Downtown west/Broadway
Lucky Dog
2223 Fairview Ave., 208-333-0074 www.luckydogtavern.com This happening little gay-friendly bar has great prices, strong pours and a unique non-smoking lounge with an affable clientele.
Modern Hotel and Bar
1314 W. Grove St., 208-424-8244 www.themodernhotel.com A chic lounge and go-to location. With 45-rpm record players in each bathroom, and unique bar snacks, this is definitely not your average juke joint.
Pitchers and Pints
1108 W. Front St. Don’t let the scruffy exterior scare you off. The inside is recently remodeled, but with $1 drafts every day, who cares about looks?
The Symposion
2801 Fletcher St., 208-342-9420 This is a bar for dogs, but humans will be tolerated. Without a canine companion, you don’t belong at the Sympo. If you can find it, you may be enthralled by the quirky joint.
The Torch
1826 Main St., 208-344-0218 www.thetorchlounge.com This is the kind of bar your mom warned you about. It’s not much to look at, but the entertainment is the draw: bikini dancers.
Buster’s
1326 Broadway Ave., 208-345-5688 www.busterssportsbar.com One of Boise’s original sports bars. With TVs blaring sports and waitresses clad in skimpy outfits, it stays true to the label.
Jim’s Alibi
2710 Broadway Ave., 208-342-9220 Drinks are cheap, folks are friendly and the hours make it convenient. Strangely enough, it might be busiest in the morning.