Boise Eats Boise Drinks 2017

BOISE EATS

FREE TAKE ONE

2017 GUIDE

2 | BOISE EATS 2017 | BOISEweekly

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

TAURA

ES

11 Y in a Rears ow EA

FOOD R

Downtown at BODO

T VOTE

BEST S

Steak & Crab Legs

N

D

Guess who was voted best seafood restaurant 11 years in a row?

Broiled Salmon & Vegetables

By the Mall

Fresh off the Hook is a little slice of Seattle mixed with a dash of San Francisco and a pinch of Alaska tossed together with some Key West for an amazing seafood experience right here in Boise!

Seafood & Steak Downtown at BoDo

401 S.8th St.,Boise 343-0220

Seafood By the Mall

507 N.Milwaukee 322-9224

See our full menu at freshoffthehookseafood.com Open daily 11am–Close

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

BOISEweekly | BOISE EATS 2017 | 3

AUTHENTIC GREEK FOOD We treat you like our Greek family with made- from-scratch dishes, sauces & desserts. The owner Litsa is proud to bring her family recipes, brought by her dad, mom and grandparents from Greece to the Treasure Valley.

NNGG I I T T BBRRAA OOFF E E L L CCEE EEAARRSS CCIIOOUUSS 55 YY DDEELLII DD IINNGG FFOOOO G G NN BBRRII GGRREEEEKK IISSEE!!

OO IINN BB

People are going crazy for our roasted lamb souvlaki!

Come try it today.

Great selection of Greek beers and wines!

COME CHE CHECK OUTOUR VEGETARIAN RIAN & VEGAN OPTIONS!

Get you r Greek O n!

6748 N. GLENWOOD ST., GARDEN CITY CORNER OF STATE ST. & GLENWOOD ST.

WWW.SOFIASGREEKBISTRO.COM |

853-0844 • TAKE OUT • DINE IN 4 | BOISE EATS 2017 | BOISEweekly

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

BOISEweekly | BOISE EATS 2017 | 5

TAKING A BITE OUT OF BOISE-AREA EATERIES

W

elcome to the other side of the magazine. Depending on how you picked up the inaugural edition of Boise Eats/Boise Drinks, this is either the first or second introduction you’ve encountered. Turn this fine glossy mag around, and you’ll find an entirely different selection of content focusing on beer, wine, booze and drinking—and an entirely similar intro, which is just our idea of a little joke. Now, back to business.

As the latest iteration of our ever-evolving annual Bar and Restaurant Guide, Boise Eats/Boise Drinks is a guide to some of the best eating and drinking around. We strive to provide a complete list of local bars and restaurants in the Treasure Valley, but we cherry pick the places to highlight —and for Boise Eats, we found some sweet cherries to shine a light on.

Starting on Page 8, you’ll find a list of local restaurants that serve breakfast and/or brunch and feature photos of mouthwatering menu items at few of them. On Page 14, we give a nod to noodle dishes at a handful of Korean eateries, and on Page 16, we share four of our favorite sweet treats, all of which are followed by our restaurant listings.

Echoing the other side of this magazine, we hope you find Boise Eats informative, entertaining and useful as guide to gastronomical gratification.

Thanks for reading (and eating)!

—AMY ATKINS North End Pizza

BOISE WEEKLY STAFF Publisher: Sally Freeman sally@boiseweekly.com Associate Publisher: Amy Atkins amy@boiseweekly.com Office Manager: Meg Andersen meg@boiseweekly.com Editorial Editor-in-Chief: Zach Hagadone Zach@boiseweekly.com Project Manager: Amy Atkins Amy@boiseweekly.com Listings: Meg Andersen, Amy Atkins, Sally Freeman, Jay Vail Contributing Writers: Amy Atkins, Harrison Berry, Sami Edge, Zach Hagadone, George Prentice Proofreaders: Amy Atkins, Zach Hagadone Advertising Account Executives: Jim Klepacki, jim@boiseweekly.com Jared Stewart, jared@boiseweekly.com Digital Media Account Executive: Lisa Clark, lisa@boiseweekly.com Creative Art Director: Kelsey Hawes kelsey@boiseweekly.com Graphic Designers: Bingo Barnes, bingo@boiseweekly.com Jason Jacobsen, jason@boiseweekly.com Photography by: Harrison Berry, Zach Hagadone, Kelsey Hawes, Tara Morgan, Patrick Sweeney Cover by: Kelsey Hawes Circulation Man About Town: Stan Jackson stan@boiseweekly.com Distribution: Tim Anders, Char Anders, Becky Baker, Andy Hedden-Nicely, Stan Jackson, Barbara Kemp, Warren O’Dell, Steve Pallsen, Kara Vitley, Jill Weigel Boise Weekly prints 45,000 copies of Bar and Restaurant Guide annually available free of charge at more than 1,000 locations, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies of Bar and Restaurant Guide are available for purchase at Boise Weekly HQ for $1.

No person may, without permission of the publisher, take more than one copy of each issue.

BW subscriptions: 4 months-$40, 6 months-$50, 12 months-$95, Life-$1,000.

ISSN 1944-6314 (print) ISSN 1944-6322 (online) Boise Weekly is owned and operated by Bar Bar Inc., an Idaho corporation.

To contact us: 523 Broad St., Boise, ID 83702 Phone: 208-344-2055 Fax: 208-342-4733

THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION OF THE DAY: WHERE SHOULD WE GO FOR BREAKFAST? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 WOK LIKE A BOISEAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Noodles, Korean Style

JUST DESSERTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

E-mail: info@boiseweekly.com www.boiseweekly.com Address editorial, business and production correspondence to: Boise Weekly, P.O. Box 1657, Boise, ID 83701 The entire contents and design of Boise Weekly are ©2016 by Bar Bar, Inc. Boise Weekly was founded in 1992 by Andy and Debi Hedden-Nicely. Larry Ragan had a lot to do with it, too.

FOOD TRUCKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Boise Weekly is an independently owned and operated newspaper.

EATS LISTINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Cover Photo: Japchae Noodles at Korean Fusion, Boise 6 | BOISE EATS 2017 | BOISEweekly

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

www.urbanduo.com

Come visit us at URBANDUO, Boise’s newest neighborhood furniture shop.

TAKE OUT. DINE IN.

THAI FUSION TAKEOUT + NEW COZY VELVET SOFA = BLISS Unique Products for Unique People W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

1726 W. Main St., Boise, Idaho 208.639.1831 BOISEweekly | BOISE EATS 2017 | 7

THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION OF THE DAY: WHERE SHOULD WE GO FOR BREAKFAST?

The stuffed French toast at Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro, 108 S. Capitol Blvd., goldysbreakfastbistro.com

AMY ATKINS

G

oing out for breakfast or brunch is a fun, delicious way to stay in touch with friends and family, but finding a different place to try each time can be a headache—especially if people in your party are hangry or hungover.

To save you the hassle of dealing with growling stomachs or pickled brains while you search the internet, we compiled a list of local restaurants in

8 | BOISE EATS 2017 | BOISEweekly

the Treasure Valley that serve morning fare.

If you don’t see your favorite breakfast or brunch place on the list, don’t despair; let us know about it, and we’ll add it online.

Now, stop waffling and get eggscited, because these breakfast eateries are the toast of the town, and if you’re like us, you never sausage a thing before.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

Classic American Dining Locally Owned. Generous Portions. Fresh, Quality Food.

Breakfast Served All Day! Specialty Omelettes • Eggs Benedict • Pancakes & Other Favorites

LUNCH FAVORITES

Hamburgers, Veggie, & Chicken Burgers Specialty Sandwiches & Classic Sandwiches • LoCal Lunches • Specialty Salads

~ BYOB ~

1821 Warm Springs Avenue • Boise, Idaho 83712 Open Monday-Sunday 7am-3pm - 345-9255 Like us on Facebook W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

Dog Friendly Patio BOISEweekly | BOISE EATS 2017 | 9

The Waffle Me Strawberry at Waffle Me Up, 204 N. Capitol Blvd., wafflemeup.com

BOISE 13TH STREET PUB AND GRILL 1520 N. 13th St. 13pubandgrill.com

A’TAVOLA

1515 W. Grove St. atavolaboise.com

ADDIE’S

Lemon poppyseed pancakes with lemon syrup at The Egg Factory, 6882 W. State St., eggfactorycafe.com

GOLDY’S BREAKFAST BISTRO

EDDIE’S DINER

GOLDY’S CORNER

RIVER CITY COFFEE AND CAFE

HIGH NOTE CAFE

BOISE BISTRO MARKET

108 S. Capitol Blvd. goldysbreakfastbistro.com 625 W. Main St. goldyscorner.com

225 N. Fifth St. thehighnotecafe.com

3095 N. Lakeharbor Lane eddies-restaurant.com 5517 W. State St. rivercityidaho.com

6103 W. Fairview Ave. boisebistromarket.com

JUNIPER

LOS BETOS

MODERN BAR AND HOTEL

MOON’S KITCHEN

MOON’S KITCHEN CAFE

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY

RED FEATHER LOUNGE

THE EGG FACTORY

BLUE SKY BAGELS

SAINT LAWRENCE GRIDIRON

THE ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE

CAPRI RESTAURANT

THE BASQUE MARKET (MONTHLY SHEEPHERDERS BREAKFAST)

BAD BOY BURGERS

501 W. Main St. facebook.com/addies

BACON

121 N. Ninth St berryhillbacon.com/bacon

BARDENAY RESTAURANT AND DISTILLERY—BOISE 610 W. Grove St. bardenay.com

BIG CITY COFFEE AND CAFE 1416 W. Grove St. bigcityboise.com

407 W. Main St. blueskybagels.com

2520 W. Fairview Ave. facebook.com/capriboise

COTTONWOOD GRILLE 913 W. River St. cottonwoodgrille.com

EMILIO’S (GROVE HOTEL) 245 S. Capitol Blvd. emiliosboise.com

FORK

199 N. Eighth St. boisefork.com

10 | BOISE EATS 2017 | BOISEweekly

211 N. Eighth St. juniperon8th.com 1314 W. Grove St. themodernhotel.com

712 W. Idaho St. newmoonskitchen.com

246 N. Eighth St. bcrfl.com/red-feather-lounge 705 W. Bannock St. saintlawrencegridiron.com

608 W. Grove St. thebasquemarket.com

WAFFLE ME UP

204 N. Capitol Blvd. wafflemeup.com

WILD ROOT CAFE AND MARKET 276 N. Eighth St. wildrootcafe.com

36TH STREET BISTRO

3823 N. Garden Center Way 36streetgardencenter.com

6615 W. Fairview Ave idaholosbetos.com 6767 W. Fairview Ave. newmoonskitchen.com 330 N. Milwaukee St. thecheesecakefactory.com 8061 W. Fairview Ave. eggfactorycafe.com

5900 W. Fairview Ave. originalpancakehouseboise.com 815 S. Vista Ave Boise, ID 83705

QUINN’S RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE 1005 S. Vista Ave. quinnsrestaurant.net

ROCKIES DINER

3900 W. Overland Road facebook.com/Rockies-Diner

ZEE’S ROOFTOP CAFE 250 S. Fifth St. zeechristopher.com

GREAT HARVEST BREAD CO.— BOISE 5608 W. Fairview Ave. greatharvestboise.com

LOCAVORE

3110 S. Bown Way locavoreboise.com

TAVERN AT BOWN CROSSING 3111 S. Bown Way tavernatbown.com

THE CHEF’S HUT 164 S. Cole Road chefshut.com

TROLLEY HOUSE

1821 E. Warm Springs Ave. thetrolleyhouse.com

CASTLE RANCH STEAKHOUSE

GREAT HARVEST BREAD CO.— MERIDIAN

3300 S. Vista Ave. facebook.com/Castle-Ranch-Steakhouse

12570 W. Fairview Ave. ghmeridian.com

EINSTEIN BROS. BAGELS

LOS BETOS

3201 W. Airport Way einsteinbros.com

6906 W. State St. idaholosbetos.com

KOPPER KITCHEN

MERRITT’S FAMILY RESTAURANT

2661 W. Airport Way kopperktichen.com

6630 W. State St. facebook.com/merritts-Family-Restaurant

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

BOISEweekly | BOISE EATS 2017 | 11

The Java Benedict at Java-Downtown, 223 N. Sixth St., javabowlofsoul.com

Biscuits and gravy with a side of bacon, and a giant cinnamon roll at the Original Sunrise Cafe, 805 N. Main St., Meridian, theoriginalsunrisecafe.com

BLUE SKY BAGELS

THE PERKS OF LIFE

EXPRESS CAFE

RIVERSIDE GRILL

WILD WEST BAKERY AND ESPRESSO

FRANKIE’S JAVA

12375 Chinden Blvd. blueskybagels.com

2900 W. Chinden Blvd. riversideboise.com

SUNRISE CAFE

7135 W. State St. facebook.com/original-sunrise-cafe

THE EGG FACTORY 6882 W. State St. eggfactorycafe.com

CAFFE CAPRI

2242 E. Gowen Road brewtimecaffe.com

EAGLE BANBURY GOLF COURSE 2626 S. Marypost Place banburygolf.com

BARDENAY RESTAURANT AND DISTILLERY—EAGLE 155 E. Riverside Dr. bardenay.com

BELLA AQUILA

775 S. Rivershore Lane bellaaquilarestaurant.com

JOE MOMMA’S BREAKFAST EATERY 600 S. Rivershore Lane joemommaseatery.com

REMBRANDT’S

93 S. Eagle Road rembrandtseagle.com

12 | BOISE EATS 2017 | BOISEweekly

1540 E. Iron Eagle Dr. perksoflife.com

83 E. State St. wildwestbakeryandespresso.com

KUNA FIREHOUSE PIZZERIA AND GRILL 726 E. Avalon St. firehousekuna.com

400 E. Fairview Ave. facebook.com/Express-Cafe 112 E. Idaho Ave. facebook.com/frankiesjava

LITTLE KITCHEN PASTRIES 433 N. Main St. littlekitchenpastries.com

LOS BETOS

3143 Magic View Dr. idaholosbetos.com

MOE JOE’S BREAKFAST EATERY 2951 E Overland Road moejoesbe.com

MERIDIAN

STEVE’S CAFE

BLUE SKY BAGELS

ORIGINAL SUNRISE CAFE

3161 E. Fairview Ave. blueskybagels.com

BLUE SKY BAGELS 126 E. Idaho Ave. blueskybagels.com

CORNER BAKERY CAFE 3680 E. Fairview Ave. cornerbakerycafe.com

ED’S 50’S CAFE

979 S. Progress Ave. eds50scafe.com

EPI’S BASQUE RESTAURANT 1115 N. Main St. episabasquerestaurant.com

2483 E. Fairview Ave. stevescafe.com 805 N. Main St. sunrisebakery.com

TREE CITY JUICE AND SMOOTHIE CAFE 3355 E. Fairview Ave. treecityjuice.com

GRANT’S NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL 1835 W. Cherry Lane grantsgrill.com

HOMESTEAD BAR AND GRILL 6275 N. Linder Road homsteadbarandgrill.com

LE PEEP

3036 N. Eagle Road lepeep.com

NAMPA COFFEE CUP CAFE 112 Third St. S. coffeecupcafe.com

LEBARON’S HONKER CAFE 1210 Second St. S. lebaronscafe.blogspot.com

SARAH’S BAGEL CAFE 509 12th Ave. Road sarahsbagelcafe.com

THE EGG FACTORY

16011 N. Idaho Center Blvd. eggfactorycafe.com

LOS BETOS

2501 Caldwell Blvd. idaholosbetos.com

LOS BETOS

16023 Idaho Center Blvd.

Idaholostbetos.com

LOS BETOS

177 Caldwell Blvd. idaholosbetos.com

TNT’S DYNAMITE BAR AND GRILL 16 12th Ave. N. tntsdynamitebarandgrill.com

CALDWELL LOS BETOS

1003 Cleveland Blvd. idaholosbetos.com

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

Relax with one of our delicious comfort breakfast or lunch options.

• Skillets • Pancakes • French Toast • • Eggs Benedict • Burgers • Sandwiches • • Daily Mexican Themed Special • and more! *Vegetarian Options Available Don’t forget to pick up some Addie’s Gift Cards!

Free Parking in lot for Addie’s customers HOURS: Mon - Sat 6 am - 3 pm Sun 7 am - 3 pm

501 Main St. (5th and Main) Old Boise | 388-1198 W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

BOISEweekly | BOISE EATS 2017 | 13

WOK LIKE A BOISEAN

Japchae at K-Fusion (left) features vegetables, sliced omelette and glass noodles. Kimchi jjigae at Gangnam (right) is one of the hottest soups in Boise.

Noodles, Korean style HARRISON BERRY

W

hen Mr. Wok came under new ownership in October 2016, the incoming proprietors inherited a menu full or teriyaki chicken dishes and ramen noodles. They were crowd pleasers, but management wanted the Korean restaurant to serve dishes that were more, well, Korean.

After adding classics like bibimbap and bulgogi, they cut a little deeper, putting a chef’s special, jjampong, on the menu.

A regional favorite with ties to Japan and China, the Korean version is crammed with clams, shrimp, octopus, baby corn, enough pepper paste and broth to cure the common cold, sheets of cabbage and wheat noodles.

For a point of entry to Korean cuisine, follow the noodles. Soon after its introduction at Mr. Wok, jjampong became one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, with some customers returning two to three times a week for deep, hearty bowls of the stuff. Served with a grip of banchan—side dishes of hard-boiled egg soaked in soy sauce and brown sugar, more noodles, pickled radishes and kimchi—it’s one of several out-of-the-park noodle dishes served up by Boise’s Korean restaurants.

The jjampong isn’t the hottest noodle dish in town. That honor may well belong to the kimchi jjigae at Gangnam Korean Restaurant, which, on top of containing so much pepper it looks like lava, is served at a boil with tofu, kimchi and cellophane noodles (made from sweet potato starch) roiling in the mix.

14 | BOISE EATS 2017 | BOISEweekly

The star of this show is the kimchi, which soaks up the pepper and other flavors.

One of the most popular noodle dishes in Korea, this stew is often served family style with meats like beef, seafood and tofu.

Don’t forget to stir in the complimentary bowl of rice for added thickness and reduced heat.

Spicy food isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and supertasters with a low tolerance for pepper can cool their buds with the japchae, served at K-Fusion Korean BBQ and Grill.

Glass noodles tossed in sesame oil, soy sauce and veggies, japchae is a traditional New Year’s dish in Korea, but its easy texture and slightly sweet, earthy flavors make it a cure for long summer days in America.

Like a lot of Korean dishes found in Boise, this one is massive, and can easily satisfy two people. Chase it with hot tea and selections from the banchan bar in the back of the restaurant, and prepare to be soothed.

MR. WOK

650 S. Vista Ave., 208-336-7771, mrwok-boise.com

GANGNAM KOREAN RESTAURANT

303 N. Orchard St., 208-323-8822, facebook.com

K-FUSION KOREAN BBQ AND GRILL

1716 S. Broadway Ave., 208-336-5959, k-fusion.com W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

THANK YOU

BOISE

FOR VOTING US YOUR GOLD STANDARD FOR MEDITERRANEAN FOOD 9 YEARS RUNNING!

Feed your

Gift Cards Available

PLACE YOUR NEXT ORDER BY DOWNLOADING OUR MAZZAH MEDITERRANEAN GRILL APP

WE CATER ANY SIZE EVENT 1772 W. State at the Marketplace 333.2566 404 E. Parkcenter Blvd 333.2223 FOLLOW US ON @mazzahmedgrill Mazzah Mediterranean Grill @mazzahmedgrill

WWW.MAZZAHBOISE.COM OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Use Promo Code BWBR2017 for 10% off your next online order of $20 or more in 2017!

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

208.333.9800 | 9TH & RIVER ST.

Choose from a diverse selection of fresh cuts, always cooked and seared to your idea of perfection.

cottonwoodgrille.com BOISEweekly | BOISE EATS 2017 | 15

JUST DESSERTS

TIRAMISU AT LUCIANO’S 11 N. Orchard St., 208-577-6415, lucianosboise.com Luciano’s ovens fire up each day at around 7:30 a.m. By the time lunch customers hit the doors at 11 a.m., cheesecakes, crisps and four-layered chocolate cakes have already begun emerging from the kitchen. It’s Luciano’s tiramisu, however, that became a classic with area foodies. The Italian delight features espresso-soaked ladyfingers layered with sweet mascarpone cheese, but there are a few special touches. “For one, we use Callebaut chocolate, imported from Belgium. It has to be the absolute best for my desserts,” said Christi Larsen, a 30-year veteran pastry chef. “And here’s the real twist: Rum. A lot of places use espresso liqueur in tiramisu and when I first came here, even I questioned the rum. But this is a legacy recipe and people absolutely love it. We even put extra rum sauce on the side.” Luciano’s customers have embraced the legacy. “And let’s face it, Italian food is not your lightest fare,” she said. “But people always seem to save room for tiramisu. And if they haven’t, they say, ‘Well, next time, I’m starting with dessert.’”

—GEORGE PRENTICE

ICE CREAM AT DELSA’S 7923 W. Ustick Road, 208-377-3700, facebook.com/DelsasIce-Cream-Parlour

The creamy creations at Delsa’s (top left) can’t be beat in the City of Trees, while the Boston shake at Fanci-Freez (top right) is a Boise summertime institution. For a bit of Italian decadence, order the tiramisu at Luciano’s (below). Special ingredient: Rum. Yum.

If you’re a gourmet ice cream extremist, nothing in Boise is going to beat the unique creations at Delsa’s—a retro-themed diner and event venue off Ustick road. Offerings change constantly, but there are sure to be a few neat treats in the cold case—take, for instance the cantaloupe ice cream, which is a bit on the sweet sidebut a darn good ringer for the fruit. The kiddies might enjoy “blue moon”— flavored to taste like the left over milk in a cereal bowl. A personal favorite is the “Rum and Rasin”—not too strong, but with just enough zing to put a smile on your face.

—SAMI EDGE

BOSTON SHAKE AT FANCI FREEZ 1402 W. State St., 208-429,1400, fancifreez.com One of Boise’s most popular summer treats takes its name from another B-town: The Boston shake at Fanci Freez. It’s a milkshake with a sundae on top—but at Fanci Freez, which sells approximately 100,000 milkshakes every year, it’s one of the most popular items, accounting for approximately 30 percent of the North End fast food favorite’s business. Without getting brain freeze from one of these chilly goodies, no trip to Boise is complete.

—HARRISON BERRY

BAKLAVA AT SOFIA’S GREEK BISTRO 6748 N. Glenwood St., 208-853-0844, sofiasgreekbistro.com

It can take 36 hours to prepare a pan of baklava. The patient (and talentend) chefs at Sofia’s Greek Bistro don’t mind the wait, opting to make their baklava (above) the old fashioned way—which is just the way we like it.

16 | BOISE EATS 2017 | BOISEweekly

Made with layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, butter and honey, baklava is thought to have originated in Istanbul, Turkey. It was such an important part of the cuisine, it’s believed the sultan presented his janissaries (soldiers) with trays of the treat during Ramadan. Baklava is available at many Greek spots but is so time consuming to prepare—making a pan of baklava can take about 36 hours—what’s on the menu is often a wholesale product with the taste and texture frozen right out of it. Not so at Sofia’s Greek Bistro. Owner Litsa Manolis, a first-generation Greek American and following in her father’s footsteps, opened a restaurant where she prepares delicious dishes from family recipes—including the baklava, which her yia-yia personally trained co-owner (and Manolis’ life/business partner) Jessi Strong to make. With a couple of tweaks, Strong has made the recipe her own and the combination of high-quality ingredients, a great deal of patience, training and an inherent knack, at Sofia’s, it’s as good as it gets.

