After closing for reinvention in 2019, Boise bar reopens as new ‘public house’

PreFunk’s new adventure finally has begun.

After closing last summer to remodel, the former beer mecca at 1110 W. Front St. just reopened as Matlack’s, a public house and “beergarten.”

For six years, Boise drinkers frequented PreFunk for its 39-tap selection and open, spacious beer garden and patio area. Matlack’s doesn’t have dozens of draft beer choices, but you’ll still find plenty of handles from breweries such as Barley Brown’s, Fremont and Firestone Walker. Wine also is available. Matlack’s does not sell liquor.

The major difference between PreFunk and Matlack’s? A small, efficient kitchen was built during the remodel, so there’s a menu. If you’re in the mood for pub food at lunch or dinner, Matlack’s is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Like PreFunk, it’s not a huge space, but there’s seating at a handful of beefy wooden tables, plus at the bar. A couple of TVs are hung on the brick wall behind the bar — along with a set of bull horns.

Because of Matlack’s two garage doors — an open-air strength of PreFunk — summer feels like this brewpub’s time to potentially blossom. Half a dozen trough planters border the sidewalk out front, already filled with waiting soil.

But if you want to get a jump on spring? Now’s the time to see what Matlack’s is about.

Online: facebook.com/matlacksboise.

This story was originally published February 20, 2020 at 10:33 AM.