Where to Eat in Boise: The Best Restaurants and Bars

April 14, 2018 Weston Hennigan

Nature is a big part of Boise, Idaho. The snow-capped Rocky Mountains serve as a backdrop, the Boise River and its riverfront paths wind through the city and skiing is a short drive away. Boise's varied museums include the Idaho History Museum, the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum and Cultural Center and the interactive Discovery Museum of Idaho. Unique attractions include Old Idaho Penitentiary and historic Pioneer Village. Old Boise offers shopping, dining, culture and nightlife.
Things to do in Boise

1. Chandlers Steakhouse

981 W Grove St, Boise, ID 83702-7036 Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Validated Parking, Valet Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover Bar, Seafood, American, Steakhouse, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Drinks, Late Night SGD 66 - SGD 131 +1 208-383-4300
Excellent
81%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Chandlers Steakhouse

Prime steaks, fresh seafood and an award winning wine list combine with friendly service and a warm, inviting atmosphere making Chandlers Steakhouse your destination of choice for a remarkable dining experience. Home of the famous "10 minute martini" enjoy live jazz 7 days a week.

Reviewed By Larry J - Meridian, Idaho, United States

Everything about our meal was perfect. We were greeted warmly, seated promptly at the time of our reservation, and there was no flaw whatsoever in the service. The food was perfectly prepared and the setting, with live piano music, was great.

2. Tango's Subs and Empanadas

701 N Orchard St, Boise, ID 83706-2034 Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible Latin, Fast Food, Argentinean, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner 208-322-3090
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 160 reviews

Tango's Subs and Empanadas

Amazing local food at low price. Genuine argentinean and american-style empandas and subs.

Reviewed By IdahoKid - Boise, Idaho

Show up at lunch time and you'll wait in line, and with good reason. The Argentinian empanadas on the menu (and there are a variety of types, including dessert empanadas, plus sub sandwiches) are all terrific. And at $2.50 each for most of them, highly affordable. Yes, if you have to wait, it's worth it. Or be smart and show up before or after the lunch rush and enjoy. Only 8 or so tables, but the food is great for take-out.

3. Big City Coffee

1416 W Grove St, Boise, ID 83702-5241 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi, Highchairs Available American, Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +1 208-345-3145
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 248 reviews

Big City Coffee

Reviewed By BKandCB - Santa Fe, NM

Stopped in about 3 in the afternoon for a snack and the three of us ordered a potpourri of menu items that were all good.....I had the delicious clam chowder served with a yummy corn muffin, my son had an eggwhite omelet, potatoes and coffee, and his girlfriend had a homemade pecan nut bar that she loved. This is a very casual, funky place that serves great food at good prices. I wish I had been really hungry as lots of things on their menu sounded so appetizing. We tried to get in one morning but it was jammed; their breakfast items looked amazing.

4. Goldy's Breakfast Bistro

108 S Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID 83702-5901 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available American, Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +1 208-345-4100
Excellent
71%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 703 reviews

Goldy's Breakfast Bistro

Reviewed By abearfellow

When we first stumbled on Goldy's, we walked right in. We realize, in hindsight, that this was probably the only time this has happened, ever. Amazing menu. Amazing food. Amazing staff.
If you have to wait, make sure you pack your cell phone because you can wander around the Basque area or go sit in their coffee shop "waiting room" on the corner and they will buzz you when it's your turn.
I love the pepps added to an egg order. the spouse loves the oatmeal or the black beans and salsa. everything we've ever had is great.

5. Barbacoa Grill

276 W Bobwhite Ct, Boise, ID 83706-3966 Takeout, Reservations, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Steakhouse, Latin, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Dinner, Late Night, Drinks SGD 26 - SGD 79 +1 208-338-5000
Excellent
68%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 982 reviews

Barbacoa Grill

Steak and Seafood with a Latin Flair

Reviewed By Vikki E - Boise, Idaho

Very unique selections, with a sort of Spanish flare. A bit pricy but worth the money. Selection of steaks, seafood and other items. Servers very helpful with wine selections And a real different drink menu.

6. The Original Pancake House

5900 W Fairview Ave, Boise, ID 83704-7763 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible American, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +1 208-321-2614
Excellent
77%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 180 reviews

The Original Pancake House

Reviewed By Nostalgiyeah - Bellevue, Washington

A very nice breakfast place indeed. We went as a party of three on New Year day and it was a moderate crowd. We tried our hands at multiple stuff. There was an order of plain simple French Toast served with a generous helping of cream. The omelette was excellent and it looked like it was made from half a dozen eggs! And the hash browns were hot and crispy which rendered it extremely tasty.
The highlight for me was Swedish Pancake served with lingonberries. The pancakes were thinner than what I've had at a lot of places but it was exceptionally tasty.
Very generous portions, and simmering taste make this a must visit breakfast place for me!

