Amsterdam Lounge

•$$

I was in town for business, and I had a local friend tell me, "you gotta go in here. You can tell…read morethe bartender what you like flavor wise, and they will make you something even better than you can imagine." And that, my friends, is exactly what happened. I walked in, not sure what to get. The bartender asked me what flavors I like. She went away and made me this epic cocktail. She told me all the things she added, and it was clear, these bartenders are the real deal. They know their stuff. I drank my delightful cocktail way too fast. But it was so damn good. The vibe is fun. They bartenders interact with everyone and do all kinds of cool things with cool ingredients and tell you about it all. Perfect spot for a loungey date night, or a meet up with a friend. There is no food. But plenty of spots on 8th in walking distance. This is probably one of the best cocktail bars I've ever been to. ... and I've been to a lot. :)

I first came here in June of last year (2025), Before I moved to the treasure Valley area. Within…read morethe first hour of being here, I felt the most welcome. Like this bar changed my whole perspective on the whole state of Idaho being a California transplant, which doesn't hold that much weight with other people in Idaho, but I don't care. I will always come here anytime I come downtown and I will always overtip because the likes of Ruby and Darien never disappoint, including the regulars, whom are also always nice. For every overrated cactus bar with the worst service, there is the mode lounge which sets the standard for everything in Boise.

Love this hand drawn list of all the employees or "family"

Sleek interior and bar

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Vieux carre in the front and Manhattan behind

Hap Hap Lounge

4.1(14 reviews)

It was hap-hap-happening on a Wednesday night at the Hap Hap Lounge, complete with an energetic DJ…read morespinning tunes from all decades. My drink was strong but I fell for the name: Honky Tonk Angel. Friends enjoyed their Negroni and mocktail. I did not expect to be dancing, but it was too fun to resist.

Cute, funky little spot with a really creative drink menu. I had their Day of the Dead drink…read morespecial, which I can basically describe as an ice-cold hot chocolate cocktail, it had a great, warm heat to it and tasted so decadent. My other girlfriends also ordered cocktails, and we had some of the dips to nibble on (the hummus and the French onion dip). I wish it came with crackers or bread instead of corn chips, but oh well. Our waitress was super nice and answered all of our questions and made recommendations for us.

Cosmo

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DJ starting the set

Red Feather Lounge

4.0(395 reviews)

•$$

Great dinner, great brunch! Good service in a semi formal setting. Phenomenal wine list as well.read more

My husband and I really wanted to like this place! The setting is wonderful and the ambience is…read morereally nice. We had breakfast there this morning and it was just OK. We both got the traditional eggs Benedict... and I ate maybe 15% of my breakfast and just stopped. My husband ate all of his... but mostly because he was just hungry... Much like our Labrador who will eat absolutely anything! Haha. But he said it was only OK. He rated it a 5/10. What he disliked the most was the potatoes. They were fairly hard/tough and tasted like they were fried in old oil and sitting under heat lamps for two hours before we got them. They were very dehydrated as well. For me... The hollandaise sauce was fresh, but had no flavor. It needed more lemon or salt or something. The ham was odd... I'm a little too salty. It seemed like Hillshire Farms sliced ham. Not something you would expect at a nice restaurant in your eggs Benedict. Also, I ordered an Arnold Palmer... And it was so sour that I had to send it back. I poured like a heaping teaspoon of sugar into it, and it didn't even make a difference.... It was that sour. It actually started to make my stomach hurt a little. So I sent it back. And the waitress was very nice, and didn't charge me for it. The service was good... But they cram everyone in there on one side of the restaurant... at least outside. I have no idea why... They have all this space in front of their restaurant and yet they try and cram everybody right next to each other. It was very annoying, and made me just wanna leave. They have many tables on the other side like 10 feet away... But they insisted on cramming everybody into the same small area. And you could tell nobody wanted to be that close to one another. I'm not sure if they do this to make it easier for their servers... Or to make the restaurant look busy. Either way, it's a practice that they really should stop. My advice to the restaurant... Utilize your space outside in front, stop cramming people so close together. When you have to get up and move your chair so someone can get to their table... it's ridiculous! On a positive note... Their coffee was actually really good! Some of the best that we've had in a restaurant in many many years. And I know, I mentioned it above, but I should mention it again... The weight staff was wonderful. From the girl who greeted us at the front podium, to our waitress, and the waitressing training. Everyone was wonderful. So, to end this review... I can only comment on the breakfast. We didn't have anything else there, and maybe it will be good... But I'm not sure if I'm willing to give this place another try. Good luck!

Cauliflower "KFC"

Main area

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Huevos Rancheros

8 Horses Lounge

4.3(20 reviews)

We did a work happy hour at 8 Horses Lounge last Friday night and it was a great time! The…read moreatmosphere was amazing. While we didn't get to enjoy the vault room, the cozy couch we had was perfect for our group. Service was great in the beginning of the visit and then it fell off as the bar got busier. Not sure if it was the amount of people and staff or if it's a larger issue. That being said, our server was very friendly and thoughtful. I know he had lots of groups to take care of. Our drinks were very well made. We came in to take part in Happy Hour. The Buy one Get One menu was a bit limited, but we were able to find something to our liking. Overall it was a great location for our group and I'd definitely go back.

