2021 Dining Awards

After a one year break thanks to the pandemic, Idaho Falls Magazine is back with our annual dining awards—a feat that wouldn’t be possible without your continued support of our magazine and local restaurants. 

This year we had more votes than ever before with thousands of submissions through our online survey. This is a reflection of our wonderful community and the wide variety of yummy eats in our area. Supporting local restaurants is a worthy cause that our wallets and our stomachs can always get behind. 

The votes are in and now it’s time to share the results. Here are the restaurants that readers across the Greater Idaho Falls region voted to win the 2021 Dining Awards.

Best Asian/Chinese Restaurant

New Hong Kong Restaurant

Whether you’re dining inside the New Hong Kong Restaurant or taking your food home to enjoy with the family, the staff at this local chinese restaurant will ensure you have everything you need for a tasty meal. The Idaho Falls establishment is known for putting modern twists on traditional dishes that will have you crying for more.

1. New Hong Kong Restaurant

1820 Jennie Lee Dr // 208-528-8883

2. Yummy House

354 W Broadway St // 208-524-6188

3. Happy Chinese Restaurant

504 Shoup Ave // 208-522-2091

4. Hong Kong Restaurant

1570 W Broadway St // 208-522-9919

5. Canton Restaurant

2173 E 17th St // 208-523-3448

Best Bakery

Carsten’s Bakery

A traditional staple to the downtown dining scene, Carsten’s Bakery serves up delicious baked goods daily. The bakery covers everything from cakes to special occasions to donuts to satisfy those morning sugar cravings we are all familiar with.

1. Carsten’s Bakery

243 Cliff St // 208-529-3629

2. Baker’s Dozen

561 S Woodruff Ave // 208-524-1833 

3. City Bagels & Bakery

369 Shoup Ave // 208-881-5778

4. Great Harvest Bread Co.

Historic Downtown

360 A St // 208-522-7444

City Center on 17th 

1505 E 17th St // 208-542-0812

5. Geraldine’s Bake Shoppe & Deli

3160 E 17th St // 208-552-7057

Best Barbeque

Grandpa’s Southern BBQ

The South doesn’t have anything on the Far West when it comes to Grandpa’s Southern BBQ. Whether you’re in it for the barbeque sauce you can lick right off of your fingertips or the smoked meats, you’re in the right place.

1. Grandpa’s Southern BBQ

1540 W Broadway // 208-357-4724

2. Pitmaster BarBQue Company

1305 Fremont Ave // 208-542-2727

3. Raised Southern Barbecue Co.

152 S State St // 208-701-5819

4. Lil’ Mike’s Bar-B-Que

116 S Clark St // 208-534-1802

Best Bar & Grill

The SnakeBite Restaurant

A frequent winner of the Idaho Falls Magazine Dining Awards in years previous, The SnakeBite Restaurant offers  high-end American cuisine, including gourmet burgers, steaks, pastas and a great selection of microbrews! 

1. The SnakeBite Restaurant

401 Park Ave // 208-525-2522

2. Jakers Bar and Grill

851 Lindsay Blvd // 208-524-5240

3. The Bee’s Knees Pub & Catering Co.

850 Lindsay Blvd // 208-680-4433

4. Blue Wave

2060 Rollandet St // 208-523-8347

5. Teton House

3563 E Menan Lorenzo Hwy // 208-227-8597

Best Breakfast Restaurant

Abracadabra’s

Experiment with magical creations, such as breakfast nachos and Captain Crunch-covered french toast, or stick to the familiar eggs, meat and spud. Either way you will find a meal that is a crowd-pleaser during your visit for breakfast at this local restaurant. 

1. Abracadabra’s

2040 Channing Way // 208-881-9024

2. Smitty’s Pancake and Steakhouse

645 W Broadway St // 208-523-6450

3. North Hi-Way Cafe

460 Northgate Mile // 208-522-6212

4. Dixie’s Diner

2150 Channing Way // 208-542-1950

5. O’Brady’s Restaurant

1438 W Broadway St // 208-523-2132

Best Diner

Dixie’s Diner

Old tunes and milkshakes. What more could you ask for at a classic diner? This local eatery offers jukebox machines at every table and diner tables to make your heart sing, including burgers, fries, soups, salads, sandwiches, and a wide range of dinner options, including an area favorite -- country fried chicken.

