We love Bear Island. The owners have created a welcoming community for those who want to come in and relax with a cool drink. It's a regular stop when out for evening walks...although it turns into more beers and fewer miles. Lots of work went into creating more protected shade and shelter on the patio. Bear Island is always clean, comfortable and welcoming. I do miss the food options that have been available in the past. read more

Great beer, great selection, great place to hang and have a beer or 2....or 3 or have a flight.

Incredibly friendly service and fun staff. Wife had Christmas in your mouth and she liked it. I had the Cucumbear and loved it.

Bear Island Brewing is brewery visit #229 for me. I had the chance to visit several breweries in Boise/Meridian over the course of a couple days and BIB was the first. There isn't a lot of parking here but you can park in the residential area behind it. BIB has a pretty small taproom but it wasn't too busy when we arrived. Idaho potato ale was a nice IPA. I can't say I could pick out any flavors or anything that would have been added by potato's though. A flight was in order for me Ammo Bocks German dunkles is a good one. A lot of caramel on the nose, which isn't as prominent on the tongue. Lord Mor Scotch ale with heather tips was pretty good but didn't have the sweetness you would usually get on the tongue. There was definitely a floral aroma from the heather. This isn't high on my list of Scotch ales unfortunately. The Schokolade German chocolate stout was the best of the ones I tasted. Chocolate flavors on nose which followed really well on the tongue. If you stop in here, try the Schokolade! If anyone is a glutton for punishment, please, follow my brewery, and distillery, reviews from across the U.S. and beyond! https://www.yelp.com/collection/-8iscFkpiiCI563-FDfwGg and if anyone is wondering who SWPFTD is you will have to check out my review of Black Market Brewing Co in Temecula, CA to understand. Yes, you will need to read into it a little to get the joke but I have confidence in you! read more

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Wowah, if you haven't been, you probably should go right now... well when they open. What a great place! The environment is so welcoming, clean, and the seating is so comfortable. I know that sounds strange but uncomfy seating is the worst. You will probably just want to sit here all night/day drinking beer/cider. Expect several beers on tap and a few local ciders as well. I always get the Idaho Potato Lager but I can't wait to try their seasonal ales this summer. I tend to find one and stick to it so I plan to branch out a bit. No matter, there is a beer for you! This is a patio you won't want to miss in the summer. It is fenced off, roomy and I just can't wait for it to warm up. I hope they add some string lights.... I die for patios with string lights in the warmer months. There are a few games if you want to do a game night with some friends or even bring your computer to study. Each time I have been in here there is always someone on their computer studying. Genius-study while beering! Limited parking but there is side street parking. Sounds silly but check out the bathrooms. Look for the little things.... like the hanger in the bathrooms, the faucet, the door handle. The coolness is in the small details. This place is pretty darn amazing and everyone of so friendly and happy! See you there!! read more

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Shortly after this place opened, we loved it. The beer is some of the best in the city. They're still figuring out the food thing but this doesn't keep us away. The people are amazing and I love the fact they opened this brewery up in an old fire station. That was absolutely genius. If you haven't gone in, this is a must try. read more

Bear Island has a pretty chill vibe. Went for a business meeting and drinks. Overall the beer was great and I would highly recommend anyone looking for a local brewery to try their taps. The food wasn't impressive and I wouldn't ever eat here again. Overpriced, poor value. Would visit again, but only for drinks. read more

Didn't even get a chance to walk in the door before we got kicked out. Carried my 13 Month old in and that wasn't allowed. Beer? Possibly delicious, but who's to say? In this day and age I think it's a pretty piss poor business model to discriminate against people with kids considering that's a huge population of people who comes to breweries. Won't get my business ever again. To top it off? Two first responders here! read more

Beer was good. Food choices limited. Did not have any hazy's which I love. Indoors was meh. Outdoor area was cute though. Extra star for their adorable merch. got myself a super cute shirt. read more

Bear Island Brewing - a red tshirt with a bear on it - Breweries Near Me - Boise, Idaho

The food and drinks are incredible. I got the Banh Mi and everything from the sandwich to the chips were delicious. I enjoyed the atmosphere as well, we will definitely be back! read more

Bear Island Brewing - Bahn Mi - Breweries Near Me - Boise, Idaho

Great spot off of Fairview, in Boise. I had their Idaho Potato Ale (IPA) and Smoked IPA. Both were fantastic. Chill atmosphere. The owner and bartender were both very friendly and they loved talking about their beers. I'll definitely go back to see what's new. read more

Best place in Boise. They do not seem to ever make a poor beer. I have liked them all. Beth is a hard working owner and deserves the success achieved. read more

Tiny hole in the wall brewery. They turned an old firehouse into a brewery and it's adorable. They do not allow anyone under the age of 21. They have a handful of beers on tap and your basic bar food menu. Not alcohol free friendly for those who don't drink. The parking lot is tiny and you will more than likely have to park on the street in front of peoples homes. read more

Love the beer you can drink it like juice!!! and the owners are so nice! This place is super cool looking fairly new still if you go in for your first time don't forget to checkout the bathrooms the owners even bring up the bathrooms but super cool looking place! I love the beer but this place has so much more potential it's not quite a 5 star experience yet. read more

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I waited over an hour to speak to the owner so I could book two large parties. She ignored me. Also, the food sucked.