A Step Down That's a Definite Step Up!…read more Descending into the basement-level space of 8 Horses Cocktail Lounge feels a bit like stepping into a secret (Vault) -- and what you find is an elevated cocktail experience that's anything but underground. Intimate, stylish, and thoughtfully designed, 8 Horses delivers on every front. The atmosphere is warm and moody, with just the right touch of sophistication. The cocktail menu is a standout -- creative, balanced, and clearly curated by people who know their craft. Each drink feels like a conversation between ingredients, not just a mix. The service is sharp yet approachable, with bartenders who are as passionate as they are skilled. Whether you're a cocktail aficionado or just out for a special evening, 8 Horses is a destination worth seeking out. Boise has no shortage of great spots -- but 8 Horses proves that sometimes, the best way to level up your night is by taking the stairs down.

View of the bank vault. Cool inside--and from view outside.

Hand-crafted cocktails + vibes

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Gatsby

4.6(215 reviews)

A speak easy in Boise! I was intrigued! The whole experience was so fun to share with a group of…read morefriends! We stood in the alley and knocked on the door. A small window in the door opened and we had to provide a password to gain entry. (Initially our large group had to reserve 3 time slots and we would be seated separately.) I was in the first group. We were let into a small area with floor to ceiling bookcases. Of course there was a book that once pulled, opened a secret door to the bar within. The ambiance was dim lighting and groups of comfortable seating areas. The waiter was very attentive and knowledgeable about the drinks on the menu. I started with a mocktail that could be made vegan by omitting the egg white. Beautifully presented with a flower design. It was sweet and it was tart. The second drink I got was a cocktail that was smooth with a perfect amount of sweet. My friends got cocktails in their unique glasses. When our next group came through, they were led into a room. After a while, one friend came out to say hello to us. The waiter noticed that we knew each other and told my group to follow him. The room was dimly lit and was furnished with comfortable armchairs and couches. Our third group was able to join us in the room and we were able to mingle seated or standing. The different drinks that were ordered were so cool. A smoky bubble was set on top of a cone shaped glass that resembled an ice cream cone. I had a couple of friends that ordered gin drinks and they were served in a bathtub complete with rubber ducky! This was such a fun and special way to celebrate a friend's birthday! The service was superb!

I've been to several speakeasies around the USA and Gatsby should be the standard of what a…read morespeakeasy should be. No really! Imagine yourself walking through the 8th St promenade in downtown Boise. It's hustling and bustling with people and restaurants that are packed. Then, out of the corner of your eye, you see an alley. It's kinda dark, maybe a little unsettling at first. You see a steel door with a small panel at the top of the door. No door handles but a green lit old stagecoach light, a small wooden sign hanging g just beyond the door with a key on it. Hmmm, strange. In faded sharpie letters it says Knock knock on the metal door, so you knock twice. The panel on the door slides open and they ask for the password. Whoa!!!! Luckily you called ahead to make reservations so they whispered it to you. You give the password and door opens to a tiny little library with a couple of shelves full of books. The hosts welcomes you and you stare at the bookshelf knowing it isn't just a bookshelf but a door. You try pulling on different books guessing which is the right one but after a minute the hostess shows you and you enter a beautiful brick walled 1920s decorated room with seats and dim lights and no windows whatsoever. The artwork is prohibition-era themed. Heck, there's even a stack of wooden barrels that supposedly hold spirits. That is exactly the speakeasy experience you are looking for. We were seated in the boiler room, a private area which had beautiful wooden lockers with glass doors all lit up and full of booze. Books line the wall and there is an old fireplace covered with candles that have melted wax all over the mantle. In the corner is a poker table. Really the perfect vibe for a speakeasy. Glance at the menu and notice their tang of cheaper to very rare and unique spirits, some costing hundreds of dollars for a shot. Whisky, vodka, rum, gin, scotch, bourbon, you name it. But also check out their cocktails. They can even make mocktails if you don't want alcohol. Not only are the drinks unique but so is their presentation. The glades used I've never seen. Some drinks have a printed pattern on them, others come with dry ice that quickly evaporates or a cool smoked filled bubble. The whole experience was just amazing. This is a do not miss opportunity if you like drinks and cool, unique experiences. They even have another room in the back called the Garrison Room which looks like a mineshaft. I just love the thought put into this place. And when you are done, you exit through a nondescript door and exits to a patio area of another restaurant and back out to the promenade. Just a wow experience! So glad I did it.

Garrison room

JAMES CAGNEY and JEAN HARLOW

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Sisters enjoying the Gatsby atmosphere.

Press & Pony

4.7(137 reviews)

•$$

The Speak Easy Vibe of this place is great! Love the low…read morelighting and chill energy. The drinks were fantastic. The Bar Tender was personable and Kind and a wonderful mixologist. Definitely recommend stopping in.

