YOUR ZERO PROOF GUIDE TO BOISE’S BARS
The Modern Bar’s refreshing 'No More Bad Mornings' (pictured to the right) is made with house-made gin and rose water—perfect when dreaming of warmer summer days.
Crawl through downtown but dodge the hangover
Avg. Read Time: 3m 39s
Looking for a night out in Boise sans booze? Whether you’re taking a break from alcohol or just want to explore Boise’s growing zero-proof scene, this guide has you covered with our favorite mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks from around town. Join us as we take you to some of our favorite bars with N/A drinks that are more than just another soda.
STOP ONE: The Modern Hotel & Bar
1314 W Grove St
Boise, ID 83702
Starting off in the Linen District, the Modern Hotel and Bar brings a midcentury zest to their space, lined with local art and a menu to match. All zero-proof spirits are made in house, including their riffs on Gin, Whisky, Vermouth, and more.
The No-Groni is an impressive offering, serving up a 0 ABV Negroni from house made ingredients. For something a little lighter, the No More Bad Mornings has your back with their house made gin, grapefruit, triple sec, lime, and rose water.
To chase your drinks, you can’t go wrong with the crispy cauliflower or tempura squash. Oh, and if those drinks really hit you, a room might be available ;).
Water Bear Bar's award-winning 'Winners Love Winning'. Come for the luscious, cinnamon-sprinkled cream cheese foam, stay for the zingy red berry and subtle notes of vanilla.
STOP TWO: WATER BEAR BAR
350 N 9th St STE 100,
Boise, ID 83702
Riffing off the vibe of the Modern, Water Bear Bar is nestled on the corner of 9th and Bannock. With a plethora of plants and a stunning interior, you’ll want to come early for a table and stay late for the carefully crafted drinks. Water Bear’s happy hour is 4-6pm, where you can snack on a small plate with your drink. I mean where else can you get oysters on the half-shell with a side of a corndog?
Back to the drinks. Water Bear prides itself on being named Boise’s best cocktail bar, extending this title to their non-alcoholic drinks as well. With a consistently rotating menu, some of our winter favorites included the tart zing of the Basic Bridge (Grapefruit, Cinnamon, Habanero Shrub, Bitburger N/A Ale) and the complexities of the Rich Aunt (Non-Alcoholic Spirit, Grenadine, Maple, Habanero Shrub, Orange, Lime, Salt). Whatever may be on the menu at Water Bear, expect a zero-proof drink that stands up to its boozy companions.
STOP THREE: ACREO BOARDS AND BOTTLES
Okay, we’re two, now three stops into our bar crawl and maybe we’re getting a little hungry, but we’re still looking for something fun to sip on with our food. Acero Boards and Bottles is our next stop, serving up a seasonally rotating mocktail menu alongside Italian fare.
We adore their patio during the summer, situated in a perfect spot to enjoy the live music at Alive After 5. Acero keeps a solid selection of mocktails on their menu, from tart to spicy to sweet. We loved the Lavender Spritz and Pineapple Upside Down this last summer, which were paired with their pig and fig flatbread (fig jam, sliced prosciutto, fresh arugula, balsamic drizzle, goat cheese). Oh, and don’t skip on dessert- their lemon ricotta cake is a little slice of heaven.
STOP FIVE: HAP HAP LOUNGE
722 W Broad St. Second Floor
Boise, ID 83702
If you’re still along for the ride and haven’t slumped off to bed by now, we’re hitting our favorite rooftop bar to dance and gossip. And if you haven’t been to Hap Hap yet- well where have you been?
Perched right above Treefort Music Hall, Hap Hap has a little something for everyone. Want to dance to whatever the DJ of the night is spinning? Great, the dance floor is right there. Tables are available, but have your hawk eyes out as the demand is high for a spot. The rooftop has prime viewing for people watching if that’s more your speed, and plenty of spaces to chill out and have a conversation with your friends.
As for the drinks, expect a seasonally rotating menu of music-inspired zero-proof drinks. Our most recent venture down to the lounge showcased three winter drinks on their menu: the Applecore Not Hardcore, Hapmade Tonic Vol. 2, and the Cranberry Rosemary Soda. Ever changing, there’s always something to sip on to fuel your dancing shoes.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
-
518 N Curtis Rd
Boise, ID 83706This Boise based beverage company specializes in non-alcoholic beverages crafted with locally foraged ingredients. Find shrub-based cocktails here, as well as a wide variety of bitters and ready to enjoy beverages.
-
3308 West Chinden Boulevard
Garden City, Idaho 83714Garden City hosts a full-service zero waste grocery store with an attached cafe. Snag some breakfast, a 0 ABV mimosa, and check out their stunning display of produce while you're here. Oh, and bring your bags and empty jars if you’re looking to shop.
-
1750 W State St.
Boise, ID 83702Nestled in the 17th Street shopping center, this micro-brewery offers handmade non-alcoholic beverages brewed in house. Find brewed root beer, a zippy ginger ale, and a seasonal huckleberry grapefruit soda in the summertime.
Let us know what we may have missed, or what drinks you’re throwing back!
XOXO
Krista
@krista.camp
