About Backwoods Bar
Backwoods Bar is an independently owned cocktail and whiskey bar at 1920 East Sherman Avenue in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. It remains open and trading under the Backwoods name as of August 13, 2026. Current business listings show daily hours of approximately 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., although event admission, holiday schedules, and last call can vary. The venue describes its regular programming as live music, karaoke, DJ nights, themed events, and game tournaments.
This is a neighborhood bar and compact entertainment venue rather than a traditional concert hall. Its character comes from a deliberately North Idaho design: antlers and mountains in the original branding, reclaimed local timber, antler light fixtures, and substantial wood furniture made from pine brought down by a major windstorm. The long wooden bar and old-timber feature wall remain the visual signatures of the room.
No verified public capacity, room dimensions, seating count, or fire-code occupant load has been published. A current property record lists a 2,548-square-foot retail building, while a 2021 sales listing used 3,236 square feet on a roughly quarter-acre corner lot. The difference may reflect different measurement methods or inclusion of additional space, so neither figure should be treated as the venue’s audience capacity.
History and Renovations
The one-story building dates to approximately 1970. Before Backwoods, it housed Chillers and then Hogfish; city records document a 2010 alcohol-license transfer from Chillers to Hogfish. In 2021, Jace Perry took over the Hogfish premises, renamed it Backwoods Whiskey Bar, and completed an eight-month renovation reported to cost about $100,000. The grand opening took place in November 2021.
The 2021 project removed the former metallic, marina-inspired interior and created a warmer lodge-like setting. Work included the custom wooden bar, storm-felled pine tables, reclaimed wall timber, remodeled restrooms, new decorative fixtures, a cleaner exterior, games, televisions, and a heated outdoor area. The venue opened with more than 40 whiskeys and was intended to appeal to everyone from younger nightlife customers to longtime neighborhood regulars.
The property sold in November 2022. By August 2023, city permit records identified Keith Giusto in connection with Backwoods Bar, and the venue now states that the Giusto family owns it. Visitors reported another substantial remodel during 2025, including refreshed indoor and outdoor areas, newer games, improved pool tables, and exterior and parking-lot work.
Events and Programming
Backwoods books the kind of entertainment that works in an intimate bar: solo musicians, local and regional bands, karaoke, house and dance DJs, watch parties, holiday celebrations, community gatherings, and competitive games. The venue continues to advertise live music every week, while recent visitors consistently identify Monday karaoke and a Thursday DJ night as recurring attractions. Several electronic dart teams also used Backwoods for league play in spring 2026.
The publicly indexed performance record illustrates the range. From 2022 through 2024, bookings included Hardwood Heart, Riverboat Dave, Keith Wallace, Conor Yarbrough, Redbooks, Devon Wade, Max Malone, The Willing and Able, DJ Byrd, and Rusty Jackson. These names point to a mixture of acoustic music, roots and country-influenced acts, bar bands, and DJs rather than touring theater productions or nationally headlining concerts.
Programming became more dance-oriented around major 2025 holidays. Halloween, Thanksgiving weekend, and Christmas parties featured multiple house, disco, tech-house, and Afro-house DJs, dancing, lighting and visual effects, costume activities, and temporary VIP arrangements. Other events have included a Big Game watch party and potluck, fashion-week gatherings, business networking, private celebrations, and community meetings.
In 2026, Backwoods served as the starting and finishing venue for a St. Patrick’s bar crawl and remained active with karaoke, DJs, dart competition, professional gatherings, and weekly entertainment. No reliably indexed named shows for late 2026 or 2027 had been announced by August 13, 2026. Visitors should therefore expect a short-lead local calendar rather than a season announced many months in advance.
Tickets and Booking
Most ordinary bar nights, karaoke sessions, and smaller live performances do not appear to use reserved tickets. Larger DJ parties and multi-venue events may require advance admission. Recent ticketed dance parties generally fell around $15 to $25 for general admission, with event-specific VIP packages around $55. A 2026 multi-bar crawl started near $29 per person, with group pricing also offered. Prices include neither a guaranteed seat nor drinks unless the event description explicitly says otherwise. ticketfairy.com
Backwoods has no published daily box-office hours, standard presale schedule, or permanent seating chart. For a popular holiday party, buying when the event is first announced is safer than relying on door admission. Some events have used rising price tiers, meaning early and late general-admission tickets provided the same access at different prices.
