LOUNGES,
BARS, NIGHT CLUBS & DANCING in BOISE
Night life is always a fun time in the Boise area with it's great lounges and night clubs. Several night spots have live comedy, live music for dancing or music for listening. You'll also find that karaoke is featured at many spots. The highest concentration of night clubs and bars is in the Downtown Area. These nightspots are all within walking distance or a short taxi ride from the downtown area hotels and motels. If you're staying in the Airport, Spectrum or Mall areas of town there are several lounges in those areas, but little in the way of dancing or live music. There are tons of dining locations in these areas. You'll find several dance spots in the West Boise and Garden City areas. The Meridian area has several nice spots too. Have fun and remember to take a taxi or have a designated driver, because Boise Police take "Driving Under the Influence" very seriously. Idaho is a .8 state, which doesn't give you much leeway.
Guests staying at the airport are all within a $10 taxi ride of any of the following places. Applebees
Neighborhood Bar & Grill 7845 Emerald St.
(Mall) 345-6605 Very
fun and family environment for the folks that want a drink or food. Cafe Ole 210
N. Milwaukee (Mall) 322-0222
This place has a true Happy Hour and a
separate lounge area for the folks that want to Party.
Wednesdays are a great time to hit Happy Hour for the reduced Margaritas. Chilis Bar & Grill 7997 Franklin Rd. (Mall) 327-0088 This is a typical Chilis with a very small bar and not really catering to the bar crowd. Backstreet Billiards -- 10531 Overland Rd. 672-8870 at the S.E. corner of 5-Mile and Overland Rd. This upscale decor takes the meaning of billiard hall to a new dimension. Gone is the smoke filled room which is replaced with a clean place with 21 tables, darts, arcade and good food. ALL AGES ARE WELCOME! Give it a try with your family. Sports Pub & Grill Cole and Overland (Spectrum) 377-1819 Located in the Edwards Spectrum Entertainment Complex at the Corner of Cole and Overland Rd. where it crosses I-84. This is your typical sports bar with an outside volleyball court. It has lots of big TVs for watching your favorite game. Vista Bar 813 S. Vista - (Airport) 342-9911 A landmark Boise bar started in the 60s and has a longtime clientele. Features food but most go for the drinks, bartender, pool, poker machines and etc. Philly Sandwich is great! Overland Bar
3907 Overland (Airport) 336-4707
Its a nice little neighborhood bar with
pool and plenty of regulars. No food
is offered. Mikes Hillcrest
Lounge & Restaurant 5264 Overland Rd.
(Spectrum) 345-5572
Mikes is a typical bar from the 80s
with a small dance floor and quit dark. It
can be fun with the right people. It
really is a regulars after work bar but without pool. Hooligans Pub
10704 W. Overland Rd. (Spectrum) 336-9800
This place is pretty wild from time to time.
They have pool tables and lots of the construction
workers go there after work. It has
a lot of the neighborhood area people
that frequent the place too. Its
really an older sports bar. TGIF Fridays
600 N. Milwaukee (Mall) 373-0889
This is your usual FGIF with the bar in the
center of the restaurant. It has a
pretty good happy hour with lots of office employees and shoppers. Holiday Inn 3300 S. Vista Ave. (Airport) 344-8365 This is one of two lounges in the immediate Airport area. They had one of the hottest bars in Boise in the 70s but it is only busy with travelers now. Blumacs Gentlemens ClubOne of the first gentlemens Clubs in Boise, It is located on Vista behind the Union Pacific Train Depot. They have a bar and thus the dancers must abide by the Boise City code for dancers. Its located in an old log cabin that has been remodeled. Its about a 1 ¸ mile trip from the airport area. Back to the Top
Most of the lounges and bars listed below are within a $10 taxi ride from any of the downtown hotels and motels. Blues Bouquet - 1010 Main St. 345-6605 This club has plenty of live music for listening and dancing. Music is played most Thursday - Saturday nights with a variety of different band. Some nights there may be a cover charge at the door. It usually fills up early, so be there before 9 p.m. to get a good seat. Hannah's - 621 Main St. 344-4146 A fun place with a great house band that plays everything. If dancing isn't your thing, you can go up stairs and play a little pool. You can find lots of places to just hide out and sit back and enjoy the music, it's a