We have been here a few times now and every experience has been great! The bartenders are very…read moreentertaining and always have a good attitude. The cocktail are also delicious. I even tried a bourbon cocktail (usually I'm a vodka or gin drinker) and it was so tasty! They have a bourbon vault with a good selection of high end bottles that you can order a pour of. I have not seen it, but there is an event space on the 2nd floor that you can rent out as well. We will definitely be back!

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Art Haus Bar

4.2(5 reviews)

The music was overwhelmingly loud so I had a hard time hearing unfortunately. The service was ok,…read moreat the time we were supposed to fill our own water which is fine in itself, just didn't make sense for the upscale vibe the restaurant gave. Given the type of food and menu prices, I would've assumed water wasn't a self serve system. The food was okay, not necessarily my taste but I understand why people enjoy it. We got the ramen with pork belly (came recommended)- it was overly sour and vinegary. I knew the flavors wouldn't be authentic but I still like to try different "takes" in the dish. My friends and I weren't impressed unfortunately. I don't plan to go back since the overall experience (i've been a few times by the way) wasn't worth noting.

Came here on my friends recommendation while we were in town! I got the ramen with pork belly and i…read moream still thinking about it! My favorite ramen I've ever had I think! My friends all got burgers which were yummy ! The fries were very crunchy and the seasoning on it was delicious like salt and vinegary ! We got two apps one was deviled egg and the other was like a Korean chicken nugget dish that were recommended by the waiter! The cocktail I got was citrusy and light also recommended! I thought everything was delicious they had a lot of fun games and it was very moody inside! I'd go back if I ever go back to Boise

Food menu

Don's Affair

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Table

KIN

4.2(84 reviews)

Always such a unique and amazing experience. The tomato macarons were absolutely delightful,…read moredespite my initial hesitation based on ingredients. The staff is very professional and knowledgeable. What a true gem to the treasure valley.

I was ecstatic to try out this place with my husband. So we ordered beef tartare, chicken thigh…read moreskewers, beef skewers, and their Hot Noodz (ramen) with pork belly. And for the drink I tried their "I think therefore I Yam". Food wise, I was a bit disappointed with the beef tartare because I was hoping some meat in it. Menu didn't say it was vegetarian.. so when I got it was scrambling for beef but there's none. Although it was still decent and flavorful. Ramen was also okay, the choice of noodles they use is usually the noodles you see on a stir fry noodles, not on soup. Noodles were undercooked and barely any soup to sip. The pork belly was hard and a bit overcooked. Chicken skewers were good and so as the beef skewers. They were tender. Staff were okay, but also didn't seem too welcoming. When our server gave us the menu, he seemed like he didn't even want to be there. So yeah idk. If I were to come back here again, I'd get the skewers and the I think therefore I Yam drink.. but that's about it.

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The Highlander

I can't say enough good things about the Highlander, it's always the highlight of my trips to…read moreBoise. Great vibes, beautiful views, and seriously amazing cocktails make this place a must-visit every time. Pro tip: ask to sit in Amanda's section. She's friendly, super efficient, and knows the cocktail and food menu inside and out, exactly the kind of server you hope for on a great night out. Do not leave without ordering the Birdcage Flight for Two (so fun and totally worth it), and whatever you do, don't miss A Pigeon Walks Into a Bar. Trust me on this one, so yummy, you might have to order more than one.

Best ceviche I have ever had in Idaho! Where most restaurants in the Treasure Valley drown the…read moreingredients with clamato juice, this place served their's with lots of fresh fish and plenty of tasty substance, enough for two people to share. We sat inside near the bar since most seating outdoors was taken but I'm really looking forward to coming back and sitting out on the roof. Staff was super polite and what impressed me was their dedication to the place being spotless. I saw them do a very thorough job of cleaning the high chairs once guests left and before new folks arrived. Definitely want to come back and give this place another try!

Eats at The Highlander Rooftop Bar

Inside The Highlander Rooftop Bar

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The Highlander Rooftop Bar Food and Drink

Thick As Thieves

4.5(127 reviews)

Thick as Thieves has long been one of my favorite speakeasies in Boise. I've been many times, but…read morethis is my first time leaving a review. The staff is always attentive and impressively knowledgeable about the drinks. This visit, I tried something different--a whiskey sour served over shaved ice. I loved how perfectly chilled it was; the ice kept the drink from becoming overly sweet as it melted. I typically go for more booze-forward cocktails, so this was a fun change for me. My partner ordered a Toki highball, which was a perfect fit for his keto diet--highly carbonated soda water, Toki Japanese whiskey, and lemon. Clean, simple, and refreshing. If you're in the mood for a dark, super romantic experience, the space delivers moody ambiance in spades. Be sure to make a reservation!

Very cool speakeasy bar. The ambiance and everything about it was very cool. The drinks were fun…read moreand the staff was friendly. First time here and I will definitely be back again!