafel dish and was extremely satisfied. It came with a salad, falafel and two generous slices of pita bread. It was definitely a choice dish for consuming more than one beer. And it just so happens that I came in on Valentine's day. To my surprise the kitchen sent out a tray of chocolate covered pretzels and cupcakes for the patrons to choose from for free. If you are ever in Albuquerque and want some great draught beers, inexpensive food, and quality service make sure that Gecko's is on your list. I really can't even think of anything that would have made my experience better than it already was.
(5)Clayton A.
Although I've yet to find a good bar for mingling and interacting with like-minded people, I certainly can't complain about the prices at any of the bars I've been to accross the city. I still feel a bit of shock when I get a bill for 3 beers and it's under $15. I love it. What's even cooler is coming to a place like Gecko's where 3 drinks and a few snacks can still clock in under 30 bucks. It's pretty amazing compared to a lot of parts of the good old USA and something I do not take for granted. Rather, I look at this wonderful pricing arrangement as a mandate to take advantage and experiment with as much beer and liquor as my mind and body can withstand (not really though, at least not in one sitting). Geckos offers plenty to try then, with a wealth of liquors and beers to choose from, representing a variety of world regions. Having felt a bit overexposed to rum in New York City, I was pleasantly surprised to try Pyrat, a sweet, honey-like rum from Barbados (If I remember correctly). I'd never seen or heard of this back east, so Geckos gets major kudos for the introduction in this least likely of rum towns. The beers are mostly big names, with few craft of interest, but the New Belgim options are enough to keep me happy, especially while grubbing on some of the green chile cheese fries or the nachos, both so typically New Mexican, but oly the safest of options to choose from on the diverse menu. Next visit, I intend to venture out a bit (since I can order more adventurously when not burdened by boring, picky eaters) and try some of the more unique food options. Overall, this is a good happy hour, early evening bar. If you're like me and like music and dance, you'll probably want to move on as the night develops. Still, a good starting point for any night on the town.
(4)Emily C.
I moved to ABQ from Chicago 2 months ago, and this is one of my favorite spots so far. The highlights: - Large patio perfect for sipping drinks on a summer evening - High-quality beers and mixed drinks at a fair price (most beers under $5) - Sauteed French helix snails - buttery, sour, melt-in-your-mouth goodness - Rice paper crisped gulf shrimp - crunchy, flaky, served with kimchi I will be back tonight for the Monday night special (after 6 PM) - 40 cent wings!
(4)Page J.
I highly do not recommend going to Geckos. I went there one evening for a late dinner and couple of drinks with my friends. Our waitress Lindsay was extremely short with us and very rude. After we ordered our food the burger I got was actually coated with salt. Someone had salt on the front and back of the patty as well as on top of the cheese. Our waitress took forever to come despite attempting to hail her down multiple times, by the time she came over she removed the burger informed me that the kitchen was closing in 3 minutes but she will remove it from the bill....thanks so now everyone at my table had now cold food from waiting for me and I was left with no food at all. Having worked in the service industry for several years, I know what terrible service is and this is it. My advice, don't bother.
(1)Ashley E.
This place makes a strong cocktail...no matter which cocktail you choose. Gecko's BLT is disgustingly GOOD!. It's three pieces of wheatberry bread, loaded with crispy bacon, thick slices of ripe tomato and crunchy, cool lettuce. It's got a healthy dose of mayo as well. The first time I ordered it, I asked for the middle slice of bread to be removed. MISTAKE! I ordered it the second time as is, and that extra piece of gluten (as much as I hate to admit it) put it over the top. It's a huge sandwich, but dang is it good. I've really never ordered anything at Geckos that I haven't liked. I prefer this location to the one on Academy hands down. The crowd is way more chill.
(4)Jane V.
We just moved here recently. We have been to Geckos twice - a sat night and weekend afternoon. I preferred the afternoon environment because it was a little more chill. Pros: - they always have drink specials - good prices on food - delicious appetizers - great and friendly service Con: - on our Saturday night experience dogs took over the patio. I'm fine with dogs on patio if they are on leashes and with their owners. The dogs there that evening were roaming and begging for our food.
(4)JP F.
An Albuquerque fixture for 'pub food.' Feel like I get great service here almost always. I like their caesar, wings, fries, and hamburgers. Great patio. To me this is what a good pub/restaurant should be. It isn't the food, it's the total experience.
(5)worldtraveler c.
Great neighborhood bar! Servers are awesome and the food is what is to be expected from a bar. Vibe is always positive. I usually go for Monday night wings!
(5)Laura V.
I give Geckos 4 stars for the bar- if I were ranking it on food it would probably be 3. My husband and I had our first date here, so I have a soft spot for Gecko's. It's a good bar, always friendly service, and damn they pour a strong drink. I love the patio and have spent many nights meeting and greeting all the cool people in ABQ who hang out here. The food isn't the best- I like the tapas idea but I can never seem to find something I like for a snack when we are there. I also wish they had a few more local beers on tap- I always end up with Marble IPA which isn't my fave. Overall it's a great place to bring friends and out of town folks and the patio is second to none.
(4)Joshua H.
