Downtown restaurants get plenty of attention for good reason. But if you’re looking to shake things up for your next delicious meal, the Bench is your best bet, according to couple Rachel Spacek and Ryan Suppe. The Central Bench residents were recently on our City Cast Boise podcast to share their favorite neighborhood spots — and to make the case that a meal in a strip mall or at a food truck is likely better (and cheaper) than plenty of downtown options.
If you’re trying to branch out on the Bench, give these options a try. (Google Maps)
Best Lunch Options:
- The Goodness Land: For fantastic Middle Eastern cuisine, you can’t go wrong with this spot. Rachel loves the vegan choices, and recommends you come hungry and order the falafel plate with a side of dolmas. Meat-eater Ryan says when in doubt, order based on the pictures!
- Das Alpenhaus: Ryan is a big fan of the German classic pork schnitzel with pommes. But fries aren’t the only way to carbo load at this South Vista staple: the kitchen bakes a giant pretzel that comes to the table hanging from a hook. Plus, there are veggies: “I don't know if anyone else besides me loves beet salad,” says Rachel, “but last time I went there, I got a pretzel and a beet salad, and it was perfect.”
Great for Date Nights:
- CasaBlanca Cuban Grill: If the name doesn’t make you think of romance automatically, the food and vibe will make you swoon at this hole in the wall on Overland. Rachel recommends starting with a plate of mariquitas (thinly sliced plantains with a garlic sauce), and Ryan says whatever you order goes perfectly with a pitcher of sangria.
- Thai Cuisine: Looking for some spice in your life? Here’s your sign to stop in this classic Thai spot — but be careful. “We've always found that the spice levels in Idaho are…a little bit weak,” Ryan says. “Not the case at Thai Cuisine.” So, maybe start at two stars and see how you feel before adding more garlic chili sauce. Bonus: Rachel loves the vegan options, and Ryan says they’ve never had to wait for a table.
Most Underrated:
- Any Mexican food truck! Ryan notes a proliferation of taco trucks all over the Bench, and although he’s not sure the name or location of each one — he says you can’t go wrong. “[I]f you're hungry and driving on Overland, Orchard [or] Curtis — look in parking lots, you might find a Mexican food truck and you won't regret it.”
- El Chavo Taqueria: But if you are looking for a specific taqueria to start with, Rachel recommends this Overland food truck. Come hungry, and bring cash!
Most Anticipated:
- White Rabbit: Rachel and Ryan are dying to try the new restaurant from chefs Sarah and David “DK” Kelly, which opened in April at their previous Petite 4 location on Latah Street. As for the controversial 21+ only policy? Ryan is OK with it — and suggests Luciano’s for another beloved spot for families with kids to try, while Rachel is a bit skeptical. But they both agree that seeing these chefs continue to innovate on the Bench is a good thing.