Awesome service and a great brewery. Great location in the Boise fire station #6. Lots of love for Vets and Firefighters. The beers are tasty! read more

Bear Island Brewing - XBearimental Imperial IPA with some fresh hops on top. - Breweries Near Me - Boise, Idaho

Wow! This Brewery is AMAZING! The beers: I was able to try 5 different ones, and the Couch Potato was my favorite! Each beer was flavorful and leaves you begging for another sip. You won't be disappointed by any of their craft beers. The building: What an amazing building with so much history. Ask "The Tattoo'd Gentleman" about it. Or about the Coor's cans behind the bar. The location: For us it's right in our backyard! For you, it's worth the drive! Lastly, they always have great food vendors to go with their amazing beers. Such an amazing experience, we will be back soon and often. read more

If you haven't checked out Bear Island yet...WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!?!? This little brewery is one of my new go to spots!! Its family owned and operated, which I love! The building is unique and well decorated adding a very warm and friendly atmosphere! But atmosphere-stmatmosphere....its a brewery, so all you care about is the beer right??? WELL GOOD NEWS...THEY NAIL IT!!! They have rotating taps constantly, which makes for a fun experience trying new beers. The blonde, brown and IPA which seem to always be on are all really good. The "fuse" is a pepper infused beer that is very tasty and would make a great red beer......BUT WHAT REALLY GETS ME PUMPED UP ABOUT THIS PLACE IS THEIR INNOVATIVE STOUTS!!!! One of the best stouts I have ever had in my life(and that is saying a lot) is the LADY M.....its a lavender chocolate stout(I know sounds super weird)...BUT IT IS AMAZING!! Only downfall is it is seasonal and sells out super quick! They also brew a beer called "Christmas In Your Mouth"....I cant begin to break down the ingredients for you...but it does as promised and puts Christmas in your mouth!! Who doesn't want that!! Right now they have a German chocolate cake stout...what you ask? YES A GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE STOUT....it's as good as it sounds...mind blown!!! I'm slowly becoming a regular here...and I'm excited about this place. No food, but the trucks come around Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights to soak up some of that beer in your belly! They always have the game on and a dog friendly patio...so come check it out! read more

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Stopped by with a few friends. Very cool place! Very nice and clean and the beer was good! I was happy to see that they were busy. The building is very cool and unique. The Bar tender was nice. He was busy helping others but he still acknowledged us and when he was free he came over and took our orders. All in all its a solid brewery. Good location, decent parking. The front parking was full but they have a back lot so that was nice. I plan on making this a regular spot! read more

Bear Island Brewing - Idaho Potato Ale - Breweries Near Me - Boise, Idaho

Walked in, nobody was wearing a mask, nobody was social distancing. I don't care how your beer is if you can't practice basic human decency.

For just an all-around "feel good" place... this is it. Great location, plenty of parking out back and the bartenders are very informative and helpful. You can bring food in from Flying Pie if no food-trucks are around. Are you a veteran and/or support local? Add these lil bonuses to the feel good list! read more

Bear Island Brewing - Breweries Near Me - Boise, Idaho

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I've walked by this brewery many times but finally visited when my daughter, a home brewer, was visiting. We were both wildly impressed with the ambiance, the friendliness, AND the brews! Yummy brews (even 'gluten reduced')! You will love this place. Love it!!! read more

Great location with fun owners. Beers always good with a huge selection of different styles.

Beer was is phenomenal!! Atmosphere is well thought out and inviting. Personality behind the bar has room for growth, patrons will keep coming back to a smiling, inviting face that is more willing to provide service than just pour a beer, and let food get cold on the counter while out on the patio. Definitely has room grow and great potential. read more

Just checked this place out Saturday with some friends. First the vibe is great, super chill, super friendly staff.....and great beer selections. My friend got some Jamaican Spice Banana Beer, which was surprisingly so good and different. They had a food truck there....sorry to the food truck that your name is escaping me, but those PORK BELLY TACOS were so delish! Great crispy pork belly, topped with cabbage, pickled red onions, and topped with a chipotle sauce. Can't wait to go back! read more

What can I say about Bear Island? Quite frankly its AWESOME! Veteran staff with always a friendly welcome. Makes you feel at home. Great foundation beers and rotating seasonal and collaborative beers. Excellent selection and knowledge of beers. My wife truly appreciates they carry a BlackBerry cider since shes not a huge beer drinker. It's always my go to brewery. Will definitely be one of my favorites and appreciate them bringing in bad ass food trucks for a great dinner and great beer. Bear Island will stand strong in the boise area. read more

Best beer in town!!! The owner makes each batch herself personally. They also have a great food menu!

Great place to grab a cold tasty beer. Atmosphere and people are very accepting. Thanks for all you do. GMM2 in the day.

Beer is always amazing, along with Beth, and staff. I am enjoying this place so much. Food trucks, rotating delicious beers, and clean spacious atmosphere. One of the best breweries in Boise. read more

Bear Island Brewing - ESB all day drinker - Breweries Near Me - Boise, Idaho

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Love Bear Island Beers and really look forward to drinking them in the new tap house.

You definitely don't want to miss this place! Great beer(every single one is awesome), incredibly nice people, and delicious food (bbq cart)! Don't wait, go there right now! Owner operated! read more

This place is amazing. I'm a wine snob, and I love their beers. The chimay is delicious! It's called a Belgium Triple at Bear Island. Highly recommend. read more