Guidebook for Boise

Abi Sabala
Abi Sabala
Guidebook for Boise

Food Scene

Flying Pie Pizzaria is now in South East Boise - yahoo! This is a great local pizza joint and it is super convenient to our townhome. They have lots of great vegetarian options as well as traditional pizzas as well. People swear by their lunch buffet. Flying Pie is really really good pizza.
14 locals recommend
Flying Pie Pizzaria & Bistro- Broadway
1326 Broadway Ave
14 locals recommend
Flying Pie Pizzaria is now in South East Boise - yahoo! This is a great local pizza joint and it is super convenient to our townhome. They have lots of great vegetarian options as well as traditional pizzas as well. People swear by their lunch buffet. Flying Pie is really really good pizza.
This is a great local place that serves all different kinds of pita sandwiches. You name it, they can probably put it in a Pita for you. BSU students love this place as a late night snack or hang-over cure for the next day. There are great vegetarian options and both cold and hot pitas depending on what you are in the mood for. This is a great lunch spot and also a great place to pick up take out for your day or nighttime adventures.
Pita Pit
1007 Broadway Ave
This is a great local place that serves all different kinds of pita sandwiches. You name it, they can probably put it in a Pita for you. BSU students love this place as a late night snack or hang-over cure for the next day. There are great vegetarian options and both cold and hot pitas depending on what you are in the mood for. This is a great lunch spot and also a great place to pick up take out for your day or nighttime adventures.
So this isn't local obviusly, but it is my favorite place to grab something quick and somewhat healthy. I love that everything is made fresh and you can't beat the salsa bar. It is very close to 2114 Leadville, so it is a great place to grab lunch to make a picnic for all the great outdoor activities in Boise.
Baja Fresh
980 Broadway Ave
So this isn't local obviusly, but it is my favorite place to grab something quick and somewhat healthy. I love that everything is made fresh and you can't beat the salsa bar. It is very close to 2114 Leadville, so it is a great place to grab lunch to make a picnic for all the great outdoor activities in Boise.
If you spend the day in Boise you will likely start noticing some bumper stickers that will catch your eye like.... Dutch bros maffia or powdered by Dutch bros. or a cute little Dutch flower and you will think why are people so crazy about a coffee place that they are willing to deface their own vehicles. I don't know why there is such a rabid fan base for Dutch bros, but stop by and check out the line and you will see the loyalty that is Boise coffee drinkers. The music is always loud as can be, the employees are always way too chipper and the coffee is super sweet, but this drive thru coffee place is a must if you are wanting the Boise experience. I like the Carmelizer hot, but just a warning it is really sweet. They also have their own energy drinks if you are in to those things and if you have kids in the car they have several options for kids and the kids cups are really cute. Dutch bros has multiple locations, but there is one right up the street from the townhouse on Broadway, so give it a whirl. Grab a coffee before you hit Zoo Boise or Julia Davis Park and you will fit right in with the locals!
31 locals recommend
Dutch Bros
101 S Orchard St
31 locals recommend
If you spend the day in Boise you will likely start noticing some bumper stickers that will catch your eye like.... Dutch bros maffia or powdered by Dutch bros. or a cute little Dutch flower and you will think why are people so crazy about a coffee place that they are willing to deface their own vehicles. I don't know why there is such a rabid fan base for Dutch bros, but stop by and check out the line and you will see the loyalty that is Boise coffee drinkers. The music is always loud as can be, the employees are always way too chipper and the coffee is super sweet, but this drive thru coffee place is a must if you are wanting the Boise experience. I like the Carmelizer hot, but just a warning it is really sweet. They also have their own energy drinks if you are in to those things and if you have kids in the car they have several options for kids and the kids cups are really cute. Dutch bros has multiple locations, but there is one right up the street from the townhouse on Broadway, so give it a whirl. Grab a coffee before you hit Zoo Boise or Julia Davis Park and you will fit right in with the locals!
