Blending craft cocktails, community, and character in downtown Sandpoint

By Like Media Team

In downtown Sandpoint, the 219 Lounge, known affectionately as “the Niner,” has been part of the city’s fabric since 1934. Following a complete remodel in 2017, the bar returned to its 1930s roots with a design that honors its past while embracing modern comfort. The result is what many would call a “High Dive,” a place that merges the relaxed authenticity of a neighborhood favorite with the elevated touches of a refined cocktail lounge.

Inside, the atmosphere is familiar and welcoming. Vintage details, comfortable seating, and warm lighting create an inviting space where regulars and visitors instantly feel at home. “Our bartenders are focused and professional,” says Mark Terry of the 219 Lounge. “Each one has been there for several years and is a part of the community.” That sense of familiarity defines the experience.

The 219 Lounge is known for having Sandpoint's finest selection of whiskeys and other high-end spirits, as well as the largest rotating selection of draft beers. It offers both classic and creative seasonal cocktails—alcoholic and nonalcoholic alike—crafted with high-end ingredients and attention to detail. It’s the only place in town featuring a late-night happy hour from 9 to 11 pm, a tradition that keeps the atmosphere lively well into the evening.

Music plays a defining role at the Niner, with live performances every Friday and Saturday featuring local, regional, and national touring acts. “For a bar in this area, that’s something special,” Mark notes. The stage has become a gathering point for the community, a place where people connect over great music, fine drinks, and excellent company.

Customer reviews consistently reflect the same themes: friendly staff, great service, and an atmosphere that feels genuinely authentic to Sandpoint. Patrons often praise the bar’s welcoming energy and attention to detail, noting its clean, comfortable setting and familiar faces behind the counter.

More than a bar, the 219 Lounge represents a piece of Sandpoint’s identity. It’s where history and hospitality come together, where tradition feels alive, and where every visit reminds you why some places never lose their charm.

219 Lounge

219 N. 1st Ave.

Sandpoint, ID

208.263.5673

219Lounge.com

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