Boise's Best New Restaurants and Bars

Every month, we're rounding up restaurant openings in this section, with a focus on local joints. Here’s what’s new, and what’s closed.

October 2025

Slow by Slow Slowly Taking Over

The 8th Street coffee shop has temporarily closed its previous location while it undergoes renovations, but its new spot right next door is open. It’s a totally new design concept, as the old spot will be when it opens as an express option.

Fratelli Deli Serving Italian Sandwiches

Meridian has a new locally owned sandwich shop in Fratelli Deli on Eagle Road, in front of the Meridian Trader Joe’s. The restaurant opened quietly last week, and it offers classic Italian deli sandwiches with some American influences like Ranch Chicken sandwich and Buffalo Salad. If anyone tries it, let me know what you think!

Other than Fratelli and Slow by Slow, it’s been less than brotherly love in the restaurant space this month. Here’s a few places that have closed:.

Nampa Staple Hong Kong Restaurant

After 63 years and multiple generational hand-downs, a downtown Nampa Chinese restaurant unexpectedly closed over the weekend. Nampa isn’t taking the news well.

Kichii Ends One-Year Tenure

After taking over a wine bar on 8th Street across from the Warehouse Food Hall, Kichii Sushi and Spirits is closing tomorrow. The restaurant said on Instagram that life is “taking us in a new direction,” though its owners still have Bodovino at the Village.

Zee’s Rooftop is Taking the Elevator

The downtown lunchtime classic (and one of precious few rooftop restaurants in the city) is closing at the end of the month. Zee’s has been open for 12 years, and has a bit of a cult following. Its team hasn’t said what — if anything — is next in the food space.

While that’s an uncomfortable number of closures, luckily the rest of the year is already looking up with some promising and fun new openings on the way! I’ll let you know more at the end of October.

September 2025

The End of the Alia’s Coffeehouse Era

A downtown community staple is closing, ending an era of coffee and bagels. Its staff has been struggling with health issues, and their last day will be Sunday. The Alia’s crew is asking folks to come say “hi” one last time.

A New Breakfast Burrito Window

Breakfast burrito lovers, there’s a new spot to try! Lost Grove Brewing opened the Lost Window at its Lusk District location, and it serves delicious-looking burritos, parfaits, and drip coffee (which is free if you bring your own mug). The window’s open from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. everyday. Just a note, it’s a walk-up window, not the drive-thru.

45-Year-Old Great Wall Buffet Closing

Great Wall was Idaho’s first Chinese buffet when it opened in 1980. After four and a half decades, Great Wall’s landlord didn’t renew its lease, and the longtime Overland Road buffet is serving its last meals on Sunday. Kenneth Chan, the son of original owner Kin San Chan, said they were surprised by the move and had planned to stay open.

New BOI Eats

Boise Airport food options are getting a local refresh. Treefort is opening a new airport-specific restaurant called the Treefort Outpost Food + Drink, The Stil is moving in, and so are Waffle Me Up and a handful more vendors. And this is just the first phase of additions!

Cooks & Books Opens Hybrid Bookshop

Cooking classes and a bookshop in one? Some of the City Cast Boise crew are already fans, and I’m excited to check out this new Meridian spot.

Spitfire Pizza Served Last Slices

A Vista Avenue pizza shop that brought Detroit-style pizza to Boise is closed after seven years in business. Spitfire Craft Pizza & Pints’ owner attributed the shift to both his personal health and finances. Note: This is a different Spitfire endeavor than Spitfire Tacos.

Just Chicken Brings Its Simple Menu to Warehouse Food Hall

For folks who just want chicken, there’s Just Chicken. It’s a small chain that is coming to Boise for the first time in the Warehouse Food Hall.

August 2025

Every month, we're rounding up restaurant openings and closures in this section, with a focus on local joints. The summer heat seems to have slowed restaurant development (if not construction more generally), but here are a few big moves.

