Really disappointed by this place. Poor service and the bartender had the biggest attitude problem that I’ve ever seen at any establishment on all of the dang west. I asked nicely to move one of the bar seats to make more room at the bar for my wife and I, and she gave us the snootiest remarks and started yelling. The ambience is nice, but it’s really not worth the prices here.
Kiera Lotoski
Water Bear is ABSOLUTELY dialed in; the music, the lighting, the thoughtfully decorated interior, the humans (Laura and Mac). 🤌🏼✨ The cocktail menu does not leave you wanting for much with a selection of thoughtfully crafted cocktails and a generous number of zero proof offerings. It is evident that a lot of care and passion has gone into the effortless masterpiece that is Water Bear. The snacks, while minimal were phenomenal! I really enjoyed the corndog and devilled eggs. I’m sad this spot is so far from home, but I look forward to the chance to visit again. A special mention to the very intentionally safe and inclusive space that Laura has created.
Jazlyn Olmedo
Waterbear is one of the best cocktail lounges in Boise! Their drinks are unique and very tastey! The vibes are chefs kiss. Great place for a date or girl night. There is nothing like this place! Very cool they have yummy snacks available too. Not often a bar has any, but theirs are delicious! Definitely my go-to & love supporting them 🩷
Cynda LeDuc
The drinks were great. HOWEVER, included on your bill is an 18% SERVICE charge AND a 10% tip and a suggestion of another tip. Bottom line, if you add that minimum suggested tip of 10% you are paying 38% more than the listed price. Our five drinks totaled $113.00. What does the service charge cover?? Their website says: The hospitality industry is still recovering in this post-pandemic world. One key component to this recovery is a standard service charge of 18% added to every check. We train our staff to the highest standard and prioritize specialty spirits so we can deliver a consistent and elevated experience. Gratuities are always welcomed for excellent service. Sorry, Water Bear, we'll be going elsewhere.
emmerson cooper
This spot really does feel like one of the rare safe havens for queer folks in Idaho—the vibe is amazing, the staff are lovely, and the drinks are incredible. But as a young queer person making just above minimum wage, it's tough when a single cocktail costs more than I make in an hour. I totally understand that running a business right now is hard, but I wish there were more price-accessible options on the menu. I'd be more than happy with a lower-tier liquor option if it meant I could afford to come more often without needing my parents to foot the bill. Please consider having more variety on the menu for drink prices! I know so many of my friends want to go here but we always pass because of the prices.
Matthew Hebb
Excellent cocktail bar with a very unique and eclectic atmosphere. Think your kitchey grandmother's house meets a hipster book shop meets a speakeasy....with some other stuff that just works for whatever reason. The framed screen playing 80s or maybe 90s TV shows and ads was fun. Most importantly, THE COCKTAILS, excellent, innovative, and well presented, flavors are paid attention to here. This isnt elaborate for the sake of elaborate, it feels like elevation was done only when it had a purpose, other things were kept simple because they had excellent craft and ingredients. This is a bar with a sophisticated vision and it does well at presenting it. Drinks range from complex and whimsical, to targeted and dialed in, so youll find something you like here. The service is polite, well balanced between attentive and giving you space, and well done overall. Not a speakeasy, but still kinda gives some of that vibe if that makes any sense. Well worth a visit, prices are average for a good drink in downtown.
Jay W
The decor is super interesting and relaxing.
Alex Rodrigues
Really nice atmosphere. Great drinks, And awesome service.
Miguel Henrique Gelin
The oysters and the drinks were amazing. The atmosphere and music as well.
Jahanna Azarian
This place!!! If I lived here, I’d be here all the time. West coast oysters were on point! Fresh and tasty, with a nice variety. Their hospitality was above par! THE DRINKS! Big menu, and it all makes sense. Great selection of liquor and custom cocktails. We tasted some pickled veggies that are me being prepped for midnight brunch at the bar me of the week, and WOW! Sad to leave this place…
Had a great time at Water Bear last night. We ordered a punch bowl, cookies, and Laura, the owner, made us a unique chartreuse cocktail. 10/10, no notes.
Micah Hultgren
One of my favorite spots in Boise.
El Crimz
While appealing to the naked eye, Water Bear offers a cramped and overcrowded experience for prices that would cover my evening bar tab somewhere else.
If you're looking for a place to wow your Tinder date, look no further; she will be impressed by the atmosphere, the personal-sized seating, and by the sheer amount that you're willing to spend just for mediocre downtown dining and drinking.
