When people mention that they’ve never been to Boise or that they want to visit Boise, I always want to share some tips in case they visit. I lived in Boise from 2013 to 2022, so I have some strong opinions about Boise restaurants, bars, and other experiences.
I’m short on time, so I’m mostly emptying my private notes into this post. I’ll update this later with more details if I somehow have more time later. In the meantime, I hope this list is helpful to you if you visit Boise!
Each list is ranked in order. So the first item on the list is my highest recommendation.
Top Experiences
- Bike the Boise Green Belt
- Hike Table Rock (start hike 1 hour before sunset)
- Visit Hyde Park
- Float the Boise River (only in the summer)
Breakfast
- BACON
- Blue Sky Bagels
- Big City Coffee
- Terri’s Cafe
Lunch and Dinner Restaurants
- Peaceful Belly
- Boise Fry Company
- Yoi Tomo (all-you-can-eat lunch, try Screaming appetizer)
- Bombay Grill (all-you-can-eat lunch)
- Sakura Sushi
- Locavore (Philly cheese steak and watermelon gazpacho)
- Ramen Sho
- 10 Barrel (order “Nacho Regular Nachos”)
- Petite 4
- O Crab Cajun Seafood
- Pie Hole
- Rotary Sushi
- Baguette Deli
Bars and Breweries
- Amsterdam Lounge
- Bardenay
- Red Feather
- Juniper
- Payette Brewery
- Barbarian Downtown Beer Bar
- Talon Tap and Spirits
Juice and Desserts
- Boise Juice Company
- Bowl of Heaven
- Goody’s Soda Fountain
- Waffle Me Up
- The STIL
- Tree City
- Urban Fox
Coffee
- Alchemist Coffee (Eagle location)
- Hyde Perk Coffee House
- District Coffee House
- Flying M Coffee
Chains
You might have some of these chains in your city. But if not, I think they serve some tasty food or drinks.
- Chick-fil-A
- Cafe Zupas
- Matador
- Popeyes Louisiana Chicken
- Tropical Smoothie Cafe
- Yard House
