Foodie Favorites
Just a smattering of restaurants and food shops we enjoy (and think you will too).
A great local spot - no reservations, but worth the wait. Or, call ahead to get on the list. $$
41 locals recommend
Luciano's Italian Restaurant
11 N Orchard StA great local spot - no reservations, but worth the wait. Or, call ahead to get on the list. $$
Great american cuisine and coctails that can't be beat. The service is exceptional. $$$
75 locals recommend
Chandlers
981 W Grove StGreat american cuisine and coctails that can't be beat. The service is exceptional. $$$
Great organic picks, bespoke coctails and right in the middle of the downtown scene $$$
146 locals recommend
Fork
199 N 8th StGreat organic picks, bespoke coctails and right in the middle of the downtown scene $$$
If you like nature's candy, a casual hip vibe and great food and drinks, check this local favorite out. $$
40 locals recommend
BACON
121 N 9th StIf you like nature's candy, a casual hip vibe and great food and drinks, check this local favorite out. $$
This is a personal favorite - tucked away and carefully detailed with a carefully curated menu and cocktails. Great for afternoon drinks, a quick bite or a group celebration. $$
20 locals recommend
Old Chicago Boise Downtown
705 W Bannock StThis is a personal favorite - tucked away and carefully detailed with a carefully curated menu and cocktails. Great for afternoon drinks, a quick bite or a group celebration. $$
This is a favorite brunch place for us - delicious drinks, great menu with awesome brunch selections and a great place to hang, read the paper and chill on any Sunday. $$
22 locals recommend
Tavern At Bown Crossing
3111 S Bown WayThis is a favorite brunch place for us - delicious drinks, great menu with awesome brunch selections and a great place to hang, read the paper and chill on any Sunday. $$
This is a great spot for a brunch or any meal, happy hour, a cup of coffee. Located in the landmark Owyhee Hotel - walk through the lobby for some classic architecture.
15 locals recommend
Owyhee Tavern - Steak and Seafood Restaurant
1109 W Main StThis is a great spot for a brunch or any meal, happy hour, a cup of coffee. Located in the landmark Owyhee Hotel - walk through the lobby for some classic architecture.
This italian restaurants boasts handmade noodles and delicious northern italian specialities. Intimate dining atmosphere or take out available.$$
49 locals recommend
ALAVITA
807 W Idaho StThis italian restaurants boasts handmade noodles and delicious northern italian specialities. Intimate dining atmosphere or take out available.$$
This Dean & Deluca style deli offers an amazing array of fresh, unique offerings - the pick three is a great way to explore if you can't decide. Wander the cookbook library or shop the unique gifts and kitchenware. Family style seating $$
15 locals recommend
Lisa Peterson Catering/ A'tavola
1515 W Grove StThis Dean & Deluca style deli offers an amazing array of fresh, unique offerings - the pick three is a great way to explore if you can't decide. Wander the cookbook library or shop the unique gifts and kitchenware. Family style seating $$
Pick up the original hot pocket! Tango's is an authentic treasure offering empanadas and other fast Argentinean food treats. Gluten free? Ask for your selection in a corn tortilla. Favorite? Gaucho in corn with chimichurri sauce. $
26 locals recommend
Tango's Empanadas - Boise
701 N Orchard StPick up the original hot pocket! Tango's is an authentic treasure offering empanadas and other fast Argentinean food treats. Gluten free? Ask for your selection in a corn tortilla. Favorite? Gaucho in corn with chimichurri sauce. $
Boise offers all manner of coffee spots, but this one takes it time and coffee shows it. Head to 8th street, grab a cup and do a bit of shopping or just sit and savor.
27 locals recommend
Slow by Slow Coffee
405 S 8th StBoise offers all manner of coffee spots, but this one takes it time and coffee shows it. Head to 8th street, grab a cup and do a bit of shopping or just sit and savor.
If you love Mexican, you'll love Madre. Even if you don't, you might. This joint has amazing tacos and more. Hang on the patio or head inside. The owners will probably serve you and chat you up. In a word - YUM $
19 locals recommend
Madre - Boutique Taqueria
1034 S La Pointe StIf you love Mexican, you'll love Madre. Even if you don't, you might. This joint has amazing tacos and more. Hang on the patio or head inside. The owners will probably serve you and chat you up. In a word - YUM $
If you like authentic Greek, this is the place for lunch or dinner. Excellent food reasonably priced and served by a friendly staff. Personal recs: Mama's lemon chicken soup or the stuffed grape leaves. De-lish! $
Romio's Pizza & Pasta
8125 W Fairview AveIf you like authentic Greek, this is the place for lunch or dinner. Excellent food reasonably priced and served by a friendly staff. Personal recs: Mama's lemon chicken soup or the stuffed grape leaves. De-lish! $
If you love handmade ice cream and candies, Goodies is your jam (or jelly). Set in a classic ice cream parlor, you'll love the treats and the atmosphere. Watch out - there may be a line! While you're in Hyde Park, walk and enjoy some shopping and sightseeing.
