When school is in session, Moscow, Idaho, touts all the merits of a good college town. The place is buzzing with activity, a stimulating environment of bright and eager minds shuffling in and out of cafes, classrooms and the like. And while we love this brand of energy, there’s something equally special about the offseason.
Summer’s when Moscow is retaken by locals. The pace slows, most of the some 10,000 students head home, and the town takes a long exhale. An Idaho panhandle town of about 25,000, Moscow is home to way more of a beverage scene than you might expect. Here’s where to go.
Hunga Dunga Brewing Co. | 333 N. Jackson Street
A relatively new member of the Moscow brewery circuit, Hunga Dunga touts a great name and some quality beer. Summer is patio season and the label has a great one, set under the shade of red umbrellas overlooking the brewhouse. Seek out the IPAs, Goses and Italian-style Pilsners. If craft beer is your thing, consider showing up in July for the Moscow Brewery District Walk, which showcases beers made from artisan grains by the likes of Hunga Dunga, Moscow Brewing Co., and more.
Countrymen’s Bierhall | 310 W. Third Street, Suite 1
With 18 taps, Countrymen’s offers something of a panorama shot of the region’s robust beer culture. In true European style, those draft lines are paired up with brats and pretzels and even Bavarian-inspired flatbreads.
Shattuck West | 630 N. Almon Street, Suite 130
You can’t have good beer without good water and Shattuck is all about the aquifer near Elk River, Idaho. Try a flagship like the Nebula Storm IPA or WookeyFoot Red Ale or see what interesting seasonals are in the mix, all turned out from their modest 10-barrel system. The main brewery resides in Elk River, Idaho, while the taproom, touting 16 lines of their own stuff, guest beers, ciders and wine, call Moscow home.
Nectar | 105 W. Sixth Street
Wine is front and center at Nectar, where the bistro offers flights spotlighting smaller producers as well as respectable bottle and glass pours. You’ll likely run into a small-batch label out of the Northwest along with a few in-state options. Cocktail enthusiasts can peruse a menu that includes everything from The Magician, a mix of Cachaca, coconut milk, lime and taro, to Thousand Sunny, which blends vodka, orange, ginger and carrot juice. We suggest some small plates from the app menu or, if you’re hungry, a comforting entree like lentil balls or meatloaf.
Lodgepole | 106 N. Main Street
Arguably one of the prettiest restaurants in town, Lodgepole is set in a lovely building drenched in earthy tones and natural light. It’s a locavore’s delight, pulling from area farms for some genuine Inland Empire cuisine.
Corner Club | 202 N. Main Street
Sometimes, you just want a dive. And, preferably a dive that’s stood the test of time. Corner Club is that, with a history that dates back to 1948. You’re likely to run into some friendly U of I Vandals inside these walls, taking advantage of big pours, stiff drinks and shuffleboard. It’s known as a social magnet and rumored to be a place where patrons would challenge sheep to beer-drinking contests.
