If you’re trying to stay on the wagon, make sure your horse doesn’t pull it through Downtown Boise.
Two new bars plan to open at 999 W. Main St. — the former home of Angell’s Bar and Grill Renato, which closed in 2017 at the One Capital Center building. They’ll join Downtown’s large, growing arsenal of alcohol-slinging businesses.
Ampersand Bar and Art Haus Bar are slated for the space, which will be split into separate spots — 3,578 square feet and 1,158 square feet, according to an application filed with the city of Boise. Food will not be served at either bar, according to the filing.
So what will be the theme of these bars? Cocktails “&” more at Ampersand? Wine and local artwork on the wall at Art Haus?
Good question.
A representative of Oppenheimer Development Corp. said she was not at liberty to share information.
Whatever the case, it’s a busy building. Firenza Pizza also is slated to open there by the end of the year.
If and when Ampersand Bar and Art Haus Bar do roll out the red carpet, they’ll continue a trend of new drinking destinations popping up Downtown. Since summer 2017, we’ve seen Barbarian Brewing open at 1022 W. Main St., and White Dog Brewing Co. and The Gas Lantern Drinking Co. debut at 705 and 701 W. Fulton St. More recently, Meriwether Cider House launched at 224 N. 9th St., Hops & Bottles opened at 1420 W. Grove St. and Bru, 132 N. 8th St., brought Downtown Boise its first self-pour taproom.
Ochos, a new wine and dance bar with a “bitchin’ patio” — man, I love that quote — is also planned for 515 W. Idaho St.
This story was originally published September 24, 2018 10:15 AM.