Boise’s Best Speakeasies and Hidden Bars
Boise may be known for its laid back lifestyle and outdoor access, but after dark the city offers a surprisingly strong cocktail scene. Over the past several years, speakeasy style bars and hidden lounges have become some of the most popular nightlife spots in downtown Boise.
From discreet entrances to dimly lit cocktail rooms, Boise speakeasies offer a more intimate alternative to crowded bars. These hidden spaces focus on atmosphere, thoughtful drink menus, and the experience of discovering something you might otherwise walk past. Whether you are a local looking for a new place to try or visiting Boise and hoping to experience the city’s nightlife, this guide covers the best speakeasies in Boise and what makes each one worth finding.
Here’s a guide to the best Boise speakeasies, what makes each one special, and how to find them.
Thick as Thieves
Thick As Thieves is a true hidden cocktail bar in downtown Boise, known for its candlelit atmosphere, intimate seating, and classic speakeasy energy. The space feels cozy and intentional, making it a favorite for date nights and small groups.
Food & Cocktails:
Cocktails focus on classic recipes with modern twists, featuring house infusions, thoughtful techniques, and well balanced flavors.
Additional Details:
One of the most unique details is the menu itself. Guests are given small lights that reveal a hidden drink menu printed directly on the page. Light bites are available to pair with cocktails.
How to find it:
Use the side door marked with two thieving birds at 620 West Idaho Street. Walk upstairs and find the phone at the top of the stairs. Dial 102 for cocktails and the door will open.
Reservations: (Book Here)
Reservations are encouraged but not required. Parties of two are allotted 90 minutes. Parties of four or more receive two hours. Guests must be twenty one or older.
Instagram | Website | 620 West Idaho Street, Suite 200, Boise
Gatsby
Gatsby offers one of the most immersive speakeasy experiences in downtown Boise, blending vintage inspiration with playful modern energy. Seasonal themes rotate throughout the year, giving the space a fresh feel even for repeat visits.
Food & Cocktails:
Cocktails are crafted using house made syrups and fresh pressed juices, supported by a deep backbar featuring bourbon, whiskey, tequila, gin, and scotch. The menu also includes elevated bites such as charcuterie, artisan chocolates, prawns, and caviar.
Additional Experiences:
Gatsby also offers optional hidden experiences within the venue, including the Garrison Room for private spirit tastings and Boiler Room Social, a members only club with exclusive perks.
How to find it:
Call the day of your visit to receive the password. Walk along 8th Street and locate Union Alley. Look for the green light and wooden skeleton key sign. Enter through the door, share the password, and staff will guide you through the hidden bookcase entrance.
Reservations: (Book Here)
Reservations can be booked online but are not required. You must call the day of your visit to receive the passcode. Reservations are ninety minutes. Physical ID required.
Instagram | Website | 280 N. 8th Street, Ste. 130, Boise
Suite 104
Although this bar does not require a passcode, Suite 104 is still considered one of Boise’s hidden gems and is often referred to as Boise’s worst kept secret. Located below street level in downtown Boise, the space offers a modern, elevated cocktail experience led by highly skilled mixologists.
Food & Cocktails:
The cocktail menu features both signature drinks, like the Method 104, and fully custom creations crafted with the help of the bartending team. Suite 104 does not operate as a full food venue, but it is surrounded by several downtown restaurants that make it easy to plan dinner before or after drinks.
Additional Details:
The space features a relaxed yet refined atmosphere along with a beautiful patio, making it a popular choice during warmer months.
How to find it:
Located in the basement of 280 North 8th Street. Enter the building and follow the signage downstairs to Suite 104.
Reservations:
Reservations are not required.
Instagram | Website | 280 N 8th St, Boise
Press & Pony
Press and Pony calls to the curious, the adventurous, and anyone who believes a great night starts with a well made cocktail. While it does not require a password or secret knock, the atmosphere still carries that speakeasy charm with dim lighting, intimate seating, and a focus on craft.