A new deli and boba shop combo is the latest operation to open in the bright yellow house on 13th Street in Hyde Park. Most recently, the location was the home of Apericena, which became the site of a wage and eviction battle with its owner. The deli, Hydeaway Deli, is serving just a few sandwiches for now while Boise Boba is up and running fully.

Level Up Lounge is a new kind of bar for Meridian. The new locally owned lounge serves canned cocktails and beer, but is primarily a wine bar, which its owner says has been lacking in the downtown Meridian area.

A local burger and fry chain is taking on its seventh location, but its first in Caldwell. It’s also the first with a drive-thru, and its owner aims to open it in late August.

Garden City’s Wepa Cafe, which served primarily Puerto Rican cuisine and was the only Puerto Rican restaurant in the state, closed after just under four years in business.

The Original Sunrise Cafe on Fairview Avenue closed this month. The original Original Sunrise Cafe is still open on Main Street in Meridian, but the Fairview location is just the latest of five closures in the last decade for the locally owned breakfast joint.

July 2025

AMANO’s Big Win (and the 1,000th Reason to Go)

AMANO did the dang thing! Chef Salvador Alamilla won a James Beard award for “Best Chef” in the Mountain category, beating out chefs in much larger cities. I visited the Caldwell restaurant’s new location last week, and the space is absolutely stunning. As Alamilla was preparing to travel to Chicago for the award ceremony, he and his wife and restaurant co-owner Becca Alamilla took the time to join the City Cast Boise podcast to talk about their vision, and what the nomination meant.

Pull Up to a New Food Truck Lot

The State Street Food Truck Lot is now serving food at 3508 West State Street, which is right across State Street from Veterans Memorial Park (which means it’s accessible from the Greenbelt!). The lot conveniently shows the trucks at the park and when they’ll be there online.

One In, One Out at the Warehouse

Waffle Love is out of the Warehouse Food Hall and is being replaced by Just Chicken, a chain that makes two things: chicken fingers and fries.

Sushi Restaurant Closing, Ends Run by Couple

The last in a series of Japanese restaurants by Chef Sige and Debbie Matsuzawa will close today as the couple retires. Shige’s Sushi Express Meridian has operated since 2011 after the couple ran several downtown Boise businesses since the early 1990s, BoiseDev reported.

New Fresh Chain Coming to Meridian

The SoCal acai bowl chain Everbowl has its grand opening at 4752 North Linder Street today. The company is in its ninth year and is nearing its 100th restaurant. Speaking of chains from southern California, I’m still unabashedly waiting for a Sweet Greens.

May 2025

8th Street Zeppole Shuttered, The STIL to Take Over

Sandwich and bakery mainstay Zeppole is still alive and well on Apple Street in Southeast Boise — but the same can’t be said for the baking company’s small location on 8th Street. However, local favorite ice cream makers at The Stil are taking over the space.

Laissez Faire Wine Co. Pours on the Greenbelt

Greenbelters have a new place to hop off for a wine glass in Garden City, this time through a wine window by Laissez Faire. BoiseDev reported that the wine window is already open, and you can try a variety of other new restaurants on the ground floor of the Boardwalk Apartments (the new building that looks like a cruise ship on the river).

Bosnia Express to Close

This hybrid of grocery store, bar, and lunch destination is closing at the end of June after 20 years in Boise. If you’re looking for wines and specialty groceries on sale and want to try one of their sandwiches for the first time, head to BoEx at 4846 West Emerald Street, which is next to the Emerald Lanes bowling alley at the intersection of Emerald and Orchard Streets.

La Catracha Serves Dishes From Around Central America

A new Central American restaurant is on the scene, expanding its menu beyond tacos to Honduran dishes like pollo con tajadas, Central American breakfasts, and Salvadoran pupusas. Maybe Boise finally has pupusas to rival those Caldwell’s Pupusas M&J. Three generations of women run the kitchen of La Catracha, so it’s bound to be delicious — give it a try at 7330 West State Street, near the intersection of Glenwood.

April 2025

Black Moon Opens New Sandwich Shop

Green’s Deli (next to Broadcast Coffee in Cherie Buckner-Webb Park) is closing, but its owners are passing the torch to Black Moon Pastries and Pizza. Black Moon, under the same owners as Broadcast, is planning to open a new sandwich shop called Anesso in early May.

