8 Bars In Meridian (ID) That Locals Love For Drinks, Fun & Vibes!

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Meridian is lovingly called the biggest small town in Idaho, and no wonder – it’s a bustling little hub with plenty of opportunities for recreation and a bunch of great bars to check out.

After all the day’s activities while around town, you’ll probably want to unwind with a nice cold pint or craft cocktail and that’s where we come in!

Below we’ve curated a list of the best bars in Meridian, from Sports Bars that show all the big games to beer gardens with 40 beers on tap.

Check them out below!

The Best Family Friendly Bar

1. Rudy’s Pub & Grill

Timeless local hangout serving beer and cocktails along with simple pub fare

Rudy’s does a great job blending old-school with trendy thanks to its down-to-earth vibe and understated interiors.

You’ll instantly be drawn to their central bar with its marble countertop and classic wooden barback – just pull up a stool and indulge in nostalgia. There’s a good mix of booths and tables spread out across the floor interspersed with the odd pool table (perfect if you want a game between rounds).

Simple lighting fixtures, a few unassuming posters on the walls and several flatscreen TVs give this place a nice homely feel which will make you want to turn this into your go-to local pub!

There’s a good list of beers (on tap, bottled or canned) here along with a modest wine list. Their cocktails also really hit the spot (opt for a specialty margarita or house cocktail – trust us, they are lip-smacking good!) and the bartenders clearly know their stuff.

All of this goes well together with their pub grub especially their finger steaks that are battered and served with cocktail sauce. On top of that, this bar is family friendly and that makes this the perfect place for you to enjoy an evening out with your near and dear ones, grab a few mixed drinks over conversation.

Rudy’s has two locations in Overland and McMillan making it a staple in the bar scene of Meridian and the service at both outlets is top notch, so you’ll be happy no matter which one you visit.

Rudy’s Overland is closed on Tuesdays and is open from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday with closing hours extending to 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Rudy’s McMillan is open from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday and is closed on Monday.

Address – 2310 E Overland Rd #150, Meridian, ID 83642

              – 3035 W McMillan Rd, Meridian, ID 83646

The Best Sports Bar

1. Breakaway Café and Spirits

Classic sports bar with pool tables, plenty of activities and an outdoor patio perfect for after work get-togethers

Breakaway is a hidden gem of the city, brining cold brews, plenty of fun and a wonderful atmosphere to the bar scene in Meridian. Its, fun, it’s lively and its everything you’d want from a local dive bar!

This quaint little joint has all the makings of a regular haunt with its classic bar atmosphere – billiards tables intermingle with seating options in the form of chairs and stools while one wall holds a dart board and a game of virtual golf.

The large windows let in plenty of light, and if you wish you can even set up on one of the tables they’ve laid on the patio outside.

There’s always something happening at Breakaway apart from the multitude of games they have available to play – head on over from Thursday to Sunday for live karaoke or form a team a test your wits for trivia night on Tuesday.

Keep up with all the action while savoring a nice cold draft, select something from the well spirits or ask the bartenders to whip up a classic cocktail! The food here has also gotten plaudits from all the locals and while the menu is slightly limited – what they do, they do well.

The bartenders here are attentive and along with the DJ who manages the karaoke, really contribute to the lively atmosphere of the bar. So meet up here with some mates to belt out your favorite tunes at what is easily one of the most fun bars in Meridian!

Hours of operation are from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. all seven days of the week.

Address – 2053 E Fairview Ave #101, Meridian, ID 83642

The Best Irish Pub

1. The Harp

Family run Irish pub with a wide range of spirits along with traditional Irish food and music

The Harp really puts the ‘Irish’ in Irish pub – after all flags advertising Guinness and Jameson adorn the wood paneled walls along with clovers and strings of green fairy lights.

You’ll be drawn in instantly by its rustic charm, which is what makes this one of the best Irish pubs in Meridian and the surrounding region.