—AMY ATKINS W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

CONTEMPORARY ASIAN CUISINE & BAR (208) 939-2595 228 E. Plaza St., Eagle, ID

www.riceeagle.com OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY DAILY HAPPY HOUR 4-6 PM WE CATER BEAUTIFUL SHADED PATIO

Nigiri Sushi

Scallop & Prawn with Ginger Wasabi Sauce

General Chicken

Sesame Meatless (Vegan)

Like us on facebook for Special Deals and interact with us to win Gift Cards. facebook.com/riceeagle W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

BOISEweekly | BOISE EATS 2017 | 17

FOOD TRUCKS

Mad Mac (above) should win an award for its Dia de los Muertos inspired food truck design, and its menu of gourmet mac and cheese is equally praise worthy.

ARCHIE’S PLACE

BROWN SHUGA SOUL FOOD TRUCK

FOXY FRANKS

MAD MAC

Sloppy Joes for meat eaters and vegetarians alike, homemade soups and mashed potato bowls. 208-871-1455, archiesplace.com.

Southern home-style classics like pulled pork and fried catfish, peach cobbler, pecan pie and red velvet cupcakes. 208794-0605, brownshugasoulfood.com.

Focused on all things hot dog, beer brat and chorizo. 208-901-2526, facebook. com/foxyfranks.

Decadent macaroni and cheese dishes using unique ingredients. 801-900-3868, facebook.com/madmactruck.

AZTECA

BURGERLICIOUS

THE FUNKY TACO

MAKYJAMES GRILL

Two trucks serving Mexican fare at four downtown Boise locations 242-4262, facebook.com/pages/Azteca-Taco-Truck.

Burgers and fries with inventive toppings and sauces. 208-957-0107, burgerliciousboise.com.

Tacos and other fare with Indian, Asian, Mexican and Southern influences with an emphasis on vegetarian and vegan tastes.

208-991-4106, thefunkytaco.com.

Burgers, sandwiches and a host of grilled offerings. Preorder via text or phone.

208-914-0735, facebook.com/MakyJamesGrill.

B-TOWN BISTRO

CALLE 75 STREET TACOS

GENKI TAKOYAKI

MURPHY’S MINI DONUTS

Specializing in pizza, but also known to offer breakfast, brunch, pasta, specialty sandwiches and more. 208-994-1073, facebook.com/B-Town-Bistro

Featuring a variety of West Coast-style tacos and other Mexican cuisine. 208-8469001, calle75tacos.com.

Traditional Japanese dumplings filled with octopus and topped with a special sauce, mayonnaise, nori and bonito flakes.

208-869-1237, facebook.com/genkitakoyaki208.

Mini donuts made hot and fresh, and available around the Treasure Valley. 208-8690721, facebook.com/murphysminidonuts.

THE GYRO SHACK FOOD TRUCK

Mobile artisanal coffee roaster. 208-8507050, neckarcoffee.com.

Fresh sauce, fresh salads and madeto-order Greek gyros. 208-853-5840, thegyroshack.com.

OLD BETTY ICE CREAM CO.

BANG ON THE WALL BURGERS Features a host of bangin’ burgers. 208570-7818, facebook.com/BangontheWallBurgers.

BASILIO’S TACOS MEXICAN FOOD Tacos, alambres, gringas, flautas and more. 208-562-1253, 208-830-3772, facebook.com/Basilios-Tacos-MexicanFood

BEL CIBO Serving up sandwiches scratch cooked meals like the jerk chicken sandwich, potato balls and Italian melts. 208-6155986, belcibotruck.com.

CANYON CREEK STREET BISTRO Artfully crafted burgers, sandwiches and sides based in Caldwell. 208-371-9815, facebook.com/canyoncreekstreetbistro.

CUBAN PANINI MOBILE CasaBlanca Cuban Grill’s moveable feast Caribbean cuisine. 208-331-2370, casablancacubangrill.com.

A CUPCAKE PARADISE The “sweetest truck in town” slings mild-to-wild cupcakes. 208-412-0840, acupcakeparadise.com.

CUTTER’S GRAND BBQ

IL SEGRETO WOOD FIRED PIZZA A host of specialty pizzas fresh out of the wood-fired oven. Based in Garden City.

208-867-5074, facebook.com/Il-SegretoWood-Fired-PIzza

JAMMI’S DAWGS Smoke flavored hot dogs, chorizos, sweet German sausages and big Polish sausages ,plus chips and drinks. 208-846-7829, facebook.com/alidjani2004.

BIG MIKE’S TIDS AND BITS

Ribs, chicken, pork and sandwiches served for lunch, dinner or take out. 208-4840922, cuttersgrandbbq.com.

Homemade Italian, Mexican and barbecue dishes. 208-602-2589, bigmikesfoodtruck.com.

DAVE’S REAL FOODS

KANAK ATTACK KATERING AND FOOD TRUCK

Offering up wraps, hots sandwiches and hot dogs. 208-954-1748, facebook.com/ DavesRealFoodsBoise.

Specializin in authentic Hawaiian fare and custom lunch and dinner menus. 208429-9111, facebook.com/kanakkatering.

EL TORITO FOOD TRUCK

KILTED KOD

Authentic tacos, tortas and quesadillas since 2003. 208-321-4651, facebook. com/El-Torito-Market

Traditional hand-battered British-style fish and chips on the go. 208-914-0504, 208830-9803, kiltedcod.com.

FANCI FREEZE FOOD TRUCK

KONA ICE OF BOISE

The North End fast food favorite offers its classic burgers and shakes on the go.

208-863-8599, fancifreez.com.

Mobile shaved ice truck across the Treasure Valley. 208-484-4344, kona-ice.com.

BOB’S CHUCK WAGON Slinging pulled pork, coleslaw, baked beans specialty burgers and treats in Caldwell. 208-860-7941, facebook.com/ BobsChuckwagon.

BOISE FRY COMPANY MOBILE FRY TRUCK Everything you love about Boise Fry Company, but on the go. 208-949-7523, boisefrycompany.com.

18 | BOISE EATS 2017 | BOISEweekly

NECKAR COFFEE

Selling ice cream to raise funds for local causes. 208-891-1262, facebook.com/ OldBettyIceCreamCo.

RICEWORKS TERIYAKI TRUCK A range of Asian food favorites with some inventive twists. 208-761-6724, riceworksboise.com.

THE RUSTY DOG Hand-dipped corndogs ranging in size from bite-sized to humungous, fresh mini donuts and fries. 208-781-0529, facebook. com/therustydogidaho.

SCOTTISH HIGHLAND BURGERS Food truck operated by Horseshoe Bendbased Big Valley Ranch, offering dishes made with Scottish Highland meats.

208-870-1899, facebook.com/BigValleyRanchHighland.

SCOTTY’S HOT DOGS Hot dogs, chips, drinks and super sauerkraut. 208-861-3267, facebook.com/ Scottysdogs.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

THE SHACK SHAVED ICE Serving up shaved ice in more than 40 flavors. 208-604-3872, facebook.com/ theshackattack.

SLOW RIVER COFFEE Get your fix of go juice with a range of java options. 208-999-1177, facebook.com/ SlowRiverCoffee.

SMOKE & THYME Eclectic barbecue eats that are smoked and served from a massive trailer. 208420-7656, facebook.com/SmokeThyme

SODA STOP This soda bar and grill’s mobile sibling can take its limited—but killer—menu of Italian sandwiches plus a host of amenities right to you. 208-855-2100, gosodastop.com.

SPOONTHUMB ICE CREAM Small batch ice cream made from Northwest ingredients, plus cookies. Based in Nampa. 208-546-9238, spoonthumb.com.

STREAM COFFEE BIKE Pourover coffee, tea and cold brew coffee served from a steampunk-inspired bike. facebook.com/streamcoffeebike.

Some people think of mac and cheese as kid food, but Mad Mac’s gourmet recipes (above) aren’t child’s play.

SWEET PITKIN’S COMFORT FOOD Slow smoked pork and chicken served up in sandwiches, tacos and the “pulled pork dog.” 208-695-5407, facebook.com/ SweetPitkins.

TACOS Y TORTAS EL PACO All the classic Mexican street food you’d want from a food truck. 208-409-6601, facebook.com/elpacofoodtruck.

TIKI TERIYAKI Traditional Hawaiian teriyaki plate lunches like teriyaki chicken and beef, kalua pork and pork adobo with steamed rice, and macaroni salad. 208-985-0382, facebook. com/tikiteriyaki.

TWISTED SISTER COFFEE AND SMOOTHIES Gourmet coffee and espresso, smoothies made with local produce in season and homemade pastries. 208-749-1753, twistedsistercoffee.com.

As the saying goes, “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” In the case of Urban Smoke (above), follow your nose to find a wood-fired smoker turning out finger-licking barbecue alongside super fresh coleslaw (below).

URBAN SMOKE A unique combination of barbecue, sandwiches and breakfast. 208-371-6464, facebook.com/UrbanSmokeBoise.

VIETMOM GRILL Best known for eggrolls and traditional vietnamese sides. 208-599-4103, facebook.com/VietMOM-Grill.

WAFFLE ADDICTION FOOD TRUCK Sweet and savory waffles for breakfast and brunch. 208-914-0735, facebook.com/ MakyJamesGrill.

WAFFLE ME UP FOOD TRUCK The mobile version of popular downtown waffle spot. 208-412-7253, wafflemeup. com.

WETOS LOCOS Tacos, quesadillas, melts, burritos, tortas and nachos made fast, tasty and light on your wallet. 208-230-1008, facebook. com/WetosLocos.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

BOISEweekly | BOISE EATS 2017 | 19

EATS LISTINGS NORTH BOISE 13TH STREET PUB AND GRILL 1520 N. 13th St. Good eats and drinks and a chill vibe make 13th Street a Hyde Park hot spot.

208-639-8888, 13pubandgrill.com.

36TH STREET BISTRO 3823 N. Garden Center Way One word (or seven): Locally-raised Highland beef with pomme frites. 208433-5108, 36streetgardencenter.com.

JANJOU PATISSERIE 1754 W. State St. Fresh-brewed coffee and unmatched confections found here. 208-2975853, janjou.com.

888 W. Fort St. Boise’s OG natural food store has topshelf beer and wine, unique items and a delightful deli. 208-472-4500, boise. coop.

10 BARREL BREWING CO.

JAVA-13TH ST.

830 W. Bannock St.

1612 N. 13th St.

Try the house pork belly with a side of the rich, house mustard, and wash it down with a brew or two. 208-3445870, 10barrel.com/pub/boise.

Serving good food and the Bowl of Soul in the heart of Hyde Park.

208-345-4777, javabowlofsoul.com.

LULU’S FINE PIZZA 2594 Bogus Basin Road

BOISE CO-OP NORTH END

BOISE DOWNTOWN AND FRINGE

People who know pizza know Lulu’s.

208-387-4992, ilovelulus.com.

NORTH END PIZZA

ADDIE’S 501 W. Main St. A classic American diner serving ribsticking breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes in the heart of downtown Boise.

208-388-1198, oldboise.com/merchant/addies-restaurant.

1513 N. 13th St.

ALAVITA 807 W. Idaho St.

Mexican food you know and love. 208333-8330, casamexicoidaho.com.

Delectable hand-tossed pizzas bearing North End neighborhood names are the main draw at this cozy Hyde Park pizzeria, but its meatballs are second to none. 208-345-5669, northendpizzaboise.com.

GOODY’S SODA FOUNTAIN

O’MICHAEL’S PUB & GRILL

1502 N. 13th St.

2433 N. Bogus Basin Road

Take your sweet tooth here. 208-3670020, goodyssodafountain.com.

Perfect pub food plus specialties like corned beef and Bailey’s French toast.

208-342-8948, omichaelspub.com.

CASA MEXICO-13TH ST. 1605 N. 13th St.

HAWKINS PAC-OUT 2315 N. Bogus Basin Road This iconic burger joint puts the good in fast food. 208-338-9627, hawkinspacout.com.

HIGHLANDS HOLLOW BREWHOUSE 2455 N. Harrison Hollow Lane Hand-crafted beers and a killer pub menu make this brewery/restaurant on the road to Bogus Basin a Boise mainstay. 208-343-6820, highlandshollow.com.

THE HYDE HOUSE 1607 N. 13th St. Delicious dishes complement local brews and wines. 208-387-4933, hydehouseboise.com.

HYDE PARK PUB 1501 N. 13th St. When beer and burgers are called for, head to this quintessential neighborhood pub. 208-336-9260, harryshydepark.com.

20 | BOISE EATS 2017 | BOISEweekly

PARRILLA GRILL 1512 N. 13th St. Voted Best Neighborhood Bar and second-best Local Sports Bar in the 2016 Best of Boise.

Need we say more?. 208-323-4688, parrillagrillhydepark.com.

Alavita is all about “loyal to local,” and making “fresh, uncomplicated, well executed” Italian fare. 208-780-1100, alavitaboise.com.

ALIA’S COFFEEHOUSE 908 W. Main St. Bagels and sweet pastries go well with extra-special espresso drinks.

208-338-1299, facebook.com/AliasCoffeehouse.

ANDY’S DELI 840 W. Idaho St. Whatever you think a downtown corner deli should be, Andy’s probably is. 208336-5186, facebook.com/Andys-Deli.

ANGELL’S BAR AND GRILL RENATO 999 W. Main St.

POPPY SEED BAKERY AND CAFE 3910 Hill Road, Ste. 102 This small family operated spot serves breakfast sammies, lunch wraps and a rotating list of natural organic pastries. 208-570-7164, poppyseedboise.com.

SUN RAY CAFE

Continental dining at casual prices.

208-342-4900, angellsbarandgrill.com.

ASIAGO’S 1002 W. Main St. With pasta made on-site, contemporary combinations and a well-designed wine list, this Italian eatery is a must. 208336-5552, asiagos.com.

1602 N. 13th St.

A’TAVOLA

Take a seat on Sun Ray’s coveted patio and dig into signature pizzas, salads, sandwiches and wraps.

208-343-2887, facebook.com/ nraycafehydepark.

1515 W. Grove St. This Linen District specialty market/ cafe specializes in fresh, high-quality food and ingredients for dine in, to-go or making gourmet meals at home.

208-336-3641, atavolaboise.com.

BAR GERNIKA 202 S. Capitol Blvd.

Basque food is such an integral part of Boise, we forget not every city has a Bar Gernika with beef tongue, croquetas, lamb grinders and amazing beer selection. 208-344-2175, bargernika.com.

BARDENAY 610 W. Grove St. The Bardenay experience can be distilled down to one word: excellent.

208-426-0538, bardenay.com.

BASQUE MARKET 608 W. Grove St. Try the tapas, paella and more, but beware: once you go Basque (Market), you may never go back. 208-4331208, thebasquemarket.com.

BERRYHILL/ BACON 121 N. Ninth St. Energetic and slightly Southern dining on historic family wood tables in a cool, casual atmosphere. 208-387-3553, berryhillbacon.com.

BIG CITY COFFEE 1416 Grove St. Why is this place is always packed?

Fluffy egg dishes, fresh sandwiches, big beautiful pastries and signature Big Titty Blend coffee. 208-345-3145, bigcityboise.com.

BIG JUD’S-BOISE 1289 S. Protest Road With world famous enormous burgers and tots known near and far, Big Jud’s is a big deal. 208-343-4439, bigjuds.com.

BITTERCREEK ALEHOUSE 246 N. Eighth St. This iconic gastropub offers as many great micros as it does delicious takes on local, seasonal pub grub. 208-4296340, bcrfl.com/bittercreek.

BLEUBIRD 224 N. 10th St. Simple but artfully crafted sandwiches, sides and homemade sodas have the line and lunch stretching down the block daily. 208-345-1055, bleubirdboise.com.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

GO TO BW SMARTCA RD.BOIS EWEEKLY.C OM FOR A N U P -TO - DATE L I ST O F PARTI C I PATI N G M E RC HA NT S

BLUE SKY BAGELS-DOWNTOWN

THE CHOCOLAT BAR

407 W. Main St.

805 W. Bannock St.

Big bagel sandwiches created at top speed. Get a free bagel with soup or salad.

208-388-4242, blueskybagels.com.

Scientists agree eating chocolate improves cognition, so be smart: stop

by The Chocolat Bar. 208-338-7771, thechocolatbar.com.

BOISE FRY COMPANY-DOWNTOWN 204 N. Capitol Blvd.

Juicy handmade burgers are sides to the fries, which come in six varieties from russet and purple potatoes to yams.

208-949-7523, boisefrycompany.com.

BOMBAY GRILL 928 W. Main St. The lunch buffet is filled with savory, Indian specialties and the tandoori chicken is sublime. 208-345-7888, facebook.com/Bombaygrillboise.

BONEFISH GRILL 855 W. Broad St. Go for the Bang-Bang shrimp, stay for the salmon, fish and chips, pasta, steak, wine selection and more. Trust us: Just go. 208-433-1234, bonefishgrill.com.

CAFFE CAPRI-GROVE PLAZA 245 S. Capitol Blvd.

A coffee shop with a wide variety of pastries, lunch and appetizer specials.

208-345-1744, facebook.com/IdahoCaffeCapri.

THE CAPRI 2520 W. Fairview Ave. This diner is a popular stop on the way home from the after-after-party. 208342-1442, facebook.com/capriboise.

CHANDLERS STEAKHOUSE 981 W. Grove St. Fine dining at its finest. The 10-Minute martini is a must. 208-383-4300, chandlersboise.com.

CHEERLEADERS SPORTS BAR AND GRILL 815 W. Ann Morrison Park Drive “Sports” is the operative word but, with 24 beers on tap, a full bar, burgers and baby back ribs, “bar and grill” are there for a reason. 208-789-0270, facebook. com/CheerleadersSportsGrillBoise.

CHICAGO CONNECTION-DOWNTOWN 310 N. Fourth St.

COTTONWOOD GRILLE 913 W. River St. Greenbelt-adjacent with a patio and a laid-back yet elegant vibe make Cottonwood a popular finedining destination. 208-333-9800, cottonwoodgrille.com.

EL GALLO GIRO 615 W. Main St. Giant portions and authentic specials. 208-488-4757, elgallogiroboise.com.

EMILIO’S 245 S. Capitol Blvd. (in the Grove Hotel) With its modern cuisine with a Northwest twist and 450-bottle wine list Emilio’s is a gem. 208-333-8002, emiliosboise.com.

EUREKA! 800 W. Idaho St., Ste. 112 Enjoy a modern take on American classics with a scratch kitchen turning out gourmet burgers and a craft bar turning out expertly mixed cocktails.

208-286-4410, facebook.com/EurekaBoise.

FLATBREAD NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA-DOWNTOWN 800 W. Main St. The certified Neapolitan pizza and killer regional wine list are molto bene. 208-287-4757, flatbreadpizza.com.

FORK 199 N. Eighth St. Hearty Northwest fare made with seasonal and local ingredients.

208-287-1700, boisefork.com.

FRESH HEALTHY CAFE 580 W. Broad St. The Boise location of this quick service, urban restaurant chain specializes in paninis, salads, wraps, soups, smoothies and fresh-squeezed juices.

208-332-9800, freshrestaurants.com.

Chicago-style pizzas, sandwiches and a salad bar that just won’t quit. 208-3423434, chicagoconnection.com.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

BOISEweekly | BOISE EATS 2017 | 21

EATS LISTINGS FRESH OFF THE HOOK SEAFOOD 401 S. Eighth St. Visit this oasis for desert-dwelling seafood lovers and see why it has been voted Best Local Seafood eight out of the past nine years. 208-3430220, freshoffthehookseafood.com.

FRESHII 2133 Cesar Chavez Lane Looking for healthy, quick-service food on the Boise State University campus? Get thee to Freshii. 208426-1257, freshii.com/ca.

HAPPY FISH SUSHI AND MARTINI BAR

LUCKY FINS SEAFOOD GRILL

ON THE FLY ROTISSERIE DELI

801 West Main St.

800 W. Main St.

Sushi, poke, agedashi tofu and ice-cold martinis. 208-343-4810, happyfishsushi.com.

In the heart of the Boise Grove, order from a full menu of seafood with a fusion flare and a raw oyster bar.

208-888-3467, luckyfinsgrill.com.

This grab-and-go concept from Brick 29 chef/owner Dustan Bristol offers house-made rotisserie ham, turkey, beef, corned beef, salmon and chicken. 208-344-6833, ontheflydeli.com.

HIGH NOTE CAFE

MAI THAI

225 N. Fifth St.

750 W. Idaho St.

Classic sandwiches shop with Spanish and Mediterranean influences. Bonus: Regular local live music ranging from punk to indie folk. 208-429-1911, thehighnotecafe.com.

Where Thai food goes cosmopolitan with cocktails, Japanese-fusion Izakaya small plates and one of the best lunch buffets in town. Also one of the winningest restaurants in the annual Best of Boise. 208-344-8424, maithaigroup.com.

855 W. Broad St.

FRONT DOOR NORTHWEST PIZZA AND TAP HOUSE

JAVA-DOWNTOWN

105 S. Sixth St.

223 N. Sixth St.

Top-quality pizzas topped with topquality ingredients and a nearly endless top-quality beer list. 208-2879201, thefrontdoorboise.com.

Creative coffees and tempting bakery offerings made in house. 208-3450777, javabowlofsoul.com.

GOLDY’S BREAKFAST BISTRO

106 N. Sixth St.

108 S. Capitol Blvd.

Sandwiches, wraps, salads of all sorts and homemade soups, with lots of vegetarian options. 208-4330092, jennyslunchline.com.

The mix of classic and contemporary choices is one reason this is Boise’s favorite breakfast place. The kick-ass food is definitely another. 208-3454100, goldysbreakfastbistro.com.

JENNY’S LUNCH LINE

JUNIPER KITCHEN AND COCKTAILS

GOLDY’S CORNER

211 N. Eighth St.

625 W. Main St.

Imaginative, inspired farm-to-fork cuisine. If you’re a gin lover, this is the place to be. 208-342-1142, juniperon8th.com.

Goldy’s sister spot offers coffee, baked goods, beer and wine. 208433-3934, goldyscorner.com.

GUIDO’S ORIGINAL NEW YORK STYLE PIZZERIA-DOWNTOWN

LEKU ONA

MAIN STREET DELI 904 W. Main St. From hot pastrami and banh-mi to house-made salads, Main Street Deli offers grab-and-go options for the quick-service downtown lunch crowd.

208-386-3354, mainstreetdeliboise. com.

MANFRED’S CATERING 1114 W. Front St., Ste. B Two of Boise’s favorite institutions (Archie’s Place Food Truck and Bar Gernika) offer classics and new ideas for lunch and dinner, fusing Basque cuisine with American comfort food.

208-343-7202, manfredscatering. com.

THE MATADOR 215 N. Eighth St.

THE OWYHEE TAVERN 1109 W. Main St. Lunch, dinner, craft beer, cocktails, fine wines and an urban chic setting—it’s a place to see and be seen.

208-639-0440, owyheetavern.com.

PAPA JOE’S 1301 S. Capitol Blvd.

From the chicken marsala to the heavenly Capone sandwich, when it comes to Italian eats, Papa Joe’s knows best. 208-344-7272, papajoesboise.com.

PHO NOUVEAU 780 W. Idaho St. This Vietnamese bistro’s summer rolls are superb and the pho is fantastic.

208-367-1111, phonouveau.com.

PIE HOLE 205 N. Eighth St. Home of the potato bacon pie and $1 PBRs. Open late. Like, really late.

208-344-7783, piehole.pizza.

PIPER PUB AND GRILL 150 N. Eighth St.

The Matador offers a hundred types of tequila and a made-from-scratch, Tex-Mex menu. 208-342-9988, matadorrestaurants.com.

An unmatched pub menu, live music and a laudable scotch selection.

Yeah, Piper Pub rocks. 208-3432444, thepiperpub.com.

THE MELTING POT

POLLO REY

LIFE’S KITCHEN

200 N. Sixth St.

222 N. Eighth St.

THE GYRO SHACK

1025 S. Capitol Blvd.

777 W. Main St., Ste. 115

Find hot sandwiches, salads and scrumptious desserts at this culinary arts school. 208-331-0199, lifeskitchen.org.

