The votes are in! It’s that time again when we answer everyone’s questions about another year of East Idaho Dining Awards from Idaho Falls Magazine. Here you’ll find the restaurants that readers across the Greater Idaho Falls region named the best of the best.
Best OverallD’Railed
Dinner at D’Railed is an experience truly worthy of anniversary dinners and special birthdays. You can expect life-changing bites with a menu including selections of A5 Japanese Wagyu beef, Ora King Salmon, Red King Crab and beyond. Chef Jay Drahota has made it his mission to bring a world-class dining experience to Idaho Falls, and from the looks of it, he’s succeeding.
468 N Eastern Ave 208-932-1082
Best Wine & Craft Beer
Idaho Brewing Company Best Wine & Craft Beer
If you want a taste of some expertly crafted ales and other brews, look no further. The Idaho Brewing Company offers an impressive selection of ales and other brews to keep you warm from the inside out. Stop by their tasting room for an experience you won’t forget!
775 S Capital Ave 208-534-7232
Best Bakery
Mrs. Powell’s Best Bakery
This hometown bakery has been a local favorite since 1984. With a tasty menu of baked goods ranging from sweet to savory, there’s something for everyone in the family. Mrs. Powell’s is most well known for their classic cinnamon rolls and has a growing variety of tempting flavors. The bakery whips up their treats from scratch daily, so everything is always fresh and ready to be devoured.
1813 S 25th E 208-523-5055
Best Asian/Chinese Restaurant
Great Hunan
When the craving for Chinese food hits, Great Hunan has you covered with their extensive menu of classic Chinese dishes. Whether you’re hoping for a crispy plate of sweet and sour chicken or perfect egg rolls, this place will hit the spot.
2647 S 25th E 208-552-3000
Best Diner
Dixie’s Diner
When you’re looking for the best jukebox music (they still do that?) and the kind of food that will make you drool, Dixie’s is your place. Bring quarters to your table to enjoy your favorite old-timey tunes, and wear your stretchy pants. The menu at Dixie’s Diner rocks it with everything from burgers to fried chicken to your favorite breakfast plate. And don’t forget a milkshake!
2150 Channing Way 208-542-1950
Best Barbeque
Lil’ Mike’s Bar-B-Que
This hotspot in Rigby offers everything you want when you get a hankering for barbecue— fall-off-the bone ribs in sweet, sticky sauce, tender and flavorful meats, tasty sides. You can’t go wrong with this one!
116 S Clark St, Rigby 208-534-1802
The SnakeBite Restaurant Best Bar & Grill
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!
401 Park Ave 208-525-2522
Best Breakfast Restaurant
Abracadabra’s
If you’re looking for the perfect breakfast experience in Idaho Falls, look no further. Start with the breakfast nachos or Captain Crunch-covered french toast for a game-changing meal. Want something more traditional? Your standard breakfast fare at Abracadabra’s is equally magical. Whatever you have, don’t forget to wash it down with a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice.
2040 Channing Way 208-881-9024
Best Fast Service Restaurant
Scotty’s Drive-In
This fast-service joint is a longtime favorite for a reason. Scotty’s Drive-In is known for their delicious fresh-cut fries, creamy shakes and great service. Dine inside or in your car for the full drive-in experience.
560 Northgate Mile 208-523-6382
Best Fine Dining
D'Railed
One meal at D’Railed will change the way you think about fine dining forever. If you want the finest A5 Japanese steaks in the world and melt-in-your mouth appetizers, D’Railed is definitely for you. Also enjoy selections from a premium bourbon, scotch and whisky menu. This is a great place for a romantic anniversary or date-night dinner.
468 N Eastern Ave 208-932-1082
Best Sushi
Blue Hashi
Blue Hashi offers some of the most tasty, expertly-prepared sushi in town. Even beyond taste, this sushi is beautifully presented and almost too pretty to eat. We’re not afraid, though. One bite and you’ll know what we mean!
2894 S Hitt Rd 208-525-2583
Best International Restaurant
Thai Kitchen
Thai Kitchen offers the kind of dining experience that truly transports you to another world. With dishes offering flavors from spicy to mild and textures from crunchy to creamy, this place is a true winner. One taste and you’ll be going back for more.