7. Goodwood Barbecue Company

7849 W Spectrum St, Boise, ID 83709-8309 (Formerly Good Wood Barbecue Restaurant) Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Barbecue, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 208-658-7173
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 808 reviews

Goodwood Barbecue Company

Reviewed By cnatsu1 - idaho

I want to rate this place better but the sides just kill it for me. I've tried most of them - coleslaw - bland, beans - blah, pretty sure the fries are wedges - I like thin cut, and even the sweet potato fries were served with some awful kind of marshmallow sauce??

Come on guys - who in the world is coming up with these sides?? They from a different planet? Get some better side dishes and I'll be a fan.

8. Bardenay

610 W Grove St, Boise, ID 83702-5926 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards American, Pub, Bar, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks SGD 7 - SGD 33 +1 208-426-0538
Excellent
53%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 732 reviews

Bardenay

Established in 1999. With three locations in Boise, Eagle and Coeur d'Alene that capture the spirit of Idaho and the Northwest, Bardenay Restaurant and Distillery is a cornerstone of Idaho's restaurant and bar industry. The original establishment is located in a once empty warehouse on the Historic Basque Block in downtown Boise, Idaho. On April 25th, 2000, history was made when we served the first cocktail to included spirits distilled in a restaurant in the US. As the nation's first restaurant distillery, Bardenay has set an industry precedent as the first full service restaurant and bar with the ability to create handcrafted liquor on-site. Our distillers are happy to give tours as time allows. Please ask your server if you are interested in a closer look at our operations. p.s. We are only allowed to sell our fine spirits by the drink. If you would like to purchase a bottle, you may do so at many of our state liquor stores.

Reviewed By JOHN K - MERIDIAN

Love the ambiance and atmosphere of going to downtown Boise Bardenay! I find the atmosphere classy and not like a college hang out after finals. The food is medium upscale for a bar but not like the bar food usual menu. Lots of wine choices...MoreThank you John!

9. Bittercreek Alehouse

246 N 8th St, Boise, ID 83702-5816 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi American, Bar, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks +1 208-429-6340
Excellent
53%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 436 reviews

Bittercreek Alehouse

Reviewed By M&ALongGrove - Northbrook, Illinois

We wandered in here on a Saturday night around 6:15. Lucky for us, a table became available only a couple minutes after walking through the door - the place was packed.

Warm, rustic feel, welcoming interior with a great bar, close side-by-side seating and tables - lots of wood.

Great selection of beers, but being an Alehouse, we opted for a couple Jameson's on the rocks. Go figure, huh?!

To start, we had the fried Ballard Curds prepared Buffalo Style. Healthy . . . ah, no. Delicious? How about CURDELICIOUS!

I had the Spicy Lamb Burger: house grind lamb leg and shoulder, feta, crispy onion, jalapeno, green leaf, and a pickle. It was really good; just a bit too spicy for my taste. Be careful with this one!

My wife ordered the Huntsman Burger: British huntsman of gloucester cheddar and stilton bleu, a pickle, green leaf, onion, applewood smoked bacon, and saloon sauce - without a bun. (Oh, that Amy!) It was delicious. Along with the side of fries that we shared.

This was a fine dinner - a 5-star dining experience. We suggest getting here on the early-side of dinner. When we left around 7:30 - with some of those burgers boxed for breakfast - every table and seat was filled, and there were a good number of people waiting. There will be a "next time" for us - probably a beer or two, too!

10. Luciano's

11 N Orchard St, Boise, ID 83706-1620 Delivery, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 13 - SGD 33 +1 208-577-6415
Excellent
67%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 279 reviews

Luciano's

Welcome to Luciano's, where all of our recipes are made from scratch with only the freshest ingredients. Enjoy authentic Italian food, friendly personal service, and a traditional family feel in the city of trees!

Reviewed By Henry M - Amsterdam, The Netherlands

We went here on a week night guided by TripAdivisor reviews and rating. The place may not be immediately in a spot in town where you expect to find great food. But is does. I had the veal parmazan and my colleague ate a good spaghetti bolognese. Served with excellent bread and provided with a good choice of beers and wines. I would go back next time when i'm in town.

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