Fondue with a fine wine selection. Perfect for date night, a special occasion or Treat Yo’ Self Day. 208-343-8800, meltingpot.com/boise.

Everything at this Mexican rotisserie is fresh and affordable. Try the El Cheapo burrito and the fish tacos.

208-345-0323, polloreyboise.com.

MOON’S KITCHEN CAFE-DOWNTOWN

THE RAM RESTAURANT AND BREWERY

712 W. Idaho St.

709 E. Park Blvd.

Hearty breakfast, sandwiches, burgers and legendary milkshakes. 208385-0472, facebook.com/moons. kitchen.

Big, hand-crafted beers and plenty of pub food make The Ram a go-to sports bar and grill. 208-345-2929, theram.com.

235 N. Fifth St. Get serious bang for your buck with giant New York-style slices, whole pies and stromboli. 208-345-9011, guidosdowntown.com.

The super gyro is super delicious.

208-918-0004, thegyroshack.com.

HA’ PENNY BRIDGE IRISH PUB AND GRILL 855 Broad St. The dark wood bar and Irish pub-style menu will make you feel like you’re on the Emerald Isle. 208-343-5568, hapennybridgepub.com.

22 | BOISE EATS 2017 | BOISEweekly

117 S. Sixth St. Squid in ink, battered cod and more at this authentic Basque eatery with a fabulous patio. 208-345-6665, lekuonaid.com.

LOCK STOCK & BARREL 1100 W. Jefferson St. Steak, pastas and sandwiches served in an atmosphere of old-school cool.

208-336-4266, lsbboise.com.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

Restaurant gift cards

20% OFF

BerryHill $50 value for $40 Mai Thai $50 value for $40

COME DINE WITH US PINTXOS: MON.-SAT. 11-CLOSE

Boise Brewing $20 value for $16 & $25 value for $20

FRIDAY NIGHT DINNERS:

3 COURSE ECLECTIC DINNER EACH FRIDAY

PAELLA ON THE PATIO:

LUNCH PAELLA – WED. & FRI. AT NOON DINNER PAELLA – THUR. AT 6PM • •

CATERING • SHOPPING

608 w. grove st.

CLASSES EVENTS • PRIVATE PARTIES •

208.433.1208

hours: mon 10-6, tues 10-8, wed 10-6, thur-fri 10-8, sat 10-6, sun closed www.thebasquemarket.com W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

Limited quantities, stop by Boise Weekly and get them while they last!

Located on the corner of Sixth and Broad streets, Downtown Boise • 344-2055 BOISEweekly | BOISE EATS 2017 | 23

EATS LISTINGS RED FEATHER LOUNGE

PIZZA PIZZA

246 N. Eighth St. PATRICK SWEENE Y

This Boise favorite serves locally sourced, inventive craft food and artful cocktails.

208-429-6340, bcrfl.com/redfeather.

REEF 105 S. Sixth St. Enjoy island fare and cocktails on the rooftop tiki patio or check out hot musical acts inside. 208-287-9200, reefboise.com.

REEL FOODS FISH MARKET AND OYSTER BAR 611 Capitol Blvd.

Fishing for a new favorite lunch place?

We can totally hook you up: Reel Foods.

208-342-2727, reelfoodsfish.net.

RICHARD’S 500 S Capitol Blvd Chef Richard Langston creates Italian fare with locally sourced ingredients, complementing his dishes with handpicked wines. 208-472-1463, richardsboise.com.

RICK’S CAFE AMERICAIN AT THE FLICKS 646 Fulton St. Soda and popcorn, wine and lasagna, beer and a burger: It’s at Rick’s. 208342-4288, theflicksboise.com/menu.

PIZZAKEN AND PIZZATOM Two young, nerdy guys meet at a boardgame night. They discover a shared loved of pizza— specifically, Guido’s—and decide to team up, check out as many area pizza places as possible, and post humorous reviews on Yelp and Tumblr. Along the way, they become part of an online social group, gain a following and find, as their passion for pizza continues to grow, so does their friendship—they even wear matching watches, which have a slice of pizza on their faces.

This is not the synopsis for a new sitcom (although it totally could be); it’s the real life platonic meet-cute of locals Kenny Katayama and Tom Bowers, aka PizzaKen and PizzaTom. With Guido’s as the “standard bearer,” Katayama and Bowers developed a system for their reviews: they pick a new place, order ½ margherita (or ½ pepperoni) and ½ whatever a restaurant’s signature pie is—sticking to New York style whenever possible—and rate it on a scale of 1-to-5 slices, weighing price, ambiance and their overall experience along with the

quality and flavor of the ’za. In the year and a half since they started, Katayama and Bowers have met about once week, usually coming to consensus and sharing the review writing load.

Katayama and Bowers are two of the brightest, funniest, nicest 20-somethings you’d ever have the pleasure to meet, but they’re serious about their reviews and have only handed out a 5-slice to two places: Lulu’s Pizza and Front Door (Guido’s is too sacred to review).

Katayama and Bowers are proud of what they’ve done, saying they feel like they’ve “taken pizza reviews to a new level,” and with only a few places left to try, they’ve almost completed their “personal mission.” They plan to end it with a wrap party at (where else?)

Guido’s, and then think about something else to review.

“Maybe the next time you hear from us, we’ll be BurritoKen and TacoTom.”

800 W. Main St., Ste. 110 If there was a dictionary entry for “the best steak you’ve ever had,” it would be next to a picture of Ruth’s Chris. 208426-8000, ruthschrisprime.com/boise.

SAINT LAWRENCE GRIDIRON 705 W. Bannock St. Digging down to the “roots of American cuisine,” SLG has grown into one of Boise’s most popular eateries. 208-4335598, saintlawrencegridiron.com.

SHIGE JAPANESE CUISINE 100 N. Eighth St. For more than two decades, Shige Matzuzawa has been the Treasure Valley’s king of Japanese cuisine. 208-338-8423, shigescuisine.com.

SOLID GRILL & BAR 405 S. Eighth St.

—Amy Atkins

pizzakenandpizzatom.tumblr.com, yelp.com/pizzakenandpizzatom 24 | BOISE EATS 2017 | BOISEweekly

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

Top-notch food and drink options, two happy hours, live music, great service and late-night eats in the heart of BoDo. 208-345-6620, solidboise.com.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 11 AM - 9 PM

SUPERB SUSHI

WISEGUY PIZZA PIE-BOISE

280 N. Eighth St.

570 Main St.

Treat yourself to the sweeeeet lunch special, and make all-you-can-eat night part of your regular routine. 208-385-0123, superbsushidowntown.com.

This Wood River Valley-based chain slings New York-style, hand-tossed pizza in Hailey, Ketchum and the City of Trees.

Not in the pizza mood? Try a sandwich or calzone. 208-336-7777, wiseguypizzapie.com.

SUSHI JOY 2275 W. Main St.

YEN CHING

Rejoice in the expansive list of fresh Japanese and Chinese menu items.

Pick-up and delivery available. 208433-8888, sushijoyboise.com.

305 N. Ninth St.

TAJ MAHAL RESTAURANT 150 N. Eighth St. Divine Indian cuisine with everything from babajan biryani to mung daal and more. 208-473-7200, tajmahalboise. com.

TEPANYAKI JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE 2197 N. Garden St. Traditional tepanyaki combinations like steak and shrimp served fast and with flair. 208-343-3515, tepanyakiboise. com.

TONY’S PIZZERIA TEATRO 103 N. Capitol Blvd.

Tony’s traditional made-to-order Neapolitan classics are about as authentic as it gets. 208-343-1052, facebook. com/tonys-pizzeria-treatro.

TREE CITY JUICE AND SMOOTHIE CAFE-DOWNTOWN 1265 S. Capitol Blvd.

Choose from more than 30 smoothie combinations and a selection of healthy wraps, paninis and more. 208-3420467, treecityjuice.com.

WAFFLE ME UP 204 N. Capitol Blvd.

Decadent waffles made from scratch, served hot and topped with fresh, local ingredients, both sweet and savory.

208-412-7253, wafflemeup.com.

Yen Ching covers all the bases, including mao po bean curd and gan shao beef. 208-384-0384, yenchingboise. com.

YOI TOMO 405 S. Capitol Blvd.

Across the street from Edwards Cinema, Yoi Tomo offers a wallet-friendly lunch menu, all-you-can-eat option and, if you present your movie ticket from Edwards, get a special movie-themed roll, soup and salad for $20. 208-344-3375, yoitomo.us.

ZEE’S ROOFTOP CAFE

6944 W STATE STREET BOISE, ID 83714 (208) 391-1573

•

204 N CAPITOL BLVD BOISE, ID 83702 (208) 949-7523

2020 E OVERLAND RD MERIDIAN, ID 83642 (208) 884-5530

•

3083 S BOWN WAY BOISE, ID 83706 (208) 965-1551

224 12TH AVE S

• NAMPA, ID 83651 (208) 965-8696

WWW.BOISEFRYCOMPANY.COM

250 S. Fifth St. Get affordable breakfast and lunch items to go, or stay for the view from the top of the C.W. Moore Plaza. 208-3810034, zeechristopher.com/rooftop. html.

ZEN BENTO-MAIN ST. 1000 W. Main St. Bento, sushi and salad made with your well-being in mind. It’s “peace in a lunch box.” 208-388-8808, zenbento. com.

ZEPPOLE BAKING CO.DOWNTOWN

Delicious Italian Food for the Entire Family

217 N. Eighth St. These award-winning breads and pastries are sold and served across the Treasure Valley. 208-345-2149, zeppolebakery.com.

BROADWAY AVENUE COBBY’S-BROADWAY

WILD ROOT CAFE AND MARKET

1030 Broadway Ave.

276 N. Eighth St.

Boise’s love affair with Cobby’s goes back to 1978, when the sandwich shop opened its first location. Look for the little kid munching on a huge hoagie and you know you’re in the right place. 208-345-0990, cobbys.com.

Seasonal craft comfort food. Breakfast and lunch served daily with brunch on Saturdays. 208-856-8956, wildrootcafe. com.

WEEKDAY HAPPY HOUR 4 PM - 6 PM 2 FOR 1 SMALL FRIES & LOCAL BEERS

11 N. Orchard Street Mon-Sat 11am to 10pm Sun 12-9pm

lucianosboise.com • call (208) 577-6415 Download NoWait to your phone to get on our nightly i h l waitlist. i li

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

BOISEweekly | BOISE EATS 2017 | 25

EATS LISTINGS DELI GEORGE 220 S. Broadway Ave. The attention to detail and stellar service at Deli George take lunch to a whole new level. 208-323-2582, deligeorge.com.

FLYING PIE PIZZARIA-BROADWAY 1326 Broadway Ave. When the moon hits your eye like the pepperoni, ham, olives, sausage, peppers, onions and mozzarella on a mouthwatering pizza from Flying Pie, that’s amore. 208-246-8900, flyingpie.com.

IDAHO PIZZA COMPANYBROADWAY

STATE STREET

THE HARBOR GRILL AND EVENTS CENTER

BOISE FRY COMPANY-STATE STREET

3000 N. Lakeharbor Lane

6944 W. State St. Juicy handmade burgers are sides to the fries, which come in six varieties from russet and purple potatoes to yams. 208-391-1573, boisefrycompany.com.

BURGER ‘N BREW 4295 W. State St. If happiness is burgers, beer and ball games, get happy at Burger ‘N Brew.

208-345-7700, facebook.com/BurgerN-Brew.

DK DONUTS 1300 W. State St. Donuts, oh donuts / such a sweet delight. Donuts, oh donuts / perfect for morning or night. Donuts, oh donuts / my love knows no bounds.

Donuts, oh donuts / We’re glad DK’s is around. 208-385-7480, facebook. com/DK-Donuts.

1716 S. Broadway Ave.

PIE HOLE II

DUTCH GOOSE-STATE STREET

LOS BETOS-STATE STREET A gargantuan burrito any time of the day or night? Si, por favor. 208-8531494, idaholosbetos.com.

Dig the Goose’s laid-back vibe, delicious burgers and brews galore. 208342-8887, dutchgoose.com.

EGG FACTORY-STATE STREET 6882 W. State St.

7330 W. State St. (Pizz)a, s(al)ad and (chick)en—it’s all in the name. And it’s all in the taste.

208-853-7757, pizzalchik.com.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN PIZZERIA GRILL-STATE STREET 1805 W. State St. Standards like pepperoni and not-sostandards like curried chicken make Smoky Mountain a fave. 208-3872727, smokymountainpizza.com.

STATE & LEMP 2870 W. State St. Where locally sourced ingredients meet innovative flavor profiles and a prix-fixe concept in a contemporary setting. 208-429-6735, stateandlemp.com.

VIKING DRIVE IN

MADHUBAN

3790 W. State St.

6930 W. State St.

With its multi-car drive-thru and lightning-fast staff, if you’re craving burgers, fries, shakes, ice cream— you name it, this is the place to be.

342-7289

Madhuban’s Indian menu keeps both vegetarians and carnivores in mind.

The lunch buffet is a sweet deal. 208853-8215, madhubanindiancuisine. com.

3515 W. State St.

1016 S. Broadway Ave. Home of the potato bacon pizza and other inspired specialty pies. Open late. Like, really late. 208-424-2255, pieholeusa.com.

If you don’t love it already, you’ll love Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine after a visit to Kibrom’s. 208-703-0564, kibromsfood.com.

6906 W. State St.

Idaho Pizza Company has the best pizza-and-salad lunch special around, and the signature Idaho Supreme is superb. 208-343-1011, idahopizzacompany.com.

Sizzling barbecue, pajeon, bulgogi cheese rice and so much more. 208336-5959, k-fusion.com.

KIBROM’S ETHIOPIAN AND ERITREAN RESTAURANT 3506 W. State St.

1677 Broadway Ave.

K-FUSION KOREAN BBQ AND GRILL-BROADWAY

Stop in for lunch or dinner, or reserve this beautiful space for your special occasion. 208-853-5070, theboiseharbor.com.

PIZZALCHIK

MAZZAH-STATE STREET 1772 W. State St. Mazzah is brings the tastes of the Mediterranean and Near East to the City of Trees. 208-333-2566, mazzahboise.com.

WESTSIDE DRIVE-IN 1929 W. State St. This iconic drive-thru is where Boiseans have been getting their burgers, fries, salads, desserts and juicy prime rib for years. 208-342-2957, cheflou.com.

ZEN BENTO-STATE STREET

You’ll find eggs-actly what you need to satisfy a breakfast craving. 208-8532037, eggfactorycafe.com.

MERRITT’S FAMILY RESTAURANT

3912 W. State St.

6630 W. State St.

1555 S. Broadway Ave.

FANCI FREEZ

Tap and Cask combines the warm, inviting feel of a barrelhouse with the fun energy of a speakeasy. Add in a flirty cocktail menu and comfort food with a twist. 208-338-5458, tapandcask.com.

1402 W. State St.

The deep-fried scones are legendary. 208-853-1801, facebook.com/ merritts-family-restaurant.

Bento, sushi and salad made with your well-being in mind. It’s “peace in a lunch box.” 208-343-1760, zenbento. com.

TIN ROOF TACOS

4320 W. State St.

115 S. Broadway Ave.

This laid-back pizza purveryor is one of the best things about living in Boise. 208-384-0000, flyingpie.com.

TAP AND CASK

Enjoy big, Texas flavor with Tin Roof’s street-style tacos in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. 208-336-6461, tinrooftacos.com.

Fanci Freez has hometown fast food and a to-die-for Boston Shake. 208429-1400, fancifreez.com.

FLYING PIE PIZZARIA-STATE ST.

THE GYRO SHACK 5602 W. State St. The super gyro is super delicious.

208-853-2684, thegyroshack.com.

26 | BOISE EATS 2017 | BOISEweekly

NORTH END CHINESE 1806 W. State St. This take-out and drive-thru Chinese joint located conveniently on State Street is the go-to hole-in-the-wall for North Enders with Asian cuisine cravings. 208-343-1080,

PHO 79

WEST BOISE BAD BOY BURGERS 2 7000 W. Fairview Ave. Sweet daily specials and big burgers that are definitely more good than bad. 208-373-0020, facebook.com/ salahliz.

7310 W. State St.

CAFE OLE

This family restaurant serves up egg rolls, salads, deep fried goods and pad Thai to make you mad for Thai.

Soups are big at this small eatery.

208-853-8889, facebook.com/ pho-79.

210 N. Milwaukee Road After a trip to the mall, kick back with south-of-the-border food and a margarita or two. 208-322-0222, cafeole.com.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

2455 HARRISON HOLLOW BLVD

BOISE, B IDAHO | 208.343.6820

p

9 Handmade Ales on Ta

LIVE MUSIC

Happy Hour 7 D ay

s a Week 3-6pm

WE DN D ES DAY

nights GROWLER MONDAY

$8 fills

COOL COOL OFF OFF WITH WITH AA FRESH FRESH SANGRIA SANGRIA ON ON OUR INVITING INVITING PATIO PATIO 117 S 6TH ST, BOISE - IN THE BASQUE BLOCK 11am-12am Fri - Sat | 11 am - 10 pm Sun - Thur

208.345.6665

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

BOISEweekly | BOISE EATS 2017 | 27

EATS LISTINGS CASA MEXICO-FAIRVIEW

GOOD FOOD, GOOD LIFE

10332 W. Fairview Ave.

A REALLY BIG LUNCH

BY JIM HARRISON: GOOD FOOD EQUALS GOOD LIVING Writing about food is like choosing what to wear to the Oscars: It doesn’t take a Ph.D. and when it’s done right, the payoff can be tremendous. On the flip side, it can be more difficult than it appears and can garner a bucketload of negativity. The late great essayist and New York Times bestselling author Jim Harrison knew how to write about food because he truly understood its cultural value. Harrison appreciated—and knew his way around—fine food and even finer wine, and approached both with due respect but eschewed undue reverence, whether he was dining on buffalo tongue or tartines of foie gras. He might write about eating “gorgeous eel stew” and drinking Chateau La Roque of Pic St. Loup in Montpellier, France, but the memory was sparked during a road trip through rural Wisconsin.

Published a year after Harrison’s death, A Really Big Lunch: Meditations of Food and Life from the Roving Gourmand includes essays not included in a previous collection, as well as the titular “Between scotch and tale, which became the nothing, I’ll take scotch.” model for many food writers following in —William Faulkner, as Harrison’s footsteps— remembered by Jim Harrison and is reason enough to pick up a copy of the book.

“A Really Big Lunch,” published in the New Yorker in 2005, is Harrison’s essay on the time he sat down to a 37-course meal in Burgundy, France. He knew it might be seen as an exercise in gluttony, yet made no apologies.

“If I announce that I and 11 other diners shared a 37-course lunch that likely cost as much as a new Volvo station wagon, those of a critical nature will let their minds run in tiny, aghast circles of condemnation,” he wrote. “My response to them is that none of us 12 disciples of gourmandise wanted a new Volvo. We only wanted lunch.”

—Amy Atkins 28 | BOISE EATS 2017 | BOISEweekly

Mexican food you know and love. 208375-0342, casamexicoidaho.com.

CHICAGO CONNECTION-FAIRVIEW 7070 W. Fairview Ave.

GUIDO’S ORIGINAL NEW YORK STYLE PIZZERIA-CHINDEN 12375 Chinden Blvd.

Get serious bang for your buck with giant New York-style slices, pies and stromboli. 208-376-1008, guidosdowntown.com.

Chicago-style pizzas, sandwiches and a salad bar that just won’t quit. 208377-5551, chicagoconnection.com.

IDAHO PIZZA COMPANY-FAIRVIEW

CORONA VILLAGE

Idaho Pizza Company has the best pizza-and-salad lunch special around, and the Idaho Supreme pizza lives up to its name. 208-375-4100, idahopizzacompany.com.

4334 W. State St. Enjoy family friendly Mexican food at prices that won’t break the bank. 208338-9707, coronavillagemex.com.

DAVE & BUSTER’S 546 N. Milwaukee St. Food, drinks and fun, like shuffleboard, virtual reality games, carnival-style amusements and feats of skill. 208901-3800, daveandbusters.com.

DELSA’S ICE CREAM PARLOUR 7923 W. Ustick Road Follow a big burger and fries with a scoop of Delsa’s delish ice cream.

208-377-3700, facebook.com/DelsasIce-Cream-Parlour.

EGG FACTORY-FAIRVIEW 8061 W. Fairview Ave. You’ll find eggs-actly what you need to satisfy a breakfast craving. 208-3220191, eggfactorycafe.com.

THE FIX 11295 W. Ustick Road The Fix serves a variety of “fixed” drinks (i.e. specialty sodas), coffee and hot chocolate, along with a selection of homemade cookies. 208-761-4056, fixhitsthespot.com.

FRESH OFF THE HOOK SEAFOOD 507 N. Milwaukee St. Fresh Off the Hook is an oasis for desert-dwelling seafood lovers. 208-3229224, freshoffthehookseafood.com.

FUJIYAMA JAPANESE RESTAURANT 283 N. Milwaukee St. Indulge in some spot-on sushi after a day at Boise Towne Square Mall. 208672-8227, fujiyamaboise.com.

7100 W. Fairview Ave.

JALAPENO’S BAR AND GRILL 8799 W. Franklin Road Check out the huge menu of Mexican dishes and tequilas. 208-375-2077, jalapenosidaho.com.

KABOB HOUSE 9140 W. Emerald St. Now you don’t need a passport to enjoy Afghan, Central Asian, Indian and Persian dishes. 208-323-1112, facebook. com/boisekabob.

LINDY’S STEAKHOUSE 12249 W. Chinden Blvd.

Good fingersteaks are tough to do, but Lindy’s has it mastered. 208-375-1310, facebook.com/Lindys-Steak-House.

LOS BETOS-FAIRVIEW 5220 W. Fairview Ave. Where you can get a gargantuan burrito any time of the day or night. Awesome, right? 208-376-0679, idaholosbetos. com.

MOON’S KITCHEN CAFE-FAIRVIEW 6767 W. Fairview Ave. Folks out near Fairview now have their own outpost of the downtown Boise staple that has served hearty meals and famous milkshakes since 1955.

208-385-0472, facebook.com/moons. kitchen.

NATO’S MEXICAN FOOD 1492 S. Entertainment Ave. Heaping portions of delectable Mexican fare at almost unbelievably affordable prices. 208-376-4340, natosmexicanfood.com.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

PESTO’S PIZZA SHOP

ANDRADE’S

7802 Goddard St.

4903 Overland Road

Pesto’s is a small shop with big flavors and blazing-fast service. Stop by for 18-inch pizzas or Colossal Calzones for walk-up, delivery, call-ahead pick-ups and patio dining. 208-377-4200, pestospizzashop.com.

Owner Javier Andrade puts “love from the heart of Mexico and himself” into every one of his more than 100 menu items. 208-344-1234, facebook.com/ AndradesRestaurant.

ROTARY SUSHI 10506 W. Fairview Ave. Serving covered plates of sushi from a shiny, stainless steel conveyor belt, each one color-coded for price. 208-3753787, rotarysushiboise.com.

SAM’S PLACE 3395 N. Five Mile Road Treasured turf of cowboys and frat boys alike, this is a hoppin’ spot for shuffleboard, beers and a good old fashioned bar brawl. Staffed by no-nonsense bartenders, this is a local hangout that earns its regulars the old-fashioned way.

208-376-0074,

SIAM ORCHID THAI RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR

BAD BOY BURGERS

SOCKEYE GRILL AND BREWERY-COLE 3019 N. Cole Road Known for its award winning, hand-crafted brews, Sockeye is also a go-to grill serving a full slate of classic American pub fare. 208-658-1533, sockeyebrew. com.

Rawsome!

815 S. Vista Ave. Daily specials and big burgers are definitely more good than bad. 208-3311580, facebook.com/badboyburgers.