Seating, Layout, and Viewing
The layout is informal and largely general admission. Seating consists primarily of bar stools, high-top or conventional tables, and patio furniture rather than fixed rows. The two pool tables and several dart machines occupy a significant part of the recreational floor. A 2026 visitor noted that the pool tables are close enough together that players occasionally need to wait for one another, and nearby seating may need to move for difficult shots.
For live music and karaoke, arrive early if you want a table with a direct view. Standing space becomes more important during DJ events, when furniture may be adjusted to create a dance area. The bar itself is better for people prioritizing drink service and conversation. The heated patio is useful for groups wanting more breathing room, although outdoor sound and sightlines depend on that evening’s setup.
VIP access is not a permanent room configuration. Selected 2025 dance parties advertised a temporary backstage lounge, dedicated cocktail service, a drink ticket, and expedited entry. Visitors should not assume that these amenities exist at an ordinary concert, karaoke night, or private event. ticketfairy.com
Sound, Lighting, and Event Production
Backwoods can accommodate live bands, solo performers, karaoke, DJs, dance lighting, and visual effects, but it does not publish a technical rider. No verified information is available about speaker brands, mixing consoles, monitors, microphones, lighting fixtures, stage dimensions, power distribution, backline, load-in access, or noise limits. Performers and private-event organizers should not assume that specialist equipment is included simply because the bar regularly hosts music.
The room is small, single-level, and dominated by hard wood surfaces, televisions, games, and an active bar. That creates a lively bar-room sound rather than a controlled theater acoustic. People sensitive to volume should choose a position farther from the performance setup or use the patio during louder DJ and full-band programming.
Getting There and Parking
Backwoods Bar is at 1920 East Sherman Avenue, near 19th and Sherman, east of the lakefront downtown core. It is roughly a mile from the main downtown restaurant and resort district. Walking is practical in good weather, but the return journey feels longer late at night or during winter conditions.
The property has a surface parking area, including reported accessible parking, but no verified space count or event-parking fee has been published. Street parking is also available around East Sherman and nearby residential blocks where signs permit it. The city’s downtown two-hour street-parking zone ends well west of Backwoods, but drivers must still obey any restrictions, bus-stop markings, snow controls, or temporary event signs.
The free A Route bus stops at Sherman and 21st Street, only a short walk east of the bar. Service is hourly, with weekday operations approximately 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday service around 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; there is no regular Sunday service. Because most music and nightlife continues later, the bus is useful mainly for daytime visits. Rideshare, taxi, or a designated driver is more practical after evening events.
Inside the Venue
Expect a full bar, cocktails, whiskey, beer, televisions, two pool tables, several dart machines, and rotating arcade or skill games. Recent visitors also mention a golf video game and a pedal-powered blender bicycle. The mood is generally described as clean, casual, and more polished than a traditional dive, while retaining a relaxed neighborhood-bar personality.
Backwoods does not currently appear to operate a full kitchen. Recent reports say outside food is allowed, and a neighboring food-truck court commonly provides several choices. This arrangement is convenient but means food availability depends on the trucks’ schedules. The bar is better approached as a drinks-and-entertainment venue than as a guaranteed dinner destination.
Current directory listings report card and contactless payment, free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and designated smoking areas. Recent visitor feedback describes the interior as smoke-free, with smoking directed outside. There is no published coat-check service, permanent merchandise counter, charging station, formal bag-check procedure, or general camera policy.
Reviews are mostly positive about the remodel, karaoke crowd, games, cleanliness, atmosphere, and personable bartenders. Some visitors have reported inconsistent service during busy periods or dissatisfaction with cocktail value. Arriving before peak nightlife hours usually provides more time to order, find seating, and understand that evening’s layout.
Accessibility and Inclusive Facilities
Multiple current listings identify Backwoods as wheelchair accessible, and visitor information notes handicap parking. The main venue is a one-story space, while the public bus serving Sherman Avenue uses wheelchair lifts and accepts service animals. However, Backwoods has not published a detailed accessibility guide covering entrance thresholds, door widths, restroom clearances, lowered bar service, reserved viewing positions, or sensory accommodations.
