Apothecary Lounge

Another rooftop bar closed in the winter. We heard from our waitress that it had been open about two weeks prior but was closed now because… yep, too cold. Seriously, it wasn’t. There was even a group after us who wanted to go outside as well so I’m not just someone who is accustomed to cold because I am not. I have gotten better at dressing for it.
So, inside was just okay. I think it might be a great place to go off-​season during the day. As it was, it was quite loud. Smallish bar but well equipped to serve one of their signature cocktails. Nothing screamed at me so I just had a Kraken and Coke. It’s a fallback drink so it was what it was.
The service is really where things fell down. While the waitress was pretty attentive and pleasant, her lack of knowledge of simple things like the menu really did her (and us) a disservice. Friday night, fancy bar, fancy hotel, you should have people at the top of their game. I wanted to try the Chips with red chile queso. I asked what kind of cheese it was and the response was a tentative, ‘yellow’. I asked if she could check with the chef and her next response was ‘special cheese’. I asked her what that meant, although by that time she’d lost all credibility with me and she said, ‘cheddar’.
The fall menu on the website for the hotel looks to be the same or quite similar to Winter. My friends were quite happy with the Caprese Flat Bread and it looked fabulous.
I think next visit I might try a stay at the hotel and hopefully the bar will be open to the outside so we can enjoy the panoramic views under that beautiful New Mexico sky.

Pros: Beautiful hotel with amazing views of downtown Albuquerque. Great rooftop sunset views. Drinks (when they eventually are served) are amazing and worth the high end price. Patio is really nice and spacious. Drinks and view gave this place 3 stars.
Cons: Service. Wow, read the reviews and it is accurate. One bartender making drinks for a thirsty crowd and one waiter. Seating is limited inside so patio is available if you are able to bear the weather. I am not exaggerating here, we waited about 10 minutes to get a drink menu, 20 minutes for the waiter to return to get our order, and another 30 minutes to get our drinks. We were about to leave before our drinks came. The waiter apologized but they are really understaffed to serve that many people on a Friday night.
Our group was prepared to eat there, but after waiting over an hour for our first round of drinks, we cashed out and went elsewhere.

I was visiting some friends in the area and they had never been so I took them out to what seemed like a great storied place, an old asylum? Why wouldn’t you go?! We were not disappointed, the drinks were delicious and well balanced and the details were strong. We ordered several things off the appetizer menu to share and each thing was delicious! The tomato basil bisque was perfect! One in our party actually tries it everywhere she goes and said its one of her top ever. The waffle battered chicken tenders is a creative and yummy way to do chicken and waffles. Those were the two shining stars, but there was not a bite left. The view was killer, the staff is attentive and nice. I would most definitely be back.

We were in town for the balloon fiesta and decided to check this out for drinks. Great view but higher priced. Though drinks are served strong so decent value for what you pay.
Located at the top of a restored old time hotel so the whole property has a great vibe. Very upscale.
Roof top had probably a couple of dozen couch and table setups so it was nice and relaxing. Great place for business meeting or night out with loved one or friends.
Sure beats the traditional bar scene.

Though the view is to die for on the patio, and the drinks and food are fantastic, the service is awful. I have tried again and again at this place, every time I hope will be different. Each time I sit with an empty glass for at least 10 – 15 minutes. Trying to flag down a server is almost impossible and half of the time it seems their m.o. is to have attitude. I hope someday to have an enjoyable full experience at Apothecary, it just hasn’t happened for three years.

I had a very nice evening. There were plenty of tables out on the rooftop and they appeared (and this is new) adequately staffed to handle about 80 people. The service was actually not half bad. The only problem is she didn’t have a very good talent for reading me. I asked for something new and creative like «chic with a side of whimsey» and she recommended a Sazerac??? Everyone was attractive, dressed up, and having a swanklike moment. It’s a great place to people watch and a safe bet for a first date (unless of course, your date catches you people watching a little too long at the attractive clientele).
The cocktails were very well prepared and creative although they could have used a little more cocktail. There were several items that intrigued me. I had Zozobra’s Fate which is like a tequila manhattan. I know right (booom!!!)? They have a fun selection of bitters and infusions but I don’t really know if they improvise well. Next time, I’ll order something «oblong but with hope» and see what happens.