BAGUETTE DELI 5204 W. Franklin Road People travel from all around the Treasure Valley for the sandwiches, pho, spring rolls, beignets and more. 208336-2989, facebook.com/baguette-deli.

CASABLANCA CUBAN GRILL 5506 Overland Road Classic Cuban cuisine in one of the cutest buildings in Boise. Get a taste of the island life without leaving home. 208331-2370, casablancacubangrill.com.

8716 Fairview Ave. Thai food made by a Thai family and sushi made by their chef. Prepared and cooked with love. 208-871-6371, facebook.com/siam-orchid-thai-restaurantsushi-bar.

Our sushi is totally

CHAPALA 1201 S. Vista Ave. Mexican fare for the whole family, with locations all around the Treasure Valley.

208-429-1155, chapalarestaurants. com.

NSUSEHIW BAR

CHIANG MAI HOUSE THAI RESTAURANT 4898 W. Emerald St. Dishes like green curry, mango sticky rice and cha gior have made Chiang Mai a local favorite for years. 208-3424051, chiangmaihousethaiboise.com.

WILLI B’S SALOON 12505 Chinden Blvd.

CHICAGO CONNECTION-OVERLAND

Willi B’s boasts an expansive menu of appetizers, salads, wraps, burgers, sandwiches and desserts. The “saloon” comes from the lengthy list of liquor, wine and beer. 208-331-5666, willibs. com.

3931 W. Overland Road

BENCH AMARU CONFECTIONS 217 S. Roosevelt St. The custom cake and dessert designs are confectionery works of art. 208-9912253, amaruconfections.com.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

Chicago-style pizzas, sandwiches and a salad bar that just won’t quit. 208344-6838, chicagoconnection.com.

COBBY’S-OVERLAND 6899 W. Overland Road Boise’s love affair with Cobby’s goes back to 1978, when the sandwich shop opened its first location. Look for the little kid munching on a huge hoagie and you know you’re in the right place.

208-323-0606, cobbys.com.

Across from Buffalo Wild Wings on Eagle Rd

888.5000

3210 E Louise Drive, Meridian | LingandLouies.com BOISEweekly | BOISE EATS 2017 | 29

EATS LISTINGS CUCINA DI PAOLO

JUMPIN’ JANET’S

ROCKIES DINER

BIG AL’S

1504 Vista Ave.

572 S. Vista Ave.

3900 W. Overland Road

1900 N. Eagle Road

To-die-for lasagna, chicken pot pie and more available for dine-in or take-out. 208-345-7150, cucinadipaolo.com.

Food and drink specials everyday, including award-winning prime rib, plus weekly trivia and Last Call Feud.

208-342-7620, facebook.com/janetsboiseid.

Rockies transports you back to a time in America when cars, hair and burgers were big. 208-577-6353, facebook.com/rockies-diner.

Roll in for big burgers (and a host of other American-style pub grub), three bars, bowling, a sweet arcade and more. It’s big entertainment all around. 208-780-6118, ilovebigals. com.

DAS ALPENHAUS DELIKATESSEN 1340 S. Vista Ave Specializing in Austrian, German and Swiss groceries and fresh foods. Hot lunch specials served 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (or until they run out). 208-426-0773, alpenhausdelillc.com.

FIESTA GUADALAJARA 3552 S. Findley Ave. Fiesta Guadalajara serves up a whole host of Mexican favorites. 208-4248580, fiestasguadalajara.com.

FLYING PIE PIZZARIA-FAIRVIEW 6508 Fairview Ave. This laid-back pizza slinger is one of the best things about living in Boise.

208-345-0000, flyingpie.com.

FROG’S FIX COFFEE PARLOR 701 S. Latah St. This sweet neighborhood coffee shop serves loose leaf tea, Italian soda, Evans Brothers’ award-winning organic brews and a selection of pastries.

Educators get a special discount on any drink as the parlor’s way of saying thanks for the hard work. 208-4479153, frogsfix.com.

GOLDEN STAR 1142 N. Orchard St. A Chinese-American icon in one of the best-preserved historic storefronts in town. 208-336-0191, facebook.com/Golden-Star-Restaurant.

THE GYRO SHACK 6935 W. Overland Road

LUCIANO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

SAKANA JAPANESE SUSHI BAR & GRILL

11 N. Orchard St.

925 Vista Ave.

Luciano’s does not accept reservations, therefore we recommend you call ahead or download the NoWait app to get on its nightly wait-list.

208-577-6415, lucianosboise.com.

Sushi specials draw people in, rolls like the Black Dragon and the Viking keep them coming back. 208-3671688, sakanasushiboise.com.

MANDARIN PALACE 5020 Franklin Road Bo-bo, moo-goo, sub-gum and bacon cheeseburgers all under one roof.

208-345-6682, facebook.com/ mandarin-palace.

MR. WOK 650 S. Vista Ave. High quality Asian food such as freshly prepared Korean bulgogi and Japanese teriyaki. 208-336-7771, mrwok-boise.com.

OFF-BROADWAY DELI 3369 S Federal Way Off Broadway Deli deserves a Tony for its stacked sandwiches and super-friendly staff. Family owned and operated, they do things the old-fashioned way. They treat you like family. 208-385-9943, broadwaydeliboise.com.

PANDA GARDEN 2801 W. Overland Road Chinese and Japanese dining made easy with dine-in, drive-thru or online ordering for pick-up—all with super friendly service. 208-433-1188, boisepandagarden.com.

The super gyro is super delicious.

208-375-7424, thegyroshack.com.

RAW SUSHI

THE GYRO HOUSE

One half of a restaurant duo with Willowcreek Grill, at Raw both sushi novices and seasoned sushi lovers will find something to stimulate their senses. 208-343-0270, willowcreekgrill.com.

6631 W. Ustick Road Gyros and a fat slice of baklava for dessert. 208-378-1325, facebook. com/thegyro.house.

30 | BOISE EATS 2017 | BOISEweekly

2273 S. Vista Ave.

BIG JUD’S-MERIDIAN 3030 E. Overland Road Big Jud’s is world famous for its enormous burgers, but its tots also earn high praise both near and far.

208-629-5259, bigjuds.com.

SHANGRI-LA TEA ROOM

BLUE SKY BAGELS-MERIDIAN

1800 W. Overland Road

3161 E. Fairview Ave.

A little piece of heaven for vegetarians, vegans and tea lovers. 208-4240273, shangri-la-tearoom.com.

Big bagel sandwiches created at assembly line speed. Get a free bagel with soup. 208-855-9113, blueskybagels.com.

STUBS SPORTS PUB 3662 S. Findley Ave. Stubs is the ticket to sports pub fun. 208-336-7882, facebook.com/ stubssportspub.

TANGO’S EMPANADAS

BOISE CO-OP AT THE VILLAGE 2350 N. Eagle Road Boise’s original natural food store offers all its organic goodness (plus classes and other events) in Idaho’s second city. 208-809-2200, boise. coop

701 N. Orchard St. Once you try these Argentine empanadas, you’ll find yourself craving them noche and dia. 208-322-3090, tangos-empanadas.com.

WILLOWCREEK GRILL 2273 S. Vista Ave. One half of a restaurant duo with Raw Sushi, at Willowcreek Grill enjoy contemporary regional cuisine in an upscale but casual atmosphere. 208343-5544, willowcreekgrill.com.

YOKOZUNA TERIYAKI-VISTA

BOISE FRY COMPANY-MERIDIAN 2020 E. Overland Road Juicy handmade burgers are sides to the fries, which come in six varieties from russet and purple potatoes to yams. 208-884-5530, boisefrycompany.com.

BUFFALO WILD WINGS-MERIDIAN 3223 E. Louise Drive It’s all in the name, plus beer, sports on the big-screen TVs and sauces you’ll want to put a wing on. 208-2885485, buffalowildwings.com.

824 S. Vista Ave.

CAFFE CAPRI-MERIDIAN

Yokozuna’s affordable noodle bowls, rice dishes, bubble tea and more prove fast food can be fabulous. 208377-3064, yokozunateriyaki.com.

3340 N. Eagle Road

MERIDIAN BACKSTAGE BISTRO

More than a coffee shop, with a wide assortment of pastries, lunch and appetizer specials. 208-884-2880, facebook.com/pages/Caffe-CapriIdaho.

CALLE 75 STREET TACOS

Village Cinema, 3711 E. Longwing Lane

The Village at Meridian, 3600 E. Fairview Ave.

Backstage Bistro is a hip casual wine bar and restaurant located upstairs at the Village Cinema. 208-995-2943, facebook.com/thebackstagebistro.

Featuring a variety of West Coast-style tacos and other Mexican cuisine.

208-846-9001, calle75tacos.com.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

CHICAGO CONNECTION-MERIDIAN, EAGLE ROAD 1935 S. Eagle Road Chicago-style pizzas, sandwiches and a salad bar that just won’t quit. 208-8880023, chicagoconnection.com.

CHICAGO CONNECTION-MERIDIAN, MAIN STREET

GELATO CAFE 2053 E. Fairview Ave. Gelato, hand-crafted pizza, sandwiches and a selection of martinis. 208-8468410, gelatomartinis.com.

GINO’S ITALIAN RISTORANTE 3015 W. McMillan Road

1629 N. Main St.

Delicious Italian fare. 208-887-7710, facebook.com/ginositalianristorante.

Chicago-style pizzas, sandwiches and a salad bar that just won’t quit. 208-8881986, chicagoconnection.com.

GOODWOOD BARBECUE COMPANYMERIDIAN

CORONA VILLAGE-MERIDIAN 21 E. Fairview Ave. Enjoy family friendly Mexican food at prices that won’t break the bank. 208887-9348, coronavillagemex.com.

CURB BAR AND GRILL 1760 S. Meridian Road This spacious bar features Southweststyle pub food, live music and a big ol’ garage door that opens up to patio seating. 208-855-0202, curbbarandgrill.com.

EPI’S BASQUE RESTAURANT 1115 N. Main St. At Epi’s, you’ll feel like family. 208-8840142, episabasquerestaurant.com.

FIESTA GUADALAJARA 704 E. Fairview Ave. Fiesta Guadalajara serves up a whole host of Mexican favorites. 208-8840161, fiestasguadalajara.com.

FIREHOUSE PUB AND GRILL 1767 W. Franklin Beer. Meat. ESPN. Twenty beers on tap and cocktails. What else can you ask for? 208-846-9535, firehousepubmeridian.com.

FLATBREAD NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA-MERIDIAN Generations Plaza, 830 N. Main St. The certified Neapolitan pizza and a killer regional wine list make this one of Meridian’s go-to pizzerias. 208-2880969, flatbreadpizza.com.

FLYING PIE PIZZARIA-MERIDIAN 601 S. Main St. This laid-back pizza slinger is one of the best things about living in Meridian.

208-888-9500, flyingpie.com.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

1140 N. Eagle Road It’s really good. It’s barbecue, it’s Goodwood. 208-884-1021, goodwoodbbq. com.

GRANT’S NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL 1835 W. Cherry Lane Grant’s serves a curated selection of simple, hearty pub food made fresh.

208-884-4278, grantsgrill.com.

THE GRIDDLE-MERIDIAN 2310 E. Overland Road Want a homemade breakfast but don’t want to cook? Get to the Griddle. 208288-1848, thegriddle.com.

GRIMALDI’S PIZZERIA 3600 E. Fairview Ave. Pizza and calzones with crisp crusts, right out of coal-fired brick ovens. 208884-2031, grimaldispizzeria.com.

HARRY’S HIDEAWAY BAR AND GRILL 2032 E. Overland Road Sneak in for burgers, salads and beer.

208-888-9868, harrys-hub.com.

HOMESTEAD BAR AND GRILL 6275 N. Linder Road, Ste. 100 Forty beers on tap and the right food to match. 208-898-9595, homesteadbarandgrill.com.

THE HUNGRY ONION 334 N. Main St. Old-school American drive-thru fare.

208-888-0051, facebook.com/hungryonion-drive-in.

IZUMI JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE AND LOUNGE 3560 N. Eagle Road Specializing in sushi, hibachi and sashimi, with a full bar. 208-8982552, izumiid.com.

BOISEweekly | BOISE EATS 2017 | 31

EATS LISTINGS JAKERS BAR AND GRILL

LOS BETOS-MERIDIAN

THE RAM-MERIDIAN

RUDY’S PUB AND GRILL

3268 E. Pine Ave.

143 Magic View Drive

3272 E. Pine Ave.

2310 E. Overland Road

Hidden in one of the valley’s busiest intersections is a longstanding area favorite where the dark, wrap-around bar is filled with happy hour revelers and the booths are packed with those taking advantage of steaks, seafood, sandwiches and more. 208-2880898, jakers.com/meridian.

A gargantuan burrito any time of the day or night? Si, por favor. 208-887-4711, idaholosbetos.com.

TVs, hand-crafted beers and plenty of pub food makes this a go-to sports pub. 208-888-0314, theram.com.

LOUIE’S PIZZA AND ITALIAN RESTAURANT

RICEWORKS ASIAN STREET FOOD

Rudy’s is a regular on Best of Boise lists, and serves up a gorgonzola chicken pasta sure to make your mouth water. 208-884-4453, rudyspubgrill.com.

LING AND LOUIE’S ASIAN BAR AND GRILL

2500 E. Fairview Ave. Italian favorites like thin crust pizza, eggplant parmigiana, tortellini and cannelloni. 208-884-5200, louiespizza.com.

3210 E. Louise Drive

LUCKY FINS SEAFOOD GRILL

With Chinese, Thai and American influences, this Asian fusion spot also has a gluten-free menu. 208-8885000, lingandlouies.com/meridian.

1441 N. Eagle Rd. Lucky Fins offers Asian, Mexican and Northwest cuisine, with sushi, pasta, burgers and appetizers. The raw oyster bar is a favorite, as are the drinks served from the bar. 208-888-3467, luckyfinsgrill.com.

The Village at Meridian, 3635 E Longwing Lane

SA-WAD-DEE THAI RESTAURANT 1890 E. Fairview Ave.

The spicy Korean chicken tacos with kimchi will “make your ninja kick.”

208-855-5977, riceworksboise.com.

Classic Thai cuisine, sushi and more in Meridian. 208-884-0701, sawaddeethai.com.

RUDY’S PUB AND GRILL

SAKANA JAPANESE SUSHI AND STEAK

3035 W. McMillan Road

1718 S. Eagle Road

A regular on Best of Boise lists, Rudy’s serves up a delicious prime beef stroganoff. 208-887-3721, rudyspubgrill.com.

Sushi specials draw people in, and rolls like the Black Dragon and the Viking keep them coming back. 208888-6278, sakanasushiboise.com.

NOM NOM MOMO

MT. EVEREST MOMO CAFE Before he moved to Boise in 2003, Raj Shrestha was a travel agent in his home of Katmandu, Nepal. In 2013, after several years working at Micron and as a Nepali language interpreter for both St. Luke’s and Saint Alphonsus, Shrestha opened Mt. Everest MoMo Cafe so he could share Himalayan dumplings or momo, as well as Tibetan and Indian dishes with his new community. When he’s not preparing a variety of momo, thukpa, samosa, makhani, korma or nearly a dozen different types of homemade naan, hands-on owner/chef Shrestha is happy to answer questions and help customers plan trips to beautiful Nepal.

Shrestha said he has “worked hard to make sure his customers are happy and they enjoy their meals.” If they’re digging into momo, sweet Indian curry and chau-chau (Tibetan noodles) and sopping up sauces with naan, they are and they most definitely do.

—Amy Atkins 2144 S. Broadway Ave., 208-342-1268, boisemomocafe.com 32 | BOISE EATS 2017 | BOISEweekly

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

SHANAZ HOME KITCHEN CUISINE 520 S. Main St. The Treasure Valley’s only Southern and Island fusion restaurant. 208-9226433, shanazhkc.com.

SHIGE EXPRESS MERIDIAN 520 S Meridian Rd Shige Matzuzawa is the undisputed king of Japanese cuisine in the Treasure Valley.

208-922-6436, shigescuisine.com.

SLYCEBOX PIZZA MERIDIAN 916 N. Main St.

TWIGS BISTRO AND MARTINI BAR The Village at Meridian, 36090 E. Monarch Sky Lane Ste. 100 A sophisticated yet casual restaurant where the menu and service compliment each other to achieve perfect harmony. 208-895-0029, twigsbistro. com.

YOKOZUNA TERIYAKI-MERIDIAN 2031 E. Fairview Ave. Yokozuna’s affordable noodle bowls, rice dishes, bubble tea and more prove fast food can be fabulous. 208-8889699, yokozunateriyaki.com.

SlyceBox is a unique place that offers superior quality pizza products, salads and beverages of all kinds. Open for lunch, dinner and late into the night for whenever the urge for tasty pizza hits you. 208-888-0842, slyce-box.com.

EAST BOISE

SMOKY MOUNTAIN PIZZERIA GRILL-MERIDIAN

The small space has a few modest tables; coolers stocked with desserts, various sodas and fruit drinks; and, possibly, the best shawarma in town.

208-240-7202, facebook.com/ alsham201.

980 E. Fairview Ave. Standards like pepperoni and not-sostandards like curried chicken make Smoky Mountain a fave. 208-8841067, smokymountainpizza.com.

SODA STOP

AL-SHAM MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT 201 W. Boise Ave.

SOFRA BOSNIAN GRILL

BLUE COW FROZEN YOGURT

3665 E. Overland Road

2333 S. Apple St.

Serving authentic Bosnian-style sausages, cabbage pies and kabobs.

208-389-8690, facebook.com/SofraBosnianGrill.

With regular flavor changes, friendly service, late summer hours and so many sweet toppings, it’s easy to fill up a punch card at Blue Cow. 208-3381000, bluecowfrozenyogurt.com.

3223 E. Louise Drive Ste. 106 Fine Indian dining. 208-893-9144, spiceindiancuisineelouisedr.com.

THAI BASIL 3161 E, Fairview Ave., Ste. 110 You haven’t really had pad Thai until you’ve tried it at Thai Basil. 208-8885797, thaibasilidaho.com.

TREE CITY JUICE AND SMOOTHIE CAFE-MERIDIAN 3355 E. Fairview Ave. Choose from more than 30 smoothie combinations and a selection of healthy wraps, paninis and more. 208846-8180, treecityjuice.com.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

www.cobbys.com Come see us on Broadway, Overland or Chinden Blvd.

Serving ONLY Idaho Made beers!

1030 Broadway • 345-0990 4348 Chinden • 322-7401 6899 Overland • 323-0606 WWW.COBBYS.COM

276 Bobwhite Court

A Meridian cafe specializing in sodas and deli sandwiches. 208-855-2100, gosodastop.com.

SPICE INDIAN CUISINE

Check us out online at

BARBACOA Step into one of the swankiest restaurants this side of the Rio Grande for savory Latin-fusion cuisine and a sizeable wine and cocktail list. 208-338-5000, barbacoa-boise.com.

2845 E. Overland Road Ste. 100

Still the best sandwich in town!

A) selection of over 30 sandwiches, salads & soups B) only the freshest ingredients C) over 39 years of local independent ownership D) free chips & fruit

BOISE FRY COMPANY-BOWN 3083 S. Bown Way Juicy handmade burgers are sides to the fries, which come in six varieties from russet and purple potatoes to yams. 208-965-1551, boisefrycompany.com.

FLATBREAD NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA-BOWN 3139 S. Bown Way The certified Neapolitan pizza and a killer regional wine list have made this a local favorite. 208-343-4177, flatbreadpizza.com.

BOISEweekly | BOISE EATS 2017 | 33

EATS LISTINGS FULL STEAM BISTRO

TAVERN AT BOWN CROSSING

BARDENAY-EAGLE

GRIT AMERICAN CUISINE

920 E. Park Blvd.

3111 S. Bown Way

155 E. Riverside Drive

360 S. Eagle Road

A steampunk inspired Boise coffee shop, Full Steam Bistro not only makes craft espresso drinks but serves beer, wine and a full bistro menu all day. 208-999-8661, fullsteam920.com.

Steak, seafood, sushi, wine and spirits all in one sweet spot. 208-345-2277, tavernatbown.com.

Bardenay took the concept of DIY to a whole new level as the “nation’s first restaurant distillery.” 208-938-5093, bardenay.com.

Serving pizza, burgers, sandwiches and salads, plus wine and beer on tap.

208-576-6666, gritcuisine.com.

THE GRIDDLE-PARKCENTER

The Trolley is known for its eggs Benedict, breakfast burritos and big portions. 208-345-9255, thetrolleyhouse.com.

404 E. Parkcenter Blvd.

Want a homemade breakfast but don’t want to cook? Get to the Griddle. 208297-7615, thegriddle.com.

THE TROLLEY HOUSE 1821 Warm Springs Ave.

LUCKY 13 PIZZA/THE GARAGE

WESTSIDE DRIVE-IN PARKCENTER

3662 S. Eckert Road

1113 Parkcenter Blvd.

You’ll find pizza, stacked sandwiches and a substantial beer list at this popular spot. 208-344-6967, lucky13pizza. com.

Burgers, fries, salads, desserts and juicy prime rib. 208-424-0000, cheflou.com.

MANCINO’S PIZZA 6564 S. Federal Way If you haven’t had an Italian grinder from Mancino’s, you are missing out.

208-333-1383, mancinosidaho.com.

MAZZAH-PARKCENTER

ZEPPOLE BAKING CO.PARKCENTER 983 E. Parkcenter Blvd.

Award-winning breads and pastries made in-house and sold and served all over the valley. 208-338-1499, zeppolebakery.com.

404 E. Parkcenter Blvd.

KUNA

Mazzah is where carnivores and vegetarians can come together. 208333-2223, mazzahboise.com.

ENRIQUE’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 482 W. Main St.

MOUNT EVEREST MOMO CAFE 2144 S Broadway Ave Himalayan, Nepali, Tibetan and Indian food. 208-342-1268, boisemomocafe.com.

PAT’S THAI KITCHEN 577 E. Park Blvd. Unit C110 Great Thai food and great service are always on the menu at Pat’s. 208345-0026, thaikitchenboise.com.

THE REFUGE RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE 404 E. Parkcenter Blvd.

BELLA AQUILA 775 S. Rivershore Lane Ste. 100 The ”beautiful eagle” has a great patio and serves high-end Italian food. 208938-1900, bellaaquilarestaurant.com.

BUSTERS BAR AND GRILL 1396 E. State St. If you love good food and good times, you’re gonna love Busters. 208-9381800, bustersgrillandbar.com.

CAFE CRANE 3130 E. State St. The in-house bakery turns out freshbaked goods from cinnamon rolls to muffins, scones and bread every morning. Grab a cup of coffee and dig in to house-made soups, quiche and flatbreads. 208-938-7790, cafecrane.com.

CASA MEXICO-EAGLE 393 W. State St. Mexican food you know and love. 208939-7795, casamexicoidaho.com.

Go for Enrique’s famous molcajetes or $1 tacos. 208-922-5169, enriqueskuna.com.

CHICAGO CONNECTION-EAGLE

FIESTA GUADALAJARA

Chicago-style pizzas, sandwiches and a salad bar that just won’t quit. 208-9399100, chicagoconnection.com.

780 W. Avalon St.

1545 E. Iron Eagle Drive

Fiesta Guadalajara serves up a whole host of Mexican favorites. 208-9224311, fiestasguadalajara.com.

DAVINCI’S

LIMA LIMON PERUVIAN RESTAURANT

Bottomless salad bowls and freshly baked Tuscan bread with New Yorkstyle Italian entrees. 208-939-2500, davincis2.com.

751 W. Fourth St.

190 E. State St.

Pub favorites to help raise spirits and escape life’s stresses. 208-4248211, therefugeboise.com.

The brightly hued Peruvian restaurant is a spicy slice of South America in a small, sleepy town. 208-922-3144, limalimonkuna.com.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN PIZZERIA GRILL-PARKCENTER

EAGLE

415 E. Parkcenter Blvd.

AHI SUSHI

THE GRIDDLE-EAGLE

Standards like pepperoni and not-sostandards like curried chicken make Smoky Mountain a fave. 208-4290011, smokymountainpizza.com.