752 E 17th St 208-528-5420
Best Java
Villa Coffeehouse
A coffee shop should offer more than just a good cup of coffee. At Villa Coffeehouse, people are excited about the cozy ambience and chill atmosphere as well as the great coffee. And don’t forget fresh baked treats and a tempting menu with lots of drink options!
344 Park Ave 208-524-8882
Best Mexican Restaurant
Garcia’s Street Taco & Pelona’s FruitOasis
This popular Mexican restaurant is the talk of the town, and it’s not hard to see why. With menu options ranging from tasty shrimp tacos to a perfect smothered burrito, every bite is fresh and flavorful. If you haven’t tried this one yet, be ready to get in line!
3000 S 25th E 208-403-8247
Best Pizza/Italian
Mackenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub
Not only does Mackenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub serve great pizza, they also offer a lineup of fresh salads and tempting appetizers to boot. One look at their menu of creative pizza options, sandwiches and more lets you know this place offers something for even the pickiest eater in your family.
1490 Milligan Rd 208-932-2987
Best Steak & Seafood
D’Railed
Located across from the Railroad tracks off of Yellowstone Highway, this gastropub offers a premium dining experience you wouldn’t expect to find in Idaho Falls. Options include A5 Japanese Wagyu steak, Ora King Salmon, and other top-tier selections you might normally find at a Michelin Star restaurant.
468 N Eastern Ave 208-932-1082
Best Sandwiches/Deli
Great Harvest Bread Co.
This little bakery offers some of the best sandwiches and salads in town. When you order a sandwich at Great Harvest, you can bet every ingredient will be perfectly fresh, from the lettuce and sprouts to the soft sliced bread still warm from the oven. If you have a sweet tooth, pair your sandwich with a crumbly sweet treat from the bakery for an excellent lunch.
360 A St 208-522-7444 1505 E 17th St 208-542-0812
Best Food Truck
Corn Dog Station
We feel that few things are better than a freshly-dipped and fried corn dog, and apparently our readers agree! The Corn Dog Station hits it out of the park with their crunchy corn dogs available in a range of wacky and hard-to-believe sizes.
Woodruff Ave in parking lot near Ashley Outlet
Best Drink Shop
Pick Me Up
Everyone needs a “pick me up” from time to time! This popular drink stop offers everything and anything you need to get your fix. If you need help deciding, try a local favorite like the Uptown or the Lucky for an extra zing in your cup and the perfect pairing of fruit and fizz. 12 locations statewide.
900 Pancheri Dr, Eagles Landing; Ammon, 200 S Woodruff Ave
Best Sweets
The Caramel Tree
Nobody does caramel like the Caramel Tree. This fun local sweet shop offers a variety of sticky treats from caramel and chocolate-dipped Oreos to perfect cake pops. And if you just want a good bite of caramel, they definitely have you covered (we highly recommend the salted caramels). These sweet treats also make great gifts!
368 A St 208-932-4930
2289 E 17th St 208-497-5006
146 E Main St, Rigby 208-745-8240
Best Ice Cream
Reed’s Dairy
Reed’s Dairy is practically synonymous with ice cream around these parts. This long-standing local favorite offers a mouthwatering lineup of creamy varieties from huckleberry to mint Oreo. They also offer a killer milkshake!
2660 W Broadway St 208-522-5223 2523 East Sunnyside 208-524-1077
Editor’s Choice
Franklin’s Famous Cheesesteak Company
Our staff was quick to vote for Franklin’s Famous Cheesesteak Company as a winner in the 2022 Dining Awards. This fun little restaurant offers a killer cheesesteak sandwich, whether you go with the classic Philly or a more unique option like the Death Valley with ghost pepper cheese. Beyond great sandwiches, they also offer a wide variety of other tasty options, including burgers and a whole breakfast menu. We love this place!
170 Elm St 208-881-5170
Editor’s Choice
Fire & Smoke BBQ
Our lineup of best restaurants wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Fire & Smoke BBQ. The name alone is enough to get our mouths watering. If you want tender, juicy smoked meats with sweet sauce and fantastic sides, you want Fire & Smoke BBQ. These guys will always be winners in our book.
674 1st St 208-569-9767
Editor’s Choice
Pachanga’s
This restaurant offers a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and a menu of classic Mexican dishes to satisfy a variety of differing tastes. You’ll always leave filled and happy. This place is a classic for a reason!
435 A St 208-522-1976