A Food-Lover’s Road Trip Through Southern Idaho

Chelsey Hauston worked in partnership with Wander Idaho to create this Travel Tip.

As a frequent traveler, the second the plane lands on the runway, my initial thought is, “What will my first meal be?” Every country, state and city has its own flavors and spin on what locals enjoy eating. Knowing my family was embarking on a four-day road trip from Boise to Twin Falls, I was eager to experience southern Idaho cuisine. As it turns out, it’s so much more than potatoes.

Boise

Starting in Boise, we pulled into Westside Drive-In—a spot good enough for Guy Fieri to visit twice on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” The menu offered a wide range of items, ranging from fried bologna sandwiches to prime rib. It’s not what I expected from a drive-in. Our favorites included Finger Steaks (a breaded and fried slice of steak—like a cross between chicken-fried steak and tempura), the Monte Cristo sandwich and the Famous Idaho Ice Cream Potato—which was exactly what it sounds like.

Hagerman

The next stop on our culinary adventure was Snake River Grill in Hagerman. This unassuming roadside eatery is one of the most eclectic American restaurants I’ve been to—the back room is adorned with several antiques, fish and even a piano. The establishment focuses on local, quality ingredients—like the trout and sturgeon, which come from Idaho Springs Foods just down the road. The highlight of our meal was the Blackened Sturgeon Po’ Boy sandwich. At first bite, your taste buds are met with the spice of the blackened seasoning, with its hints of garlic and paprika, which blossoms into the sturgeon’s soft texture and luxurious flavor. It was a surprise hit, and I couldn’t recommend it enough.

Buhl

I’ve been to my fair share of vineyards, but Holesinsky Vineyard and Winery is the best I’ve been to. It’s home to a tasting room and even a nearby tree house. From here, you can see the vineyard of grapes that create the many varietals you get to sample. Guests can choose between two tasting flights: the Seasonal Sippers features a veltliner, pinot gris, rosé, malbec, and red blend, which are approachable and enjoyable, and the Finer Flight includes a chardonnay, rosé of syrah, viognier, merlot and cabernet. The latter was my favorite due to its deeper flavors, lush bouquets and rounded mouthfeel. Grab a flight and a charcuterie board and check out the tree house, especially if you have little ones. While you’re in Buhl, don’t miss Cloverleaf Creamery. It’s a must-stop, offering flavors spanning banana cream pie and huckleberry to cherry amaretto.

Twin Falls

Twin Falls is situated along the beautiful Snake River Canyon. It’s a unique place you will never forget visiting, because it’s home to natural wonders like Shoshone Falls, which cascades 212 feet into the river. The Perrine Bridge is a popular spot for BASE Jumpers who parachute to the canyon floor for an adrenaline rush. One of the best places to enjoy the local scenery is Elevation 486, which sits on the canyon rim and serves elevated meals. I recommend the Green Bean Fries and Huckleberry Chicken Salad, which pair well with the views.

There’s no better way to wrap up a trip than with a great meal, and we found ours at Turf Club in Twin Falls, a local favorite that exceeded every expectation. We started with the Local Summer Corn Bisque—velvety and naturally sweet—before settling into the main courses: the Dry-Aged Ribeye—an eye-opener in every sense—and a perfectly prepared locally farmed sturgeon. While you’re there, I recommend grabbing a nightcap at the on-site hidden bar, Griff’s Speakeasy, where you can enjoy a handcrafted cocktail.

Having traveled to the far reaches of the globe, sampling the local flavors from MICHELIN-starred restaurants to food stalls on back streets, I’ve learned that you have to get off the main path and out of the major cities to experience the best food. Knowing that, I am glad we ventured to southern Idaho to experience its flavors.