With 2,078 votes cast, the readers of Idaho Falls magazine have selected their favorite restaurants for 2011. Taking the title for the impressive sixth straight year was The Sandpiper Restaurant, located on the banks of the Snake River.
The Sandpiper, owned and operated by Ron Obendorf, is known for its fresh fish and seafood that is flown in daily.
Meals at The Sandpiper have their allure at any turn of the calendar, but it is summertime when the full magic of the facility comes into play. This is the time to request a table on the deck overlooking the Snake River. The view of Keifer Island and all of its resident waterfowl is just about perfect.
For all its accolades, The Sandpiper (featured on page 66) is hardly a new name in eastern Idaho. It opened for business on Lindsay Boulevard 37 years ago. Besides the dining room that consists of the solarium, which seats 30, and a larger banquet room which seats 70, an additional small banquet room is available next to the bar.
This year also notes the sixth straight year that the restaurant has been named “Best Steak/Seafood” and “Best American Fine Dining.”
American Casual
The SnakeBite Restaurant
There are many places in Idaho Falls to get a hamburger. There are even several places that you can get a really good hamburger. But there is only one place that you can get a SnakeBite hamburger. The SnakeBite is well known in this area for their specialty hamburgers. What many patrons may not realize is that the SnakeBite also has many other incredible dishes, like the one above.
Owners Todd and Gina Thoulion pour their hearts and souls into making their restaurant the best it can be. This is the third year in a row that The SnakeBite was named Best American Casual category. They also were named to the “Top-10” Restaurant list for the second year.
Top 3
1) The Snakebite Restaurant
401 Park Ave. – 542-5338
2)Red Robin GourmetBurgers
2450 E. 17th Street – 528-8866
3) Smitty’s Pancake &Steakhouse
645 W. Broadway – 523-6450
Top 10 Restaurants
It has been said that Idaho Falls has more restaurants per capita than any other place in the nation. With over 170 restaurants to choose from, it’s little wonder why our readers take their dining so seriously.
Idaho Falls magazine has chosen to recognize not only the top choice for “Best Restaurant,” but the Top 10 Restaurants in Idaho Falls. Whether it’s fine dining, Mexican, Italian, or the more abundant steak and seafood, our “Top 10” pretty much have all cuisines covered for you.
Carino’s Italian
2833 S. 25th East | 523-4411
www.Carinos.com
Dixie’s Diner
2150 Channing Way | 542-1950
Famous Dave’s
245 Houston Circle | 523-1712
www.FamousDaves.com
Jaker’s Bar & Grill
851 Lindsay Blvd. | 524-5240
www.Jakers.com
Jalisco’s
2107 E. 17th Street | 552-2021
325 River Parkway | 612-0102
JaliscosMexican
Pachanga’s
552 N. Capital Avenue | 522-1976
Texas Roadhouse
2535 S. 25th E. | 542-9988
www.TexasRoadhouse.com
The Cellar
3520 E. 17th Street | 525-9300
www.TheCellarBiz.com
The Sandpiper
(voted best overall )
750 Lindsay Blvd. | 524-3344
www.IdahoFallsSandpiper.com
The Snakebite
401 Park Avenue | 525-2522
American Fine Dining
Jaker’s Bar & Grill
In order for a restaurant to gain an almost universal reputation for being one of the best, consistency is key. Consistent service, consistent quality, and consistently meeting your customer’s needs. Jakers Bar and Grill excels at each of these. On one side of the restaurant is a full bar and lots of seating with the requisite giant TV to catch the ball game and have a few drinks. On the other side you’ll find ample seating for lunch or dinner.
Jakers is actually a lot more than just a bar and grill. The menu also includes a wide array of other food items including “fun foods,” appetizers, sandwiches, wraps, fish, seafood, pastas, and salads.
If you have ever wondered why so many people speak so highly of Jakers and you have never been, you owe yourself a visit to this excellent restaurant.
The Sandpiper
The Sandpiper, located in the same beautiful location since 1974, is known for its delicious steak as well as fresh fish and seafood that is flown in daily.
If you prefer to dine inside, The Sandpiper offers a large lounge, an upper dining area, a main dining area that also offers river views, and a banquet room and solarium with seating for up to 100. All of their menu items are also available for take out for those people on the go.
“Our goal is to provide a terrific meal in a fun and relaxing atmosphere, both for residents and visitors,” says Ron Obendorf, owner of The Sandpiper. “What could be better than sitting on our patio on a beautiful evening, enjoying fine food, drink and the view of the river? We even have a large fireplace on the patio to warm you on those chilly nights.”
