RICH's CHOICES FOR DINING & LODGING Rich owned several restaurants in the Boise area for more than 30 years and is very familiar with the hospitality industry. The city has been divided into areas for your convenience and most restaurants are within a $10.00 taxi ride. Many of the better lodging facilities will take large groups in their shuttle van to a destination restaurant at no charge if you ask! If your restaurant or lodging facility is not listed and you want it to be... please email E-Mail Rich at today.
Boise, Meridian and Nampa, have seen several new Hotels and Motels built in the past 5 years. The convention business is on a steady increase each year and everything is looking bright for the lodging industry in Treasure Valley. A new 100,000 sq. ft. Convention Center is proposed at the corner of 11th and Front St. The prices below are not set in stone, so it may be a good idea to check them when you make your reservations if price is important to you.
Back to the Top
The Boise area has so many choices of restaurants to select from, it really is difficult to make a choice. Rich has selected his favorites for this restaurant page. Please email Rich if you have less than a satisfactory dining experience an any of these listed. The owners and Rich encourage your feedback. THANKS! Angell's Bar & Grill -- Main & 9th. This fine dine is a wonderful place for lunch or dinner. The wait staff is friendly and gives top service. The restaurant takes reservations and has banquet room for your special occasions. Very good salads, fish, and red meat items. The lounge very often features live listening music for your enjoyment. Lunch: Tue.-Fri. 11:30-4; Dinner: Mon.- Thur. 5-10; Fri & Sat. 5-10:30; Sun. 5-9 Call for reservations: 342-4900 Prices: $$$$ (Locally owned) Asiogo's Ristorante -- 3423 N. Cole. Best Italian food I've had in Boise. Compares to my favorites in Chicago! They have a wine and beer license and feature some good wines. The menu has numerous steal and seafood selections. They have been known to have live entertainment on some weekend. You better call first if the music is important to you. Lunch: Mon.-Sat. 11-4; Dinner: Mon.- Thur. 5:30-9:30; Fri & Sat. 4-10; Sun. 4-9 Call for reservations: 323-1469 Prices: $$$ (Locally owned) Ben's Crow Inn -- 6781 Warm Springs on the way to Lucky Peak Dam. A favorite with clam and seafood lovers. It's a great place for groups and can be a lot of fun. You'll be amazed at the following this institution has. Be sure to call for reservations on the weekends at 342-9669. Open Daily at 11:30 Prices: $$ Chart House -- 2288 N Garden is next to the Riverside Doubletree Inn on Chinden. This is the only chain owned restaurants on my list. It's sits next to the river, unfortunately the city won't allow them patio dining because of the closeness to the river. Serving fish, prime rib and steaks. The food is superb and matched with excellent attentive service. Prices: $$$$ Phone 336-9370 for reservations. Open Daily at 5 p.m. Berryhill & Co Catering and Wine Bar Cafe -- 370 S 8th Street in the 8th Street Marketplace which is just south of the convention center. Great lunch break with quick service and reasonable food. Hours: Mon. 11-11; Tue.- Thur. 11-Midnight; Fri. 11-11; Sat. 11:30-1 a.m.; Closed Sundays, 387-3553 Prices: $ (Locally owned) They do an excellent job at catering too. Bittercreek -- 246 N. 8th St. just off of Idaho St. St. Lively place to have a sandwich and a locally brewed beer. This is a high energy place with it usually pretty noisy. You may want to stop by and check out the menu or try a brew. Hours: Mon-Sun 11-1 a.m. Prices: $$ (Locally owned) 345-1813 Brick Oven Bistro -- 801 Main St. located right in the center of the Grove St. Plaza. Home style cooking at it's best. Lots of hot and cold sandwiches served with or without sides. No tables service. This an excellent place to have lunch. Hours: Mon. 11-11; Tue.