This new underground bar in Boise is open with a 15-ton bank vault door and a hidden wine area

Boise residents toast a part of downtown’s history.

Libations flow in the old vault of the Boise City National Bank building, also known as the 805 Idaho Building. The newly opened downtown bar is called 8 Horses Lounge.

8 Horses is located at 8th and Idaho Streets, directly below Fork Restaurant in the basement. It is the latest project from Fork owners Cameron and Amanda Lumsden. They also own Àlavita Restaurant in the same building at 807 W. Idaho St.

“The rich history of the space under Fork has always fascinated us and was the perfect canvas for creating the 8 Horses Lounge,” the Lumsdens said in a media release. “We hope Boise will love the change as much as we do. From the original 15-ton vault door, hidden wine cellar and various seating areas throughout the building, there are plenty of opportunities for conversation over cocktails.”

Inside 8 Horses there are two vaults: the one with the massive door and a hidden wine area with seating for guests enjoying wine, beer or spirits. There is also a wine bar in this space.

The 8 Horses Lounge is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m “A concept where the world of wine (19 wines by the glass and a further 23 offerings by the bottle) and handcrafted cocktails come together,” says the media release. “Some favorite creations like Palomino, Yellow Jacket and Baja Breeze are made in-house using local ingredients.”

Why the name 8 Horses Lounge?

““It took a team of eight horses to transport 14,000-pound sandstone blocks from Table Rock Quarry and build the entire five-story façade,” the press release states.