Launchpad Night Club
618 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM, 87102
Launchpad Night Club Menu
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-
Address :
618 Central Ave SW
Albuquerque, NM, 87102 - Phone (505) 764-8887
- Website https://www.launchpadrocks.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:00 pm - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Very Loud
Music : Live
Good For Dancing : Yes
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Has TV : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Alma Z.
This place turned a bit better once I started drinking. As a teen you are allowed in through the back as an adult you get to go in through the front. The bartenders are gear and very lively keep conversations going with you and aren't rude or stuck up like other places. Great drinks and sometimes great music.
(5)Maria G.
Get here early to find a spot on the upper level!
(4)Nat S.
Divey and rocking- the venues sound is pretty good too. Mostly a metal crowd, as that is the most frequent genre they book. No food, just drinks prices are on par with most of downtown. The best thing about metal shows besides the music is there was no line to use the woman's restroom. I joked there was a 5 cocks to hen ratio. My boyfriend corrected me and said no it is like 15. That said if you are a metal chick looking for a metal head smelly greasy boyfriend this is prime territory to scoop one up.
(4)Alex H.
Launchpad! The name itself entices. Who doesn't want to be rocketed into orbit, coming down several hours later, walking out, feathers strewn wildly in hair, wondering what just happened. Killin' it, Launchpad, undeniably. Check their calendar for the lineup. There something for everyone-- chose your own space odyssey!
(5)Troy W.
A great Thursday early bird free open mic/variety show. Plus live music!
(5)Aron J.
Launchpad might be the venue that compares to that of Austin, TX. I lived in Austin and it's no joke, they are the kings of the small music venues. Launchpad has a bar immediately when you walk in. Beyond that you have the choice of passing a makeshift beer stand to get to the dance floor/ front of the stage. Or you can go upstairs where you can casually sit with friends or lean over the edge to watch the entertainers. Make no mistake, you can hear the music from anywhere in the bar. I went for a private social so I can't quote the venue on drink prices. But atmosphere and layout get an A+ from me!!
(4)Howie K.
Launchpad Night Club? Okay, I can understand the Night part--shows can go into the wee hours--but Club? Nope, not in my experience. While this place manages a DJ set and a bunch of clubbers as well as just about any spot, the Launchpad is BEST when it ROCKS, and this place has been outright rocking as long as I've lived here. I'm talking rocking in every genre, too: hip hop, rockabilly, glam, indie, electronic... I'm not sure about smooth jazz. It's a small music venue that can give an avid music fan their first personal taste of a band set to blow up. I've seen plenty of these over the years, from a collective which went on to form the Shins to underground rappers who struck paydirt after their first great tour. It's the kind of place where you'll probably find the band sitting down at the bar after the set. In summary, thanks Launchpad Night Club--er, ROCK GARDEN. You make life in the 505 so much better.
(5)Heather B.
I'll say 3.5 stars for my review. Sometimes the bartenders are spot on and sometimes they'll ignore me. I've been to the Launchpad for Burlesque shows and for events - not really to any concerts, though.
(4)Stephen E.
Ultra-solid music venue that doesn't have that sad air of 'meat market' desperation! I've seen some humongazoid acts there, both local & international that put the zing in zing-O-riffic! Drinks flow like the tears of angels and are twice as sweet, but won't cost you your immortal soul!
(5)Gio P.
Loved the vibe of this place. Great intimate setting for concerts. You are practically onstage & the upstairs bar balcony looks down on the stage. I'd recommend going up there if you can. This is because if you are on the bottom level you will be standing & you will be sweating. I attended the 'Lights' concert & it was a fun memory I wouldn't trade for the world though.
(4)Adam S.
The drink prices kept changing depending on who you were ordering from. They let drunken knuckleheads in who are just there to start fights. They have some weird system where you can't bring your drinks to the front of the show. The bathrooms were comparable to county jail and the sound is pretty horrible. The thing that bothered me the most was the bartenders short attention span.
(2)Keegan P.
Perhaps I'm biased. . .This is my regular going out spot. Best happy hour in town: From five to seven (eight if it's a 21+ show) the whole bar is half price - top shelf and all. It was out of commission earlier this year when a dumb box left linseed oil soaked rags in an enclosed space at the adjacent bar, but it's back with an even better sound system. Get to know the bartenders, and they'll treat you right. They lower a garage door between the stage and the bar areas during an all ages show, so you have to leave your drink behind or go upstairs to the balcony if you want to see the band. Thanks to this security measure, the Launchpad has fewer citations for minors drinking than almost any other spot downtown. This translates to no cops hanging around waiting to bust folks in the parking lot, as you'll find further down Central Ave. Oh. . .And they have great shows.