- Thur. 11-Midnight; Fri. 11-11; Sat. 11:30-1 a.m.; Closed Sundays, Prices: $$ (Locally owned) Try them for lunch. 342-3456 Buster's Sports Bar -- 1326 Broadway just south of BSU. A great sports bar and restaurants. They have a large burger menu and their own finger steaks. Fun place to go for lunch or happy hour. Lou and George really do know how to hire a friendly staff, (most are BSU students). Hours: Mon. 11-11; Tue.- Thur. 11-Midnight; Fri. 11-11; Sat. 11-1 a.m.; Sundays 11-11, Prices: $$ (Locally owned) Try them for lunch. 345-5688 Cafè Ole' -- 404 S. 8th in the basement of the 8th Street Market Place just south of the convention center. This place is a must for margaritas on Wednesdays for Happy Hour. They have some great Mexican combo plates to choose from. Birthdays are lots of fun if you let the wait staff know. They also have a location in front of the Boise Town Square Mall. Hours: Mon. 11-11; Tue.- Thur. 11-Midnight; Fri. 11-11; Sat. 11-1 a.m.; Sundays 3-9, Prices: $$ (Locally owned) 344-3222 Casba -- 211 N. 8th in the side walk cafe area. This Greek restaurant is fun when they have the entertainment. Give them a call to reserve a table on the weekend. Hours: Mon. 11-11; Tue.- Thur. 11-Midnight; Fri. 11-11; Sat. 11:30-1 a.m.; Sundays 6 a.m.-11 Prices: $$ (Locally owned) 381-0222 Chapala -- Two locations: 3447 Chinden Blvd. and on Main St. across the street from Joe's All American Grill. It's upstairs in the Old Statesman building. This is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants and most authentic. You'll feel like you're in Mazatlan. Hours: Daily 11-10 Prices: $$ (Locally owned) 342-5648 Cottonwood Grill -- 913 W River is right before you cross the Boise River on 10th. A newer restaurant featuring salads, pasta, fish and steaks. I love their salmon salad at lunch and the salmon appetizers served during Happy Hour. This is a first class operation but you're still welcome in casual attire. Patio dining next to the river and greenbelt in the summer months. Small banquet for up to 30. Lunch: Daily 11-4; Dinner: 5-10 Daily; Happy Hour: 4-6 Mon-Fri Prices: $$$$ (Locally owned) 333-9800 de Vinci's -- 190 E State in downtown Eagle is in a historic old bank building. This newer Italian eatery has established a very good reputation in a short period of time. They have an excellent wine list and a small lounge for waiting. Reservations are encouraged 939-2500. Open Daily: 11-10 (locally owned) Prices: $$$ Eddie's Restaurant -- 7067 Overland Rd. near the Spectrum Complex. This is an excellent place for breakfast if you're staying in the mall area. Ed's two boys run the place now and you'll find it's close to home cooking. Hours: Mon. - Fri. 6-11; Sat. 6-1 a.m.; Sundays6 - 11. Prices: $$ (Locally owned) 377-3340 Elmer's Pancake -- 1385 S. Capitol Blvd. at University Dr. near BSU. This breakfast chain is better than most. If you're staying in the university area it may be the best choice for breakfast in the area. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 6-10; Fri & Sat. 6-11; Sun.6-9 343-5714 Prices: $$ (Locally owned) Epi's Basque Restaurant-- 1115 E. 1st in Meridian on the main street going through town. Keep your eyes open for this place, it's in an old home and has a very small sign. Once you find it you'll get some great home cooked Basque and American foods. You'll need reservations on the weekend nights, 884-0142. Open Hours: Tue-Thur 5-9; Fri-Sat 5-10 Closed Sun & Mon Prices: $$$ (Locally owned) Flying Pie Pizza -- Locations on Fairview and State St. Offers true hand tossed crust made fresh daily. This isn't your usual pizza place, it has a unique selection of pizza. My favorite is the greek pizza. They deliver with limited times and areas.Lunch: Mon.-Sat. 11-4; Dinner: Mon.