The transition from summer to fall in northern New Mexico is one of the most magical times of year. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains glow against the high desert, while golden aspens streak the foothills in brilliant color. Against this backdrop of raw natural beauty, one venue has claimed its rightful place as the epicenter of Taos outdoor culture: DALEEE KTAOS – the undisputed backyard of Taos.
Positioned at the corner of “The Old Blinking Light” (a local reference to when the intersection of NM-150 and US 64 only had a blinking light) on NM-150, DALEEE KTAOS delivers everything that makes Taos magnetic: amazing people, spectacular live music, exceptional food and drinks, and views that stop conversations mid-sentence. This isn’t just another venue; it’s the place where locals feel at home and visitors are always welcome, where the high desert’s warm afternoons and crisp evenings become the soundtrack to unforgettable experiences.
New Beginnings
DALEEE is a year-round hub. In summer, it’s volleyball courts and patio sunsets; in winter, après-ski by the fire. Weekly trivia, bluegrass jams, and karaoke keep the calendar buzzing. Plus, it’s Taos’ most lively sports bar with TV coverage for all the big games and happy hour specials to boot! True to its name — “Dale” means give it the gas in Spanish — this place never slows down.
Owner Ricky Carlini came to Taos and started working in Taos Ski Valley at the Resort more than 11 years ago. “When I was young I would go ski in the nearest ski town to me in Argentina, which was like on the opposite side of the country,” says Ricky. “I grew up in the east and the mountains are the west. I always dreamed about finding a place to spend the whole season, and then someone told me about the J1 program [in Taos].” He reminisces, “I always felt like the mountain called me, I didn’t find the mountain. Actually, I was headed to upstate New York and didn’t get the job. Then I just fell in love with it here.”
The Hills are Alive
Step into DALEEE and the first thing that hits you is how the outdoor space is the focal point of the venue. The open-air patio delivers front-row views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, making every visit feel like part of a live performance by nature itself. During the transition from summer to fall, this setting becomes electric as the aspens begin to streak the foothills golden.
Whether you’re diving into an afternoon volleyball match, settling in for a concert during a full moon rise or simply sharing a meal while watching light dance across the mountains, every moment connects you to something larger. The big New Mexico sky doesn’t just provide atmosphere, it becomes part of the experience. Sunset is never the same and always a show!
Music That Moves Mountains
Live music defines DALEEE and the venue was made for it. The She Rises Music Festival stands as a defining moment of Summer 2025, featuring powerhouse artists like Heartless Bastards, The Secret Sisters, Big Richard, Flor de Toloache, Honeyhouse, Eliza Gilkyson, Andrea Magee, Patrice Pike, Gina Chavez & Taos Indigenous Choir. DALEEE has arrived as a premier destination for outdoor performances that honor both musical excellence and artistic empowerment.
DALEEE KTAOS’s calendar pulses with diversity and energy. Regional talents share the stage with national touring acts and international artists, ensuring that any given week might deliver everything from haunting folk ballads to high-energy rock anthems. The venue has become a home base for local musicians while offering touring acts a setting unlike anywhere else they’ll play.
The weekly rhythm creates anticipation that extends far beyond individual shows. The flexibility of the outdoor setting allows DALEEE KTAOS to host everything from intimate songwriter showcases to dance parties that last until the stars come out, all while maintaining that essential connection to the landscape that makes each performance unforgettable.
Community in Motion
Music may drive the heartbeat, but community engagement powers the soul of DALEEE KTAOS. Free volleyball every Wednesday and Friday at 5 PM, proudly presented by PPC Solar, has evolved from a simple activity into a cornerstone of Taos community life, with tournaments benefitting local non-profit, Habitat for Humanity. Furry friends are now welcome outside at weekly “yappy hour” events to support Stray Hearts animal shelter.
The community connection extends into trivia nights, karaoke sessions, jam circles, jazz brunch, two step lessons and late night dance parties that fill out the week. The outdoor space accommodates cornhole leagues and NFL viewing parties on big screens, proving the venue’s versatility in bringing different communities together.
As summer yields to fall, DALEEE KTAOS becomes an essential platform for celebrating Taos’s incredible artistic community through outdoor markets and festivals. Local potters, jewelry makers, painters, textile artists, and craftspeople vend their wares and make new ones live as you stroll the grounds and soak it all in.
Culinary Excellence Under Open Sky
DALEEE KTAOS serves up big, bold flavors in the kitchen and bar too! Classic comfort foods and bar favorites like burgers and wings share space with tacos, quesadillas and Mexican and Argentinian dishes. As one regular visitor puts it, “I always love it here. The atmosphere is always great. Service is always top notch. Food is always good. Nice place to relax. As well as enjoy some really awesome bands and fun times.”
Craft cocktails and rotating local beers on draft match the festive vibe and every meal is like a family gathering, many groups preferring to bring blankets picnic-style. The iconic Tiki Bar outside comes alive at events. DALEEE’s tacos have also earned serious recognition as some of Taos’s best, especially the pulled pork. Daily Happy Hour from 4 PM to 6 PM provides the perfect window to enjoy a snack and a drink while watching afternoon light transform the mountain landscape, creating one of northern New Mexico’s most spectacular sundowner experiences.
DALEEE KTAOS’s commitment to exceptional experiences extends beyond daily operations into the realm of private events and catering. Situated perfectly between the Town of Taos and Taos Ski Valley, this full service venue goes next-level: indoor/outdoor spaces, a full stage and sound system, curated menus by Chef Juan, and of course, those unbeatable views. Weddings, company retreats, birthdays — you name it, DALEEE transforms it into a mountain-framed celebration.
As seasons change and light shifts across the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, DALEEE remains a constant gathering place, celebration space, and reminder of why Taos continues capturing hearts and imaginations. It truly is the backyard of Taos – welcoming, beautiful, dynamic, and absolutely unforgettable.
Skip to main content