53 locals recommend
Goody's Soda Fountain
1502 N 13th StIf you love handmade ice cream and candies, Goodies is your jam (or jelly). Set in a classic ice cream parlor, you'll love the treats and the atmosphere. Watch out - there may be a line! While you're in Hyde Park, walk and enjoy some shopping and sightseeing.
Flying M is a Boise coffee tradition. With its laid back vibe, bespoke brews and quirky merch, it's a great stop in the downtown scene.
66 locals recommend
Flying M Coffee House
500 W Idaho StFlying M is a Boise coffee tradition. With its laid back vibe, bespoke brews and quirky merch, it's a great stop in the downtown scene.
This delightful bakery is owned by four Afghani sisters and has been recognized by Guy Fieri (They boast a James Beard finalist in pastry competition.) Excellent tastes, charming hosts. If you like French inspired sweets and want to enjoy a few Afghani specialties, this is the place for you.
Sunshine Spice Bakery & Cafe
6911 W Fairview AveThis delightful bakery is owned by four Afghani sisters and has been recognized by Guy Fieri (They boast a James Beard finalist in pastry competition.) Excellent tastes, charming hosts. If you like French inspired sweets and want to enjoy a few Afghani specialties, this is the place for you.
This bespoke coffee shop is a scenic 10 minute walk from the apartment. It’s got the best chai latte in the city, and the funky fun atmosphere is fun can’t miss.
Primal Coffee Boise
This bespoke coffee shop is a scenic 10 minute walk from the apartment. It’s got the best chai latte in the city, and the funky fun atmosphere is fun can’t miss.
Nestled in a residential neighborhood, this gem has AWESOME handmade (and some booze-infused) ice cream and sorbet. Funky, tasty flavors and fresh ingredients make this a must-try. And, it’s within walking distance of the apartment. The site replaced a Boise marker - a Car Wash - so you can’t miss the sign! Get a burger at The Wyld Child (burger joint) and a coffee or wine at Push n Pour Coffee then grab a cone and sit by the outdoor fire pits. Date night!
The STIL
Nestled in a residential neighborhood, this gem has AWESOME handmade (and some booze-infused) ice cream and sorbet. Funky, tasty flavors and fresh ingredients make this a must-try. And, it’s within walking distance of the apartment. The site replaced a Boise marker - a Car Wash - so you can’t miss the sign! Get a burger at The Wyld Child (burger joint) and a coffee or wine at Push n Pour Coffee then grab a cone and sit by the outdoor fire pits. Date night!
Just down the street, enjoy the only Puerto Rican cuisine in the Treasure Valley. Great service, yummy cuisine with a varied price point, casual but upscale. Reservations recommended on weekends.
Wepa Cafe
Just down the street, enjoy the only Puerto Rican cuisine in the Treasure Valley. Great service, yummy cuisine with a varied price point, casual but upscale. Reservations recommended on weekends.
Classic American is the hallmark of this local favorite. Bespoke burgers and killer fries are the specialty. Enjoy the low key vibe, some good nosh, then pop over to The Stil for some great ice cream (boozy or un-, your choice!). Yum!
Wyld Child
Classic American is the hallmark of this local favorite. Bespoke burgers and killer fries are the specialty. Enjoy the low key vibe, some good nosh, then pop over to The Stil for some great ice cream (boozy or un-, your choice!). Yum!
Shopping
A smattering of spots to shop
This Boise independent bookseller is a local favorite - the staff picks are excellent and the selection is ecclectic. Come, putter and discover your newest favorite read.
14 locals recommend
Rediscovered Bookshop
180 N 8th StThis Boise independent bookseller is a local favorite - the staff picks are excellent and the selection is ecclectic. Come, putter and discover your newest favorite read.
A great ecclectic shop downtown that carries unique gifts and stationary.
13 locals recommend
Mixed Greens
213 N 9th StA great ecclectic shop downtown that carries unique gifts and stationary.
Shopping, dining and entertainment all in one spot - a range of higher end national stores ranging from Anthropologie to Sur Le Table. Multiplex theater, Big Al's family gaming complex, and more.