- Thur. 5:30- 9:30; Fri & Sat. 4-10; Sun. 4-9 Prices: $$ (Locally owned) 384-0000 Gamekeeper -- 1109 Main St. in the Owyhee Hotel. This landmark fine dine is an excellent place to impress the most elite guest. A favorite of many legislators when the legislature is in session The service is superb and so is the food. Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11:30-2; Dinner: Mon.- Sat. 5:30-1; Closed Sundays Prices: $$$$ Call 343-4611 for reservations. Harrison Hollow -- 2455 Harrison Hollow at the end of Harrison Blvd. and on your way back from Bogus Basin ski area. Beans and rice are under $4 and you can have a couple unique beers that were brewed on site. This brew pub is a favorite for the north enders and skiers. Lunch: Mon.-Sat. 11-4; Dinner: Mon.- Thur. 5:30- 9:30; Fri & Sat. 4-10; Sun. 4-9 Prices: $$ (Locally owned) 343-6820 Jaker's -- on Park Center Blvd. behind the Red Robin. Jake has been around the Boise area since the 80's serving awesome steaks and seafood. He's been doing this most his life, so he should have it down by now. The restaurant is on the Park Center Lake with great views. Daily Hours: 11-1 a.m. Prices: $$$ (Locally owned) Call for reservations: 343-3430 Lock Stock & Barrel -- 4705 Emerald just head up American Blvd. and follow the turn to the right to get on Emerald. The restaurant has a great salad/soup bar and lots of steaks and fish on the menu, potato and vegetables are an extra charge. Service is a little more casual than some may like, but the food is good. The bar usually has live listening entertainment. Dinner: Mon.- Thur. 5:30- 9:30; Fri & Sat. 4-10; Sun. 4-9 Prices: $$$ (Locally owned) Call for reservations: 336-4266 Louie's Pizza & Italian -- 620 W. Idaho is located across city hall. Louie got his start in Sun Valley back in the 1960's. The restaurant is located in what was a Basque boarding house in the late 1800's. The aroma is magnificent the minute you enter this delightful Italian restaurant. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 11-12; Sat. 12-12; Sun. 3-9 Prices: $$ (Locally owned) Call for reservations: 344-5200 Lucky 13 Pizza -- 1602 N. 13th in Hyde Park. The patio is a focal meeting place in the neighborhood for bicyclers and local residents all summer. The food is good too. It takes me back to the 60's with their diverse clientele. There are other pubs and restaurants in the area but this seems to be the favorite of most. Open Hours: Mon.-Sun. 11 a.m. Prices: $$ (Locally owned) 344-6967 Milford's -- 405 S. 8th St. in the 8th Street Market Place just south of the convention center. Feature several fresh fish, shell fish and a couple red meat items. Lunch: Mon.-Sat. 11-4; Dinner: Mon.- Thur. 5:30-9:30; Fri & Sat. 4-10; Sun. 4-9 Prices: $$$$ (Locally owned) Call 342-8382 for reservations. Onati Basque Restaurant -- 3544 Chinden Blvd. in the Garden City area in the Ranch Club's building. It's only a short cab ride from most downtown motels. Truly a unique dining pleasure with the owner many times coming from the kitchen to check on his guest. There's always a special menu item of the day that is served family style. You won't leave hungry. The bar has live entertainment with dancing most nights. Dinner: Mon.- Thur. 5-9:30; Fri & Sat. 5-10; Closed Sunday Prices: $$ (Locally owned) They do an excellent job at catering too. Call 343-6464 for reservations. Quinn's Restaurant -- 1005 S. Vista Ave. is on the way to the airport. This bar and restaurant have been around for a long time. Gary has a good local following in both the food and lounge. The Philly sandwich at noon is wonderful and so are his steaks. Open for breakfast and everything is priced quit reasonably. Open Hours: 9 a.m. Mon.