1193 E. Winding Creek Drive

177 Eagle River St.

With a focus on flavor and presentation, Ahi’s sushi tastes as good as it looks.

208-938-3474, ahisushibar.com.

Want a homemade breakfast but don’t want to cook? Get to the Griddle. 208939-9070, thegriddle.com.

34 | BOISE EATS 2017 | BOISEweekly

FIESTA GUADALAJARA 3210 E. Chinden Blvd. Ste. 100 Fiesta Guadalajara serves up a whole host of Mexican favorites. 208-9381116, fiestasguadalajara.com.

LE COQ D’OR Chateau les Fleurs, 176 S. Rosebud Lane The Treasure Valley’s first farm-totable fine European dining experience.

All meats, dairy and eggs are locally sourced and humanely raised, grass fed and cage free. 208-947-2840, chateaueagle.com.

OAK BARREL OF EAGLE 1065 E. Winding Creek Drive An excellent selection of fine wines, fresh cuisine, and a separate restaurant and lounge. Live music every Friday and Saturday night. 208-9383010, boiseoakbarrel.com.

THE PERKS OF LIFE 1540 E. Iron Eagle Drive Coffee, fresh-baked pastries, small breakfast and lunch menus, and an impressive wine list. 208-938-7809, perksoflife.com.

PORTERHOUSE 600 S. Rivershore Lane Featuring fresh specialty meats and seafood as well as a generous wine selection. 208-938-1441, PorterhouseMarket.com.

RICE CONTEMPORARY ASIAN CUISINE 228 E. Plaza Drive A fusion of flavors from across Asia, plus Best of Boise-winning cocktails.

208-939-2595, riceeagle.com.

SCHNITZEL GARTEN 1225 E. Winding Creek Drive German schnitzel, German beer. Wunderbar! 208-629-8855, schnitzelgartenboise.com.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN PIZZERIA GRILL-EAGLE 127 E. State St. Standards like pepperoni and not-sostandards like curried chicken make Smoky Mountain a fave. 208-9390212, smokymountainpizza.com.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

THE STUFFED OLIVE

LA PINATA BAKERY

404 S. Eagle Road

312 S. Kimball Ave.

Try the creamy fire-roasted tomato soup, chicken parmigiana and more at this casual Italian eatery. 208-938-5185, thestuffedolive.net.

Since 2000, this festive little family owned and operated panaderia in the heart of downtown Caldwell has been making traditional conchas, cuernos and more, helping customers add a little sweetness to their day. 208-405-9558.

SWEET VALLEY COOKIE COMPANY 360 E. State St.

MANCINO’S SUBS AND PIZZA

Boutique cookies and soups for lunch.

208-440-7043, svcookies.com.

2412 Cleveland Blvd.

WILD WEST BAKERY AND ESPRESSO 83 E. State St.

Italian grinders, sandwiches and pizza.

208-459-7556, mancinosidaho.com.

THE ORCHARD HOUSE RESTAURANT

At Wild West Bakery and Espresso, the West is won with fresh-made pastries, juicy burgers and sunlit patios. 208939-5677, wildwestbakeryandespresso. com.

14949 Sunnyslope Road

ZEN BENTO-EAGLE

2805 Blaine St.

342 E. State St.

Hungry in Caldwell? Head to Stewart’s for great burgers, sandwiches, steak, seafood and more. 208-459-3308, stewartsbarandgrill.com.

Bento, sushi and salad made with your well-being in mind. It’s “peace in a lunch box.” 208-938-4277, zenbento.com.

CALDWELL DUTCH GOOSE-CALDWELL 2502 Cleveland Blvd.

Dig the Goose’s laid-back vibe, brews galore and eats like all-natural burgers and hand-cut finger steaks. Head over on Fridays and Saturdays for some of the best halibut and chips around.

208-459-9363, facebook.com/TheDutchGoose.

FIESTA GUADALAJARA-CALDWELL

Classic American fare in a restaurant perched on the. 208-459-8200, theorchardhouse.us.

STEWART’S BAR AND GRILL

NAMPA BRICK 29 BISTRO 320 11th Ave. S. Chef Dustan Bristol reinvents comfort food using local ingredients. 208-4680029, brick29.com.

BUFFALO WILD WINGS-NAMPA 2101 N. Cassia St., Ste. 2111 It’s all in the name, plus beer, sports on the big-screen TVs and sauces you’ll want to put a wing on. 208-463-9453, buffalowildwings.com.

420 N. 10th Ave. Fiesta Guadalajara serves up a host of Mexican favorites. 208-455-8605, fiestasguadalajara.com.

IMELDA’S COFFEE CASA 2414 Cleveland Blvd.

CHAPALA-NAMPA 2117 12th Ave. Mexican fare for the whole family. 208461-9355, chapalarestaurants.com.

CHICAGO CONNECTION-NAMPA 523 12th Ave. S.

A visit to Imelda’s is a must for the homemade tortillas and breakfast tacos. 208-454-8757.

Chicago-style pizzas, sandwiches and a salad bar that just won’t quit. 208467-6444, chicagoconnection.com.

INDIAN CREEK STEAKHOUSE

EGG FACTORY-NAMPA

711 Main St.

820 Caldwell Blvd.

A great steak cooked on genuine apple wood over an open flame. Is your mouth watering yet? 208-459-4835, indiancreeksteakhouse.com.

You’ll find eggs-actly what you need to satisfy a breakfast craving. 208-4662728, eggfactorycafe.com.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

Order Online at wiseguypizzapie.com

BOISEweekly | BOISE EATS 2017 | 35

Eat what gives you peace. –Zen Bento

www.ZenBe

ento.com

Experience Zen Bento. Experience Peace.

For more than 20 years, we have been serving a nutritious alternative to the typical grab and go meal routine. Each of our fresh teriyaki bowls is prepared with balanced nutrition in mind.

Meditation for the mouth. yummmmmmmm.....

EATS LISTINGS EL RODEO

BLUE SKY BAGELS-CHINDEN

MOXIE JAVA-GLENWOOD

908 Third St. S.

12375 Chinden Blvd.

6625 N. Glenwood

Your first time at El Rodeo won’t be your last. 208-463-1700,

Big bagel sandwiches created at assembly line speed. 208-323-6553, blueskybagels.com.

The Treasure Valley’s own mini coffee shop chain that roasts its own special blends. 208-376-2299, moxiejava. com.

FIESTA GUADALAJARA 1202 N. Jacob Allcott Way Fiesta Guadalajara serves up a whole host of Mexican favorites. 208-4671548, fiestasguadalajara.com.

GETAWAY BAR AND GRILL 512 12th Ave. Burgers and all manner of fried delights—all the food that’s fit to watch the game with. 208-467-5739, getawaybarandgrill.com.

JALAPENO’S BAR AND GRILLNAMPA 1921 Caldwell Blvd.

Check out the grande menu of Mexican dishes and tequilas. 208-4426355, jalapenosidaho.com.

MESSENGER PIZZA 1224 First St. S. Pop in for a pesto roll. 208-4610081, messengerpizza.com.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN PIZZERIA GRILL-NAMPA 2007 N. Cassia St. Standards like pepperoni and not-sostandards like curried chicken make Smoky Mountain a fave. 208-4617333, smokymountainpizza.com.

STAR EL MARIACHI LOCO RESTAURANTE 9966 W. State St. Offering great flavor and high quality, authentic Mexican fare. 208-2869640, facebook.com/mariachilocostar.

GARDEN CITY BARRELHOUSE 5181 N. Glenwood St. A sprawling brewpub from pioneering Garden City brewery, Crooked Fence.

208-376-4200, barrelhouse.beer.

38 | BOISE EATS 2017 | BOISEweekly

BOB’S SUNRISE FAMILY RESTAURANT 7135 W. State St. Offering up all manner of American eats, Bob’s Sunrise specializes in breakfast food, desserts and bakery treats. 208-853-7400.

CHAPALA-CHINDEN 3447 W. Chinden Blvd.

Mexican fare for the whole family.

208-342-5648, chapalarestaurants. com.

CHAPALA-GLENWOOD 5697 Glenwood St. Mexican fare for the whole family.

208-321-8262, chapalarestaurants. com.

COBBY’S-CHINDEN 4348 W. Chinden Blvd.

Look for the little kid munching on a huge hoagie and you know you’re in the right place. 208-322-7401, cobbys.com.

EL GALLO GIRO 5285 N. Glenwood St. Giant portions and authentic specials. 208-321-0355, elgallogiroboise.com.

IDAHO PIZZA COMPANY-GLENWOOD

NEW YORK RICHIE’S SANDWICHES & PIZZA 5865 N. Glenwood St. Sink your teeth into pizza pies, Philly cheesesteaks and pastas at this Italian-style eatery. 208-323-0003, newyorkrichiesmenu.com.

RIVERSIDE HOTEL SANDBAR PATIO BAR AND GRILL 2900 W. Chinden Blvd.

Sip, socialize and sample local tastes at this bar adjacent to The Riverside Hotel. Serving freshly prepared pub-style fare with a Southern Idaho influence. Enjoy area microbrews on tap, savor local wines or toast with custom cocktails on the patio next to the river. 208-343-1871, riversideboise.com.

SAKANA JAPANESE SUSHI BAR AND GRILL

GOODWOOD BARBECUE COMPANY 7849 W. Spectrum St. It’s really good. It’s barbecue. It’s Goodwood. 208-658-7173, goodwoodbbq.com.

IDAHO PIZZA COMPANY-COLE 3053 S. Cole Road Idaho Pizza Company has the best pizza-and-salad lunch special around, and the signature Idaho Supreme lives up to its name. 208-362-7702, idahopizzacompany.com.

LEGENDS SPORTS PUB AND GRILL 7609 W. Overland Rd Full bar, good eats and plenty of TVs. 208-377-1819, legendssportspubboise.eat24hour.com.

PAD THAI HOUSE 1473 S. Five Mile Road

Sushi specials draw people in, and rolls like the Black Dragon and the Viking keep them coming back. 208853-4993, sakanaid.com.

Find wild dishes like the honeyroasted duck warmed in basil, with pineapple, tomatoes and spices simmered in coconut milk and red curry paste. 208-375-6014, boisepadthaihouse.com.

SOFIA’S GREEK BISTRO 6748 N. Glenwood St. Gyros, souvlaki, rice bowls, mammoth burgers, baklava and more. 208-8530844, sofiasgreekbistro.com.

UNCLE GIUSEPPE’S

Idaho Pizza Company has the best pizza-and-salad lunch special around, and the signature Idaho Supreme lives up to its name. 208-853-1224, idahopizzacompany.com.

6826 N. Glenwood St.

JOE’S CRAB SHACK

SOUTH BOISE

There’s more to the Crab Shack than seafood. With a menu where crab nachos sit side by side with salads, burgers, steaks and pastas, you’ll find what you’re angling for. 208-3369370, joescrabshack.com.

7709 W. Overland Road Try mouth-watering crepes filled with cheese, meats and vegetables, or sweet fruits and spreads. Better yet, try both. 208-375-2737, thecreperiecafe.com.

7107 W. State St.

6724 N. Glenwood St.

2288 N. Garden St.

THE CREPERIE CAFE

THAI CUISINE 6777 W. Overland Road Warm up to Thai and Vietnamese entrees like crispy tofu, spicy prawn soup and sauteed basil curry seafood. 208-658-0516, boisethaicuisine.com.

Check out the overflowing, Italianstyle deli sandwiches. 208-8531594, facebook.com/UncleGiuseppes.

BOISE HOTSPOT 1550 S. Cloverdale Road Featuring a full breakfast, lunch and dinner specials menu. 208-8509305, boisehotspot.com.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

BOISEweekly | BOISE EATS 2017 | 39

BOISE DRINKS

FREE TAKE ONE

2017 GUIDE

| BOISEwee 2 | B BOISE OISE DRINK DRINKS KS 2017 2 weekly eklyy

WWW W.BOISE . B OI O IS I S E WEEKLY.COM WE W E EE E KL K LY KLY Y. C O M

LATE NIGHT

HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY 9PM –– CLOSE

FREE order of

Bang Bang Shrimp MUST PRESENT THIS AD

855 W. Broad Street, Boise ID 208.433.1234 F O R M O R E D E T A I L S V ISIT B ON E F ISHGRILL.CO M

Boise ID, 208-433-1234 W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

BOISEweekly | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | 3

4 | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | BOISEweekly

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

BOISEweekly | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | 5

W

e Propose a Toast...

Welcome to the other side of the magazine.

Depending on how you picked up the inaugural edition of Boise Eats/Boise Drinks, this is either the first or second introduction you’ve encountered. Turn this fine glossy mag around and you’ll find an entirely different selection of content focusing on food and dining.

This side is for the drinkers (don’t worry, we won’t card you).

In the spirit of reinvention, Boise Eats/Boise Drinks is a fresh version of Boise Weekly’s award winning Bar and Restaurant Guide, which we have published annually since 2010.

The publication has gone through a lot of changes over the years, from a straightforward restaurant guide to an analysis of local food and drink trends to an exploration of hidden culinary gems.

This year, it’s basically two magazines in one—each with an emphasis on the “guide” portion of our mission.

In Boise Drinks, you’ll find a number of guided tours: the first, starting on Page 10, is a stop-by-stop review of all the spots to linger for a sip or a bite along the Boise Greenbelt. Starting on Page 18, we crossed the Americana Bridge into Garden City for a trip down Chinden to sample that city’s beer and cider offerings. On Page 22, we hit the road for Meridian with a quick mini-tour of a trio of places you’d be well served to cool your heels.

Zeroing in on a couple of trends, we also took a look at the practice of foraging for natural ingredients in beer brewing and profiled a handful of Boise’s third-wave coffee shops.

Beyond that, you’ll find a grip of listings on area bars interspersed with a few selections from our monthly Boozehound column, recapping four of our favorite tipples from the past year.

We hope you find this new format pleasing, the articles intriguing and, ultimately, helpful in planning your own adventures.

Cheers!

—ZACH HAGADONE

BOISE WEEKLY STAFF Publisher: Sally Freeman sally@boiseweekly.com Associate Publisher: Amy Atkins amy@boiseweekly.com Office Manager: Meg Andersen meg@boiseweekly.com Editorial Editor-in-Chief: Zach Hagadone Zach@boiseweekly.com Project Manager: Amy Atkins Amy@boiseweekly.com Listings: Meg Andersen, Amy Atkins, Sally Freeman, Jay Vail Contributing Writers: Amy Atkins, Harrison Berry, Sami Edge, Zach Hagadone, George Prentice Proofreaders: Amy Atkins, Zach Hagadone Advertising Account Executives: Jim Klepacki, jim@boiseweekly.com Jared Stewart, jared@boiseweekly.com Digital Media Account Executive: Lisa Clark, lisa@boiseweekly.com Creative Art Director: Kelsey Hawes kelsey@boiseweekly.com Graphic Designers: Bingo Barnes, bingo@boiseweekly.com Jason Jacobsen, jason@boiseweekly.com Photography by: Harrison Berry, Kelsey Hawes, Zach Hagadone, Tara Morgan, Patrick Sweeney Circulation Man About Town: Stan Jackson stan@boiseweekly.com Distribution: Tim Anders, Char Anders, Becky Baker, Andy Hedden-Nicely, Stan Jackson, Barbara Kemp, Warren O’Dell, Steve Pallsen, Kara Vitley, Jill Weigel Boise Weekly prints 45,000 copies of Bar and Restaurant Guide annually available free of charge at more than 1,000 locations, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies of Bar and Restaurant Guide are available for purchase at Boise Weekly HQ for $1.

No person may, without permission of the publisher, take more than one copy of each issue.

THE HILLS HAVE INGREDIENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Foraging plants for a unique beer recipe

IT’S EASY BEING GREEN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Our greenbelt tour of watering holes on the waterfront between Garden City and Boise

CHINDEN BREWS CRUISE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Six breweries and a cidery in Garden City

BW subscriptions: 4 months-$40, 6 months-$50, 12 months-$95, Life-$1,000.

ISSN 1944-6314 (print) ISSN 1944-6322 (online) Boise Weekly is owned and operated by Bar Bar Inc., an Idaho corporation.

To contact us: 523 Broad St., Boise, ID 83702 Phone: 208-344-2055 Fax: 208-342-4733 E-mail: info@boiseweekly.com www.boiseweekly.com Address editorial, business and production correspondence to: Boise Weekly, P.O. Box 1657, Boise, ID 83701

A SALOON, A ROADHOUSE AND A HOLE-IN-THE-WALL. . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Three suds-sipping spots in Idaho’s second city

A CRAFTY CUPPA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Third-wave coffee solidifies its hold on Boise

The entire contents and design of Boise Weekly are ©2017 by Bar Bar, Inc. Boise Weekly was founded in 1992 by Andy and Debi Hedden-Nicely. Larry Ragan had a lot to do with it, too.

Boise Weekly is an independently owned

DRINKS LISTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

and operated newspaper.

Cover Photo: Espresso Martini at Amsterdam Lounge, Boise 6 | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | BOISEweekly

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

BOISEweekly | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | 7

THE HILLS HAVE INGREDIENTS

(Clockwise from top left:) Two cups of tea brewed with foraged ingredients by The Modern bartender Michael Bowers. Bowers collecting cottonwood buds near Military Reserve. Brewers and bartenders alike use local herbs in their drinks. The Modern often uses foraged ingredients.

Foraging plants for a unique beer recipe STORY AND PHOTOS BY HARRISON BERRY

M

ichael Bowers likes to know the Latin names of the plants he sees in the Boise Foothills, and keeps an encyclopedia of species in his head. On a warm morning in Military Reserve, the head bartender at The Modern Hotel and Bar was in search of buds from Populus nigra—the black cottonwood—to use in an experimental collaborative beer with Woodland Empire Ale Craft.

“I feel a little Judge-y sometimes,” he said, referring to Judge Holden, a character in Cormac McCarthy’s novel, Blood Meridian, who often collects and sketches specimens of plants and artifacts.

The parallel between Bowers and “The Judge”—a character famous for his grim words and deeds—ends with them both being avid collectors. When he treads off trail, Bowers is careful with underbrush and rarely picks more than one cottonwood bud from a single branch, so as not to prevent the tree from flowering.

In a thicketed grove near a creek, he looked down after stumbling—literally—across the mother lode: a patch of fallen branches covered in buds swollen with greasy, mustard-colored sap that stained Bowers’ gloved fingers and gave off the scent of a summertime float down the Boise River.

Bowers had never collected the buds from fallen branches before.

“You learn something new every time you come out,” he said.

These particular cottonwood buds were destined for the latest Foothills Experimental Series, a one-off specialty beer made with foraged local ingredients by Woodland Empire Ale Craft. In the 8 | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | BOISEweekly

past, beers in the series have included hyssop and rose hips in runs of one barrel (20-30 gallons).

For this batch, set for release in April, Woodland Empire Founder Rob Landerman will use a mix of floral, peppery hops and the cottonwood buds to brew an otherwise traditional pilsner with a “Boise spring aroma.” On account of their strong scent, a few of the buds would go a long way toward producing the terroir he desired.

“We won’t need as much to make the beer,” Landerman said.

“We’re also going to use [the cottonwood buds] in place of hops.”

Landerman said he lets Bowers do “the legwork” of finding ingredients for the collaborative brews, and they typically forage together. When Bowers presented the buds to Landerman and his team, they unanimously decided to brew a pilsner.

“The beer ideas jump out at us when we smell and taste the raw material,” Landerman said.

It didn’t take Bowers long to pick enough buds to fill a sample container to take back to The Modern. As they mature, the buds build up sap and emit their unmistakable odor. Even with its lid secured in Bowers’ SUV, the container seemed to jump the atmosphere ahead by a season.

The collaboration has been a fruitful one for Bowers, who said he appreciates being able to serve exclusive beverages at The Modern and work with locals to make something new and unusual. It helps that he and Landerman share the same taste.

“Rob and I share an aesthetic as far as food and drink are concerned,” he said.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

Mastering The Science & Art of Craft Beer OUR BEER

4340 W. Chinden Blvd., Garden City • bellabrewing.com

Where Beer Lovers Migrate!

Est. 2008 Lakeview Dining • Hand-Crafted Beer Gourmet Pub Grub • Artisan Ciders & Wines 22oz Bombers & Growlers To-Go 411 Railroad Ave., McCall | 208.634.4SRB SalmonRiverBrewery.com W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

BOISEweekly | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | 9

IT’S EASY BEING GREEN

Our greenbelt tour of watering holes on the waterfront between Garden City and Boise ZACH HAGADONE

B

oise might be in a desert, but it still has a waterfront. The Boise Greenbelt trail system spans more than 30 miles, stringing together the city’s biggest parks and allowing thousands of residents direct access to the Boise River.

The riverside path is a respite from summer heat; a destination for joggers, bicyclists and rollerbladers; a place for introspective perambulators; and a put-in spot for swimmers, floaters, kayakers, canoers, standup paddleboarders and even surfers, all within minutes of the downtown core.

Along with all the outdoor activity, the greenbelt is also where you can find one of the most scenic booze-and-food crawls around.

10 | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | BOISEweekly

From west to east, Telaya Wine Co. to the Ram Restaurant and Brewery is about three miles. Between those points are spots on or near the ’belt’ where you can grab a bite and sip a beverage or two (or three) before hitting the trail again.

Most of our tour follows the north bank of the river and crosses over or under seven of the city’s most important bridges, across the border between Garden City and Boise, past the Americana Boulevard diversion dam and along the edge of Julia Davis Park.

All the while, the greenbelt offers some of the best nature viewing you’re likely to find in the downtown area of a mid-sized American city.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

1 TELAYA WINE CO. Build something great, and people will beat a path to your door.

Just ask the owners of Telaya Wine Co., which opened in a gorgeous space a few yards west of the Sandbar in February 2016.

Located at the beginning of Garden City’s “Live-Work-Create” district, which is geared toward fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, Telaya’s property used to be the end of the line, as far as greenbelt-adjacent entertainment. Owners Earl and Carrie Sullivan purchased the property from The Riverside Hotel, raised it as much as six feet—out of flood danger—and, soon, the greenbelt rolled out to meet them.

Designed by the Sullivans, the combination winery and tasting room is a smart-looking amalgamation of rustic and industrial elements—a giant wooden slab door opens into a warm-lit, wood appointed room with floor-to-ceiling windows offering an expansive view of the river and foothills. Earl said the atmosphere of Telaya— which takes its name from a portmanteau of Teton and La Playa—is meant to evoke less the posh aesthetic of Jackson Hole, Wyo., and more the approachable, laid back style of Big Sky, Mont.

Telaya shared its space with Coiled Wines until May 1, when the latter moved to a new location on 34th Street and Chinden— giving both operations much-needed room for expansion.

Earl, who in a former life was COO of a global pharmaceutical company, said Telaya is designed to produce an annual maximum of 5,000 cases. In 2016, the winery achieved 4,000 cases, but quality, rather than quantity is the watchword, with the goal of turning out one-ton boutique lots. Telaya typically has three to four whites and five to six reds—all of which can be sipped both in the tasting room and on the river-facing patio.

In the outdoor space, towering braziers give off plenty of heat, as does a giant square rock firepit around which couples and friends sit laughing over wine flights.

Kids and dogs are always welcome, and leashes for keeping pooches under control are available, courtesy of West Vet. Out on the grass, where dozens of bikes are parked during most of the year, Telaya also offers wine and yoga nights and plans to incorporate cigar evenings. While the winery typically closes at 6 p.m., beginning in mid-May, music and a food truck will be on offer Thursdays until 9 p.m.

Asked to describe what the Live-Work-Create district means to him, Earl said it speaks to Garden City’s recognition of its craft beverage industry and the arts.

“And people are making investments like we have,” he said.

