This ‘spot on’ bar and restaurant — a hit downtown — just expanded to a Boise suburb

When it opened in downtown Boise years ago, Taphouse Pub & Eatery had an easy-to-identify mission.

To be Disneyland for beer enthusiasts. And to serve above-average sports bar food.

Over a decade later? Mission beyond accomplished.

Now a growing Boise suburb is getting a taste of the excellence.

In its first-ever expansion, Taphouse has opened a second bar and restaurant — at 9765 W. State St. in Star, next to Papa Murphy’s.

If you live in the area, this is huge. With 40-plus taps of beer (and a few ciders), Taphouse’s selection is one of the best in the Treasure Valley. Want hoppy and local? Done. Hazy and quaffable? Yep. Sours? Got it. How about big and barrel-aged? There are always options.

(It bugs me infinitely when even major local breweries don’t keep one barrel-aged style on tap. Hint, hint, Sockeye, as you prepare to open your massive new restaurant and bar in Northwest Boise. Hopefully soon?)

Taphouse posts its massive tap list on its website and updates regularly. Which beer geeks absolutely appreciate.

Wait — more of a mixed-drink person? Both Taphouse locations serve liquor, too.

Do not overlook Taphouse’s food. The menu is solid. Concert pre-funking two months ago, a buddy and I exited the Boise location impressed. (Granted, barrel-aged beer does tend to elevate a person’s mood.)

His Itacate Tacos were delish — and rich to the point he struggled to finish two. The shells are made of melted cheese, and the tacos are filled with pork carnitas, lime-jalapeno-cilantro slaw, tomato, sliced avocado and crema sauce.

I essentially inhaled my Tin Shed sandwich and rosemary fries. And was stuffed afterward. The sammy is packed with grilled turkey, bacon, grilled apples, arugula, smoked gouda cheese and maple aioli.

Naturally, Taphouse also serves a variety of gourmet burgers, salads and other pub fare such as wings (including cauliflower-style), jalapeno poppers, nachos and quesadillas.

You’ll see some Yelp reviewers use the phrase “spot on” to refer to the downtown bar — describing both the food and the location at 760 W. Main St.

Will Star be a similar bull’s-eye destination? It’s new, so there inevitably will be a few kinks to work out at first.

But if you love craft beer, pub grub and sports? I’m thinking you just hit a home run, Star.

Hours at the new location are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.