CPJTF!EPXOUPXO BAR GERNIKA—Basque favorites in a dark and cozy little bar. Croquettas, chorizo, salomo, paella and a simple cheese plate that is one of the most popular in town. Don’t forget Beef Tongue Saturdays. 202 S. Capitol Blvd., 208-344-2175, www.bargernika.com. $-$$ OM. BARDENAY—The beer and liquor selection at the country’s first restaurant distillery has to be seen to be believed. Bardenay is a destination restaurant and bar for the crowd who can’t decide between a good glass of wine and a good martini. 610 Grove St., 208-4260538, www.bardenay.com. $$ SU OM. THE BASQUE MARKET—One part market, one part deli and a healthy dash of catering, the Basque Market offers tapas and wine happy hours, as well as fantastic lunches with sandwiches and homemade soups. 608 W. Grove St., 208-433-1208, www.thebasquemarket. com. $-$$ OM . BERRYHILL & CO. RESTAURANT— Chef John Berryhill has carefully pieced together a discerning selection of dishes. Lunch is a balance of cosmopolitan comfort food. Dinner pulls out all the stops. It’s all about a nice bottle of wine and relaxing meal from a menu of local and global flavors. 121 N. Ninth St., 208-387-3553, www.berryhillandco. com. $$$-$$$$ RES SU OM . BIG CITY COFFEE—This coffee shop serves a variety of drinks and wellproportioned meals. A surprisingly large and creative breakfast and lunch menu as well as bakery items. 1416 Grove St., 208-345-3145, www.bigcitycoffeeld.com. $ SU OM . BITTERCREEK ALE HOUSE—Enjoy a microbrew and gourmet hamburger at this distinguished bar and grill focusing on local and sustainable. This Northwestern pub is a favorite among those looking to relax with friends. 246 N. Eighth St., 208-345-1813, www.bittercreekalehouse.com. $$ SU OM. BLUE SKY BAGELS—A variety of fresh bagel flavors plus soups, morning egg combos and lunchtime sandwiches. 407 W. Main St., 208-388-4242, www. blueskybagels.com. $ SU OM .
AVERAGE PRICE PER ENTREE: $ —Less than $8 $$ —$8 to $14 $$$ —$14 to $20 $$$$ —Over $20
BOMBAY GRILL—A smoking deal on a smoking delicious lunch buffet and a full menu at dinner. 928 W. Main St., 208-345-7888, www.bombaygrillonline. com. $-$$ OM. BRICK OVEN BISTRO—This Grove hot spot with everything homemade has some of the best comfort food around. 801 N. Main St., 208-342-3456, www. brickovenbistro.com. $ SU OM. CAFE OLE—Tucked in the basement of the 8th Street Marketplace, Cafe Ole’s maze-like interior offers both privacy and a social atmosphere. Boise’s original Mexican restaurant has been serving for the last 28 years. 404 S. Eighth St., 208-344-3222, www.cafeole. com. $-$$ SU OM. THE CAPRI—Boise infamous breakfast spot. Great breakfast dishes at great prices. Ask for the Capri special. 2520 W. Fairview Ave., 208-342-1442. $ . CAZBA—Cazba transports you to the Mediterranean with elegant decor and food from Greece, Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey and Iran. Expect grape leaves, rice dishes and well-seasoned meats. 211 N. Eighth St., 208-381-0222, www. cazba.com. $$-$$$ SU OM. CHANDLERS STEAKHOUSE—Chandlers is for the fine-diner in you, with melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon, porterhouse and Kobe cuts, as well as an appetizer menu that offers oysters, lobster cakes and escargot. It’s as popular a stop for cocktails as for dinner. The lights are low and the live music always on. 981 W. Grove St., 208-383-4300, www.chandlersboise.com. $$$$ RES SU OM. CHOPSTICKS GOURMET BUFFET— Veering from traditional buffets, Chopsticks is gourmet. The restaurant features an open kitchen, which allows diners to watch how the cooks work. 2275 W. Main St., 208-345-8965. $-$$ . COTTONWOOD GRILLE—Cottonwood is an upscale yet unpretentious quality restaurant. Specializing in scratch-made food, recipes are infused with local ingredients. They have one of the best patios in town—it’s on the Greenbelt. 913 W. River St., 208-333-9800, www. cottonwoodgrille.com. $$-$$$$ RES SU OM.
—Wine & beer —Patio —Full bar S U —Open on Sunday —Delivery O M —Online menu —Take-out —Breakfast —Open late —Boise Weekly Card R E S —Reservations needed/recommended
Updates from diligent readers and listed restaurateurs are heartily encouraged. E-mail to food@boiseweekly.com or fax to 208-342-4733. Boise Weekly Restaurant Guide offers selective listings of editorial recommendations. BW Card members are supject to change.