Boise, Idaho is a haven for craft beer. I had heard many positive things about the craft beer scene in Boise but seeing is believing and I had the pleasure of experiencing several breweries in or near downtown. One of the breweries I visited on...my first day in Boise was Cloud 9 Brewery.
Cloud 9 Brewery is a drinking and dining establishment celebrated as much for its food as for its beer. The interior features two seating areas, a bar, and brewhouse, which is openly visible through the glass, right next to the bar. They have an outdoor patio, too, perfect when the weather is right and when you want to bring your dog along for the fun.
This brewpub serves about 12 beers on tap at any given time. I found them all about equally good, with the salted caramel stout ranking as my favorite. I was pleasantly surprised to find a lager on tap and was even more blown away when I discovered a house- brewed mead! It has been forever since I visited a brewery that brewed its own mead. This one, a honey basil mead, was quite different from others I have tried and the added spice made it a great match with the food. Cloud 9 brews and serves its own root beer, too.
The food served at Cloud 9 is locally sourced and freshly prepared. I loved my chicken pesto sandwich and side of quinoa bean salad. It tasted delicious and matched up well with my beer. The others in my party seemed happy as well and we left feeling, well, like we were on clouds, pleasantly satisfied and ready to tackle the world.
Boise, Idaho has no shortage of craft breweries. If you want to visit one that features delicious food to go with the beer, then Cloud 9 Brewery is the place for you. It is located about 1 mile from the state capital building and it has more than enough positive qualities to leave you feeling happy. What else would you expect from a place with a name like this? Pay a visit and see for yourself.More