big place. This joint is packed out on most weekends, so come before 9 p.m. to avoid the long lines. Tom Grainey's - 109 S. 6th St. 345-2505 This little place really rocks out. You can almost always find a band of some sort playing here. The bar is quite small but people don't mind overflowing into the basement bar. Radio Room -- 802 W. Bannock St. 345-1551 This is a great lounge with a view and dancing most Wednesday - Saturday nights. The pristine view of the Boise sky light and Capitol Building make for a romantic fun night. Take the elevator to the top floor of the Hoff Building at 8th and Bannock. Bogie's - 1124 Front St. 342-9663 Younger bar with lots of teenagers attending on certain nights. They have areas and nights open for all ages. Some nights allow 18 year or older with a cover charge. Frequently have road shows by out of town performers. The Balcony - 150 N. 8th St. 336-1313 Smaller place with a DJ on most nights from 9 p.m. to closing. It's a nice little bar on the second floor at the corner of 8th and Jefferson. The bar can be quite noisy and has a diverse following by many locals. Piper Pub - This lounge doesn't feature live entertainment but is quite popular with the in crowd. Most happy hours you'll be hard pressed to find a seat. They serve food sandwiches and appetizers. Located on the 2nd floor at the corner of 8th and Main. Joes All American Grill - Another food operation with a bar atmosphere. It's had music in the past in the basement part but lately it's been a under age hip/hop club. Be sure to check before you go to see what's happening that night. Grove Hotel - 245 S. Capitol Blvd. 333-8000 They generally have some live cocktail hour music Wed. Friday. There is also a sports bar at the rear of the Grove Hotel where you can watch the Ice Hockey from the open patio area. J.D.'s & Friends - 1519 W. Main St. 336-3982 Sorry folks Rich can't tell you that much about this place since he's never been in it. Emerald City Club - 415 S. 9th St. 342-5446 This diverse crowded bar has dancing Mon-Sun. with Thursday being designated as "strait night". The bar is very large and packs out on most Thursdays and weekend nights. You may want to phone first to see if anything special is planned that night. There are numerous pageants and activities scheduled throughout the year that conflict with the dancing. Gamekeeper Lounge - 1109 Main St. 343-4611 Located in the Owyhee Plaza Hotel features listening music for the romantic atmosphere your partner might like. They also have a wonderful restaurant featuring some of the finest food in Boise. This is another good happy hour bar that always seems full during the legislature session. The Big Easy - 416 S. 9th St 367-1212 This the newest addition to Boise's night club list. You'll find super stars booked at this club from time to time. They feature DJ Music with special nights throughout the week. Don't expect this place to really start cooking until after 10. It's a large place with plenty of room, so bring the crowd with you. Gernika Basque Pub & Eatery - 202 S. Capitol Blvd. 344-2175 Take a trip to Spain in this friendly little bar at the corner of Capitol and Grove St. in the Basque Block of Boise. Dan features some excellent wines from Spain and a good selection of beers. It's a great place to take a break and have a solomo sandwich. Cactus Bar - 515 W. Main 342-9732 Great place to drink for less. You don't want to go to early in the afternoon because the day clientele is well established and look unfavorably to newcomers. They have their regular seats and pool partners. It's okay anytime after 5:30 or 6 p.m. The place really gets to rocking on the weekends. Tapa's Bar & Grille -- 199 N. Capitol Blvd. 331-3737 Tapa's has only been open for a year or so. They have a large number of appetizers and is a nice place. It's located on the third floor of the Washington Mutual Building on the Corner of Capitol & Idaho Streets. Pengilly's Saloon- 513 Main St. 345-6344 You'll enjoy this small lounge located next door to the Cactus. They have a full liquor lounge and a very upbeat crowd for the weekend guitar music they usually feature from 9-1. This bar has been here since the seventies and is well established. Nice place to take a date that's not in the mood to dance the night away. Interlude Bar and Grill - 213 N. 8th 342-9593 Like many other downtown bars this place is a Boise landmark that's been around since the 50's. You'll find it's changed to more of a sports