Albuquerque Social Club

If you’re part of the LGBTQ community, this is one of Albuquerque’s top bars, with its rich history going back at least 40 years. Events of all types are held here across a variety of themes, especially during Pride month (June).

I absolutely love this bar, and my only regret is not becoming a member sooner. The vibe is incredibly chill, and I feel incredibly safe and welcomed here, as opposed to other LGBTQIA+ bars in the area. In addition, I respect the management not hiring staff, namely Karaoke Jockeys, who only allow you to sing based on how well you tip them, and not attacking those who write negative reviews of the bar and accuse them of damaging their reputation. A certain nearby LGBTQIA+ bar could really learn from you guys how to manage a business.

The hostess was super nice and polite, but the bartender was very rude, not friendly at all! Made us feel unwelcome! We only had a drink and left, then went to another bar across the street.

This place was a total nightmare, 30$ for 365 day membership, and not one tanning bed, a donation for community, guess like a mall,? I saw a cute bartenderherer and was like, such a cute top, whered you get it, hey where you get it, I wanna borrow it, and was totally ignored... Such not a cute top after all... Worse than the mall, Don't be betch, where'd ya get it.... Hey where'd ya get... Let me borrow it, Let me borrow that top... Ugh ...I will not not be ignored, I was at the soche for like 5 minutessss said.... Kelly.........lets go!

Since when do you go to sit at a bar - and not get service. The bartender took an empty drink from in front of me before asking if I desired anything. This bar gets worse & worse. I paid 30 bucks to be ignored.

My partner and I went to Tuesday night trivia after recently relocating from Colorado. It was a quieter night but the staff, Charlie and Rinona, were incredibly friendly and welcoming. It's very obvious a lot of intention goes into building a safe and affirming space for all segments of the queer and trans community. It doesn't have the glitz and glamour of a modern night club but, honestly, that gives it way more charm and value if you are drawn to nightlife for authentic connection. The drinks are reasonably priced and I appreciated the prominent display of their mocktail menu. Well definitely be purchasing a membership and bringing our friends when they visit.

went on undies night and had a great time. drinks are an expected price, good music and vibe :)

My home away from home and my safe space. All queer identities are welcomed and respected here. I do, however, REALLY wish they had a T4T singles night to go with all their other specific nights, (leather night, dyke night, etc.) but maybe one day.

Don't let the initial step in to the back entrance fool you...it's a lot nicer than it looks when the backroom is open. You can get a guest pass or a weekly pass or just become a member.

