7 best places to watch the Super Bowl in New Mexico

With the Super Bowl in February and the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments in March, this is prime time for sports fans. Want to catch the big-game action at some of the state’s best sports bars? This all-star lineup of 7 establishments—from neighborhood haunts to sleek mega bars—will meet your big-screen TV, cold brew, and buffalo wing needs.

Quaff a pint, gnaw buffalo wings, and high-five strangers at downtown’s shiny new Boxcar, a top spot in Santa Fe to watch the Super Bowl. After an 8-year reign in the Railyard District as the city’s heavyweight sports bar champ, Boxcar moved in summer 2023. Its spacious new digs near the Plaza are on the second floor of Plaza Mercado.

Like an All-Pro cornerback, Boxcar’s got you covered with 32 TVs, more than 2 dozen draft beers, craft cocktails, cut-above grub (the RIP Burger has a righteous jalapeño kick), an outdoor dining deck, and live music.

Dallas Cowboy fans devouring chicken abound at this sleek Sandia Resort & Casino sports bar. Everything’s big here—from the more than 50 TVs to the floor-to-ceiling picture windows with a knockout view of the Sandia Mountains. Above the circular bar, a huge wraparound halo of TVs has screens on both its inside and outside for optimum viewing angles, whether you’re seated at the bar or dining tables.

Hungry? The kitchen turns out solid sandwiches, burgers (consider the Big Fat Daddy, with its 1-pound bison patty), ribs, fish-and-chips, and even steamed crab legs. If the game’s a blowout, try your luck in the bar-adjacent slot machine lounge or simply gaze out at that unbeatable mountain view.

Within a 10-minute drive of Albuquerque’s Old Town Plaza, bright, modern 12th Street Tavern opened in 2022 across from the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Avanyu Plaza (the bar is collectively owned by New Mexico’s 19 Indian Pueblos). It has quickly become one of the best places on the west side to watch the Super Bowl.

The interior is marked by industrial-hip decor with neon signage, a decorative wall of beer kegs, bottlecap mosaic art, and 13 TVs tuned in to the action. On the patio, there are 5 big-screen TVs and a cornhole board. The bar pours 16 draft beers and mixes a mean margarita. On the chow menu, go for the meaty buffalo wings or divine green chile mac-and-cheese.       

NFL and NBA nuts, soccer fans, UFC bros, UNM Lobos crazies, and every other sports-obsessed lizard under the Nob Hill sun knows Gecko’s. With its 11 TVs, it’s one of the best spots on Central Avenue to watch the Super Bowl. A lively neighborhood pub vibe imbues the long, narrow dining/barroom with its dark woods, tin light fixtures, lazy ceiling fans, and wall murals depicting libation-fueled merriment. 

At some sports bars, the food’s a greasy afterthought. But this kitchen’s got game, with the likes of top-notch chipotle wings, buttermilk o-rings, crispy crab taquitos, specialty salads, sandwiches, and a juicy burger that’s half-price on Wednesdays after 6 p.m. Gecko’s has a second location in ABQ’s Northeast Heights neighborhood. Both bars offer dog-friendly patio seating.       

Some 20 minutes west of downtown ABQ alongside I-40, get your touchdown and field goal kicks at Route 66 Casino Hotel’s stylish, super-size sports bar. Not only are the 74 TV screens eye-poppingly crisp, there’s also an excellent sound system.

Pull up a comfy high-back barstool and start with a cold beer (20 on tap) or craft cocktail (the Jackpot Margarita is a winner). Hungry? Move on to wings (try the zesty lemon pepper) and a burger, sandwich, or fully loaded Chicago-style hot dog. Just outside the bar on the casino floor, bet on your favorite team at The Book sportsbook.

This spot is a labor of love for proprietor Salvatore Chioda (a.k.a. Sammy C)—a local radio DJ and prep sports announcer. His impressive collection of autographed items range from sports jerseys (including Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Tom Brady) to guitars signed by the likes of AC/DC, Cream, U2, and Aerosmith.

On Super Bowl Sunday, Sammy has you taken care of with 31 TVs, 27 beer taps, a full bar, prize giveaways, and food and drink specials.  

During college football and basketball season, the Aggie Nation force is strong at this hoops and pigskin haven across the street from the NMSU campus. It also may be the best place in Las Cruces to watch the Super Bowl.

Grab a seat in the bar or on the outdoor patio, order a pint from the list of 2-dozen draft beers, and choose from an epic lineup of grub. There’s the must-try Corked Bat appetizer (pecan-encrusted Hatch green chile strips), burgers, sandwiches (the Turkey Cristo is tops), steaks, ribs, and even plant-based items like a vegan patty melt.

On the city’s east side, sister bar The Game II offers the same menu and 50 TVs in a modern 2-story building with terrific views of the Organ Mountains.  

Santa Fe–based writer Eli Ellison is a dedicated fan of both sports and bars. 

Be sure to designate a driver if you plan to drink alcohol.