Awesome slight dive place with a good menu and full size bar! Good for catching a game or a chill date with nothing pretentious. Wait staff is always friendly and prompt. Never had a complaint there! Love this spot for meeting up with friends for some grub before hitting the bars.
(4)Dan C.
This review is solely based on service, as one of us had a vertical license (there were a bunch of us traveling for work), and we were all denied food service. We had just finished working a full day, were starving, and they turned us away because our 28 year old colleague had a vertical license. Excuuuuuse me. What a dumb law. In any case, the people were very polite. I was excited to potentially try this place, but we ended up at Frontier instead. I'd still like to try it, though it was less fancy than we expected for a tapas place.
(3)Sean B.
Its odd that I have not reviewed Geckos considering I have been eating here for years and consider this one of my regular bars. Every once and a while I need to get away from campus and indulge in a burger and beer... Gecko's always hits the spot. the burgers are not super fancy, but the staff is friendly and does not mind that I sit for a while and finish up some schoolwork. I especially enjoy the Gecko's patio in the fall when the evenings are a cooler (I probably enjoyed it even more when I was a smoker). the staff has always been friendly, the service is usually good, and the community is such that if you accidentally bump into someone or nudge a table you wil likely end up talking for the rest of the night.
(4)Vero P.
wish i were there now. want better drink specials. not that great happy hour.
(5)Michelle D.
So disappointed. It was our first time in ABQ and we decided to check this place out after reading some reviews. Interior & patio looked pretty cool, but food was just not up to par, especially for that price. We tried the red mole grilled steak tacos, green chili cheese fries, merguez lamb sausage & new potatoes and this pesto bruschetta spread on baguette slices. Nothing really impressed me, just really greasy. Portions were small compared to typical tapas that you can find in Chicago...or Spain...or anywhere. The green chile cheese curly fries were probably the best thing out of what we got. Plus, it was a little too dark inside, and sitting on the patio was a lost cause due to all the smokers. Overall, not worth the money! I'm pretty sure I could make tastier & less greasy stuff at home.
(1)Prefers A.
not a fan. although it's got outdoor seating which is nice, I've never liked the vibe here and will often tell friends "anywhere but Gecko's" when they want to go out in Nob Hill. not impressed with the gazpacho (not sure if it's still on the menu). was asked for cocaine here on one occasion. WTF? go sit next door at Scalo if you want the outdoor Nob Hill dining/drinking experience.
(1)Dillon S.
Awesome jerk frog leg tapas and good drink specials. Good freindly sevice and a nice atmosphere. Patio was also adaquate for the size, which was kind of small. I would definetly go back.
(4)Donna L.
Great food! Hubby got the goat cheese, pumpkin corn and LOVED it. Good atmosphere to watch a game, but it's a bit too dark.
(4)Lucas L.
Disclamer: This is a hipster joint. It's my local watering hole. Drinks are good, especially martini's. The service is quite prompt and the atmosphere is fantastic. Its the type of place you go where everyone knows your name... or they don't and you will be friends with the table next to you by the end of your stay. Enjoy.
(4)Travis B.
This is my favorite spot in Nob hill. It's in a great location. It has excellent service and it has, hands down, the best bar patio in Albuquerque. The lighting is unique at night. Inside it's very dark, but the front neon lights brighten up the patio in a very unique way. But seriously the service is great, especially the bartenders. They've got a crew that is prompt, professional, but comfortable. Not an easy mix to achieve, but they've done it.
(5)Nicole G.
Great place wish we lived closer. We stopped by to watch a game on our road trip to Dallas. We enjoyed the basil Caesar salad, green chili chicken stew, green chill fries and of course some cold brews. Everything was perfect including the service!
(4)Bryce B.
Wonderful food, great service, and a fun atmosphere. My girlfriend says it was "the best burger I've ever had in my life". Only reason this place lost a star is because their alcohol is pricy :\ $5.50 for a draft beer is a bit much...
(4)Emily C.
Great Tapas, Great Beer, always cool music playing, and if you manage to score and outdoor table and awesome place to just hang out with yoru friends and your dog.
(4)clayton p.
Not great service, but finally was able to order their burger and fries. Got it and it was under cooked. Wasn't able to tell anybody until after i ate all my fries and wasn't hungry. I won't be going back here anytime soon
(1)Heidi C.
The food is tastier than Kelly's or O'Neill's down the street, it's more casual and fun than Scalo's next door, it's less of a mosh pit than Two Fools on a Friday night, and the drinks are cheaper than Opa's. It an get slightly scenester-ish, but not too bad.and heck, it's a bar, I expect that to some extent.
(4)Jack O.
Gecko's has been my favorite haunt for a few years now. Service is very friendly. Food is pretty good, too! Sit out on the patio and enjoy Nob Hill!
(5)Swim K.
Pros: 1) The menu is short and sweet. It's nice not having 88 options to choose from. 2) The weekly specials appear to be nice. 3) It's located in a great part of Nob Hill. Location, location, location. Cons: 1) People are allowed to smoke on the patio. Great for some people, bad for me. 2) The food is nothing special. I know it's bar food but even the bar food was a little weak to the taste. 3) The further back in the restaurant you go the darker and less appealing this place becomes. The patio section out in front is appealing but once inside you get disappointed. Overall: This is a dive bar, in my opinion, I will likely not attend more than once or twice a year.