The view is undeniable. If you can get there before the sun sets (but not too long before the sun sets or you’ll just be roasting in the sun), and if you can get a table, this is a fantastic place to spend an evening. It is definitely worth a trip. However, the menu is very limited and basically everything was cold by the time we got it. It didn’t bother us too much, though, because we had already ordered a few of their specialty cocktails by then. The cocktails are all very intriguing and I found myself looking a lot of ingredients up on my phone, but we found a few of them were odd in some way (either flavorless or bitter/​medicinal). The best one of the variety we ordered was probably the prickly pear margarita (I forget the name they gave it – all the drinks have special names). Perusing the cocktail menu is an activity in itself, and I certainly plan to go back and taste some more.
I did learn that absinthe is not great in cocktails, and I’d warn you away from those despite how exciting they sound.

Horrible service. On a Saturday night there was minimal staff and it took over 30 minutes for each drink order. The marketing director did not adequately talk to the bar manager when they were told a wedding party of about 30 will be there that night. The table that was to be reserved for the bride and groom were given to somebody else before they arrived. Even had a waitress bump into a friend and the waitress proceeded to push past them without a simple «excuse me.» The marketing director promised things will go smoothly and nothing did. I believe her last name was Wubbles. I’m afraid that if guests are treated this way they will change their names and never talk to their families again due to the embarrassment.

So, this place is really hit or miss. The cocktails are excellent — thoughtful, well balanced, usually delicious, but always interesting. Ask the bartender, he or she can make a perfect manhattan, a spot on moscow mule, and a fantastic sazerac. Or really anything else you can think of. Oh, and did I mention the rooftop view of Albuquerque from all the loungey sofas? Yeah, that part is pretty awesome.
But man, have we had some terrible service. Like, waiting 45 minutes in an empty bar for cocktails that never came. And that’s happened more than once. I so want to love this place, but it desperately needs new management and servers. Keep the bartenders though.

Yesterdays Specials: Sunstroke on the patio or a splitting head-​ache inside — Love the view, Hate the Opportunity Lost quotient at the Apothecary.
This place is about as enjoyable as having a tête à tête at the UNMH ER — except the ER is quieter. Of course you could consider sitting outside on what could have been a million dollar patio — if anyone had the foresight to have chosen sun umbrellas and outdoor spritzing ac when temperatures are in the mid-​90s like they were yesterday.
Okay —– I know this sounds like a crab-​on, but this place just continues to disappoint. When they first opened, they had no charm and great drinks and pretty good appetizers.
Then the drinks and the food went downhill and unfortunately, the no charm stood firm.
When I heard Katzina from the Artichoke had been brought in, I thought they’d finally brought in the plasma units to revive Apothecary — so with Great Expectations and a thirst only an Albuquerque August day can produce, I paid another visit yesterday, with three friends.
Be still my heart. As we exited the elevator, there was a gossamer of promise — the lounge wasn’t jam packed and it looked like the patio had free tables. Actually, ALL the tables were free on the patio except for the two that miraculously had some semblance of shade. We gave it a try and within 10 minutes in 95-​degree heat headed inside. The lounge, now half-​full was so ridiculously noisy, there didn’t seem to be anyplace to sit that would be less awful than next to the table for 20 that was filling up in the alcove.
The Apothecary needs major surgery. But it doesn’t need a brain surgeon to figure out the problems:
1. Get some sound dampening materials in there and lower the 1000 decibel staccato to something that allows for conversation without shouting at the person next to you. How about starting with some cheap, thick rug pad and bound commercial carpet area rugs? This isn’t going to break the bank and it would make a HUGE difference — Throw in a few window treatments and you’re almost there.
2. You pay for this by transforming the patio from the Mojave desert in Summer and the Arctic Tundra in winter so that you can lure patients up there, using your best asset: the view — which you’ve already paid for.
How to do this? Summer: think Palm Springs. Umbrellas and outdoor ac — occasional spritzes of water vapor. If that’s too uptown, put Spritzers on the tables. JUST DO SOMETHING!
In Winter: if propane patio chimneys, those nice SS ones you can get at Home Depot or Lowe’s don’t cut the mustard with ABQ FD, how about a bit of nostalgia: lap robes — extra heavy blankets like they give passengers on deck who want to the watch the sun set on the QEII. At the very least, scrounge up some blankets from downstairs and make sure there is a ready supply for people who value their hearing and aren’t going to put up with the noise level inside. If you don’t let them freeze, their fingers will be able to hold a glass —
Katzina — you can do it! We have faith in you. And in spite of what my inferential cognizer leads me to believe (since the Apothecary is still a MAJOR UNDERPERFORMER, which can only be explained by disinterest on the part of management) — they DID bring you in for a reason… presumably to breathe some life into the place. Let’s hope they remember that and let you do your magic. Otherwise we all need to brush up on our CPR and sign language.
IMHO — stick with vintage cocktails unless you have a bartender up to the job. I don’t need a
kissy signature drink — just a well-​made one with some good appetizers so that I don’t have to call Über. Or, leave in a stretcher — which probably would have happened if I’d stayed longer than I did yesterday.

