By Christina Lenkowski

You know the cliche: Idaho is all about potatoes. And while Idahoans do appreciate the mighty spud, the culinary scene in Boise has moved far beyond it. Over the past few years Idaho’s capital city, Boise, has attracted some fabulous restaurants featuring top-notch chefs–many of whom move to Boise for the quality of life that it offers them. But what would great food be without out-of-this-world libations to go alongside it? Don’t worry, Boise has plenty of local breweries and wineries to keep your whistle whet and your pairings top-notch.

8th Street
Each urban city has one street known for its amazing restaurants–in Boise that place is 8th Street. Located right in Downtown, 8th Street is home to Cameron Lumsden’s Fork and Alavita, located in the same building and right around the corner from one another. If you want to find spots loyal to local, these are some of the best. While at Fork, do yourself a favor and try the Tomato Basil Fondue & Grilled Cheese made on Zeppole bread from right down the street.
While wandering down 8th be sure to grab a house-made Idaho Sour cocktail at Juniper featuring local Seven Devils whiskey, and then stop in across the street at Red Feather/Bittercreek for a tour of their Urban Worm Project, where worms in their basement eat most of their compost, pretty impressive!