Top 3
1 tie) Jaker’s Bar & Grill
851 Lindsay Blvd. | 524-5240
1 tie) Sandpiper
750 Lindsay Blvd. | 524-3444
3) The Cellar
3520 E. 17th St. | 525-9300
Bakery
Great Harvest Bread Co.
Great Harvest has grown into a highly successful endeavor with locations throughout the region, including two in Idaho Falls. Honey whole wheat is the biggest seller, followed by whole grain breads like Dakota, Nine Grain and Banana Nut. Great Harvest features an array of products that may include sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, muffins, scones, cookies, specialty batter breads, whole grain mixes, gourmet jams and honey.
Top 3
1) Great Harvest Bread Co.
360 A Street | 522-7444
1505 E 17th Street | 542-0812
2) Geraldine’s Bake S S hop
3160 E. 17th St. | 552-7057
1855 W. Broadway | 542-0112
3) Cocoa Bean Cupcake
2545 S. 25th East | 542-9492
Barbeque
Famous Dave’s
Famous Dave spent 25 years perfecting America’s favorite styles of barbeque, specifically hickory-smoked ribs and Georgia chopped pork slathered with a unique “Rich & Sassy” barbecue sauce. The restaurant also features smokin’ sandwiches, mouthwatering burgers, garden fresh salads and homestyle desserts all served up in a casual atmosphere. The restaurant is fairly new to Idaho Falls, but it has already earned a reputation for outstanding casual dining.
Top 3
1) Famous Dave’s
245 Houston Circle | 523-1712
2) Texas Roadhouse
2535 S. 25th East | 542-9988
3) Bubba’s Bar B Que
118 First St. | 523-2822
Breakfast
Smitty’s
For longtime Idaho Falls residents, this restaurant is synonymous with pancakes but also offers a plethora of other breakfast items in various combinations. (It also has a great dinner menu.) The wait staff is very friendly and always ready to assist you with any needs that you might have. While the food is the biggest reason to take a closer look at Smitty’s, there are also some wonderful cultural side dishes, including a strong collection of some of Werner Gisin’s finest paintings as well as various furnishings and keepsakes that reflect the restaurant’s collective collective charms.
Top 3
1) S S mitty’s Pancake & Steak House
645 W. Broadway | 523-6450
2) Perkin’s Restaurant & Bakery
2000 Channing Way | 529-9955
3) Dixie’s Diner
2150 Channing Way | 542-1950
Chinese/Oriental
Happy Chinese
Happy Chinese Restaurant was first established in Historic Downtown in 1988. The current owners took over in 2003 and have since then been using their own menu which includes delicious, authentic, and healthy Chinese dishes. Today’s menu covers the gamut from appetizers to lunch specials, dinner combinations and family specials. Chicken, beef, pork, and seafood meals can be enjoyed here, along with delicious rice, soup, and noodles.
Top 3
1) Happy Chinese
549 Park Ave. | 522-2091
1060 E. 17th Street | 552-2882
2) Hong Kong
1570 W. Broadway | 522-2091
3) Panda Express
1151 S. 25th East | 227-9809
Grill /Microbrewery
Applebee’s
Applebee’s is the largest casual dining chain in the world, with locations throughout the U.S. and many countries worldwide. Founded nearly three decades ago on the principles of exceptional value and family fun, this prominent eatery draws people of all ages and lifestyles with its fun, family-friendly atmosphere and signature bar and grill menu. Currently, there are over 1,990 Applebee’s restaurants operating system-wide in 49 states, 15 international countries and one U.S. territory.
Top 3
1) Applebee’s
635 N. Utah Ave. | 528-8985
2) Red Robin
2540 E. 17th St. | 528-8866
3) Firehouse Grill
2891 S. 25th East | 524-1740
Fast Food
Wendy’s
Renowned entrepreneur Dave Thomas opened this famous American chain back in 1969, and ever since it has served communities large and small with an affordable, tasty alternative to other mainstream fast-food outlets. According to the franchise itself, Wendy’s has never had a national reputation for great tasting fries, but a year ago, Wendy’s saw its fry sales climb dramatically after re-engineered its recipe. The restaurant is also known for its value menu and frosty treats.