Seating is simple and no-frills, you can grab a stool by the bar (which is beautiful, by the way and proudly displays all the premium spirits they have on offer) or park yourself on a stool by a table. Amidst the posters and framed pictures is also the odd flatscreen TV – perfect to tune into some sports while you savor that pint of Guinness.

The Harp boasts a good selection of Irish whiskeys which make their way into some great classic cocktails.

You have to try the Irish Doe which is an elevated Buck that comes with Jameson, pomegranate liqueur, ginger ale and fresh lime juice – simply divine! There’s also a good selection of drafts and bottles and what Irish pub would be complete without Guinness?

To complement your beverage of choice, they dish out some wonderful traditional grub from across the pond – we’ve heard great things about the shepherd’s pie which comes with local lamb and beef & veggies with a topping of whipped Yukon gold potatoes.

Service is great and the servers go a long way in making you feel welcome (they add to the lively atmosphere too!)

The Harp is open from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, with closing hours extending to 1:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Address – 1435 N Eagle Rd, Meridian, ID 83642

The Best Bars For Cocktails

1. The Roosevelt

Old school cocktail bar with an outdoor patio in historic downtown great for after dinner libations

The Roosevelt oozes rustic charm and is sure to transport you back to prohibition speakeasy times.

But the bar is the central attraction here, watched over by a mounted moose head flanked by antique wood with an exposed brick barback – this is definitely a place you’d want to sit by and enjoy a delicious cocktail!

The rest of the bar shares a similar theme with more brick walls, wooden rafters, paneled floors, classic furniture and seating in the form of tables and booths.

You can also choose to sit on the cute patio outside, which they share with their sister bar Frontier, and which frequently hosts a food truck over the weekend.

If you’re a whiskey connoisseur or just enjoy a heady mixed drink, you’ll love the menu here at The Roosevelt – there’s an extensive selection of the distilled grain along with inventive and classic cocktails. It’s definitely one of the best bars in Meridian when it comes to whiskey!

You can’t go wrong with the old fashioned, made with Benchmark 8 Bourbon, sugar, bitters and garnish – simple, yet its gotten all the patrons talking!

The bartenders are also constantly innovating and coming up with fresh ideas for cocktails, just speak to them for recommendations. The delicious tacos, nachos and quesadillas served in food truck outside really help round out the experience.

The Roosevelt is open all seven days of the week from 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Address – 126 E Broadway Ave, Meridian, ID 83642

2. The Curb Bar and Grill

Happening bar and grill with an extensive craft beer selection, live music and patio seating, perfect for big game night with your mates

Trust us when we say you’ll love the atmosphere and lively interiors at this bustling watering hole! Funky chalk muralled walls display sports memorabilia and quirky signs and the few spots that aren’t covered, hold up 8 big screen TVs – perfect to watch the evening’s sports.

Seating’s a simple and comfortable affair with both high stools and regular chairs available along with stools set up by the bar.

Want to enjoy a spot of good weather? Head on over to their patio where they’ve set up tables under umbrellas where you can nurse that cold beer while catching up with your friends.

Speaking of beer, they have a great selection of local and international brews on tap here along with a healthy collection of bottles and cans.

In the mood for something stronger? Try one of their seasonal cocktails or Curb specialty cocktails which are crafted with all-local ingredients.

The ‘smoke and honey’ particularly caught our eye and is made with mezcal tequila, honey simple syrup, house made ginger syrup and lime served in a glass with a chili salt rim – a heady mix that hits all the right notes! Pair your choice of beverage with their tacos or nachos – we’ve heard great things!

Service is quick and efficient and you won’t have to wait to be attended to. Being one of the best bars in Meridian, the place does get busy and if the music does feel too loud, you can always retire to the patio (which is dog friendly too!).

Hours of operation are from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. seven days a week.

Address – 1760 S Meridian Rd #100, Meridian, ID 83642

The Best Bars For Beer

1. Heritage Hop Haus

Intimate speakeasy, refined cocktail bar and sushi restaurant in a trendy setting

Heritage Hop Haus is essentially three concepts rolled into one – downstairs is a bar that boasts 40 rotating taps of craft beer and above is a lounge with exquisite mixed drinks. And both are catered to by Sushi Shack which has curated a menu that incorporates the freshest of ingredients!

