When planning a vacation, you’re probably looking for a destination with plenty of activities, great weather, and comfortable places to stay. Look no further than Ruidoso, New Mexico! This underrated vacation destination is sure to bring unforgettable memories for the entire family, from the unique festivals and celebrations to the delicious restaurants, unique history, fun museums, and so much more. 

For the adults in your group, consider checking out the best bars in Ruidoso! The bars in this area are just minutes from our Ruidoso cabin rentals and offer some truly unique brews for you to sample.

Whether you’re already a fan of craft beer or are looking for something new to try, these breweries are sure to deliver! If craft beer isn’t your thing, take yourself on a mini wine tour!

What is Craft Beer?

Before we can get into the brewery offerings in Midtown Ruidoso, we should take a quick minute to define craft beer in the first place. What better resource than the Brewers Association? According to their website, craft brewers are small, independent brewers that make less than six million barrels of beer per year. Craft beer is “generally made with traditional ingredients like malted barley,” but “interesting and sometimes non-traditional ingredients are often added for distinctiveness.”

It can be hard to narrow down one solid definition for craft beer, but you’ll usually know it when you see it. If you’re going to a brewer that’s a local staple and doesn’t have their products widely available, it’s probably a craft brewer. From these establishments, you’re likely to find unique brews with delicious flavors you can’t get anywhere else!  

Breweries in Midtown Ruidoso

So, what about visiting a Ruidoso brewery? There are quite a few interesting breweries in the Midtown area. While you check out the rest of the area, perhaps visiting the shops, checking out the local restaurants, or exploring the Midtown Ruidoso art murals, stop into one of these breweries to get a refreshing drink while you’re at it. 

Lost Hiker Brewing Company

Lost Hiker Brewing Company has been one of the biggest staples in the Ruidoso area for years now, and for good reason. The brewery was established by a family passionate about the area and craft brewing, and their dedication to their craft (pun intended) has drawn countless loyal followers. Today, the family is proud to continue offering unique beer varieties to travelers from far and wide. 

The beer selection is constantly changing, but you can rely on a few staples like the Midnight Squirrel, Ruidoso Blonde, and Spinning Compass Amber. They also have delicious seasonal varieties to offer something new every time you visit! Whether you’re new to craft beer or consider yourself a seasoned pro, you’re sure to find something to satisfy you here.

While you’re in town, be sure to get involved in some fun events! You can come out for $4 pints on Wet Your Whistle Wednesday, test your brain power on Thirstday Night Trivia, or keep your eyes peeled for various musical performances throughout the year. You can also grab a growler, take it back to your Ruidoso cabin on the river, and enjoy a peaceful evening!

You can find the Lost Hiker Brewing Company at 2536 Sudderth Drive.

Downshift Brewing Company

Downshift Brewing Company encourages its visitors to slow down and enjoy life without all the stress of time. When you come here, you’ll be welcome to relax and stay awhile instead of chugging your beer and rushing on to the next activity. Bring your friends and get ready for a casual and fun night with wonderful brews and awesome entertainment.

When you come out to Downshift Brewing Company, you’ll be supporting one of the newest craft breweries in the Ruidoso area. They’ve always got something new on tap, but recently, customers have been loving the Santa Fe Java Stout, Ex Novo Doctor’s Note, and La Cumbre Vivid Wild. Not sure what you might like? Just ask the staff for a recommendation! 

Of course, the fun doesn’t stop with the beer. You can also count on awesome live entertainment constantly coming in. Most of the time, Downshift Brewing Company hosts talented local musicians for your listening pleasure. They’ve also been holding Open Mic Nights every Thursday, so if you want to show off your singing skills, come down starting at 6 p.m.!

Downshift Brewing Company is located at 2408 Sudderth Drive B.

The Hidden Tap

If you’re looking for a brewery where you can just sit back and enjoy a beer without the fuss, The Hidden Tap is the place to be. You don’t have to try to show off here; their slogan is, “Where somebody goes to be nobody.” Speaking of hidden things, you might be surprised to walk in and find that the décor and pictures are all centered around Sasquatch! You can enjoy a nice, cold beer while you share your stories of seeing Bigfoot in the area. 

You can find some truly unique beers here at The Hidden Tap, including popular options like the Left Hand NITRO Milk Stout, Sierra Blanca Desert Pilsner, Marble IPA, and others. They’ve also got some delicious food to go along with your drink; check out fan favorites like the fish and chips, truffle fries, BBQ brisket sandwich, and more.

Of course, just like the other breweries on this list, The Hidden Tap often has live entertainment for its guests. Come on out to hear local musicians playing your favorite tunes, or contact the staff to see what fun events will be happening while you’re in town!  

You can find The Hidden Tap at 441 Mechem Drive.

Your Ruidoso Cabin Rental

Visiting these breweries is among the most fun things to do in Ruidoso, so be sure to grab your friends and spend a night enjoying some great beer. Once you’re done enjoying your night on the town, call an Uber or grab your designated driver to head back to your cabin or maybe you opted for a Ruidoso cabin with a hot tub! Mountain Air Cabins offers tons of cabin options for groups big and small (we even offer pet-friendly cabins), and they’re always stocked with the amenities you need to feel truly at home. 

We are proud to be a family-run company maintaining nearly 50 vacation properties throughout the Ruidoso area. We’re passionate about connecting you to the right rental for your needs and helping you make the most of your time here in New Mexico. Our team is always here to help, whether you need to decide on a Ruidoso cabin or figure out what you’re going to do while you’re in town. By the end of your trip, you’ll feel like another member of our family!

It’s time for you to pack your bags and head out on a Ruidoso vacation. Contact Mountain Air Cabins today to find the perfect cabin!