This rollicking, atmospheric roadhouse serves fantastic New Mexican and home-style American fare (incredibly tasty green-chile cheeseburgers, breakfast burritos, blue-corn beef tacos, plus a great beer, wine, and margarita selection) three meals a day. From the drinks menu, I'm partial to the "Horny Cadillac" (Sauza Hornitos, Grand Marnier, fresh lime juice). It's adjacent to the Old Coal Mine Museum and Engine House Theatre (the latter is currently closed while the owners seek donations and funding to bring the building up to fire-department code).
By day, the Mine Shaft draws a mix of tourists and locals, families and adults - it's a fun place to break up a stroll along the village's main street, which is lined with arts and crafts galleries and vintage-furniture shops. In the evening, the Mine Shaft draws a more adult crowd and has live music (emphasis is on blues, rock, folk, and soul) and dancing. It's not strictly a gay bar, of course, but you'll always find a great mix of patrons, and a welcoming vibe.
A drive up the Turquoise Trail, with a stop for cocktails, green-chile burgers, and conversation at the Mineshaft, is a must if you're visiting this part of the world.
Here's an excerpt from the letter I received from the Mine Shaft owner, who spoke of Madrid starting up its own gay pride event:
"I wanted to share with you that one of the most historic bars in the Santa Fe County area is lesbian owned and operated. We do a lot of gay oriented events and Madrid has a thriving gay/mostly lesbian community. We are an arts community and all are welcome.
Last year we started Madrid Pride "Meet Me in Madrid" event. We will do it again and are currently researching the weekend in June. We plan on having a parade and a major party afterwards on our 5 acre property in the center of Madrid."