When your stomach starts to growl, there’s no need to settle for some mediocre restaurant. In the Gem State, there are bucket-list-worthy restaurants all over the state that will make you want to go back for more. From hole-in-the-wall sandwich shops to classy steakhouses, you’ll find some restaurants in Idaho that are not only delicious but unforgettable as well. Check out this list of 12 bucket-list-worthy restaurants in Idaho that you need to try, one for every month of the year.
- January: The Roundhouse, Sun Valley
Sun Valley Resort/Facebook
Jack Menzel/Google The Roundhouse is the perfect place to eat during the winter months. This restaurant sits atop Bald Mountain in Sun Valley and requires a ride on the Roundhouse Express Gondola to reach it. Once at this restaurant, you’ll have gorgeous views of Sun Valley, and there are a variety of tasty entrees to enjoy from burgers and sandwiches to duck and salmon. Roundhouse, Bald Mountain, NF-135, Ketchum, ID 83340, USA
- February: Meltz Extreme Grilled Cheese, Coeur d’Alene
Billy Petersen/Google
Meltz Extreme Grilled Cheese/Facebook On a cold winter day, there is nothing better than warm comfort food and that’s exactly what you will find at Meltz Extreme Grilled Cheese. However, at this Idaho restaurant, the grilled cheese sandwiches are extreme and are filled with the most delicious ingredients. While you can always customize your grilled cheese sandwich, we recommend trying one of the specialty options. Make sure you try this restaurant’s macaroni and cheese as well! 1735 W Kathleen Ave, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815, USA
- March: Rupe’s Burgers, Blackfoot
Rupe’s Burgers/Facebook
Aleasha Hancock/Google Rupe’s Burgers is a staple in Blackfoot. It is a no-frills restaurant and you will receive a burger and fries that are cooked to perfection. The menu features a long list of tasty burgers and sandwiches, so give yourself plenty of time to choose. We highly recommend you order a shake to create the perfect meal. 302 NE Main St, Blackfoot, ID 83221, USA
- April: Boise Fry Company, Boise
Boise Fry Company/Facebook 204 N Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID 83702, USA
Boise Fry Company/Facebook At Boise Fry Company, the French fries are the main meal. This unique Idaho restaurant offers a variety of potato types, seasonings, cuts, and dipping sauces so you can customize your French fries. In fact, there are more than 1,000 different combinations you can create at this restaurant in Idaho. And don’t worry — you can also order a burger on the side!
- May: Snake Pit, Enaville
The Snake Pit in Enaville, Idaho/Facebook
The Snake Pit in Enaville, Idaho/Facebook The Snake Pit is one of the oldest restaurants in Idaho and has been a local landmark for more than 135 years. This building has a fascinating history and has served many purposes and had many names. However, today, when you walk inside this Idaho restaurant, you’ll be greeted with a cozy, western atmosphere and friendly service. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at this restaurant and you’ll find everything from breakfast favorites to burgers, steak, and shrimp. 1480 Coeur D’Alene River Rd, Kingston, ID 83839, USA
- June: BACON, Boise
Brenda Wise/Google
BACON/Facebook If you love bacon, this will become your favorite place to eat in Idaho. This restaurant has one specialty: bacon. All of the items on the menu feature crispy, perfect slices of bacon. At this bacon-themed restaurant, there are more than five different types of house-cured bacon to choose from and each will bring a smile to your face. 121 N 9th St, Boise, ID 83702, USA
- July: The Sandwich Tree, Idaho Falls
Sara Martinez/Google
The Sandwich Tree/Facebook Whether you want to go on a picnic or you just want a sandwich that is packed with meat and veggies, the Sandwich Tree in Idaho Falls is the place to go. This hole-in-the-wall restaurant may not look like much on the outside, but once you take a bite of the sandwiches, you’ll understand. There are dozens of sandwiches on the menu but we suggest the Angel Special — you won’t regret it. 500 W 17th St, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA
- August: Taphouse Unchained, Coeur d’Alene
Mary Nelson/Google
