After the City Cast Boise podcast crew came to our July guide with abundant picnic recommendations, we figured we should pack them into one basket of the internet. Mind the heat and the smoke this weekend, but you also don’t need to eat these foods outside — they’re just better that way.
a’Tavola
City Cast Boise host Lindsay Van Allen loves a’Tavola for a slightly fancy picnic with almost too many options. Not only does this cafe and marketplace have sandwiches and pastries, but it’s the place to go if you want to eat and rate eight different kinds of salads with friends.
Baguette Deli
If you need a quick and budget-friendly option, skip the soggy grocery store deli sandwiches for a fresh bahn mi, chicken salad, or egg salad sandwich. Baguette Deli is a tiny and sorely underrated Vietnamese deli at the Fred Meyer on Franklin Road, and you’ll be in and out in under 10 minutes at $10 a sandwich.
Uncle Giuseppe’s Deli
From Boise’s Marissa Lovell recommended this spot during her ranking of Boise’s best parks for adults, and it’s worth adding to your list, too. The Italian and New York deli at the intersection of Glenwood and State Street has perfect sandwiches for taking to a picnic, pasta salads for a side, and Italian pastries for dessert.
Green Acres Food Truck
Any food truck will do, but Green Acres is a great place to start. Take your pick from the trucks serving food and grab a seat there, or pack your meal to a nearby park.
Tango’s Empanadas
If you haven’t tried an empanada from Tango’s, you’re missing out. They’re small enough and cheap enough to get a couple to sample, and they’re pretty quick.
Treasure Valley Picnic Co.
Picnic professionals exist! Let the pros take care of it by ordering a charcuterie board for an event, or just treat yourself with the Treasure Valley Picnic Co.