(2)Tosha B.
A group of us came here after work and sat on the outside patio which was nice. Our waitress Marissa was AMAZING and super helpful. We told her we were from out of town, so she gave us suggestions on local beers to try. We ordered some tapas, calamari, tacos, and beef and it was all fabulous! They had a special buy 2 tapas and get 1 free, so that was nice. When Marissa brought our check, she also included a handwritten note with suggestions for local beers and breweries while we were in Albuquerque. We all thought that was super sweet and just was the icing on the cake for our time there. I'll definitely come back here next time I'm in town.
(5)Bobby M.
I popped into Gecko's today with the intention of ordering and taking my food away. I've been told by a few people that the wings are pretty fantastic here, and I've been on the hunt for good wings since arriving in ABQ. I ended up staying for a moment and it wasn't the wings that made me park it, but the glorious sight of a tap that sat behind the bar. Alaskan Amber was there, and was fresh. It was a pleasant surprise, I inquired, and was then poured a glass of said awesome. As my bartender reveled in the sports playing in the background. He was still able to care for me and the fellow patrons. After perusing the menu. I order a small Basil Caesar, and a half dozen wings. (The bartender did inform me of the .50c wings after six o'clock on Monday deal, but I opted to eat early and pay the price.) The beer flow-ith, and the food, umm, the food come-th-ith? All the food was good, that's what I am trying to say. The wings were worthy of their praise, and I am glad to have found a spot I can come get a few when I have a craving. All in all it was a good experience. I arrived with the intention of take-away, but the beer, food, and service beckoned me to stay. I'm glad I did, I will again, and the next time I will try to bring a friend or two and occupy the patio.
(4)Jazmine V.
I went for my first time to this Gecko's location. I've been the Alameda location and enjoyed it. I'm pretty disappointed that they don't have heaters on the patio. It's not a large patio, but it could do with 2-3 portable heaters. This location, being in Nob Hill and all, sees its fair share of business. I know that they have enough cash flow to support this small thing. The drinks were okay, the service was okay, and the food was good. A mediocre experience. Nothing bad, and nothing great.
(3)Megan H.
Totally got ignored this afternoon at a relatively empty bar. Two people talked with us, walked back and forth, and forgot we were waiting to order. We were sitting up at the bar, too. Hard to miss. Menus were dirty, place was dingy. Won't go back.
(1)Christina W.
My friends and I are pretty regular here so we always receive great service and have a good time. The food is consistently good and they have great deals throughout the week.
(5)Suneye H.
Excellent service! I met colleagues here for drinks. Ended up killing a couple of appetizers. I will be back for tapas! They have ginger ale so I had J&Gs and the calamari was great. Very cool spot.
(4)Forrest M.
A quaint little tapas restaurant and bar. Good whiskey selection and local beer. Parking can be sparse and the sometimes there can be a wait to get service, but when you do, it's lightning fast to your table.
(4)Coco L.
A friend and I came here for some beers and apps, and the food was delish! The wait was short, and the waitress was fun and friendly. Definitely will be back next time I'm in town!
(5)Carmen S.
While searching for a pet-friendly patio for lunch in Nob Hill, we stopped here for a salad and some New Mexico sunshine before we had to return to the dreary East Coast. Their chef salad was wonderful - spanish olives on a skewer were artistically placed on top, along with a few toasted baguette slices, fresh (but salty) feta, tummy tomatoes, cucumbers, and smoked turkey. Service was excellent - they even brought a bowl of water and a slice of bacon for our travel-weary pup. We will be back!
(5)Susan P.
Another amazing place that made my life complete while I was in Albuquerque! One of the things I liked when we first arrived here was that there was patio seating. The weather was amazing during my trip so I definitely wanted to sit outside wherever we went. The food was delicious! Like REALLY delicious! Like really REALLY delicious! My friend ordered the nachos. I'm not sure how they did the cheese, but the way it was melted on the chips was so mouth watering. It literally made the whole dish! They were probably the best nachos I've ever had. I ordered the crab taquitos. I was disappointed in these taquitos because they didn't taste like crab at all. HOWEVER, the dip that it came with? OH MY GOSH... I'm not sure what's in it but I could eat it everyday. It was like an avocado/cilantro dip. The drinks were not that great. Not for me at least. They had specials on vodka, so the waitress recommended some alcoholic Arnold Palmer thing. I didn't taste any alcohol in it and felt like I was only drinking an Arnold Palmer. Maybe that's their way of making me order more. lol. If it wasn't for the nachos and dip, and seating, I probably would've rated differently. But If you ever come here order the nachos! AND a huge side of the avocado dip! You won't be disappointed! LOVED it! =)
(4)Keira M.
It is what it is. I enjoy coming here for drinks after dinner. It invites many odd characters, yet I can appreciate that. We did have poor service on Friday night though. We had to go pay at the bar because our waitress never came to check on us, so we left. Will be back though.
(3)Exiter F.
Socially welcome environment, & pretty good food. This place can get packed in the evenings! Best time to go is in the afternoon.
