Neurolux
The stiffest drinks in boise, bartenders here use a five-count pour, instead of the standard three-count, so yes, that is a rum and coke, even though it is clear. arguably the best jukebox in town, featuring charlie parker, george jones, beastie boys, the ramones, wilco, and the rolling stones. and that's not even the best, just the ones you're most likely to know. the clientele are about as varied as their tastes in music, so nobody is judgmental of anyone else, just what's playing on the jukebox. this is the place for indie rock shows, if you couldn't tell. the biggest bands played here before they played the arenas. beware, it is always dark at "the 'lux," despite the big picture window letting in sunlight they have black blinds for when it's too bright for rock&roll.
Montego Bay
Located off state street, on lake harbor ln., you can't miss the billboards that show the way. montego bay is a bar and restaurant with a dock on the water, open from may until september-ish. the drinks and food are kind of expensive, but the ambiance is great, and if you're a non-smoker, the open air dock is a good way to escape the smelly smoke of the inside. there is a dance floor in the building, and patio furniture outside, with tableside service, and outdoor bars.
Crescent 'No Lawyers' Bar & Grill
When the owners of a then-nondescript Boise Bench neighborhood watering hole were sued by a lawyer neighbor over a residential dispute in the 1980s, they turned the experience into some free publicity and a theme for their business. Known citywide for its excellent bar food as well as for turning lawyer jokes into a veritable cottage industry, today Crescent No Lawyers is one of the city's largest sports bars.
Dirty Little Roddy's
Maybe a little what you might expect; country music, sawhorse tables, peanuts and a mechanical bull that ladies can ride for free. you might not expect that this bar is popular with college kids and is nearly impossible to get into on a weekend night. it's in the basement, so be prepared to walk drunk up a narrow flight of stairs if you plan on spending any time here.
China Blue
Owned by the same man as dlr, china blue is the resident dance club, playing hip-hop music and catering to college-goers. there's an obligatory vip section, as well as a bed and a gong to alert patrons to the presence of a big tipper. there is usually a cover, and drinks are expensive, especially for boise, but on the up-side, the ladies restroom has a private champagne bar and bartender, so any annoying boys with too much bling can wait outside while you drink in the bathroom.
10th Street Station
Located in the basement of the idanha hotel now apartments you can experience the relaxed crowd, friendly staff, and charm of a former speakeasy. as long as you don't ask for a 'pint' only 10 oz glasses are served you'll be welcome to stay the night. note that they generally close early at 1:30am.
Bittercreek Alehouse
Very busy local independent downtown hangout, rustic northwest food & beer. Focus on local organic products and 30 beers on tap from small batch regional brewers. The above standard "pub grub" fare is also vegetarian friendly.
Grainey's and J.T. Toad's
Across the street from china blue and dirty little roddy's, these twin bars on two levels of the same building typically charge a cover but provide relatively cheap beverages once inside. in addition, there are often two live bands playing, one on each level. the basement band typically cajoles more bar-hoppers into dancing than its upstairs counterpart. while somewhat low on atmosphere, these bars can be a lively stop, particularly for the younger crowd. note that grainey's may be the oldest 'original' bar in boise - great charm for a happy-hour drink.
Bardenay Restaurant and Distillery
Bardenay, the first restaurant in the nation to include a distillery, features hand crafted cocktails of the finest ingredients. Bardenay distills rum, vodka and gin and uses them all in their drinks. This bar has an outdoor patio and a cool, laid-back vibe.
Les Bois Park Clubhouse & Turf Club
(http://www.lesboisracing.com/). tuesday night ladies night will usually have around 2,500 people, free admission and a wide variety of drinkers. beer is cheaper than most other sports entertainment venues definitely colder and has a couple of bars and multiple areas to get around and not be stuck at a table or bar until you fall over. there are two restaurants with pay-for tables and a patio with the same. expect a lot of very lightly dressed women and hope for a longshot to win one of the races so you can get $2 drafts for 20 minutes.
Boise has a surprisingly well-rounded nightlife, all stereotypes to the contrary, but once again, the best places to drink are all downtown. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, throngs of young women in midriff-baring outfits no matter the weather and young men strutting their stuff cruise downtown bars.