I took a road trip from Salt Lake City, Utah to Boise, Idaho in May 2022 and the drive was stunning - endless rolling hills with a beautiful shade of green in every direction. I'm really glad that I got to see Boise, but I'm not sure I would ever go back. It was pretty small and once you drive about 10 minutes outside the city, it becomes pretty bare.
Keep in mind that the North Western states are full of huckleberries & huckleberry flavored EVERYTHING. It just tastes like a normal berry, but definitely part of the fun if you can get your hands on any of the huckleberry treats.
All experiences beginning with an *asterisks are the ones that I recommend the most.
Food:
Huck House Brunch: Honestly expected better from this brunch spot - especially with the way they portray themselves online. It wasn’t as cute in person and the food was okay.
Honey Cream Latte: House roasted espresso mixed with steamed milk, french vanilla, honey & shortbread syrup. Topped with whipped cream, honey and honeycomb.
Bella Bella Benedict: Prosciutto, cherry tomatoes & fresh mozzarella cheese atop garlic rubbed crispy sourdough bread. Topped with farm fresh poached eggs and covered in cream cheese hollandaise & a balsamic drizzle.
Blue Sky Bagels: A well-known local bagel place that lived up to the hype. It was pretty busy and the bagels were fresh.
Parmesan bagel, jalepeno cream cheese, tomato, sprouts, onion, & capers
Bacon, egg, & cheese on an asiago bagel
*Alavita: An Italian restaurant located downtown. A very nice ambiance and decent food. Definitely recommend a reservation.
Calamari
Burrata: the most DELICIOUS kind of cheese with basil infused Maldon sea salt, apricot-cherry mostarda, olive oil, local crostini.
Cacio E Pepe: Bucatini, house-smoked pecorino romano, pancetta, pink peppercorn, micro-greens
Blood Orange Bellini: Prosecco, blood orange purée.
*Boise Fry Company: A Boise staple that sells a variety of fresh French fries. You have a choice of 6 different types of potatoes, 10 dipping sauces, a variety of spices - you can even make it “cheesy” with cheese, bacon bits, and scallions (highly recommend!!). We got thin gold cheesy fries and curly fries.
Garlic aioli, blueberry ketchup, jalapeño ranch, homemade ketchup, chipotle sauce, fry sauce (mayo + ketchup)
The Basque Market: A Spanish market/restaurant that sells tapas, paella, and many more yummy options. We ate some appetizers and sat outside, enjoying the pretty city.
Bondovino: A downtown hotspot where you can sample 144 wines on tap and enjoy small plates. We really liked everything about this place - perfect for a casual date night.
Salami & Cheese Charcuterie Board
Pepperoni Flatbread
California & Spicy Tuna rolls
Aperol Spritz: Prosecco, aperol, & soda water
Other food places I did not get to try:
Txikiteo: Light-filled tavern with contemporary decor & patio, featuring Spanish tapas & wine.
Barbacoa: A fine-dining steak & seafood spot.
Dessert:
*Westside Drive-In: As seen on Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives - this local diner has a drive through & outdoor seating. Known for their unique Idaho-themed food, we had to try. We only got the ice cream, but it was one of my favorite parts of the entire trip.
Idaho Potato Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream, covered in cocoa and topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, meant to resemble a potato with dirt and sour cream on top.
Guru Donuts: A small donut shop downtown. We got a chocolate donut and it was good but tasted like other donut’s we’ve had.
*Goody's Chocolate & Ice Cream: The cutest candy/chocolate/ice cream shop that’s located in Hyde Park. We sat at the bar and ate all the goodies ;)
Strawberry Chocolate covered strawberry
Chocolate truffles
Sour candy ropes
Cookies & cream ice cream in a homemade cone dish
The STIL: A popular ice cream shop located downtown. Unfortunately I did not get to go, but I read great things. They even have alcohol infused ice cream.
Coffee:
Dutch Bros: A west coast coffee chain that has many unique flavors.
White Chocolate Chai Latte: LOVE
Other coffee shops I did not get to try:
Cocktails/Beer:
*Press & Pony: A fun & small "speak easy" that is not hard to find. Great vintage vibes.
Strawberry Fields Foreva: A seasonal strawberry sacchrum syrup in an egg white sour with Ford's gin, maraschino and fresh lemon
Shit Kickers & Daisy Dukes:
10barrel Brewing: A brewery downtown that seems to always have a crowd. We enjoyed having one drink here but probably wouldn't go again as we loved other places more.
Huckleberry Cider: The state fruit of Idaho - this state has so many Huckleberry food/drink items. It's not too sweet
*Water Bear: The CUTEST cocktail bar that we found in Boise - and I would go 1000x times over. We sat at the bar and everything about this place is adorable/picture worthy. I recommend making a reservation.
We had the waitress pick our drinks & they were very good!
The Royal Cocktail Company: A lowkey cocktail bar located in Hyde Park. Super cute and limited seating. This is the type of cocktail bar that you would become a regular at.
Witching Hour: 44 North cherry vodka, lemon, blueberry syrup, bubbles
Southern Haze: Buffalo trace, peach tea simple syrup, lemon, mind
Other bars I did not get to try:
Amsterdam: Cocktails
Western Collective: Brewery/cocktail bar
The Gas Lantern Drinking Company: Beer, Wine, Cocktails
Bei Lounge: (Temporarily closed)
Devils Den Tiki Bar: Seems like a cocktail bar with a really cool ambiance
Things to do (inside):
The Capital Building: Free to go inside!
Boise Art Museum: Heard that it's cool, but not a must-see
Things to do (outside):
*Freak Alley: Unique outdoor art gallery displaying a diverse, ever-changing collection of murals for free. SO cool & highly recommend. Located downtown.
Boise Tolley Tour: Honestly do not recommend as there was not much to learn about/see.
Boise Farmers Market (Saturday's 9am - 1pm)
Capital City Public Market (Saturday's 9:30am - 1:30pm)
Boise River Greenbelt: Rent Bikes, petal boating, etc.
Nature:
Hot Springs: Various hot springs around Idaho
Twin Falls: A city in the middle of southern Idaho, that is known for the Shoshone Waterfall. (One of the largest natural waterfalls in the US).
Idaho Falls: A city in Western Idaho. I heard that the Snake River is a beautiful sight!
Table Rock: Perfect for hiking & mountain biking.
Train Depot: A beautiful building that offers excellent views of downtown Boise, complete with a garden.
Shopping: Below are a few local shops that sell souvenirs & cute little gifts.
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