Bombs Away Beer Company — Restaurant in Albuquerque

There are a lot of craft breweries in Albuquerque, enough to call this the Asheville of the west. And of these, there are some amazing exemplars of how beer should be brewed. But it is a select few that I consider my go-to breweries, places I return to over and over because their beer is so good, their atmosphere and vibe so attractive, their mission so compelling.

Bombs Away Beer Company is one of those select few. Located on the City’s east side and a couple of blocks off Route 66, it is veteran-owned, which automatically earns my high respect. The name and theme are derivative of that fact, and played well.

My most recent visit was for a breweriana swap meet one Saturday, which was held outdoors in the beer garden. Naturally, we all had to come inside to grab a few. My two pints were the BABC IPA (6.1% ABV; 91 IBU) and Operation Single Hop Pale Ale (5.3% ABV; 55 IBU). Both were very approachable, even the BABC with its high IBU.

There’s no reason for that twisted beer face you sometimes give when the hops are overpowering. These were both pleasing the palate, and easy to drink. The mid-range ABV is also laudable, because too many IPAs seem to be duking it out for which one can get people tipsy the fasted.

On other visits I have had their Actuator IPA (6.4% ABV; 100 IBU), Hazy Chain DIPA (8% ABV; 76 IBU), MK2 Pale Ale (5.9% ABV; 55 IBU), and Anniversary IPA (7% ABV; 87 IBU). I can vouch for each of these as well. And for fans keeping score at home, that’s four IPAs and two Pale Ales, which should pigeon-hole me on the beer fan scale.

Given the theme, Bombs Away attracts veterans and a primarily blue-collar clientele, not the hipsters and YUPPIES you would find at other craft breweries. Each has their place, but I am a fan of all breweries, comfortable in any environment as long as the beer is good.

And it is damn good at Bombs Away....

I'm a local supporter for sure 😄. I was reminded why I haven't been in awhile. Went around threeish not many people I had my six month old pup very small (5 pounds) sat at the bar which not a single person was seated there was greeted right away after receiving beers I was rudely advised that only service dogs can be inside which she is then told we couldn't sit at the bar with her. Another lady came out from the back smiling at her thought she was going to pet her nope again asked if she was a service dog 🐕. Went outside dew to feeling uncomfortable on the bright side everyone else loved dogs the third employee absolutely loved her. Long story very short will not be back! Definitely will share my experience with others. If u love ur pup don't take them to bombs away....

Okay I did spill some water because their self serve water tap is more like a hose. I did my best to clean it up. After that the employees treated me like garbage. First I waited 30 min for food only to see that someone else had gotten my number. When I went up to ask about it and they said they’d get it to me then brought me out the wrong order. I sent it back and confirmed what I had ordered then the brought out the wrong order again. They stopped making eye contact with me while I waited for my food. After that took only about 5 min for the right thing to come out. I’m not sure if the service I received was due to that accidental spill, but the beer here was great (hence the stars) so I will try to come back when there are less petty...