by Heather Hunter
3128 Social House brings together elevated comfort food and creative cocktails with genuine neighborhood hospitality
“WALK IN AND FEEL WELCOMED. Warm lights, inviting tables, laughter in the air,” says proprietor Dustin Darnell of 3128 Social House. “We want people to feel like they’ve stepped into a friend’s living room— with extraordinary food.”
That congenial spirit is no accident. In a world that can often feel less than welcoming, knowing that 3128 Social House in Nob Hill was established to be a neighborhood gathering place with an open-door philosophy that serves great food, great drinks and genuine hospitality makes this more than just a restaurant. It’s a place to feel safe, comfortable, well-cared for and well-fed by people who want you to feel seen and special.
Located in the former Nob Hill Bar & Grill, Darnell transformed the space into a vibrant gastropub and social hub, which inspired the name. He says, “3128 is our address on Central, but ‘social house’ is about connection and community. A place where people come together to share stories over seasonal plates and thoughtful cocktails.”
This isn’t Darnell’s first foray into the restaurant business. He opened Gather in May 2022, and 3128 Social House followed one month later. In February 2025, he opened 200 Social House in Bernalillo. Darnell also started Twisted Tree Farm—adjacent to the land where he grew up in Albuquerque—where they grow seasonal produce for all three restaurants and a special event venue, making the entire operation feel even more homegrown and distinctive.
At the heart of it all: the food, of course. The small, but smart menu continues to evolve with the seasons. “Shareable dishes are part of our ethos of building community, and breaking bread with people is important to us,” he says. An array of tantalizing appetizers—shrimp ceviche, braised octopus, glazed pork belly are all standouts, but the tempura mushrooms are true showstoppers. The lightly fried, umami mushrooms are paired with an addictively tangy dipping sauce. With the double dipper, you get roasted garlic hummus and smoked artichoke dip, served with crispy, house-made potato chips.
Moving on to mains, of the nine entrees, the top-sellers are the filet mignon, braised short rib and the catch of the day. For vegetarians, there is a kale salad with the option to add protein. The more adventurous eaters will fall for the glazed maple leaf duck breast, the ribeye or the house burger, which never disappoints—and they offer a vegan and gluten-free option for the burger as well.
No meal here is complete without dessert, which Darnell says is crafted to close the meal on a high note. Choose from house-made ice creams or a light panna cotta with seasonal fruit to satisfy that sweet craving.
Drinks are just as much a draw here as dinner. Award-winning beverage director Ian Bahe—who won Albuquerque’s 505 Bar Fights (2025) and Hollow Spirit’s Annual Bartending Competition—takes cocktails to a higher level. Bahe uses seasonal flavors and puts playful twists on classic drinks, Darnell notes. The signature cocktails are the guest favorites, while the carefully selected wines run the gamut to complement the shareable plates and elevated gastropub cuisine.
Behind the scenes, the kitchen found its groove about a year ago when chef Dennis Escovedo joined to lead the kitchen. “He brings both heart and deep culinary insight,” Darnell says. Born in Taos, Escovedo describes his cooking style as rooted in traditional techniques with an upscale take on classic New Mexico dishes and the thoughtful inclusion of Asian flavors.
It’s apparent that Darnell and his team of hospitality experts take their work seriously, but it’s the delicious fun and sense of community that make 3128 Social House a place where you bring your friends and celebrate all things big and small.