(3)Theodore B.
My husband and I come here often. The service is always efficient and friendly. The food is always hit, tasty and portioned to fill. Great birgwrs, ruebens, BLT and tapas. Just wish they would I traduce some new tapas because we've had the same ones for a long time. We've had Christian as our server numerous times and she is awesome!
(5)Felicia A.
If Gecko's were solely a bar, I'd give it four stars. It's got a nice laid-back feel to it, and the service is friendly. If you want your drinks with a side of sunshine (or moonlight), there's a nice patio. If you'd rather avoid lighting, inside is the place for you--dimly lit like any good bar should be! Lots of good beer options on tap and solid mixed drinks too. Sadly, I can't say I've been as impressed with the food. I love the menu on paper, which consists mostly of bar food staples, many of which have a Southwestern twist. Nothing I've ordered has been bad per se, just underwhelming. During my most recent visit (during Summerfest), we snacked on the green chile fries and green chile garlic hummus. For a place so popular with locals, the chile really screams "tourist-friendly." Hardly any bite to it. I expected the chile would be blended into the hummus, but, rather, a bit was just added on top. Couldn't taste the difference between a scoop with chile and a scoop without. Likewise, I don't see what all the fuss is about with the green chile cheese fries. Fries are tasty enough, but the chile is again weak and they could give you a bit more cheese. Gecko's has a great location and atmosphere. Menu just needs a flavor boost!
(3)Shawn M.
Food is good and they have a nice dog friendly patio. Very casual atmosphere. I have never had a bad experience in this restaurant. Good food service and predictable bar food. I come three or four times a month
(4)Kevin W.
Very frustrated with this place! The smoking on the patio is disgusting, you can't even eat at Scalo with out sacking down some cancer. You can't have kids there after 4 which is about what time school let's out and no kids inside at all. Used to be one of my favorites but probably will never go there again.
(2)Breeana W.
Last night I had a nacho experience to remember at Geckos. Nacho typical nachos, these were great! Highly recommended if you are in the market for tasty bar cuisine.
(4)Mark B.
BEWARE! The businesses in Nob Hill Business Center are trying to quote 'send a message' regarding their precious 10 parking spaces. If you don't stay at their business the ENTIRE time you're parked there they will boot your car on the first offense. I frequent these businesses numerous times per week and enjoy the shop and stroll atmosphere of Nob Hill, but I can assure you, this attitude will ensure that I steer clear of Scalo and Geckos in the future.
(1)Dan C.
This review is solely based on service, as one of us had a vertical license (there were a bunch of us traveling for work), and we were all denied food service. We had just finished working a full day, were starving, and they turned us away because our 28 year old colleague had a vertical license. Excuuuuuse me. What a dumb law. In any case, the people were very polite. I was excited to potentially try this place, but we ended up at Frontier instead. I'd still like to try it, though it was less fancy than we expected for a tapas place.
(3)Nat S.
I love Geckos's, it is such a great neighborhood bar. The happy hour is from 4-7 every day. Monday is .50c wings after 6. Hot wings are crunchy, falling off the bone, and damn spicy. After eating one or two, I realized I had never had this sauce before. I asked and apparently they make it in house from Chipotle peppers. If you do not have an iron constitution- and they ask you if you want the sauce on the side, you may want to opt in. I got a heavy and wonderful endorphin rush after eating just 5. I ate 20 wings of Monte Vistas wings and had no such chemical joy. The food is pretty good, and served late -on the weekends the kitchen closes at 12 AM. So late at night when I have low blood sugar, after I get out of work- I am known to indulge in a buffalo chicken sandwich. A fried cutlet smothered in buffalo sauce and topped with blue cheese crumbles, on a bun with a heaping portion of curly fries, man that is good. This has a bit of spice, but not near the level of the wings. My boyfriend has eaten the Ruben and said it was darn tasty. They say they are known for the Chile Cheese fries, but they were not my favorite. The fries themselves hit the spot, but I did not get as much chile a I would like. I am a spice hound so- not hot for me= hell in the mouth for another. The cheese also had an inconsistent texture. It was late at night and maybe it was just an off moment. They were still highly edible and don't let me dissuade you if you are reading this with your heart set of ordering them. Staff is all super chill and does a top notch job making you feel at a home away from home- for service and drink specials five stars, food is 3-4 stars, mostly 4. I am giving it 5 stars because it is my favorite spot to chill and have a beer in Nob Hill. Also this is not a College bar, or a pure sports bar. Yes they have TV's with sports on usually but I think are open to letting you watch a show. We went here for NYE to watch the ball drop, and were just watching some Olympic Ski runs. It is pretty low key usually.
(5)Vincent L.
The drinks are set at a decent price. 4-5 bucks per draft beer. Drinks are strong. Nachos could use some work. The biggest upset that I had with this company is that they tried to tack on other people's bill onto my tab.
(1)Leah C.
Gecko's in Nob Hill is a great place to sit outside or at the bar any night of the week. Though table service has been hit or miss my last few visits and some of the cocktailers really need to learn their drink menu, they have consistently tasty vittles (I cannot resist those curly cheese fries), daily food and drink specials, a decent wine list, and a few local brews on tap. Also, those bartenders make a mean Jameson Ginger. Definitely one of my go-to watering holes.