(5)Jennifer L.
I like that there is a nice small venue in albuquerque.... but the two times i have been here, i have been in the front row and have been unable to hear the singer's voices...just all bass or guitars..so their sound is not the best.. I had to move and stand in the back just to be able to hear the vocals..., but i have been to many other shows places in the front row where i can still actually hear and get more balance of sound...
(3)Chupacabra X.
Best live venue in town. Period. Period. Stop. All the best bands in the world play the Launchpad. If William Hung had played here he'd still be famous. If Fallout Boy had played here they would have stopped sucking. You get the idea. It's also a few blocks down from downtown's main bar strip, so you don't have to put up with drunken a-holes on the street, and it's easier to find parking.
(5)John U.
I attended the Weedeater show there on 3/15/11 and would definitely go back to this place if I did live in the area or visited again. A cheap show, easy/close parking, and cool atmosphere make it recommended if a band you like happens to be playing. I watched the entire show from the 2nd floor balcony and it was great. It's the perfect venue for the type of bands that play there.
(5)John U.
I attended the Weedeater show there on 3/15/11 and would definitely go back to this place if I did live in the area or visited again. A cheap show, easy/close parking, and cool atmosphere make it recommended if a band you like happens to be playing. I watched the entire show from the 2nd floor balcony and it was great. It's the perfect venue for the type of bands that play there.
(5)Augusta S.
What do 7 Seconds... RL Burnside... Supersuckers... Deadbolt... June of 44... Melt Banana... Pavement... the Donnas...Mojo Nixon... Nashville Pussy... the Dropkick Murphys... have in common? They have all played the Launchpad and I was lucky enough to be there. I remember ABQ (night)life before the Launchpad... and what was in its place... a seemingly innocuous and forgettable venue by the name of Time Out.... Good shows were a rarity... at least the out-of-state ones were. When it first changed ownership I remember a gasp from the community... what's it gonna be? What's a'gonna happen? I'll tell ya what happened... the stage improved, the sound system became a'hundred times better, there were places to sit... and - Reborn was the Launchpad. Aptly named... for it shot many an unfounded Albuquerque band into the limelight. Flake Music, anyone? You know them better as The Shins. Or how 'bout the Eyeliners... or Scared of Chaka? Ahhhh.... Those were the days. So, anyway... I moved to California in 2001. I can try and describe the place... what with the 50s style booths in glitter and formica tables that held many an empty pint... the upstairs that boasts a few pool tables, couple of video games, and long bench for resting your weary, angst ridden yet very musical self. There's also a small private room up there where I smoked a blunt with RL Burnside, Cedric Burnside, and Robert Cage many, MANY years ago... and then missed half the show cause I had to go to the car...I spent half the show with my face pressed against the cool glass window cause I thought I was effing dying. WTF was that, Cedric? Da Mempis Chronic? Good times. I mean, really... some of the best.
(4)David M.
This place has so many great memories of playing here as well as visiting town and seeing bands play. I love everything about this place. The bar, the staff, the stage and the alley out back... everything. I am glad to see that this place is still breathing. Best venue in the 505.
(5)chris c.
I say "good" to the previous. The only thing that sucks is when they let underage kids in for concerts, thus restricting the drinking area. If you are a big puss or preppy then you won't like this place. I say it kicks ass!!
(5)Maria G.
Get here early to find a spot on the upper level!
(4)Augusta S.
What do 7 Seconds... RL Burnside... Supersuckers... Deadbolt... June of 44... Melt Banana... Pavement... the Donnas...Mojo Nixon... Nashville Pussy... the Dropkick Murphys... have in common? They have all played the Launchpad and I was lucky enough to be there. I remember ABQ (night)life before the Launchpad... and what was in its place... a seemingly innocuous and forgettable venue by the name of Time Out.... Good shows were a rarity... at least the out-of-state ones were. When it first changed ownership I remember a gasp from the community... what's it gonna be? What's a'gonna happen? I'll tell ya what happened... the stage improved, the sound system became a'hundred times better, there were places to sit... and - Reborn was the Launchpad. Aptly named... for it shot many an unfounded Albuquerque band into the limelight. Flake Music, anyone? You know them better as The Shins. Or how 'bout the Eyeliners... or Scared of Chaka? Ahhhh.... Those were the days. So, anyway... I moved to California in 2001. I can try and describe the place... what with the 50s style booths in glitter and formica tables that held many an empty pint... the upstairs that boasts a few pool tables, couple of video games, and long bench for resting your weary, angst ridden yet very musical self. There's also a small private room up there where I smoked a blunt with RL Burnside, Cedric Burnside, and Robert Cage many, MANY years ago... and then missed half the show cause I had to go to the car...I spent half the show with my face pressed against the cool glass window cause I thought I was effing dying. WTF was that, Cedric? Da Mempis Chronic? Good times. I mean, really... some of the best.
