So the other night, Collin and I were out enjoying a couple (yes, a couple) of our favorite places to eat, and I was thinking I should make up a list of my favorite Boise places. It started out being just "Favorite Places" in general, but I had too many food places (what a surprise), so Collin suggested I split it up into separate lists--so here is list number one with the best stuff--FOOD!
I've lived in Boise 6 years now! And boy have I eaten a lot here in those 6 years. I am a big fan of the typical "American" restaurants like Chili's, Red Robin and Olive Garden--so here is my list of pretty much Boise-Only stuff. I know a few aren't but that is because I absolutely love them. And when we move away from here someday I am really going to miss these places! (They're not really in any particular order)
TONYA'S FAVE BOISE EATS:
1. Shige Express Sushi
I heart heart heart this place! This is the first place I ever tried sushi, and although I've been others this is Collin and my standby for great stuff! The sushi chef is amazing and he whips out so many cool creations that float by you on a boat, so you pick your faves. And he takes requests! (Hint: request a sugar daddy!! YUMM!) For a while this place was doing Happy Hour where all plates were $1!! Amazing! That's over now but it will not stop us from continuing to come by!2. Old Chicago
Yes, I know this isn't a Boise-Original, but I really love this place too. But JUST the one downtown. It has a great atmosphere and the most delish calzones in the world! Get the spinach-artichoke calzone and you will be in heaven. I have so many fun memories of nights out at Old Chicago.
3. Sno Shack on Ustick and Five Mile
You may have seen this sign if you have driven by the corner of Ustick and Five mile--it shows the way to our #1 favorite snow shack! It is a 2-minute drive, 7-minute bike ride, or 15-minute walk from our house! We've got it timed to perfection! We have traveled there all these ways multiple times all summer! It just closed last week and I didn't know what to do on Monday night. It has been our tradition. Why do I love it so? Besides its location? Because they have the GOOD ICE and LOTS of flavor! And.... we never fail to run into someone from Centennial, every single time we go there!
Yes, I know this isn't a Boise-Original, but I really love this place too. But JUST the one downtown. It has a great atmosphere and the most delish calzones in the world! Get the spinach-artichoke calzone and you will be in heaven. I have so many fun memories of nights out at Old Chicago.3. Sno Shack on Ustick and Five Mile
You may have seen this sign if you have driven by the corner of Ustick and Five mile--it shows the way to our #1 favorite snow shack! It is a 2-minute drive, 7-minute bike ride, or 15-minute walk from our house! We've got it timed to perfection! We have traveled there all these ways multiple times all summer! It just closed last week and I didn't know what to do on Monday night. It has been our tradition. Why do I love it so? Besides its location? Because they have the GOOD ICE and LOTS of flavor! And.... we never fail to run into someone from Centennial, every single time we go there!4. SONIC!!!!
Okay, also not a Boise original. But I had never truly appreciated the value of having a Sonic close by until we moved to our current house. It is about 3 minutes away from us, and seriously, how can you beat 2:00-4:00 Happy Hour with half-price drinks and slushes every day?? They see my Camry coming around the corner and know to get a vanilla diet coke or a cherry limeaid ready for me!! I think I single-handedly keep them in business!
5. MERRITT'S
For those of you who haven't had the golden opportunity to visit Merritt's with us, don't worry, your time is coming. Especially you out-of-towners. It's our favorite place to take visitors because it is SO one of a kind. If you have been there you know what I mean when I say it is ghetto, dirty, and pretty much old-fashioned white trashy. And I mean that in the most complimentary way possible! We have had so many fabulous nights at Merritt's with all types of friends and family, and it is our #1 stop off after a night of boating or snowboarding.... open 24 hours baby! And by the way, the scones are to DIE for!
