I love to explore random cities, and I hopped on a plane to BOI to celebrate my birthday. A few of my pals live in Boise, and they curated what turned out to be an epic bar hop. I'm happy to report that Boise has an energetic bar scene that spans upscale cocktail lounges to old-school Western bars that transport you back to the 1800s. This guide will cover a few of the best bars in Boise, Idaho.

Barbarian Downtown Beer Bar

Craft beer nerds will love Barbarian Downtown Beer Bar, a cozy spot with a rotating selection of about 30 beers on tap. The bar also offers a variety of canned and bottled craft brews. As a former beer snob, this was the perfect spot to kick off the night.

The Highlander at Hotel Renegad

For those looking for a little taste of The Great Gatsby this Art-Deco rooftop bar offers craft cocktails and an impressive view of downtown Boise. The Highlander is located on the 8th floor of Hotel Renegad with a beautiful outdoor patio and stunning décor. Their homemade chips and guac were particularly yummy.

8 Horses Lounge

What goes up must come down. Trade your rooftop views for an underground speakeasy at 8 Horses Lounge. This hidden gem is located in the old Boise City National Bank Building. Its centerpiece, of course, is the old bank vault that serves as the bar. It has a sophisticated feel and a chill but pulsating playlist. My friends all enjoyed some creative cocktails, but I opted for their generous wine flight. Seriously, the $16 for three generously poured glasses of red wine was a steal.

Humpin' Hannah's

The name really says it all. I was told if you're going to "go out in Boise," that Humpin' Hannah's has to be on the list. I was a little skeptical as I'm aging out of the "club" demographic. But I had a good time. On weekends, The Rocci Johnson Band takes the stage. Rocci herself has gained quite a cult following. Her set list was a millennial fever dream of 2000s hits, and some special...uh...prizes were thrown into the audience throughout her set. I'll leave that to your imagination, but if you're in town for a bachelorette party – this is a must-do for your itinerary. Drinks were cheap, vibes were energetic and its’s just plain fun.

Press and Pony

Get your speakeasy on with Press and Pony. This cocktail bar is hidden behind a thick curtain that when opened feels like you've stepped in an old western film.

The atmosphere here is intimate, making it perfect for a date night spot or catching up with old friends. Their bartenders are also incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about mixology, so feel free to ask for recommendations or let them surprise you with something off-menu.

As a Chicago girl, I had a particular fondness for this little secret: while it's not on the menu, legend has it that you can find your way to a bottle of Malört.