Bardenay
The word "bardenay" was a term used by sailors, which means cocktail, and indeed Bardenay restaurant is known for its homemade spirits. However, the three Bardenay restaurants in Idaho---in Boise, Eagle and Coeur d'Alene---are anything but just another town bar. The Boise location is located in the historic Basque district, offers indoor and outdoor seating, fresh food and friendly, top-notch service. Menu selections include fresh charbroiled salmon fillet sandwiches served with an orange mango glaze, charbroiled ground chuck burger with Tillamook cheddar cheese, fettuccine alfredo and ahi sashimi salad with soy vinaigrette and wasabi. Additionally, for those who like to know how stuff works, there's tours of the distillery as time allows. Visitors need only ask their server.
Bardenay
610 Grove St.
Boise, ID 83702
208-426-0538
bardenay.com
Cottonwood Grille
The Cottonwood Grille has maybe the best location in Boise for a restaurant. Situated right on the Boise River, the Cottonwood is beautiful inside and out. It boasts local ties in every aspect of its business operations from its locally quarried sandstone fireplace to the locally grown food. Featured menu items are prime grade beef, fresh buffalo, elk, venison, pork and salmon. Additionally, the restaurant offers a menu of excellent wines and thorough, friendly service. Finally, the restaurant is the winner of the 2007 Enviroguard Award; the Cottonwood's 100 percent recycling program and geothermally heated building make it a restaurant that serves great food while serving the environment.
Cottonwood Grille
913 W. River St.
Boise, ID 83702
208-333-9800
cottonwoodgrille.com
Goldy's Breakfast Bistro
Since eating out isn't only limited to lunch and dinner when a person is on the road, it's necessary to also find a good place for breakfast in the town one is visiting. In Boise, there's really only one place that not only fits the category of good breakfast, but also a great one---Goldy's Breakfast Bistro. Goldy's is a small restaurant in downtown Boise that serves the best morning coffee, fresh fruit, omelets and breads and pancakes. For the out-of-towners who want to eat at Goldy's, expect to arrive early: It's a rare day when there isn't a wait.
Goldy's
108 S. Capitol Blvd.
Boise, ID 83702
208-345-4100
goldysbreakfastbistro.com
Yen Ching
Yen Ching has long been rated the best Chinese food in Boise by local newspaper, the Boise Weekly. While it's a contest that's held every year, it isn't the newspaper that does the deciding---it's the people of Boise who visit these establishments. It's likely that they are responding to Yen Ching's fresh, made-to-order food and casual atmosphere. Located just blocks from the state capitol building, this downtown establishment serves Mandarin, Szechuan and Hunan specialties. Insiders know to ask if there's any kimchee. This spicy pickled Korean cabbage favorite is available in Boise, but it's difficult to find and usually costly. It's not on the menu, but occasionally, the restaurant makes it from scratch and serves it to its regular customers upon request---often without charge.
Yen Ching
305 N. 9th St.
Boise, ID
208-384-0384
yenchingboise.com
