The votes are in! It’s that time of year 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. With a growing market and more choices than ever before, choosing isn’t easy. But stomachs don’t lie, and neither do the votes. Get ready, and bon appetit!
Best Overall Restaurant
Abracadabra’s
The experience found at Abracadabra’s Breakfast & Bistro is simply magical. From a wide array of breakfast foods to lunch plates, Abracadabra’s has it all while offering a fun and welcoming atmosphere for guests.
Best Diner
Dixie’s Diner
From milkshakes to old tunes, this diner is the standard for what a classic diner should be. Dixie’s Diner offers jukebox machines at each table for you and your family and friends to create memorable experiences over an array of comfort food plates. The menu has a variety of breakfast foods, burgers, salads—and don’t forget to order one of the famous milkshakes!
1.Dixie’s Diner 2150 Channing Way | 208-542-1950
2. Smitty’s Pancake & Steak House 645 W Broadway St | 208-523-6450
3. North Hi-Way Café 460 Northgate Mile | 208-522-6212
4. The Rusty Lantern Diner 10868 N Yellowstone Hwy | 208-522-2254
5. Bacon & Bleu 688 N Holmes Ave | 208-552-6024
Best Asian/Chinese
New Hong Kong
New Hong Kong restaurant specializes in Chinese cuisine and does it well. The authentic Chinese plates are crafted with love and care, creating a delicious and memorable culinary experience for anyone.
1. New Hong Kong 1820 Jennie Lee Dr | 208-528-8883
2. Happy Chinese 504 Shoup Ave | 208-522-2091
3. Yummy House 354 W Broadway St | 208-524-6188
4. Hong Kong 1570 W Broadway St | 208-522-9919
5. Canton Restaurant 2173 E 17th St | 208-523-3448
Best Bar & Grill
Firehouse Grill
This local and family-owned restaurant is the perfect place to wind down for lunch, after a long day or a long week. The menu serves a variety of American comfort foods, appetizers and cocktails. And all while streaming some of the biggest sporting games for sports fans, this restaurant is for all friends and family.
1. The Firehouse Grill 2891 S 25th E | 208-524-1740
2. The SnakeBite Restaurant 401 Park Ave | 208-525-2522
3. Teton House 3563 E Menan Lorenzo Hwy | 208-270-5102
4. The Bees Knees Pub 850 Lindsay Blvd | 208-875-2171
5. Stockman’s Restaurant 1175 Pier View Dr | 208-552-6500
Best Fast Service
Scotty’s Drive-In
At Scotty’s Drive-In, you can find a trip down nostalgia lane. This fast-service joint is known for its fresh-cut fries, shakes, exceptional service and of course, its drive-in experience. Dine inside or in your car to make memories you will want to share with future generations.
1. Scotty’s Drive-In 560 Northgate Mile | 208-523-6382
2. Jill’s Chicken Shack 3372 N Main St | 208-607-9773
3. Los Alberto’s 450 1st St | 208-542-0391 318 S Woodruff Ave | 208-524-9011
4. Cupbop Korean BBQ 3460 S 25th E | 208-948-5540
5. Franklin’s Famous Cheesesteaks 170 Elm St | 208-881-5170
Best Breakfast
Abracadabra’s
Abracadabra’s is famous in town for its breakfast items. From the Captain Crunch Encrusted French Toast to the Peach Cobbler French toast to the Mediterranean Omelet, this breakfast & bistro is any breakfast lover’s dream.
1.Abracadabra’s 2040 Channing Way | 208-881-9024
2.Smitty’s Pancake & Steak House 645 W Broadway St | 208-523-6450
3. North Hi-Way Café 460 Northgate Mile | 208-522-6212
4. Dixie’s Diner 2150 Channing Way | 208-542-1950
5. O’Brady’s Family Restaurant 1438 W Broadway St #2636 208-523-2132
Best Sushi
Blue Hashi
Blue Hashi has been a local favorite many times for a reason. This quality establishment offers some of the most tasty and best-prepared sushi in town. The beautifully presented plates are sure to catch your eye and your taste buds!
1. Blue Hashi 2894 S 25th E | 208-525-2583
2. Fuji Sushi & Hibachi 2625 S 52th E | 208-523-3854
3. Smokin Fins 370 Memorial Dr | 208-888-3467
4. Sushi Time 3448 S 25th E | 208-529-8463
5. Krung Thep Thai Cuisine 366 Shoup Ave | 208-881-5150
Best Fine Dining
Smokin Fins
Smokin Fins offers guests a fine-dining experience over high-quality meals. The exceptional service and atmosphere here alone will impress you and the restaurant offers a balanced menu, so whether or not you love seafood, you are sure to find something you love.
