This restaurant, bar was largest of its kind in Boise. It lasted under 3 years
When Sockeye Alehouse opened in Northwest Boise, it was a big deal — literally.
Taking over a former garden center at 36th Street and Hill Road, it instantly became the largest brewery-owned restaurant and bar in the Treasure Valley.
Roughly two and a half years later, the party is over — at least on a regular basis.
Sockeye Alehouse, 3823 N. Garden Center Way, closed Wednesday after a final pour. Its run as a daily destination for beer, cocktails and food has come to an end.
No longer a neighborhood pub, Sockeye Alehouse will remain available to rent for private events.
“It’s tough,” co-owner Janice Skinner said. “This restaurant industry’s tough right now.”
Attention now will be refocused on Sockeye’s main operation, Sockeye Grill & Brewery, at 12542 W. Fairview Ave. That restaurant, bar and beer-making facility will keep running as usual.
Founded in 1996, Sockeye Brewing is one of Idaho’s largest beer producers. Its flagship product, Dagger Falls IPA, is the best-selling Idaho-made beer in the state.
At more than 12,000 square feet — with high ceilings and windows galore — Sockeye Alehouse dwarfed a typical pub when it debuted in March 2023. It featured more than three dozen TVs, along with an entirely separate golf-themed bar highlighted by a nine-hole putting course.
In an attempt to streamline and revitalize the operation, the golf bar was shuttered in early 2025. That space won’t be part of the Alehouse available for rent.
Idahoans interested in reserving Sockeye Alehouse can contact the Fairview location or email privateevents@sockeybrew.com.
Although running a restaurant is “very tough” nowadays, Skinner said, she’s noticed an increased interest in renting venues.
“That was part of our decision to close this location and convert it into a private event space,” she said, “... the demand for larger areas to host corporate events, birthdays, anniversary parties, reunions.
“And it’s such a gorgeous space.”
This story was originally published October 2, 2025 at 4:24 PM.