1. Dixie’s Diner

2150 Channing Way // 208-542-1950

2. North Hi-Way Cafe 

460 Northgate Mile // 208-522-6212

3. Smitty’s Pancake and Steakhouse

645 W Broadway St // 208-523-6450

4. Diablas Kitchen

525 River Pkwy // 208-522-1510

5. Rusty Lantern Diner

10868 N Yellowstone Hwy // 208-522-2254

Best Drink Shop

Pick Me Up

Everyone needs a “pick me up!” Luckily there are two locations in Idaho Falls to make sure you get your soda fix of the day. Some of the local favorites include the Uptown which pairs Coca Cola or Pepsi with coconut and the Lucky which pairs Dr. Pepper with raspberry and coconut.

1. Pick Me Up

Idaho Falls West - 900 Pancheri Dr

Idaho Falls Central - 200 S Woodruff Ave

2. Java Espress

Anderson - 745 E Anderson St

Broadway - 1250 Broadway St

Hallpark - 1510 E 17th St

Teton - 2139 E 17th St

3. Jamba

Idaho Falls - 1803 S 2500 E

Idaho Falls West - 417 S Utah Ave

Grand Teton Mall - 2300 E 17th St 

4. The Drink Factory

2565 E 17th St // 208-557-9462

5. Soda Tsunami

2300 S 25th E // 208-970-6712

Best Fast Service Restaurant

Scotty’s Drive-In

Food you can take on-the-go grows in importance yearly as our lives grow busier and busier. Scotty’s Drive-In continues to keep up with times by continually serving fresh-cut fries and shakes. Dine inside or in your car for the full drive-in experience.

1. Scotty’s Drive-In

560 Northgate Mile // 208-523-6382

2. Franklin’s Famous Cheesesteak Co.

170 Elm St // 208-881-5170

3. Los Albertos

450 1st St // 208-542-0391

Los Albertos 2

318 S Woodruff Ave // 208-524-9011

4. Fiesta Olè

Skyline

220 S Skyline Dr // 208-529-0374

Yellowstone

1856 N Yellowstone Hwy // 208-529-2662

17th St

2110 E 17th St // 208-523-8226

5. Sweeto Burrito

2090 E 17th St // 208-346-8295

Best Fine Dining 

Jakers Bar and Grill

When you visit Jakers Bar and Grill you aren’t just taking part in a fine dining experience, you’re joining a home away from home for a meal you will never forget. Jakers has your top cravings made from scratch, including top-grade beef.

1. Jakers Bar and Grill 

851 Lindsay Blvd // 208-524-5240

2. Stockman’s Restaurant

1175 Pier View Dr // 208-552-6500

3. Sandpiper Restaurant

750 Lindsay Blvd // 208-524-3344

4. Copper Rill Restaurant

415 River Pkwy // 208-529-5800

5. The SnakeBite Restaurant

401 Park Ave // 208-525-2522

Best Food Truck

Fire and Smoke

Hunting down the Fire and Smoke is an absolute necessity while running errands around town. Pulled-pork nachos, macaroni and cheese, chili dogs and baked potatoes are just a few of the truck’s tasty options. Track down their schedule on Facebook so that you can be in the right place to partake of their smoked meats.

1. Fire and Smoke

Rotating Locations // 208-569-9767

2. Tacos Izcalli

735 W Broadway St // 208-346-2583

3. Sugared Moose Mini Donuts

17th St in parking lot of Centennial Square // 208-716-2184

4. Park Avenue Grill

1480 Fremont Ave // 208-709-4089

5. Tacos Las Penitas 3

115 S Higbee Ave // 208-419-2858

Best Ice Cream

Reed’s Dairy

Reed’s Dairy isn’t just the place to fulfill your ice cream cravings. It’s also the spot to pick up your fresh dairy products. The West Broadway location offers a family fun experience with farm animals on-sight for the littles to meet and pet after enjoying a sweet treat.