We enjoyed the drinks and the appetizers, but service is hit or miss. The servers are either all over it, or do not acknowledge the table at all. I went in and spoke with the bartender, and he knew his stuff!
The view is gorgeous and I can’t think of a better place to enjoy a cocktail on a summer evening.
All in all, we will be going back, just not when we’re short on time.

Great views and a wonderful patio, good drinks, but deplorably slow service. Took 20 minutes for waiter to bring menus out and another 25 for drinks to arrive. Was told check would take longer to bring out since our table asked for separate checks. Sadly, I don’t think I’ll be back since my last two visits have been this slow. I can understand having a busy night, but our waiter seemed indifferent to the slowness.

Nice view. Bad service. They were out of multiple items with no apology. Haven’t experienced any good service in this town so…

Dirty, Grey Goose, up, with two olives, I ordered.
It arrived to my table shaken.
They bruised my vodka and I thought I would never forgive them.
It’s just that I’m horrible at holding grudges.
So, I stayed, enjoyed the gorgeous roof-​top patio, and switched drinks.
My new drink had a flower in it. What’s there not to love about that?
This is a great spot for libation, enjoying the city lights, and sharing laughs with friends. Take a group and soak in the sunset while sipping on a specialty cocktail.

Don’t let the fart smell in the lobby throw you off, be patient with the slow elevators and you will find a nice bar with an amazing view.
Servers are super nice and men have a private bathroom.
In the summer it would be amazing.
I would be interested to know what The Shins would think though.

One of the best views in town and great drinks, but the service is awful.
Ever since they remodeled the old Memorial Hospital, Hotel Parc Central has been an intriguing place; it’s luxury, but it used to be a loony bin. Skipping the floors below, Apothecary Lounge sits above with an amazing view of the west, which gets (ahem, no pun intended) overshadowed by the east and the Sandias, but it quite spectacular at and after sunset.
Apothecary’s deck space would be 5-​stars if you could just bring your own drinks up there and enjoy the view. Given the neighborhood and/​or city it’s in, it’s a wise decision they don’t do that. Instead, they insist on pretending to serve you. Perhaps they’re serving other folks? Maybe there’s a wrist band I was supposed to get at the front desk? I’m not sure, but every time I go here thinking «maybe tonight’s the night» my low expectations for service are met, and met with a high price tag to say the least.
Once you actually get service, the drinks and bar food are good. Probably 4 stars, but it’s been an hour since sitting down, 45 minutes since somebody told you they’d take your order, 30 minutes since they actually did, and 15 minutes since you gave your order to someone else that you had to grab because your server probably fell over the edge, so that $ 15 Manhattan is kinda bitter.
I honestly kinda wish they hadn’t dropped the dress code requirement. Dress codes are laughable in Albuquerque, but it did add a nice touch. Last time we were there the guy sitting across from us was in a white t-​shirt and warm-​up pants, but I’m pretty sure he wasn’t in the mafia.
If you literally have all the time in the world and care about pretty good drinks with an excellent view and not about what it takes to get those, Apothecary is your place. You could also just grab a 40 and sit in the park in Martinieztown.

