Beer culture is strong in Idaho, especially in the state’s capital of Boise. The city and its surrounding areas are home to many microbreweries and bars proud to serve craft beers that are unique to Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. Here are five microbreweries that’ll serve up some quality craft beer during your stay.
Payette Brewing Company
The founder of Payette Brewing Company, Mike Francis, left his corporate job in Seattle to move back to his hometown of Boise to open a brewery. This microbrewery operates under a 15 barrel brewing system and has four, year-round selections in addition to rotating craft brews that change multiple times over the course of the year. Attached to the brewery is the popular tasting room, where visitors enjoy socializing and indulging in Payette’s high quality beer.
111 W 33rd St, Boise, ID 83714, United States
+1 208-344-0011
Barrel Brewery
Bar, Restaurant, Pub Grub, American
10 Barrel Brewery
Twin brothers Jeremy and Chris Cox started a brewery to complement their bar and restaurant in Oregon. The spot became so successful that the duo expanded to Boise, where 10 Barrel Brewing Company has been a very popular destination for people in the city ever since. Come here to enjoy refreshing beer from 10 Barrel and other microbreweries across Idaho. Watch out for the rotating seasonal specials and the classic favorite – The Apocalypse IPA.
830 W Bannock St, Boise, ID 83702, United States
+1 208-344-5870
Sockeye Brewing Company
Pub, Bar, American, Pub Grub, $$$
Sockeye Brewing Company
Headed by long-time brewer Josh King, Sockeye has been a household name for craft beer in Boise since its start in 1996. With barrel aged beer and now two locations in the city, Sockeye offers pub grub and homemade beers to eager visitors and seasoned locals who keep on coming back for more. The extremely popular beer has limited year-long beer selections as well as six established brewers deemed the Sockeye “natives.”
12542 W Fairview Ave, Boise, ID 83713, United States
+1 208-322-5200
Cloud 9 Brewery
Cloud 9 is a young “nano-brewery,” which means that it’s intentionally kept small. The first of its kind in Boise, Cloud 9 has an extreme emphasis on creative brewing. The beers at Cloud 9 change as soon as the bath runs out, making for some really interesting and delicious beer creations. Come here for seasonal favorites like the Lemon Ginger Wheat beer or the Honey Basil ale. For a beer experience you’ll never forget, take a visit to Cloud 9 Brewery.
1750 W State St, Boise, ID 83702, United States
+1 208-336-0681
Highlands Hollow Bar House
Bar, Pub, American, $$$
Highlands Hollow Bar House
Nestled in the North End is the Highlands Hollow Brewhouse, a longstanding favorite in the city. Parts of the building were part of the old Boise State University football stadium, making the roots of this establishment truly deep seated in Idaho history. Enjoy some homemade craft beer and hand-cut fries in this lively and friendly environment. One aspect of the “Hollow” that is humorous and special is the extensive collection of coasters, ranging from landscapes to local athletes.
2455 N Harrison Hollow Ln, Boise, ID 83702, United States
+1 208-343-6820