Bad Boy Expands, Taking Over Chain Location

Bad Boy Burgers has expanded to its third restaurant, this time taking over a space formerly used by the chain Dickey’s Barbecue Pit. Bad Boy’s new location at 2845 East Overland Road in Meridian opened earlier this month.

Calle 75 Reopens With Bright New Space

Calle 75 Taco Shop on 11th Street has reopened with a vibrant new renovation, featuring murals and designs by local artist Bobby Gaytan. Calle 75’s owners wanted to “reintroduce” the restaurant with more attention to its Chicano roots and nearby 11th Street icons like the Record Exchange and Neurolux.

Lemon Tree Co. Closes East Boise Location

Lemon Tree Co. closed its Harris Ranch location in March, following three years in the East Boise neighborhood. The local sandwich staple said keeping the shop staffed was its biggest problem, but its other two new restaurants remain open.

March 2025

Ramen Sho Shutters Its Doors in Meridian

Ramen Sho was unable to keep its doors open on Meridian’s Main Street, after its downtown Boise location closed in 2018. The ramen shop closed on March 19, but its owners are hopeful it won’t be the last of Ramen Sho.

Corso, Italian Steakhouse, Opens

After a months-long renovation, the Italian steakhouse Corso is open on Broadway Avenue. One of its veteran owners also runs the Oyhee Tavern and two other Tavern locations, among other restaurants. Expect steakhouse prices with an Italian twist, and lots of cocktails at the 90-seat bar.

Sockeye Brewing Nears Two-Year Anniversary

Sockeye Brewing’s neighborhood favorite 36th Street location shut down for a while this week to put up some new decor and take out its golf area. On April 18, the brewery will celebrate its two-year anniversary with a free celebration.

Olivin & The Mixing Bowl Emptied

Downtown Boise’s only culinary supply stores are sadly closing as their owner Mary Ann Mandel retires. Olivin (a vinegar and oil taproom) and The Mixing Bowl are running closeout sales and expect to be fully closed in April. Now we need someone to open Boise’s version of Twin Falls’ Rudy’s! If you know, you know.

February 2025

Bardenay Distilling Co.

This craft-forward distillery has been open since Feb. 10. They boast that they’re “capturing the flavor of the Northwest,” with their three Idaho distilleries all focusing on different spirits. At their Boise spot, they’re championing rye whiskeys and three rum infusions: ginger, amber, and aged rum. Plus, they have an extensive menu of dishes to enjoy along with their spirits.

Ranch Club

In just a couple quick months, Somewhere Bar has been replaced by a familiar staple. The historic building at 36th and Chinden in Garden City is once again home to the Ranch Club, which previously operated there starting in the 1950s. Head to this classic spot if you want to dine and dance the night away.

Peaceful Belly Farm

With a name like this, how can you not check it out?! They have been open since 2002 as a farm committed to growing wholesome food for southern Idaho. And on Feb. 14, they opened a tasting room and restaurant.

Soft Landing Soft Serve

This sweet spot serving all-natural soft serve ice cream opened on Wednesday at State Street and 13th! Head in to get your dessert fix — cold weather be damned!

Rosa in Garden City

The Wylder Hospitality Group’s newest venture is now open in Garden City, right next to Push and Pour. Welcome Rosa, a simple taco joint that’s got a prime spot right next to the river!

Clairvoyant Brewing to Remain Open

West End brewery Clairvoyant announced in January that it would close in March, unable to keep its doors open amid lease and building issues. However, a developer who frequented the brewery swooped in with an offer that will allow Clairvoyant to keep pouring.

January 2025

Americana Vista

It’s only fitting that Cucina du Paolo’s former building be followed up by something at least a little Italian. In a big win for New York-style pizza fans, Americana Pizza is expanding to a second location on Vista Avenue. And Betty the Washer has a new fit to celebrate the opening, which should occur Monday, Feb. 3.

