Boise, Idaho may be known for its stunning natural beauty, but it also has a thriving nightlife scene. Whether you’re in the mood for craft cocktails, live music, or a night of dancing, we have some great nightlife spots in Boise.
Boise has plenty of options to choose from. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the top 10 nightlife spots in Boise, Idaho.
1. Neurolux Lounge
The Neurolux Lounge is one of Boise’s most popular music venues. It’s known for hosting both local and national acts, and has a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for a night out with friends.
The bar serves up a variety of craft beers, cocktails, and wine, and there’s often a food truck parked outside if you’re feeling hungry.
What Makes Neurolux Special:
- Has a retro vibe with vintage decor and a jukebox
- Often features local musicians and up-and-coming artists
- Variety of craft beers and cocktails and is one of the best night life spots in Boise
- Has a large outdoor patio with a fire pit for cooler evenings
Neurolux can be found at: 111 N 11th St, Boise, ID 83702 (208) 343-0886
2. The Reef
The Reef is a tiki bar that’s known for its tropical cocktails and island-inspired decor. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and the outdoor patio is a great place to soak up the Idaho sun.
The menu features a variety of small plates and shareable dishes, and there’s often live music on the weekends.
What Makes The Reef Special:
- Has a tropical atmosphere with palm trees and tiki decor
- Offers a large selection of rum-based cocktails and other tropical drinks
- Features live music and DJs on the weekends
- Has a menu of Caribbean-inspired dishes to complement the drinks
The Reef can be found at: 105 S 6th St, Boise, ID 83702 (208) 287-9200
3. Tom Grainey’s Sporting Pub
If you’re a sports fan, you won’t want to miss Tom Grainey’s Sporting Pub. This downtown bar has more than 20 TVs, so you can catch all the big games while enjoying a cold beer or cocktail.
There’s also a pool table and shuffleboard, making it a great spot for a casual night out.
What Makes Tom Grainey’s Special:
- Has a large outdoor patio with views of the Boise foothills
- Offers a diverse selection of beers, including many local brews
- Features multiple TVs for sports fans to catch the game
- Has a fun and lively atmosphere with live music on the weekends
Tom Grainey’s can be found at: 109 S 6th St, Boise, ID 83702
4. Pengilly’s Saloon
Pengilly’s Saloon is a historic bar that’s been a Boise fixture since 1913. It’s known for its live music, and there’s often a different band playing every night of the week.
The bar has a cozy, intimate feel, and the drinks are affordable and generously poured.
What Makes Pengilly’s Saloon Special
- Boise staple for over 100 years, making it a beloved and historic nightlife spot
- Offers live music performances most nights of the week, with a focus on local musicians and blues music
- Cozy and intimate atmosphere with a fireplace and vintage decor
- Offers a selection of beers, cocktails, and other drinks, with happy hour specials on weekdays
Pengilly’s Saloon can be found at: 513 W Main St, Boise, ID 83702 (208) 345-6344
5. The Balcony Club
The Balcony Club is a speakeasy-style bar that’s hidden away on the second floor of a downtown building. Known for their amazing and festive Drag Queen shows, its a fun night for everyone!
It’s known for its craft cocktails and live music, and the cozy atmosphere is perfect for a date night or a night out with friends. The bar also has a small menu of appetizers and snacks.
What Makes The Balcony Club Special:
- Offers a rooftop patio with beautiful views of downtown Boise and the foothills
- Has a cozy and inviting atmosphere with plush seating and vintage decor
- Offers a selection of craft cocktails and local beers, as well as a menu of small plates and shareable dishes
- Often features live music performances and DJs on the weekends, as well as trivia and other events on weekdays.
The Balcony Club can be found at: 150 N 8th St #226, Boise, ID 83702 (208) 336-1313
6. Press and Pony
Press and Pony is a trendy downtown bar that’s known for its craft cocktails and cozy atmosphere. The bar is housed in a historic building that was once home to a newspaper, and the decor pays homage to its journalistic past.