4 stars for service and the view. Food needs work.
Food ordered: chips and salsa, spinach salad with salmon, beef sliders.
Salsa — meh. I’m half Hispanic, grew up on my grandma’s salsa, know how to make my own… and this did nothing to impress, unfortunately. Chips — thick and a little chalky. Homemade, it appears so, but doesn’t satisfy the chips and dip ideal.
Salad — salmon not advertised as being covered in dill. Advise! Overall profile too sweet, salmon under seasoned and too much dressing. Didn’t try my husband’s sliders but he wasn’t thrilled.
Drinks: good! Nice wine pours, good cocktails. Too cold to go out on the patio this night but it’s a beautiful view!
Service: bartender was genuine, friendly, and helpful with liquor/​cocktail knowledge.
Just passing through Albuquerque and would send others here for a stay but would send elsewhere for dinner.

This bar has beautiful views, a great patio, excellent food, great cocktails, and good craft beer. Bartender Andrew did a great job. The bar has a nice finish out and clean vibe.
The beef sliders were very tasty. Had them with homemade ketchup and queso. Coming from Texas, the queso was legit, better than most I’ve had.
Had a few old fashioned’s with Bulleitt Bourbon. Great.
Place is very good for light dinner, drinks, and to relax with a view of the Sandias. This was recommended to my by an ABQ local and it did not disappoint.

The Apothecary Lounge is located on the fourth floor of Hotel Parq Central.
Beautiful views of the city from the rooftop, I *think* this is the only rooftop bar in ABQ.
Lovely place to unwind after a whirlwind day of business.
Perhaps this was just the fact it was a Monday night, but it was sure nice to soak up a few moments of peace and quiet.
No raucous patrons to be heard, let alone seen.
Of course I’m a Phoenix wuss and didn’t want to deal with the cold temps on the patio even with the gas heat lamps outside.
I didn’t get to try any of their signature cocktails or plates; just stuck to a glass of Malbec.
My server was friendly enough.
I ended up riding down in the elevator with the lounge manager, and he really seemed interested in my feedback then and there. You could tell Apothecary Lounge is his baby, and wants to make it a huge success.
Gah, wish I remembered his name!
HPC is the only place I’ll stay in ABQ for business trips, so plan on seeing me again with a glass of wine in hand.

Apothecary Lounge at Hotel Parq Central has become a frequented spot as of late. It helps me to find a calm in the ABQ. Sitting on the rooftop taking in the bright light of day has been a time whilst studying for the week. Taking in the view, and relishing the last of daylight as it extinguishes on the horizon is quite the site from this picturesque rooftop lounge.
The staff is always a friendly lot, and they hold it down most times. Sometimes it’s just not the case, but they do try their best. I’ve always had my best experience during Happy Hour, and the few times it’s been lacking is when people are overwhelming.
The drinks and food are pretty legit. The Old Fashion is a favorite, and the Chopsticks Not Required is slowly becoming my go-​to because it’s helping me to savor the last part of summer. The beveries are always consistent and that’s a testament to the bartenders.
The food is also consistent, but beware!!! An order of fries, though delicious, is enough to share with about three people. The Olive and Cheese platter should also be shared. The only thing that is one man sized is the Calamari, and it is exceptional. (But make it happen during Happy Hour, because it’s more worth the price.)
All and all, Apothecary Lounge is pretty legit, and it is my bar away from home when I’m looking for a relaxing time. It’ll continue to help me find my calm in ABQ, and for that I’m appreciative.