Best Boise Speakeasies + Where to Find Them

Boise’s nightlife and cocktail scene has quietly made a name for itself over the years. Now, there is no shortage of bars, restaurants, and speakeasies where you can sip on hand-crafted cocktails, each with its unique vibe and character.

As a Boise local, I’m always searching for fun new spots to bring friends when they visit or just go out for a swanky night.

So, I’m excited to share a roundup of the best Boise speakeasies (and the surrounding Treasure Valley) so you can have the ultimate secret nightlife experience.

If you’re short on time, check out my Instagram reel, which includes a quick roundup of some favorites. For a more extensive list, keep reading!

While we’re at it, let’s be friends on Instagram and Tiktok!

Treasure Valley Speakeasies

Boise is home to most of Idaho’s highest-rated speakeasies. But there aren’t just great speakeasies in the city. The Treasure Valley, which consists of surrounding towns near Boise (Boise, Eagle, Meridian, Garden City, Nampa, Kuna, Middleton, Caldwell, and Emmett), also has some fabulous speakeasies, which I will include in this post as well.

Note: If you are not choosing to imbibe in cocktails or alcohol right now, many of these speakeasies also carry non-alcoholic cocktails so you can enjoy them and have a nice time with friends no matter what!

10 Best Boise Speakeasies

1 – Thick as Thieves – Downtown Boise

This is one of my favorite speakeasies in downtown Boise! It is tucked behind the back side of a building, and to find it, you have to look for an image of thieving birds on the door. (The true location is below.)

As soon as you see them, you will know you made it to the famous Thick as Thieves speakeasy. Open the door and head up the stairs, where you will see an old school phone hanging on the wall. Dial 102, which will connect you to a hostess. If they allow your entrance, a large mirrored wall will swing open.

The dark room is beautifully lit with candles, and the atmosphere around you will make you feel like you’ve entered a swanky space. The decor is gorgeous, but be prepared for darkness because it’s definitely dimly lit in here! Thick as Thieves is the perfect destination for a romantic date night or a memorable evening with friends. Regardless of the occasion, dressing to impress will allow you to fully savor the ambiance, although no dress code is mandated.

Now, let’s talk about the main attraction: the cocktails. They are nothing short of extraordinary. Every cocktail I’ve ordered here has been a hit, so I don’t think you can go wrong. If you’re more of a happy hour person, they run happy hour from 4-6 pm.

Location: 620 W Idaho St Suite 200, Boise, ID 83702
Reservations: Reservations are encouraged but not required. I would definitely make a reservation for weekend nights, however. Book your reservation here.
Dress Code: None required

2 – Gatsby – Downtown Boise

Transport yourself back to the roaring twenties with a visit to Gatsby, one of Boise’s most iconic speakeasies that genuinely make you feel like you’ve stepped back in the 1920s. Here, you are encouraged to dress up in your finest 1920s attire and prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Gatsby speakeasy is known for its extravagant cocktails. Order one that arrives in a smoky box or served in a miniature bathtub-shaped cup!

Every cocktail at Gatsby is a work of art. Their juices, syrups, and ice are all crafted from scratch. They also offer a large selection of bourbon, whiskey, tequila, gin, and scotch, so you will have plenty of cocktails to choose from. I personally consider this one of the best Boise speakeasies!

In true speakeasy fashion, a passcode is required for entry, which can be obtained by calling (208) 342-4800. The passcode changes daily, so remember to call on the day of your visit. To locate the venue, navigate through the alleyway off 8th Street. Once you’re down the alley, look for a glowing green light over the door.

Next, confidently knock on the door and provide the password you received during the phone call. Upon entry, you’ll find yourself in a library, where a book is the door’s key.

This destination would be perfect for a night out with friends or even a memorable Boise Bachelorette Party!

Location: 280 N 8th St #130, Boise, ID 83702
Reservations: Gatsby does not currently require reservations; however, they are encouraged but not required (link at bottom of page). Walk-ins are accepted if space allows. Book your reservation here.
Dress Code: Dress code recommendations are here.

3 – Ampersand – Downtown Boise

Get ready to experience Ampersand, a truly hidden speakeasy sitting high above the city. Speakeasies don’t all have to be hidden in dark basements; some provide excellent views, and this is one of them. It is one of the highest bars in Idaho, located on the 14th floor of 999 Main Street, with views of the Boise foothills.

Ampersand is not your typical speakeasy, either. To gain access, you must first visit the Art Haus Bar at KIN and ask for an “elevated cocktail.” You will then be greeted by an employee bringing you to an elevator. From there, your journey to Ampersand begins through an office building.

Once you arrive, you will be delighted by its intimate and artsy setting. The views alone will take your breath away. What sets this Boise speakeasy apart is its unconventional approach to the drink menu; there isn’t one.