Guests who require a particular table position should arrive early because the room is flexible and much of the seating is first come, first served. Pool tables, dart areas, temporary dance floors, and crowds can narrow circulation during major events. Staff assistance may be useful when furniture has been rearranged.
Nearby Amenities
The neighboring food-truck court is the closest meal option. The Relic Smokehouse and Pub is a short walk away, while Jimmy’s Down the Street and other East Sherman businesses are farther west. A limited-service hotel is within several blocks to the east; a broader choice of hotels, restaurants, and late-night bars is concentrated more than a mile west around downtown and the lake.
For dinner before a major event, allow time for food before entering, particularly when the trucks are busy or operating seasonally. Public transit stops early, so arrange the return journey before drinking. A legal curbside pickup near Sherman is preferable to waiting in or blocking the small parking area.
What Makes Backwoods Bar Special
Backwoods represents the gradual revival of East Sherman Avenue. Its original $100,000 renovation converted a dated former bar into a distinctive local gathering place at a time when the city and neighborhood organizations were encouraging investment east of downtown. The reclaimed timber, storm-felled pine furniture, and antler details give it a regional identity that cannot be reproduced by generic nightclub décor.
Its community role extends beyond entertainment. Backwoods has supported local fundraising, hosted fashion-week events, provided meeting space for area business owners, welcomed professional networking groups, and been incorporated into recreational city tour routes. No independent study quantifies its economic impact, but its steady programming draws customers to an East Sherman cluster that now includes restaurants, nightlife, lodging, and food trucks.
Visitor Tips and Information
Backwoods is primarily a 21-and-older drinking establishment, and ticketed events are consistently advertised as 21+. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID even if you are well above the minimum age. Idaho rules generally prohibit minors from remaining in establishments where alcohol service is the predominant activity. ticketfairy.com
Dress is casual, with costumes encouraged only for designated theme parties. Do not count on reserved seating, dinner service, a coat check, or late-night public transportation. For karaoke, pool, or a quieter drink, arrive earlier. For a DJ party, expect standing, louder sound, brighter effects, and slower bar service as the room fills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Backwoods Bar still open in 2026?
Yes. Backwoods Bar remains open at 1920 East Sherman Avenue as of August 13, 2026. Current listings show service seven days a week, generally from late morning until 2 a.m. The venue continues to promote live music, karaoke, games, DJ nights, private parties, and themed events under the Backwoods Bar name.
Is Backwoods Bar always 21 and older?
Plan on Backwoods being 21 and older because it is primarily an alcohol-focused bar without a full restaurant operation. Publicly advertised dance parties and special events consistently require guests to be at least 21. Bring an unexpired government-issued photo ID; an event organizer or door attendant may check everyone regardless of apparent age. ticketfairy.com
What is the capacity of Backwoods Bar?
No trustworthy public source states the legal occupant capacity. Property records also disagree on building size, listing either 2,548 or 3,236 square feet. Avoid relying on unsourced capacity estimates when planning a group. Large parties and event organizers should establish attendance limits as part of their booking arrangements rather than assuming everyone can enter at the door.
Does Backwoods Bar have assigned seating?
No permanent assigned-seating system is advertised. Ordinary visits use first-come bar stools, tables, game-area seating, and patio furniture. During live music or DJ parties, some furniture may be moved to increase standing and dancing space. Buying an event ticket normally guarantees admission only, not a chair, table, or unobstructed view.
When should I arrive for Monday karaoke?
Arrive before the busiest late-evening period if you want a table, time to order, or a better chance of entering the singing rotation. Monday karaoke receives strong visitor feedback and can attract experienced local singers. The exact start time is subject to change, so treat it as recurring programming rather than a permanently fixed schedule.
Does Backwoods Bar serve food?
Recent visitor reports indicate that Backwoods does not currently run a full kitchen. The venue focuses on drinks, games, and entertainment. A food-truck court directly next door commonly supplies several choices, but truck attendance and hours can vary. Eat beforehand if food is essential, particularly during winter, weekdays, or late-night events.
Can I bring outside food into Backwoods?