Mark Michaelis/Google Taphouse Unchained is a cycling-themed bar and restaurant located in downtown Coeur d’Alene and near the Centennial Bike Trail. While the menu is tasty and the selection of brews and ciders is excellent, what really sets this themed pub apart is the remarkable decorations. You will see bike wheels hanging from the ceiling, little gears placed throughout the decor, and even pedals attached to the barstools. Taphouse Unchained in Coeur d’Alene is certainly one restaurant that deserves a spot on every bucket list. 210 E Sherman Ave, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814, USA
- September: Elevation 486, Twin Falls
Hyt5168/Google
Elevation 486/Facebook You can dine while experiencing the most incredible scenic views at Elevation 486 in Twin Falls. This unique restaurant is located on the south rim of the Snake River Canyon and sits 486 feet above the Snake River. While you’ll come for the views, the food will keep you coming back. This restaurant serves classic pub cuisine with a modern flair and an assortment of beverages including delicious cocktails. You can learn more about this one-of-a-kind place to eat in Idaho on the Elevation 486 website. 195 River Vista Pl, Twin Falls, ID 83301, USA
- October: Beverly’s, Coeur d’Alene
Beverly’s/Google
Beverly’s/Facebook Beverly’s is another restaurant in Idaho with the most stunning views. This fine-dining restaurant is located on the seventh floor of Coeur d’Alene Resort so you will enjoy views of the lake and surrounding area while you eat delectable cuisine. This restaurant serves various entrees from the land and the sea and offers a large selection of fine wines. 115 S 2nd St, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814, USA
- November: Fork, Boise
Fork Restaurant
Fork Restaurant Located in downtown Boise is Fork, a popular restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere. This restaurant prides itself on being “loyal to local,” meaning all of its key ingredients come from local farmers, brewers, and producers in the Northwest. Fork has a large menu with many options, but we recommend you save room for its signature warm butter cake. For more information on this restaurant, check out Fork’s website. 199 N 8th St, Boise, ID 83702, USA
- December: Pioneer Saloon, Ketchum
Ryan Clay/Google
Raul Espinoza/Google The Pioneer Saloon is a landmark and iconic restaurant in Idaho. Not only does this western-themed restaurant in Idaho boast the most friendly and cozy atmosphere but its food is delicious. The prime rib and steaks are massive and the seafood is fresh and prepared to perfection. During your visit, make sure you check out the décor on the wall as this was a favorite place to eat for novelist Ernest Hemingway and some of his personal belongings are on display. 320 N Main St, Ketchum, ID 83340, USA
Are there any bucket-list-worthy restaurants in Idaho that you’d add to this list? What are some of your favorite places to eat in the Gem State? Let us and your fellow Idahoans know in the comments!
Sun Valley Resort/Facebook
Jack Menzel/Google
The Roundhouse is the perfect place to eat during the winter months. This restaurant sits atop Bald Mountain in Sun Valley and requires a ride on the Roundhouse Express Gondola to reach it. Once at this restaurant, you’ll have gorgeous views of Sun Valley, and there are a variety of tasty entrees to enjoy from burgers and sandwiches to duck and salmon.
Roundhouse, Bald Mountain, NF-135, Ketchum, ID 83340, USA
Billy Petersen/Google
Meltz Extreme Grilled Cheese/Facebook
On a cold winter day, there is nothing better than warm comfort food and that’s exactly what you will find at Meltz Extreme Grilled Cheese. However, at this Idaho restaurant, the grilled cheese sandwiches are extreme and are filled with the most delicious ingredients. While you can always customize your grilled cheese sandwich, we recommend trying one of the specialty options. Make sure you try this restaurant’s macaroni and cheese as well!
1735 W Kathleen Ave, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815, USA
Rupe’s Burgers/Facebook
Aleasha Hancock/Google
Rupe’s Burgers is a staple in Blackfoot. It is a no-frills restaurant and you will receive a burger and fries that are cooked to perfection. The menu features a long list of tasty burgers and sandwiches, so give yourself plenty of time to choose. We highly recommend you order a shake to create the perfect meal.