Roast & Vine Coffee & (Hopefully Soon) Wine

There are two new coffee shops to visit this month, the first being a new downtown spot called Roast & Vine. The shop anticipates bringing wine to the menu soon, but for now they’re serving coffee and Gaston’s baked goods at their 420 West Main Street location, which is across 5th Street from Bandana Running and Walking.

Nampa Becomes Newest In-N-Out Host

An In-N-Out opened this week at 16225 North Marketplace Blvd., off the Karcher Road exit in Nampa. It’s the third California burger chain location to open in the Treasure Valley since 2023.

Even if you’re a big In-N-Out fan (and let’s be real, sometimes it hits the spot), don’t forget that local is better for a lot of reasons, often including flavor. Here are a few local Boise burgers that best anything In-N-Out can serve.

Hidden Grounds Unveils Itself

The newest, highly Instagrammable coffee shop in town has opened in the previous Poppy Seed Cafe location at 3910 West Hill Road. Reminder: Poppy Seed is open at the Warehouse Food Hall. Hidden Grounds has organic coffee, chai, and Gaston’s pastries (they’re busy!) in the renovated house space.

Clairvoyant Brewing’s Future Unclear

The West End brewery posted on Facebook this week that it will close its doors for the last time on March 31, unless a buyer steps in. The brewery opened in 2018 and operated a second location for a couple years, but that closed last fall. Clairvoyant is encouraging any past patrons to come pay a final few visits this spring.

November 2024

Benvenuto Caffè Sorrento!

This is an opening to be excited about — after two years of operating as a food truck, Caffè Sorrento is opening a brick and mortar location at 10668 West Overland Road. Sorrento is a family affair spanning back to the 1960s in Illinois, and they’ll be serving Italian pastries and focaccia this opening weekend.

Brown Beard Expands

Brown Beard Brewing Co. is moving a little closer to Boise with their second location on Chinden Boulevard, after opening their first last year. The new taproom at 5270 West Chinden near Expo Idaho opened last week.

New Bao on the Boardwalk

Bao Boi became the first restaurant to open at the long-awaited Boardwalk Apartments (next to the Curtis Road bridge over the Boise River) this month, with two other restaurants to join them soon. I’m excited to try their bao, and they’ve got curry bowls, ramen, and sandwiches as well.

Contemporary Steakhouse Replacing Hotel Restaurant

Richard’s Restaurant & Bar at the Inn at 500 Capitol hotel will close at the end of the year, with its previous owners retiring. The new owners hope to close for only a few months while they renovate the space into a contemporary steakhouse called Hemlock.

Woodland Empire Closes Front Street Location

Woodland Empire closed its taproom on Front Street in late November, but the brand will keep brewing in joint productions with Lost Grove Brewing and Bittercreek Alehouse.

Biscuit & Hogs Closes Amid Health and Tenancy Issues

Biscuit and Hogs closed its second location in as many months while its owner is undergoing health issues. In a post, the restaurant claimed its landlord cancelled the lease without proper communication and locked staff out, claims the landlord refutes.

October 2024

Here’s How Takes Over Classic Bar

Vista Avenue’s Jumpin’ Janet’s closed after operating since 1999, but not for long. Here’s How is the latest to take over the historic building. Here’s How aims to be a welcoming neighborhood bar just like its predecessor, with a few changes to come. The bar opens this weekend alongside the Vista Plaza Night Market.

3 a.m. Sweet Tooth, Meet Insomnia

Insomnia Cookies is opening on the first floor of the Uncommon Boise student apartments near Ann Morrison Park on Saturday. Boise’s first location is the chain’s 304th, and will offer in-store, pickup, and delivery, as well as promotions this opening weekend.

Somewhere Bar Closing This Weekend

Somewhere Bar on Chinden Boulevard is closing after three years of business. With it, Boise loses one of its very few gay and gay-owned bars — and leaves a historic building in Garden City vacant.

Sun Sets on Due West

Due West and House of Western, which rebranded from the singular concept of Western Proper, closed this month. The businesses took a large space on Idaho Street between 6th and Capitol, which could be a prime downtown spot.