They are. Telaya soon won’t be the westernmost stop on the greenbelt entertainment trek. Already, a funky shipping container bar called the Yard Arm operates seasonally in a lot farther west on the path and, in spring 2017, legendary Boise Bench Italian eatery Luciano’s will open Caffe Luciano on prime real estate at Adams Street and Prospect Way, a stone’s throw from the bridge spanning the Boise River to the Esther Simplot Park and Quinn’s Pond.

2 SANDBAR PATIO BAR AND GRILL Anybody who has been on a beach vacation will be familiar with a place like the Sandbar Patio Bar and Grill. Set along the greenbelt on the north side of The Riverside Hotel and mere feet from the Boise River, it’s a seasonal hot spot (open mid-May through October) known for live music and a freewheeling party vibe. And we mean “freewheeling,” literally. Swing by the Sandbar in the summer and, odds are, you’ll find a jumbled row of bikes crowded along the patio fence and propped up in the grass off the greenbelt—there is ample structured bike parking not far from the bar, and even a nifty repair box to fix minor mechanical problems.

Don’t show up expecting to snag a table inside some sports bar-type watering hole. True to its name, the Sandbar is a patio bar, with ample outdoor seating and food and drink service delivered out of a standalone kitchen/bar. The action is outside anyway, where revelers gather in the growing dusk of a summer night cooled by the nearby rushing river.

Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, the Sandbar’s happy hour runs 3-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. There are eight draft beers—all local or Idaho-based—on the menu, along with 12 wines, including neighbors Telaya Wine Co. and Coiled Wines. You’ll find a handful of standard domestics and imports in the bottle, along with a full bar and custom cocktails—including the Sandbar Margarita (Patron Silver tequila, fresh lime, agave and Grand Marnier; $12), Pat’s Main Beach Sangria (made with a proprietary, award-winning recipe from bartender Pat Carden; $7) and the North End (Rigby-based 44 North Rainier Cherry Vodka, fresh limeade, house grenadine and Sprite; $8.75).

Live music is also on tap every night and all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and if all that fun in the sun makes you hungry, the Sandbar serves lunch and dinner every day, all day.

2900 W. Chinden Blvd., Garden City, 208-343-1871, riversideboise.com

240 E. 32nd St., Garden City, 208-557-9463, telayawine.com

1

2

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

BOISEweekly | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | 11

3 JOE’S CRAB SHACK The aptly named Riverside Hotel, south bank of the Boise River and just west of the Americana Bridge, sits near the invisible boundary between Garden City and the City of Trees.

Located next door to The Riverside is Joe’s Crab Shack, set in a squat beach house-looking building on the greenbelt. Literally. “Joe’s Big Deck” runs right alongside the path, marked off by a thick rope line and offering a sweeping view of the river and foothills. The patio officially opens on Mother’s Day each year but, weather permitting, if people want to sit out there they can.

Inside, Joe’s Crab Shack feels a little like a place you’d visit while on vacation. It’s a riot of color, with multi-hued tiles on the floor, a not-quite-tiki-theme running throughout and an enormous faux shark hanging from the ceiling right as you walk in.

Check out the ample bar menu, which includes six taps divided between a smattering of locals and big domestics. You’ll find all the requisite labels—from the big light beers to Corona—plus Joe’s Crab Shack-branded cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay wines and a full complement of liquors.

Which brings us to Joe’s signature drink: the Shark Bite, a 16-ounce goblet filled with Bacardi Limon, Cruzan 151, Absolut vodka, Blue Curacao and sweet and sour mix ($9.21). The server performs a little skit when delivering the cocktail, telling a story about a shark sighting, then tipping a plastic shark with a test tube in its mouth into the drink, spilling a rivulet of grenadine into the swirling blue mass. It tastes vaguely margarita-ish and with each sip, a grenadine burn evokes a certain existential dread for the next morning. Nonetheless, it’s fun to share with bar buds and adds to the generally festive feel of the place.

A mix of couples, families and college-age friends fill the place, munching on crab and laughing over cocktails and beer. The queen crab is the most popular menu item, with sweet, big, easyto-crack legs ($29.49).

With such ready access to the greenbelt, it’s an convenient, inviting stop after hoofing or pedalling your way across the route past Ann Morrison Park.

2288 N. Garden St., Garden City, 208-336-9370, joescrabshack.com

3

12 | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | BOISEweekly

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

Photo by Tara Morgan

Boise's Premier Sports Bar & Grill

The Yardarm (above) feels like it should be on a tropical beach somewhere. Lucky for us, the funky little bar—located inside a shipping container at 314 E. 35th St. in Garden City—is on the south bank of the Boise River. Step off the greenbelt west of Telaya Wine Co. and you’ll find The Yardarm pouring craft beer and wine from 10 taps, plus a selection of cans and bottles. Open seasonally from early April until October-ish, the vibe is open air, with a few stools along an upcycled wooden bar and a couple of tables arranged in a sandy square. There’s also a food truck parked on site, ready to fuel you up for whatever adventures you’re planning on (or along) the river.

Family friendly.

Bring the whole gang!

Free Pool M-F 11-3pm $6 Monday's: $6 pitcher of PBR and $6 select menu items. $3 Rita Rocks Tuesdays all day long

Hump Day Wednesdays- Happy Hour all day long $2.75 wells, $3 house wines and $1 Off all drafts and drinks.

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS:

$3 Mimosas and $4 Mary's 11-3 pm Happy Hour Daily 4:30-6:30 pm and 9pm-11pm

Boiseans have long flocked to Luciano’s on the Boise Bench for some of the best Italian food this side of Siena. Beginning spring 2017, la bella vita will be greenbelt accessible with the opening of Caffe Luciano (above) at Adams Street and Prospect Way—a primo location at the foot of the bridge to Quinn’s Pond and Esther Simplot park. Molto bene.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

A sports-lovers dream and a unique dining experience!

5500 W. Franklin Rd., Boise • (208) 322-9856 • sportsbarboise.com BOISEweekly | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | 13

4 PAYETTE BREWING CO. About a mile east of Joe’s Crab Shack, and squarely within the City of Trees, is Payette Brewing Co.’s still-sparkling new taproom on Pioneer Street. You’ll have to leave the greenbelt for the few yards’ walk to the facility but, seriously, the whole point here is to get some exercise between stops.

As impressive as Payette’s beer output is—the 60-barrel-capacity system can pump out 40,000 barrels—its industrial-modern space is an equal achievement. Concrete, steel and blond wood characterize the taproom, which is dotted with high top tables on wheels and metal chairs that feel like they weigh 50 pounds.

Well-lit by soft Edison bulbs and plenty of natural light coming through a series of garage doors—which lift for access to a grassy area for beer gardens, games, live music and other events—it’s a friendly space filled with kids, dogs and assorted sporty types fresh off the greenbelt.

A bank of coolers is set along the west wall featuring cold Payette beers by the bottle, six-pack and case, making for a super convenient beer run.

Up at the chunky blonde wood bar, 19 beers are on tap with one reserved for Garden City-based Meriwether Cider Company.

Four wines are also on offer: three from Walla Walla, Wash.-based Proletariat Wine Company, which are pretty much constant, while the fourth tap rotates.

Payette’s Pioneer location is a production facility and taproom, so there’s no kitchen, but the brewery hosts a food truck nearly every day, beginning at 4 p.m. on weekdays and noon on weekends.

During a sunny weekend visit, the bartender said stouts, porters and ambers were giving in to a mix of dark brews and fruity IPAs. The Blood Orange Rustler IPA ($4.25) was flying off the taps and Flyline Lager will be a fave of bikers, joggers and dog walkers come summer.

While patrons chatted and sipped suds, and a few played Scrabble, four TVs featured sports.

Thanks to a relatively recent Idaho law allowing kids into breweries when accompanied by an adult, little ones were there in abundance, enjoying a kids’ play area near the front door.

A common challenge with breweries is the echo-chamber nature of their spaces: With so much liquid at the center of their operations, most breweries’ interiors are made up of easily washed metal and concrete surfaces. That can often result in booming acoustics. Not so at Payette. A raft of light-colored wood beams run across the low-ish ceiling, topped with egg-crate foam. The system works well, cutting the echo effect to a pleasant buzz. It’s impressive—and stylish—considering the amount of hard edges and flat surfaces in the space. Still, it feels intimate, which is, again, testament to the local brewer’s achievement in both beer and design.

733 S. Pioneer St., 208-344-0011, payettebrewing.com

4

14 | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | BOISEweekly

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

LIVE COMEDY NATIONAL 6 NIGHTS A WEEK! TOURING COMICS THURSDAY-SUNDAY COMEDY HEADLINERS

WEDNESDAYS

COMEDY OPEN MIC NIGHT

ONE LONG & STRONG HAPPY HOUR SEVEN DAYS A WEEK FROM 2-6PM

WITH KILLER DRINK SPECIALS EVERY FREAKING NIGHT!

LIQUIDLLAUGHS.COM 208.941.2495 405 S 8TH ST. BOISE W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

Local Food Local Beer Local People 2 Happy Hours every day Open Late 2 am Fri/Sat

BOISEweekly | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | 15

5 COTTONWOOD GRILLE Hit the greenbelt for a short, half-mile jaunt east to Cottonwood Grille, which offers a laid-back, old-school elegance immediately adjacent to the Ninth Street Bridge. Inside, warm wood tones and an impressive river rock fireplace give Cottonwood a comfy lodgelike feel. The bar area is intimate, with a row of booths across from a marble bar top.

Belly up to 15 taps with rotating local entries, including seven wines and a cider, if you’re not a suds lover.

A glance at the liquor selection shows the house mixologists know their stuff. Luxardo maraschino liqueur has earned a spot, which is always a good sign—not only is maraschino liqueur spendy, the recipes that feature it are usually killer Cocktail Golden Age tipples. The Scotch selection is also admirable: Balvenie, Dalwhinnie, Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Macallan 12, Oban, Rip Van Winkle 12 and Johnnie Walker Blue.

The TV presence is minimal, adding to the relaxed vibe. Roughhewn stone flanks the bar, giving it a wine cellar-like feel.

Asked for the most popular spring/summer cocktail order,

16 | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | BOISEweekly

the bartender on duty mixed up a martini featuring Canyon County’s own Koenig huckleberry vodka, Pama pomegranate liqueur, cranberry juice and lime shaken and served up ($8). On the dry side, pleasantly tart, sweet and sporting a sugar rim, the huck-tini was a perfect complement for a greenbelt saunter.

Cotttonwood’s claim to cocktail fame bar manager Clark Van Vooren’s Manhattans: The Midtown and Resume both won first place from vaunted whiskey maker Woodford in its Master of the Manhattan-Idaho competition in 2014 and 2016, respectively.

On a spring-ish Saturday, afternoon patrons sipped champagne and house-made frappuccino while dining from a lunch menu that changes daily.

The patio is greenbelt adjacent with plenty of seating. A low rock wall encloses the Tuscan-esque space, which features a small pond and gurgling waterfall. It’s an ideal place to sip a cocktail, nibble some caprese—which boasts some of the fluffiest mozzarella you’re likely to find in Idaho—and watch the procession of Boiseans stroll along the ’belt.

913 W. River St., 208-333-9800, cottonwoodgrille.com

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

6 THE RAM RESTAURANT AND BREWERY You can step off the portion of greenbelt running under the busy Broadway Bridge and right into the humongous interior of The Ram. One of a chain of brewery/restaurants, The Ram is a monument to the sports bar-and-grill concept. About 23 televisions hooked up to as may as 10 receivers show every major sporting event, with a focus on Boise State University play—somewhat ironic, as The Ram is a short walk from Albertson Stadium across the river on Broadway Avenue.

A sprawling bar and dining room are spread out beneath a vaulted ceiling, and big windows afford views of the river. The bar maximizes its footprint: It’s a horseshoe shape where every seat has a commanding view of a TV. Ten taps pour six Ram crafts and up to four seasonals, as well as Angry Orchard hard cider. If you’re into domestics, The Ram has all the essentials by the bottle.

The food menu is hefty, featuring items like the Ram Grand Reuben No. 505 (shaved “eye of the round” corned beef and Wisconsin havarti) and the Buttface Amber Ale Chicken sandwich

(marinated chicken breast with Tillamook cheddar, coleslaw, tomato, onion crisps and tomato-chipotle mayo on a pretzel bun).

Doyle Cozza, an assistant manager, said the Faburge is a popular choice.

“It’s breakfast in a burger,” he said, referring to the construction of burger patty, cheddar, sliced ham, hickory smoked bacon, fried egg, onion crisps and mayo ($12). Pair it with a Proud Mary bloody mary, and you have a hangover tonic.

If you want to take your party outside, the multi-tiered patio opens at the end of March and closes around the end of September, weather permitting. Cozza said there’s “always a ton” of traffic off the greenbelt—so much so The Ram cut a gate into the patio wall in summer 2016 to accommodate all the walk-ins.

Intrigued by the Buttface Amber Ale’s name, we ordered up a freezing cold 16-ouncer and enjoyed the alternately malty, hoppy, caramely flavor of this 5.8 percent alcohol by volume brew, which took home North American Beer Awards in 2004, 2009 and 2010.

709 E. Park Blvd., 208-345-2929, theram.com

6

5

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

BOISEweekly | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | 17

CHINDEN BREWS CRUISE Six breweries and a cidery to try in Garden City SAMI EDGE

D

riving east on Chinden Boulevard from Garden City, it might feel like you’re traversing the City of Strip Malls. Don’t be fooled—over the past few years, breweries, wineries and a cidery have sprung up along GC’s main arterial, staking out a new place for the growing craft beer scene and paving a new drinking route: the Chinden Brews Cruise.

There are at least nine craft beverage establishments spread out over the 2.5-mile stretch of Chinden from Branstetter Street 43rd Street. The majority offer beer, but there is also a cluster of wineries centered on 43rd Street and one of Boise’s few cider establishments.

We drank our way along these boozy miles of Highway 26, starting from its western reaches. Here’s a taste of what we tasted:

POWDERHAUS

COUNTY LINE BREWING

9719 W. Chinden Blvd., 208-376-4026, powderhausbrewing.com

9115 W. Chinden Blvd. 208-830-2456, countylinebrewing.com

At the westernmost edge of Chinden’s brewery row is Powderhaus Brewing Company—a massive temple to beer that feels transported from an epic German poem. Instead of squishing into a strip mall or a converted space, Powderhaus built a custom brewery from the ground up. The result is exquisite: a cavernous wooden, metal and cement interior that feels like a modern rendition of the mythical “great hall.”

Between the giant taxidermy mounts on the walls and the (non-stuffed) pet dogs, there were more animals inside the brewery during a weekday afternoon visit than there were humans. With the addition of skis and snowshoes mounted to the walls, it’s the epitome of rustic Northwest decor.

Brewers Tyson Cardon and Tyler Schmidt said their “vision is to create beers inspired by the Great Northwest and the alpine spirit.” The results are a full-time tap list full of locally sourced hops and pine and floral flavors. Their seasonal and bi-annual brews include selections like the Schmidts and Grins Doppelbock with hints of caramel, fruit and chocolate and a 10 percent Bent Shaft Imperial IPA that will knock you on your butt with Idaho 7 hops—a nationally sought after variety, special to the state.

18 | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | BOISEweekly

Set in the corner of a modest strip mall not far east on Chinden from Powderhaus is County Line Brewing. The beer baby of Laura and Zach Kiehl, County Line offers killer brews in a laid back, no-frills atmosphere. A handful of tables are arrayed on the red concrete floor, including a cool curved bar along one of the walls. Beer orders are placed at another bar backed by the brewing operation, where you can watch the magic happen.

During our visit, dogs roamed freely as neighbors chatted and toasted one another.

County Line offers about a half-dozen brews on tap and boasts a number of seasonal offerings, including the dry hopped pineapple sour and 2016 RIP Russian Imperial Stout. Among the standbys are the Shade Tree IPA— which is a take on the style that dials back slightly on its characteristic hoppiness but retains a crispness that would be welcome in the eponymous shade of a tree—and the Barnwood Brown Ale, a roasty, malty, chocolatey offering that warms in all the right ways.

Feel like talking some craft brew shop? County Line is next door to craft beer supply store Homebrew Stuff, which has everything you’d need to get into the homebrewing game.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

CONTEMPORARY ASIAN CUISINE & BAR (208) 939-2595 228 E. Plaza St., Eagle, ID www.riceegle.com

OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY DAILY HAPPY HOUR 4-6 PM DRAFT BEER

3

4

5

Best Martini

MONDAYS Football in the Bamboo Bar “Where Happy People Hang Out” All Apps 1/2 Off Drinks 1/2 Off in Bar Area

TUESDAYS Wine Tastings

MONDAYS Football in the Bamboo Bar All Apps 1/2 Off Drinks 1/2 Off in bar area

WEDNESDAYS Ladies Night 1/2 Off Bottles Of Wine (Excludes House Wines) Small Plate Menu

THURSDAYS Like us on Facebook for Special Deals and Interact with us to win gift cards. facebook.com/riceeagle W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

Thirsty Thursdays Buy 1 Get 1 Free!

Live Jazz on Patio BOISEweekly | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | 19

CHINDEN BREWS CRUISE BARBARIAN BREWING 5270 W. Chinden Blvd., barbarianbrewing.com

BARRELHOUSE PUB & GRILL 5181 N. Glenwood St., 208-376-4200, barrelhouse.beer For all of the alcoholic treasures to be found on the Chinden ale and cider trail, there is one notable absence: food. Barbarian Bella, Meriwether, and Powderhaus do host food trucks on specific days, but it is possible to wander down the trail with nothing more than popcorn to keep you going.

For a food break that doesn’t require sacrificing craft brew options, wander a few blocks off the Chinden strip for dinner at Barrelhouse, a pub run by Eagle-based brewery Crooked Fence.

If you’ve been to the Crooked Fence headquarters, you might be surprised by a different vibe at Barrelhouse. The pub has a spacious and entirely wood-paneled dining room.

Crooked Fence’s artsy beer posters pepper the walls, but the tap list has a wide variety of Boise area brews and beer from farther-reaching suds makers like McCall Brewing and Deschutes in Oregon.

The upscale food menu has plenty of options to satisfy both the picky eater and the comfort-food obsessed. The most fun to be had might come from exploring the appetizer menu—which includes selections like jalapeno popper egg rolls, spicy maple-bacon peanuts and steamed cider and jalapeno clams. Fully sated, head to the game room in the back for pool and shuffleboard.

20 | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | BOISEweekly

Just a few storefronts east from Barrelhouse, Barbarian Brewing has a drastically different vibe. White Christmas lights frame the chalkboard beer menu directly in front of the entrance, adding a soft touch to the otherwise industrialmodern taproom. The lights won’t distract you for long—the tap list is a sight to behold. At any given time there are close to a dozen brews available, not including bottles for sale out the door.

Barbarian specializes in sour and barrel aged beers.

The name pays tribute to the Old World brewing styles that inspired husband and wife James Long and BreAnne Hovley to open the outfit in October 2015. According to Barbarian’s website, their mission “is to create delicious, complex, artisan ales. Our creativity won’t be limited by style guidelines.”

Their beers don’t disappoint. The IPAs have clever ingredients like mango, passion fruit and cedar. Each dark beer has a personality of its own, distinguished by flavors of coffee, plums and raisins, citrus chocolate, and sour cherry. Those aren’t even the most unique selections—the Jotunheim is a Nordic-inspired beer made with wild apples and elderberries, and a recent Berliner weiss incorporated strawberries, cardamom and rose water.

If you like sours, this is the place to be. Grab a pint, sprawl out with friends in the spacious interior—complete with a large table, deck and a couch area—or face off against an opponent at the dart board.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

MERIWETHER CIDER

BELLA BREWING

5242 W. Chinden Blvd., 208-972-6725, meriwethercider.com

4340 W. Chinden Blvd., 208-629-5623, bellabrewing.com

In a beige strip mall farther east on Chinden, sharing walls with insurance agencies and construction shops, is one of Boise’s few cider treasures. Meriwether, owned by the fourperson Leadbetter family, opened the Garden City location in 2016 with help from a $30,000 kickstarter campaign.

That local support doesn’t seem to have faded since. On a Saturday afternoon visit, the cozy taproom was packed with parents sharing a cider while their kids played board games nearby, couples huddled together and strangers laughed at the bar—all drawn together by the promise of gluten-free booze. There was hardly a seat left at any of the high wooden tables or the hand-crafted wood and resin bar, but patrons were happy to stand and sip—digging on the cheery vibe of the warm red walls and friendly chatter.

Despite its industrial location, Meriwether feels like a neighborhood community center—dogs, kids and families welcome.

When drinking at Meriwether, do yourself a favor and grab a flight. Try tons of flavors for less than $10 and take a tour through the sweet and fruity, hoppy and fresh, and sour twists of cider wonderland. Unless the Strawberries and Cream Nitro cider is on tap. If so, get that. And another.

Drinking at Bella could easily feel like having beers in your buddies’ garage. The brewing operation and taproom is actually inside a converted garage on Chinden and 44th Street, in a shopping alcove flanked on either side by auto parts dealers. Thanks to the tasteful decor, friendly staff and stellar beer, Bella has transformed into a hip hideaway.

The pint-sized taproom is basically a fenced-off sitting area inside the brew operation, flanked on two sides by vats and oak barrels. The Mod decor is really what sets the scene—crisp gray walls offset by bright accent colors and minimalist posters advertising the available beers. The Bella look—branded by owners who took over the original outfit, Haff Brewing, in January 2016—is unmistakeable.

On the beer front, Bella has all the classics—and some twists. Its stable tap list includes plenty of pales, reds and browns, but of particular interest are the Mahalo Melon watermelon wheat and Blu Snow Porter, the latter made with white chocolate and blueberries.

Keep an eye out for the giant white Cobby’s Sandwich Shop sign on the right—that’s Bella’s next door neighbor.

Also, consider stopping for a sandwich to-go if Bella’s free popcorn doesn’t quite fill you up.

DISTRICT 44 WINE HUB CINDER WINES 107 E. 44th St., 208-376-4023, cinderwines.com

SPLIT RAIL WINERY 4338 W. Chinden Blvd., 208-490-0681, splitrailwines.com

SYRINGA WINERY 4338 W. Chinden Blvd., syringawinery.com

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

BOISEweekly | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | 21

A SALOON, A ROADHOUSE AND A HOLE-IN-THE-WALL

Three suds-sipping spots in Idaho’s second city ZACH HAGADONE

A

s recently as May 2016, the Idaho Department of Labor reported Meridian had outpaced Nampa as the state’s second largest city. Of the estimated 90,700 people, plenty of them probably get thirsty; but, with Meridian’s ever increasing sprawl—the population has ballooned more than 80 percent since 2000— finding a good place to belly up for a brew beyond the downtown core often means knowing where to

22 | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | BOISEweekly

go before you even set out.

While we recognize there are dozens of pubs, bar-and-grills, dives, sports bars, brewpubs and sundry other establishments where you can get a drink in the city that was “Built for Business…

Designed for Living,” we took an afternoon mini tour of three 21-and-older-only establishments offering distinct experiences. We’ll leave the rest of the exploring up to you.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

WHITE WATER SALOON Set in one end of a low-slung mini-mall on the corner of Meridian Road and Fairview Avenue (right where it turns into Cherry Lane), White Water Saloon is a drinker’s drinkery. Beyond the Old Weststyle arched facade, the sprawling interior is a smoke-filled den of good times and bar games. Locals crowd the big U-shaped bar, which is backed by a full liquor selection and eight taps. Bud Light is king at the White Water and the two pool tables are always busy. The place also features two dart boards, Golden Tee, a bank of pull tab machines, a pinball machine and, somewhat bizarrely, a claw game and “Bonus Hole,”one of those coin pusher machines into which you drop a quarter and hope the sliding metal arm dumps a pile of money into a drawer.

Aside from the bar games, NASCAR, Boise State football and NFL are big draws, as is the May Fun Bus Golf Tour (a booze cruise to Payette Golf Course) and karaoke Thursday-Sunday nights.