Recent venue information says outside food is allowed, which is useful when ordering from the neighboring food trucks. Keep food contained, clean up after yourself, and do not bring outside alcohol. Because policies can change for private rentals or ticketed parties, follow staff instructions if an event uses a different entry or catering arrangement.
How much are tickets for events at Backwoods Bar?
Regular karaoke, game, and smaller music nights often have no publicly advertised advance ticket. Larger dance parties have recently charged approximately $15 to $25 for general admission, with selected VIP packages around $55. Multi-venue events can cost roughly $30. Prices, fees, included drinks, and door availability are determined separately for each event. ticketfairy.com
Can tickets be purchased at the door?
Door sales depend on the organizer, remaining capacity, and ticket tier. Smaller bar events may simply collect a cover, while major holiday parties can sell out early pricing or VIP access in advance. If a particular event matters to you, advance purchase is safer. Arriving early does not guarantee entry once the legal room limit has been reached.
Is there free parking at Backwoods Bar?
A surface parking area serves the property, and surrounding street parking may also be available without an event fee. No verified parking-space count has been published, so the closest spaces can disappear quickly. Observe posted signs and avoid blocking residential driveways, neighboring businesses, accessible spaces, loading areas, or the nearby public bus stop.
Can I take public transportation to Backwoods Bar?
Yes, the free A Route stops near Sherman and 21st Street, a short walk from the bar. It is mainly useful for daytime visits because the last weekday run is around 6 p.m. and Saturday service ends around 3 p.m. There is no regular Sunday service, making it unsuitable for most late-night performances.
Is Backwoods Bar wheelchair accessible?
Current listings identify the venue as wheelchair accessible and report designated accessible parking. The bar is in a one-story building, and the nearby public bus is lift-equipped. No detailed accessibility plan has been published, however, so information about restroom dimensions, door clearances, lowered service areas, or dedicated performance viewing positions is unavailable.
What is the bag policy at Backwoods Bar?
Backwoods does not publish a universal bag-size or clear-bag rule. A small purse or compact personal bag is the practical choice in a crowded room containing pool tables, darts, and standing areas. Large luggage, bulky backpacks, outside alcohol, and items that interfere with walkways may be refused, particularly during a ticketed DJ or holiday event.
Are photography and video allowed?
No permanent photography policy is publicly posted. Casual phone photography is generally consistent with the bar and nightlife setting, but avoid flash or filming strangers without permission. Professional cameras, tripods, lighting equipment, or continuous performance recording may require approval from the performer, event organizer, and venue, especially where equipment could obstruct circulation.
Can I smoke or vape inside Backwoods Bar?
Recent visitor feedback describes the interior as smoke-free, while current listings note designated smoking areas. Use the outdoor area and follow the signs posted at the venue rather than assuming indoor smoking or vaping is permitted. The heated patio makes stepping outside more practical in colder weather, but it may be crowded during busy events.
Are dogs allowed at Backwoods Bar?
Several recent visitors report that well-behaved dogs have been welcomed, partly because the bar does not operate a full kitchen. This is not a clearly published permanent policy and may differ during crowded, loud, or ticketed events. Consider noise, limited floor space, and other guests before bringing a pet. Trained service animals are a separate accessibility category.
Does Backwoods Bar have Wi-Fi and contactless payment?
Current business listings report free Wi-Fi, credit-card acceptance, and contactless payment. Network performance can weaken when the bar is crowded, so download tickets or transportation details before arriving. It is also sensible to carry an alternative payment method in case a particular event uses a separate door transaction or experiences a temporary connection problem.
Can Backwoods Bar host a private or business event?
Yes. The venue actively welcomes party and show inquiries, and recent reviews describe successful professional networking and private gatherings. Its bar service, flexible tables, games, patio, televisions, and informal atmosphere suit celebrations and mixers. Capacity, staffing, music equipment, food arrangements, accessibility needs, decorations, minimum spending, and exclusive-use terms should all be settled before booking.
What production equipment should performers bring?
No public technical specification confirms the available microphones, monitors, mixer, backline, lighting controller, projector, cables, stands, or instrument inputs. Artists should obtain an event-specific production agreement and be prepared to supply specialist equipment. Backwoods demonstrably supports solo music, bands, karaoke, and DJs, but that does not mean every format receives the same setup.