(4)David M.
This place has so many great memories of playing here as well as visiting town and seeing bands play. I love everything about this place. The bar, the staff, the stage and the alley out back... everything. I am glad to see that this place is still breathing. Best venue in the 505.
(5)chris c.
I say "good" to the previous. The only thing that sucks is when they let underage kids in for concerts, thus restricting the drinking area. If you are a big puss or preppy then you won't like this place. I say it kicks ass!!
(5)Sam A.
Judging from the state of touring in this day and age, Launchpad goes above and beyond for both the performing bands and the patrons who call it home. Where else can you spend an hour drinking with (rip) The Epoxies, MDC, VNV Nation, or Imperative Reaction after they get off stage? Granted, the floor is "kid-friendly", but this venue is so not like Gilman Street (which I am way too familiar with) and geared towards some of us older music fans that I have to rate it as nearly top-notch... If the bands play it cool, the kids leave due to the 11:00pm curfew, and all the older more seasoned fans hang out in the bar area and talk shit, just like it should be... I ding this venue a star because the sound logistics of this venue are "difficult"... Get there early, and please, do a sound check.
(4)Chris V.
As far as I'm concerned, the Launchpad is the best live music venue and bar in Albuquerque. They always have great indie-label and major musical acts, a decent selection of beer and mixed drinks and a great atmosphere in which to enjoy it all. Lots of weeknight shows are 21-over, which is nice because it means that the garage door separating the stage area from the bar is opened up, which makes it feel much more "open".
(5)Kitt J.
I like to atmospehere in this place. It brings in good local and indie stuff, and it was my favorite venue for the 2005 National Poetry Slam. It does seem to get cramped pretty easily, but the beer selection is good and the prices are great. And it's been a while since my last visit, but do they still have the pinball machines upstairs? Honestly, I would kill to have a place this cool in my hometown.
(5)Katherine J.
When I lived in Albuquerque, many a night were spent at the Launchpad. It all began when I was 19. We started listening to local bands (at the time, Starsky, the Concentrators). We used to wait outside for someone to help us sneak in. This is the place where my relationships of my Young Adult(s) (another band at the time) life began; with beer and boys who play in bands. I once fell asleep at a show (Versus). I also carried a drunk Marty from the Shins (they are from ABQ, don't let them fool you) around like a baby before helping to hoist him up to the balcony. I saw many shows here. While it's pretty divy and I've moved away since I have a fondness for the Launchy (but I really hate calling it that) and how it figures its way into the awesomeness that I have grown up into.
(5)Chanel F.
Went here for the first time last night. Probably one of the cleanest bar/clubs I have ever been to. The front section is the bar/eating area. They have the concert area separated by a see through sound reduction roll up door. And if you want to take your drink into the concert area, they have a set of stairs that take you to the 2nd floor from the bar area into the concert area. This way people with drinks can be separated from those without. If you don't drink it makes things a little nicer as it eliminates split beer on the floor, trash, and people who may want to throw their drink in the air. There is an outdoor patio area in the front if you wanna get some fresh air, or smoke a cigarette. Oh and the restrooms are clean too. I was shocked. Seriously.
(5)Nick S.
Nothing more to add than what's already been said. Cheap cover charge. Great live music. Decently priced alcohol. There's also a seats and a pool table upstairs.
(4)Marie M.
holy shit launchpad!!! when in college, this was my second home. if there was a show- i was there. didn't matter if i didn't know the band- i was there. i have seen so many of my favorite groups who were barely starting out- and were basically nothing at this venue, and that was the best. looking back at some of these groups/artists that are outta control huge now that sell out huge venues and remembering seeing them at launchpad when there was like a hundred people going nuts packed and sweaty. one of favorite nights was seeing M.S.I. here. aww. i love seeing shows here- you can kill your way to the front and see the band/artist up close and personal, there is nothing better than that.