1. Reed’s Dairy

Idaho Falls

2660 W Broadway St // 208-522-5223

Ammon

2523 East Sunnyside // 208-524-1077

2. Manwaring Cheese and Gelato

310 N Eastern Ave // 208-313-8247

3. Baskin Robbins

1253 E 17th St // 208-524-3131

4. Pop’s Ice Cream

475 Park Ave // 208-206-1261

5. Orange Leaf

3340 S 25th E // 208-542-6964

Best International Restaurant

Mongolian Grill

Have you ever gone to a restaurant and struggled to find exactly what you want? It’s an experience most people can relate to, but one that you don’t have to experience when you visit the Mongolian Grill. Add your desired toppings and noodles into a bowl before watching the magic happen as chefs put your meal together right in front of you.

1. Mongolian Grill

2153 E 17th St // 208-524-7768

2. Arugula Deli

261 Walnut St // 208-656-7784

3. Tandoori Oven

3204 S 25th E // 208-522-8263

4. The Celt Pub and Grill

398 W Broadway St // 208-881-5128

5. Thai Kitchen

752 E 17th St // 208-528-5420

Best Java

Java Espress

Coffee isn’t just a treat, it’s a lifestyle, something the folks over at Java Espress take seriously. Cups of Joe aren’t the only thing these local shops serve up, they also serve up creamies (milkshakes), smoothies, teas and sodas.

1. Java Espress

Anderson - 745 E Anderson St

Broadway - 1250 Broadway St

Hallpark - 1510 E 17th St

Teton - 2139 E 17th St

2. Villa Coffeehouse

344 Park Ave // 208-524-8882

3. Great Harvest Bread Co.

Historic Downtown

360 A St // 208-522-7444

City Center on 17th 

1505 E 17th St // 208-542-0812

4. City Bagels & Bakery

369 Shoup Ave // 208-881-5778

5. Chapolera Coffee

335 1st St // 208-970-7211

Best Mexican Restaurant

Jalisco’s Mexican Restaurant

With two locations, one located along the falls and the other along 17th, Jalisco’s dominates the Mexican food scene in Idaho Falls. Offering authentic Mexican cuisine and decor so that you can fully immerse yourself in their dining experience.

1. Jalisco’s Mexican Restaurant

17th St

2107 E 17th St // 208-552-2021

River Pkwy

235 River Pkwy // 208-612-0102

2. Pachanga’s Mexican Restaurant

435 A St // 208-522-1976

3. Morenita’s

450 Whittier St // 208-522-9319

4. Garcia’s Street Taco & Pelona’s Fruit Oasis

3000 S 25th E // 208-403-8247 

5. !Cafe Sabor!

2635 S 25th E // 208-529-1565

Best Pizza/Italian

Papa Tom’s Pizza

You don’t just have to be in it for the pizza when you visit Papa Tom’s. This local Italian restaurant also produces some of the top sandwiches and salads in the area. Papa Tom’s also has all of your classic pizzas and new combos to try, including the Friday Delight, which features shrimp, olives and mushrooms.

1. Papa Tom’s Pizza

1830 S Woodruff Ave // 208-523-6800

2. Lucy’s New York Style Pizzeria

Broadway

560 W Broadway St // 208-524-2800

Hitt Rd

2770 S 25th E // 208-523-7777

3. Mackenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub

1490 Milligan Rd // 208-932-2987

4. Uncle Benny’s Pizza

620 W Broadway St // 208-524-7455

5. Pie Hole 

321 Park Ave // 208-346-8024

Best Sandwiches/Deli

Sandwich Tree

With a loyal following, it’s a given that Sandwich Tree would be chosen by our readers as the best sandwich shop in town. The windows of the shop decorated with inviting illustrations are just the beginning of the detailed effort the Sandwich Tree puts into its customizable sandwiches, as well as serving the community. 

1. Sandwich Tree

500 W 17th St // 208-529-5875

2. Manwaring Cheese and Gelato

310 N Eastern Ave // 208-313-8247

3. Arugula Deli

261 Walnut St // 208-656-7784

4. Great Harvest Bread Co.

Historic Downtown

360 A St // 208-522-7444

City Center on 17th 

1505 E 17th St // 208-542-0812

5. Gandolfo’s New York Deli

1685 S Woodruff Ave // 208-542-0027

Best Steak & Seafood 

Stockman’s Restaurant

Located in Snake River Landing, Stockman’s Restaurant brings fresh-cut steaks, homemade dressings and seafood that will keep you returning daily. Share a batch of Snake River nachos with your party or satisfy your voracious appetite with Stockman’s famous all-you-can-eat sirloin steak.

