Chandlers Steakhouse

As you start searching for the best fine dining Boise experience, you’ll likely notice that many of the restaurants have a dress code page on their website. For some uninitiated to the fine dining scene, this might come as a surprise. It might seem to be a hassle, but dress codes are an important part of the experience. Most restaurants are less strict than you might think and are willing to work with you.  The dress code holds an important place in fine dining culture and is there for a reason (or a few). Let’s take a look at why you should dress up when going to a fine dining restaurant.  Dress Codes Uphold Tradition As the years go by, fashion choices come and go and what your grandparents might have considered casual is now considered formal attire. The same is true for fashion expectations at a fine dining restaurant. A modern version of dressing up is normally perfectly acceptable. The tradition of dressing up has continued through many generatio...

When was the last time you had a real day off—a chance to forget about work and the hustle of life? For many of us, those days only happen a few times a year, typically on vacation. If it’s hard to get away for long periods of time or you just feel like sticking around town, a staycation in the Treasure Valley could be just what you need.      With so many different downtown Boise restaurants to try, beautiful year-round weather, and activities for the whole family, a staycation over Labor Day weekend or any other weekend could be what you need to relax, refresh, and recharge. Here are a few fun things to do while you’re “away.” Book a Room The first and probably most essential step of a successful staycation is getting out of the house and booking a hotel room. Even if it’s just for one night, staying outside of your home can help you separate yourself from the typical hustle and bustle of the day. That way you can still feel as if you're a m...

Food is the star of the show for any dining experience, but the sounds, sights, smells, and feel of a restaurant are more important than you might think. Restaurant owners spend a great deal of time and money to make the atmosphere and ambiance of their restaurant perfect, and it's worth noticing. When you head out for your next fine dining Boise adventure, savor the entire experience and soak up the restaurant’s atmosphere to see how it interacts with your senses. If it checks off these boxes, you know you’ve found one of the best in the area.   The Concept Should Be Sophisticated and Clear If a restaurant's concept isn't quite right, then the rest of the experience will suffer. The concept of a restaurant is essentially the foundation that the vibe and the rest of the décor are built upon. Typically, certain types of restaurants will have almost pre-determined concepts that guests have come to know and love. For example, a diner usually involves ...

As you scan the menu of some downtown Boise restaurants , you might spot a seafood section. Although the selections might sound appetizing, understanding where the fish came from could impact your decision. While you’ll find that farm-raised fish and seafood is almost the standard for landlocked areas, wild-caught fish is still available at select places.  So, can you taste the difference? Well, that’s something you may need to decide for yourself. But when faced with a choice between the two, here are a few things you should keep in mind.  What Is Wild-Caught Fish? Exactly as it sounds, wild-caught fish is caught from a natural source of water, such as the ocean or a lake. It eats what its species is meant to eat in the wild, and because of its natural diet, wild-caught fish can have higher levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Many claim that wild-caught fish taste slightly better because of their natural diets. What Is Farm-Rais...

Enjoying coffee after dinner is a tradition that serves multiple purposes. If you’ve had the pleasure of enjoying a cup of espresso or a coffee-based cocktail at one of the best downtown Boise restaurants , then you know there’s something special about finishing a meal with coffee. Let’s take a closer look at a few reasons you should start concluding your dinners with a cup of joe. Post-Dinner Drinks Prolong Conversation Part of the origin story of after-dinner coffee was that it prolonged the party and kept the conversation going even after dessert had been served. In the fast-paced, “go, go, go,” world we live in, it’s not uncommon for many of us to eat and then rush onto the next event or activity. But sometimes it’s better to take our time and enjoy each other’s company as we sip on some freshly brewed coffee. Caffeine Staves Off Post-Meal Drowsiness It’s no secret that many of us will start feeling drowsy after a big meal. Dinner is often the largest meal of the day for most...

Summer is fast-approaching here in the Treasure Valley, and although the area isn’t exactly known for bringing the heat, it can still get pretty warm here during peak summer months. Luckily, there’s no shortage of downtown Boise restaurants serving up refreshing, sophisticated cocktails sure to help keep you cool after a day spent exploring and hanging out in the sun. Whether you’re stopping into your favorite spot or trying some place new, here are some cocktails and drinks to be on the lookout for this summer.  Local Flavors From Idaho Distilleries Whether you’re stopping into a restaurant for dinner, to enjoy the best live music Boise has to offer, or both, make sure to grab a cocktail.You can never go wrong selecting one made with authentic Idaho ingredients. Look for a martini or another cocktail made with local spirits like Koenig Vodka, made with Idaho's most famous agricultural product—the humble potato. Along with vodka made right here in Idaho, you can also look fo...

With Memorial Day coming up, you’re probably more than ready to enjoy a much-needed three-day weekend full of fun, family, and friends. If you have friends or family coming into town, why not give them an experience in Boise they won’t soon forget?  Whether it’s Memorial Day weekend or any time this summer, here are some things to do and show them so they can see the best of Boise (and maybe you could convince them to move here too).  A Treat for the Eyes and Ears Along with restaurants lining restaurant row on 8th street, Boise offers treats for your other senses with historic and contemporary architecture and a bustling music scene of local and touring acts playing nightly throughout the city. To start with the sights, you can't go wrong with the Idaho State Capitol Building up North Capitol Boulevard. Built in the early 1900s, the Idaho State Capitol Building is a must-see for anyone visiting the city or anyone who is a fan of historic architecture....