Best Overall Restaurant for 2012
The immediate internal feedback on the 2012 results could be pared down to two distinct comments: “close call” and “huge upset.” By a margin of 10 votes, Jaker’s Bar & Grill edged out The Sandpiper to be voted I.F.’s Best Restaurant by the readers and followers of Idaho Falls magazine. This year marks an end (or some might argue–a brief interruption) to the Sandpiper’s impressive six-year reign.
Featuring a menu that’s “extensive, but not expensive” Jaker’s was uniformly praised for its impeccable food, excellent service and comfortable atmosphere. It also scored high marks for the depth of its menu, which includes a number of unique dishes that have served as menu-setters at the restaurant’s sister establishments in Montana and western Idaho.
Under the 32-year ownership of Jake Jones, Patti Jennings, the General Manager, has worked there for 20 years. Tammy Sorensen, the Chef/Kitchen Manager has spent 17 years at Jaker’s. Having the same people in the same positions for this long naturally leads to consistency in all areas. And everyone at Jaker’s pride themselves on their consistent quality.
Whether you are looking for a place to enjoy lunch, afternoon drinks, or dinner, Jaker’s has what you need.
The name may be a little misleading. Jaker’s is a lot more than just a bar and grill. Their menu also includes a wide array of other food items including “fun foods,” appetizers, sandwiches, wraps, fish, seafood, pastas, and salads. In 2009, they added a soup and salad bar that is available as an all-you-can-eat entree or as an add-on to any of their other dishes. Along with a large selection of salad items, they also have clam chowder, lobster bisque, baked potato soup, chicken corn chowder and a soup du jour.
If you have ever wondered why so many people speak so highly of Jaker’s and you have never been, you owe yourself a visit to this excellent restaurant.
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 (listed here in alphabetical order). 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.
The Cellar
3520 E. 17th St. | 525-9300
Dixie’s Diner
2150 Channing Way | 542-1950
Jaker’s Bar & Grill
851 Lindsay Blvd. | 524-5240
www.jakers.com
Pachangas
552 N. Capital Ave. | 522-1976
Reed’s Dairy
2660 West Broadway St.,
522-0123
Sandpiper
750 Lindsay Blvd. | 524-3344
www.idahofallssandpiper.com
Smitty’s Pancake and Steakhouse
645 West Broadway
523-6450
SnakeBite
401 Park Ave. | 525-2522
Stockmans
1175 Pier View Dr. | 552-6500
www.stockmansrestaurant.com
Texas Roadhouse
2535 S. 25th E. | 542-9988
www.texasroadhouse.com
Bakery
Great Harvest Bread Co.
Just a block west of I.F. Magazine’s offices in Historic Downtown, our staffers will be the first to attest that the daily-fresh baked goods from Great Harvest are a scent to behold. Born in Montana, Great Harvest has locations throughout the region, including two right here in Idaho Falls. Honey whole wheat is the biggest seller, followed by whole grain breads like Dakota, Nine Grain and High-Five Fiber. Other bakery products include granola, cinnamon rolls, muffins, scones, cookies, specialty batter breads, gourmet jams and peanut butter, dipping oils and soup mixes.
Top 3
1) Great Harvest Bread
360 A Street | 522-7444
1505 E 17th Street | 542-0812
2) Geraldine’s Bake Shop
3160 E. 17th St. | 552-7057
1855 W. Broadway | 542-0112
3) Cocoa Bean
2545 S. 25th East | 542-9492
Fine Dining
Jaker’s Bar & Grill
From its succulent steaks to its fresh seafood and talented culinary team, the overall winner is also an obvious pick for fine dining excellence. And enough can never be said of the establishment’s cozy atmosphere. 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.
Jaker’s is actually a lot more than just a bar and grill. It’s a fine-dining experience that you’ll never forget.
Top 3
1) Jaker’s Bar & Grill
851 Lindsay Blvd. | 524-5240
1) Sandpiper
750 Lindsay Blvd. | 524-3444
3) SnakeBite Restaurant
401 Park Ave. | 525-2522
American
The SnakeBite Restaurant
A SnakeBite hamburger is legendary, but its namesake establishment in Historic Downtown is also well known for its other specialty dishes, including some of the best fish tacos in the region, perfectly crafted salads and a variety of unique specialty dishes.
Since the restaurant’s inception in 1994, its owners have put their hearts and souls into making this restaurant the best it can be. It certainly shows, as 2012 marks the fourth year in a row that The SnakeBite has been named Best American Casual category. They also were named to the “Top-10” Restaurant list for the third straight year.