The bartenders will make you a one-of-a-kind cocktail based on your preferences. That way you can experience a cocktail catered to you! You can enjoy a drink here while watching the sunset or go after dark to marvel at the Boise skyline.

Location: 999 W Main St, Boise, ID 83702

Reservations: First come, first serve. The space is very small, so you’ll have to show up and see if there’s space.

Dress Code: None required

4 – Suite 104 – Downtown Boise

Get ready to experience “Boise’s Worst Kept Secret.” Suite 104. What sets this speakeasy apart is its unique patio (dog-friendly), a rare gem at a Boise speakeasy. Suite 104 is nestled in a corner beneath downtown 8th Street, occupying the bottom floor of the iconic Idaho Building. No passcodes are required here; simply locate the door and step inside.

Although this speakeasy may be small, its cocktails are big on flavor. When ordering the perfect drink, you have a couple of options.

You can opt for Method 104, where you share your preferences with the bartender, and they will craft a one-of-a-kind drink tailored just for you. I personally have loved every cocktail I’ve ever gotten with this method. Alternatively, you can order a specialty cocktail from their curated list. I recommend trying both!

Location: 280 N 8th St Suite 104, Boise, ID 83702
Reservations: No reservations, first come, first served.
Dress Code: None required

5 – Press and Pony – Downtown Boise

Press & Pony is a bar/speakeasy. There is a secret entrance to the bar inside Boise Fry Company next door, with a door that says “Boise Fry Company Corporate Office,” but you can also access the bar from the outside through the door that says Press and Pony. This is kind of the most famous speakeasy in Boise, just because it’s been around a while, and I love the vibes in here. It’s also a cozy place to come during the holidays!

When you walk into Press and Pony, the overall vibe will take over. The lighting and decor perfectly complement their imaginative cocktail creations. Some of their cocktails are even set on fire, making an unforgettable experience no matter your drink. No dress code is required here.

Location: 622 W Idaho St, Boise, ID 83702
Reservations: No reservations, first come first served
Dress Code: None required

6 – Tom’s Room – Downtown Boise

Looking for a laid-back spot to grab drinks with friends? Look no further than Tom’s Place, Boise’s O.G. speakeasy hidden behind Tom Grainey’s bar. This isn’t one of those pretentious bars—it’s all about drinks, great vibes, and catching up with your crew in a chill, no-fuss setting.

It’s got a Sherlock Holmes vibe, with a little Victorian decor on the walls. It’s a great place to pre-game before hitting the bars or just grab a drink before heading out for the night.

The best part? You don’t need to dress up or make a big deal out of it. Just swing by, grab a drink, and let the stress of the day melt away. Tom’s Place is where great drinks meet even better company, making it the perfect spot for a casual night out or a little escape from the everyday hustle.

Location: 109 S 6th St, Boise, ID 83702
Reservations: No reservations, first come first served
Dress Code: None required

7 – Sidecar Bar – Meridian

Step into Sidecar Bar, Meridian’s hottest new speakeasy tucked inside Grant’s Neighborhood Grill. This isn’t your average bar—it’s a place where craft cocktails, premium whiskeys, local brews, and curated wines meet to give you a night to remember.

Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or love a good drink, the mixologists at Sidecar have you covered. They make prohibition-inspired cocktails with a fresh, modern spin, using only the best ingredients and house-made syrups. But the experience doesn’t stop at the drinks! The live music sets the mood.

Sidecar also hosts monthly cocktail classes, wine tastings, and private events, so it’s the perfect spot to gather with friends, celebrate, or just enjoy a night out with a little extra flair. No dress code is required here.

Location: 1835 W Cherry Ln, Meridian, ID 83642
Reservations: No reservations, first come first served
Dress Code: None required

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8 – Craft Lounge – Nampa & Caldwell

Prepare for a visit to Craft Lounge, a speakeasy with two locations in the Treasure Valley: Nampa and Caldwell. This speakeasy offers a unique experience for those seeking something beyond Boise while remaining conveniently close to the city.

The Nampa location on the bottom floor of the historic Masonic Building in Downtown Nampa has a distinctive entrance via Brick29. To access Craft Lounge, you’ll go through the ‘Janitor’s Closet,’ a fun secret passage.

As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a cozy, dimly lit room decorated with vintage furniture and captivating artwork that transports you to another era.

At each location, they have a full menu of food, so you can eat dinner here!

Craft Lounge stands out from the crowd by occasionally hosting live music events on select nights, as well as cocktail classes.

Location: Nampa: 320 11th Ave S, Nampa, ID 83651 | Caldwell: 801 Everett St, Caldwell, ID 83605
Reservations: No reservations, first come first served
Dress Code: None required

9 – No. 40 – Downtown Boise

No. 40 is a cozy, intimate speakeasy in the back of The Lively. It’s perfect for hosting private events like parties, receptions, reunions, and meet-and-greets.