1646 N. Meridian Road, 208-888-3063, whitewatersaloon.com

BRIGETTE’S CONSTRUCTION ZONE BAR AND GRILL Locals might know the Construction Zone as the former home of Bill-N-Lynn’s Place. It has been about five years since the new management—also the owner of The Busted Shovel on 704 N. Main St. in Meridian—took over, and a lot of changes have been made to the space. The interior underwent a complete renovation, including new tables, updated floors and “pretty much everything else,” according to one of the friendly day-time servers. Located in a small square building on a stretch of Franklin Road west of Meridian Road, the Construction Zone still exudes a casual roadhouse vibe, though. There are nine beers are on tap, a wall full of booze and you can smoke ’em if you got ’em. Bored? Play pool, pull some lottery tabs or push some coins in the “Bonus Hole” game (they’re popular in Meridian). Hungry? Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served seven days. Feel a song coming on? Sign up for karaoke on Friday and Saturday. Hankering for horseshoes? There are a couple of pits out back, perfect for whiling away a summer day.

229 W. Franklin Road, 208-888-4075, facebook.com/TheConstructionZoneBarGrill

STRIKERS BAR If you weren’t looking for Strikers Bar, you might miss it. Driving south on Meridian Road, you might see Meridian Lanes and think, “I don’t need to go bowling today.” Maybe not, but do yourself a favor: Pull into the parking lot—although, good luck finding a spot on a Friday afternoon— and push through the red swinging doors.

Inside you’ll find a dim-lit space that is somehow cavernous and cozy at the same time. Lined up along a wall are nine big dart boards and a banner reading, “The Treasure Valley’s #1 Choice for Dart League Play.” The banner doesn’t lie. According to the bartender, league play takes place six nights a week, and an average of 40-50 teams compete each season. Take a few steps across the fantastic carpet, featuring featuring a pattern of neon bowling balls and pins, and take a seat the bar, which is a repurposed bowling lane. There you’ll find 13 taps— including a couple of local brews—a respectable liquor selection and prices that make it easy to stay all day ($1.75 for a PBR). Pull tabs and Mega Millions games sit in one corner among a handful of three- and two-top tables. If you get hungry, order something from the adjacent bowling alley concessions, which is set up like a mini-diner accessible through a pair of doors by the bar. With its generally worn exterior and cinder block facade, Strikers might seem a little intimidating at first.

Look above the front doors, however, and you’ll see a small sign that reads, “Because Nice Matters.” They aren’t kidding about that, either.

Meridian Lanes Bowling Alley, 324 S. Meridian Road, 208-888-6908, meridianbowlinglanes.com W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

BOISEweekly | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | 23

A CRAFTY CUPPA

Joe Shafer from Slow By Slow pours an espresso-based drink (top left). Nicole Powell prepares pourover coffee at Westward Coffee & Supply (bottom left). Janjou Patisserie serves Italian-style coffee from Ketchum-based Lizzy’s Fresh Coffee (right).

Third-wave coffee solidifies its hold on Boise STORY AND PHOTOS BY HARRISON BERRY

T

he smell of coffee alone can make people more alert. In Boise, however, go juice is brewing into something more than a pick-me-up or part of the morning routine.

“We always love it when people say, ‘You don’t even have to add cream and sugar,’ because our coffee actually tastes good,” said Westward Coffee & Supply (850 W. Main St.) co-owner Nicole Powell.

At Westward, Powell serves up brews made with beans from Post Falls-based Doma Coffee, Hailey-based Maps Coffee Roasters and Boise-based Afro Phil Coffee. She and other joe slingers around town are part of the growing “third-wave coffee” trend toward offering java that can be spoken of in terms of flavor sensations, rather than simply as liquid lightning.

Westward occupies an unusual space, both literally and within Boise’s expanding selection of cafes. It shares an address with Tiger Prop Real Estate and Boise Vintage—a unique setting where mid-century furniture, high-stakes business deals, and espresso and drip coffee mingle.

Serving up one of the meanest mochas in town—which features fresh-shaved chocolate—Powell said she “wanted to offer a bridge” between places like Dutch Bros. and cafe Slow By Slow.

For the past year, Slow By Slow (405 S. Eighth St.) has been a haven for the Treasure Valley’s most selective sippers. Co-owners Joe and Diana Shafer opened their craft coffee bar in February 2016, where they keep a limited selection of options—drip coffee and espresso drinks—and a rotating menu of medium- and light24 | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | BOISEweekly

roast coffees with flavor profiles that include cherries and other fruits, vanilla and chocolate.

Slow By Slow has attracted a slew of regulars who have taken a shine to the complex flavors of lighter-roasted coffees and the establishment’s streamlined offerings, making the shop “feel more like a bar sometimes,” said Joe. It has also become popular among out-of-towners, luring in newcomers with its stylish Instagram feed.

Joe said he “expected resistance” to his menu, but the online reviews of the shop have been positive. He chalked it up to craft coffee’s growing exposure.

“People are just more aware now than they used to be,” he said.

If Slow By Slow is the new breed of cafe, Janjou Patisserie (1754 W. State St.) is the old guard. Co-owner and James Beard Awardnominated pastry chef Moshit Mizrachi-Gabbitas only serves Italian-style coffee roasted by Ketchum-based Lizzy’s Fresh Coffee because she wants “to keep it simple and original.”

“I don’t believe in all the flavors of coffee and sugary flavors,” she said.

Janjou adheres strictly to old-world standards of coffee preparation and service—all espresso drinks are double-shot by default, and the largest available beverage is 12 ounces.

“We don’t have 16- or 20-ounce [drinks] because in Europe they don’t have those sizes,” Mizrachi-Gabbitas said. “There’s no such thing as a 12-ounce cappuccino.”

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

Snake River Tea

Snake River Tea

Life’s too short to drink bad tea With over 100 specialty teas on hand, let us help you find something you’ll love.

Find us on the newly renovated Grove Plaza in Downtown Boise or online at snakerivertea.com

Want to serve great tea at your establishment? Ask us about our Wholesale program. From restaurants and cafés to offices and hotels, we work with you

to find a specialty tea solution that works for you.

(208) 336-7948 801 W. M AIN S T. S TE. 103, B OISE, ID

WWW . SNAKE RIVERTEA . COM • FACEBOOK . COM /SNAKE RIVERTEA CO W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

BOISEweekly | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | 25

DRINKS LISTINGS BOISE DOWNTOWN AND FRINGE 9TH STREET NOOK 206 N. Ninth It’s always big fun at this smaaaalllll neighborhood bar. 208-890-0578, www.facebook.com/9thstreetnook.

10TH STREET STATION

BALCONY CLUB

DOC’S BAR AND GRILL

104 10th St. If your idea of the perfect bar is a place that serves stiff drinks and is conducive to stimulating conversation, this should be in your Top 10th. 208-344-2677, tenthstreetstation.com.

150 N. Eighth St.

1108 W. Front St.

As wise 20th century philosopher K.C. once said “Everybody, get on the floor, let’s dance / Don’t fight your feelings, give yourself a chance!” 208-336-1313, thebalconyclub.com.

AMSTERDAM LOUNGE

BASQUE CENTER

609 W. Main St. Like an oasis in the desert, The Amsterdam Lounge, with its gorgeous cocktails, is a luxurious respite in the heart of Old Boise.

208-3459515, boisesbestbars.com/ amsterdam.

BEST BOOZES

601 W. Grove St. Enjoy Euskadi hospitality without leaving home. 208-331-5097, basquecenter.com.

BODOVINO 404 S. Eighth St. High-tech, mechanized wine service in an upscale, urban setting. 208-336-8466, bodovino.com.

BOISE BREWING 521 W. Broad St. This community supported and owned brewery is the definition of a neighborhood bar. Boise Brewing’s flagship beers are now available at your favorite grocery store. 208-342-7655, boisebrewing.com.

CACTUS BAR 517 W. Main St. Many a Jaeger bomb has been defused at this downtown institution. 208-342-9732, facebook.com/cactusbar.boise.

CAPITOL CELLARS 110 S. Fifth St.

OLD FORESTER 1897 In honor of the 2016 Kentucky Derby—”the greatest two minutes in sports”—a handful of thirsty Boise Weekly staffers bellied up for a Friday afternoon exercise in decadence with a few rounds of Kentucky aqua vie muddled with homegrown Kentucky mint and served in traditional pewter julep cups The winner of our hooch race was Old Forester 1897 ($49.95).

The big, bold 100-proof sharpness burst through the mint profiles while carrying a sense of sweetness and hiding the burn.

Boise’s own Simple Snow syrup inhabited the drink rather than defined it, and evened out the oily spice of the fresh mint. This was a whiskey that played well with its fellow ingredients and remained dangerous as hell, “Which is how I like it,” said one of our tasters.

Old Forester 1897 comes with a storied past. Its pedigree derives from the year the U.S. enacted “bottled in bond” regulations, ensuring standardized quality assurances. Part of the “Whiskey Row” series, this was the second expression of historic whiskeys in the Old Forester line.

Sipped straight, it had a sweet caramel aroma and poured a darker amber. Robust and biting—owing to its 100-proof character—the 1897 tasted almost Scotch-like in complexity. It went down smoother than a high-proof whiskey should, with a roasty aftertaste lingered on the palate. Looking for personality in your Bourbon? You got it. As one of our tasters put it, “One sip of Old Forester and you know his bio.”

—Zach Hagadone 26 | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | BOISEweekly

Opened by longtime Idaho politico Charles A. “Skip” Smyser, this politically themed restaurant offers fine dining in a laid back, below-street-level setting. 208-344-9463, capitolcellarsllc.com.

CHINA BLUE 100 S. Sixth St. The capital of Boise’s club scene, several bars and VIP seating bring the city’s night owls here to dance. 208-345-9515, boisesbestbars.com/china.

DAWSON’S DOWNTOWN COFFEE HOUSE 219 N. Eighth St. Enjoy fresh coffee on the great downtown Boise people-watching patio. 208336-5633, dawsontaylor.com.

DIRTY LITTLE RODDY’S 100 S. Sixth St. Calling all cowboys and cowgirls—and those who just look good in a cowboy hat on a mechanical bull. 208-345-9515, boisesbestbars.com/roddys.

DISTRICT COFFEE HOUSE 219 N. 10th St. Locally-sourced coffee and live music are always on tap at this Cavalry Chapelaffiliated coffeehouse. 208-343-1089, districtcoffeehouse.com.

Serving beer, wine and cocktails. Just what the doctor ordered. (OK, probably not.) 208-344-2076, facebook.com/ Boisedocsbar.

DOUBLE TAP PUB 409 S. Eighth St. Owned by a local veteran, Double Tap Pub is a study in surprises. With its laid-back, atmosphere, the sweet selection of topshelf booze, 28 taps and high-end menu items is an unexpected—but welcome— treat. 208-364-7800, doubletapppub.com.

THE EDGE 1101 W. Idaho St. Grab a coffee or tea to go with your tunes at the Record Exchange’s coffee shop. 208-344-5383, therecordexchange.com.

EUREKA! 800 W. Idaho St., Ste. 112 Eureka! presents a modern take on American classics with a scratch kitchen turning out gourmet burgers and a craft bar turning out expertly mixed cocktails. 208-2864410, facebook.com/EurekaBoise.

FATTY’S 800 W. Idaho St., Ste. 200 This hot nightspot has something for everyone: Club fun, Wild 101 Wednesdays, Fawesome Thursdays, Fattys Fridays, Saturdays with DJ Zuz and Hip-Hop Sundays.

208-629-6314, facebook.com/drinkfattys.

FRASER VINEYARD 1004 LaPointe St. A local vineyard offering rental of their patio. 208-345-9607, facebook.com/ fraserwines.

FLYING M COFFEEHOUSE 500 W. Idaho St. Cool tunes, a homey layout, friendly employees, snacks, art and a gift shop make Flying M one of Boise’s premier downtown hangouts. 208-345-4320, flyingmcoffee.com.

GIL’S K-9 BAR 2506 W. Main St. This dim-lit nook of a bar is open seven days with food specials all week long and a shuffleboard table with a good view of the game on TV. 208-345-4420, facebook.com/Gils-K9-Bar.

HUMPIN’ HANNAH’S 621 Main St. Rocci Johnson has been rockin’ the house for years, and her No. 1 goal is to make sure everyone who walks through the door has a good time. Goal achieved. 208-3457557, humpinhannahs.com.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

GO TO BW SMARTCA RD.BOIS EWEEKLY.C OM FOR A N U P -TO - DATE L I ST O F PARTI C I PATI N G M E RC HA NT S

HYDE PERK COFFEE HOUSE

MULLIGANS PUB AND EATERY

1507 N. 13th St.

1009 N. Main St.

Hyde Perk uses beans from Spokane roaster Waverly’s Coffee for its lattes, mochas and Americano’s—on its La Marzocco espresso machine. 208-345-2046, facebook.com/hydeperkcoffee.

Low prices and some seriously decent pub food bring ’em in. The patio and games keep ’em there. 208-336-6998, facebook. com/mulligansbar.

KNITTING FACTORY CONCERT HOUSE 416 S. Ninth St. Open only during concerts, you won’t wait long for a drink: These bartenders are some fast booze slingers. 208-367-1212, bo.knittingfactory.com.

LEAF TEAHOUSE 212 N. Ninth St. Choose from an extensive list of traditional and exotic teas to pair with vegetarian and vegan menu items. 208-336-5323, leafteaboise.com.

LIQUID LOUNGE

NEUROLUX 111 N. 11th St. If it’s happening in the world of music, it’s happening at Neurolux. Voted best local bar for many years. 208-343-0886, neurolux.com.

PAYETTE BREWING RIVER STREET TAPROOM 733 S. Pioneer St. Payette Brewing’s 200-seat Boise Greenbelt adjacent taproom features 20 taps. 208344-0011, payettebrewing.com.

513 W. Main St.

Something funny happened on the way to Liquid. And inside Liquid. Because it’s Boise’s comedy club. 208-941-2459, liquidboise.com.

LOST GROVE BREWING

PREFUNK BEER BAR

1026 S. La Pointe St.

1100 W. Front St.

The Lusk District’s first brewery coming soon.

Watch the Lost Grove Facebook page for updates. facebook.com/LostGroveBrewing.

This popular growler fill station and craft beer bar has more than 40 local and regional beers on tap. To make filling your not-so-little brown jug more convenient, PreFunk has another location at 1214 First St. S. in Nampa. 208-331-3865, prefunkbar.com.

LUCKY DOG TAVERN 2223 Fairview Ave. Enjoy drag shows, karaoke and beer pong in this super-gay-friendly bar. 208-333-0074, luckydogtavern.com.

THE MODE LOUNGE 800 W. Idaho St. Don’t look for macro brews and sports at this upscale craft cocktail lounge in the historic Mode building. Instead, look for wine, creative cocktails and small plates.

208-342-6633, themodelounge.com.

THE MODERN HOTEL AND BAR 1314 W. Grove St. The bar crew at The Modern has been repeatedly voted Best of Boise for good reason. The impeccable service and great food are newsworthy, as well. 208-424-8244 or 1-866-780-6012, themodernhotel.com.

MOUVANCE WINERY 1414 W. Grove St. This family owned winery turns out small lots made with fruit from its Julon Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills of the Willamette Valley in Oregon. 208-629-7781, mouvancewinery.com.

ALL SPORTS ON ALL CHANNELS Great menu with awesome wings and stuffed burgers.

PENGILLY’S SALOON A downtown destination, with mounted animal heads and a vintage feel. Catch live music almost every night, with $2 wells all day on Tuesdays, and burlesque show every other Sunday. 208-345-6344, facebook. com/PengillysSaloon.

405 S. Eighth St.

DOWNTOWN BOISE’S

PRESS AND PONY 622 W. Idaho St. Press and Pony strives to serve the most creative cocktails in the most informed and welcoming environment Boise has to offer. 208-949-7523, facebook.com/ pressandpony.

PROST! BOISE 274 N. Eighth St. Prost! brings a wunderbar lineup of German bier to Boise with each poured in its proper traditional glass. Pair them with brats and other Deutsches fare. 208-3369395, prostboise.com.

SPACEBAR ARCADE

HAPPY HOUR 4-7PM

$2 TUESDAY all 28 taps and wells are $2

$3 THURSDAY all 28 taps and wells are $3 food catering and mobile bar service available

200 N. Capitol Blvd.

Classic video games, scores of board games, DJs, beer and an always affable staff. Spacebar: Where the beer-drinking adult and the kid in you can hang out together. 208-918-0597, spacebararcade. com.

Find us on Facebook under Double Tap Pub and at www.doubletappub.com.

Always Honoring You Guys & Gals with 15% Military Discount, THANK YOU!!!

409 S. 8th Street • 208-364-7800

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

BOISEweekly | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | 27

DRINKS LISTINGS STATE STREET

SNAKE RIVER TEA CO.

TAPHOUSE PUB AND EATERY

WHISKEY BAR

801 W. Main St.

760 W. Main St.

509 W. Main St.

Enjoy a delightful brew and a bite to eat, or take your favorite tea home to enjoy any time you fancy a cuppa. 208-336-7948, snakerivertea.com.

More than 40 beers on tap and 15 largescreens, but it’s more than a sports bar, with a wide-ranging menu that includes prime rib on Fridays. 208-336-6991, boisetaphouse.com.

Are you a fan of fine bourbon, rye and scotch? Do you appreciate cocktail craftsmanship? Then what’s taking you so long?

You should be at Whiskey Bar. 208-3452505, whiskeybarboise.com.

THE TORCH

WOODLAND EMPIRE ALE CRAFT

1826 Main St.

1114 W. Front St.

BREWS BROTHERS

This longtime gentlemen’s club set the bar for bikini bars in Boise. VIPs get in free for life and nightly specials make everyone feel special. 208-344-0218, thetorchlounge.com.

Kick-ass craft brews made by people with a passion for experimentation. May we suggest you try the Electric Warrior?

208-426-0510, woodlandempire.com.

6928 W. State St.

SYMPOSION 2801 Fletcher St. At this longtime little pet-friendly cocktail lounge, every hour is happy hour.

Seriously... it’s always happy hour at The Symposion. 208-342-9420, cocktailloungeinboiseid.com.

BROADWAY AVENUE

BEST BOOZES MARTIN MILLER’S GIN

BROADWAY BAR

There is precious little middle ground with gin. For some, it’s fightin’ booze with the power to turn an otherwise upright person into a Dickensian slum dweller. For others, it’s the apex of civility—shaken and served up with a pair of skewered olives. No matter, it’s serious stuff.

Properly mixed and sipped responsibly, gin can be the pinnacle of summertime refreshment.

We W tasted three gins—all from parts of the world whence one wouldn’t expect gin to hail—mixed w with w a healthy spritz of Fever Tree tonic water ($2.45 for a 16.9-ounce bottle) and garnished w fresh chunks of lime. Originally intended as with a way for English sailors to fight malaria (hence the quinine in tonic water) and scurvy (enter: lime juice) while still keeping the seamen in high spirits (thanks, gin), the gin and tonic is simple but also unique in its ability to tease out the delicate botanicals and complex juniper flavors native to this fickle tipple.

The winner of our taste test was Martin Miller’s ($27.60) for its complexity sans confusion.

Though gin originated in the Netherlands, it was the English who made it an imperial spirit. A relatively young brand, launched in England in 1999, the eponymous distiller Martin Miller set out with the intent to craft an iconoclastic gin. Distilled in the London dry style, which imposes strict rules limiting additives and colorants other than water, this gin goes through two distillations—the first with a palette of five botanicals plus juniper and a small boost of lime peel, and the second with bitter orange peel, lemon and more lime peel. Miller eschews “exotic additions” that “smack more of hype than innovation.” Simplicity isn’t the only thing that sets Martin Miller’s apart. The gin is finished with Icelandic spring water.

Floral and up front on the nose, this 80-proof gin carries a faint licorice note on the palate and touch of lingering sweetness.

Mixed with tonic, it was a satisfying interplay of sweet and bitter that would be tough to beat even at a higher price point.

—Zach Hagadone

28 | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | BOISEweekly

44 CLUB 4340 W. State St. Do you like beer? Do you like karaoke?

Than by the transitive properties, you like the 44 Club. 208-344-0693, facebook. com/theendzoneboise.

Work your way through the bottle selection and all 23 taps at this dark, strip-mall bar in no time at all. 208-853-0526, brewsbrothersonline.com.

BUZZ COFFEE, CAFE AND WINE 2999 N. Lakeharbor Lane Get your on with locally sourced coffee and regular wine tastings. 208-344-4321, buzzbeans.com.

1712 S. Broadway Ave. For more than 50 years, the go-to for cold beer, cheap cocktails and games. 208-3429951, facebook.com/Broadway-Bar.

END ZONE 1010 S. Broadway Ave. Walking distance from Boise State University, the End Zone is where you can drink and play horseshoes and shuffleboard on a budget. 208-384-0613, facebook.com/ theendzoneboise.

JIM’S ALIBI 2710 S. Broadway Ave. You don’t need an excuse to hole up in this sports-centric institution, which features a backyard horseshoe pit.

208-342-9220, jimsalibi.com.

R BAR 1041 S. Broadway Ave. R Bar takes pride in its “no bullshit” vibe, with a full liquor selection and a cool, clean interior. 208-629-0029, rbarboise.com.

CAPITOL BAR 6100 W. State St., Ste. 101 A comfy little haven in the former Shotsie’s Pub location on State Street, across from Plantation Golf Club. 208-629-5134, thecapbar.com.

CLOUD 9 BREWERY 1750 W. State St. A four-barrel nanopub in the North End featuring local pub grub. 208-336-0681, cloud9brewery.com.

FIRESIDE INN 1610 N. 31st St. The Fireside Inn is cozy, friendly and a great place to meet friends for a brew and a game of darts or pool. 208-342-9075, facebook.com/Fireside-Inn.

THE LOCAL 5616 W. State St. The perfect place to spend a nice evening out in the neighborhood. 208-412-3095, thelocalboise.com.

SUDS TAVERN

MCCLEARY’S PUB

1024 S. Broadway Ave.

9155 W. State St.

With 16 HD TVs and a full slate of bar games, you’ll find plenty of red, white, blue and orange on the walls. 208-3459656, facebook.com/SudsTavern.

Try not to spend all day with the horseshoes, volleyball, lotto, pool, darts, eight flat-screens and more. 208-853-9910, mcclearys.net.

TAP AND CASK

TERRY’S STATE STREET SALOON

1555 S. Broadway Ave.

3301 N. Collister St.

Tap and Cask combines the warm, inviting feel of a barrel house with the fun energy of a speakeasy. Add in a flirty cocktail menu and comfort food with a twist. 208-338-5458, tapandcask.com.

Its exterior might look rickety, but Terry’s is solid. 208-331-8225, terryssaloon.com.

TURNER’S SPORTS BAR 4026 W. State St. Need bait and a cocktail, too? Then you need to get to Turner’s and make this a regular stop for supplies. 208-342-9003, facebook.com/TurnersSportsfair.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

WEST BOISE

BENCH

WOODY’S

STRIKERS BAR

650 S. Vista Ave.

324 S. Meridian Road

AWAKENINGS COFFEE HOUSE

THE BENCH NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

10650 W. Overland Road

924 S. Vista Ave.

Awakenings Coffee House was created for one purpose: Using proceeds from the sale of specialty coffee to financially aid organizations who are helping women and children in crisis. 208-323-5578, awakeningscoffeehouse.com.

This tiny pub in Vista Village features a few high tables, a full liquor selection and six taps pouring a mix of local micros and bigname beers. 208-629-7450.

It has two patios, a jukebox with tunes you’ve never heard before and 20 rotating taps. Woody’s also sports Baja barbecue, horseshoes, live music and a regular crowd. 208-336-1790.

A hidden gem inside the Meridian Lanes Bowling Alley where darts are king—league play happens six nights a week—the beers are cold and, as the sign above the door reads, “nice matters.” If you get hungry, order off the bowling alley food menu and you’ve got your afternoon right there. 208888-6908, meridianbowlinglanes.com.

