As the West Mountains roll through western Idaho, they form the scenic Long Valley. It’s here you’ll find the charming, historic town of McCall. Nowhere in the state receives more snow than right here, making it a magical winter destination for both the adventurous and romantic souls.
Those same peaks and gorgeous valleys welcome a spectacular summer as Payette Lake shimmers under the high sun. Whether on a bluebird afternoon or a breezy summer evening, McCall’s best bars and breweries are ready to keep the good times rolling.
But it’s not just about the brews, wines, and cocktails. These establishments help tell the story of McCall and bring the community together.
Salmon River Brewery
Address: 411 Railroad Ave, McCall, ID
Why We Love It: Pet-Friendly Brewery
Price point: $$
Breweries have found their place all across the USA. Here, in McCall, Idaho, the
Salmon River Brewery is king. Its award-winning craft beer features an assortment of fresh local and regional ingredients that give each pint an extra pop.
Its gold medal-winning Alpenglow Lager is a welcome companion on the brewery’s summertime patio. The Dark Villain Imperial Stout, another gold medal recipient, helps warm the bones as you sit in front of Salmon River’s winter fire pit.
As the conversations flow between family and friends, take a peek at the full restaurant menu. Take your pick of overloaded nachos and street tacos or wild salmon fish & chips. Happy hour specials also run daily from 3.30 pm to 6 pm.
Yacht Club McCall
Address: 203 E Lake St, McCall, ID
Why We Love It: Late Night Happy Hours
Price point: $$
The
Yacht Club McCall was originally built in the 1920s as the railroad continued to help the country expand west. The original stucco design, gambling halls, and bowling alleys were lost in a 1942 fire. However, the McCall relic was reestablished just three years later.
Like Lardos, the Yacht Club is a local staple and a place to enjoy the town’s culture and history. But as the sun sets over the lake, the Yacht Club takes on new life. It boasts one of the best nightlife spots in McCall thanks to its hefty events schedule, including free pool, live music, and karaoke. You know, you want to enjoy a drink and bust out your favorite number!
McCall Brewing Co
Address: 807 N 3rd St A, McCall, ID
Why We Love It: Craft Beer + Live Sports
Price point: $$
Since opening its doors in 1994,
McCall Brewing Company has become a celebrated handcrafted microbrewery. For some of us, 1994, was just yesterday, yet this gem is the second-oldest brewery in Idaho. Really puts things in perspective!
Regardless, their sprawling deck, open in the summer looks out onto the shimmering Payette Lake and
Downtown McCall. The views, paired with their extensive beer lineup is the ideal combination for any afternoon in McCall.
But MCB is not just about sun-soaked outdoor seating and hoppy pale ales. They offer a full-service restaurant cooking up delicious lunch and dinner cuisine. In addition, if you’re looking for a spot to catch the big game, McCall Brewing Company loves to pair its Balsamic Lemon Linguine and Coconut Porter with live sports across seven screens.
Forester
Address: 304 E Lake St, McCall, ID
Why We Love It: Live Music
Price point: $$
The theme of history continues with
Forester McCall. The old-time downtown bar has run continuously since 1947. You can almost hear the sounds of yesteryear’s six-string guitars as you peruse Forester’s full bar menu.
It’s a hard thing to age gracefully, and that’s what Forester has done. The saloon-style bar harbors rich wooden accents and friendly staff, creating what I like to call a “fine diving” bar. Regular live music adds to Forester’s rhythmic ambiance, and shooters of dusty bourbon bring you right back to the Old West.
If you just want to sit back, share tall tales with your friends and family, and wet your whistle, then this is the place to be.
The Cutwater
Address: 501 W Lake St, McCall, ID
Why We Love It: Memorable Location
Price point: $$
If Foresters represents the Old West, then
The Cutwater at Payette Lake is a model of the new. At Shore Lodge, The Cutwater begins the day as a charming coffee space, serving up breakfast and Sunday Brunch. Come midday, the tipple begins to poor.
The fine dining establishment keeps a full shelf of local and fine liquors that pair deliciously with crafted appetizers and entrees. You can grab the liquors on the rocks or choose from their signature cocktails.
During the summer, their outdoor deck opens to patrons. It’s just in time for local draft beers and bottled microbrews to flow freely. And it’s not just beer – Californian and international wines round out the drinks list.
