Dive Bars vs. Cocktail Bars

Say what you will, but there's an intangible charm about a neighborhood dive bar.

When you look passed the sticky floors and the height strips next to the exits, you start to see them in a different light.

They're the places where communities gather and friendships form over drinks, darts, and fuss-free fun. But the thing we love the most about a great dive bar is its "all are welcome here" mentality.

No matter your status, what you look like, or the kind of car you drive, dive bars are no-nonsense when it comes to its patrons. What they lack in bells and whistles, they more than make-up for with their warm and lively venue.

Cocktail bars on the other hand, or at least the five highlighted in the gallery below, operate entirely differently. At a time when dozens of Boise businesses are closing their doors for good, the following Downtown bars are turning would-be paying customers away!

These 5 Exclusive Boise Cocktail Bars Are Password-Protected

At a time when multiple local businesses are closing their doors for good, the owners of these Boise-area bars thinks it's wise to turn away would-be paying customers who don't have a PW!

Gallery Credit: Ryan Valenzuela

A Look at Boise's Top 15 Dive Bars

Lookin' for a new watering hole to call home? Leave it to Boise locals to share the nitty-gritty on their favorite dives!

Gallery Credit: Ryan Antoinette Valenzuela

These 7 Boise Bars are Completely Underrated & a Total Vibe

These bars are pretty lowkey, but some of Boise's BEST hangout spots, in our opinion.

Gallery Credit: Stephanie Gull

Best Treasure Valley Karaoke Bars

Take a look at some of the best karaoke bars the Treasure Valley has to offer based on your Google reviews!

Gallery Credit: Chris Cardenas

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