245 locals recommend
The Village at Meridian
3597 E Monarch Sky LnShopping, dining and entertainment all in one spot - a range of higher end national stores ranging from Anthropologie to Sur Le Table. Multiplex theater, Big Al's family gaming complex, and more.
This high end upcycle shop offers gently used designer clothing at a fraction of the price. From undergarments to accessories to all the rest, you're sure to find a piece you love.
8 locals recommend
Piece Unique Clothing Co. & Shoez
205 N 10th StThis high end upcycle shop offers gently used designer clothing at a fraction of the price. From undergarments to accessories to all the rest, you're sure to find a piece you love.
Whether it's a theatrical costume piece, a chapeau or treasure to gift, Crazy Neighbor has your jam. Proprietor Star has taken her years of professional costuming experience and poured it into this unique fun shop.
Crazy Neighbor
1415 W Grove StWhether it's a theatrical costume piece, a chapeau or treasure to gift, Crazy Neighbor has your jam. Proprietor Star has taken her years of professional costuming experience and poured it into this unique fun shop.
City Peanut Shop
803 W Bannock StHand roasted nutty gems, merch and more. Great for gifts.
Art Haus Bar
999 W Main StBespoke chocolates locally crafted. Delicious and decadent.
Title Nine Outlet
Classic and classy women’s wear from a great brand at bargain prices.
Entertainment
Love this 4 theater movie center - great indie films, delicious food and drinks you can take right into the theatre.
76 locals recommend
The Flicks: Rick's Cafe Americain
646 W Fulton StLove this 4 theater movie center - great indie films, delicious food and drinks you can take right into the theatre.
Come to the Shakesperience! Located just outside Boise, this nationally recognized theater boasts a repertory of productions running May through September ranging from classics to musicals. Come early and enjoy a meal at the local cafe or walk the trails and enjoy the beautiful lake view any time of year
81 locals recommend
Idaho Shakespeare Festival
5657 E Warm Springs AveCome to the Shakesperience! Located just outside Boise, this nationally recognized theater boasts a repertory of productions running May through September ranging from classics to musicals. Come early and enjoy a meal at the local cafe or walk the trails and enjoy the beautiful lake view any time of year
Professional contemporary theatre at its finest September to May. BCT brings the newest shows and the best talent to the Boise stage.
24 locals recommend
Boise Contemporary Theater
854 W Fulton StProfessional contemporary theatre at its finest September to May. BCT brings the newest shows and the best talent to the Boise stage.
If you love music, you'll enjoy the Boise Phil. Sharing a range of music from classical to pops, the Phil is a great evening.
7 locals recommend
Boise Phil
516 S 9th StIf you love music, you'll enjoy the Boise Phil. Sharing a range of music from classical to pops, the Phil is a great evening.
Opera Idaho is quickly being recognized on the national scene as a hidden gem. It offers a range of operas in varied styles through the year - if you're a lover of the form, you'll enjoy what they have to offer from classic to contemporary.
6 locals recommend
Opera Idaho
515 S 9th StOpera Idaho is quickly being recognized on the national scene as a hidden gem. It offers a range of operas in varied styles through the year - if you're a lover of the form, you'll enjoy what they have to offer from classic to contemporary.
Ballet Idaho offers a range of dance experiences from large scale classic favorites to contemporary choreography. The slate changes regularly October to May and the talent is exquisite.
12 locals recommend
Ballet Idaho
501 S 8th StBallet Idaho offers a range of dance experiences from large scale classic favorites to contemporary choreography. The slate changes regularly October to May and the talent is exquisite.
If Broadway and touring productions appeal, the Morrison Center offers a wide array of options from large scale to intimate. Check the website for schedule and tickets. morrisoncenter.com
35 locals recommend
Morrison Center
2201 W Cesar Chavez LnIf Broadway and touring productions appeal, the Morrison Center offers a wide array of options from large scale to intimate. Check the website for schedule and tickets. morrisoncenter.com
This theatre company boasts qualified artist educators offering great classes and plays for young performers and their families.
Treasure Valley Children's Theater
This theatre company boasts qualified artist educators offering great classes and plays for young performers and their families.
Get your laugh on with this top notch improv troupe in their home at the Creative Space.
Recycled Minds Comedy
Get your laugh on with this top notch improv troupe in their home at the Creative Space.
Hiking and Outdoors
This lovely local park on the edge of the Hyde Park neighborhood is a great place to picnic or hike among the foothills - grab a map, wander and explore!
