COLDEST BEER HALL OF FAME We test a lot of beer at a lot of bars, but each year there are a few stand outs that catch our attention. This year’s winner, The Longhorn, wasn’t even bumping the top 10 last year, but an impressive 5.4-degree drop in temperature vaulted it past the 2009 winner, 4-E’s Bar, which dropped to No. 9 with a 2.4-degree increase. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the owner of last year’s warmest beer, Grainey’s Basement, must have supercharged its cooling system in the last 12 months. The bar turned in a massive 12.1-degree improvement, launching it from the bottom of the heap to a perch firmly in the middle. Several bars earned a frosty star this year for making a return trip to the top 10. Joining the Longhorn and 4-E’s on the illustrious list are the Ranch Club (jumping in rank to No. 4 from No. 8) and Characters (moving up to No. 5 from No. 6). We also must give a nod to River Rock Alehouse, making its first appearance at the top of the list, registering an impressive 12-degree decline in temperature to land at No. 7. On the warm side of the list, Gusto gained a whopping 10 degrees to end up with the title of warmest beer, turning in a temperature of 56.3 degrees. This end of the list also has its returning alumni, to which we award the melted star. This year’s warm-beer hall of fame honorees are: The Lift, Bar Gernika and New Frontier. Remember, no matter what end of the scale you fall on, you’re all winners—well, kind of. —Deanna Darr
30 | JUNE 30 – JULY 6, 2010 | BOISEweekly
39.4°
39.8°
WHITEWATER PIZZA AND PASTA
Family friendly, rustic and wide open, Whitewater Pizza and Pasta is where you can reminisce about those river memories of yesteryear over a cold pint and a slice of delicious pizza. 1510 N. Eagle Road, Meridian, 208-888-6611, whitewaterpizza.net.
39.5°
SAM’S PLACE
This tiny hole-in-the-wall hosts an annual golf tourney and is a gathering place for Nascar fans. 3395 N. Five Mile Road, 208-376-0074.
39.6°
BERRYHILL AND CO.
Boldly departing from the usual peanuts and pretzels bar snacks, the free hors d’oeuvres on the semi-circular bar often involve smoked salmon and chevre. Subtle and sassy, the black-clad staff keep the microbrews endlessly flowing from their taps. 121 N. Ninth St., 208-387-3553, berryhillandco.com.
39.6°
FIRESIDE INN
There is a fireplace that once functioned. But patrons bent on tossing shot glasses into the fire doused that flame. Classic-rock juke, pinball, darts and shuffleboard add some warmth. 1610 N. 31st St., 208-342-9075.
39.7°
BOISE CAFE
This far north of the border, free salsa dance lessons draw everyone from hip shakers to hippies. Only a cold beer could cool the steamy tango. 219 N. 10th St., 208-3433397.
39.7°
EASTSIDE TAVERN
With a spacious, green-hued atmosphere and a fine wood-carved mural of the Boise skyline, the recently re-opened and spiffed-up Eastside Tavern plays host to a slew of video games, a wide open pool area, shuffleboard, electronic dartboards and an above-par selection of liquor and beer. 610 E. Boise Ave., 208-3453878.
39.7°
MUGGSY’S
Huge patio, pool tables and an unlimited selection of music on the Internet jukebox. With its rustic sports bar vibe, Muggsy’s is the place to go in Meridian when you need to quench your thirst or watch the Broncos on game day. 501 S. Main St., Meridian, 208-898-9470, muggsyssportsbar.com.
39.7°
SHORTY’S SALOON
This authentic country saloon feels like a slice of the old Wild West featuring a long, hardwood bar worn smooth by the forearms of countless working men cradling Budweisers and Marlboros. 5467 Glenwood St., Garden City, 208-322-6699, shortyssaloon.com.
39.8°
EMERALD LANES
Yes, there are the requisite bowling lanes, arcade games, pool, pinball and air hockey, but it’s made all so much more interesting with the addition of a few pints. 4860 Emerald St., 208-344-2695. WWW. B O I S E WE E KLY. C O M