September 2024

Kichii Starts Slicing and Pouring

The owners of Bodovino quickly closed, adapted, and opened a new restaurant called Kichii Sushi & Spirits. They serve dozens of sushi rolls, ramen, and house cocktails. I haven’t made it in yet, but will be trying the Wasabi Martinii very soon!

New Coffee Shop Soon Near Ram, Boise River

The little triangle of establishments between the Boise River, Broadway Avenue, and Park Boulevard is adding Slick Rock Coffee Shop to the lineup. The coffee shop, near the Ram Restaurant & Brewery and Nahm Thai & Burmese, is expected to open soon.

I could be missing some new spots, but it feels like the summer frenzy of restaurant openings has slowed down considerably. Instead, a number of notable restaurants closed this month.

Neighborhood Bakery Closed, Moved to Warehouse

Poppy Seed Bakery had to unexpectedly shutter its doors in the Collister neighborhood in September. But there’s some good news, as they joined the aforementioned Basquenese as part of the Warehouse Food Hall roster with a small cafe!

Amaru Closing Oct. 26

Another favorite local bakery will close this month in the Bench’s Amaru Confections. The team behind Amaru is simply moving on to a new chapter, and we wish them the best of luck — we also encourage someone to fill the void left behind, especially for custom cakes and gluten-free baked goods.

Spacebar Unable to Clear Liquor License Hurdle

After being unable to get a new liquor license, Spacebar Arcade couldn’t cover its bases in downtown Boise and closed in mid-September.

Brunch Spot Locked Up

Huck House Brunchette in Garden City closed its doors for the last time this month after serving brunch since 2021 where a Sunrise Cafe previously operated. Like many local restaurants that have closed or are facing closure, the owners said they had “no choice.”

August 2024

Crisp Accompanies New Form & Function

Form & Function Coffee opened their second location alongside the new Sparrow Hotel downtown last month, and now they’ve been joined by the Crisp food truck for a courtyard with seating at the corner of 11th and Grove Streets. If you haven’t been, it’s a cute new outdoor lunch spot worth trying.

Big City Closes for Construction, Lawsuit

Big City Coffee will temporarily close while Grove Street in the Linen District is under construction. An online post also attributed the closure to a need to focus on the cafe’s $10 million civil lawsuit against Boise State University, which began this week. The announcement said Big City could reopen in early September, but didn’t give a specific date.

Oh Vegan Soul Pivots

Oh Vegan Soul closed its brick and mortar location at Chow Public Market and Eatery on Overland Road, but will continue serving some of the best vegan food in town at events. In fact, the small business is having its first pop-up picnic tomorrow in Julia Davis Park from noon to 4 p.m.!

Second Big Bun, Coming Right Up!

A little further down the road, but exciting nonetheless: Big Bun is adding a new drive-thru burger location in Garden City! The Bench classic is taking over the former Carl’s Jr. building across from Expo Idaho at the corner of Chinden Boulevard and Glenwood Street.

July 2024

Put a Cork In It

Downtown’s wine destination Bonovino announced it was suddenly closing earlier this month. The restaurant first opened in 2013 and became a Boise favorite during its 11-year run. But there’s still hope: “Stay tuned for our next chapter!!”

Bao Bye, Downtown

Bao Boi is closing its Warehouse Food Hall location and moving to the fancy new “Boardwalk” apartments along the river in Garden City. You’ll have to go without Japanese curry until October.

Per Amore della Pizza

Ti Amo Ristorante was stacking up accolades for its cuisine in California before the owners sold it and moved to Boise. More than a decade later, those same owners have reinvented the concept and opened it in the old Flatbread Neapolitan Pizzeria location in Harris Ranch. The menu is now geared towards local families, but there’s still a fine dining flare.

Terroir’s New Permanent Location

If your taste buds have been blessed by the window of the Terroir food truck, you might have just made it to heaven. Chef Nate Whitley just opened a brick-and-mortar location in downtown Boise. OK, this one technically opened in June, but it’s scientifically proven that you can’t be upset in a shaded patio with a glass of rosé in hand.