The menu features a variety of small plates and shareable dishes, and there’s often live music on the weekends.
What Makes Press and Pony Special:
- Has a speakeasy-style atmosphere with a secret entrance and vintage decor
- Offers a menu of creative and unique cocktails
- Has a cozy and intimate atmosphere with seating for small groups
- Offers happy hour specials on weekdays and is a great choice for the best nightlife spots in Boise
WEBSITE
Press and Pony can be found at:
7. Liquid Lounge
The Liquid Lounge is a popular nightclub that’s known for its high-energy dance floor and top-notch DJs.
It’s a great spot for a night of dancing and letting loose, and the drink menu features a variety of cocktails and shots. There’s often a cover charge, so be prepared to pay a little extra to get in.
What Makes Liquid Lounge Special:
- Has a sleek and modern atmosphere with contemporary decor and lighting
- Offers a large dance floor with a state-of-the-art sound system and light show
- Often features live DJs and dancing events on the weekends
- Offers a selection of creative and unique cocktails, as well as local beers and wine.
Liquid Lounge can be found at: 405 S 8th St #121, Boise, ID 83702 (208) 345-6620
8. The Funky Taco
The Funky Taco is a Mexican restaurant and bar that’s known for its funky decor and creative cocktails.
The menu features a variety of tacos and other Mexican dishes, and there’s often live music on the weekends. The outdoor patio is a great place to enjoy a margarita and soak up the Idaho sun.
What makes The Funky Taco Special:
- Serves a variety of unique and delicious tacos with creative flavor combinations, such as the crispy duck taco and the Korean BBQ taco
- Has a family-friendly atmosphere during the day, making it a great spot for lunch or an early dinner
- Offers a selection of margaritas and other cocktails, as well as local beers and wine
- Features live music performances and trivia nights for entertainment, making it a lively and fun nightlife spot.
The Funky Taco can be found at: 801 W Bannock St, Boise, ID 83702 (208) 488-4593
9. The Gas Lantern Drinking Company
The Gas Lantern Drinking Company is a cozy, rustic bar that’s known for its friendly atmosphere and great drinks.
The menu features a variety of craft cocktails, beer, and wine, and there’s often a food truck parked outside if you’re feeling hungry. The bar also has a fireplace, making it a great spot to warm up on chilly Idaho nights.
What Makes The Gas Lantern Drinking Company Special:
- Offers a wide selection of beer, wine, and spirits, including unique and hard-to-find options
- Has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with vintage decor and comfortable seating
- Often features live music performances, trivia nights, and other events for entertainment
- Has a large outdoor patio with heaters and string lights, making it a great spot to enjoy drinks and socialize on a warm evening.
Gas Lantern Drinking Company can be found at: 701 W Fulton St, Boise, ID 83702
10. Amsterdam Lounge
The Amsterdam Lounge is a stylish downtown bar that’s known for its creative cocktails and upscale atmosphere. The bar has a European feel, with plush velvet sofas and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
The menu features a variety of small plates and shareable dishes, and there’s often live music on the weekends.
What Makes Amsterdam Lounge Special:
- Has an upscale and sophisticated atmosphere with plush seating and chandeliers
- Offers a menu of creative and unique cocktails
- Features live music performances on the weekends
- Has a European feel with a variety of small plates and shareable dishes on the menu.
Amsterdam Lounge can be found at: 609 W Main St, Boise, ID 83702 (208) 345-9515
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Most of the spots on this list are 21 and up, but some, like The Funky Taco, may be family-friendly during certain hours.
It’s always a good idea to check the dress code before heading out, but most of these spots have a casual dress code.
Prices can vary depending on the spot, but most of them are reasonably priced.
Final Thoughts on the Best Boise Nightlife Spots
Boise, Idaho may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a thriving nightlife scene, but this city has plenty to offer.
From cozy bars with live music to high-energy nightclubs, there’s something for everyone on this list of the top 10 nightlife spots in Boise, Idaho. So, whether you’re a local or just passing through, be sure to check out these hotspots for a night you won’t forget.