Fork is one of those places that is a little too cool for school, but people love it. It has a small menu that changes frequently and it is a little pricey, but a lot of people choose Fork as their favorite restaraunt in Boise. If you are a foodie you have to go. Call ahead to see how busy they are and what specials they have going on. People swear by the chicken and waffles - weird I know. Fork is located in a funky cool building in BODO. It's not my type of place, but I had to add it because certain people go insane for their food, so if you like trying places that the critics rave about then this is your joint.
146 locals recommend
Fork
199 N 8th St
146 locals recommend
Fork is one of those places that is a little too cool for school, but people love it. It has a small menu that changes frequently and it is a little pricey, but a lot of people choose Fork as their favorite restaraunt in Boise. If you are a foodie you have to go. Call ahead to see how busy they are and what specials they have going on. People swear by the chicken and waffles - weird I know. Fork is located in a funky cool building in BODO. It's not my type of place, but I had to add it because certain people go insane for their food, so if you like trying places that the critics rave about then this is your joint.
I have never heard of someone not liking Bardenay. They have a huge menu and everyone I have talked to always says that something different is the best thing on the menu. Now that's a great restaraunts, most everything they serve is good and has a little twist on tradition. Located on the Basque Block, this restaurant has good vibes for days and I'm not a beer drinker, but for those that do enjoy beer I know this is a good spot. Bardenay is a great choice if you have people with different tastes or when everybody is in a different mood cuisine wise and it is also a great choice for multiple visits. It is in a prime location for a jump off for the start of a night or it can be the main event. Bardenay is one of my very favorite restaraunts in Boise and it is located just 10 minutes or less from 2114 Leadville.
69 locals recommend
Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery - Boise
610 W Grove St
69 locals recommend
I have never heard of someone not liking Bardenay. They have a huge menu and everyone I have talked to always says that something different is the best thing on the menu. Now that's a great restaraunts, most everything they serve is good and has a little twist on tradition. Located on the Basque Block, this restaurant has good vibes for days and I'm not a beer drinker, but for those that do enjoy beer I know this is a good spot. Bardenay is a great choice if you have people with different tastes or when everybody is in a different mood cuisine wise and it is also a great choice for multiple visits. It is in a prime location for a jump off for the start of a night or it can be the main event. Bardenay is one of my very favorite restaraunts in Boise and it is located just 10 minutes or less from 2114 Leadville.
This is a no frills, but consistently good breakfast spot. It's not going to knock your socks off, but you aren't going to waste a meal. Breakfast is my favorite meal and Addie's is a good solid work horse in the breakfast arena. They don't try to do anything fancy or funky, but it's all good and it's located in downtown Boise - BODO - so you can walk around after breakfast and check out the cutest little downtown area you ever have seen.
6 locals recommend
Addie's
1221 W Boise Ave
6 locals recommend
This is a no frills, but consistently good breakfast spot. It's not going to knock your socks off, but you aren't going to waste a meal. Breakfast is my favorite meal and Addie's is a good solid work horse in the breakfast arena. They don't try to do anything fancy or funky, but it's all good and it's located in downtown Boise - BODO - so you can walk around after breakfast and check out the cutest little downtown area you ever have seen.
If you are cool with waiting anywhere from 20 to 120 minutes and you love breakfast, then you are in luck because Goldy's is amazing. As long as you are prepared to wait outside standing around then you won't be disappointed. I don't need to say much more than that because if people are consistently willing to wait for breakfast at Goldy's then you have to find out what the fuss is all about, right?
96 locals recommend
Goldy's Breakfast Bistro
108 S Capitol Blvd
96 locals recommend
If you are cool with waiting anywhere from 20 to 120 minutes and you love breakfast, then you are in luck because Goldy's is amazing. As long as you are prepared to wait outside standing around then you won't be disappointed. I don't need to say much more than that because if people are consistently willing to wait for breakfast at Goldy's then you have to find out what the fuss is all about, right?