(4)Lena L.
I am a pretty big fan of Gecko's. Let's start off by saying yes, it's loud. It is a bar. It is not going to be quiet. The parking sucks. All Nob Hill parking sucks. If you want a nice, quite place to go, a bar is not a wise choice. The food, though, is quite good. It can take a while on crowded nights when the place is packed, but that is to be expected at a busy spot. The drinks are well priced and are fairly good. Service is usually good, but be warned that your waitress will be running around like a crazy person on weekends tending to fifty different people. They do try their best. It is very nice for a brunch. They have decent a decent Bloody Mary- it does lack a bit on the spice, but you can just toss in some Tabasco yourself. My one complaint on the food would be the veggie burger. While the burger itself is good, the bun is horrible. It's too thick and dry for the burger. You have to put on lots of condiments and that can overpower the veggie burger. The tapas are awesome. Good things to try are the Sauteed Escargot - I know, snails are gross, but these are actually really good! Very buttery and tasty. Another few are Crispy Polenta, Southwestern Krab Taquitos and Fried Calamari Rings. They are delicious. If that freaks you out, they have awesome burgers on their other menu.
(4)Damon T.
This is home base for my wife and I. We met here. We call it our "second kitchen" and "the standby" when it's too late or we're too tired/lazy to cook. The staff here is great and usually very friendly. They can get slammed, and when that happens don't be surprised if it's not as speedy as you'd like. They have a decent tapas menu that changes from time to time. It's all usually pretty good. They also have a Chowder, Quesadilla and Crustini of the day, all of which are creative and almost always great. The beer selection here is decent, not great. The patio is nice, though with Albuquerque's indoor smoking ban it ends up being quite smoky out there most nights when it's busy. The patio is dog-friendly which is (usually) nice. Indoors they have a fair number of flat-screens for watching sports. They'll even turn on Football (soccer) and Rugby if you ask!
(5)Alayne S.
This location is hit or miss. The customer service is either good or complete crap, which results in a bad experience over all. Slooow service, cold food, empty drinks, waiting... waiting... waiting...
(2)Edwin C.
Rolled in here on a Thursday night looking for good food, drinks, and the Niners game. GREAT ambiance!!! There's an outside area with plenty of seating. Inside is dark, a little too dark for me. But the food was AWESOME!!! My wife was craving a salad, they had it. I was preparing for a marathon, so I was little more open. Got the 1/2 BLT and soup. Green Chili chowder was NICE!!! But it's really great for the Tapas and drinks. First of all, I didn't have a drink but looked at the menu and it was pretty good and VERY VERY good prices. From what I recall, they almost looked like regular happy hour prices elsewhere. THE TAPAS!!! I wish I was in a group of more people to try more. I had this pumpkin/corn dip that had a scoop of broiled goat cheese. TO DIE FOR!!! A bit spicy, but SO TASTY AND CREAMY!!! I'd (almost) go back to the ABQ just for this. Only down side might be the parking, although I didn't have a problem on the Thursday night I went.
(5)Joshua H.
Awesome slight dive place with a good menu and full size bar! Good for catching a game or a chill date with nothing pretentious. Wait staff is always friendly and prompt. Never had a complaint there! Love this spot for meeting up with friends for some grub before hitting the bars.
(4)Lauren K.
This place has some of the nicest and most welcoming employees. Specifically the girls working the bar/service area. It's a full bar with about 15+ local beers and specialty beers on tap. Upon observation I noticed that this place is a local favorite because the bartender knew what the usual patrons wanted before they even ordered their drinks. I ordered a Shocktop on draught and coincidentally it was the beer on special for Saturday. Everyday of the week there is a different draught beer on special. They also have a full food menu consisting of comfort foods and local green chile flavor favorites. I ordered the falafel dish and was extremely satisfied. It came with a salad, falafel and two generous slices of pita bread. It was definitely a choice dish for consuming more than one beer. And it just so happens that I came in on Valentine's day. To my surprise the kitchen sent out a tray of chocolate covered pretzels and cupcakes for the patrons to choose from for free. If you are ever in Albuquerque and want some great draught beers, inexpensive food, and quality service make sure that Gecko's is on your list. I really can't even think of anything that would have made my experience better than it already was.
(5)Travis B.
This is my favorite spot in Nob hill. It's in a great location. It has excellent service and it has, hands down, the best bar patio in Albuquerque. The lighting is unique at night. Inside it's very dark, but the front neon lights brighten up the patio in a very unique way. But seriously the service is great, especially the bartenders. They've got a crew that is prompt, professional, but comfortable. Not an easy mix to achieve, but they've done it.
(5)Nicole G.
Great place wish we lived closer. We stopped by to watch a game on our road trip to Dallas. We enjoyed the basil Caesar salad, green chili chicken stew, green chill fries and of course some cold brews. Everything was perfect including the service!
(4)Bryce B.
Wonderful food, great service, and a fun atmosphere. My girlfriend says it was "the best burger I've ever had in my life". Only reason this place lost a star is because their alcohol is pricy :\ $5.50 for a draft beer is a bit much...
