Words & Deeds

This longtime Boise bar in downtown’s 6th and Main district is closing

A familiar, longtime Boise bar is pouring its final drinks this week.

Whiskey Bar, 509 Main St., will close after a last day of business Saturday, when it shows the Kentucky Derby on TV as a last hurrah. The downtown Boise bar, which made the announcement on social media, did not provide a reason for shuttering.

A co-owner declined a request for an interview, deferring to the social-media post.

“What started as an idea turned into something far bigger than we ever expected, thanks to the support of this community, our staff, and everyone who walked through our doors,” explained a message attributed to the “Whiskey Bar family.” “We are proud of what we built and grateful for the memories, friendships, and countless nights shared over a drink. Thank you for being part of the ride.”

Opened in 2014, Whiskey Bar took over a 3,300-square-foot space formerly occupied by a bar called Sammy’s. Located between 5th and 6th streets, it’s in a part of east downtown known as Old Boise, which includes the area’s bar district. There are taverns directly on either side of Whiskey Bar: Pengilly Saloon and The Silly Birch.

Whiskey Bar is located in the bar district of downtown Boise in the 6th and Main streets area.
Whiskey Bar is located in the bar district of downtown Boise in the 6th and Main streets area. Chris C. @whiskeybarboise/Instagram

Focusing on whiskey and cocktails, Whiskey Bar positioned itself as a place where you could enjoy a small glass of exquisite Japanese whiskey that you didn’t even dare try to pronounce. Or just a Jack Daniel’s and Coke.

Whiskey Bar is rated 3.4 out of 5 stars on Yelp and 4.4 out of 5 stars on Google. Recent reviews praise the happy hour, the selection of whiskeys and the creative cocktails.

“Perfect place to hang with friends, grab a cocktail, and just enjoy the night,” a Google reviewer wrote.

Whiskey Bar will stay open through Saturday night, when it delivers its final last call.
Whiskey Bar will stay open through Saturday night, when it delivers its final last call. Chris C. @whiskeybarboise/Instagram

This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 12:25 PM.

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Michael Deeds
Idaho Statesman
Michael Deeds is a long-serving entertainment reporter and opinion columnist at the Idaho Statesman, where he chronicles the Boise good life: restaurants, concerts, culture, cool stuff. He started as a summer intern after graduating from the University of Nebraska with a news-editorial journalism degree. Deeds’ prior Statesman roles have included sportswriter, music critic and features editor. His other writing has ranged from freelancing album reviews for The Washington Post to bragging about Boise in that inflight magazine you left on the plane. 
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