Top 3
1) SnakeBite Restaurant
401 Park Ave. | 542-5338
2) Texas Roadhouse
2545 S. 25th East | 542-9492
3) Stockman’s
1175 Pier View Dr. | 552-6500
Barbeque
Famous Dave’s
You won’t find a better plate of hickory-smoked ribs or Georgia chopped pork anywhere, especially after it’s slathered with rich and sassy barbecue sauce. Famous Dave’s also features smokin’ sandwiches, mouth-watering burgers, garden fresh salads and homestyle desserts all served up in a casual atmosphere. For a fun featurette on the dining experience here, check out www.idahofallsmagazine.com’s InMotion “Lunch Bunch” video. It’s a hoot!
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 several decades, Smitty’s has captivated the artistic interest of its patrons thanks to its walls adorned with local painter Werner Gisin’s finest paintings, not to mention various furnishings and keepsakes that reflect the restaurant’s collective charms.
This restaurant is synonymous with fantastic pancakes, but it also offers a plethora of other breakfast items in various combinations. Come back later in the day and try out the dinner menu! The wait staff is very friendly and always ready to assist you with any needs that you might have.
Top 3
1) Smitty’s Pancake & Steak House
645 W. Broadway | 523-6450
2) Perkin’s Restaurant & Bakery
2000 Channing Way | 529-9955
3) International House of Pancakes
2463 S. 25th East | 524-0885
Chinese/Orientall
Happy Chinese
Another proud tenant of Historic Downtown Idaho Falls, Happy Chinese Restaurant was first established here 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 award-winning menu covers the gamut from appetizers to lunch specials, dinners and family specials. Chicken, beef, pork, and seafood meals can be enjoyed here, along with delicious rice, soup, and noodles. The House Special Fried Rice is one of its best dishes, along with a variety of combo meals.
Top 3
1) Happy Chinese
549 Park Ave. | 522-2091
1060 E. 17th Street | 552-2882
2) Panda Express
1151 S. 25th East | 227-9809
3) Hong Kong
1570 W. Broadway | 522-2091
Grill
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
Another big name in chains, Red Robin has found a huge amount of success at its new location in Idaho Falls–just a short walk from the Grand Teton Mall. Burgers are its main fare, but it also serves up other great items hot off the grill. In fact, Red Robin has won Best Burger in the Full-Service Category of the national Zagat Fast-Food Survey for the third year in a row. The establishment has a well-defined bar section but is also heralded as a fantastic family restaurant. In fact, it has won accolades from Parenting magazine as one of the top 10 restaurant chains. It’s a great place to stop for a high-quality meal after a full day of shopping or as a precursor to a night at the movies.
Top 3
1) Red Robin
2540 E. 17th St. | 528-8866
2) Applebee’s
635 N. Utah Ave. | 528-8985
3) Frosty Gator
298 D Street | 529-3334
Fast Food
Chick-fil-A
Practically overnight, this nationally successful brand in fast-serve establishments has become a bona fide favorite on the East side of town. Opened to huge fanfare late last year, Chick-fil-A has since become a favorite for quick service and unique products (as well as its entertaining bovine mascots). One definite item to try is the Spicy Chicken Sandwich. It features a boneless breast of chicken, seasoned with a spicy blend of peppers, hand-breaded, pressure-cooked in refined peanut oil and served with dill pickle chips on a toasted, buttered bun.
Top 3
1) Chick-fil-A
3003 S. 25th East | 523-2697
2) Wendy’s
4 locations | 522-5322
3) Scotty’s Drive-In
560 Northgate Mile | 523-6382
Ice Cream
Reed’s Dairy
Always a perennial favorite in the realm of frozen sweet goodness, Reed’s has a huge variety of rich, homemade ice cream that truly sets them apart. The dairy itself is a summer afternoon getaway. The counter gets busy at times, which says a lot about Reed’s Dairy in the eyes (taste buds) of loyal customers. Reed’s Dairy will be returning for a fourth year to the magazine’s Scoop Jam! ice cream party with their homemade flavors, which are truly unsurpassed.
Top 3
1) Reed’s Dairy
2660 W. Broadway | 522-0123
2) Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt
2797 S. 25th East | 542-6964
3) Kiwi Loco
3198 S. 25th East | 538-0814
International
The Cellar
Live music, inviting food and exceptional service are only the beginning of The Cellar experience. Few other fine dining destinations will go so far to make sure that you feel right at home. In fact, The Cellar 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. Along with a summer packed full of great food and great music, the restaurant is hosting a series of one-act plays.