(5)ruairidh c.
pinball - simpsons pinball party in good shape for a bar with a high volume of use.
(4)Alma Z.
This place turned a bit better once I started drinking. As a teen you are allowed in through the back as an adult you get to go in through the front. The bartenders are gear and very lively keep conversations going with you and aren't rude or stuck up like other places. Great drinks and sometimes great music.
(5)Nat S.
Divey and rocking- the venues sound is pretty good too. Mostly a metal crowd, as that is the most frequent genre they book. No food, just drinks prices are on par with most of downtown. The best thing about metal shows besides the music is there was no line to use the woman's restroom. I joked there was a 5 cocks to hen ratio. My boyfriend corrected me and said no it is like 15. That said if you are a metal chick looking for a metal head smelly greasy boyfriend this is prime territory to scoop one up.
(4)Alex H.
Launchpad! The name itself entices. Who doesn't want to be rocketed into orbit, coming down several hours later, walking out, feathers strewn wildly in hair, wondering what just happened. Killin' it, Launchpad, undeniably. Check their calendar for the lineup. There something for everyone-- chose your own space odyssey!
(5)Troy W.
A great Thursday early bird free open mic/variety show. Plus live music!
(5)Aron J.
Launchpad might be the venue that compares to that of Austin, TX. I lived in Austin and it's no joke, they are the kings of the small music venues. Launchpad has a bar immediately when you walk in. Beyond that you have the choice of passing a makeshift beer stand to get to the dance floor/ front of the stage. Or you can go upstairs where you can casually sit with friends or lean over the edge to watch the entertainers. Make no mistake, you can hear the music from anywhere in the bar. I went for a private social so I can't quote the venue on drink prices. But atmosphere and layout get an A+ from me!!
(4)Howie K.
Launchpad Night Club? Okay, I can understand the Night part--shows can go into the wee hours--but Club? Nope, not in my experience. While this place manages a DJ set and a bunch of clubbers as well as just about any spot, the Launchpad is BEST when it ROCKS, and this place has been outright rocking as long as I've lived here. I'm talking rocking in every genre, too: hip hop, rockabilly, glam, indie, electronic... I'm not sure about smooth jazz. It's a small music venue that can give an avid music fan their first personal taste of a band set to blow up. I've seen plenty of these over the years, from a collective which went on to form the Shins to underground rappers who struck paydirt after their first great tour. It's the kind of place where you'll probably find the band sitting down at the bar after the set. In summary, thanks Launchpad Night Club--er, ROCK GARDEN. You make life in the 505 so much better.
(5)Heather B.
I'll say 3.5 stars for my review. Sometimes the bartenders are spot on and sometimes they'll ignore me. I've been to the Launchpad for Burlesque shows and for events - not really to any concerts, though.
(4)Stephen E.
Ultra-solid music venue that doesn't have that sad air of 'meat market' desperation! I've seen some humongazoid acts there, both local & international that put the zing in zing-O-riffic! Drinks flow like the tears of angels and are twice as sweet, but won't cost you your immortal soul!
(5)Gio P.
Loved the vibe of this place. Great intimate setting for concerts. You are practically onstage & the upstairs bar balcony looks down on the stage. I'd recommend going up there if you can. This is because if you are on the bottom level you will be standing & you will be sweating. I attended the 'Lights' concert & it was a fun memory I wouldn't trade for the world though.
(4)Adam S.
The drink prices kept changing depending on who you were ordering from. They let drunken knuckleheads in who are just there to start fights. They have some weird system where you can't bring your drinks to the front of the show. The bathrooms were comparable to county jail and the sound is pretty horrible. The thing that bothered me the most was the bartenders short attention span.
(2)Keegan P.
Perhaps I'm biased. . .This is my regular going out spot. Best happy hour in town: From five to seven (eight if it's a 21+ show) the whole bar is half price - top shelf and all. It was out of commission earlier this year when a dumb box left linseed oil soaked rags in an enclosed space at the adjacent bar, but it's back with an even better sound system. Get to know the bartenders, and they'll treat you right. They lower a garage door between the stage and the bar areas during an all ages show, so you have to leave your drink behind or go upstairs to the balcony if you want to see the band. Thanks to this security measure, the Launchpad has fewer citations for minors drinking than almost any other spot downtown. This translates to no cops hanging around waiting to bust folks in the parking lot, as you'll find further down Central Ave. Oh. . .And they have great shows.