302 NE Main St, Blackfoot, ID 83221, USA
Boise Fry Company/Facebook
204 N Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID 83702, USA
At Boise Fry Company, the French fries are the main meal. This unique Idaho restaurant offers a variety of potato types, seasonings, cuts, and dipping sauces so you can customize your French fries. In fact, there are more than 1,000 different combinations you can create at this restaurant in Idaho. And don’t worry — you can also order a burger on the side!
The Snake Pit in Enaville, Idaho/Facebook
The Snake Pit is one of the oldest restaurants in Idaho and has been a local landmark for more than 135 years. This building has a fascinating history and has served many purposes and had many names. However, today, when you walk inside this Idaho restaurant, you’ll be greeted with a cozy, western atmosphere and friendly service. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at this restaurant and you’ll find everything from breakfast favorites to burgers, steak, and shrimp.
1480 Coeur D’Alene River Rd, Kingston, ID 83839, USA
Brenda Wise/Google
BACON/Facebook
If you love bacon, this will become your favorite place to eat in Idaho. This restaurant has one specialty: bacon. All of the items on the menu feature crispy, perfect slices of bacon. At this bacon-themed restaurant, there are more than five different types of house-cured bacon to choose from and each will bring a smile to your face.
121 N 9th St, Boise, ID 83702, USA
Sara Martinez/Google
The Sandwich Tree/Facebook
Whether you want to go on a picnic or you just want a sandwich that is packed with meat and veggies, the Sandwich Tree in Idaho Falls is the place to go. This hole-in-the-wall restaurant may not look like much on the outside, but once you take a bite of the sandwiches, you’ll understand. There are dozens of sandwiches on the menu but we suggest the Angel Special — you won’t regret it.
500 W 17th St, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA
Mary Nelson/Google
Mark Michaelis/Google
Taphouse Unchained is a cycling-themed bar and restaurant located in downtown Coeur d’Alene and near the Centennial Bike Trail. While the menu is tasty and the selection of brews and ciders is excellent, what really sets this themed pub apart is the remarkable decorations. You will see bike wheels hanging from the ceiling, little gears placed throughout the decor, and even pedals attached to the barstools. Taphouse Unchained in Coeur d’Alene is certainly one restaurant that deserves a spot on every bucket list.
210 E Sherman Ave, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814, USA
Hyt5168/Google
Elevation 486/Facebook
You can dine while experiencing the most incredible scenic views at Elevation 486 in Twin Falls. This unique restaurant is located on the south rim of the Snake River Canyon and sits 486 feet above the Snake River. While you’ll come for the views, the food will keep you coming back. This restaurant serves classic pub cuisine with a modern flair and an assortment of beverages including delicious cocktails. You can learn more about this one-of-a-kind place to eat in Idaho on the Elevation 486 website.
195 River Vista Pl, Twin Falls, ID 83301, USA
Beverly’s/Google
Beverly’s/Facebook
Beverly’s is another restaurant in Idaho with the most stunning views. This fine-dining restaurant is located on the seventh floor of Coeur d’Alene Resort so you will enjoy views of the lake and surrounding area while you eat delectable cuisine. This restaurant serves various entrees from the land and the sea and offers a large selection of fine wines.
115 S 2nd St, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814, USA
Fork Restaurant
Located in downtown Boise is Fork, a popular restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere. This restaurant prides itself on being “loyal to local,” meaning all of its key ingredients come from local farmers, brewers, and producers in the Northwest. Fork has a large menu with many options, but we recommend you save room for its signature warm butter cake. For more information on this restaurant, check out Fork’s website.
199 N 8th St, Boise, ID 83702, USA
Ryan Clay/Google
Raul Espinoza/Google
The Pioneer Saloon is a landmark and iconic restaurant in Idaho. Not only does this western-themed restaurant in Idaho boast the most friendly and cozy atmosphere but its food is delicious. The prime rib and steaks are massive and the seafood is fresh and prepared to perfection. During your visit, make sure you check out the décor on the wall as this was a favorite place to eat for novelist Ernest Hemingway and some of his personal belongings are on display.