Top 3
1) Wendy’s
4 locations | 522-5322
2) Scotty’s Drive-In
560 Northgate Mile | 523-6382
3) Tom’s Gyros and Burgers
475 E. Elva Street | 523-7828
645 N. Holmes | 523-8838
Ice Cream
Reed’s Dairy
Surprise, surprise. The establishment on the west side of town has been a perennial favorite for as long as we can remember. It’s huckleberry ice cream, in particular, is legendary among ice cream connoisseurs from around the area. Reed’s uses all-natural milk from their own cows with no artificial hormones. Reed’s Dairy is also one of the few places you can find fresh cheese curds or “squeaky cheese.” And if you want a real treat, try the chocolate milk. It’s incredible.
Top 3
1) Reed’s Dairy
2660 W. Broadway | 522-0123
2) Cold Stone Creamery
2019 s. 25th East | 522-3347
3) Baskin Robbins
1253 E. 17th St. | 524-3131
International
The Cellar
If you are looking for a fine dining experience with great food and great people, be sure to spend an evening at The Cellar. This establishment will make you feel right at home. (In fact, it actually is a home that has been converted into a beautiful restaurant.) In addition to its many entrees, The Cellar offers an extensive wine list, a full bar and wonderful exterior deck in the ancient pine trees. The dining rooms seat nearly 90 people, and the bar and deck seat 42 more. The Cellar also provides banquet and catering services for weddings, receptions and parties.
Top 3
1) The Cellar
3520 E. 17th St. | 525-9300
2) Whitewater Grill
355 River Parkway | 523-3355
3) Rutabaga’s
415 River Parkway | 529-3990
Italian
Carino's
Here’s a restaurant that not only makes great Italian specialties, but makes them in abundance. From quaint appetizers like the hand-breaded calamari to the Classic Pizza Margherita, Chicken Scaloppini and Lobster Ravioli (our editor’s stated favorite), the menu is a culinary adventure for anyone with an interest in Italian cuisine. For before, during and after your meal, the restaurant offers numerous desserts, salads and signature Italian drinks. And thanks to their popular catering service, you can secure Carino’s cuisine for a variety of parties, gatherings and celebrations.
Top 3
1) Carino’s Italian
2833 S. 25th East | 523-4411
2) Olive Garden
1305 W. Broadway | 227-0545
3) Lucy’s New York Pizzeria
725 E. Anderson St. | 524-2800
Japanese
Blue Hashi
Blue Hashi (hashi means chopsticks in Japanese) is on Hitt road across from Edwards’ Theater. It opened four years ago and has been gaining in popularity since. Upon entering the restaurant, there is a warm and inviting feeling. The management and staff are friendly and outgoing, and seem to be well aware that dining out is not only about the food, but also about the experience. They want it to be one you will remember and, ideally, tell your friends about. Though Blue Hashi is famous for their sushi dishes, that is far from the only type of food on the menu. Also available are several “American” dishes, cooked meat dishes and even a kid’s menu. The appetizers include soup, shrimp, calamari rings, and more. The entrees include a variety of rolls and several noodle dishes as well as a surf and turf option.
Top 3
1) Blue Hashi
2894 S. 25th East | 525-2583
2) Wasabi Japanese Restaurant
355 River Parkway | 523-3355
3) Bushido
688 N. Holmes Ave. | 525-9888
International
The Cellar
If you are looking for a fine dining experience with great food and great people, be sure to spend an evening at The Cellar. This establishment will make you feel right at home. (In fact, it actually is a home that has been converted into a beautiful restaurant.) In addition to its many entrees, The Cellar offers an extensive wine list, a full bar and wonderful exterior deck in the ancient pine trees. The dining rooms seat nearly 90 people, and the bar and deck seat 42 more. The Cellar also provides banquet and catering services for weddings, receptions and parties.
Top 3
1) The Cellar
3520 E. 17th St. | 525-9300
2) Whitewater Grill
355 River Parkway | 523-3355
3) Rutabaga’s
415 River Parkway | 529-3990
Italian
Carino's
Here’s a restaurant that not only makes great Italian specialties, but makes them in abundance. From quaint appetizers like the hand-breaded calamari to the Classic Pizza Margherita, Chicken Scaloppini and Lobster Ravioli (our editor’s stated favorite), the menu is a culinary adventure for anyone with an interest in Italian cuisine. For before, during and after your meal, the restaurant offers numerous desserts, salads and signature Italian drinks. And thanks to their popular catering service, you can secure Carino’s cuisine for a variety of parties, gatherings and celebrations.