(5)Jennifer L.
I like that there is a nice small venue in albuquerque.... but the two times i have been here, i have been in the front row and have been unable to hear the singer's voices...just all bass or guitars..so their sound is not the best.. I had to move and stand in the back just to be able to hear the vocals..., but i have been to many other shows places in the front row where i can still actually hear and get more balance of sound...
(3)Chupacabra X.
Best live venue in town. Period. Period. Stop. All the best bands in the world play the Launchpad. If William Hung had played here he'd still be famous. If Fallout Boy had played here they would have stopped sucking. You get the idea. It's also a few blocks down from downtown's main bar strip, so you don't have to put up with drunken a-holes on the street, and it's easier to find parking.
(5)Sam A.
Judging from the state of touring in this day and age, Launchpad goes above and beyond for both the performing bands and the patrons who call it home. Where else can you spend an hour drinking with (rip) The Epoxies, MDC, VNV Nation, or Imperative Reaction after they get off stage? Granted, the floor is "kid-friendly", but this venue is so not like Gilman Street (which I am way too familiar with) and geared towards some of us older music fans that I have to rate it as nearly top-notch... If the bands play it cool, the kids leave due to the 11:00pm curfew, and all the older more seasoned fans hang out in the bar area and talk shit, just like it should be... I ding this venue a star because the sound logistics of this venue are "difficult"... Get there early, and please, do a sound check.
(4)Kitt J.
I like to atmospehere in this place. It brings in good local and indie stuff, and it was my favorite venue for the 2005 National Poetry Slam. It does seem to get cramped pretty easily, but the beer selection is good and the prices are great. And it's been a while since my last visit, but do they still have the pinball machines upstairs? Honestly, I would kill to have a place this cool in my hometown.
(5)Chris V.
As far as I'm concerned, the Launchpad is the best live music venue and bar in Albuquerque. They always have great indie-label and major musical acts, a decent selection of beer and mixed drinks and a great atmosphere in which to enjoy it all. Lots of weeknight shows are 21-over, which is nice because it means that the garage door separating the stage area from the bar is opened up, which makes it feel much more "open".
(5)Katherine J.
When I lived in Albuquerque, many a night were spent at the Launchpad. It all began when I was 19. We started listening to local bands (at the time, Starsky, the Concentrators). We used to wait outside for someone to help us sneak in. This is the place where my relationships of my Young Adult(s) (another band at the time) life began; with beer and boys who play in bands. I once fell asleep at a show (Versus). I also carried a drunk Marty from the Shins (they are from ABQ, don't let them fool you) around like a baby before helping to hoist him up to the balcony. I saw many shows here. While it's pretty divy and I've moved away since I have a fondness for the Launchy (but I really hate calling it that) and how it figures its way into the awesomeness that I have grown up into.
(5)Chanel F.
Went here for the first time last night. Probably one of the cleanest bar/clubs I have ever been to. The front section is the bar/eating area. They have the concert area separated by a see through sound reduction roll up door. And if you want to take your drink into the concert area, they have a set of stairs that take you to the 2nd floor from the bar area into the concert area. This way people with drinks can be separated from those without. If you don't drink it makes things a little nicer as it eliminates split beer on the floor, trash, and people who may want to throw their drink in the air. There is an outdoor patio area in the front if you wanna get some fresh air, or smoke a cigarette. Oh and the restrooms are clean too. I was shocked. Seriously.
(5)Nick S.
Nothing more to add than what's already been said. Cheap cover charge. Great live music. Decently priced alcohol. There's also a seats and a pool table upstairs.
(4)Marie M.
holy shit launchpad!!! when in college, this was my second home. if there was a show- i was there. didn't matter if i didn't know the band- i was there. i have seen so many of my favorite groups who were barely starting out- and were basically nothing at this venue, and that was the best. looking back at some of these groups/artists that are outta control huge now that sell out huge venues and remembering seeing them at launchpad when there was like a hundred people going nuts packed and sweaty. one of favorite nights was seeing M.S.I. here. aww. i love seeing shows here- you can kill your way to the front and see the band/artist up close and personal, there is nothing better than that.
(5)ruairidh c.
pinball - simpsons pinball party in good shape for a bar with a high volume of use.
(4)