(4)Ashley E.
This place makes a strong cocktail...no matter which cocktail you choose. Gecko's BLT is disgustingly GOOD!. It's three pieces of wheatberry bread, loaded with crispy bacon, thick slices of ripe tomato and crunchy, cool lettuce. It's got a healthy dose of mayo as well. The first time I ordered it, I asked for the middle slice of bread to be removed. MISTAKE! I ordered it the second time as is, and that extra piece of gluten (as much as I hate to admit it) put it over the top. It's a huge sandwich, but dang is it good. I've really never ordered anything at Geckos that I haven't liked. I prefer this location to the one on Academy hands down. The crowd is way more chill.
(4)Clayton A.
Although I've yet to find a good bar for mingling and interacting with like-minded people, I certainly can't complain about the prices at any of the bars I've been to accross the city. I still feel a bit of shock when I get a bill for 3 beers and it's under $15. I love it. What's even cooler is coming to a place like Gecko's where 3 drinks and a few snacks can still clock in under 30 bucks. It's pretty amazing compared to a lot of parts of the good old USA and something I do not take for granted. Rather, I look at this wonderful pricing arrangement as a mandate to take advantage and experiment with as much beer and liquor as my mind and body can withstand (not really though, at least not in one sitting). Geckos offers plenty to try then, with a wealth of liquors and beers to choose from, representing a variety of world regions. Having felt a bit overexposed to rum in New York City, I was pleasantly surprised to try Pyrat, a sweet, honey-like rum from Barbados (If I remember correctly). I'd never seen or heard of this back east, so Geckos gets major kudos for the introduction in this least likely of rum towns. The beers are mostly big names, with few craft of interest, but the New Belgim options are enough to keep me happy, especially while grubbing on some of the green chile cheese fries or the nachos, both so typically New Mexican, but oly the safest of options to choose from on the diverse menu. Next visit, I intend to venture out a bit (since I can order more adventurously when not burdened by boring, picky eaters) and try some of the more unique food options. Overall, this is a good happy hour, early evening bar. If you're like me and like music and dance, you'll probably want to move on as the night develops. Still, a good starting point for any night on the town.
(4)Emily C.
I moved to ABQ from Chicago 2 months ago, and this is one of my favorite spots so far. The highlights: - Large patio perfect for sipping drinks on a summer evening - High-quality beers and mixed drinks at a fair price (most beers under $5) - Sauteed French helix snails - buttery, sour, melt-in-your-mouth goodness - Rice paper crisped gulf shrimp - crunchy, flaky, served with kimchi I will be back tonight for the Monday night special (after 6 PM) - 40 cent wings!
(4)Page J.
I highly do not recommend going to Geckos. I went there one evening for a late dinner and couple of drinks with my friends. Our waitress Lindsay was extremely short with us and very rude. After we ordered our food the burger I got was actually coated with salt. Someone had salt on the front and back of the patty as well as on top of the cheese. Our waitress took forever to come despite attempting to hail her down multiple times, by the time she came over she removed the burger informed me that the kitchen was closing in 3 minutes but she will remove it from the bill....thanks so now everyone at my table had now cold food from waiting for me and I was left with no food at all. Having worked in the service industry for several years, I know what terrible service is and this is it. My advice, don't bother.
(1)Jane V.
We just moved here recently. We have been to Geckos twice - a sat night and weekend afternoon. I preferred the afternoon environment because it was a little more chill. Pros: - they always have drink specials - good prices on food - delicious appetizers - great and friendly service Con: - on our Saturday night experience dogs took over the patio. I'm fine with dogs on patio if they are on leashes and with their owners. The dogs there that evening were roaming and begging for our food.
(4)JP F.
An Albuquerque fixture for 'pub food.' Feel like I get great service here almost always. I like their caesar, wings, fries, and hamburgers. Great patio. To me this is what a good pub/restaurant should be. It isn't the food, it's the total experience.
(5)worldtraveler c.
Great neighborhood bar! Servers are awesome and the food is what is to be expected from a bar. Vibe is always positive. I usually go for Monday night wings!
(5)Laura V.
I give Geckos 4 stars for the bar- if I were ranking it on food it would probably be 3. My husband and I had our first date here, so I have a soft spot for Gecko's. It's a good bar, always friendly service, and damn they pour a strong drink. I love the patio and have spent many nights meeting and greeting all the cool people in ABQ who hang out here. The food isn't the best- I like the tapas idea but I can never seem to find something I like for a snack when we are there. I also wish they had a few more local beers on tap- I always end up with Marble IPA which isn't my fave. Overall it's a great place to bring friends and out of town folks and the patio is second to none.
(4)Sean B.
Its odd that I have not reviewed Geckos considering I have been eating here for years and consider this one of my regular bars. Every once and a while I need to get away from campus and indulge in a burger and beer... Gecko's always hits the spot. the burgers are not super fancy, but the staff is friendly and does not mind that I sit for a while and finish up some schoolwork. I especially enjoy the Gecko's patio in the fall when the evenings are a cooler (I probably enjoyed it even more when I was a smoker). the staff has always been friendly, the service is usually good, and the community is such that if you accidentally bump into someone or nudge a table you wil likely end up talking for the rest of the night.
