The 49er Lounge — Attraction in Gallup

The lounge is the worst part of the Famous El Rancho Hotel. We love staying at the hotel, the restaurant is great but the bartender (bald headed guy with glasses) needs customer service training. I get it's a local neighborhood bar but to be blatantly rude and disrespectful to out of towners is uncalled for. Or could it be because we were of color? And mind you, this IS my hometown but I have lived away for 30 years. El Rancho is usually where we stay and to have a lounge there is one of the perks of it. Or supposed to be. We came in about 11 pm to have a drink or two. We were a party of 6. The security checked our IDs and told us that the bartender would probably check it again. We sat down at a table and realized that we would have to walk up to the bar to order a drink. We all had to stand around the bar waiting for the bartender. Then when he got to us, he very rudely asked for our IDs and as were handing it to him, he's legit snatching it rudely out of each of our hands. Then he impatiently rushes us by saying, "Come on guys, what do you want?" Like what?? We had one drink and left. It's sad that this establishment treats people the way they do. It's a shame that this is one of a very few places you can go for an adult beverage and know it could be a great place but the service by this bartender ain't it.

Customer service goes a long way, the bartender should try...

Went on a Monday night. Started in the restaurant, asked to move to the bar area. Lots of booths and tables, bit more of a relaxed vibe. Server told us to seat ourselves. Was a party of 12 locals at a table near the bar, and maybe three other couples at various tables. Didn't see any servers helping people....just the amazing bartender. She stopped by, took our drink order, came back 5 minutes later and dropped off drinks. Sat for another 20 min or so. Watched locals from the table of 12 keep going behind the bar and ordering drinks ahead of people in line. The bartender was super nice, trying her best to help everyone.

Several more couples came in, place started filling up. I approached the bar and asked about ordering food, bartender said "be right there". She was the ONLY ONE working the room....50 people AND the bar. She was being pulled in a dozen directions but kept her composure.

We ordered a Reagan burger and Chili Rellenos. Both were great. Burger was perfect, fries tasty. My partner destroyed the Rellenos, said they were great.

Overall, food was great, vibe and history were awesome. But for the love of God get that poor bartender some help! Bring someone down from the restaurant...saw at least 8...

Food is actually not bad at all but you can definitely get way better in Gallup. The thing you cannot get is the history and atmosphere. Another thing your hard pressed to get in Gallup sadly is good service. They have both of these in spades. When I have visitors coming I always take them here for dinner or sometimes just a few drinks. Felix took over the bar several years ago then I moved out of town. I just started working back in Gallup and bringing folks back into town and it was pretty incredible to see what he's done and how his influence has changed the place. I have to say, just the overall atmosphere seems much cleaner and overall inviting. I would, (and now do) take a CEO or group of executives to hang out in the evening. Before he took over I personally enjoyed going but I wouldn't have taken those types of folks as it was admittedly a little rough. Great job all around and as it has always been, a wonderful place with an...