GIVING INTO BEER PRESSURE

Treasure Valley dive bars worth the Uber fare

By Hailey Dewey

Photos by Karen Day

Imagine a group of twenty-somethings cramming into a cozy bar, jostling our way through the crowd. We down cheap vodka, and inevitably misplace our phones in the chaotic bathroom shuffle. We laugh and shout over the music and conversation, greeting old friends and making new ones as the night continues.

The best places for these exchanges aren’t polished nightclubs or swanky wine bars. No, we love the dive bar, the quirky gem of the drinking scene, each with its own distinct ambiance and clientele. Look for their individual charms—the allure of karaoke every night of the week, the irresistible draw of $4 Fireball shots on Fridays, or the smell of aged wood and years of spilled cocktails.

Suds, near campus, is a Boise State favorite.

Local favorite Suds Tavern is making headlines as the luckiest spot in Idaho as of late. In just two days, they sold not one, but two winning tickets. Winnings aside, Suds is also famous for their signature Purple Vikings, bustling Super Saturdays, and prime location just across from the Boise State football stadium.

“Suds is hands down the best dive bar in Boise. I’d argue it’s an iconic Boise State landmark,” said Amber Warren, Boise State alumni and longtime Suds fan.

The Symposion opened its doors nearly 50 years ago.

For others, The Symposion takes the title. Picture iconic blue columns, the air heavy with the lingering scent of stale beer and cigarette smoke. Inside, a dog is sprawled on the floor. An 8-ball clacks rhythmically against the pool table as two men vie for victory in the game.

This family-owned gem has been open since 1975 and is the go-to spot for generations of locals seeking good company and great drinks. With its dog-friendly policy and Fireball shots on Fridays for just $4, it is a haven for both four-legged friends and seasoned bar-goers alike, frequently hosting dinners, themed parties, and lengthy happy hours for the masses.

At Vista Bar, known for its iconic A-frame, you’ll find frequent live music and open mic nights for crooners, poets, and nightowls of all types. Locals know it for its neighborhood feel, outdoor patio, and great selection of craft beers.

Vista Bar, known for its classic A-frame is also dog-friendly.

Look for themed events around holidays, relaxed games of pool or darts, and chatty regulars. For friendly bartenders and cheap drinks, this neighborhood hangout is sure to please.

The 1918 Lounge is recently renovated and offers patrons a home away from home.

Originally constructed in 1918, Nampa’s 1918 Lounge maintains their rich heritage with every brick and beam. Under new ownership by Ryan Steinbroner, the bar has undergone a beautiful transformation—the once-carpeted walls are lined with exposed original brick. Here, or on the outdoor patio (complete with a fireplace), you can indulge in a curated selection of both refined cocktails and classic favorites, served by attentive staff that make every visitor feel like a welcome guest. Like most bars, the magic isn’t in the alcohol, but the people.

Bartender Cindy Naggared keeps the beer cold for her regulars.

“The best part about the 1918 Lounge is the people. There’s a mixture of 21 all the way up to 84 years old. They bring me food almost daily, and sometimes I even end up with five meals! Some are homemade or just from the market,” laughed Cindy Naggared, who tends bar at the Lounge.

For many, dive bars are a home away from home. They are a place to drink, to converse, and to find solace not in the bottom of a glass, but in the smiling face of the person sliding it across the table.