BeatRoute Magazine AB Edition - March 2020

1 3
ALLIE SMITH
2
CHRISTINA BIRKINBINE
4 5
AARON RODRIGUEZ
AMY RUSSELL
Mai Thai (2)
750 W Idaho St.
For Chef Josh Maciolek, pretty good doesn’t
cut it. The Thai restaurant sets its sights on
the cosmos with an approach to Southeast
Asian fusion that blends both classic and contemporary
styles of regional cuisine through
an always innovative menu. A beloved local
favourite, if they’re pad thai doesn’t convince
you, their 12 year streak of being voted the
city’s best Thai restaurant will.
Guru Donuts (1)
928 W Main St.
Stationed in the historic Idanha Building,
Guru Donuts does away with artifice to
create a uniquely crafted donut experience
made fresh daily, from scratch, and with local
ingredients. This month for Treefort Fest,
the storefront wears a new coat. While you
munch on a “Hipster Berry,” “Funfetti,” or
“Girl Scout,” you can also take in a writing
workshop or panel discussion.
NIGHTLIFE
Neurolux
111 N. 11th St.
Think of Neurolox as a glorious combination
of the best parts of your local dive, the likely
spot where a wildly buzzed-about out of
town band will probably play, or the place
you might catch a set of eyes from across
the hall, and make an unsuspected new
friend. The best part? The giant luminescent
clam in the background, acting as a mascot,
chaperone, and cheerleader to a raucous
night.
The Balcony
150N 8th St.
From the moment you take the outdoor elevator
up to the the top floor of The Balcony
and turn the corner, you know what kind of
night you’re in for. Spectacularly sprawling,
you’re just as likely to sink into the crowd (or
decide to take centre stage). Think of this as
the city’s go-to destination for both a sweaty
night of dancing, or the crowning site where
the city’s next best drag queens perform.
The Funky Taco (5)
801 W Bannock St.
Imagine a beautiful place where life’s two
delicacies of live music and tacos meet.
Welcome to The Funky Taco. An even blend
of Asian, Indian, Mexican, and Americana
cuisine? Check. An unreal balcony performance
space with sightlines around the
restaurant? Check. A robust live music and
DJ schedule? Check. A pivot from “farm to
table” towards “farm to funk.” You’re sold.
The Olympic Hotel
1009 Main St.
Perched above Mulligans Pub & Eatery,
Boise’s newest venue in the heart of the city
hosts a wide range of programming most
nights of the week, including rising local
bands and international acts on a stage with
a delightful wraparound balcony. During
Treefort, the venue morphs into an important
landing site, running full steam nearly all
night long.
SHOPPING
The Record Exchange (3)
1105 West Idaho St.
To call The Record Exchange an institution
would be an understatement. For the last 40
years Idaho’s largest independent record
store has sold vinyl, books, candy bars, collectibles,
and everything in between. Keep
an ear out for their always free, all-ages,
in-store events which might include a meet
and greet, album signing, or concert.
Maven
928 W. Main St.
Maven opened in the basement of the
Idanha Building after the closure of the Garden
City Projects pilot program that created
a dynamic multi-use DIY space that cradled
art shows, live performances, and poetry
readings. Now in its new home, a recent
testimonial describes the space best: “A
cool collective / mini art museum / gift go-to
place. The best Boise has to offer in funky
little wares crafted by local creatives. Prints,
jewelry, vintage clothes, crafted candles and
so much more."
STAR
MARCH 2020 BEATROUTE 31