Authentic Basque Cuisine. If you have never eaten Basque food Leku Ona is a great first start. It is one of two amazing Basque restaraunts on the Basque block. It is the fancier of the two. They have an incredible bean soup that is to die for. Come hungry and let the waiter be your guide. You will probably find some new things you love as we'll as a few head scratchers as to how someone would want to eat this, but how often do you get surprised by cuisine? Overall the food is amazing and different and you will be glad you went. Visit the Basque museum to appreciate the culture and then enjoy dining at Leku Ona.
8 locals recommend
Leku Ona
117 S 6th St
8 locals recommend
Authentic Basque Cuisine. If you have never eaten Basque food Leku Ona is a great first start. It is one of two amazing Basque restaraunts on the Basque block. It is the fancier of the two. They have an incredible bean soup that is to die for. Come hungry and let the waiter be your guide. You will probably find some new things you love as we'll as a few head scratchers as to how someone would want to eat this, but how often do you get surprised by cuisine? Overall the food is amazing and different and you will be glad you went. Visit the Basque museum to appreciate the culture and then enjoy dining at Leku Ona.
Blue cow is my favorite froyo in town and get this... If you happen to be pregnant you can eat all the free yogurt you want! Isn't that a great perk! They have great froyo and all the standard toppings most self serve yogurt joints have. If you are feeling adventurous have the bubble tea - it is delicious and refreshing. Blue Cow is quintessential Boise, great atmosphere, yummy treats and nice people. Stop by BC Froyo on your way back from floating the Boise River or take it to go walk on the green belt - yum!
Blue Cow Frozen Yogurt
2333 S Apple St
Blue cow is my favorite froyo in town and get this... If you happen to be pregnant you can eat all the free yogurt you want! Isn't that a great perk! They have great froyo and all the standard toppings most self serve yogurt joints have. If you are feeling adventurous have the bubble tea - it is delicious and refreshing. Blue Cow is quintessential Boise, great atmosphere, yummy treats and nice people. Stop by BC Froyo on your way back from floating the Boise River or take it to go walk on the green belt - yum!
BFC has a very small menu - only a few types of burgers including a black bean burger and a bison burger and several different types of fries made of different types of potatoes and cut different ways. There are tons of fun dipping sauces to try like Rosemary garlic and blueberry aioli. If you are looking for a traditional burger this probably isn't the place for you but if you like a somewhat gourmet burger and like to try a fresh take on a favorite you should try Boise Fry Company. It has a very casual, laid back feel and it is unique and tasty. The location closest to 2114 Leadville is about 10 minutes away nestled in Bown Crossing - a smal little neighborhood hideaway with a few restaurants. After you eat walk across the street to Powells and pick out some vintage candy or a scoop of authentic gelato!
98 locals recommend
Boise Fry Company
204 N Capitol Blvd
98 locals recommend
BFC has a very small menu - only a few types of burgers including a black bean burger and a bison burger and several different types of fries made of different types of potatoes and cut different ways. There are tons of fun dipping sauces to try like Rosemary garlic and blueberry aioli. If you are looking for a traditional burger this probably isn't the place for you but if you like a somewhat gourmet burger and like to try a fresh take on a favorite you should try Boise Fry Company. It has a very casual, laid back feel and it is unique and tasty. The location closest to 2114 Leadville is about 10 minutes away nestled in Bown Crossing - a smal little neighborhood hideaway with a few restaurants. After you eat walk across the street to Powells and pick out some vintage candy or a scoop of authentic gelato!
This is a fancy restaurant with the biggest fireplace I've ever seen! It is located right on the Boise River and has such a good vibe. This is my favorite place to go to celebrate birthdays or anniversaries or accomplishments. Try the Salmon in a Cage - it is TDF.
21 locals recommend
Cottonwood Grille
913 W River St
21 locals recommend
This is a fancy restaurant with the biggest fireplace I've ever seen! It is located right on the Boise River and has such a good vibe. This is my favorite place to go to celebrate birthdays or anniversaries or accomplishments. Try the Salmon in a Cage - it is TDF.

