From happy hour to dinner and drinks to the perfectly poured nightcap—Boise’s craft cocktail scene is filled to the brim with mouth-watering options. Grab a one-of-a-kind cocktail at a downtown speakeasy, visit the neighborhood watering hole for a few spirits over a game of shuffleboard, or go for dinner and a killer cocktail. This is where to get your craft cocktail fix in Boise.
Water Bear Bar
350 N 9th St. #100, Boise ID
Must-try cocktails: Old Fashion of the Day, Espresso Martini, Daisy in My Lazy Eye
Happy hour: 9pm-close, small plates and drink specials
Walk into Water Bear Bar and you’ll feel as though you teleported to a 1970s speakeasy jungle. The funky, swanky cocktail bar is small and super cozy, flanked in shades of deep green, and covered top to bottom in lush live plants. Take a seat at a comfy bartop or in a half-moon-shaped booth and take in the incredible cocktail menu. The bartenders at Water Bear are true mixologists and excel in classic cocktails, creative concoctions and punch bowls, while also serving craft beer and natural wines. Pick your poison and pair it with oysters on the half shell, a snacking salad or the ever-addicting popcorn. All of Water Bear’s small plates are made in a 100% gluten-free kitchen. The attention to detail, insanely good cocktails, superb small plates and groovy vibe will have you staying for another round.
It simply delivers–through beautiful scenery, an easygoing downtown, great food, and genuine friendliness.
KIN
999 W Main St, Boise, ID
Must-try cocktails: Moron, Penicillin
KIN is an outstanding bar, prix fixe tasting room and seasonal music, theater and art venue. Its bar specializes in craft cocktails made with fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients. The Moron is a local favorite, made with gin, aquavit, fresh carrot juice, ginger, and lime. On the other end of the sipping spectrum is Penicillin, a lovely mix of scotch, ginger, caramelized honey and lemon. Cocktails can be paired with a small bar food menu, including pickles, sweet and spicy nuts, and everything-spiced soft pretzels with Woodland beer cheese. If you’re in for a nightcap, get the Krispy & Whiskey—a Rice Krispy, mallow, peanut butter, and chocolate, served with a mini shot of whiskey.
Bittercreek
246 N 8th St, Boise, ID
Must-try cocktails: Fuzzy Leopard, Fireside Chat
Happy hour: M-F “low power happy hour” with lights off, local beer and wine specials, select cocktails and small plates
Bittercreek is first and foremost an alehouse and local restaurant, but the cocktails are off the charts. The most popular is the Fuzzy Leopard, a bright pink blend of vodka, Cointreau, herb cordial and lime, creating a slightly sweet and surprising cocktail. For the bold drinkers, the Fireside Chat will have you telling campfire stories with a blend of Knob Creek Rye and Smoked Maple, stirred with Punt E Mes, and cardamom-orange bitters. A big menu of entrees, apps and late-night happy hour makes it the perfect place for a bite and a beverage.