(4)Vero P.
wish i were there now. want better drink specials. not that great happy hour.
(5)Elmo L.
Best place in town. Good service, good drink, affordable. A good all around environment for whatever you need, from a casual meal to a birthday party. Food is always good, like an A-, but what I love about it, is that it's consistent. Enjoy
(5)Drew B.
Tapas in Nob Hill Some smoked kielbasa please And bring me some booze
(4)Jason M.
Great local bar! Food and drink are great as well as the crowds early sunday for football! Would like to see some more variety in the food - seems everything is fried... The service is great!
(5)T N.
Last time I went to Geckos was in December 2007 (before moving) and therefore my review may be outdated. I lived one block from Geckos and therefore was a frequent visitor. Monday nights ( 10 cent chicken wing) ....they made "fries wings" for me ..since I do not eat meat. Wednesday nights ( 1/2 price burgers). Wonderful place for the nob hill locals on weekdays.
(4)James H.
When you're a tapas bar and restaurant, please have a wide selection to choose from. The point is to order a number of plates and share different tastes around. The tacos are possibly the best item on the menu and the nachos may be the worst. The tacos are light and tastefully done. The nachos are just drowned in everything. That sounds like a great idea but it smothers any flavors. Again, there just isn't a wide menu to choose from.
(2)Michelle S.
It is just another hidden treasure in Nob Hill. Tucked away in a cul du sac off of central next to the Co-op and Scalo. They have a fabulous patio where you can enjoy the great tapas or over indulge in the chili cheese fries or hot chicken wings. They have nightly specials on drinks. It can get kinda busy and the wait staff sometimes gets overwhelmed BUT none the less they are always pretty cool. They have sports playing on the several TVs so if your into sports this is a good place. Try the hummus its great-you will have to ask for extra pitas but I am pretty sure you don't get charged extra.
(4)Tanna C.
I'm originally from Albuquerque and rediscovered this gem during my last visit. Decent menu, including tapas (i love to graze). The green chili cheese fries hit the spot! The daytime bartender was friendly and attentive. The place reminds me of what I miss about Albuquerque.
(4)Tina J.
I moved about a year ago, but miss this place so much! The patio, the grilled artichokes, the nachos, and of course the drinks all combine to create an awesome place to hang out. I miss you Geckos! Plus, half price burger nights!
(5)Susan S.
I love Gecko's. I always have a good time there and I adore the staff!
(5)Prefers A.
not a fan. although it's got outdoor seating which is nice, I've never liked the vibe here and will often tell friends "anywhere but Gecko's" when they want to go out in Nob Hill. not impressed with the gazpacho (not sure if it's still on the menu). was asked for cocaine here on one occasion. WTF? go sit next door at Scalo if you want the outdoor Nob Hill dining/drinking experience.
(1)Dillon S.
Awesome jerk frog leg tapas and good drink specials. Good freindly sevice and a nice atmosphere. Patio was also adaquate for the size, which was kind of small. I would definetly go back.
(4)Donna L.
Great food! Hubby got the goat cheese, pumpkin corn and LOVED it. Good atmosphere to watch a game, but it's a bit too dark.
(4)Lucas L.
Disclamer: This is a hipster joint. It's my local watering hole. Drinks are good, especially martini's. The service is quite prompt and the atmosphere is fantastic. Its the type of place you go where everyone knows your name... or they don't and you will be friends with the table next to you by the end of your stay. Enjoy.
(4)Davey R.
I do quite a bit remember this place. It was my first night in Albuquerque. The tapas were amazing, and for all three of us and massive amounts of calories ingested, the bill only came to $39. That included drinks as well. This is apparently a local legend of a place, and the facade looks quite cool. It's also one of the closer establishments to the edge of a sprawl of awesome shops/restaurants. Good place to be, you will be seen.
(4)Brittany F.
My husband and I dropped in for drinks and appetizers on a Thursday night. It was a bit crowded, but we easily found parking and a table. The drink selection includes a myriad of beer and whiskey options, as well as several decent wine options. There are different drink specials each night of the week, and my husband took advantage of the $3.50 special on Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA. As for the food, we skipped the tapas and stuck to the bar appetizers, which turned out to be an excellent choice. The green chile cheese fries were very good. We ordered the small size, which was more than enough for two to share. The chorizo bleu cheese queso was also quite good, with plenty of chorizo and just a bit of bleu cheese crumbled on top. The chips served alongside the dip, however, are nothing to write home about. Finally, we ordered a half-dozen of the tangy chipotle hot wings, which were excellently cooked and nicely spicy for our Texan palates. The service was prompt, if not enthusiastic. All in all, it was a great experience, and we'll be back.
(4)Lindsey H.
If you're in Albuquerque on a Sunday morning during football season, roll out of bed in your PJs, round up your friends, and get your ass into Gecko's. This is a great place to order a beer, some finger food tapas (that taste like they might have been previously frozen), and watch all the football games in America at once on their dozen or more TVs.
(4)Nick N.
