Born and raised in Idaho, sibling duo Lisa (right) and Dan (left) grew up behind the bar at The Cactus. After a decade running it under their dad (middle), they made it official in 2018 and took over Boise’s oldest dive. They’ve kept the cheap drinks and quirky charm locals love, while adding fresh touches like a shady patio and a photo-worthy mural. As Boise grows, they’re keeping the “small town, big city” vibes.
Established in 1936, The Cactus Bar began its life not as a bar but as a cigarette and cigar shop. It did not transition into a licensed bar until the early 1940s, with the Idaho Statesman first mentioning it in August 1948 at 805 Main Street, owned by Dorothy Odiago. By 1950, it appeared in city directories as the “Cactus Bar,” under owner Tony Subisarretta, later renamed “Cactus Club” under Tony Uranga. In 1972, Uranga relocated the bar to its current address at 517 W Main Street, firmly embedding it as a longstanding fixture in Boise’s nightlife.
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