6. Guido's
Oh yes. If pizza could get any better... it just did. I absolutely love Guido's pizza. We just ordered ourselves a medium Friday night.... and it lasted us 3 days' worth of meals! Guido's has New-York-Style thin crust pizzas that are huge and delicious. My personal fave is the Cheese and Basil. You can get it by the slice or by the pie... And I prefer the downtown location, which is muy authentic! The Cloverdale/Chinden loco is closer to us.... but way too clean for the type of food it is! Not to mention the really friendly workers, considering it's a pizza joint! You've gotta try it!
7. Cold Fuzion
YUM! I have historically not be a huge frozen yogurt fan. But this place has converted me. I am addicted to their Tart Original--although the other sweeter flavors are equally as fab! You can mix in anything from Fruity Pebbles to Snickers. They're never crowded, and it's pretty cheap! Anyone wants to go, give me a call!
8. Casa Mexico
Our favorite Mexican place. I am married to a Spanish teacher who has traveled to Spain, Argentina, Costa Rica, and others need I say more?
9. Bar Gernika
I have one word for you that gets my mouth watering just typing it: Croquettas. If you haven't been to this little gem in the Basque district downtown, you really should! The other food is equally as fabulous, but you really, really can't beat the croquettas. We have tried and tried to dissect them to figure out exactly what they are made of--some sort of chicken/milk/flour/cheesy balls fried in something. But they are wicked, wicked yummy! Bar Gernika was featured on Guy Fieri's food show on the Food Network, so we were sad to see that now our seemingly secret love of croquettas has been made public, and one night they had run out! But we still keep going back. Plus, the servers are so nice, even though they know they won't be making big bucks off our endless tab of alcohol. How can you beat that? :)
This is also obviously not a Boise-Exclusive place, but anyone who knows me knows this place is so dear to me (yes, a food joint is dear to me) and has been for a long time. It all started.... back when I worked at a newly-opened Gandy's in Logan. Part of the perks of my job was I got a free sandwich every day. Well, 10 pounds later I had gained the freshman 15... and also gained a love that could never be lost! (for their sandwiches!)
So now you know a little, or possibly WAY too much about my love of food.... and the places I like to go! Be advised I could really add hundreds more to this list, but this is basically my Boise G0-To-In-Times-Of-Extreme-Hunger-Or-Need-Of-Comfort-Food List.
Okay, also not a Boise original. But I had never truly appreciated the value of having a Sonic close by until we moved to our current house. It is about 3 minutes away from us, and seriously, how can you beat 2:00-4:00 Happy Hour with half-price drinks and slushes every day?? They see my Camry coming around the corner and know to get a vanilla diet coke or a cherry limeaid ready for me!! I think I single-handedly keep them in business!5. MERRITT'S
For those of you who haven't had the golden opportunity to visit Merritt's with us, don't worry, your time is coming. Especially you out-of-towners. It's our favorite place to take visitors because it is SO one of a kind. If you have been there you know what I mean when I say it is ghetto, dirty, and pretty much old-fashioned white trashy. And I mean that in the most complimentary way possible! We have had so many fabulous nights at Merritt's with all types of friends and family, and it is our #1 stop off after a night of boating or snowboarding.... open 24 hours baby! And by the way, the scones are to DIE for!6. Guido's
Oh yes. If pizza could get any better... it just did. I absolutely love Guido's pizza. We just ordered ourselves a medium Friday night.... and it lasted us 3 days' worth of meals! Guido's has New-York-Style thin crust pizzas that are huge and delicious. My personal fave is the Cheese and Basil. You can get it by the slice or by the pie... And I prefer the downtown location, which is muy authentic! The Cloverdale/Chinden loco is closer to us.... but way too clean for the type of food it is! Not to mention the really friendly workers, considering it's a pizza joint! You've gotta try it!7. Cold Fuzion
YUM! I have historically not be a huge frozen yogurt fan. But this place has converted me. I am addicted to their Tart Original--although the other sweeter flavors are equally as fab! You can mix in anything from Fruity Pebbles to Snickers. They're never crowded, and it's pretty cheap! Anyone wants to go, give me a call!
