Uncover Idaho’s Best Secret Bars and Speakeasies
Originally published in the 2026 Idaho Travel Guide
Scattered throughout the state, Idaho’s covert cocktail bars and secretive speakeasies revive the spirit of Prohibition. Tucked behind unmarked doors and down dimly lit alleyways, these intimate spots blend vintage charm with modern mixology for a fresh take on a bygone era. Think handcrafted cocktails, moody lighting, live jazz and creative nonalcoholic creations that deliver a swanky retro vibe. Whether you’re on a date or imbibing with friends, these hideaways offer unique escapes that embrace the freedom to gather, sip and celebrate in style.
Griff’s | Twin Falls
Spot the griffin and whisper the secret passphrase to enter this hideaway bar tucked away in the Turf Club—a former 1940s bar turned upscale eatery. Griff’s offers original cocktail creations and classics with a twist, alongside a menu of Asian-inspired small bites. Try a reimagined favorite like the Griff’s Manhattan or go alcohol-free with the Caribbean-style Casamara Isle. Before you go, channel your inner sleuth and follow online clues to uncover the day’s passphrase. And be sure to dress to impress—sophisticated attire is a must for entry!
XVIII | Idaho Falls
Step through an unassuming archway of the restored Odd Fellows Building to discover this past-meets-present cocktail bar hidden in the heart of town. Focusing on locally sourced ingredients, XVIII—pronounced eighteen—pours approachable adult beverages and alcohol-free alternatives, like its Rum Negroni and Zero Proof Paloma. Artisan entrées, shareable bites and an exclusive cigar lounge make for a perfect date night or fun group outing. Sink into a booth or slide up to the bar.
Gatsby | Boise
Get ready to travel back to the Roaring `20s, where Prohibition-era vibes and handcrafted cocktails await. Sip on Gatsby classics, such as the Bee’s Knees or libations named after Old Hollywood actresses Ginger Rogers and Jean Harlow. For an elevated evening, try a curated spirits flight or pair drinks with caviar and rich chocolate truffles. A strict dress code keeps the atmosphere buttoned up—wear something polished and era-appropriate! Reservations are strongly recommended, and a password is required for entry. Call the day of your visit to get the secret code.
Press & Pony | Boise
Pull back the curtains to reveal an award-winning craft cocktail bar located in the historic Adelmann Building in downtown Boise. Walls filled with thoughtfully curated artwork, antique decor and vintage photographs set the tone for a curious escape. The bartenders at Press & Pony are true artisans, pouring timeless cocktails with an inventive touch. Don’t miss a nod to the Irish with their Dublin Sour, featuring Slane Irish Whiskey with a Guinness float. Or Pick Your Poison allows the bartenders to craft a one-of-a-kind cocktail just for you.
Soiled Dove | Idaho Falls
Beneath the streets of downtown Idaho Falls lies a speakeasy with decor that combines the city’s Prohibition era with a modern touch. Sounds of live jazz fill the air at Soiled Dove, and “Untold Stories of Idaho” events bring local lore to life. A seasonal menu showcases inventive drinks, from the Oaxacan Old Fashioned to mocktails like the creamy and coconutty Coco Mo. Beverages can be paired with light bites or desserts for a satisfying night out.
Tiner’s Alley | Boise
Don’t miss this British-style pub with speakeasy vibes tucked behind The Avery Hotel. Step through a private alley entrance into Tiner’s Alley, Boise’s oldest Brunswick bar. Shoot a round of pool, then kick back with a cocktail by the cozy fireplace. Spice things up with a mezcal-based Rattlesnake Bite or go for a nonalcoholic sip like the Surely Shirley. The bar also features an elevated menu of hearty English favorites like bangers and mash and shepherd’s pie and is open early for happy hour and late into the night.
The Sick Stag | Nampa
Named after one of Aesop’s fables, The Sick Stag invites all to savor life’s moments with a drink in hand and good friends by your side. Set beneath a historic early-1900s building, its stone walls, taxidermy and quirky art set this place apart. Cocktails are artfully crafted, including their spin on the classic Hemingway Daiquiri—a nod to the great author who once called Idaho home. Nonalcoholic options shine here too, like the Café de Nada—a no-compromise answer to the decadent espresso martini. Find a dark corner, clink your glasses and linger until midnight.
Suite 104 | Boise
Located on the ground floor of Boise’s Idaho Building, Suite 104 has become a local favorite, often referred to as “Boise’s Worst-Kept Secret.” This versatile bar offers something for every cocktail enthusiast, from a rustic lounge to a spacious atrium and a dog-friendly patio with firepits. Enjoy classics like a Manhattan or gimlet during daily happy hour or let the bartenders surprise you with a custom My Choice creation.
Ampersand | Boise
Brought to you by the visionaries of the acclaimed restaurant KIN, this 14th-floor speakeasy has the highest elevation of any bar in Idaho. Perched over the city with views of the Idaho State Capitol and Boise’s sweeping foothills, Ampersand is a prime setting for sipping an evening cocktail. It offers an unconventional approach to crafting the perfect drink, sans menu or recipe. Cocktails are carefully tailored to each guest’s individual taste, ensuring a truly unique experience. Due to its intimate size, reservations are recommended.
Thick as Thieves | Boise
Inspired by a phrase rooted in trust and shared secrets, this hidden hangout is for those in the know. In true speakeasy fashion, guests slip through a discreet alleyway door and ring a vintage rotary phone for entry. Inside, the decor is moody and elegant with rich, dark tones and seats wrapped in leather and velvet. Thick as Thieves’ menu features bold creations like the gin-based No. 9 made with plum sauce and duck fat, while zero-proof cocktails, such as the Thieve’s Root Beer Float, still keep things fun without the alcohol. Looking to impress your date? Use the provided black light to unveil a hidden menu for even more covert concoctions. Pair libations with a savory snack board or pistachio-crusted cake doughnuts for something sweet. Reservations are encouraged.
Hood is the founder of the travel blog Appetites Abroad, where she documents her love of all things travel, food, wine and beer. When not eating her way around the world, she resides in California with her husband, Micah, and dog, Lily.
Published on February 3, 2026