It’s not obvious outside, but ‘Boise’s newest hot spot’ is open. With ‘delicious’ food

The closed Crescent Bar has been reborn on the Boise Bench.

But you need to venture inside to realize it.

There’s no banner hanging outside the building at 5500 W. Franklin St. Not yet. The old, eye-catching “Crescent No Lawyers Bar-Grill” pylon sign is still out front. Its electronic marquee is dark.

But near the front door, the word “open” — in small LED lights — hints at fresh possibilities inside.

Reinvented as Crescent Public House, the restaurant and bar is now welcoming customers. It’s in soft opening mode, serving liquor, beer and “upscale pub fare,” co-owner Matt Goodwin says. On Facebook, Crescent Public House promises a “huge grand opening party” is coming. ”Fabulous drinks, delicious menu, family friendly ... Boise’s newest hot spot will knock your socks off!” it brags.

The bright, modern interior feels completely different from the Crescent Bar, which closed in March after 18 years (56 years if you include its prior location). The design is spacious, but the new hangout isn’t as large. The building’s 8,600 square feet have been divided into two food-and-drink establishments. A still-unnamed, under-construction breakfast spot is slated to open in 2022.

Like its predecessor, the new Crescent is anchored by an oval-shaped bar, now with several flat-screen TVs above it. But this isn’t a sports pub in an overt fashion. Natural light pours in through tall windows sliced into the front of the building. The new owners also razed a wall, allowing easy access to overflow seating in a 75-capacity banquet space. Available for private events, that room has a separate bar.

Crescent Public House’s cocktail menu is worth a peek. Options range from The Revolver ($11, aka “a caffeinated twist on the Manhattan”) to Bees N The Bramble Patch ($11, Bombay Bramble Gin, lemon, honey) and a Classic Marg ($10) with a splash of orange juice.

Aside from boozy concoctions and a steady diet of ESPN, the draw clearly is intended to be the cuisine. (And, yes, there’s a “kiddie corner” on the menu.)

Intriguing starter choices include Clam and Mussel Chowder ($17), a bouillabaisse-style creation served with garlic bread. Or Irish Nachos ($16, $12 vegetarian). Are you too chicken to stray far from traditional? Lollipop Wings ($13 for three, $18 for five) should do the trick.

Salads range from a House ($10) to a Brussel Sprout Caesar ($14). Soups include French Onion with gruyere crostini ($9) and San Marzano Tomato Bisque with garlic bread ($9).

A “handhelds” section includes the requisite burgers. But there’s also a fried-egg-topped Grilled Spam Sandwich ($13), a Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich ($15) and Halibut Tacos ($18).

Main plates include Fish and Chips ($21, ginger-beer-battered halibut), a maple-grilled Pork Chop ($24) and Steak Frites ($30). Goodwin is a fan of the Short Rib Lasagna ($19).

Desserts include Beignet ($7), Fried Bread Pudding ($9) and Apple Crisp ($10).

Native Idahoans undoubtedly have fond memories of the former Crescent Bar. But it’s easy to envision the changing Boise Bench neighborhood congregating at its new Public House.

Also, this is Idaho. And Crescent Public House serves hand-cut fries.

▪ Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Online: facebook.com/crescentpublichouse.