There’s something happening over at The Boardwalk in Garden City… and if you haven’t been recently, you’re probably going to be surprised.
I stopped by last year and honestly? It felt like a place with potential. Beautiful location, right on the Greenbelt, but still figuring itself out. Fast forward to now, and after going back with Gabby the other week, it feels completely different. The energy is there. The patios are filling up. Music is playing. People are hanging out instead of just passing through on a bike ride.
It finally feels alive.
And with everything continuing to open this summer, The Boardwalk is quickly turning into one of the Treasure Valley’s most exciting social hubs.
Right on the Greenbelt, The Boardwalk blends apartment living, riverfront patios, food, drinks, live music, and community events all into one space. It’s the kind of place where you show up for a quick drink, but suddenly it’s sunset.
The Location Alone Is Worth the Visit
One thing The Boardwalk absolutely has going for it is the setting.
Being directly on the Boise Greenbelt gives it a laid back, riverside energy that Garden City has been slowly growing into over the last few years. You can bike there, walk there, grab dinner after floating the river, or just sit outside with a cocktail and people watch for a while.
And now that the plaza is filling with new concepts, it truly feels like a destination.
The Boardwalk Apartments themselves are designed to blend luxury living with the outdoor lifestyle Boise people love. Think modern finishes, Greenbelt access, outdoor lounges, fitness amenities, and restaurants right downstairs. If you’re someone who loves being in the middle of the action without giving up the river views and outdoor access, it’s easy to see the appeal.
But let’s talk about the part everyone’s really excited about: the plaza.
The Food & Drink Lineup Is Seriously Good
The Boardwalk Plaza has become this mix of casual hangs, elevated drinks, quick bites, and stay-all-night patios.
And the variety? So good.
Laissez Faire Wine Co.
A laid back wine room for European pours, easy pairings, and a relaxed stop before or after dinner.
Chicken In A Barrel
Smoky, casual BBQ that fits perfectly into the Greenbelt patio scene.
Negranti Creamery + Coffee
Small batch sheep’s milk ice cream and coffee for the cutest little treat stop on the plaza.
Spitfire Tacos + Tequila
Bold tacos, tequila forward cocktails, and the kind of fun energy The Boardwalk needed.
Ground Rules | Burgers, Beer, Bourbon
A modern burger and sports bar with wings, cold beer, bourbon, and plenty of game day energy.
Descanso on the Greenbelt
A drinks first patio bar where you can sip cocktails and order food from nearby Boardwalk restaurants.
The Events Are What Will Really Bring It To Life
What makes this feel different from a typical restaurant development is the fact that they are building actual programming around it.
Live music every Saturday night. Events on the first Thursday of each month. Weekly night markets. Outdoor hangs. Community events. Seasonal activations.
The Boardwalk is starting to feel less like “a place with restaurants” and more like an actual gathering place for Garden City.
There’s something really fun about having a place where you can grab tacos, walk the Greenbelt, listen to live music, get ice cream, sit by the river, and run into half the people you know all in one evening.
It creates the kind of social atmosphere the Treasure Valley naturally gravitates toward during summer.
The Rooftop Bar Might Be The Biggest Game Changer
Okay… this is the part I’m personally most excited about.
Peregrine Overlook, the upcoming rooftop cocktail bar, is expected to open later this summer and it sounds like it’s going to completely elevate the entire property.
Rooftop cocktails, sunset views, DJs, lounge seating, and panoramic views over the river and Greenbelt.
The renderings alone look stunning.
And honestly, Boise does not have enough rooftop spaces like this.
The second this opens, I already know it’s going to become one of those places people immediately want to bring out of town guests, celebrate birthdays, or start their night before heading downtown.
Final Thoughts
The Boardwalk finally feels like it found its identity.
It’s social, elevated but casual, and fun enough to turn into an entire evening.
And because everything is centered around the Greenbelt and riverfront atmosphere, it feels different from anything else in the Treasure Valley right now.
If you have not been yet, it’s worth another visit this summer.
Trust me… it’s not the same Boardwalk anymore.
XOXO,
The Boise Socialite
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.
