Great cocktail bars in Idaho’s capital city
Appropriately situated in the Treasure Valley, Boise, Idaho, is one of the nation’s undiscovered gems when it comes to the drink scene.. Amidst a population boom, the hospitality industry has taken off, with new restaurants opening regularly and an eager restaurant-going public along for the ride.
In fact, despite (or perhaps because of) some of the nation’s most restrictive liquor laws, the rapidly growing city and industry boasts a number of great cocktail bars, making it surprisingly easy to have an incredible weekend or longer getaway in the capital of the Gem State. Or, at least, a first-class drink.
Thick as Thieves | 620 W. Idaho Street, Suite 200 | Boise
While designed to evoke the Prohibition-era vibes of a classic speakeasy, what Thick as Thieves truly does best is recapture some of the early excitement of the cocktail renaissance of the mid-2000s. Thanks to Idaho prohibiting pre-batching cocktails, everything is made to order, even the milk punch, which helps set the mood, as do the “secret” items hidden on nearly every page of the menu.
Gatsby | 280 N. 8th Street, Suite 130 | Boise
As perhaps the name indicates, Gatsby leans even more heavily on the Prohibition aesthetic but does so while presenting an expansive and impressive cocktail list and a deep selection of rare and collectible spirits. If you wish to dive deeper — almost literally — follow the abandoned mine shaft to the Garrison Room, which allows groups up to 7 to delve deep into a trove of “hooch” that is kept at 46 degrees for tastings.
Art Haus Cocktail Bar + Ampersand | 999 W. Main Street, Suite P101 | Boise
Two very different bars at the same address, operated by the same folks who run the highly acclaimed restaurant, Kin. Art Haus Cocktail Bar follows the standard formula for a quality cocktail bar, with a range of house originals, a robust set of NA cocktails and a deep spirits list, but also a creative and vibrant food menu thanks to the in-house culinary talent. Ampersand, on the top floor of the building and looking out at the state capitol building, is an experience unto itself. With no menu and just a solitary bartender, small groups can experience a custom and distinctive experience, with a strictly enforced one-hour time limit.
Water Bear Bar | 350 N. 9th Street, Suite 100 | Boise
While rightly noted for being a proudly LGBTQI+ friendly (and owned) bar, it’s important to note that Water Bear is also just a kickass place to get a cocktail. From their Old Fashioned of the Day program to a deft hand with punches and large-format cocktails, co-founders Kylie North and Laura Keeler have not just focused on creating a community for thirsty Idahoans but also on helping to train and grow the bartender community in Boise. Water Bear offers a robust NA cocktail selection, oysters by the half shell, and a thoughtful selection of whiskey flights. And the vibe? How about: “What if a really cool plant store also made an incredible Daiquiri?”
The Lively | 505 W. Bannock Street | Boise
Something about Boise brings out the best in non-alcoholic cocktail creation, and The Lively might be the best at it in town. Each one is as much a labor of love as any of the other cocktails on the menu, and for those who appreciate the idea but also have no compunction around a bit of booze, each is designed to be spiked if desired. The rest of the drinks on the menu are similarly well crafted, while those enjoying dinner upstairs have an ample and thoughtful wine list to play with as well.
