Upstairs, Zinc (3009 Central Ave. NE, 505/254-9462, 5 p.m.–1 a.m. Mon.–Sat.) is a sit-down restaurant and a long bar. Those in the know, however, head to the cellar bar, where they might find anything from special flights of wines and a jazz band to martini specials and classic films.
In the Nob Hill shopping plaza, Gecko’s (3500 Central Ave. SE, 505/262-1848, 11:30 a.m.–late Mon.–Fri., noon–late Sat. and Sun.) is a good place for a snack (anything from Thai curry shrimp to chipotle hot wings) and a drink on the patio.
Sporting its own breezy patio, O’Niell’s (4310 Central Ave. SE, 505/255-6782, 11:30 a.m.–2 a.m. Mon.–Sat., 11:30 a.m.–midnight Sun.) is a great Irish pub that draws a varied crowd, whether for quiz night or weekend folk bands; the kitchen is open until midnight.