Downtown Boise is a great place to spend an entire day for people of all ages. There truly is something to do for everyone in the family, with or without kids. If you haven’t yet experienced everything that the area has to offer, we’ll break down the top hits and some lesser known areas that are definitely worth checking out!
Food and Drinks
Because of the location, downtown Boise is a great place to get food and fun drinks. The newly opened The Warehouse Food Hall truly has something for everyone, with restaurants ranging from waffles, Asian food, pizza, sushi and lobster rolls. The food hall also offers two full bars inside and a coffee shop.
There is also Boise’s 8th Street, which is permanently shut down to vehicle traffic. Pedestrians can check out restaurants like Eureka!, Diablo & Sons, Fork and Matador. There are also shops like Rediscovered Books and Fantastic Games.
A little outside of 8th Street, you can experience traditional Basque food on the Basque Block at Ansots and Bar Gernika. Both restaurants are smaller with the homey feel, with food options like croquetas, chorizo and lamb stew. You also have to try a Kalimotxo at Bar Gernika, it may just surprise you!
One Boise chef with a restaurant in downtown Boise is also a finalist to win a James Beard award. Kris Komori of KIN has been chosen as a finalist in the category of Best Chef: Mountain Division. The James Beard awards are considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors in the culinary world.
Nightlife
With every downtown scene comes a thriving nightlife scene, and downtown Boise is no exception. With bars like Cactus bar, Pengilly’s Saloon, Liquid Lounge and Amsterdam Lounge, there is no shortage of a place to get a drink. If you want to go out dancing, The Balcony and Neurolux are calling your name. If you want to slow down, get a drink and play a few video games, check out the newly reopened Space Bar Arcade.
If none of these places are calling your name, not to worry. The Idaho Steelheads play at the Idaho Central Credit Union in downtown at night several days a week and you can always catch a movie at The Egyptian Theatre.
Kid Friendly Activities
Downtown Boise is also a great place to plan a day out with the kids. There are three parks in the downtown area, C.W. Moore Park, Cecil D. Andrus Park and the newer Cherie Buckner-Webb Park. The Discovery Center of Idaho is also within walking distance of Downtown, as is Zoo Boise and Julia Davis Park.
The Grove Plaza has a splash pad as the weather continues to warm up and First Thursday has great options for the kids to check out. Alive After Five happens during the summer as well, a kid- and adult-friendly event with live music, food and drinks.
Did we miss your favorite downtown Boise activity? Let us know in the comments or give us a shout on Instagram.
If you ever have any questions about the ever-changing marketplace or know someone looking to buy or sell, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Comments