Silvia’s Saloon

Silva’s Saloon is a national treasure. This bar has been operated by the same family since the 1930’s and going inside is like time travel. The owner is Mr. Felix Silva Jr., in his 80’s, he has worked there since his father ran it and he was a child. He is great to talk to, as are the female bartenders. It’s a friendly place that draws you in. This bar has been in several movies /​shows and had some celeb visits. Best of all, OMG, how could I not mention homemade margaritas, made very strong and do have two and enjoy…

This is one of the few classic route 66 dive bars left. Hours are dicey. I have been here a bunch of times. It was closed tonight at 8 when we tried to come have a beer. My family friend Bill, first took me here, and I love this place. They used to have the poet gatherings here. This was when the former semi famous machismo poet laureate (now deceased) –read here often. His name was Kell Robertson
They now have the poetry reading– next door once a month, at the squeaky clean Range Café. The Range is alright, but I feel bad swearing there– nuff said! This, Anodyne, and Joe’s are the only bars (I have found in the area) that a beatnik can go to, hide, write, and dream. That I said I probably should not be telling you this. Yet maybe; the cool people will congregate and start a scene.
I almost do not want to write this review, in fear of douche bags ruining it. Though I know the kind, and tough as nails, (female barkeeps) will know what to do, if this happens. Children are not welcome here. Lots of titty paintings/​photos, memorabilia, and random stuff– everywhere. This is a wild west salon, and not for prudes, or faint of heart. No guns, gambling, drugs (besides olé alcohol), prostitutes, or gang colors– I don’t mean to give you the wrong idea. The place is morally clean besides the raunchy artwork. The regulars have always been nice too!
No beer on tap. I always bring cash, and I recommend, you do as well.

The husband Kevin & I were doing touristy things when we decided to visit the oldest bar in ABQ. Kevin googled the question on his IPhone and Silvia’s Saloon popped up. We were on our way.
We love Silvia’s! It was about 3 in the afternoon on a weekday so there were not many patrons at that time, but the place is cool.
It’s dark and covered with postcards, pictures & photos all over the walls. Lots of naked women from the 70s. So covered, that I couldn’t see the bathroom door located directly behind me.
Packed with bottles of booze. I could only see Coors & Bud on draft and this isn’t the kind of place to have a beer menu. So when the extremely nice bartender named Denise asked me what I wanted, I took a guess:
«Sam Adams?» I asked.
«I think I have one left» Denise said.
Next to us on the bar was a bunch of homemade food laid out buffet style. «Help yourself to some food» Denise said. Wait a minute, your giving us cheep booze & delicious free food? I had some of the local dessert which is a custard type pudding that I do not know the name of– but I will find out because I wanted to marry it. I don’t know if the free lunch was a special occasion or an everyday occurrence.
Silvia’s is a great place to stop for a drink on your way to or from Santa Fe.