The West End doesn’t have the historical mansions and foothills access of the East End, or the quaintness and shopping of the North End. But disregard it at your own loss — there’s plenty to do in this cozy and centrally located neighborhood.
With plenty of parks for its size, the West End is surprisingly outdoors friendly for its location.(West End Neighborhood Association)
Recreate & Explore
This bird-shaped wedge of a neighborhood is bordered by downtown, State Street, the river, and the I-84 connector. You might think this means it’s a cramped neighborhood, or that you need to leave it to find things to do.
But there are few summer destinations more popular than Quinn’s Pond (government name: Bernadine Quinn Riverside Park), which falls in the West End, and the Greenbelt alongside the ponds. It’s the best stillwater paddleboarding and kayaking within city limits, human and goose traffic aside.
During these colder months and into the spring might be when Quinn’s Pond and Esther Simplot Park — where the pond is located — set themselves apart, however. West Ender and Hey Boise reader Courtney said its short trails and boardwalks are a quick comfort in the winter. Plus, the red-winged blackbirds that gather near the boardwalks are a bellwether for spring come March.
New playground incoming! West Enders, take the city’s survey to say which playground version you prefer. (Blake Hunter / City Cast Boise)
And lastly, as a downtowner myself I highly recommend the West End for walks — the houses are cute and the friendly neighborhood cats are plenty!
Fairview Park, a residential block park on Idaho and 23rd Streets, will soon be undergoing playground changes, which you can weigh in on here.
After a downtown closure, Alchemist still has two locations including this West End spot. (Blake Hunter / City Cast Boise)
Where to Eat, Drink, and Gather
A brewery-sized hole will arrive in the West End when Clairvoyant Brewing closes on March 31. That said, the predominantly residential neighborhood still has a couple of stellar food and beverage options.
Alchemist Coffee on 27th is one such example. It’s a frequent gathering and meeting place with a truly neighborhood feel.
Though it hasn’t been around very long, Good Times Bagels has become a staple for all Boise bagel lovers (or at least it should be), and one of its sandwiches easily lands in my top three best breakfast sandwiches in Boise.
While the West End doesn’t boast a plethora of lunch and dinner restaurants, at least two are worth mentioning: Casanova Pizza (a really solid margherita) and the vintage drive-thru staple Westside Drive-In. If you’ve never visited the West End, start at the drive-in and take a walk.
