‘Noooooo!’: Boiseans were ‘family’ at this beloved bar and grill. It just closed
If you walked into longtime neighborhood bar Jumpin’ Janet’s, chances are, someone knew your name.
“A lot of people are like family,” its new owner, Stephnie Homer, told the Idaho Statesman last year.
Customers attended a last reunion over the weekend at the bar and grill at 572 S. Vista Ave. In a last-minute revelation, Jumpin’ Janet’s announced on social media that its final weekend would be Saturday and Sunday.
“Jumpin’ Janet’s and all of the employees would love to thank you for all the years we have been here!” it said. “We will miss everyone greatly and cherish every part of this journey.”
A quintessential “dive bar” on the Boise Bench for many years, Jumpin’ Janet’s offered pool tables, pinball machines, flat-screen TVs and pub food.
It hit a rough patch in 2023 after losing its liquor license, closing temporarily.
The bar eventually reopened with beer and wine, and upgrades including a spiffed-up patio. It also hosted live music — even miniature flea markets.
But roughly a year later, Jumpin’ Janet’s is no more.
“We just couldn’t survive without the liquor license,” Homer said in a text message Monday.
Reactions on social media ranged from the predictably disappointed (“Noooooooooo! This is so sad to my heart!!!!”) to the predictably cynical (“I assume to be replaced by a vape shop.”)
“Super bummed!!” wrote a Facebook commenter, summing up the situation. “Such a great, great place.”
This story was originally published July 1, 2024 at 11:49 AM.