The Lively

4.4

542 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 21 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Charming
Romantic

Located just blocks from the Capitol Building, we'll welcome you with graceful, genuine hospitality into our home. Our culinary experience draws its inspiration from the bounty of the region. Our classic cocktails are sophisticated and our craft cocktails are beguiling. Our hope is simple- to invite you again and again to eat, drink and be lively.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Continental
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(208) 209-5503
Website
https://www.thelivelyboise.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Chef Edward Higgins

Location
505 W Bannock St, Boise, ID 83702-5917
Neighborhood
Boise
Cross street
5th and Bannock
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, High Tea, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Best Restaurants in Boise

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Experiences

Winter Wonderland High Tea
$50.00 per person
Prepaid
Dec 21, 2024 only
Enjoy a relaxing Saturday afternoon out with our Lively Afternoon Tea service! This delightful monthly event includes a choice of fine organic tea and an abundant selection of handmade sweet and savory goodies from our culinary team. Caviar add-ons and gluten free options are available and can be selected at booking. Cocktails and champagne are available a la carte during the event. Greet the weekend with friends in style in our bright, beautiful dining room. Tickets are limited and go quickly, so book today!
Christmas Eve Menu
$95.00 per person
Prepaid
Dec 24, 2024 only
This specialty Prix Fixe menu will be sure to delight everyone at your table! From Angus Prime Rib to a Chocolate Peppermint Bûche de Nöel, you get to decide how to feast on this festive evening at The Lively.
New Year's Eve at The Lively!!
$150.00 per person
Prepaid
Dec 31, 2024 only
7:00 PM
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style at The Lively—the most exclusive party in town! Indulge in a spectacular 5-course dinner crafted by Chef Edward, then head to Bar Gibbon, where the festivities truly begin. Enjoy live DJ entertainment, handcrafted holiday cocktails, and a glass of bubbly to toast 2025! Festive cocktail attire is optional, but come ready to have an unforgettable time. Want to elevate your evening? Add a curated wine pairing or a luxurious caviar set to your ticket for the ultimate experience. Tickets are limited, so don’t miss out on A Lively New Year’s Eve!

What 542 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.7Service
4.8Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Idaho
Romantic
Idaho
Good for special occasions
Idaho
Lively
Boise
Great for fine wines
Boise
Romantic
Boise
Good for special occasions
Boise
Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Lively offers a vibrant dining experience with "awesome food and service," complemented by a "beautiful atmosphere." Perfect for celebrations, its standout features include exceptional cocktails, exquisite desserts, and accommodating service. While occasionally noisy and with a limited menu, it remains a top spot for elegant dining in the Treasure Valley.

542 Reviews

S
Shaelyn
Boise
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I have nothing but good things to say about our time at The Lively. The staff was lovely and very on top of things, the food and wine were delicious and at a very reasonable price point and the overall environment was great, not too loud and an enjoyable evening overall. We will be going back!
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K
Kelsie
Boise
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
The food and atmosphere are good but the service was not great at all. I called four times before someone picked up the phone to ask about parking before we got there, then we were rushed to our table by the hostess only to sit and wait for close to ten minutes and had to ask for our waitress before anyone came to our table. Service was just slow and not great.
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J
Jason
Boise
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
Our table location was not ideal. Fair amount of traffic at the lower level, backed to the wine pantry. The lighting was too dark. We’ve dined once before about a year ago, table of 6 upstairs. Lighting was better, ambiance “lighter and more relaxed.” Main level, it was cold. Both my wife and I were becoming uncomfortably cold. Yes, it was Nov 16, but the lower level — particularly at our table location certainly may have been a contributing factor. At 5:45 reservation time, Saturday night, the ravioli entree ordered by my wife -45 minutes after seating, we were told they ran out. She still received a half portion and the staff offered options. I ordered my favorite cut: NY Steak. It was medium. The flavors were there, but not used to such a thin cut. Seems our costs everywhere are cutting into portion size? It’s a NY, if it’s not one inch in thickness, come on? Again, flavors were fine. What was brought as a side (I was never offered other side option - and I forgot to ask), but roasted mushrooms would have complemented the steak instead of French fries that showed up. Never offered. Weird. Our first experience at the Lively was superb. This time, my wife and I were rather underwhelmed. Right out of the gates, being approached by our waiter, the use of profanity may have been an attempt at being casual and light hearted, but eff-bombs and the S-word might have been reconsidered. Finally, it took longer than we’re used to receive our check. The staff was good to great, professional and curious. No real issues, but our head waiter might have benefited by checking in with us with a bit more frequency. No word from him (that I recall) regarding the ravioli dish being deficient or “making up for it” - where our past dining experiences and higher end pricing would normally warrant. 3-1/2 stars. We expected 5.
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A
April
Boise
36 reviews
vip
5.0
36 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our waiter, Ryland, was great! All of our drinks (both cocktails and mocktails) were very good, great balance of flavors and not too sweet like so many drinks can be. The steak tartare is amazing!
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B
Bryan
Palm Springs
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Service and ambiance was spot on as always but the food was sub par. My wife got the pasta special and it was undercooked and my dish was so salty it was inedible. We ended up keeping the special and shared that dish but we had to send the fish back. I have had the same feedback from friends who have dined here lately as well. We hope to be back with a different dining experience
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
Great ambiance and fine dining. Be sure to impress your company with this restaurant!
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J
Juan
Boise
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food and service! The lively has been one of our favorite restaurants from the very first day it opened.
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M
Michael
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The Lively is often my choice for a first date. I want her to feel special and the Lively doesn't disappoint.
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E
Elena
Dallas
16 reviews
vip
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on November 3, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It used to be better. My husband ordered the NY strip and it was brought out as just meat on a plate with his sides on separate plates. The presentation could’ve been better. The miso with my cod was overly sweet. It was almost dessert like. The service was great though. Our waitress was super sweet and on it. The basque cheesecake is still great! Also, minor, but a little bummed they did away with the luxury soap in the bathroom.
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N
Niki
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The atmosphere and the decor of the restaurant was very wonderful and eye pleasing. The food and drinks were excellent.
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FAQs

The Lively offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (208) 209-5503.

The Lively is rated 4.4 stars by 542 OpenTable diners.