Since 1900, the space at 311 North Elm Avenue in the East End has been home to the Roosevelt Market. It’s changed hands, it was recently torn down and rebuilt — and it remains as a gold standard for Boise’s neighborhood cafe dreams.
A lot of Hey Boise readers have nostalgia for things at the old market, like their boiled egg sandwiches, an elusive technique for cooking top-notch hashbrowns, and kids running up a tab on candy that their parents would pay for once a month.
But like Jackie wrote: “I like the new one too! I'm not a major fan of the more clean, sterile style of businesses that pop up in the valley, but we need more neighborhood community centers, things that aren't strictly bars/restaurants/coffee shops.”
A lot of us agree with Jackie. The Roosevelt Market is mentioned in the city’s new zoning code as an example of the kind of establishment that could pop up in more neighborhoods. If it’s effective, more corner cafes, limited to about the size of a single-family home, would provide options for food that wouldn’t require driving, and, hopefully, foster community — all major goals of the zoning code.
In addition to fresh meals like this, you can also get a few groceries, a little gossip, and a lot of drinks at the Roosevelt Market. (@therooseveltmarketboise / Instagram)
And that’s been true of the Roosevelt, even as it’s changed (it’s currently owned by the folks who run the Wylder, Certified Kitchen and Bakery, and Wyld Child). Here are a few things people said about it:
Sydney: “Roosevelt has been our saving grace moving from Portland -- we were used to neighborhood shops / cafes / bars within walking distance always. We've loved our move to Boise, but it's been sad to not have the same kind of neighborhood hangouts.”
Gabe: “Love this place, my kids love the soft serve ice cream and I am partial to the draft beer! Such a great spot!”
Victoria: “The Cubano and the East Ender are delicious. There should be markets just like this one in every neighborhood!”