1. Stockman’s Restaurant

1175 Pier View Dr // 208-552-6500

2. Jakers Bar and Grill

851 Lindsay Blvd // 208-524-5240

3. Teton House

3563 E Menan Lorenzo Hwy // 208-227-8597

4. Sandpiper Restaurant

750 Lindsay Blvd // 208-524-3344

5. Smokin' Fins

370 Memorial Dr // 208-524-4610

Best Sushi 

Blue Hashi

Blue Hashi doesn’t just produce some of the best sushi in town; the establishment also produces picture-ready plates perfect for your admiring eye or your Instagram account. This eye-catching meal will leave your party planning their next trip out.

1. Blue Hashi

2894 S Hitt Rd // 208-525-2583

2. Fuji Hibachi & Sushi

2625 S 25th E // 208-523-3854

3. Smokin Fins

370 Memorial Dr // 208-524-4610

4. Sushi Time 

3448 S 25th E // 208-529-8463

5. Snow Eagle Brewing & Grill

455 River Pkwy // 208-557-0455

Best Sweets 

Crumbl Cookies

Decadent cookies pumped with creamy fillings, layered with chocolate or smothered with a variety of frosting and toppings are sure to make anyone happy. However, you can never get enough of Crumbl when they have a rotating menu. Watch their social media accounts to keep up with their flavors of the week, ranging from cosmic brownie to waffle to blueberry crumb cake.

1. Crumbl Cookies

2656 E Sunnyside Rd // 208-268-8222

2. Love at First Bite

901 Pier View Dr #101 // 208-522-7788

3. The Caramel Tree

Historic Downtown

368 A St // 208-932-4930

Idaho Falls

2289 E 17th St // 208-497-5006

4. The Cookie Place

Idaho Falls West

404 S Utah Ave // 208-970-6079

Idaho Falls East

2087 E 17th St // 208-970-6078

5. Great Harvest Bread Co.

Historic Downtown

360 A St // 208-522-7444

City Center on 17th 

1505 E 17th St // 208-542-0812

Best Wine & Craft Beer

Tap-N-Fill

Grab a drink on tap to finish off a long day or visit for a scheduled wine tasting. Tap-N-Fill is one of the top places in the area to unwind with your favorite beverage and a staff that feels like family.

1. Tap-N-Fill

1494 Milligan Rd // 208-524-4577

2. The Celt Pub and Grill

398 W Broadway St // 208-881-5128

3. The Bee’s Knees Pub & Catering Co.

850 Lindsay Blvd // 208-680-4433

4. MarCellar’s Vintage Wines & Brews

431 Park Ave // 208-523-0503

5. Snow Eagle Brewing & Grill

455 River Pkwy // 208-557-0455

From the Staff

Idaho Falls Magazine’s top local picks

Editor’s Choice

Manwaring Cheese and Gelato

It was an impossible task not to include Manwaring Cheese and Gelato as a winner in the 2021 Dining Awards. Cross Yellowstone Highway and the train tracks for homemade gelato and cheese. Get your salty fix with a grilled cheese sandwich and your sweet fix with rotating gelato flavors, including white chocolate raspberry and orange cream.

310 N Eastern Ave // 208-313-8247

Editor’s Choice

Papa Kelsey’s Pizza & Subs 

With locations in Idaho Falls and Rigby, Papa Kelsey’s gives the Greater Idaho Falls region plenty of opportunities to get ahold of their delicious pizzas and subs. However, pizza night isn’t complete without a bucket full of Papa Kelsey’s spicy fries. Pair your order with some ham and cheese subs and you will find yourself ready to combat even the pickiest of eaters in your family or friend group.

2285 E 17th St // 208-523-3136

Best New Restaurant

Cast Iron on 17th

The Cast Iron on 17th has replaced the previously occupied restaurant with a unique fine dining experience full of French cuisine and eccentric decor. The new restaurant offers the best of the best, including its namesakeTomahawk Ribeye and raspberry chocolate mousse. 

3520 E 17th St // 208-557-8458