A new brewing operation will succeed shuttered Dialogue in Wells Park
From Downtown Albuquerque News
A new brewery and restaurant with a focus on art is setting up shop in a familiar Wells Park location.
Juno Pub plans to open soon at First and Kinley in a building that is more than 100 years old and was once a warehouse for the Freed Bros. department store, co-owner Maxine Marks said. It was also once home to a mechanic’s shop, and more recently, Dialogue Brewing, which closed late last year.
Marks said Juno will keep many of the architectural elements put in place by Dialogue, such as the metal tree sculptures on the patio. It also plans for both indoor and patio service, and a key role for art.
“There will be art on the patio, but I’m going to be curating a small gallery space within the brewery,” she said.
Juno’s beer offerings will include an ale, two IPAs, a “505 Mexican Lager,” and others. Marks said Juno’s food menu will include traditional pub fare like burgers and pizza, as well as charcuterie boards and vegan offerings.
The new business, meanwhile, has attracted some notes of caution from the neighborhood. During a liquor license hearing June 8, Wells Park Neighborhood Association President Doreen McKnight raised concerns about homes in the area being adversely affected by an increase in noise and traffic. She also encouraged Juno to enact policies that discourage employees from socializing at the brewery after hours.
Longtime nearby resident Joe Calkins raised similar concerns, saying he was most worried about an increase in traffic – particularly intoxicated drivers.
The licensing decision is now in the hands of state officials, but if approved, Marks hopes to open Juno’s doors by the end of the month, operating seven days a week from 11 a.m. until midnight.