1. Smokin Fins 370 Memorial Dr | 208-888-3467
2. Stockman’s Restaurant 1175 Pier View Dr | 208-552-6500
3. Sandpiper Restaurant 750 Lindsay Blvd | 208-524-3344
4. Jakers Bar and Grill 851 Lindsay Blvd | 208-524-5240
5. Copper Rill Restaurant 415 River Pkwy | 208-529-5800
Best Java
Java Espress
With many years of experience, Java Espress has conquered the coffee world with its handcrafted beverages. Java has long been crafting not only coffees, but milkshakes, smoothies, teas and sodas too with love and care, offering the community an exceptional experience here.
1. Java Espress 1250 W Broadway St | 208-552-7664 1510 E 17th St | 208-525-5269 2139 E 17th St | 208-552-5282 745 E Anderson St | 208-529-4552
2. City Bagels & Bakery 369 Shoup Ave | 208-881-5778
3. Villa Coffeehouse 344 Park Ave | 208-524-8882
4. Moose Ridge Coffee Co. 1157 Pier View Dr | 208-497-0191
5. Great Harvest Bakery & Café 360 A St | 208-522-7444 1505 E 17th St | 208-542-0812
Best International
Tandoori Oven
Offering the community fine Indian cuisine is the one-of-a-kind, Tandoori Oven. The menu has a wide selection of chicken, lamb, seafood, vegetarian and vegan options, and is the perfect spot for a date night or family night out.
1. Tandoori Oven 3204 S 25th E | 208-522-8263
2. Mongolian Grill 2153 E 17th St | 208-524-7768
3. Dee Kitchen 2994 S 25th E | 208-522-2636
4. Thai Kitchen 752 E 17th St | 208-528-5420
5. Krung Thep Thai Cuisine 366 Shoup Ave | 208-881-5150
Best Mexican Restaurant
Jalisco’s Mexican Restaurant
With two locations in town, Jalisco’s has been serving nothing short of remarkable Mexican cuisine. Dine in or take out some of their specialities; deluxe burritos, enchiladas or overflowing tacos and many more delicious Mexican dishes.
1. Jalisco’s 325 River Pkwy | 208-612-0102 2107 E 17th St | 208-552-2021
2. Garcia’s Street Taco & Pelona’s Fruit Oasis 3000 S 25th E | 208-403-8247
3. Morenita’s Restaurant 450 Whittier St | 208-522-9319
4. Pachanga’s 435 A St #3616 | 208-522-1976
5. Café Sabor 2635 S 25th E | 208-529-1565
Best Pizza/Italian
Papa Tom’s Pizza
The one and only, Papa Tom’s Pizza, is known for its flavor-filled pizza and family-friendly ambiance. And pizza isn’t the only thing Papa Tom’s is known for, as they regularly have music and raffles. Stop by for a memorable night out with the family and try out the game room!
1. Papa Tom’s Pizza 1830 S Woodruff Ave | 208-523-6800
2. Lucy’s New York Style Pizza 560 W Broadway St | 208-524-2800 2770 S 25th E | 208-523-7777
3. MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub 1490 Milligan Rd | 208-932-2987
4. Papa Kelsey’s Pizza & Subs 2285 E 17th St | 208-523-3136
Best Steak & Seafood
Teton House
Teton House has undeniably made a name for themselves with their incredible steaks in the quaint town of Menan. Try the Wagyu Tips or Top Sirloin and make sure to make your reservations!
1. Teton House 3563 E Menan Lorenzo Hwy | 208-270-5102
2. Smokins Fins 370 Memorial Dr | 208-888-3467
3. Stockman’s Restaurant 1175 Pier View Dr | 208-552-6500
4. Jakers Bar and Grill 851 Lindsay Blvd | 208-524-5240
5. Sandpiper Restaurant 750 Lindsay Blvd | 208-524-3344
Best Sandwich/Deli
Sandwich Tree
The best sandwich shop in town, Sandwich Tree puts their all into creating a welcoming environment for guests. The windows of the shop are decorated with fun and inviting artwork, but that’s just the beginning of the effort Sandwich Tree puts into customizing their sandwiches and creating an admirable atmosphere.
1. The Sandwich Tree 500 W 17th St | 208-529-8575
2. Gandolfo’s New York Deli 1685 S Woodruff Ave | 208-542-0027
3. Papa Kelsey’s Pizza & Subs 2285 E 17th St | 208-523-3136
4. Great Harvest Bakery & Café 360 A St | 208-522-7444 1505 E 17th St | 208-542-0812
5. A Street Soup Market 445 A St | 208-932-7039
Best BBQ
Pitmaster BarBQue Company
Pitmaster BarBQue Company is just that, the master of barbeque. Serving everything from pulled chicken to pulled pork to pork spare ribs and more, this barbeque spot will leave your mouth watering with its signature sauces and rubs.