Top 3
1) Carino’s Italian
2833 S. 25th East | 523-4411
2) Olive Garden
1305 W. Broadway | 227-0545
3) Lucy’s New York Pizzeria
725 E. Anderson St. | 524-2800
Juice
Jamba Juice
Now 700 stores strong, Jamba Juice has grown into a favorite destination for “better-for-you” beverages and foods. It’s not just about juice, of course. Organic tea lattes, steel-cut oatmeal, Grab-N-Go wraps, salads and sandwiches all have their part in the Jamba Juice lineup. Jamba’s product offerings have caught on quickly throughout the country. Local juice favorites are as varied as the flavors offered, but for a sure thing, consider the Classic Smoothie line, especially the Blackberry Bliss. The only downside is that it’s so tasty you’ll likely over-sip it. Ya know what that means: Brain freeze!
Top 3
1) Jamba Juice
1803 S. 2500 East | 542-0231
2) Juice Jungle
1250 W Broadway St. | 552-7664
2139 E 17th St. | 552-5282
530 E 17th St. | 529-6699
3) Starbucks
2 locations | 522-1974
Java
Great Harvest Bread. Co.
Also the big winner in our “Bakery” and “Sandwiches” divisions, Great Harvest has become a local favorite recently for its Java coffee. While primarily a bread maker, the establishment (located downtown on A Street as well as on 17th Street) offers a style of coffee that is hardly a side dish to dedicated customers. In fact, in Idaho Falls Great Harvest is offering a full-service coffee and espresso bar thanks to a new partnership with local roasters, Snake River Roasting Co.
Top 3
1) Great Harvest Bread Co.
360 A Street | 522-7444
1505 E 17th Street | 542-0812
2) Java Espress
1250 W Broadway St. | 552-7664
2139 E 17th St. | 552-5282
530 E 17th St. | 529-6699
3) Villa Coffeehouse
344 Park Ave. | 524-8882
Mexican
Pachanga's
Now in its new location adjacent to Civitan Plaza in Historic Downtown, this establishment is more popular than ever. From its famous Burro to the more exotic Lobster Enchiladas, Pachanga’s has a plate for every palette. When in doubt, try the “Pollo Fundido.” This dish is tender, well-seasoned chicken and cheese in a flour tortilla that is deep-fried to a crisp golden brown. It is then cut in half, garnished with cheese, black beans and corn then served with rice and beans. Just awesome.
Top 3
1) Pachanga’s
501 Park Ave. | 522-1976
2) Jalisco’s
2107 E. 17th St. | 552-2021
325 River Parkway | 612-0102
3) Cafe Rio
2537 S. 25th East | 821-3636
Pizza
Papa Tom's Pizza
A staple in Idaho Falls for much more than “just pizza,” Papa Tom’s does in fact have some of the most delicious pizza you’ll find anywhere in the region. Lunch time can be an adventure in crowd control at this establishment, just because the menu is so perfect for a mid-day meal. It’s also perfect for large groups and events. It’s economical, kid-friendly, open late and always hospitable. It is a local favorite by every measure that matters. And yes, they also deliver.
Top 3
1) Papa Tom’s Pizza
1830 S. Woodruff Ave. | 523-6800
2) Papa Murphy’s Take & Bake
1600 E. 17th St. | 523-7200
1857 W. Broadway | 528-9800
3) Lucy’s New York Style Pizzeria
725 E. Anderson St. | 524-2800
Steak/Seafood
The Sandpiper
Perched on the shore of the Snake River, The Sandpiper is a legendary destination for superb dining of all kinds. Its reputation as a steakhouse is also legendary, but it is less known as a great restaurant for fresh seafood. In fact, it’s arguably more accomplished as a seafood restaurant than anything else, and that’s saying something. From perfectly steamed clams or pan fried oysters to crab, lobster and other fresh catches, you’ll find seafood fare here in abundance.
Top 3
1) Sandpiper
750 Lindsay Blvd. | 524-3444
2) Texas Roadhouse
2535 S. 25th East | 542-9988
3) Jaker’s Bar & Grill
851 Lindsay Blvd. | 524-5240
Sandwiches
Great Harvest Bread Co.
This establishment has the rare distinction of being a triple-crown winner in this year’s restaurant awards, and for good reason. Its Java is top notch, and more importantly, its bread is without equal. Perhaps for that reason, Great Harvest has become a clear favorite for best sandwiches in town. Beyond the great bread is an endless array of combinations to make the perfect sandwich, including a full selection of quality meats, fresh vegetables and creative spreads.
Top 3
1) Great Harvest
360 A Street | 522-7444
1505 E 17th Street | 542-0812
2) Sandwich Tree
500 W. 17th St. | 529-5875
3) Gandolfo’s New York Deli
1685 S. Woodruff | 542-0027