Essentials

Family Owned Pharmacy & compounding pharmacy. I hope you don't need to stop here, but if for some reason you have an issue, this is where I would go. They have a great compounding pharmacy and homeopathic section. They are extremely helpful and kind and should you have a health issue, I know they would do what is necessary to make sure you are taken care of.
Ladd Family Pharmacy
Family Owned Pharmacy & compounding pharmacy. I hope you don't need to stop here, but if for some reason you have an issue, this is where I would go. They have a great compounding pharmacy and homeopathic section. They are extremely helpful and kind and should you have a health issue, I know they would do what is necessary to make sure you are taken care of.
Grocery store with natural, organic and healthy options. Great buffet for lunch. Good stop to grab things for a day out.
85 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
401 Broadway Ave
85 locals recommend
Grocery store with natural, organic and healthy options. Great buffet for lunch. Good stop to grab things for a day out.
Trader Joe's is... well the best! If you haven't been you have to go and if you have been then you don't need me to tell you.
99 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
300 S Capitol Blvd
99 locals recommend
Trader Joe's is... well the best! If you haven't been you have to go and if you have been then you don't need me to tell you.

Parks & Nature

Great for riding bikes, scooters, walking, running and exploring with pets.
42 locals recommend
Boise River Greenbelt
Boise River Greenbelt
42 locals recommend
Great for riding bikes, scooters, walking, running and exploring with pets.
One of Boise's many beautiful and large parks. Right by Zoo Boise and Boise Art Museum you can make a day of it! Don't miss the Rose Gardens!
81 locals recommend
Julia Davis Park
700 S Capitol Blvd
81 locals recommend
One of Boise's many beautiful and large parks. Right by Zoo Boise and Boise Art Museum you can make a day of it! Don't miss the Rose Gardens!
One of Boise's many beautiful and large parks and includes a community pool. You can literally WALK to this destination if you want.
Ivywild Park
416 W Ivywild St
One of Boise's many beautiful and large parks and includes a community pool. You can literally WALK to this destination if you want.
One of Boise's many beautiful and large parks.
79 locals recommend
Ann Morrison Dog Park
1000 S Americana Blvd
79 locals recommend
One of Boise's many beautiful and large parks.
Right by the Old Penitentiary, this is a a beautifully maintained Botanical Garden. It is a great place for a walk and to learn about Idaho's indigenous plants and flowers.
124 locals recommend
Idaho Botanical Garden
2355 N Old Penitentiary Rd
124 locals recommend
Right by the Old Penitentiary, this is a a beautifully maintained Botanical Garden. It is a great place for a walk and to learn about Idaho's indigenous plants and flowers.
One of Boise's many beautiful and large parks.
72 locals recommend
Kathryn Albertson Park
1001 S Americana Blvd
72 locals recommend
One of Boise's many beautiful and large parks.
Play in nature, float down the river, fish... You name it! Barber Park is a naturalistic park right on the Boise River. It is a great place to take a walk or eat lunch outside.
61 locals recommend
Barber Park
Barber Park
61 locals recommend
Play in nature, float down the river, fish... You name it! Barber Park is a naturalistic park right on the Boise River. It is a great place to take a walk or eat lunch outside.
If you have a boat, what are you doing reading this guidebook? Get to Lucky Peak! If you don't have a boat, just go for a drive. The dam is amazing and Lucky Peak is beautiful to see. I would recommend grabbing some lunch and taking a drive to find a great place to eat. It isn't too far to drive and you feel like you are all of a sudden in the middle of nowhere. It's a great break from the downtown "hustle"
62 locals recommend
Lucky Peak State Park
74 Arrow Rock Road
62 locals recommend
If you have a boat, what are you doing reading this guidebook? Get to Lucky Peak! If you don't have a boat, just go for a drive. The dam is amazing and Lucky Peak is beautiful to see. I would recommend grabbing some lunch and taking a drive to find a great place to eat. It isn't too far to drive and you feel like you are all of a sudden in the middle of nowhere. It's a great break from the downtown "hustle"

Entertainment & Activities

My favorite zoo in the country. It's not the biggest or the fanciest, but it's a great size to do in a day or half day and there isn't a spot without shade, so you can't beat that. Zoo Boise is laid out very well and they have some really cool animals, a petting zoo and a butterfly experience in the summer. It even has a tiny old carousel. So cute! They have Giraffe and Sloth Bear Encounters and daily animal enrichments. During the peak season there is also a little conservation boat ride.
159 locals recommend
Zoo Boise
355 Julia Davis Dr
159 locals recommend
My favorite zoo in the country. It's not the biggest or the fanciest, but it's a great size to do in a day or half day and there isn't a spot without shade, so you can't beat that. Zoo Boise is laid out very well and they have some really cool animals, a petting zoo and a butterfly experience in the summer. It even has a tiny old carousel. So cute! They have Giraffe and Sloth Bear Encounters and daily animal enrichments. During the peak season there is also a little conservation boat ride.
Check schedule for cool, old and not so old movies and events or just go to see the outside. This is a beautiful, old theater downtown near the Capitol.
34 locals recommend
The Egyptian Theatre
700 W Main St
34 locals recommend
Check schedule for cool, old and not so old movies and events or just go to see the outside. This is a beautiful, old theater downtown near the Capitol.
Extensive children's museum for little ones, toddler and Jr. High age kids
73 locals recommend
Discovery Center of Idaho
131 W Myrtle St
73 locals recommend
Extensive children's museum for little ones, toddler and Jr. High age kids
Funky movie theater where you can grab food and a beer while you watch a movie
76 locals recommend
The Flicks: Rick's Cafe Americain
646 W Fulton St
76 locals recommend
Funky movie theater where you can grab food and a beer while you watch a movie
Love this library - tons of activities for kids
14 locals recommend
Boise Public Library
715 S Capitol Blvd
14 locals recommend
Love this library - tons of activities for kids
Local favorite. You just have to go to see it for yourself. It is incredible.
54 locals recommend
World Center For Birds of Prey
5668 West Flying Hawk Lane
54 locals recommend
Local favorite. You just have to go to see it for yourself. It is incredible.
The blue field... You've gotta see it!!
44 locals recommend
Albertsons Stadium
1400 Bronco Ln
44 locals recommend
The blue field... You've gotta see it!!
Skiing at a great price.
81 locals recommend
Bogus Basin
81 locals recommend
Skiing at a great price.