Great place!!!! The service has seen better days, well that's how long you have to wait for drinks, or food. If you do get food, amazing, well drinks nice and strong! Although if your there long enough, and do get served a proper amount of booze, the bathrooms are quite nice to barf in, ( auto flush), or the patio,( I have seen a few patio pukers). Its nice when your on a date, just stay clear of 90% of the douch bags at any given time. Avoid staying later than 11:00, all the weird local nobhill people show up, either to smell up the place, or to offer to buy smokes, but never really do, or just stare at you and yell. They might let the retard ward in after hours come to think of it It's a good place to people watch, and waitress watch. depending on the day, I rate Geckos 5 stars, to no stars; just depends on who the Great servers are.
(3)Alfredo M.
Now an ABQ institution. Usually one of my first stops when back in the 5-0-5 and need to sip a Santa Fe Pale or Marble IPA on the beloved patio (always good for interesting dog & people watching). Excellent food, including the sneaky good "grilled two-cheeser" and almost always great "quesadilla of the day." Most of the tapas are very well done, though a pinch pricey. You wouldn't know it from the normal vibe of the place, but it's also great for NFL watching on Sundays...the top-notch bloody marys are the highlight. The only knock on Gecko's is that, like most places, it can get a little uncomfortable when it gets too crowded. The narrow interior bar and single occupancy restrooms don't lend itself to good times if and when the crowd gets to standing room only levels on popular evenings.
(4)Misti Y.
Perfect watering hole for grabbing eats, drinks and a game. It might cute to say "everybody knows your name" type of place, but it is the dead truth here. We were out of towners, but every single person that came in the door was greeted by their first name and appeared to know everyone else in the place. It was quite fascinating as it wasn't just young hipsters; there were some old timers kicking back Foster's. Worth noting: A nice selection of bourbon, creative eats (I didn't love my basil Caesar salad, but the magical pepperoni sauce on the nachos was wildly delicious), and every sporting event on every ESPN channel ever created being piped in daily. They had so many boxes and screens it was like an army command center. If you're looking for a local spot to drink, grab quick eats and watch a game, this is your spot.
(4)Michelle D.
So disappointed. It was our first time in ABQ and we decided to check this place out after reading some reviews. Interior & patio looked pretty cool, but food was just not up to par, especially for that price. We tried the red mole grilled steak tacos, green chili cheese fries, merguez lamb sausage & new potatoes and this pesto bruschetta spread on baguette slices. Nothing really impressed me, just really greasy. Portions were small compared to typical tapas that you can find in Chicago...or Spain...or anywhere. The green chile cheese curly fries were probably the best thing out of what we got. Plus, it was a little too dark inside, and sitting on the patio was a lost cause due to all the smokers. Overall, not worth the money! I'm pretty sure I could make tastier & less greasy stuff at home.
(1)Mark N.
Like this place because of the nice outdoor patio and the Nob Hill location. More of a bar than a restauarant, the food is kind of hit and miss. The tapas concept is good, some of the tapas and other items actually are quite good.. The service is sometimes terrible, some of the servers are just plain rude.. The atmosphere is nice, very casual and sort of a "hip" crowd with a sort of neighborhood bar feel. I lived 3 blocks away so it was just that for me.. You can actually talk to people here, it is not too noisy for that unlike some bars
(3)Walt W.
This place sucks. the prices are lame and the service is laughably terrible..
(1)Derrick W.
The vibe and service at this location is so much better than the one in the heights. Its amazing that there could be such a difference but there is. Although we live near the heights location, we'd rather make the trip to the Central location because it is so much better.
(4)James B.
Best bar food in Albuquerque, decent prices. The music won't appeal to the snobs but hey even they will sing along to the cure when the time is right. The patio is wonderful on any given summer or fall afternoon/evening. When winter comes the inside can get a bit crowded but I like sitting out in the bitter cold drinking rum and hot apple cider. What better way to spend the winter?
(4)Justin C.
Disappointing. I'm from out of town so perhaps my expectations were too high. The wait staff was very nice. However my first drink was wrong. No problem, I can live with a mistake. The recommended tapas dish tasted like the spinach came from a can. And when the bill came, despite vodka drinks being $4 happy hour special, I was charged $1.50 per drink for the addition of the generic kahalua substitute...which is cheaper than vodka anyway. Overall, just a disappointing experience and given the other restaurants within walking distance I regret my decision.
(2)Emily C.
Great Tapas, Great Beer, always cool music playing, and if you manage to score and outdoor table and awesome place to just hang out with yoru friends and your dog.
(4)clayton p.
Not great service, but finally was able to order their burger and fries. Got it and it was under cooked. Wasn't able to tell anybody until after i ate all my fries and wasn't hungry. I won't be going back here anytime soon
(1)Heidi C.
The food is tastier than Kelly's or O'Neill's down the street, it's more casual and fun than Scalo's next door, it's less of a mosh pit than Two Fools on a Friday night, and the drinks are cheaper than Opa's. It an get slightly scenester-ish, but not too bad.and heck, it's a bar, I expect that to some extent.
(4)Charles H.
I eat small amounts of food all day long. Meals are taken at restaurants but I would live at Gecko's. As always, better with friends.
(4)