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
Now entering its fifth year here in Idaho Falls, Blue Hashi has been gaining in popularity with every meal served. Much of the credit goes right to the great tasting food, but it also a result of expert management and a highly trained staff. Dining out is not only about the food, but also about the experience. Blue Hashi could easily have this statement as its official motto. The restaurant is famous for its sushi dishes, but 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) 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
Just do one thing and do it well, so the saying goes. In the world of fine restaurants that line of thinking doesn’t quite cut it. Enter Carino’s, a highly regarded establishment that makes great Italian specialties, but also 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) Blue Hashi
2894 S. 25th East | 525-2583
2) Wasabi Japanese & Sushi Bar
355 River Parkway | 523-3355
3) Bushido
688 N. Holmes Ave. | 525-9888
Java
Starbucks
From its meager beginnings at Pike Place Market in Seattle, Starbucks is now one of the largest names in coffee. Even back in the early 1970s, the company was on a mission to provide the world’s finest fresh-roasted whole bean coffees. The name, inspired by Moby Dick, evoked the romance of the high seas and the seafaring tradition of the early coffee traders. Today, Starbucks are everywhere. On Broadway Ave. here in Idaho Falls, the brand’s popularity has truly hit a high note. The coffee is great, and the pastries and specialty drinks are an adventure for the senses.
Top 3
1) Starbucks
157 Houston Circle | 522-1974
1555 Northgate Mile | 542-0812
2) Great Harvest Bread Co.
360 A St. | 522-7444
1505 E 17th St. | 535-2520
3) Java Espress
1250 W Broadway | 552-7664
2139 E 17th St. | 552-5282
530 E 17th St. | 529-6699
Mexican
Pachanga’s
Some local Mexican-food establishments are hard to tell apart. Similar menus. Similar taste. Then we have Pachanga’s. Prior to last year’s awards, the restaurant had just moved into its new digs across from Civitan Plaza in Historic Downtown. Before it even opened its doors, the establishment had become more popular than ever. From its famous Burro to the more exotic Lobster Enchiladas, Pachanga’s has a plate for every palette, as well as some delicious micro-brews. 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) Garcia’s
2180 E. 17th St. | 522-2000
Juice
Jamba Juice
What beats the sweet taste of a sweet, juicy, slushy drink from Jamba Juice? For starters, there’s all that plus the piece of mind that you’re not packing in the sugar. Jamba has a strong presence on the East side of I.F., but that’s just one of some 700 storefronts across the country, where 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. Our favorite is the Classic Smoothie line, especially the Blackberry Bliss. It’s 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) Starbucks
157 Houston Circle | 522-1974
1555 Northgate Mile | 542-0812
3) Coca Bean
2545 S. 25th East | 542-9492
Steak/Seafood
Sandpiper
Year after year, there are few if any restaurants that we would call uniformly superior in service, ambiance and quality of food. That is nothing short of saying, “This is the best restaurant in town, period.” For the past six years, The Sandpiper has worn that crown, and deservedly so. A big part of its lofty stature is its two best offerings: steak and seafood. While its reputation as a steakhouse is already legendary, it is less known as a great restaurant for fresh seafood. 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
Pizza
Lucy’s Pizzeria
Named in honor of a now deceased English bulldog, Lucy’s pizza is an authentic New York Style pizzeria. What is New York Style Pizza? The pizzas are large and characterized by a puffy, bread-like, outer crust which quickly tapers down to a very thin, crisp middle. Placed on cooking stones and fired at 600 degrees, the tasty crust is unique in the Idaho Falls area. Lucy’s Pizzeria serves up a perfect slice-in-house, on-the-go or delivery.
Top 3
1) Lucy’s New York Style Pizzeria
725 E. Anderson St. | 524-2800
2489 East 25th Street | 523-7777
2) Papa Tom’s Pizza
1830 S. Woodruff Ave. | 523-6800
3) Papa Murphy’s Take & Bake
1600 E. 17th St. | 523-7200
1857 W. Broadway | 528-9800
Sandwiches
Jimmy John’s
Jimmy John’s has a pair of locations in I.F. and both have no problem staying busy. The focus is pretty simple–making great subs. As the company’s founder puts it, “Bread is baked in-house everyday and served fresh. Meat and veggies are sliced fresh in-house everyday. The turkey is real turkey, the roast beef is real roast beef – no additives, no vegetable-based fillers, no fake stuff.”
The sandwiches are great devoured in-house, but just as good when you have them handed to you at your doorstep. Jimmy Johns is a great option for those busy days at the home or office.
Top 3
1) Jimmy John’s
402 South Utah | 542-0555
3108 S. 25th East | 524-0505
2) Sandwich Tree
500 W. 17th St. | 529-5875
3) 5 Guys Burgers
2541 S. 25th East | 522-4448