BOISE · EAGLE · MERIDIAN
If you let me pick the restaurant, these are the places I’d take you. An epic patio, a steakhouse worth dressing up for, or a cocktail inside an old bank vault. All very different date nights, and all on my list.
Here’s why I’d go, what I’ve ordered and the one thing I wouldn’t skip.
Last updated: October 2026. Favorite orders are from my visits; menus and seasonal offerings can change.
Dinner with a patio
Pasta, wine and a table outside. These are my picks when the weather’s good.
Downtown Boise
Acero Boards & Bottles
An epic downtown patio with pasta and cocktails. Acero also works when date night turns into a night with the whole crew.
What I’d recommendSpinach & Artichoke Dip, Four Cheese Ravioli and Spicy Rigatoni. Check their seasonal cocktails, too.
Meridian
Vintage 61 Wine Bar & Kitchen
A downtown Meridian dinner spot with a great patio, live music and such a personal experience.
What I’d recommendHouse Made Meatballs, Stone Oven Pizza and Cacio e Pepe, with wine or a Pisco Sour.
Eagle
Crave Kitchen & Bar
The rooftop and patio make Crave one of my picks for an Eagle dinner date when the weather’s good.
What I’d recommendTuna Tartare, Rosemary Focaccia Bread, Wagyu Bolognese and the Devil You Know Rita.
Downtown Boise
Percy
Seriously gorgeous inside and out. I’d pick a patio table here on a nice evening.
What I’d recommendFocaccia, Grilled Artichoke, Skirt Steak and a Sea Witch cocktail. Read about my visit.
A reason to dress up
For an anniversary, a celebration or just because you want a proper dinner date.
Downtown Boise
El Gaucho Steakhouse
A special-occasion steakhouse. The personalized menus, card and rose petals made my visit feel extra thoughtful.
What I’d recommendDiver Sea Scallops, Jumbo Prawn Cocktail, a Tableside Old Fashioned and the Flaming Sword Brochette.
Downtown Boise
Hemlock at the Inn at 500
A seriously sexy steakhouse inside the Inn at 500. This one calls for a proper date night.
What I’d recommendDuck-Fat Potatoes, Gaucho Meatballs, a steak and the tableside baked potato.
Eagle
Coa del Mar
Stunning décor, Ice-Tinis in glasses made of ice and a little dinner-table wow factor.
What I’d recommendShrimp Cocktail, Jumbo Shrimp Alfredo and the Hot Rock Filet with its flaming cognac sauce.
Make a night of downtown
Dinner before hockey, a walk along 8th Street or another drink nearby.
Downtown Boise
Fork
Right on 8th Street, Fork brings a little taste of Boise to a night downtown.
What I’d recommendThe rotating ravioli dish, Brussels Sprouts, Grilled Asparagus and my usual Raspberry Clove cocktail.
Downtown Boise
Trillium Kitchen + Cocktails
Comfort food and cocktails before hockey or a night downtown, plus three hours of free valet or self-parking when you dine.
What I’d recommendCajun Mac & Cheese, Beef Stroganoff and a Mountain Standard Time or Crime of Passion.
Downtown Boise
The Avery
A gorgeous restaurant in a restored 1910 building. Stop at Tiner’s Alley in the back for another drink and a game of pool.
What I’d recommendCrispy Baby Artichokes, Handmade Ricotta Ravioli, Steak Frites au Poivre and a French 75.
Downtown Boise
Stardust
Retro glam that gives you a reason to dress up for dinner downtown.
What I’d recommendAlaskan Snow Crab Claws, Artichoke Fondue, Beef Wellington and a Bang Bang cocktail.
Add a cocktail stop
These two are for drinks and bites. Pair them with dinner if you’re planning a full meal.
Downtown Boise · Small plates & drinks
The Highlander at Hotel Renegade
A rooftop stop at Hotel Renegade for incredible Boise views, cocktails and small plates before or after dinner.
What I’d recommendArtichoke Hearts, A Pigeon Walks Into a Bar, a Pisco Sour or the Bird Cage Flight.
Downtown Boise · Cocktails & bites
8 Horses Lounge
A hidden cocktail stop inside an old bank vault beneath Fork. Find it in my speakeasy guide.
What I’d recommendHouse-baked Focaccia and The Socialite cocktail. Obviously.
Keep the date going
Picking a second stop? My Boise speakeasy guide has the hidden bars and how to find them. For another date, browse the winery guide or brewery guide.
Save this for the next time you’re picking the restaurant, and send it to your date so you can settle on a plan.
XOXO,
The Boise Socialite