Food & Cocktails:
Cocktails are the heart of Press and Pony. The menu features a strong lineup of house standards, seasonal creations, and rotating favorites alongside beer, wine, and shots. Guests can also choose the “Pick Your Poison” option for a fully custom cocktail crafted around personal taste preferences. Light snacks are available, including bar nuts with pretzels.
How to find it:
Press and Pony can be accessed two ways. You can enter through the main Press and Pony door from outside, or through the secret entrance inside Boise Fry Company behind the door labeled “Boise Fry Company Corporate Office.”
Reservations:
Reservations are not required. Seating is first come, first served and wait times may occur on busy weekend nights.
Instagram | Website | 622 W Idaho St, Boise
AMPERSAND (ART HAUS BAR)
Perched high above downtown Boise, Ampersand is a hidden cocktail lounge offering one of the most unique speakeasy experiences in the city. Located on the 14th floor of 999 Main Street, the space feels intimate, artistic, and intentionally tucked away from the street below.
Food & Cocktails:
There is no traditional menu at Ampersand. Cocktails are custom made based on your personal flavor preferences, creating a one of a kind experience each visit.
Additional Details:
Ampersand is one of the highest elevation bars in Idaho and offers sweeping views of downtown Boise, the Capitol Building, and surrounding foothills.
How to find it:
Begin your evening at KIN, then head to ART HAUS BAR and ask for an elevated cocktail. This will grant you access to Ampersand. Staff will guide you upstairs to the speakeasy.
Reservations: (Book Here)
Reservations are strongly recommended due to limited seating. Visits are limited to one hour.
Instagram | Website | 999 W Main St., Ste P101, Boise.
The Craft Lounge
Craft Lounge brings a speakeasy style experience to the Treasure Valley with two locations, though only one delivers the hidden bar atmosphere. The Nampa location offers the true speakeasy setting, while the Caldwell spot operates as a full service restaurant.
Food & Cocktails:
Both locations serve a full food menu, making Craft Lounge a solid option for dinner alongside drinks. Cocktails are handcrafted with a focus on approachable classics and creative seasonal flavors.
Additional Details:
The Nampa speakeasy features low lighting, vintage décor, and artwork that gives the space an old world feel. On select nights, Craft Lounge hosts live music and special events, including cocktail classes.
How to find it:
The speakeasy is located in downtown Nampa inside the historic Masonic Building. Enter through Brick 29 and look for the door marked “Janitor’s Closet,” which leads into Craft Lounge.
Reservations:
Reservations are recommended but not required, especially on nights with live music or events.
Instagram | Website | 320 11Th Ave. S #100, Nampa
Sidecar Bar
Sidecar is a lively speakeasy-style bar in Meridian tucked inside Grant’s Neighborhood Grill. It blends craft cocktails with an approachable food menu, making it a great choice for drinks with dinner, happy hour, or a night out with friends.
Food & Cocktails:
Sidecar offers a full drink program featuring expertly made cocktails, premium whiskeys, local beers, and wine. The food menu includes flavorful bar bites and classic comfort dishes such as tempura green beans, beer battered shrimp, bacon and Brussels sprouts, and hearty items like burgers and clams, giving you plenty of options to pair with your drinks.
Additional Details:
Happy hour specials and live music nights make Sidecar a fun stop for both casual nights and celebrations. The cozy yet energetic vibe keeps the mood social without feeling pretentious.
Not quite hidden bars, but definitely special.
These establishments below may not require secret passwords or hidden entrances, but they offer the intimate atmosphere and craft cocktails that make speakeasies so appealing. Check out some of Boise's other hidden gems!
8 Horses Lounge
8 Horses Lounge is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked inside the historic 805 West Idaho building, offering an intimate and refined atmosphere in the heart of downtown Boise.
Food & Cocktails:
The menu features expertly crafted cocktails, an outstanding wine selection, and a rotating food menu with appetizer-style dishes available to enjoy alongside drinks.
