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A ‘macabre sports bar’ has opened in Boise. The owner is ‘into ghost hunting’

It’s fitting that Voodoo Cellar doesn’t have its exterior sign installed yet.

It helps make the place feel even more underground.

Branding itself as “Boise’s only macabre sports bar,” the purple-lit, basement hangout soft-opened recently in the former home of Spacebar Arcade, 200 N. Capitol Blvd. A grand opening is planned New Year’s Eve. (RSVP for free entry.)

Voodoo Cellar’s concept is precisely what “macabre sports bar” sounds like. A little freaky. Nevertheless, it clearly is the best place in town to cast an evil spell on your fantasy football opponent, or to at least place a curse on his kicker.

With 10 TVs — including a cutting-edge 85-inch screen — Voodoo Cellar will satisfy sports junkies. But it also should appeal to anyone who loves Fox Mulder, black cats and the supernatural.

A voodoo theme throughout the bar keeps things spooky.
A voodoo theme throughout the bar keeps things spooky.

“I feel like there’s 1,000 places that you can go and get a beer or a drink, but there aren’t a lot of places that provide an experience,” explains co-owner Dave Hermansen. “And we are very voodoo, creepy, New Orleans, paranormal vibe — for people who are into that kind of stuff. Because I am.

“I’m into ghost hunting. Just curious about that — the unknown, the mystical, right?”

Beer, burgers

Thirteen taps flow at Voodoo Cellar — 12 for beer, one for cider. The bar also serves wine, canned cocktails and sake mixed drinks. (A liquor license looks “very likely” by spring 2023, Hermansen added.)

Food is on the way, too. Within days, customers should be able to order from nearby Boise Fry Co.

Yes, those are Voodoo Cellar-branded growlers. Craft beer is a focus at the bar.
Yes, those are Voodoo Cellar-branded growlers. Craft beer is a focus at the bar.

Rather play games than watch them? There’s a four-person stand-up arcade, plus gaming consoles.

But, so far, a custom black-walnut beer pong table has been Voodoo Cellar’s big hit. “Eighty percent of the time, we’ve got people going on the beer pong table,” Hermansen says. “It’s crazy. It’s awesome.” (Good news: A second beer pong table is being added.)

Still, the highlight — at least for sports fanatics — is that 85-inch, 8K screen, “which is insane for UFC fights and sports,” Hermansen says. Worth every penny, “it was only $6,500 on sale!”

Voodoo Cellar recently launched its first theme night: Terror Tuesdays. Each week, a classic horror movie will be screened on the 85-incher at 7 p.m. And free popcorn will be served.

‘Another realm’

Voodoo Cellar might be creepy, but it’s also supposed to be fun. “That’s why our logo is kind of playful,” says Hermansen, 44, who owns the bar with his brother-in-law, Jimmy Eskelsen. 42.

“We almost want people to feel like they got off Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland. They actually, like, stepped into another realm while getting drinks instead of just stopping in another bar.”

Voodoo Cellar is open from 5 p.m. to midnight Sundays through Thursdays and 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.