Sip in Style: Speakeasies/Lounges in the Treasure Valley and Where to Find Them
The Treasure Valley is home to a vibrant and growing cocktail scene, and for those who love a touch of mystery with their drinks, the area’s hidden speakeasies offer a unique and unforgettable experience. Tucked away these prohibition-style bars transport guests to a bygone era of craft cocktails, dimly lit ambiance, and refined sophistication. Whether you're searching for a cozy, intimate hideaway or a lively underground lounge, these speakeasies serve up expertly crafted drinks with an air of exclusivity. In this guide, we’ll uncover some of the best hidden bars in the Treasure Valley, share insider tips on how to find them, and give you a glimpse into the expertly mixed libations and immersive atmospheres that make each one special. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just looking for a unique night out, these secret spots promise an experience unlike any other.
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Thick as Thieves
Located in the heart of downtown Boise, Thick As Thieves is cozy, eclectic atmosphere with a welcoming, laid-back vibe, featuring a mix of vintage and contemporary decor for enjoying craft cocktails and a lively social experience.
Thick as Thieves is a hidden speakeasy-style cocktail lounge in Boise, ID. Marked only by two thieving birds, entry is gained through a vintage payphone by dialing 102, adding to its exclusive allure. The ambiance is dark, romantic, and intimate, with candlelit tables and stylish vintage decor, making it an ideal spot for gatherings or a date night. The menu features expertly crafted cocktails utilizing innovative techniques like forced carbonation and flash blending. Food options include gourmet bar snacks and a collaboration with Guru Donuts. Known for its immersive experience and prohibition-era charm, Thick as Thieves offers a sophisticated yet playful vibe, making reservations highly recommended.
Top Cocktail Picks: Poppy Don’t Peach, Toki Highball, Return of the Mac
Location: 620 W Idaho St Suite 200, Boise, ID 83702
Social: Thick as Thieves Instagram
8 Horses Lounge
8 Horses Lounge features a sleek, modern atmosphere with a touch of elegance, and their vault-style private room offers an exclusive, intimate space perfect for gatherings, complete with a unique, luxurious vibe.
8 Horses Lounge is an intimate speakeasy style cocktail and wine bar located beneath Fork restaurant in downtown Boise, ID. Housed in the historic 805 West Idaho building, the lounge retains its past as the Boise City National Bank, featuring a striking 15-ton vault door and a hidden wine vault that add to its unique charm. The cozy atmosphere is enhanced by plush seating, creating an inviting space for conversation and relaxation. The menu features handcrafted cocktails such as the Cezanne, Palomino, and Negroni, alongside an extensive wine selection with 19 options by the glass and 23 by the bottle. A shareable appetizer menu complements the drinks, making it a refined yet approachable destination. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 8 Horses Lounge offers a sophisticated yet comfortable vibe, perfect for unwinding without the need for reservations, though private rentals are available upon request.
Top Cocktail Picks: Palomino, Jade Coast, Yellow Jacket
Location: 199 N 8th St STE 50, Boise, ID 83702
Social: 8 Horses Lounge Instagram
The Craft Lounge
The Craft Lounge boasts a cozy, upscale ambiance with a laid-back vibe, offering an impressive cocktail menu that highlights expertly crafted drinks using high-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations.
The Craft Lounge offers a speakeasy-inspired experience with a dark, moody ambiance perfect for those seeking a cozy and inviting space. The lounge features plush booths, tables, and live music, creating a welcoming atmosphere for patrons to enjoy. Known for its carefully curated craft cocktails, local brews, and fine wines, the menu offers a refined selection of drinks, though specific items are not fully detailed. The Craft Lounge operates Monday to Thursday from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and Friday to Saturday from 3:00 PM to midnight, providing a sophisticated setting for unwinding. Reservations can be made by contacting the lounge directly.
Top Cocktail Picks: RX Bandit, She’s a Peach, Pineapple Express
Location: 320 11th Ave S, Nampa, ID 83651 & 801 Everett St. Caldwell, ID 83605
Social: Craft Lounge Instagram
Bar Gibbon / No. 40
Bar Gibbon offers a chic, modern atmosphere with a stylish, inviting vibe, perfect for enjoying craft cocktails and delicious bites in a sophisticated yet relaxed setting.
Bar Gibbon in Boise, ID is a modern American dining spot on the lower level of The Lively. The venue offers a chic, contemporary ambiance with a white acrylic bar top and coordinating features, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. The menu features a variety of brunch and dinner options, including Eggs Benedict and rosemary-seared Idaho trout, along with share plates, pizzas, and handhelds. Bar Gibbon operates Tuesday to Thursday from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM and Friday to Saturday from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM, with reservations available. It provides a stylish environment for enjoying expertly crafted meals in a welcoming, sophisticated setting.