bar than it was years ago. They still have the longest bar in Boise and lots of lawyer and legislators hanging around for lunch and happy hour. It's much like a neighborhood sports bar only the clientele live out of the neighborhood. Toad's Lounge - 107 S. 6th 345-2505 Located under Tom Grainey Sporting Pub and where the overflow goes when Tom Grainey is full. Toad's has live entertainment now and again, you may want to call early to see what's happening. It's a little noise but you'll have fun if it's busy. The crowd tends to be on the younger side. Doubletree Hotel -- Judging from the parking lot it must have dancing early in the day. It's the only gentlemen's club in the downtown area. This bar caters mostly to the travelers. Funny Bone Comedy Club -- 404 S. 8th St. 331-2663 Located in the 8th Street Market Place. Give them a call to see who the comedians are for the week. They usually have two shows on the weekend nights. Reservations are encouraged. Mosaic Gallery Wine Bar - 500 Main St. 338-5006 this is a small intimate type bar that features jazz music from time to time. Parrilla - 1512 N. 13th Hyde Park 323-4688 This is another smaller bar located in the Hyde Park area. They once in a while offer live guitar listening music for their clientele. Harry's Bar & Grill -- N.13th Harry's has a small patio and inside seating in the Hyde Park area. They also feature sandwiches and appetizers. A second Harry's is located in Meridian. O'Michaels - 2433 Bogus Ed. 342-8948 This great Irish Bar has been around since the 70's back when Mike was just out of "Little Mac's", The owner Mike features music once in a while. You'll need to call first if the music is important to you. He has a full liquor lounge and warm atmosphere. Neurolux - 111 N. 11th St. 343-0886 J.D.'s & Friends - 1519 W. Main St. 336-3982 The Torch - A Gentlemen's Club - 1826 W. Main 344-0218 Rich hasn't been in this place since the finger steaks were traded for partially clad ladies. It is located across the street from the Downtowner Rich may have accidently forgotten your lounge or bar. . . if he did just email him some information on your place to get it included. Back to the Top
Ranch Club 3544 Chinden Blvd. 342-9546 Ray usually has a band that starts around 9 and goes till closing. Its not a house band, but he normally wants them to play a mix of country and 60s & 70s music. This place serves a good drink and is priced reasonable. This is a real fun place! Everyone from the Stagecoach comes down here after 9:30 to dance. Ray serves a great mixed drink so don't hold back here. Stagecoach Inn - Willie Schrier was one of the best food and beverage men in Boise and his daughters have kept up the famous tradition. His daughters Mary and Marian are now keeping the reputation going as one of the best places in Boise to eat and drink. You'll have a wait if you're not there by 5:30 on the weekend and it will be worth the wait. Both mixed drinks and meal are very generous. My favorite is prime-rib or the best prawns I've ever had anywhere. Shortys C & W Saloon 5467 Glenwood 323-0555 The place in Boise to go country/western dancing, live bands and lots of room to kick up your heals. This place has it all, games, pool and dancing. This is a great place to go dancing in Garden City, but it's just a little farther out from the downtown area. Players Pub & Grill 5504 W. Alworth 376-6563 Sports is the name of the game here. This place is located off of Chinden near the entrance to the Fair Grounds in a Corner of the bowling alley. One of the best sports watching places in Boise. Lots of TV and pretty good food Doubletree Riverside Club Max -- 2900 Chinden Blvd. 343-1871 Friday and Saturday Nights has live DJ with request taken. They have a large dance floor with lots of room for you to kick up your heals. Mr. Luckys -- 4902 Chinden Blvd. 3270925 Newer re-opened lounge in Garden City has my old day bartender working them Mon-Fri during the days. It would be worth the trip just to say hello to Debbie. They have been running live bands on the weekend, but you need to call first. Boulevard Bar 4079 Chinden Blvd. 342-9906 Garden City neighborhood bar with pool and some games. Brandi's Place - 3933 Chinden Blvd. 334-5517 This is the old Hi Ho from the 60's. They usually have live entertainment on Fri & Sat nights beginning at 9. If Rich has accidentally left your bar or lounge out please email him the information you want placed here. Back to the Top
