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Pristine patios
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If you know me in the slightest, you know my ring tone references Pina Colada’s and getting caught in the rain.
It’s no surprise that anyone with an ounce of musical taste can appreciate Rupert Holmes’ almighty contribution to the world of music with his song, “Escape.” But lately my love of the drink itself has outweighed my love of Holmes, and the truth of the matter is as finals week rears its ugly head, I’m sure you’re planning where to celebrate the end of the semester too.
And so with much trouble and toil, I compiled a list of some of downtown Boise’s best patios and their signature drinks. Underclassmen don’t fret; the patios are still an escape from finals with or without a drink in your hand.
Study hard, take your exams, hand over your keys and partake in some much needed relief.
8th and Idaho
Bittercreek Alehouse
Market Berry Mojito
A seasonal cocktail made with local mint and seasonal berries from the city market, muddled with rum and fresh lime juice and then topped with soda water. $6.50.
Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.- last call (kitchen closes at 10 p.m.), Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.- last call (kitchen closes at 11 p.m.).
Happy Hour: Mon.-Thurs., 3-6 p.m. half off appetizers, Sun.- Thurs., $2 sessions.
Opa
Opa Kiss
A light and fruity blend of Stoli vanilla vodka, Malibu rum, cranberry and pineapple juice. $5.
Carrot Juice
A blend of fresh fruit infused vodka, freshly squeezed fruit juices, cranberry and topped with a splash of cream. (Max’s latest concotion).
Hours: Sun.- Sat. 11:30 a.m.- last call.
Happy Hour: Daily, 4 p.m.- 7 p.m. $2 wells and drafts, as well as daily drink specials.
Old Chicago
(OK, so it may not be Boise’s biggest or brightest patio but the prices are next to nothing and the people watching doesn’t get better.)
Pomojito
A blend of Monin mint and pomegranate syrups, sour mix and freshly squeezed lime with fresh muddled mint. $6.03 (with tax).
Hours: Sun.-Sat. 11 a.m.- 2 a.m.
Happy Hour: Daily, 4-7 p.m., Sun.-Thurs., after 11 p.m., $1 off pints, $1 off wells and happy food for $3.99.
6th and Broad/Main
Bardenay
(A seriously spacious patio with a great view of the historic Basque block.)
Ginger Rum Cocktail
Ginger infused rum (distilled in house), dash of vanilla, Triple Sec and sweet and sour blended to create the crispest cocktail $6.75.
Hours: Sun.- Sat.11 p.m.-2 a.m., Sat.- Sun. Brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Happy Hour: Fri.-Sat. 9 p.m. food specials, cocktails range from $6.75-$8.00, rum, vodka and gin distilled in house.
The Reef
(A breathtaking rooftop view of downtown Boise, from your own tropical paradise.)
Mai Tai
A blend of Gold rum, orange Curacao, Orgeat, sweetened lime juice and a float of dark rum. $8 (well spent).
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-last call, Sat.-Sun. 4 p.m.-last call (kitchen closes at 10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. and 9 p.m. Sun.-Thurs.)
Happy Hour: Mon.-Thurs. 3-6 p.m., half off appetizers (excluding the seared Ahi tuna), $1.50 off mojitos, key lime pie martinis and margaritas.
8th and Broad
P.F. Chang’s
(Tried but true, worth the wait.)
Orangerita
Muddled freshly squeezed lime and lemon juice, with two ounces Petron, and one ounce orange flavored Patron Citronge, served on the rocks. $9.50.
Worth honorable mention: the light and refreshing Asian Pear Mojito.
Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Happy Hour: The bartenders are happy to make you gleeful any hour of the day but not without a swift kick to your funds.
8th Street Wine Co
(An undiscovered gem, one of the breeziest patios in Boise with some of the best service around.)
Tincho
Sparkling Wine served over ice with a splash of lime, like a Mojito but even lighter. $6
Hours: Sun.-Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Happy Hour: Daily, 3-6 p.m. and 9-11 p.m. half off small plates, special prices on cosmos, margaritas, vodka tonics, gin tonics, vodka martinis and gin martinis, as well as a happy hour red and white wine that rotate.
SUMMER JENKINS
Culture Writer