At the time of this post, you can only visit this speakeasy with an event reservation. With your reservation, they will offer you a personal bartender and access to a premium collection of rare spirits, including top-tier whiskey, scotch, and aged tequila. The space is equipped with audio-visual capabilities and can accommodate up to 12 seated guests or 20 standing.

Before or after visiting Bar 40, you should grab dinner at The Lively.

Location: 505 W Bannock St, Boise, ID 83702
Reservations: This speakeasy is only accessible when booked for events
Dress Code: None Required

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10 – 10th Street Station – Downtown Boise

Okay, hear me out. 10th Street Station is technically no longer a speakeasy. However, this is Boise’s oldest bar, and this historic location WAS a speakeasy during the Prohibition era! That’s pretty cool! The bar is located in the basement of the landmark Idanha Hotel and is considered the “Cheers” of Boise.

Now, it’s more of a chill, relaxed dive bar without being a full dive bar. It’s a great neighborhood spot, perfect for a place to meet friends and actually have a conversation, and has all types of alcoholic beverages.

Location: 104 N 10th St, Boise, ID 83702
Reservations: No reservations, first come first served
Dress Code: None required

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What is a Speakeasy Bar?

First off, are you curious about what a speakeasy is? I know some people don’t know what they are despite their popularity. Speakeasies were secret bars that operated during the Prohibition era (when there was a ban on alcohol consumption) in the United States, which lasted from 1920 to 1933. The term speakeasy originated in the 19th century and comes from guests being required to speak quietly or “speak easy” to avoid detection by law enforcement.

The speakeasy concept is simple, it was a place where you could drink in secret. They were primarily located in restaurant basements or dimly lit rooms accessible through concealed doors. To gain entry, guests needed passwords, and those without one were denied access.

Modern-day speakeasies continue to thrive, and you can find them in many cities, including Boise, of course!

Other Speakeasy-Like Bars in the Treasure Valley

*These are not quite speakeasies, but they give off a similar vibe.

8 Horses Lounge – Downtown Boise

This is one of the newer drinking establishments on the list! It’s an underground cocktail and wine lounge beneath the Fork restaurant. To enter 8 Horses Lounge, you’ll head to the basement level of Fork. It’s located in the historic 805 Idaho building in the vault space of an old bank with a 15-ton vault door.

The menu features a mix of classic cocktails and creative concoctions, all made with high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for something refreshing or a bold new flavor, the skilled bartenders are ready to impress.

Location: 199 N 8th St STE 50, Boise, ID 83702
Reservations: No reservations, first come first served
Dress Code: None required

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Water Bear Bar – Downtown Boise

This trendy, modern cocktail bar combines creativity with elegance, offering some of the most inventive drinks in town. Water Bear Bar vibe is super laid-back but stylish, making it a great place to unwind after a long day or kick off a night out.

The bartenders know their craft, whipping up cocktails that are not only delicious but also a little adventurous. They also have great non-alcoholic options, drinks with low ABU, light bites, and oysters! I love coming here during the holidays, too.

Location: 350 N 9th St STE 100, Boise, ID 83702
Reservations: No reservations, first come, first served (during the holidays, I highly recommend booking a spot)
Dress Code: None required

Tiner’s Alley – Downtown Boise

Tiner’s Alley is a restaurant and cocktail bar in the back of The Avery Hotel. It has a cozy, intimate vibe, perfect for a date night or catching up with friends. I love that it’s modeled after an old English pub.

With its moody atmosphere and seriously good drinks and food, it’s one of Boise’s best-kept secrets—you’ll definitely want to add it to your night-out rotation!

Location: 1010 W Main St Suite 101, Boise, ID 83702
Reservations: Make reservations here
Dress Code: None required

The Mode Lounge – Downtown Boise

If you’re looking for a cool late-night spot right in the heart of downtown on 8th Street, you’ve got to check out The Mode Lounge. This place has a vibe all its own. But it’s not just about the looks—the cocktails here are top-notch and perfect for winding down the night.

And here’s the best part: you don’t even have to leave your seat to grab a slice of Piehole Pizza! Just place your order and it gets delivered straight through a hidden window behind some sneaky wall art. It’s the ultimate hack for keeping the night going without skipping a beat.

Location: 800 W Idaho St, Boise, ID 83702
Reservations: No reservations, first come first served
Dress Code: None required

As you can tell, Boise and the surrounding Treasure Valley have many amazing speakeasies. I hope you liked this list of the best Boise speakeasies. If you’re visiting soon, I recommend taking your own speakeasy tour through the city on a long weekend!