Back in civilization in the town of Taos, Eske’s Brewpub (eskesbrewpub.com; 106 Des Georges Lane) is what Seiner calls a “really small, neighborhood-style pub.” Tucked away in an adobe building, their beer list ranges from the 3.75 percent ABV Rio Refresco to the intermittently available Bert & Ernie Barley Wine. However, when in Rome―or in this case New Mexico―try the Taos Green Chile Beer, winner of a bronze at the Great American Beer Fest. Enjoy it beneath the strands of chili lights on the patio with regional cuisine and local characters.
The last brewery is possibly the most unexpected and certainly the most convenient. Blue Heron Brewery (blueheronbrews.com; 2214 Highway 68, Rinconada) opened in late 2009 a mere mile away from Kokopelli’s raft take-out. Husband and wife owners Scott and Kristin Hennelly (he brews, she runs the place) are popular with rafters since the 100-gallon brewery is located right on the water, making it easy to cool down a bottle of La Llorona Scottish Ale or a growler of Prieta Real Imperial Stout in the river.
When the trip is over and it’s time to head back down to town, Seiner recommends checking into the Sage Inn (santafesageinn.com, 725 Cerrilos Road), possibly because rafters get 15 percent off when they stay there. This comfortable hotel is conveniently located in the Railyard District within walking distance of the Santa Fe Plaza where, not incidentally, Albuquerque’s Marble Brewing Co. just opened up a Taproom (marblebrewery.com, 60 E. San Francisco St.) with a balcony overlooking the square. It’s also an easy walk to Cowgirl BBQ (cowgirlsantafe.com, 319 South Guadalupe St.), formerly the Cowgirl Hall of Fame. Seiner says of this classic joint that you shouldn’t come to Santa Fe without going to this crazy local bar with live music and a beer garden. They serve up great BBQ and New Mex Tex as well as brunch on the weekends, including blue corn and piñon (think Southwestern pine nuts) pancakes. Otherwise, stumble into the Tune-Up Café (tuneupcafe.com, 1115 Hickox St.), one of Santa Fe’s most popular downtown diners. Local favorites include the chorizo Breakfast Burrito and the Tune-Up Breakfast with chile relleno and roasted tomato salsa.
