Boise, ID

Wednesday was a rough day. I woke up late, had to skip breakfast and my shower (making my hair look ridiculous). Three separate customers yelled at me at work for things that were completely out of my control. I got a blister on my big toe from my new shoes, and to top it off, I spilled shoe dye on my favorite white shirt.

Most people might want to crawl into bed after a day like that. I was ready to hit the town. Thank goodness for Humpin’ Hannahs, the premiere downtown destination in Boise on Wednesday nights.

I talked three of my friends into joining me, and after taking a shower and making my hair look presentable, we set off. Don’t worry-Boise bars are flip-flop friendly, and in my case, blister-friendly.

The downtown bar scene in Boise is one of the most drunk-friendly set-ups I have seen. Main Street features access to 15 different bars, all within a five-minute walk from one another. Numerous hot dog vendors set up camp on different corners, offering delicious food options, including hot dogs, cheesesteaks, and awesome baked Idaho potatoes, all perfect for starting to sober up. There’s never a taxi too far away, and almost everyone down there knows the number to at least one of the many taxi companies.

As I said before, Hannah’s is the place to be on Wednesday nights, regardless of whether it is summer or winter. Boise is finally warming up, however, making the five-minute jaunt from our secret parking spot off of Idaho Street a pleasant one. We pass Mac & Charlies, empty except for the regulars. The same is true for the other bars we pass. Hannah’s, however, is hopping as we pull open the door, show our ID’s and get “lei-ed” by Keke-Luv, the local DJ for 103.3 KISS FM.

We head to the bar. I plan on taking full advantage of the fact that I don’t have to work tomorrow, and start the night off right with a Hannah-Cane, their version of a Hurricane. There aren’t any tables available downstairs, so we head up the steps and claim a table in the corner, right by the bathrooms but perfect for people-watching. Its 9:15’ish, still early, but the bar is pretty busy. My friends and I share stories about our days, gossip about mutual friends, and make fun of questionable outfits. And then, as the clock strikes 9:30, the night truly begins.

The lights dim, the crowd begins to yell, and the first few notes of “Shook Me All Night Long” begin to play. The Rocci Johnson band takes the stage. The band has been the headliner at Hannah’s for the past 18 years, and I swear they just get better with age! Rocci has one of the most unique voices I have heard, not to mention the most unique taste in costumes.

One of Rocci’s favorite things to do is give prizes to the most enthusiastic audience members. Being a frequent winner, my friends and I skillfully dance/push our way to the front and start singing our hearts out. Within minutes, I successfully score a set of fantasy role-playing cards, which I promptly hand over to my married friend. She’ll get way more use out of them than I will!

Three hours and thousands of calories burned later, my friends and I flop down at a table, order a couple of waters, and start to wind down. In addition to the cheesy sex cards, we added a four-sizes-too-big t-shirt, a couple of Budweiser necklaces, and, the cream of the crop, a folding chair, complete with insulated cooler. All in all, it was a successful night and a great way to relax. We gather up all of our treasures and make our way back to the car. But not before we load up on a delicious hot dog, complete with all the fixings.

Stay tuned and I will provide a complete overview of Downtown Boise. You might say I’m an expert, seeing as how I spent the majority of my 21-year-old weekends there. And some weeknights, for that matter!