Meridian doesn't have a taxi company in the city so. . . pace yourself or expect a high taxi fare if you need a ride home. Bill-N-Lynns Place 229 W. Franklin Rd. 888-4075 This fun bar is full of regulars sipping on beer and shooting pool. Harrys Bar & Grill 704 E. 1st St. 888-9868 Its a great place to grab a burger and beer. Pool tables in back and plenty of room for dining or drinking. Home cut French fries are a big hit with most patrons. 127 Club 127 E Idaho Ave. 884-0122 One of the best bars in Meridian with live bands to dance to. They have some good food at reasonable prices. Bill's Frontier Club 116 E. Broadway Ave. 888-9034 This is one of Meridians first bars. They feature karaoke from time to time so check first. Strikers Bar 324 S Meridian 888-6908 Smaller bar in the bowling alley across from Meridian Speedway. Wooden Nickel Tavern 2390 E. Franklin Rd 888-4264 This little bar on Franklin cater to the same regulars nightly. You can play pool or just visit with your friends. Bolos Pub & Eatery 601 E. 1st 884-3737 A newer bar in Meridian with food and pool. Mostly regulars frequent the place. Kit Kat Klub 4842 W Franklin Rd. 888-7731 The first Gentlemens Club in the Boise area since the old Buffalo Club left in the 60s. This is the hardest one to get to, with it located west of Meridian at 10 mile Rd. If Rich has accidentally left your bar or lounge out please email him the information you want placed here.
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Most of the bars and clubs in this area are within a $10 taxi ride from the downtown area hotels. Ranch Club 3544 Chinden Blvd. 342-9546 Ray usually has a band that starts around 9 and goes till closing. Its not a house band, but he normally wants them to play a mix of country and 60s & 70s music. This place serves a good drink and is priced reasonable. This is a real fun place! Everyone from the Stagecoach comes down here after 9:30 to dance. Ray serves a great mixed drink so don't hold back here. Stagecoach Inn - Willie Schrier was one of the best food and beverage men in Boise and his daughters have kept up the famous tradition. His daughters Mary and Marian are now keeping the reputation going as one of the best places in Boise to eat and drink. You'll have a wait if you're not there by 5:30 on the weekend and it will be worth the wait. Both mixed drinks and meal are very generous. My favorite is prime-rib or the best prawns I've ever had anywhere. Shortys C & W Saloon 5467 Glenwood 323-0555 The place in Boise to go country/western dancing, live bands and lots of room to kick up your heals. This place has it all, games, pool and dancing. This is a great place to go dancing in Garden City, but it's just a little farther out from the downtown area. Doubletree Riverside Club Max - 2900 Chinden Blvd. 343-1871 Friday and Saturday Nights has live DJ with request taken. They have a large dance floor with lots of room for you to kick up your heals. Dutch Goose -- 3515 W. State St. This neighborhood grill and tavern features Steamed Clams at their best. The bar also has a patio area with horseshoes, volleyball and outside dining in the summer. Qs Billiards & Eatery 6570 Fairview Ave. 322-9122 Billiards is the highlight here. They have several tables and rent by the hour and game. Burgers and beer special that cant be beat. Crescent Bar 413 N Orchard 322-9856 Sports bar with several pool tables. Butch and Jodi bar to sit around and visit with the bartender or other patrons across from you. They have a wonderful Sunday Brunch during football season that you might want to hit. Sunshine Saloon 1115 N. Curtis 376-2700 Located in the Roadway in at Curtis and the Connector. This popular spot features live music for dancing and lots of parking. Beerhouse 9751 W. Cory Ln. 322-9958 This is a popular little neighborhood bar that caters to its regulars. They have horse shoes, volleyball and other outside activities in the summer. Boulevard Bar 4079 Chinden Blvd. 342-9906 Garden City neighborhood bar with pool and some games. Brews Brothers 6928 W. State St. 853-0526 This small bar is located in the strip mall at Glenwood and State. It caters to theater goers and its regulars. Trade Winds Tavern - 125 S. Curtis Rd. 392-1222 This local neighborhood bar features karaoke some evenings for their patrons to sing their hearts out. If Rich has accidentally left your bar or lounge out please email him the information you want placed here.
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