Profile

Discover the Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery Tour in Idaho

Located in Garden City near Boise, Idaho, along the Boise River Greenbelt, the Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery Tour offers visitors a guided look inside one of the nation’s first restaurant-based craft distilleries. Bardenay combines a full-service restaurant with on-site distillation, producing vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey in a lively waterfront setting.

Guests learn how small-batch spirits are fermented, distilled, filtered, and bottled — all while exploring a venue that helped pioneer the restaurant-distillery model in the United States.

Why it’s special: The Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery Tour showcases one of America’s earliest restaurant distilleries, blending craft spirits production with a popular Boise dining destination.

History & Story of Bardenay

Founded in 1999, Bardenay became one of the first restaurants in the United States to legally distill and serve its own spirits on-site after regulatory changes allowed small-scale distilling. The name “Bardenay” is derived from a Russian river, reflecting early inspiration for vodka production.

Over time, Bardenay expanded from its original Boise location to include the larger Garden City distillery facility, solidifying its reputation as a pioneer in Idaho’s craft spirits movement.

What You’ll See & Do on the Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery Tour

• Learn about the restaurant-based distillation process
• View copper stills and fermentation equipment
• Discover how vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey are crafted
• Explore bottling and labeling operations
• Participate in guided spirit tastings (21+)

Hands-On Elements: Guided tastings included for guests 21+; production equipment is observation-only.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography is permitted in public tour and dining areas.

Souvenirs & Extras: Bottled spirits, branded merchandise, and dining options available on-site.

Pricing of the Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery Tour

Adult price: $15 per adult

Tour admission typically includes guided instruction and tasting samples for guests aged 21 and over.

Visiting information for Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery Tour

Duration: 60 minutes

Age limits: 21+ for tastings; minors permitted in restaurant dining areas

Accessibility: Fully accessible restaurant and tasting spaces

Working Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Friday–Saturday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Advance reservations are recommended for guided tours and weekend visits.

Nearby attractions to Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery Tour

• Boise River Greenbelt
• Esther Simplot Park
• Idaho State Capitol

FAQs About Visiting the Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery Tour

Is Bardenay really one of the first restaurant distilleries in the U.S.?
Yes. Bardenay was among the earliest establishments legally permitted to distill and serve spirits within a restaurant setting.

Are tastings included with the tour?
Yes. Guests aged 21 and over typically receive guided spirit tastings.

Can visitors dine before or after the tour?
Yes. Bardenay operates as a full-service restaurant offering lunch and dinner daily.

Is the Garden City location different from downtown Boise?
Yes. The Garden City location houses the primary distillation facility and tour experience.

Can visitors purchase bottles to take home?
Yes. Bottled spirits and branded merchandise are available for purchase.