Sockeye Brewing opens huge new Boise restaurant, bar, golf pub: ‘Something for everybody’

It’s finally time to “drink like a fish,” Boise.

And eat — or even putt — like one.

After a nearly year-long delay, the largest brewery-owned restaurant and bar in the Treasure Valley has arrived.

Sockeye Alehouse will soft open Tuesday at 3823 N. Garden Center Way. The massive entertainment hub has taken over the renovated former 36th Street Garden Center & Bistro at the corner of 36th Street and Hill Road.

And it is epic.

At more than 12,000 square feet — with high ceilings and windows galore — Sockeye Alehouse dwarfs a typical pub. Sports fans rejoice; there are more than three dozen TVs. Some are in a separate, golf-themed bar with a nine-hole putting course.

Soft opening

For the next two and a half weeks, Sockeye will serve a partial food menu and operate with slightly cut-back hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, closed Mondays. It will launch fully, seven days a week, after a grand opening celebration from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 7, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 8.

This Saturday, Sockeye will be closed to the general public for a private event.

“The time has finally come, and we’re beyond thrilled to announce a grand opening celebration and share what we believe to be a can’t-miss destination for craft beer lovers in the Treasure Valley,” Tyson Cardon, Sockeye’s director of marketing, said in a news release. “Sockeye Alehouse is an exciting step into the future of Sockeye Brewing, and we couldn’t be happier to finally open the doors.”

With an indoor capacity of roughly 300, the new full-service restaurant and bar is a sister location to Sockeye Grill & Brewery at 12542 W. Fairview Ave. That operation will keep running as usual.

Sockeye will not brew beer at the Alehouse. But plenty will get poured, including Dagger Falls IPA — the best-selling Idaho-made beer in the state. Founded in 1996, Sockeye Brewing is one of Idaho’s largest beer producers.

The Alehouse has a full liquor bar (a change from its original plan). Signature cocktails include a Dagger Mule with a base of Tito’s Vodka and Dagger Falls IPA ($12). A Cucumber Basil Gimlet made with Hendrick’s Gin costs $15.

Sockeye Alehouse’s main space is composed of two significant dining areas. There’s also nearly 4,000 square feet of outdoor patio that will be filled with furniture — and Boiseans — when temperatures rise.

Golf bar: The Turn

Many customers will be drawn to a third space: The Turn. A golf-themed bar, its focus is a challenging but fun putting course. A round costs $6 and takes 20 to 30 minutes to play.

The Turn will offer its own menu with hand-tossed pizzas ($16 to $18), plus quick food such as Sockeye Poutine ($16) and Alehouse Pretzel Bites ($8). Kids are welcome throughout Sockeye Alehouse, but The Turn will transition into an adults-only spot during evenings, Cardon said.

Foodwise, Sockeye Alehouse’s “elevated Idaho pub fare” isn’t the same as the Fairview restaurant’s menu. But there are a few familiar favorites, such as the Sockeye Salmon Club ($16) and Beer Battered Finger Steaks ($13).

Burgers include Short Rib ($16) and Pork Belly ($15) versions. There also are sandwiches such as a Reuben ($14), Philly ($16) and Ciabatta BLTA ($13) — with the “A” standing for avocado.

Greens range from a Citrus Cabbage Salad ($15) to the grilled-salmon-powered Market Salad ($18).

Entrees include everything from Mac & Cheese ($16) and Flat Iron Steak ($25) to Braised Short Rib ($24), Bronzino ($28) and Beef+Maitake Stroganoff ($19). And, of course, there is Grilled Salmon ($21).

‘Something for everybody’

Sockeye Alehouse’s much-anticipated opening is huge news for residents of the Collister, Sunset and Central Foothills neighborhoods. It originally had targeted spring of last year.

So Cardon expects the place to be hopping, he said, even before grand opening weekend.

One thing is certain: Customers will have choices. And room to explore.

Sockeye Alehouse? More like Sockeye Complex.

“Whether they are looking to sit and dine with friends or family, grab a pint and cocktail in the bar, or sink a few putts on the course, there’s something for everybody,” Cardon said.