Shame on this establishment. I was invited to attend my first ever Pride Celebration by two of my fellow physicians at The Albuquerque Social Club or "Soch" as it is commonly referred to. After my morning rounds I arrived at the location absolutely famished and noticed a BBQ stand outside the side street doors. I approached and politely asked if they were selling items to the public or else where might I find some food. The person running the stand informed me the food was for their members only and I would need to go through the rear entrance line in order to be able to eat. I went around the back of the building as directed and stood in line with roughly two dozen other people waiting to be allowed into the narrow entrance which served as both an entrance and an exit. After being stepped on repeatedly and made to stand out in the 98 degree heat I noticed many people simply pushing through the line with no one checking to notice that they did not have a wristband for entry. Needless to say it was frustrating and very poorly managed but I managed to get through the doors after approximately 45 minutes. I had purchased a membership during the holidays when I attended several fun shows and most recently a "Tea Party". The line for the complimentary food was very long inside the building as well and I waited roughly 30 more minutes only to be informed that there was a "meat shortage" and it would be another 15 minutes or so before any more burgers would be ready. Again very frustrating and the staff remained very unapologetic as though they owed us no common courtesy of at least pretending they regretted the inconvenience. Again more frustrated I decided to use the wait time to go and purchase some drinks for myself and my friends. The one heavy set bartender was working to try and serve the long line of customers in front of her and again I waited patiently for another 8 to 10 minutes to get to the front of the line and begin ordering. At this point my already lengthy waiting period for food or drink was making me feel unappreciated and I was nearing the end of my patience. This is where the entire event took an ugly turn. As I was speaking my order a short black haired young man with Harry Potter type glasses pushed in from the side and barked his order right over me! At first I thought he was being funny as I couldn't imagine anyone being so actually rude! The chubby girl next to him added what she wanted to his order and I looked at them in disbelief! For the sake of myself and the other long line of people behind me who had been standing in line I firmly said "Excuse me there is a line behind me!" The young man unabashedly stated "Well I work here so I don't need to wait in line!" Can you imagine employing someone who addresses your precious customers in such a manner? Needless to say I was already over an hour invested in trying to make this a pleasant afternoon of celebration and now I was being treated like absolute rubbish! I turned and repeated my order to the lady bartender who instead of serving the customer in front of her turned her attention to the interloper and stated filling his alcohol order of shots! As there has never been alcohol servers waiting the tables at this establishment and a quick inquiry through my attorneys office shows no special permits had been pulled for temporary licenses this week, I can assume that this person claiming to be entitled to have priority over all other patrons was not "picking up drinks" for anyone other than himself or friends. The situation escalated further when he leaned in an attempt to intimidate me at which point I uttered a profanity and said that's not good customer service! He and his gal friend laughed at me and he said "I'll have your Ass thrown out of here if you don't like it!" I turned to the bartender for some sign of sympathy and she said " I won't serve anyone who uses profanity" so I said fine F you too! AT THIS POINT THE SELF IDENTIFIED EMPLOYEE BEGAN PUSHING ON THE FRONT MY BODY WITH BOTH OF HIS HANDS AND HAD TO BE WARNED SEVERAL TIMES TO GET HIS HANDS OFF OF ME! I told him "you do not want to touch me " 3 times before he removed his hands from my body. Feeling assaulted I turned and left out the back door and vowed never to return to this establishment. As a Medical Professional married to an Attorney I am well aware that had this situation escalated I could have caused a terrible scene and perhaps ruined the day for many people in our community on a day that was meant to bring peace and respect. So I let it go and walked away. I will however warn anyone who ever considers going to this unworthy establishment of the terrible culture I experienced today.

This place was pretty mellow on a Wednesday night. My group came here for the karaoke night, so I was glad that it wasn't as busy as I had thought it could be. We entered the building from the parking lot side (which there was plenty of parking, not sure how that would be on a busier night). We had already planned on signing up for the membership - the process took maybe 5 minutes to register each person and was fairly easy. The entrance has the registration desk and a hangout area, maybe unused bar area, and I could also see into another room where other events are sometimes held. We walked past the bathrooms where another bar area was located, and the main big room. The ceiling was covered with many pride flags, almost as to cover some of the vents that were emitting a strong current of air throughout the venue. There were plenty of tables with chairs for ample seating. Karaoke was already in full swing, and there were only a few other people participating. I can't remember which program they use, but it's a fairly easy app/website where you create a singer account, look up the song list, and add yourself to the singers queue. If they don't have the song that you want in the song list, you're also able to request for the DJ to eventually add the song if they are able to. The only thing I didn't like about the karaoke set-up were the locations of the tv screens where you'd be reading the lyrics. There are 2 giant tvs on either side of the main room, and maybe because I'm only 5'2", but to me - they seemed like I was looking up quite a bit. There are also smaller tvs behind the main bar. Overall, the SOCH seems to be a fun place to hangout when there are things going on, which they have a LOT of events available for all sorts of people and interests. I'd definitely go back there sometime.

It is a nice private club that has gone smoke free which is so nice now. Drinks are good new bartenders.

An absolutely amazing place for queer folk. There's events that happen almost every night and the drinks are reasonably priced and generously poured.

Only good gay bar in Albuquerque and the General Manager is the best! Thank you Toni for all you do. Also was given the opportunity to try out to be a go go dancer regardless of me being fat. One of the best opportunities of my life!!!