232 locals recommend
Camel's Back Park
27 Heron StThis lovely local park on the edge of the Hyde Park neighborhood is a great place to picnic or hike among the foothills - grab a map, wander and explore!
Hike to the top of this Boise legend. The resulting views are awesome.
195 locals recommend
Table Rock
3199 E Table Rock RdHike to the top of this Boise legend. The resulting views are awesome.
Summer or winter, there's plenty to do at the beautiful Bogus Basin Rec area: Ski slopes or cross country trails. Hike and explore. Enjoy planned activities offered by the Bogus Basin board. 45 minutes north of Boise by Bogus Basin Road.
174 locals recommend
Bogus Basin Recreation Area
2600 N Bogus Basin RdSummer or winter, there's plenty to do at the beautiful Bogus Basin Rec area: Ski slopes or cross country trails. Hike and explore. Enjoy planned activities offered by the Bogus Basin board. 45 minutes north of Boise by Bogus Basin Road.
In summer season, float the Boise River. Equipment rental at Barber Park.
10 locals recommend
Boise River
In summer season, float the Boise River. Equipment rental at Barber Park.
Boise favorite
The historic Hyde Park neighborhood is found on 13th Street - this cozy downtown gem offers dining, unique shopping and sightseeing. A Boise must see - stop at Goody's for a handmade ice cream or candy treat; head to Parilla's for a beer and a game; stop at Dunia for fair trade imports; or grab a pizza, burger, Mexican and more. In September, walk around Art in the Park for even more fun.
73 locals recommend
Hyde Park
1413-1620 N 13th StThe historic Hyde Park neighborhood is found on 13th Street - this cozy downtown gem offers dining, unique shopping and sightseeing. A Boise must see - stop at Goody's for a handmade ice cream or candy treat; head to Parilla's for a beer and a game; stop at Dunia for fair trade imports; or grab a pizza, burger, Mexican and more. In September, walk around Art in the Park for even more fun.
Idaho Wine Country Favorites
These are some of our favorite wineries on the Sunnyslope Trail. There are more - get out, explore (and drive safely)!
Award winning dry Riesling distinguishes this small-batch winery. Ron and Mary Bitner will welcome you and even share stories of Ron's work as a world-class bee expert.
11 locals recommend
Bitner Vineyards
16645 Plum RdAward winning dry Riesling distinguishes this small-batch winery. Ron and Mary Bitner will welcome you and even share stories of Ron's work as a world-class bee expert.
Gorgeous red wines, great hospitality and a comfortable tasting room are sure to please.
9 locals recommend
Williamson Orchards & Vineyards
14807 Sunny Slope RdGorgeous red wines, great hospitality and a comfortable tasting room are sure to please.
One of the oldest wineries in Idaho, Koenig's master winemaker Greg Koenig shares his talents with winemakers across the valley. This beautiful tasting room has lovely views - bring your own basket of goodies and enjoy the wines.
22 locals recommend
Koenig Vineyards
21452 Hoskins RdOne of the oldest wineries in Idaho, Koenig's master winemaker Greg Koenig shares his talents with winemakers across the valley. This beautiful tasting room has lovely views - bring your own basket of goodies and enjoy the wines.
This fun winery offers uniquely delicious wines in a unique Idaho setting - come get your growler filled or just enjoy a tasting. You won't be disappointed.
11 locals recommend
Fujishin Family Cellars
15593 Sunny Slope RdThis fun winery offers uniquely delicious wines in a unique Idaho setting - come get your growler filled or just enjoy a tasting. You won't be disappointed.
This two generation family winery offers one of the loveliest views on the Sunnyslope. The tasting room documents the unique history of the family and the winery, which has been operating for nearly forty years. Bring a basket of nosh and plan to hang on the patio and enjoy good conversation and an absolutely lovely view.
8 locals recommend
Hells Canyon Winery & Zhoo Zhoo
18835 Symms RdThis two generation family winery offers one of the loveliest views on the Sunnyslope. The tasting room documents the unique history of the family and the winery, which has been operating for nearly forty years. Bring a basket of nosh and plan to hang on the patio and enjoy good conversation and an absolutely lovely view.
Home of Peaceful Belly Farms, Vine and Branch Ranch offers its own brand of ciders as well as local wines and organic, hand crafted meals and appetizers. Set family style, this is a great place to bring all ages, share conversation and enjoy the view
7 locals recommend
Vine and Branch Ranch
20023 Hoskins RdHome of Peaceful Belly Farms, Vine and Branch Ranch offers its own brand of ciders as well as local wines and organic, hand crafted meals and appetizers. Set family style, this is a great place to bring all ages, share conversation and enjoy the view
Boise BeverageTrail
Some fantastic options nearby in Boise's booming beverage scene.