Jenn Lindelien
The best cocktail bar in Boise by far. Most consistent and creative drinks, great service, and the environs make me feel like I’m on vacation. Don’t miss the popcorn.
Really disappointed by this place. Poor service and the bartender had the biggest attitude problem that I’ve ever seen at any establishment on all of the dang west. I asked nicely to move one of the bar seats to make more room at the bar for my wife and I, and she gave us the snootiest remarks and started yelling. The ambience is nice, but it’s really not worth the prices here.
Water Bear is ABSOLUTELY dialed in; the music, the lighting, the thoughtfully decorated interior, the humans (Laura and Mac). 🤌🏼✨ The cocktail menu does not leave you wanting for much with a selection of thoughtfully crafted cocktails and a generous number of zero proof offerings. It is evident that a lot of care and passion has gone into the effortless masterpiece that is Water Bear. The snacks, while minimal were phenomenal! I really enjoyed the corndog and devilled eggs. I’m sad this spot is so far from home, but I look forward to the chance to visit again. A special mention to the very intentionally safe and inclusive space that Laura has created.
Waterbear is one of the best cocktail lounges in Boise! Their drinks are unique and very tastey! The vibes are chefs kiss. Great place for a date or girl night. There is nothing like this place! Very cool they have yummy snacks available too. Not often a bar has any, but theirs are delicious! Definitely my go-to & love supporting them 🩷
The drinks were great. HOWEVER, included on your bill is an 18% SERVICE charge AND a 10% tip and a suggestion of another tip. Bottom line, if you add that minimum suggested tip of 10% you are paying 38% more than the listed price. Our five drinks totaled $113.00. What does the service charge cover?? Their website says: The hospitality industry is still recovering in this post-pandemic world. One key component to this recovery is a standard service charge of 18% added to every check. We train our staff to the highest standard and prioritize specialty spirits so we can deliver a consistent and elevated experience. Gratuities are always welcomed for excellent service. Sorry, Water Bear, we'll be going elsewhere.
This spot really does feel like one of the rare safe havens for queer folks in Idaho—the vibe is amazing, the staff are lovely, and the drinks are incredible. But as a young queer person making just above minimum wage, it's tough when a single cocktail costs more than I make in an hour. I totally understand that running a business right now is hard, but I wish there were more price-accessible options on the menu. I'd be more than happy with a lower-tier liquor option if it meant I could afford to come more often without needing my parents to foot the bill. Please consider having more variety on the menu for drink prices! I know so many of my friends want to go here but we always pass because of the prices.
Excellent cocktail bar with a very unique and eclectic atmosphere. Think your kitchey grandmother's house meets a hipster book shop meets a speakeasy....with some other stuff that just works for whatever reason. The framed screen playing 80s or maybe 90s TV shows and ads was fun. Most importantly, THE COCKTAILS, excellent, innovative, and well presented, flavors are paid attention to here. This isnt elaborate for the sake of elaborate, it feels like elevation was done only when it had a purpose, other things were kept simple because they had excellent craft and ingredients. This is a bar with a sophisticated vision and it does well at presenting it. Drinks range from complex and whimsical, to targeted and dialed in, so youll find something you like here. The service is polite, well balanced between attentive and giving you space, and well done overall. Not a speakeasy, but still kinda gives some of that vibe if that makes any sense. Well worth a visit, prices are average for a good drink in downtown.
The decor is super interesting and relaxing.
Really nice atmosphere. Great drinks, And awesome service.
The oysters and the drinks were amazing. The atmosphere and music as well.
This place!!! If I lived here, I’d be here all the time. West coast oysters were on point! Fresh and tasty, with a nice variety. Their hospitality was above par! THE DRINKS! Big menu, and it all makes sense. Great selection of liquor and custom cocktails. We tasted some pickled veggies that are me being prepped for midnight brunch at the bar me of the week, and WOW! Sad to leave this place…
Restaurantji Recommends
Good music here
Had a great time at Water Bear last night. We ordered a punch bowl, cookies, and Laura, the owner, made us a unique chartreuse cocktail. 10/10, no notes.
One of my favorite spots in Boise.
While appealing to the naked eye, Water Bear offers a cramped and overcrowded experience for prices that would cover my evening bar tab somewhere else.
If you're looking for a place to wow your Tinder date, look no further; she will be impressed by the atmosphere, the personal-sized seating, and by the sheer amount that you're willing to spend just for mediocre downtown dining and drinking.
The best cocktail bar in Boise by far. Most consistent and creative drinks, great service, and the environs make me feel like I’m on vacation. Don’t miss the popcorn.
Loading...