Downtown Boise is a plethora of shops and coffee shops and restaurants. But not every Boise State student is as well accquainted with the charms of our lovely city as they should be. There are a million destinations to check out and explore, including these five picks for the month of November. Update your downtown savvy and familiarize yourself with some local and little-known downtown Boise treasures!Â
Sweet Treats: The Chocolat Bar
805 W. BannockÂ
For the collegiette with a sweet tooth! The Chocolat Bar contains a huge variety of handcrafted chocolatey-goodness, like handmade Eggnog Truffles and Dark Chocolate Toffee Almond Bark. What a mouthful. The Chocolat Bar is conveniently located in the heart of downtown and can cure any spontaneous chocolate or sweet craving. Buy an individual chocolate to go or take a break from the cold with a cup of creamy hot chocolate inside.
Fashion: Commo Les Filles
274 N. 8th St
Downtown Boise got a taste of high-end couture with the grand opening of Commo Les Filles on 8th Street at the beginning of this month, featuring stylish pieces by Canadian designer Joseph Ribkoff. Although not for the faint of heart or the light of wallet, I highly recommend exploring this little gem for a glimpse into the high fashion world. Ribkoff’s pieces are chic and versatile, featuring an abundance of cool patterns and bold textures.
Food: Berryhill & Co.
Â
121 N. 9th St #102.Â
The simple and elegant atmosphere of Berryhill & Co. is perfectly conducive to a romantic downtown date-night dinner. The menu features items that are very familiar, like garden burgers and BLT’s, with a sophisticated twist. The food is excellent, and the waiters and waitresses are impeccably nice. If you want to transition date-night away from pub food or pizza, then Berryhill is the place to go. Another alternative is Berryhill’s Sunday brunch bar, featuring the usual delicious eats as well as a Bloody Mary bar. Be a little wary of Berryhill’s odd hours, however. And if someone tries to talk you into going to Bacon, Berryhill’s cousin and the newest addition to the John Berryhill dining chain, don’t go… it’s not the same.
Shopping: Mixed Greens
237 N. 9th St
Mixed Greens is an adorable little boutique, gift shop and stationary store located on 9th Street. You can find pretty much anything inside… from handmade jewelry to cute scarves to stationary gifts to bath products. If you’re stumped on a gift idea for a friend as the holidays approach, I recommend checking out this cute little shop for gift inspiration.Â
Local Attraction: Freak Alley
Bannock, between 8th and 9th St
Freak Alley is an awesome collection of graffiti art, splattering the alleyway between 8th and 9th St. Get your freak on and take in this awe-inspiring display of public art on your next downtown Boise adventure.Â
Â