June 2024

Rustica’s Big Splash

One of the culinary highlights of the month was the opening of Rustica in the former Juniper location on 8th Street. It made it onto City Cast Boise’s list of “must eat” restaurants for the summer with its Spanish, French, and Italian influences. Rustica was brought to fruition by restaurateur Dan Watts, who also owns Wild Root, Saint Lawrence Gridiron, and Suite 104 just across the street.

The Sun Is Shining Downtown

After years of planning and construction, Sunshine Spice Cafe opened its second Boise location, this time venturing downtown to 10th Street. The Afghan bakery and cafe opened its doors on Fairview Avenue in 2019, and have won a loyal following with their pastries, drinks, art, and story.

Rizzo Adds to the Bench

The Boise Bench has another reason to brag about its banging food scene in Rizzo, a new Turkish and Middle Eastern restaurant on Vista Avenue next to Quinn’s Restaurant and Lounge. They’ve been dishing up delivery orders of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, and now are open with seating everyday from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Western Collective Buys Edge Brewing

West Boise’s Edge Brewing is shutting its doors on July 3, but their canned cocktails and ciders will stay on the shelves. Western Collective bought the Edge brand and will maintain its production, including the popular canned Huckleberry Cider.

Form & Function Expanding

The coffee shop is adding a new spot on the eastern side of downtown to go along with their shop on Broad Street in the Fowler building. Their new location will be at 11th and Grove Streets, and opens in early July. Keep an eye out!

Pours at 8 Horses Lounge

For a nightcap, 8 Horses Lounge is serving cocktails out of the basement below Fork. The owners of Fork and Alavita adapted the former bank space below Fork into the cocktail lounge, where a 15-ton vault used in a previous bank provides the entryway.

May 2024

From Wild Plum Events to Susina

The Bench has a new contender for unique and exciting restaurants in Susina, which means “wild plum” in Italian. Couple Alex Cardoza and Tara Morgan describe Susina as a European American comfort kitchen, and are currently taking reservations. Check out their photo gallery along with the ridiculously good looking menu.

Finding a Little Common Ground

Starting on June 1, the West Bench will have a new coffee spot. But more than that, Common Ground Coffee & Market co-owners Sarah Keck and Laurie Pearman hope that the neighborhood will have a new gathering place, something they say is severely lacking in the area. Learn more about their story from BoiseDev, and check out their location at 6419 West Ustick Road from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. tomorrow.

Get Social on 8th

A new lounge is opening in BoDo called The Social on 8th. Starting June 8, the lounge will be fully open, pouring wine for a 21+ crowd from 3 - 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to midnight Friday and Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. on Sundays. The lounge is also open for events and has already partnered with some local businesses and influencers.

Terroir 2.0

It’s an exciting time to be a fan of Terroir, because the food trailer frequently parked at Telaya Wine in Garden City is adding a brick-and-mortar restaurant to its name. Terroir Bistro should open in early June at the former Little Pearl Oyster Bar on 8th Street, and will take full advantage of the larger-than-trailer-sized kitchen, with the same Terroir hallmarks.

Renegade Goes Mainstream

The new Renegade Hotel has a little bit of everything, from coffee shop to rooftop bar to full dinner service restaurant. Those are, respectively: Blue Collar Coffee Co., The Highlander, and Baraboo Supper Club. Even if you never plan to go, be thankful it means one less construction project in east downtown!

April 2024

Strolling the Green Acres

Summer has unofficially begun! The Green Acres Food Truck Park is back up and running. Most trucks are open Wednesday through Sunday now, starting at around 11 a.m. It’s tucked along the river at the intersection of 14th Street and Shoreline Drive, near the Americana Boulevard Bridge.

Amano Takes Building Into Its Own Hands

The internationally renowned Caldwell restaurant Amano is buying and restoring 702 Arthur St. in downtown Caldwell to make its new home. The location is just on the other side of Indian Creek Plaza from the location it’s had for almost five years, and was formerly the home of Rediscovered Books.

