10 Underground Things To Do in Boise Before They Go Mainstream
Boise is growing fast and changing quickly. Despite the boom, the soul of the city has remained pretty constant. We still love all the classic Boise things, but now there’s more room for a little experimentation.
The quintessential things to do in the City of Trees will always be the quintessential things. But let’s dive deeper into the beating heart of Boise — from the obscure and overlooked to the up-and-coming, here are 10 recommendations that will make your friends say, “You went where?”
1. Sip and skate at Push & Pour
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Boise has plenty of coffeeshops, but none are quite like
They’re still pretty new, but rumor has it this will also soon be a place for film showings, live music, local art, and even coffee-roasting classes.
2. Scope local goods at The Garden City Projects
Garden City is technically a separate municipal area wedged into Boise’s northwestern city limits, but let’s keep it simple and say it’s one of Boise’s most happening art hubs these days. And that’s saying something.
One of the stars on the block is the working studio and shop spaces at
3. Catch a show at The Olympic or Neurolux
Photo: Benjamin Schultz for
4. Set out on an urban wine crawl (or better yet, wine pedal)
There are so many new wineries popping up in Idaho that the local vino scene is constantly refreshed — and yet somehow it’s still one of the country’s best-kept secrets. Picture vineyards that sell directly off their porches. If you’re lucky enough to experience it, you’ll be among a rare oenophilic bunch. Production is still totally local, and scarcity sure does create demand — many of the 50+ wineries sell out of certain varietals before year’s end.
While Boise isn’t quite inside Idaho wine country, you can taste it all here. Hop on a bicycle and go from
5. #growmorefunky at tHe FuNky tAco
Photo: Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau
Initially operating out of a 1961 Airstream trailer at the
6. Trike drift at the Handlebar
Speaking of which, Boise has an absolutely thriving bike culture, and the new
7. Grab lunch at the Basque Market
Photo: Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau
The large Basque community in Boise isn’t a secret, and definitely isn’t anywhere near underground. But where most people hit Bar Gernika or Leku Ona to get their food fix, the Basque Market can get overlooked…for no good reason. It’s a great place for pintxos (Basque tapas), paella, bocadillos, wine, sandwiches, or to sign up for a cooking class / wine tasting while you’re at it (also held regularly during First Thursdays). They’re all about promoting the Basque community — check out the recipes on their website for proof.
8. Catch a movie under the stars
9. Open story slam at Story Story Night
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Boise’s
SSN has been running for seven years, but it’s still a mostly niche activity. Check out Story Story Late-Night for adult-only, shameless, and sometimes outrageous story fun.
10. Riverside SUP at Caffe Luciano’s