-Sat.; Sundays 8 a.m. Prices: $$ (Locally owned) Call 342-9568 for reservations. Piper Pub and Grill -- Corner of 8th & Main on the second floor of the Capitol Terrace. This popular happy hour gathering place has numerous appetizers and reasonable priced lunch items to choose from. It is known to be a bit fashionable but I enjoy watching the action at happy hour. Open Daily: 10-1 food until Midnight. Sunday Brunch. Prices: $$ 343-2444 Stage Coach Inn -- 3132 Chinden Blvd. is just a block or two west of the Riverside Doubletree Inn. This place has without a question the very best fried prawns I've ever eaten. Except for my old restaurant of course! The place is a little smoky, unless you get there before the happy hour crowd. I recommend you phone in reservations. Lunch: Mon.-Sat. 11-4; Dinner: Mon.- Thur. 5:30-9:30; Fri & Sat. 4-10; Sun. 4-9 Prices: $$$ (Locally owned) Call 342-4161 for reservations. State Court Cafè -- 2907 W. State St. isn't near any hotel and you can't judge the food by the building. It's the typical 50's diner that hasn't seen much updating since it opened. Without a question this is the best place for ham'n eggs in Boise. You may feel like the 60's has come back into your life. It's a favorite of many construction workers before going to work. Breakfast starts at 6:30 Prices: $ (Locally owned) 367-0751 Tablerock Brewpub -- 705 Fulton which is just two blocks south of The Grove Hotel. This was the first brewpub in Boise. They feature a glass display of the full brew room. The menu is relatively light with several sandwiches an appetizers. My favorite is the garlic mashed potatoes. Open Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.; Sun. Noon. Prices: $ (Locally owned) 342-0944 Tepanyaiki Japanese -- 2197 Garden across the street from the Riverside Doubletree Inn on Chinden. This typical Japanese style restaurant features chef cooking at the table with entertaining cooks. It's a fun place to take a small group of 8 to interact with the chefs. I recommend you phone in reservations. Dinner Only: Mon.-Thur. 5-10; Fri.- Sat. 5-11; Sun. 5-10 Prices: $$$ (Locally owned) Call 343-3515 for reservations. Richards Across the Street -- 1520 N 13th which is right in the center of historic Hyde Park. This unique French style bistro is fabulous. Open for Lunch at 11 Daily and Serving a Sunday Brunch. Prices: $$$ (Locally owned) Call 331-9855 for reservations. Ram Brew Pub-- 709 E. Park Blvd. is just north of the Boise River across from BSU. This brew pub/sports bar has a wide menu and some great patio dining in the summer. If you like onion rings, you'll love their large slices. Daily specials on numerous items make it a very reasonable place to dine. Open Everyday at 11 a.m. Prices: $$$$ Call 345-2929 for reservations. Smocky Mountain Pizza & Pasta -- 1805 State St. on the way to Bogus Basin. They have several other locations throughout the valley. Excellent salads, sandwiches, pasta and pizza. They started their first on a few years ago in Hailey and have been growing every since. Open Daily at 11 a.m. Prices: $$ Call 387-2727 for delivery. Westside Drive-In -- Located at the corner of 21st & State St. on the way to Eagle. Lou is an excellent chef and his catering is second to none in Boise. You can even get prime rib dinners at his drive in on the weekends to take home or back to your hotel. This is a great 50's style drive in. Open daily at 11 a.m. Yen Ching -- 305 N. 9th on the corner of 9th & Bannock. A truly great place for Chinese food at it's best. They feature several wonderful combinations for larger groups so you can try numerous items. Some are quit spicy for the weaker stomachs. Lunch: Mon.-Sat. 11-2:30; Dinner: Mon.- Thur. 5:30-9:30; Fri & Sat. 12-10; Sun. 12-9 Prices: $$$ Call 384-0384 for reservations.
Back to the Top SITE MAP: | DINING | AREA NEWS | FINANCE | AREA MAPS | RECREATION | GOVT. JOBS | | ENTERTAINMENT | EDUCATION | RELOCATION | BUILDERS | REAL ESTATE | RAFFLES |
|