THE BEERHOUSE 9751 Cory Lane An old West Boise house with beer, plus foosball, darts, horseshoes and volleyball.

That’s truth in advertising. 208-322-9958, facebook.com/pages/The-Beerhouse.

THE BUFFALO CLUB 10206 W. Fairview Ave. Get’cher cowboy on with line dancing lessons, poker, pool and live music. 208-3211811, thebuffaloclubboise.com.

EDGE BREWING CO. 525 N. Steelhead Way Local craft brewery with a sprawling dining room and menu of pub grub. 208-9952979, edgebrew.com.

MAD SWEDE BREWING COMPANY 2772 S. Cole Road, Ste. 140 At Mad Swede, they have a saying: “Drink like a Viking!” That’s no mere marketing slogan. Big brews dominate with names like The First King of Kiev Imperial Stout, Freya’s Pale From Exertion and We Found the Village Burning Rye Wheat Ale. 208922-6883, madswedebrewing.com.

MURPH’S CORNER BREW 7099 W. Overland Road Proudly pouring Dawson Taylor Coffee Roasters coffee and featuring Boar’s Head Premium Deli Meats and Cheeses, plus mocha, latte, frappe, smoothies, breakfast, pastries, dessert and craft beer and wine.

208-375-0012, murphscornerbrew.com.

THE POCKET 1487 N. Curtis Road An expansive slate of drinks and plenty of tables make this a local pool mecca. 208375-2474, facebook.com/The-Pocket-Boise.

Q’S BILLIARDS AND EATERY 6570 Fairview Ave. Pool starts with the letter Q at this full-bar billiard hall. 208-322-9122.

VILLAGE PUB 9936 Fairview Ave. Pull up a seat by the fireplace and chill out with friends. 208-375-3085.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

CRESCENT “NO LAWYERS” BAR/GRILL 5500 W. Franklin Road

MERIDIAN 127 CLUB 127 E. Idaho Ave.

VARSITY PUB 1441 N. Eagle Road

Locally owned for more than 35 years and often voted best sports bar. Great menu and patio. 208-322-9856, sportsbarboise.com.

With a motto of “You always get a damn good drink for a damn good price and have a damn good time,” what’s not to love?

208-884-0122, 127club.com.

Catch the game and hang out with friends at this Meridian sports bar hideaway. 208906-0658, facebook.com/VarsityPub.

LITTLE DUTCH GARDEN

BACKSTAGE BISTRO

WHITE WATER SALOON

1910 S. Owyhee St.

Village Cinema, 3711 E. Longwing Lane

1646 N. Meridian Road

This is a true neighborhood bar. Make sure to check the backyard for horseshoe tournaments. 208-342-9034, facebook. com/Little.Dutch.Garden.

Backstage Bistro is a hip casual wine bar and restaurant located upstairs at the Village Cinema. 208-995-2943, facebook. com/thebackstagebistro.

A bar lover’s bar: friendly service, stiff drinks, smoke in the air and no food. 208888-3063, whitewatersaloon.com.

MCCLEARY’S PUB 604 N. Orchard Ave. The brother of the State Street McCleary’s and a neighborhood favorite. 208-3423007, mcclearys.net.

NAVAJO ROOM 4900 Emerald St. Worth a visit just for the incredible Western-inspired wall art. 208-343-5817.

OVERLAND BAR

BREAKAWAY CAFE AND SPIRITS 2053 E. Fairview Ave., Ste. 101 Breakaway Cafe and Spirits is your home away from home, where you can relax and enjoy live music, good food, drinks and the world famous gelato martini. 208-846-8410, facebook.com/breakawaycafeandspirits.

BUSTED SHOVEL 704 Main St. A full menu—including weekend brunch— and a rockin’ bar. 208-288-2217, facebook.com/BustedShovel.

3907 W. Overland Road

THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE

This cozy little hangout hosts karaoke every single night. 208-336-4707, facebook. com/overlandbar.boisenightclub.

229 W. Franklin Road

QUINN’S RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE 1005 S. Vista Ave. A true Bench watering hole with everything from karaoke to weekend brunch with free champagne. 208-345-0135, quinnsrestaurant.net.

THE TORCH 2 610 S. Vista Ave. The Bench version of the downtown ins-tit-ution. 208-336-4747, thetorchlounge.com.

THE VISTA BAR 813 S. Vista Ave. The famous A-frame on Vista Avenue is home to a much loved Bench neighborhood watering hole with a host of special events, plenty of bar games, regular live music and a comfy rear patio. 208-3455058, vistabarboise.com.

Weekly karaoke nights, pool tables and a backyard with horseshoe pits round out this classic roadhouse. 208-888-4075, facebook.com/TheConstructionZoneBarGrill.

THE GROWLER GUYS 2020 E. Overland Road, Ste. 100 Fill up your growler to go or sit a spell and sip some suds at the Treasure Valley location of this Northwest regional chain focused on craft beer. 208-287-8600, thegrowlerguys.com.

HOMESTEAD BAR AND GRILL 6275 N. Linder Road, Ste. 100 Forty beers on tap and the right food to match. 208-898-9595, homesteadbarandgrill.com.

EAST BOISE BIER:THIRTY BOTTLE AND BISTRO 3073 S. Bown Way Special releases, featured fills and more craft beers than you can shake a growler at, matched with an eclectic menu of American and German eats. 208-3421916, bierthirty.com.

CRICKETS 1228 Oakland Ave. It’s not even Christmas, but the gift of an extra happy hour four nights each week is yours. 208-344-6235, facebook.com/ cricketsbar.

EASTSIDE TAVERN 610 E. Boise Ave. The next nearest bar is a couple of miles away making Eastside a true oasis o’ booze. 208-345-3878, facebook.com/ EastsideTav.

KUNA COWGIRLS 353 Ave. E Take the shuttle from Boise and enjoy some bar-top dancing. 208-922-9522, cowgirlskuna.com.

PAULY’S BAR ROOM

INDIAN CREEK WINERY

130 E. Idaho Ave.

1000 N. McDermott Road

A full beer, wine and liquor bar, with a delicious food menu by “The Kitchen.” 208908-7458, facebook.com/PaulysBarRoom.

At Indian Creek Winery they say, “In Pinot Veritas.” The veritas (or “truth”) is Indian Creek is one of the Treasure Valley’s most venerable, valued purveyors of vino—active in the fertile Sunnyslope area since 1982.

208-922-4791, indiancreekwinery.com.

SLANTED ROCK BREWING CO. 2374 E. Cinema Drive Four signature beers are on tap in the tasting room, plus rotating seasonals. 208288-2192, slantedrock.com.

BOISEweekly | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | 29

DRINKS LISTINGS THE LONGHORN LOUNGE

VIZCAYA WINERY

458 W. Main St.

8987 S. Greenhurst Road

The fills any late-night urge to eat and drink in Kuna. 208-922-4163, facebook.com/ TheLonghornLounge.

Vizcaya Winery, located seven miles south of the Ten-Mile/I-84 exit, is owned and operated by Larry and Kay Hansen. They now have two vineyards and are offering five wines at their tasting room. 208-870-8354, vizcayawinery.com.

RED EYE SALOON 414 W. Main St. A dim-lit haven for watching NASCAR. 208922-9797, facebook.com/Red-Eye-Saloon.

BEST BOOZES LAIRD & COMPANY APPLEJACK What jazz is to American music, applejack is to American booze. You can be excused if you’ve never heard of it, let alone tried it. The distinctive apple brandy is often grouped on liquor store shelves with miscellaneous aperitifs, cordials and mixing spirits home drinkers don’t have a clue what to do with. Nonetheless, its pedigree goes back to pre-Revolutionary War times, and the Laird family of New Jersey.

Robert Laird was a Revolutionary War soldier serving with then-General George Washington, under whose influence the product became a tipple of choice for colonial troops—Johnny Appleseed was even known to promote its consumption. When Laird & Company was officially bonded in 1780, it became the first commercial distillery in the United States.

The history of applejack in cocktails is equally storied. One once-popular concoction is the Stone Fence (or Stone Wall). Some sources describe the drink as a mixture of 2 ounces of rum in a pint glass filled with ice and hard cider, and the recipe (sans ice) is traced back to a drinking bout held on May 9, 1775 by Revolutionary War leader Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys.

As the story goes, Allen’s soldiers decamped at the Catamount Tavern in Vermont on their way to attack Fort Ticonderoga in New York. They spent the evening fortifying themselves with liquid courage—specifically, a grip of hard cider spiked with rum.

We opted to swap the rum for applejack ($21.95). We think Washington himself would have approved, as the Laird family applejack recipe was used by the first president of the United States to craft his own version of “cyder spirits,” which suggests the commander in chief was also the Stone Fence mixologist in chief.

The Stone Fence’s combination of applejack and hard cider is, simply, a delight. We mixed ours with Boise-based Meriwether Cider’s Strong Arm Semi-Sweet ($6.59 for a 22 oz. bottle), which gave the drink a delicate, decidedly un-syrupy sweetness. The result is the essence of apple, with a zesty mouthfeel and clean finish, perfect for pre-meal sipping or an afternoon on the patio.

The delicacy of the drink belied its wallop: There’s nothing but booze in a Stone Fence (40 percent alcohol by volume for the applejack and 6.9 percent ABV for the cider), so proceed with the kind of moderation the Founding Fathers would have recommended.

—Zach Hagadone 30 | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | BOISEweekly

EAGLE

BITNER VINEYARDS

3 HORSE RANCH VINEYARDS

Bitner Vineyards celebrated its first planting in the Sunnyslope area in 1981. Today, it’s one of the most well known labels in the state and has been a major force for promoting the Idaho wine industry.

208-899-7648, bitnervineyards.com.

5900 Pearl Road Vineyards and tasting room located in the Eagle Foothills AVA with serene views of the grapes and wildlife. 208-863-6561, 3horseranchvineyards.com.

CROOKED FENCE BREWERY, RESTAURANT AND EVENT CENTER 3705 Idaho Hwy. 16 Crooked Fence’s brewery, tasting room, eatery and event venue, located in the former Woodriver Cellars location. Featuring tapas-, burgers- and flatbread-oriented menu with 17 items. 208-286-9463, crookedfencebrewing.com.

EAGLE TRIPLE TAP 1580 E. State St. Local micro brews served in pints and growlers to go. 208-741-0441, facebook. com/Eagle-Triple-Tap-LLC.

THE GATHERING PLACE 50 E. State St. Enjoy cocktails, beer and games in the old Eagle Drug Store. 208-629-4369, facebook.com/TheGatheringPlace.

LONGDROP CIDER CO. 3705 Hwy. 16 LongDrop Cider uses 100 percent Northwest-grown fruit, fermented with yeast strains preserved since Prohibition.

You won’t find high fructose corn syrup, phony flavors or colors, but you will find canned and bottled Longdrop products in stores statewide. 208-392-8726, longdropcider.com.

16645 Plum Road

CALDWELL BOWL 2121 Blaine St. A stone’s throw from the College of Idaho campus, this cocktail lounge-equipped fun center is a draw for students and locals alike. 208-459-3400, caldwellbowl.net.

FUJISHIN FAMILY CELLARS & LOST WEST WINERY 15593 Sunnyslope Road The “family” part of the name is no joke.

Owner Martin Fujishin spent his childhood on the family family farm in eastern Oregon. When he grew up, he moved the operation to the Sunnyslope region and turned vintner. Today Fujishin Family Cellars draws on its long local associations to source its grapes in the Snake River Valley AVA. The tasting room is open noon-6 p.m. every day, all year round.

208-649-5389, ffcwine.com.

HAT RANCH WINERY BED AND BREAKFAST 15343 Plum Road HAT Ranch Winery was established in 2011, and has since gone on to win medals in wine competitions and rapidly grow a local following for their wines. 208-9946416, hatranchwinery.com.

HELL’S CANYON WINERY 18835 Symms Road

OAK BARREL OF EAGLE 1065 E. Winding Creek Drive A wide selection of fine wines, fresh cuisine, and a separate restaurant and lounge. Live music every Friday and Saturday night. 208-938-3010, boiseoakbarrel.com.

REMBRANDT’S COFFEE HOUSE 93 S. Eagle Road This cozy neighborhood coffeehouse is a favorite Eagle hangout. 208-938-1564, rembrandtseagle.com.

CALDWELL THE BIRD STOP COFFEE HOUSE 702 Main St. The Bird Stop has great sandwiches, soups, espresso, baked goods, desserts, local beers, wines and great live music.

208-989-1140, birdstopbrewhouse.com.

Thirty years in the making, the Hells Canyon Winery vineyard is the source for its estate grown and bottle (and award-winning) wines.

208-454-3300, hellscanyonwinery.org.

HUSTON VINEYARDS 16473 Chicken Dinner Road Founded in 2006, this boutique vineyard and winery specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, which it grows in its native volcanic soil. Visit the tasting room open noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 208-455-7975, hustonvineyards.com.

KOENIG VINEYARDS 21452 Hoskins Road Taste handcrafted artisan wines in a stunning Tuscan-style setting with sweeping views of the Sunnyslope area. In the mood for something harder? Koenig also crafts vodkas, whiskeys and brandies at its distillery at 20928 Grape Lane. 208-459-4087, koenigvineyards.com.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

ROOTS AND COMPANY

DESTINATION 112

114 S. Seventh Ave.

112 13th Ave. S.

Right in the heart of downtown Boise, Roots and Company is a classic dive bar with drink specials, tournaments, games and music. 208-459-4279, facebook.com/Roots-Company.

One of the hottest destinations in downtown Nampa features American and international food, craft beers, live music, dancing, pool and more. 208-461-0113, destination112.com.

SPORTSMAN’S HIDEOUT

FIREHOUSE SPORTS PUB

117 Everett St.

1515 N. Midland Blvd.

Tournaments, drink specials, ice-cold beer and a friendly atmosphere mean this sports bar is always in season.

208-459-9881, facebook.com/ SportHideout.

Catch the game from any angle with TVs in every corner. Plus pool and a full menu of pub grub. 208-463-0167, facebook. com/firehousesportspub.

STE. CHAPELLE WINERY 19348 Lowell Road Ste. Chapelle is well known for outstanding wines from the Snake River Valley appellation, producing riesling and chardonnay, as well as sauvignon blanc, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and syrah. 208-453-7843, stechapelle.com.

VICTOR’S HOGS N HORNS 3110 Cleveland Blvd.

Cowboys, road warriors, Western grub, karaoke, bar games and bikers. Yeah, Victor’s is awesome. 208-455-1956, victorshogsandhorns.com.

COFFEEGARAGE 1314 Second St. S. Canyon County’s outpost for food, art, events, gifts and, of course, coffee. 208467-5533, flyingmcoffee.com.

MONKEY BIZNESS 724 First St. S. Live music, a full bar and plenty of bar games keep things lively. 208-467-1507.

PETE’S TAVERN 11 12th Ave. S. Nampa’s five-star dive bar with 25-cent pool and a rich history. 208-466-9280, facebook.com/Petes-Tavern.

WILLIAMSON ORCHARDS AND VINEYARDS TASTING ROOM

PREFUNK BEER BAR—NAMPA

14807 Sunnyslope Road

An assortment of local and regional taps.

208-466-0981, prefunkbar.com.

Award-winning Williamson has helped keep Idaho’s wines on the map. Visit the 1,100-square-foot tasting room and see why Williamson is a winner.

208-459-7333, willorch.com.

NAMPA 1918 LOUNGE 10 13th Ave. S. This dive bar packs a lot of personality into a small space. 208-467-3273, facebook.com/1918-Lounge.

ACE’S PLACE 1652 Garrity Blvd.

If you’re looking for a bar where they treat you like family, Ace’s is the place. 208475-4069, facebook.com/Aces-Place.

CRESCENT BREWERY 1521 Front St. The Crescent Brewery’s small-batch brews are natural, contain no chemical additives or preservatives, and are made with the finest Idaho barley and Pacific Northwest hops.

208-968-1034, crescentbeer.com.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

1214 1st St. S.

$3 Wells All Day - Everyday!

SAWTOOTH WINERY 13750 Surrey Lane Since opening in 1987 in the stunning Snake River Valley, Sawtooth has been deservedly—and repeatedly—winning awards for its riesling, pinot gris, syrah, merlot and tempranillo. 208-467-1200, sawtoothwinery.com.

SLICKS BAR 525 E. Karcher Road Primo bloody marys, friendly service and a strong sense of community make this small bar a big hit with regulars. Become one yourself and see. 208-899-4280, facebook.com/slicksdivebar.

TINY’S LOUNGE 10 12th Ave. S. A cool little dive in a historic downtown location. 208-467-1717, facebook.com/ tiny’s.

. 9th 206 N

+

Downtown Bo ise

= $500

THE WOODSHED

Shot of Jameson & Sidecar (7oz. Beer)

817 E. Karcher Road

The Nook supports responsible drinking.

Play some pool or bring on the karaoke in this cool, low-key joint. 208-467-7952, facebook.com/WoodshedNampa.

16 Drafts on Tap BOISEweekly | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | 31

DRINKS LISTINGS STAR

SAM’S SALOON

HELINA MARIE’S WINE AND GIFT SHOP

Where Starians (Starites?) go for beer and pool, some of life’s little pleasures.

208-286-7794,

10937 W. State St.

11053 W. State St. If you think there isn’t much to do in Star, think again. Enjoy live music, karaoke and fine wines from around the world. 208-286-7960, starwinebar. webs.com.

SULLY’S PUB AND GRILL 11123 W. State St. Go for the French toast, stay for the full bar and horeshoes at this Irish pub. 208286-7743, sullysidaho.com.

GARDEN CITY

PLAYERS PUB & GRILL

BARBARIAN BREWING

Full bar, menu, sports on TV and an attached bowling alley. 208-376-6563, playerspubandgrill.com.

5270 E. Chinden Blvd.

Barbarian Brewing’s mission is to create delicious, complex artisan ales inspired by old world traditions but not limited by style guidelines. barbarianbrewing.com.

BELLA BREWING 4340 Chinden Blvd.

Featuring a small tasting room amid a gleaming seven-barrel electric brew system. 208-830-0441, bellabrewing.com.

BEST BOOZES GREEN CHARTREUSE It’s a shame more people don’t reach for Chartreuse. Maybe they’re scared off by its vivid green color— evocative of absinthe’s dangerous history—or simply spooked by the steep price tag (a 375-milliliter bottle costs $30.95). Either way, Chartreuse should be on any boozehound’s liquor bill—particularly if they’re interested in mixing up The Last Word.

Ounce for ounce, this is a super spendy tipple—but worth every dime.

Built from equal parts Chartreuse, Bombay gin ($19.95), Luxardo maraschino liqueur ($34.95) and the jjuice of a fresh lime (less than $1), w we’d suggest mixing up a batch of these bad boys for a special occasion: an afternoon croquet match, a Great Gatsby party or anywhere people wear w white pants.

Shaken and served in a stemmed cocktail glass (we used grandma’s fancy punch service), The Last Word looks a lot like absinthe but doesn’t taste a thing like it. Chartreuse is an herbal liqueur, which has been made by the Carthusian monks of the Grande Chartreuse monastery in Grenoble, France since the 1730s. At 55 percent alcohol, Chartreuse belongs in a class with the Green Fairy, so don’t underestimate it (according to the Associated Press, the monkish booze was an element of Hunter S. Thompson’s daily debauchery). The Last Word—which was invented at the Detroit Athletic Club and entered into the Ted Saucier cocktail book Bottoms Up! in 1951—burns but doesn’t hurt, and it has a slight oiliness with a hint of melon on the back. The herbs rounded up by the monks in the Chartreuse Mountains are reminiscent of Fernet and will have your umami taste buds firing on all cylinders.

We’re not sure what the boys at the DAC were playing when they came up with The Last Word, but we would gladly join the team.

—Zach Hagadone 32 | BOISE DRINKS 2017 | BOISEweekly

BOULEVARD BAR 4079 W. Chinden Blvd.

The only way to spell beer at the Boulevard is B-u-d-w-e-i-s-e-r. 208-342-9906, www.facebook.com/The-Boulevard-Bar.

5504 W. Alworth St.

POTTER WINES 505 E 43rd St. Curious to try Jalapeno Wine Lemonade?

Potter Wines can accommodate.

208-866-7765, potterwines.com.

POWDERHAUS BREWING COMPANY 9719 W. Chinden Blvd.

Located in an enormous, meticulously appointed brewhouse at the westernmost edge of Chinden’s brewery row, Powderhaus has quickly become a powerhouse with its stellar raft of craft beers. 208376-4026, powderhausbrewing.com.

SPLIT RAIL WINERY

CINDER WINERY AND TASTING ROOM

4338 Chinden Blvd.

107 E. 44th St.

Part of the District 44 winery pod, Split Rail is motivated by a fun-loving, experimental spirit that emphasizes hyper-local wine production. 208-490-0681, splitrailwines.com.

Enjoy world-class wines five minutes from downtown Boise at Cinder’s Tasting Room. 208-376-4023, cinderwines.com.

COILED WINES 34th Street and Chinden Blvd.

Check out Coiled Wines’ new space, coming May 1, 2017. 208-820-VINO, coiledwines.com.

COUNTY LINE BREWING 9115 W. Chinden Blvd.

The beer baby of Laura and Zach Kiehl, County Line offers killer brews in a laid back, no-frills atmosphere. 208-8302456, countylinebrewing.com.

ECLYPSE BAR 5467 N. Glenwood St. On weekend nights, dance to hip-hop, rap, Top 40 and rock. During the week, belt out some karaoke or catch the occasional live band. 208-957-0322, facebook.com/theeclypse.

HOMEBREWSTUFF BOTTLE SHOP AND TAPROOM 9115 W. Chinden Blvd., Ste. 105 Homebrew supplies, including ingredients, kits and equipment, plus a bottle shop featuring fine micro brews. Local customers can place orders on the website, then pick up in the store with no waiting.

208-375-2559, homebrewstuff.com.

MERIWETHER CIDER CO. 5242 W. Chinden Blvd.

Meriwether Cider Company is brewing up many different kinds of ciders, including semi-sweet, semi-dry, blackberry, cherry, plum, ginger, apple pie, apricot, gin botanical and hopped. 208-972-6725, meriwethercider.com.

SYRINGA WINERY 4338 Chinden Blvd.

Celebrating 10 years in 2017, Syringa has established itself as an award-winning winery that prides itself on quality over quantity. Syringa is in good company as part of the District 44 winery cluster in Garden City, and, with the state flower as its logo, it turns out true-blood Idaho wines with grapes from the Snake River Valley.

208-440-1616, syringawinery.com.

TELAYA WINE CO. 240 E. 32nd St. Telaya Wine Co. strives to provide an exceptional wine to be experienced as you search for your own place of joy and contentment. 208-557-9463, telayawine.com.

SOUTH BOISE LEGENDS SPORTS PUB AND GRILL 7609 W. Overland Rd Full bar, good eats and plenty of TVs. 208-377-1819, legendssportspubboise. eat24hour.com.

TWISTED TIMBER PUB AND GRILL 4563 S. Cloverdale Road A wide beer selection, pizza and sandwiches, coffee, pool table and shuffleboard.

208-362-7157, ilovethetimber.com.

W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM

FFEATURING EATURING

CRAFT C RAFT VENDORS V ENDORS

CCOCKTAILS, OCKTAI LS,

FOOD F OOD

BEER B EER & WINE WINE

TRUCKS T R UC K S

LOCAL L OCAL DJS

THE BIG L E BOISE Save the date J U N E

2 4 t h

visit boiseweekly.com for updates

A LL A GES | 12 12 –8 8PM | 6 TH & B ROAD DS T|D OWNT TO OWN B OISE | F REE ALL AGES –8PM 6TH BROAD ST DOWNTOWN BOISE FREE BENEFITING WOMEN’S & CHILDREN’S ALLIAN C weekly E | BOISE DRINKS 2017 W W W.BOISE WEEKLY.COM BOISE

| 33