A great bar but not for out of town people as the bar has a $30 three year membership. Fun place but not worth what's essentially a $30 cover.

Being a private club I can only attend once in a while as a guest but what a blast! Great staff, great shows, great drinks... keep up the great time, SOCH!

One star deducted just for the smoke, but for most folks, that's entirely a plus here. That they can drink AND smoke. Lol Great place to catch stellar drag show, hang with friends, drink and laugh together. Cool vibe and outstanding performers. Signed up that night for membership and going back soon!

This bar has a nice vibe. They have a lot of drag shows and it's a good location in Nob Hill for me. But it gets so smokey in there. That's a deal breaker. After about an hour my chest hurts and I have to leave. If they ever go nonsmoking I'd come here often.

An alternative social club, private members only. It's worth the membership fee if you want to be alternatively social in Central Albuquerque. There's a Saturday afternoon group that brings in food and hangs. Honestly, the joint attracts a better crowd than other establishments in the city. Once I was here on an 80s dance music night, nostalgia. Another time I stopped by a show, contest fundraiser--better than others I've seen. The back Tiki bar could be a bit more "Tiki". I think Social Club is on to something, but not quite there yet.

It was a good experience. Paying the membership fee and then the bartender Dreke was short and felt like I was more of a chore. Hopefully it'll be better next time. Only short places to go when wanting Gay Bars. Good atmosphere. Bartenders need more etiquette in making clientele feel welcomed, no matter who they are.

Went on a Thursday night. Happy hour and karaoke was a lot of fun. Mixed crowd, mostly men. Bartenders Josh and Joe we very friendly. It is a private club so they do have a few rules. Looking forward to my next trip to Albuquerque.

Thank god, I can breathe again--even in a bar that left me reeking of cigarettes after I showered. I am so grateful for the Social Club! I was spoiled to have lived in San Francisco for 10 years, so I was very happy to be introduced to this cultural gem. There is a vibrant queer community here in Albuquerque, and what a treat it is to see everyone come out in all their glory or a good old-fashioned drag show! A wonderful space for queers, queens, drag. So much fun!LONG LIVE THE QUEENS!

O M G. Can you light a thousand cigarrettes and blow them all in my face at the same time? That will happen at ASC. People were extremely nice, drinks strong, bathroom not dusgusting so i bought a year membership. My liver will hate me for it, but i liked this place.

I would give the Social Club a five star rating if only you weren't allowed to smoke inside. Granted, I know most of my friends would give it a five star rating BECAUSE of this, but I don't smoke anymore, so it's a little annoying to come home smelling like a pack of Marlboros. You have to be a member ($30 a year, which is a deal), or have a friend who will sign you in under their membership. It can be annoying, so just spring for the $30 to support your local bar. You'll save money with how cheap the drinks are, anyway. All of that being said, I love Social Club! So much! It's probably my favorite queer bar in 'Burque...maybe even in New Mexico. It's low key when you want it to be, and it's a blast when you're wanting a night of debauchery. Drinks are hella cheap (like, $4!) and are like a six count pour...which is to say, two and you're good, three and you're WASTED. There are two rooms: the back room is smaller, and more intimate. There's a pool table and a couple of tables to sit around and spend some time talking. The main room is darker and where the DJ is. There is a wall of mirrors there, and if it wasn't so smokey, I would say they should hold yoga classes there! My only real complaint is that it is SO LOUD. The music is really treble/high-end heavy, and leans towards the 90's side of house. Not bad...but not really great, either. Sometimes it's exactly what I want, though, and that can be a lot of fun. Social Club is a place I would feel comfortable taking any of my friends who are in from out of town (unless they REALLY have a problem with smoking). It's laid back, you'll find people from every crowd, and the folks are just nice. It's really your hometown bar, and serves everyone with a wink.

I lived in Alb in the 70's This place was called the heights, dance bar. I always enjoyed going there, glad that it is still surviving!

One of the last places where the chance of meeting a real Man. Joe the bartender makes me feel like I'm appreciated. Thanks so much for keeping the integrity of a safe place for the LGBT community.

