| Idaho is known for its potatoes: huge, gnarly creations
from Mother Earth. So its appropriate that Boise has its share of
steak-and-potato restaurants. For years, these were the only restaurants
that Idahoans had to choose from.
That time is over. Growth has brought a myriad of dining options. Downtown Boise brims with restaurants from eclectic coffee houses to Mexican eateries. Diners can select from more than 90 restaurants and never leave the downtown area. Brewpubs have sprung up around town, offering not only Northwest microbrews but delicious vittles as well. Restaurants line the Boise River with charming views that equal the cuisine inside. The one thing that most Boise restaurants have in common is that they cater to Boises athletic community. Generous helpings are the norm and its rare to leave a meal still yearning for more. So get ready for a Western helping of hospitality and hearty food when you explore Boises dining options. Todays Steak-and-Potatoes Along with famous potatoes, Idaho is well-known for its juicy steak. Local suppliers keep Boise restaurants well stocked with choice cuts of beef. These restaurants are not your typical steak joints. Most offer an elegant setting and a variety of other entrees, including Idahos famous trout - baked, broiled or fried. Lock, Stock & Barrel repeats its popularity year after year as Boises favorite steakhouse. Prime rib is its specialty, but the seafood and generous salad bar are also well regarded. The Sandpiper Restaurant has been a Boise tradition for years along with the elegant Gamekeeper Restaurant and Lounge. Another downtown restaurant, Angells Bar & Grill, serves up steak with a twist - as well as pasta and chicken dishes. Steak and seafood lovers seeking a view should head to the Chart House. Sitting next to the Boise River, this restaurant has been serving Boiseans for more than 20 years. The Cottonwood Grille serves fresh beef and fish from behind picture windows with tree-lined views. Jakers Steak, Ribs & Fish House is situated next to the ParkCenter Pond for views of water fowl paddling in the small lake. Customers never leave Jakers hungry. Old Boise: Elegant Dining and Eclectic Cafes Although not known for its huge servings, Desert Sage rewards its diners with original cuisine and beautiful presentation. It is a good example of the simple elegance that can be found at many of the downtown restaurants. River City Grille, owned by two San Francisco transplants, and Doughtys Bistro, near the Capitol Building, also cater to a sophisticated clientele. Original cafes can be found throughout the downtown area, tucked up and down the streets. Many roll in and out of town quickly, but some like the Brick Oven Beanery have been around for years. Another Boise favorite, Moons Kitchen, offers unforgettable milkshakes and, as its motto explains, it "never met calorie it didn't like." Also downtown, is the historic Eighth Street Marketplace with many restaurants surrounding its thick brick walls. Milfords Fish House and Oyster Bar is popular with the lunch crowd as well as with couples seeking a romantic outing. The Eighth Street Marketplace is also home to Ricks Cafe American, named after Humphrey Bogarts joint in Casablanca. Its sister business, The Flicks, offers independent first-run movies. Another downtown treasure Hyde Park, offers itself to visitors like a gift ready to be unwrapped. Coffee houses, used bookstores, galleries and delicious restaurants make this neighborhood a must for any visit to Boise. Richards Across the Street, a French bistro-inspired restaurant, and Lucky 13, a popular pizza place, are a sampling of the diverse Hyde Park cafes. Ethnic Eateries Many ethnic restaurants have spilled into downtown Boise during the past few years. Asian, Mexican, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine can be found nestled among the old sandstone buildings and newer edifices. Long-time Italian eateries are nearby from Noodles in the Old Mode Building to Louies, an Idaho favorite from its days in Ketchum, home to the famous Sun Valley Ski Resort. For a more upscale Italian dining experience, head to the Grove Hotel and its signature restaurant, Emilios. A little farther away is Asiagos and its quaint vineyard-inspired interior. Sharing in the Italian restaurants' roots is Tapas Mediterranean Bistro. Serving Spanish appetizers and entrees from its third floor setting, the restaurant gives diners a view of downtown. Spanish speakers will also feel at home at the many Mexican restaurants scattered throughout the Boise Valley. Home to a large population of Mexican-Americans, Idaho has benefited from their rich Mexican culinary tradition. Named after Mexicos largest lake, Chapala serves hearty helpings of Mexican dishes. The owners have a long history in the restaurant business and three successful locations. Another successful Mexican restaurant is Cafe Ole at the Eighth Street Marketplace. Hosting the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in Idaho, the restaurant has been serving Boise diners since 1981. In addition to Idahos large Mexican population, the state is home to the most Basque immigrants in the United States. The Basque people have influenced Boises culture from colorful celebrations to delicious cuisine. Street vendors sell Basque-style snacks to the late-night crowd outside of Boises downtown clubs. But for truly authentic Basque food, head to Onati near Garden City or check out downtowns Bar Gernika. Sipping: Coffee Houses and Wine Bars Along with an influx of multi-national restaurants, Boise has experienced a wave of coffee house openings, influenced by its neighbor on the Pacific, latte-crazed Seattle. Some of the coffee houses have become mini-empires, a la Starbucks. Moxie Java began as a garage coffee-roaster, White Cloud Coffee, and has expanded to locations across the Boise Valley and other western states. Espresso Italia has locations scattered throughout town, including its popular Hyde Park cafe. Kulture Klatsch claims to be Boises oldest coffee house. Located in Eighth Street Marketplace, it offers healthy food and folk music to go along with a cup of strong coffee. Nearby is Giuseppes, providing fresh-roasted- and brewed coffee daily. Villanos Specialty Market and Deli, not only serves espresso but also wine by the glass. Wine bars are a fairly new phenomenon in Boise and have proven to be popular. The Grape Escape serves light food and wine by the glass while, on the other side of town, Cafe Jacques acts as a wine bar and full-service restaurant. Brewpubs: John Lemps Legacy Called the beer king of Idaho by a local newspaper, John Lemp, a German immigrant, was the largest beer manufacturer in Idaho in the late 1800s. His legacy can be seen 100 years later in the many breweries and pubs that have opened their doors in the late 1900s. Brewing about 3,500 barrels of beer each year, TableRock Brewpub and Grill opened its doors in 1991. Owned by the same folks that run Lock Stock and Barrel, the brewery is known for its Razzberry Ale, India Pale Ale and Nut Brown Ale. Looming next to the Boise River, the Ram Restaurant and Big Horn Brewery names its beers with a touch of originality. Total Disorder Porter and Buttface Amber Ale might be observations on how you will feel after several of these brews. Across town, on the way to the Bogus Basin Ski Resort, is Harrison Hollow Brewpub. This brewery has a beer for every season, pleasing returning skiers in the winter and hardcore mountain bikers in the summer. Bittercreek Alehouse in the downtown area serves Sockeye Brewerys Sockeye Pale Ale. Customers can choose from 21 other Northwest beers like Hazelnut Brown Nectar. The tempting dessert menu might make you want to pass up the calorie-laden brews for an equally fattening slice of cheesecake. Two establishments offer distinct experiences, unlike any other in Boise, possibly the nation. For an original drinking experience, head to BrewWorks where customers create and bottle their own beer. Another once-in-a-lifetime event waits for you at Bardenay. The nations first distillery/restaurant combination makes its own vodka, rum and gin while serving pub food like Reuben sandwiches. Boises dining and drinking options can't be pigeon-holed. You can travel the culinary world during your Boise stay, stick with the traditional steak-and-potatoes, or sample rich microbrews and flavorful coffees. Erin Fanning |
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