The bar effortlessly marries rustic and modern – brick walls work with metal fixtures and furnishings, the tables and chairs are sleek while still carrying old-school charm and spot lighting makes for an intimate environment. Make sure to sit by the bar counter and marvel at the multitude of taps on display!

There’s an astounding 40 rotating taps here, carefully curated by beer lovers for beer lovers, including IPAs, Ales, Lagers, Pilsners Stouts and more – you’ll find something you’ll love for sure!

For something stronger, the full bar upstairs features some really inventive and well put-together cocktails like the cilantro jalapeno margarita and the Norman Collins.

The Sushi Shack is headed by a veteran chef and dishes out classic rolls along with novel takes on rolls, bowls burgers and beyond.

Drop by on a Wednesday for trivia night – form a team with your mates, order some top class sushi and pair it with a cold beer – it’s the perfect night out!

Bartenders here are real welcoming and very forthcoming with suggestions for what to order – you’ll be well taken care of.

Heritage is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday and Monday, from 11:30 a.m. to midnight Tuesday to Thursday and from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Address – 729 N Main St, Meridian, ID 83642

2. Homestead Bar & Grill

Locally owned, family-friendly bar and grill with elevated cocktails, plenty of beers on tap and patio seating

Homestead is a downtown staple of Meridian and easily one of the best bars in town. Its spacious digs make for a great chill vibe which you’re sure to enjoy with family or friends – it does fill up quickly though, so try to get there early!

The high ceiling and large windows give the place an open, airy feel which juxtaposes with the cozy floor plan that features both high level and regular seating.

There’re plenty of flatscreen TVs about the place, along with a few trinkets on the walls, but other than that there is little in the way of embellishment – its simple and understated. And if you want to enjoy the outdoors, they even have a patio which often plays host to live music!

The ’Mega Mary’ here is legendary – a bloody Mary which comes garnished with chili, bacon, onion rings, a chicken wing and a pretzel among other things – its practically a meal on its own!

Apart from the mammoth cocktails, they also feature 40 beers on tap with plenty of variety to choose from. The brews are updated often (check their socials to see what’s pouring), so you’re sure to find something new every visit!

If the Mega Mary didn’t already fill you up, order some of their jumbo wings in the house fire sauce – they’re the perfect blend of flavor and spice and an absolute treat!

Homestead’s hours of operation are from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to midnight Friday, 10:00 a.m. to midnight Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday. Drop by on a weekend to enjoy their signature brunch!

Address – 6275 N Linder Rd #100, Meridian, ID 83646

3. Good Apple Taphouse

Craft beer, cider and wine served in trendy digs with an outdoor patio that hosts rotating food trucks

This trendy taphouse is your go-to destination for beer in Meridian and you’re sure to dig its chic interiors and extensive selection of brews.

Everything here is sleek and streamlined with straight edges and a clear, crisp feel which works beautifully with the mismatched furnishings, beer posters and the odd painting on the wall.

Pull up a stool by the bar to watch your fresh beer be poured, grab a table inside or outside on the pet friendly patio – the choice is yours! This is an awesome place to visit with the family for a good evening out – plenty of fun, plenty of beer and some great food.

While the name of the establishment implies ciders (which they do very well), they also have 24 draft beers, 4 wines on tap, bottled wines and canned cocktails – just check their socials to see what’s being served.

They also boast a healthy selection of 50 canned and bottled beers if you want to take your favorite brew home with you.

Being a taphouse primarily, they do not operate a kitchen, but you are encouraged to bring your own grub or you can always check out one of the food trucks they invite to the patio.

There’s also something happening here every week, from musical bingo (test your knowledge of eras music!) to comedy open mic nights to live music. Simply put, this is easily one of the most fun bars in Meridian!

Good Apple also employs some great staff who are very friendly and really add to the vibe of the bar.

The taphouse is open from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday, 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday.

Address – 1728 E McMillan Rd St.160, Meridian, ID 83646