Loose Screw Beer Co. - McMillan Taproom

As others have said; very 'industrial'-feeling, small location off Chinden nestled back off the road beside a winery; indoor seating is fairly tight but not uncomfortable, bartop is right on top of the brewing equipment. Selection is above average and so is the quality I would say, if Loose Screw can make it through a COVID-downturn, I believe the quality of their brews will carry them forward in the Boise area. Crowler fills on-site are a plus.

this place used to be another brewery, i guess they are just a few months into their new ownership or rebrand or whatever, cool little spot right in the thick of a whole bunch of breweries and wineries, a cool strip to explore on a weekend for sure. its a humble little spot, set back off the road, easy enough to drive right by, small inside, with an open feel though, the bar bisecting the place and all the equipment right there behind it. not room for too many patrons in here, which creates an intimate sort of feel, very blue collar and no frills taproom vibe. nice dude in here was real interested in chatting about the beers, super kind, and shared a lot of samples. i had a couple of ipas, a wet hop that tasted well past the season, and their sergeant ipa, which was strudy and quite good. ill have to get back in here to try the others, but a pretty straight ahead beer menu for the most part without a lot of crazy experimental beers or anything, just beer for drinking. its low key here, the hoppy beer was good, and the guy behind the bar was great. worth checking out if you are in the area, but not one of my top few favorites in idaho so far, at least not yet...

edit: its now being called loose screw, the bella name didnt make it too long in here, i think this is the third operation to occupy this space now. they havent changed it much, just some expanded outside seating area now, which is nice because its tiny in here. the service was awful when we were in for the first time as loose screw, which kind of hurt the experience, but the beers seemed much improved over what i have had from bella, which admittedly is not a ton. changing some scores around to reflect the loose screw experience, not the bella one.

edit: the old address has now been reopened once again as another brewery, called ruckus this time. the loose screw address has been updated to their mcmillan location, a newer taphouse that is kid and dog friendly and has great vibes, some guest taps, and is busy most of the time when we visit. the page for that place has updated to now be their new downtown meridian brewery, which is stunning. not sure they ever made more than a homebrew batch or two out in this spot, but it remains open as a now second taphouse location, a good hang but the brewery spot is where its at!

 

Small place, bar right on top of brewing equipment, very industrial feel. Nestled between a sandwich shop and a wine tasting room, so all of your basic needs can be met. Right on the Boise Ale Trail also, easy to reach location. 13 handles, sometimes 1 guest tap. Free popcorn!