1. Pitmaster BarBQue Company 1305 Fremont Ave | 208-542-2727
2. Lil’ Mike’s Bar-B-Que 3090 S 25th E | 208-840-9129
3. Grandpa’s Southern BBQ 1540 W Broadway St | 208-357-4724
4. HellFire Barbecue 645 N Holmes Ave | 986-497-3098
Best Food Truck
Corn Dog Station
Who doesn’t love a good corn dog? The Corn Dog Station has several sizes and variations of its delicious corn dog. Stop by to try our favorite, the jalapeño cheddar sausage!
1. Corn Dog Station Woodruff Ave (Located near Big Deal Outlet) | 208-419-6446
2. Blackhawk BBQ Pit 925 E 17t St
3. Sully’s LunchBox E 17th St | 208-970-5332
4. Thai 208 W Broadway St | 208-701-9331
5. On the Hook Fish & Chip 210 S Woodruff Ave | 307-316-4665
Best Drink Shop
Pick Me Up
Pick Me Up is a specialty soda shop, allowing you to customize your sodas with all sorts of add-in syrups. And if you aren’t in the mood for a soda, these locations offer delicious cookies, from chocolate fudge to chunky oatmeal.
1. Pick Me Up 900 Pancheri Dr #E | 208-709-9857 1600 S Woodruff Ave | 208-709-9857 2861 Eagle Dr | 208-709- 9857
2. Soda Tsunami 2300 S 25th E | 208-970-6712
3. Fizz Bizz 1970 W Broadway St | 208-351-3192
4. Jamba Juice 417 S Utah Ave | 208-524-2348 2300 E 17th St | 208-419-0834 1803 S 2500 E | 208-542-0231
5. The Drink Factory 2565 E 17th St | 208-557-9462
Best Sweets
The Caramel Tree
The Caramel Tree is highly favored for one big reason—caramel. This sweets shop sells everything caramel from caramel-covered rice krispy treats to cookies, pretzels and its most celebrated caramel-covered apples.
1. The Caramel Tree 368 A St | 208-932-4930 2289 E 17th St | 208-497-5006
2. Love at First Bite 901 Pier View Dr #103 | 208-522-7788
3. Mrs. Powell’s 1813 S 25th E | 208-523-5055
4. Great Harvest Bakery & Café 360 A St | 208-522-7444 1505 E 17th St | 208-542-0812
5. Crumbl Cookies 2656 E Sunnyside Rd | 208-268-8222
Best Ice Cream
Reed’s Dairy
Reed’s Dairy is famous for its old-fashioned and all-natural handcrafted ice cream, offering 49 different flavors. One stop here after a long summer day will satisfy any of your sugar cravings!
1. Reed’s Dairy 2660 W Broadway St | 208-522-0123
2. Orange Leaf 3340 S 25th E #205 | 208-542-6964
3. Manwaring Cheese and Gelato 310 N Eastern Ave | 208-313-8247
4. Baskin-Robbins 1253 E 17th St | 208-524-3131
5. La Michoacana Ice Cream Palace 240 S Woodruff Ave | 208-270-4268
Best Fine Wine/ Craft Beer
Idaho Brewing Company
The Idaho Brewing Company is known for its impressive selection of expertly crafted ales and other brews. Stop by their tasting room to try flavors you won’t find anywhere else!
1. Idaho Brewing Company 775 S Capital Ave | 208-534-7232
2. The Bees Knees Pub 850 Lindsay Blvd | 208-875-2171
3. Snow Eagle Brewing & Grill 455 River Pkwy | 208-557-0455
4. Marcellar’s Vintage Wines and Brews 431 Park Ave | 208-523-0503
5. Cast Iron on 17th 3520 E 17th St | 208-557-8458
Best Bakery
Carstens’ Bakery
Carstens’ Bakery is a family-owned bakery, perfecting its family recipes for decades. Offering delicious bakery items at an affordable price, you can’t beat it!
1. Carstens’ Bakery 243 Cliff St | 208-529-3629
2. Great Harvest Bakery & Café 360 A St | 208-522-7444 1505 E 17th St 208-542-0812
3. Geraldine’s Bake Shoppe & Deli 3160 E 17th St | 208-552-7057
4. Bakers Dozen 561 S Woodruff Ave | 208-968-0391
5. Mrs. Powells 1813 S 25th E | 208-523-5055