This is one of three gay bars in Albuquerque. It's a private club which amazingly allows people to still smoke. They have a small bathroom exhaust fan above the door venting 5,000 Sq feet. The air in this place is truely toxic. Imagine tasking a kid to set up a bar in your garage...That's about what this place looks like. A few bottles on top of a class shelf sitting on top of glass blocks with a string of Christmas lights underneath. We are talking dive....I also found the female bartender to be very indifferent. Went back again on a Monday and found the same indifference. Zero customer service skills. Albuquerque I am embarrassed for you!!!

This place isn't open to the public. You have to be a member. That's fine but their website doesn't say so and calls itself a bar. It's not a good place unless you have friend here that is a member and can sign you in. I mean just put it on your website it's not that hard.

This is a non-profit professional organization that provide bar and entertainment to Albuquerque Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered community. They will take all the profit generated from the place and donate them to various charities that benefits New Mexico. Not your typical seedy bar crowd but generally very down to earth but classy patrons who wants a place to relax and called home. Many women members as well..Extremely friendly. $30/local members $5 for out of town guests...

Visited three times while in Albuquerque with my best friend. If I lived in ABQ this would be one of my frequent haunts. Went Monday and Tuesday evening and though it was slower (as to be expected) both nights, Kevyn and Gio were both very nice and helpful for some out of town boys. Also: this place is ENORMOUS. It goes on forever. Had we been able to stop by on a Friday or Saturday night I imagine all of the rooms would be used.

This place hasn't been here for 28 years out of luck. The ABC is a wonderful, welcoming, and makes you feel happy your at a saloon.. The drinks are a fair pour and honest measure. Most important---the people are normal and friendly to newcomers. Don't let the $30.00 yearly membership fee keep you from joining. After you see all the ABC is you'll know it's the best queer 30 bucks you can invest in a great time for a year.. The Albuquerque Social Club is an oasis in the middle of the desert. Come, drink a beer, smoke something legal, it's still ok here. I wish they had beer on tap and maybe a little food but that's my only complaint . The music and dancing are cool, so are the pool tables. The ABC gets an easy 5 stars. Tell me if I'm wrong and I'll buy you a drink. Deal? OK, dudes.

Leave the ego at the door! Genuine people, friendly to strangers. Like a family gathering!

I really like this place! Drinks are super affordable $4-7ish. There is a membership but its only $30 a year. Its the only gay bar in town I care to go to. Its more low key than the there two.

Visited in 1999 and had to become a member, but won cash on the first drawing. People were very friendly to us as outsiders. A bit of a dive but it was fun.

This is one of the best gay bars I've been to. Drinks are a super deal, there is a really amazingly diverse crowd there. You can go on nights where there is a rockin' drag show or on nights when you want to sit at the bar and talk to the patrons. The only reason I am giving it 4 instead of 5 stars is that the smoke is INSANE. It's a non-profit so they can allow smoking. You can't leave there without smelling like an ashtray was spilled on you and then you rolled around in it! But, again...LOVE this place other than the smoking. You need a membership to get in, which is only $30 for locals and $5 for visitors. Then you enjoy the company, the amazing drinks, and the diversity!

ASC is unfortunately, the only place the LGBT community has left for social gathering in Albuquerque. I stopped supporting this place for three years due to the cigarette smoke. The name should be changed to the Albuquerque Smoking Club. I recently rejoined because my group of friends wanted to try it again and we needed a spot to gather. They had heard that "the smoke isn't as bad".Sadly, the smoke is just as bad, if not worse than what it used to be when I left. I can barely make it through one drink before I have to leave. ASC has all of the potential to be a great place to meet our local community, but because of the smoke it severely limits who will go there. The entire staff are all heavy smokers so there seems to be no interest in providing a clean, healthy environment for those who refuse to gag on the stench of cigarette smoke. It is sad that they do not realize that so many more people would go here if they could breath clean air.