Vintner Melanie Krause creates great wine magic in one of our local favorite wineries - the wines are awesome, the urban atmosphere hospitable and the energy laid back. Viogniers, Syrahs and more are all delicious. Enjoy a cheese tray and a taste. Call for reservations or open seating on the patio.
18 locals recommend
Cinder Wines
107 E 44th StVintner Melanie Krause creates great wine magic in one of our local favorite wineries - the wines are awesome, the urban atmosphere hospitable and the energy laid back. Viogniers, Syrahs and more are all delicious. Enjoy a cheese tray and a taste. Call for reservations or open seating on the patio.
Telaya wines are just lovely - and the open air seating is as well. Situated on the Boise Greenbelt, this is a great place to come, chill and chat. Food trucks are often parked nearby.
41 locals recommend
Telaya Wine Co.
240 E 32nd StTelaya wines are just lovely - and the open air seating is as well. Situated on the Boise Greenbelt, this is a great place to come, chill and chat. Food trucks are often parked nearby.
If you like hip and quirky, this is the place for you. Split Rail features all kinds of wines including a hopped wine and wine casked in cement. The tastes are great and the descriptions are fine reading in their own right. Located adjacent to Cinder winery and Bella Brewing, park your car and enjoy an afternoon of tasting.
15 locals recommend
Split Rail Winery
3200 W Chinden BlvdIf you like hip and quirky, this is the place for you. Split Rail features all kinds of wines including a hopped wine and wine casked in cement. The tastes are great and the descriptions are fine reading in their own right. Located adjacent to Cinder winery and Bella Brewing, park your car and enjoy an afternoon of tasting.
Not a winery, but definitely worth a visit - Meriwether's bespoke beverages are a delish treat - from Blackberry to Ginger Sage, these are tastes you don't want to miss. Who knew fruit could be so clever and versatile?
11 locals recommend
Meriwether Cider House
224 N 9th StNot a winery, but definitely worth a visit - Meriwether's bespoke beverages are a delish treat - from Blackberry to Ginger Sage, these are tastes you don't want to miss. Who knew fruit could be so clever and versatile?
One of Boise's newest wineries, Par Terre is the dreamchild of former professional dancers. Already well on the way to establishing themselves as excellent wine makers, owners Travis and Mallory have found the art in the craft and created an intimate spot to grab a glass and chat. Seating is limited.
Par Terre Winery
4338 W Chinden BlvdOne of Boise's newest wineries, Par Terre is the dreamchild of former professional dancers. Already well on the way to establishing themselves as excellent wine makers, owners Travis and Mallory have found the art in the craft and created an intimate spot to grab a glass and chat. Seating is limited.
A great local's brewery, Mad Swede offers not only a stunning array of beers and cider, they have games and popcorn. This family friendly joint even hosts plays in the Brewery. Definitely a Boise favorite.
Mad Swede Brewing
2772 S Cole RdA great local's brewery, Mad Swede offers not only a stunning array of beers and cider, they have games and popcorn. This family friendly joint even hosts plays in the Brewery. Definitely a Boise favorite.
This locals bar has spectacular smoked cocktails - the Smoke & Thyme is a production in itself. Not a drinker? Enjoy the amazing food truck.
6 locals recommend
The Gas Lantern Drinking Company
701 W Fulton StThis locals bar has spectacular smoked cocktails - the Smoke & Thyme is a production in itself. Not a drinker? Enjoy the amazing food truck.
Great place for bespoke cocktails by the firepit. The mixologists are clever and the drinks are delish.
61 locals recommend
Modern Hotel
1314 W Grove StGreat place for bespoke cocktails by the firepit. The mixologists are clever and the drinks are delish.
Great local winery with a delightful sparkling and a chill, friendly vibe.
13 locals recommend
Coiled Wines
3408 W Chinden BlvdGreat local winery with a delightful sparkling and a chill, friendly vibe.
This Washington import boasts smooth, easy drinking wines and a friendly atmosphere. Start here, head to Coiled, then Split Rail and Telaya.
Proletariat Wine Company, Idaho
This Washington import boasts smooth, easy drinking wines and a friendly atmosphere. Start here, head to Coiled, then Split Rail and Telaya.
Barbarian Brewing
114 W Chinden BlvdGreat craft beers made locally.