Sailing to Coa Del Mar

Fans of Barbacoa and Coa De Jima — and especially fans in Eagle — got a treat this month with the opening of Coa Del Mar. The third in the family of restaurants focuses on fine dining with a spread of seafood options. It’s located right off State Street at 2121 East Riverside Drive.

On the Horizon

Veteran restaurateur Dan Watts, owner of Wild Root, Saint Lawrence Gridiron, and Suite 104, is venturing to the other side of 8th Street into Juniper’s former space. The new restaurant will be named Rustica, and its Italian menu will see Spanish and French influences when it (fingers crossed) opens in early June.

Restaurant Owner Arrested

The co-owner of La Garnacha Que Apapacha, Jose Sanchez Vazquez, was arrested for lewd conduct with a minor in early April and now faces at least two additional counts of sexual assault. The former Canyon County food truck moved to a brick and mortar location at the Boise Spectrum last year, where Vazquez’s wife and restaurant co-owner Gabriela Talavera has asked the community to continue supporting their business.

March 2024

🍔 City of Good Opens The Counter

What a year the El Korah Shrine building has had! Duck Club bought it, created Shrine Social Club, and holds concerts there at least once a week — and now the building is also home to a restaurant. The nonprofit City of Good opened The Counter, which serves snacks, burgers, chili, and more.

🍺 ‘New Beginnings’ for Franklin House

The good news: The folks behind the Franklin House “bed and beer” have sold their business to another local entrepreneur. The bad news: The Backyard beer garden won’t reopen this spring.

Paddles Up Poké Leaves Warehouse, Replacement Set

After about a year and a half, Paddles Up Poké is leaving the Warehouse Food Hall downtown. Poppy Seed Bakery and Cafe — a Hill Road staple — will take its place later this summer.

Alchemist Vanishes From Downtown

Locally owned Alchemist Coffee could be expanding to two new locations in Boise by the end of the year, but their downtown location recently closed after just six months in business. The Boise chain still operates two other locations, but weren’t making enough to keep the downtown store open.

February 2024

Here's what's new in February.

🐇 New Petite 4 Venture: White Rabbit

The folks behind Petite 4 are opening a new “small jewel box” in White Rabbit. Located at the intersection of Latah Street and the railroad tracks on the Boise Bench, Petite 4 has operated coffee and donut services on the weekends since closing in 2022. But now we should get something new Wednesdays through Fridays, sometime this spring.

🍌 Space Banana, a DJ’s Mini Dream

This “micro club” is open behind Mad Swede Brew Hall on Bannock Street in downtown Boise. It’s truly micro, fitting only 84 people, but it hopes to fill a niche for top-notch DJs to come to Boise. They also boast a great Negroni, which isn’t nothing.

🧆 New Middle Eastern Restaurant, Rizzo, to Come

Rizzo is replacing an old Little Caesars location on Vista Avenue, which is a win for all of us who love both local biz and Middle Eastern food. That’s all we know for now!

🫗 Now for those businesses that didn’t last the winter.

🌲 After a Decade, Juniper is Closed

8th Street staple Juniper served its last cocktails earlier this week. The pizzeria, live venue, and gin purveyor at the entrance to Freak Alley was open for more than a decade.

🧁 Happy Trails to Trailside Bakery Cafe

Trailside Bakery Cafe, after a brief period of serving pastries and coffee for just under two years, is now closed. The State Street bakery was a well-loved local endeavor, as was Sagebrush Collective, which shared space with Trailside, but has found a new location. More to come soon.

🦬 Buffalo Club’s Sad Good-Bye

Buffalo Club’s last day was Feb. 11, after over twenty years of pouring drinks. The country-themed bar had previously hosted performers like Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and Big & Rich, so we lost a bit of local history in this one.

🍺 13 Street Pub & Grill’s Getting a New Kitchen

Hyde Park’s beloved 13th Street Pub & Grill went belly up — but only for renovations. The bar and restaurant plans to reopen March 4, and you can follow updates on their Instagram.