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STATE STREET
44 CLUB
THE GASLIGHT LOUNGE
4340 W. State St., 208-344-0693
4712 W. State St., 208-342-8695
It’s a small wonder that not only can the building support the weight of the sign, but that the whole structure doesn’t collapse in a strong wind. Even so, the 44 Club has two things going for it: karaoke and no draft beer. The former means crooning fun, and the latter just means really, really, really cold bottled beer. This is one of Idaho’s mainstays, so if you’re in the mood for an old bar with some local color, belly up. HAPPY HOUR: “We’re cheap all day long.”
This utilitarian haunt inside the 20th Century Lanes bowling alley serves up ridiculously cheap pitchers to spare you from a night of bowling sobriety. The lounge alone is the reason many bowlers choose 20th Century over other lanes in town. HAPPY HOUR: Mon. 5-7 p.m. and Wed. 9-11 p.m. 2-for-1 drinks.
BREWS BROTHERS 6928 W. State St., 208-853-0526
Pastel and smoky, it’s the kind of place where everyone has their own mug up on the wall. Tucked away in a strip mall hideaway, Brews is clean and new-feeling with a ton of beers: 23 drafts. HAPPY HOUR: Mon.-Fri. noon-2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m., all day Sun. 50 cents off draft with daily specials Mon. 7 p.m. to close; half off drafts Wed. 7 p.m. to close, $1 off bottles.
BURGER ’N BREW 4295 W. State St., 208-345-7700
The State Street location of this Boise mainstay is the last man standing in the Burger & Brew family. This is what a sports bar used to be: family restaurant, sports memorabilia, bar area for the game crowd. It’s a comfortable, neighborhood bar feel, and it manages to retain some of the friendliest bar staff in town. HAPPY HOUR: Mon.-Fri. 4-6 p.m. 50 cents off.
DUTCH GOOSE 3515 W. State St., 208-342-8887
A no-smoking policy offers a respite from many a bar’s smoky ozone layer. Foosball, darts, pool, horseshoe pits and televisions galore, and the food guarantees plenty of repeat business. Steamed clams, French dip, Reuben sandwiches, finger steaks and a selection of brilliant burgers. HAPPY HOUR: Mon.-Fri. 4-6 p.m. $1.50 domestics, $2.50 premium beers.
FIRESIDE INN 1610 N. 31st St., 208-342-9075
When compiling a dive-bar hop, Fireside is a mustvisit. Big white building. No windows. Dark and smoky inside. It’s the kind of place you could hide in all day and no one would look for you. HAPPY HOUR: Every day 4-6 p.m. 50 cents off liquor, $5 pitchers.
FLYING PIE 4320 State St., 208-384-0000
The draw might be the pizza, but Flying Pie on State Street is proud to offer a “7-Day Beer Keg Forecast,” updated regularly so patrons know what to expect from the taps. Triple Pi Ale, brewed especially for the Pie by Sockeye Brewing, is the big kahuna in the Pie’s beer pond.
THE LIFT 4091 W. State St., 208-342-3250
This sweet spot tempts traffic jammers with their ridiculous drink specials. Tuesday is Holy Oly night, with 50-cent Olympia cans from 4 p.m.-close, and every night you can throw back $2 domestics from 4-6 p.m. and 9-11 p.m. And if you need something to soak up all that cheap booze, gnaw on a plate of nachos or one of the vegetarian-friendly dishes. HAPPY HOUR: Mon.-Fri. 4-6 p.m. and 9-11 p.m. $2 domestic pints, $3 wells.
MCCLEARY’S PUB 9155 W. State St., 208-853-9910
The pub boasts a back yard bigger than your house. There are horseshoe pits, a basketball court and a gazebo. Inside, entertainment includes video games, dart boards and a pool table. HAPPY HOUR: Every day 5:30-7 p.m. with 50 cents off domestic and microbrews.
MONTEGO BAY 3000 N. Lakeharbor Lane, 208-853-5070
A little bit of the tropics in a land-locked state. Montego Bay’s claim to fame is its patio, or layers of patios, stretching from the restaurant down to the lake. There are multiple bars inside and out, and customers swill the night away in Boise’s tiki version of Margaritaville. HAPPY HOUR: Every day 5-7 p.m. $2.50 well drinks, $2 drafts, $5 domestic pitchers.
TERRY’S STATE STREET SALOON 3301 Collister St., 208-331-8225
Terry’s may look like it’s about to fall down, but the loyal clientele and the ever-present party will keep the roof raised. This is a converging point for the college and blue-collar crowds and wayward North Enders. Better know what you want when you finally get your 10 seconds at the bar, though, because bartender Kjell don’t wait for nobody, missy. HAPPY HOUR: Mon.-Fri. 4-7 p.m. $2 domestics, $4 double wells.
TURNER’S SPORTS BAR 4022 W. State St., 208-342-9090
Turner’s is about as classy as its exterior would let you believe. Though this rickety box of a bar is crawling with weary regulars, don’t forget that you’re all there for the same thing: the cocktails. HAPPY HOUR: Mon.-Fri. 5-7 p.m. 25 cents off well drinks, 50 cents off pitchers.