7 Idaho Potato Hotspots Showing Spuds Can Be Gourmet
Idaho potatoes have long been America’s favorite spuds, prized for their fluffy texture, rich flavor, and reliability on any plate. But beyond the classic baked potato lies a whole world of chef-driven creativity, where humble tubers get the white-tablecloth treatment.
Across the Gem State, inventive kitchens are crisping, whipping, smoking, and saucing Idaho spuds into surprising, craveable dishes that earn the spotlight.
Get ready for unexpected flavors, smart techniques, and a few playful twists that just might change how you think about this staple crop.
1. Boise Fry Company
Forget burgers being the main attraction, at Boise Fry Company, potatoes take center stage while ‘burgers on the side’ is their cheeky motto. Customers choose from multiple potato varieties including purple, sweet, russet, and gold before selecting their preferred cut style and seasonings.
The restaurant’s commitment to local sourcing means these fries showcase the best Idaho has to offer. Their signature dipping sauces range from classic fry sauce to unexpected options like blueberry ketchup and garlic aioli.
The walls feature potato-themed art while the staff can happily explain the subtle flavor differences between each potato variety, making this a true potato education disguised as a delicious meal.
2. The BrickYard Steakhouse
Tucked in downtown Boise, The BrickYard Steakhouse transforms the humble spud into sophisticated companions for premium cuts of meat. Their potatoes au gratin arrives stuffed with aged cheddar, crispy bacon, and chives, sporting a golden, crispy top that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
The potato gratin layers thin slices with gruyere and cream, creating a rich side dish that rivals the steak for attention. Many patrons whisper that these potato creations are secretly what brings them back.
The restaurant’s elegant brick-walled interior creates the perfect backdrop for these elevated takes on classic potato preparations, proving that even alongside premium steaks, Idaho potatoes can shine.
3. Westside Drive-In
Chef Lou’s famous Ice Cream Potato at Westside Drive-In proves potatoes can even conquer dessert territory. This whimsical creation features vanilla ice cream shaped like a baked potato, dusted with cocoa powder to mimic potato skin, topped with whipped cream ‘sour cream,’ and yellow-tinted white chocolate ‘butter.’
Last summer, I drove 45 minutes out of my way just to try this legendary treat after seeing it featured on Food Network. The first bite completely fooled my brain, it looked exactly like a potato but tasted like sweet, creamy heaven.
This retro drive-in has been serving this conversation-starting dessert for decades, cementing its status as an Idaho culinary landmark that playfully celebrates the state’s famous crop.
4. Pioneer Saloon
The Pioneer Saloon in Ketchum elevates the classic baked potato to an art form with their enormous, one-pound Idaho russets. These magnificent spuds arrive at your table steaming hot, their fluffy interiors contrasting with perfectly crispy, salt-crusted skins.
The Jim Spud variation comes loaded with teriyaki steak tips, grilled onions, and melted cheese that cascades down the sides. Mounted elk heads and vintage mining equipment decorate the walls, creating an authentic Western atmosphere that perfectly complements these hearty potato creations.
Locals recommend saving room despite the generous portions. These potatoes are so legendary that leaving even a bite behind feels like a small tragedy to those who make the pilgrimage to this rustic wood-paneled institution.
5. Spuds Waterfront Grill
In downtown Sandpoint with waterfront views near Lake Pend Oreille, Spuds Waterfront Grill turns Idaho potatoes into a spectacular coating for fresh local fish. Their signature oven roasted spuds features thin shreds of Idaho russets forming a golden, crispy shell around delicate rainbow trout fillets caught from nearby waters.
The contrasting textures of crispy potato exterior and flaky fish create a memorable dining experience. Potato lovers flock to their loaded potato soup too, a velvety creation topped with all the fixings of a loaded baker.
I’ve visited dozens of Idaho restaurants, and few match how perfectly Spuds balances lakeside casual dining with culinary innovation. The panoramic lake views through floor-to-ceiling windows make the potato-focused menu taste even better as boats drift by in the distance.
6. Potato Station Café
Morning meals get the Idaho treatment at Potato Station Café, where breakfast potatoes transcend the usual hash brown territory. Their potato waffle uses shredded Idaho russets mixed with savory herbs, pressed into a waffle iron until impeccably crispy, then topped with eggs and hollandaise.
Railroad memorabilia decorates this charming spot, paying homage to Idaho’s potato shipping history. The potato chorizo breakfast burrito wraps spicy potato hash with farm-fresh eggs and local cheese, creating a portable feast that sells out most mornings.
Located in a converted train station, the café’s potato-forward menu draws lines of hungry locals who know that these breakfast creations offer something far beyond ordinary morning fare, proving potatoes belong in the spotlight even at daybreak.
7. Fork
Fork restaurant in downtown Boise champions local ingredients with their ‘loyal to local’ pledge, featuring Idaho potatoes in unexpectedly sophisticated ways. Their asparagus fries coat tender spears in a light potato batter before flash-frying, creating a delicate crunch that’s worlds away from typical french fries.
The restaurant’s modern, airy space features reclaimed wood and an impressive bar serving local spirits. Their commitment to showcasing Idaho’s agricultural bounty extends to clever potato-based desserts like their potato flour chocolate cake that delivers incredible moisture and texture without a hint of spud flavor.