There’s no such thing as too much beer. That’s the philosophy behind The Taphouse, a 44-tap pub and grill planning to open in February in the former Lobby space at 760 W. Main St.
Naturally, I concur — along with nine out of 10 other American males. The theory soon will be tested as Downtown Boise becomes craft-brew heaven.
Along with The Taphouse, there will be nearby competition such as long-established Bittercreek Alehouse and newcomer 10 Barrel Brewing from Bend, Ore., which will open a brewpub at 9th and Bannock streets this summer.
Taphouse co-owner Brian Forde hopes that by offering tons of taps, his small pub will become a destination watering hole among the crowd of Downtown bars and eateries.
“I thought that a pretty easy way to distinguish myself from every other bar was to blow every other bar out of the water with my beer selection,” Forde says.
“I don’t know if I’ll be blowing out Bittercreek or even Old Chicago,” he adds, “but I will have more tap handles than both of them.”
He’s right. Although, to be fair, Bittercreek is no beer-tap slouch. Including its adjoining restaurant, Red Feather Lounge, Bittercreek offers 40 taps, but three of those pour root beer, wine and cider.
The Taphouse will focus on Northwest and Idaho beers, Forde says, rotating many regularly. Unlike at Old Chicago, you probably won’t go on a “world beer tour” there.
“Most beers coming (from) out of the country, I just don’t like them,” Forde says. “Things like Heineken, Amstel — they’re just kind of like skunky light beers, in my opinion.”
Gotta like this guy.
The Taphouse will have a liquor license, Forde says, as well as a kitchen. The menu will feature typical pub fare, he says, “but taking the quality of ingredients kind of to the next level.”
Forde mentions bread baked daily, Kobe beef burgers and free-range chicken: “Locally sourced, organic, fresh kind of stuff incorporated in with the classic pub fare.”
The ambiance will be different from The Lobby’s. Expect a warmer, wood-laden, classic pub feel.
And because Downtown Boise still doesn’t have a quality sports bar (sorry, The Huddle, it hurts to crane my neck to watch those TVs), The Taphouse will offer plenty of flat-screens and all the sports channels.
“We’re trying to fill that need, as well, without being considered a sports bar,” Forde says.
Forty-four beers on tap? Check.
Perpetual sports on TV? Check.
Higher-end pub food? Check.
Oh, and that garage door that opens up the place? Check.
Will the formula work with 10 Barrel on the way and Bittercreek stroking its wise, gray whiskers?
Ask me 44 beers from now. Actually, make that 43. I’ll skip the requisite Coors Light every bar carries.
ENTERTAINMENT NOTES
• RISE AGAINST: When it comes to hosting concerts, the Downtown space called CenturyLink Arena mostly has been a music dead zone in recent years.
That could change. CTTouring — the Eagle River Pavilion promoter — is now presenting shows there.
First up: Chicago punk band Rise Against, which sold out many dates when it took out Bad Religion on tour last year.
Tickets to the April 20 concert — a Friday — go on sale for $35 on Jan. 13 at centurylinkarenaboise.com. Seating will be general admission, but only 1,500 floor tickets will be available. Openers: A Day to Remember and Title Fight.
• TREE LAGOON: Before heading out on an international tour, Boise indie-pop act Youth Lagoon will headline a launch party for the inaugural Treefort Music Fest. It’s Jan. 16 at The Reef in Downtown Boise.
Also, Treefort — March 22-25 at multiple Downtown venues — announced its ticket details this week.
Oh, and Youth Lagoon has a new video. Check my blog for details on all these things.
• TILLOTSON ALERT: Pianist Paul Tillotson will be in town for his annual scholarship fund concert Jan. 9 at Borah High. All the proceeds fund a $1,000 scholarship for a graduating senior who has participated in Borah music programs.
This is the 10th year Tillotson has done it. Very cool.
Ex-Boisean Jake Stigers is flying in from New Jersey to sing. Don’t be shocked if his brother Curtis Stigers joins them on stage. Details, page 10.
