Woodland Empire is a craft brewery and brewpub with a lively atmosphere and seasonal ales on tap. Started by husband and wife duo, Rob and Keely Landerman, the brewery has evolved and expanded to produce an array of quality beers from sustainably farmed ingredients. With quirky names and a creative spin, these beers come with names like Beast Moans, Moondog Amber, Cozy Up and Invincible Summer. From classic lagers to European-inspired bitters, there is something here for every palate.

One of downtown's most popular establishments also happens to be one of the first restaurants with a distillery in the nation. Bardenay, which is sailor's slang for cocktail, concocts its own vodka, rum, gin and whiskey. In addition to drinks comes an impressive New American menu. Entrees are quite filling and range from charbroiled salmon to rum pepper steak. The pork tenderloin and corned beef reuben sandwiches are especially good. Besides the distillery, the spacious brick-walled eatery features beers on tap served at its long, cherry-oak bar.

Customers perch on bar stools and the conversation is always flowing at this downtown nightspot open since 1996. The large windows at Bittercreek Alehouse are perfect for people watching. With about 21 different Northwest micro-brews, the pub has become a favorite hangout. The food is original and inventive with appetizers such as polenta fries, halloumi with jam and poutine, which is a popular Canadian dish with gravy, fries and cheese curds. Their beignet and butterscotch dessert is also worth a try!

Wood tables, brass fixtures, and a staring deer head create a testosterone-charged experience at this riverside restaurant. Televised sporting events add to the atmosphere. Claiming to have Boise's tallest bar, the pub boasts a wide variety of microbrews, including Buttface Amber Ale and Total Disorder Porter. Originality continues in the dining room with dishes ranging from Armadillo Eggs to Bourbon Blackjack Burgers. The outdoor patio provides views of the Boise River and Boise River Greenbelt

Offering a beer for every season, this pub brews a variety of handcrafted beers, including the Maui Light for summer sippers to darker ales for winter tastes. The food menu also includes something for every month of the year from steamed clams to sausage served over red beans to Snicker Pie. Be sure to check out the photographs of Boise's oldest breweries. The restaurant also hosts a variety of live music events. Check website for upcoming performances. Open daily from 11a to closing.