Additional Details:
The lounge occupies a former bank vault and still features the original 15-ton vault door. Its name pays tribute to the building’s history, referencing the team of eight horses once used to transport the massive sandstone blocks used in construction.
How to find it:
Located in the basement of the historic 805 West Idaho building. Enter through Fork and head downstairs to the vault entrance.
Reservations:
No reservations are available. The space can be booked for private events.
Instagram | Website | Basement of 805 West Idaho building (below Fork), Downtown Boise
Tiner's Alley Bar (The Avery Hotel)
Tiner’s Alley is a cozy English-style tavern tucked behind The Avery Hotel, offering a hidden-away feel that earns it a spot as an honorable mention. While not a traditional speakeasy, its location off the main street gives it that “you’d never know it’s here” charm.
Food & Cocktails:
The menu features classic cocktails, beer, and wine alongside elevated pub favorites such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, burgers, and other comfort-style dishes. It is an easy choice if you want both dinner and drinks in one stop.
Additional Details:
The space leans warm and welcoming, with dark wood accents and a classic tavern atmosphere that feels casual yet timeless.
How to find it:
Tiner’s Alley can be accessed through The Avery Hotel or by entering from the alley behind the building off Main Street. Look for the entrance marked for Tiner’s Alley.
Reservations:
Reservations are not required. Walk-ins are welcome.
Instagram | Website | 1010 W Main St., Boise, ID 83702
VooDoo Cellar Boise
VooDoo Cellar delivers New Orleans energy with a dark, haunted twist right in the heart of downtown Boise. Located inside the historic Adelmann Building, the space is known for its eerie atmosphere, underground setting, and reputation for paranormal activity.
Food & Cocktails:
The drink menu features craft cocktails, beer, and specialty drinks served in true VooDoo style. While not a full dining destination, it is an easy spot for drinks before or after dinner downtown.
Additional Details:
VooDoo Cellar is widely known as one of Boise’s most haunted bars. Guests have reported unexplained sounds, flickering lights, and shadowy encounters throughout the cellar. Beyond the spooky side, the venue doubles as an entertainment hub with karaoke nights, comedy shows, horror movie screenings, retro gaming, shuffleboard, and more.
How to find it:
Located in the basement of the historic Adelmann Building at the southeast corner of Idaho Street and Capitol Boulevard. Look for the stairwell with the backlit VooDoo Cellar logo sign.
Reservations:
Reservations are recommended for large groups or special events.
Instagram | Website | 200 N Capitol Blvd, Boise (Basement space)
What's a Speakeasy?
A speakeasy is a bar or lounge designed to feel hidden and exclusive, inspired by the Prohibition era when alcohol was illegal in the United States. During that time, patrons had to “speak easy” when entering secret bars to avoid attracting attention. Today, modern speakeasies recreate that sense of mystery through concealed entrances, unmarked doors, and immersive atmospheres.
In Boise, speakeasies range from password-protected cocktail lounges to tucked-away bars hidden behind restaurants, bookcases, alleys, or stairwells. While most no longer require secret codes, their entrances are intentionally subtle and easy to miss unless you know exactly where to look.
What makes Boise speakeasies unique is the variety. Some lean heavily into vintage décor and classic cocktails, while others add modern twists with seasonal drink menus, craft spirits, and interactive experiences. You’ll find everything from intimate lounges ideal for date night to lively hidden bars offering live music, themed events, and late-night entertainment.
If you’re searching for the best speakeasies in Boise, Idaho, these hidden cocktail bars offer some of the most memorable nightlife experiences in the Treasure Valley. Whether you’re a local looking for something new or visiting Boise for the weekend, exploring its speakeasy scene is one of the best ways to experience the city after dark.
Check out my posts: Best Outdoor Patios in Boise & Boise Rooftop Bars!
Hi, I’m Cait. I love sharing hidden gems, local eats, and fun things to do around Boise. From cocktails and brunch to events and weekend adventures, Boise Socialite is your guide to discovering what makes this city so special.
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