Arts & Culture

Check online to view current exhibits.
155 locals recommend
Boise Art Museum
670 Julia Davis Dr
155 locals recommend
Check online to view current exhibits.
This museum was recently updated. If you don't know anything about Basque culture or if you are Basque yourself, you should visit. There are several great restaurants nearby as well including Bar Guernica right next door which is a dirty bar/restaurant that has a small but authentic Basque menu. The Basque museum is modest, but well done and very interesting. Boise has the largest population of Basque people outside of Spain, so to understand Boise pop into the museum and learn a little about the culture.
31 locals recommend
Basque Museum & Cultural Center
611 W Grove St
31 locals recommend
This museum was recently updated. If you don't know anything about Basque culture or if you are Basque yourself, you should visit. There are several great restaurants nearby as well including Bar Guernica right next door which is a dirty bar/restaurant that has a small but authentic Basque menu. The Basque museum is modest, but well done and very interesting. Boise has the largest population of Basque people outside of Spain, so to understand Boise pop into the museum and learn a little about the culture.
Check the schedule for updated programs.
12 locals recommend
Ballet Idaho
501 S 8th St
12 locals recommend
Check the schedule for updated programs.

Drinks & Nightlife

Check the schedule for live music and events.
33 locals recommend
Knitting Factory Boise
416 S 9th St
33 locals recommend
Check the schedule for live music and events.

Shopping

Are you taking a trip with kids? Did you leave kids at home? If you need anything for mothers, infants or toddlers this is your spot. The owner of this store is local and has a great eye. She buys only the cutest, coolest stuff to fill her store.
Buns In the Oven
413 S 8th St
Are you taking a trip with kids? Did you leave kids at home? If you need anything for mothers, infants or toddlers this is your spot. The owner of this store is local and has a great eye. She buys only the cutest, coolest stuff to fill her store.
Funky thrift store. You are bound to find a treasure if you take the time to look.
Atomic Treasures
409 S 8th St
Funky thrift store. You are bound to find a treasure if you take the time to look.
Great selection of clothes. This place is a great stop that is packed with cute and unique items.
Fancy Pants
825 W Idaho St
Great selection of clothes. This place is a great stop that is packed with cute and unique items.
I love this local clothing store. They have great jewelry and even some high end consignment. They also have a small, but incredible selection of children's shoes.
8 locals recommend
Piece Unique Clothing Co. & Shoez
205 N 10th St
8 locals recommend
I love this local clothing store. They have great jewelry and even some high end consignment. They also have a small, but incredible selection of children's shoes.
Outdoor shopping, restaurants & entertainment. This is a little out of the way, but it is the newest shopping are in the valley. It is an outdoor shopping experience with a great movie theater. Check out Twigs for great food or Pen & Paperie for unusual gifts.
245 locals recommend
The Village at Meridian
3597 E Monarch Sky Ln
245 locals recommend
Outdoor shopping, restaurants & entertainment. This is a little out of the way, but it is the newest shopping are in the valley. It is an outdoor shopping experience with a great movie theater. Check out Twigs for great food or Pen & Paperie for unusual gifts.
Records, gifts and coffee - great place to hang out and find funky souvenirs to bring home. This eclectic mix of items makes for fun browsing and a cool atmosphere.
16 locals recommend
The Record Exchange
1105 W Idaho St
16 locals recommend
Records, gifts and coffee - great place to hang out and find funky souvenirs to bring home. This eclectic mix of items makes for fun browsing and a cool atmosphere.
*Name recently changed to Cravin's* Old fashioned candy store, gelato, toys & gifts right by the Boise River - can't miss! I love this place and I take everybody who visits me here. If you love candy or just want to be sentimental take a trip to Powell's. While you are there pick up an Idaho Spud, this dark chocolate, marshmallow and coconut treat is somewhat of an acquired taste, but some people say it is the perfect candy bar.
Cravin's Candy Emporium
3064 S Bown Way
*Name recently changed to Cravin's* Old fashioned candy store, gelato, toys & gifts right by the Boise River - can't miss! I love this place and I take everybody who visits me here. If you love candy or just want to be sentimental take a trip to Powell's. While you are there pick up an Idaho Spud, this dark chocolate, marshmallow and coconut treat is somewhat of an acquired taste, but some people say it is the perfect candy bar.
This place is just lovely. You are probably not in the market for flowers while traveling, but I had to give a shout out to Blooms because their front windows alone are worth a visit.
Blooms Flower Studio
This place is just lovely. You are probably not in the market for flowers while traveling, but I had to give a shout out to Blooms because their front windows alone are worth a visit.