Top Cocktail Picks: Campfire Stories, The Nelson, Chat GPT
Location: 505 W Bannock St, Boise, ID 83702
Social: The Lively Instagram & Bar Gibbon Instagram
Suite 104
Suite 104 offers a cozy, intimate setting with a creative drink menu featuring expertly crafted cocktails tailored to individual tastes, including their signature "Method 104."
Suite 104 located in Downtown Boise is a cozy basement bar known as one of the city's "worst kept secrets." Offering a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, it is an ideal spot for a casual yet refined experience. Suite 104 is famous for its craft cocktails, especially the signature "Method 104," which is tailored to each guest’s preferences through a personalized questionnaire. The bar operates Wednesday to Sunday, with hours from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Sunday) and 11:00 PM (Friday and Saturday). With its cozy vibe and unique drink offerings, Suite 104 is perfect for those seeking a laid-back, intimate setting in downtown Boise.
Top Cocktails Picks: Method 104, Vieux Carre, Fernet Branca
Location: 280 N 8th St Suite 104, Boise, ID 83702
Social: Suite 104 Instagram
Voodoo Cellar
Voodoo Cellar in Boise offers a lively atmosphere with fun events like beer pong events, stand-up comedy, karaoke, and themed nights, making it a vibrant spot for entertainment and socializing.
Voodoo Cellar is an underground pub with a unique, haunted atmosphere, housed in the historic Adelmann Building. The venue offers an extensive selection of beers, ciders, handcrafted cocktails, shots, and seltzers to suit a wide range of tastes. Voodoo Cellar hosts a variety of weekly entertainment, including stand-up comedy on Mondays, karaoke on Wednesdays, and a 2v2 pong tournament on Thursdays, along with special events like drag shows and DJ nights. The pub features retro gaming systems, shuffleboard, and giant Jenga, as well as 8K TVs and a jukebox, creating a vibrant and dynamic environment perfect for socializing and enjoying diverse activities.
Top Cocktail Picks: Mac and Jack, Voodoo Hurricane, Sin and Tonic
Location: 200 N Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID 83702
Social: Voodoo Cellar Instagram
Art Haus Bar / AMPERSAND
Art Haus Bar in Boise offers a creative and sophisticated atmosphere, blending a modern cocktail lounge with a rotating art gallery for a unique and artistic vibe.
Art Haus Bar is a craft cocktail bar known for its unique ambiance and artistic flair. The space features a rotating art gallery that complements its modern, welcoming atmosphere. The menu offers a variety of original cocktails, such as the "Moron," made with gin, aquavit, carrot, ginger, and lime, and the "Ol' Orville," which combines popcorn, Maker's Mark, Zaya Rum, and caramelized honey. Non-alcoholic options, like the "Chamomile Cordial," are also available. Additionally, the bar serves house-made ramen with vegan options and various toppings like soy-marinated egg and kimchi. Art Haus operates on a walk-in basis, providing a relaxed environment for both locals and visitors.
Top Cocktail Picks: Don’s Affair, Marshall Mathers, Ol’ Orville
Location: 999 W Main St Suite P101, Boise, ID 83702
Social: Art Haus Instagram
Gatsby
Gatsby 1920 Bar in Boise is a hidden gem, deliberately hard to find, with a new password generated daily for entry, adding an exclusive touch to the experience.
Gatsby is an exclusive speakeasy-style bar that offers a sophisticated, intimate ambiance reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties. To enter, guests must obtain a daily passcode by calling the bar, and a valid ID is required. Known for its expertly crafted cocktails, including the nationally acclaimed Espresso Martini, Gatsby also serves gourmet food items like jumbo poached prawns, house-cured charcuterie, and local chocolate truffles. The bar operates Tuesday to Saturday, with hours from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Tuesday to Thursday) and 12:00 AM (Friday and Saturday). Its vintage decor, dim lighting, and upscale atmosphere make it a perfect destination for those seeking a unique, refined experience in Boise.
Top Cocktail Picks: Weller Antique, Mitcher’s American Whiskey, Empire State of Mind
Location: 280 N 8th St #130, Boise, ID 83702
Social: Gatsby Instagram
Press & Pony
Press & Pony offers a cozy, 1920s-inspired ambiance with a vibrant scene, making it a perfect spot for enjoying expertly crafted cocktails in a chic, intimate setting.
Press & Pony is a craft cocktail bar that offers a speakeasy-style ambiance with a warm, intimate atmosphere reminiscent of the 1920s. Known for its innovative drinks, the bar focuses on handcrafted cocktails featuring in-house made tonics and sodas, providing a unique and high-quality experience for cocktail enthusiasts. The venue operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with hours from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM daily, and extended hours until 1:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. With its cozy vibe and creative drink menu, Press & Pony is the perfect spot for unwinding or enjoying a special night out.
Top Cocktail Picks: Thistle in the Sky, Dublin Sour, Burnin’ Berries
Location: 622 W Idaho St, Boise, ID 83702
Social: Press & Pony Instagram