320 N Main St, Ketchum, ID 83340, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
restaurants in Idaho December 21, 2022 Courtnie Erickson What are some other bucket-list-worthy destinations in Idaho? In addition to the bucket-list-worthy restaurants in Idaho that are listed above, there are many other destinations around the Gem State that you need to visit at least once. Some of these attractions around the state include:
Lava Hot Springs Resort Shoshone Falls Thousand Springs State Park Lake Pend Oreille Ponderosa State Park University of Idaho Arboretum in Moscow
What are some hidden gems in Idaho that I should plan to visit? It is hard to narrow down all of the best hidden gems in Idaho that you should plan to visit. There are dozens that we could list that are each worth your time. However, some of our favorites that you’ll want to add to your bucket list include:
Mesa Falls Silver Creek Preserve Black Magic Canyon Three Island Crossing State Park Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area, Moscow Q’emiln Park, Post Falls Kooenai National Wildlife Refuge
What are some of the best scenic drives in Idaho? If you want to explore Idaho and view some of its incredible attractions, a scenic drive is one of the best options. There are dozens of scenic drives in Idaho that you can take that will provide stunning views, unforgettable attractions, and more. As you consider some of the best scenic drives in Idaho, consider the following:
City of Rocks Scenic Byway Sawtooth Scenic Byway Payette River Scenic Byway Oregon Trail-Bear Lake Scenic Byway Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway
The OIYS Visitor Center
restaurants in Idaho
December 21, 2022
Courtnie Erickson
What are some other bucket-list-worthy destinations in Idaho? In addition to the bucket-list-worthy restaurants in Idaho that are listed above, there are many other destinations around the Gem State that you need to visit at least once. Some of these attractions around the state include:
Lava Hot Springs Resort Shoshone Falls Thousand Springs State Park Lake Pend Oreille Ponderosa State Park University of Idaho Arboretum in Moscow
What are some hidden gems in Idaho that I should plan to visit? It is hard to narrow down all of the best hidden gems in Idaho that you should plan to visit. There are dozens that we could list that are each worth your time. However, some of our favorites that you’ll want to add to your bucket list include:
Mesa Falls Silver Creek Preserve Black Magic Canyon Three Island Crossing State Park Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area, Moscow Q’emiln Park, Post Falls Kooenai National Wildlife Refuge
What are some of the best scenic drives in Idaho? If you want to explore Idaho and view some of its incredible attractions, a scenic drive is one of the best options. There are dozens of scenic drives in Idaho that you can take that will provide stunning views, unforgettable attractions, and more. As you consider some of the best scenic drives in Idaho, consider the following:
City of Rocks Scenic Byway Sawtooth Scenic Byway Payette River Scenic Byway Oregon Trail-Bear Lake Scenic Byway Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
In addition to the bucket-list-worthy restaurants in Idaho that are listed above, there are many other destinations around the Gem State that you need to visit at least once. Some of these attractions around the state include:
- Lava Hot Springs Resort
- Shoshone Falls
- Thousand Springs State Park
- Lake Pend Oreille
- Ponderosa State Park
- University of Idaho Arboretum in Moscow
What are some hidden gems in Idaho that I should plan to visit?
It is hard to narrow down all of the best hidden gems in Idaho that you should plan to visit. There are dozens that we could list that are each worth your time. However, some of our favorites that you’ll want to add to your bucket list include:
- Mesa Falls
- Silver Creek Preserve
- Black Magic Canyon
- Three Island Crossing State Park
- Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area, Moscow
- Q’emiln Park, Post Falls
- Kooenai National Wildlife Refuge
What are some of the best scenic drives in Idaho?
If you want to explore Idaho and view some of its incredible attractions, a scenic drive is one of the best options. There are dozens of scenic drives in Idaho that you can take that will provide stunning views, unforgettable attractions, and more. As you consider some of the best scenic drives in Idaho, consider the following:
- City of Rocks Scenic Byway
- Sawtooth Scenic Byway
- Payette River Scenic Byway
- Oregon Trail-Bear Lake Scenic Byway
- Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway
- Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway
