This article was written by Jacob Scholl, the Cache Valley reporter for both The Salt Lake Tribune and Utah Public Radio. He lived in Boise for over a year and a half while reporting for the Idaho Statesman and currently lives in Ogden — another cool place that more Salt Lake folks should visit.
Former Boise resident Jacob Scholl here. I'm so happy to see other SLC/Utah folks singing Boise's praises! Here are a few places I'd recommend people to go.
🍺 Where To Drink
Disclaimer: Most any brewery downtown is great.
It's right off the Greenbelt with a great outdoor space for dogs, plus great beer.
Makes easily my favorite beer in Boise, especially when they decide to bring back their rosé beer, which sounds weird as hell but is SO good.
Essentially, this is three bars rolled into one, and it's definitely the most fun place in Boise after midnight. Come for the dive bar and lively atmosphere, stay until close because of The Rocci Johnson Band.
Wine bars
Ochos Cocktail & Wine Bar and Les Bois Wines are great places for a glass of wine to chill out.
🍣 Where To Eat
It's a little off the beaten path, but Tango's has quite literally the best empanadas I've ever had.
A fast-casual sushi place a block or two away from the main areas of downtown, open late with some killer fried cream cheese dumplings.
🌳 What To Do
Hiking
Like SLC, there are so many places to hike near the city. Head to Military Reserve, Camel's Back Park, or Hull's Bulch for nice trails for any level of hiker. Beware the stairs at Camel's Back.
Hyde Park
Boise's north end is a nicer part of town, and Hyde Park is a really cute neighborhood with coffee shops, small stores, and great restaurants. Absolutely worth checking out if you want to go somewhere besides downtown.
Here's to hoping Utah and Idaho make that train system!
Related listening: The SLC/Boise fry sauce smackdown. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]
➕ Check out our friends at Hey Boise for even more recs.
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