8. Casa Mexico
Our favorite Mexican place. I am married to a Spanish teacher who has traveled to Spain, Argentina, Costa Rica, and others need I say more?9. Bar Gernika
I have one word for you that gets my mouth watering just typing it: Croquettas. If you haven't been to this little gem in the Basque district downtown, you really should! The other food is equally as fabulous, but you really, really can't beat the croquettas. We have tried and tried to dissect them to figure out exactly what they are made of--some sort of chicken/milk/flour/cheesy balls fried in something. But they are wicked, wicked yummy! Bar Gernika was featured on Guy Fieri's food show on the Food Network, so we were sad to see that now our seemingly secret love of croquettas has been made public, and one night they had run out! But we still keep going back. Plus, the servers are so nice, even though they know they won't be making big bucks off our endless tab of alcohol. How can you beat that? :)10. Gandolfo's
This is also obviously not a Boise-Exclusive place, but anyone who knows me knows this place is so dear to me (yes, a food joint is dear to me) and has been for a long time. It all started.... back when I worked at a newly-opened Gandy's in Logan. Part of the perks of my job was I got a free sandwich every day. Well, 10 pounds later I had gained the freshman 15... and also gained a love that could never be lost! (for their sandwiches!)Once I moved to Boise I was so sad to see there were no Gandolfo's here yet. I had to make do with going there every time I was in Utah or IF. FINALLY one opened out in Meridian--suspiciously close to where I get my hair done. So that would be my treat after a hair appointment... and then lo and behold one opened like 30 seconds away from my house! It's fate, I tell you.
Anyway, I don't even care to divulge all the details of why I love this place, but here's a few reasons: the menu is HUGE, and has so many delicious choices. I have my 2 favorite, so I alternate accordingly.... ( in case you're wondering: Ebbett's Field, NO PICKLES, and Empire State. Collin's favorite is the Urban Cowboy.) Every time we get any of those coupon-mailers I am scavenging for a bo-go for this place. It's worth it!! The girls at the drive-thru know my name, which is really pathetic, but not enough to stop me! I limit myself to once a week--it is my treat!
So now you know a little, or possibly WAY too much about my love of food.... and the places I like to go! Be advised I could really add hundreds more to this list, but this is basically my Boise G0-To-In-Times-Of-Extreme-Hunger-Or-Need-Of-Comfort-Food List.
Anyone have any good recommendations or favorites for me? Or love any of my loves?
8 comments:
You totally crack me up!!! I must agree with you that Merritt's scones are to die for, I am also a huge fan of sonic - Roger probably gets so sick of going there, I love Gandolfo's (not as much as you or Roger does), and I still need to try Cold Fuzion. We'll have to go sometime!
Im with ya! old chicago delicious! gandolfo's is another one of my favorites!!
I swear I love you! You make me laugh! We are going to have to try some of these places! The Tropical Sno is owned by an awesome family in our old ward! The Larsen's. Sharee is the mom and Bailey is the little blonde girl. The big sister Riley is our all time best babysitter! She worked for us all summer!
I LOVE your list and I have to agree! I was just in Boise for less than 24 hours on Thursday for the game and I was sad I couldn't visit those places! I need a longer weekend there...
You want some AWESOME Mexican??? Come to Kuna, you can't beat the El Gallo Giro!
MERRITTS! We have to go there when I come in a couple weeks! And maybe even fit in some sushi too! And ahem. . what about CHEESECAKE FACTORY? Granted, their food isn't the best, but who cares about that? All you ever really want there is cheesecake anyways!
I miss Gandolfos! They replaced the on in Logan, and now i live hundreds of miles away from one. *sigh...i had nearly forgotten my love for the burning bridge!
Haha... I haven't read up on blogs in a good while, but was happy to see that the shave-ice location you chose to frequent was/is the very one I paid homage to growing up.
LOVE IT.
How is it that we live in the same town, even the same area, and never get together? We're really lame.
Post a Comment