“Downtown Food + Bev”
Journal No. 3
If you’re not hungry now, you will be soon because we’re here to tell you all about Caldwell’s food and beverage scene. We’re including every eatery in the downtown area. Yep, right here, right now. And they’re all walkable to “Caldwell’s Living Room,” Indian Creek Plaza. So, bookmark this blog and use it as your itinerary for hitting the best restaurants downtown.
Everyone gets pretty excited around here when we start talking about great food, especially in the Spring as we gear up for Caldwell Culinary Week in mid-March. It’s an annual event where we get to brag about our city’s amazing eateries. This blog post is all things food, so it’s only natural we plug our restaurant week here for all you connoisseurs of cuisine.
What is Caldwell Culinary Week?
Experience the ultimate celebration of culinary excellence. Immerse yourself in flavor as local eateries present specially crafted bites and beverages from $5-$50. There is something for everyone. Embark on a delectable week-long journey through downtown while savoring exquisite offerings. Try brand-new dishes from your favorite eateries or visit that new spot you’ve heard so much about. Maybe it’s the simplicity of experiencing a fresh twist of a familiar favorite. Find out for yourself what eateries are putting Caldwell on the map.
Alright, enough of that. Here’s the REAL reason why you’re here: The 4-1-1 on restaurants. We Hope You’re Hungry!
Amano
Amazing Eateries | Downtown Caldwell
F A R M - T O - T A B L E C U I S I N E
Amano - Oaxacan Legacy: Ancient grains and craft cocktails
With heirloom Oaxacan corn and ancient Mezcal cocktails anchoring their award-winning menu, Amano is taking the local and national culinary scene by storm. To say this eatery is not to be overlooked is an understatement. Try for yourself why this James Beard-nominated restaurant is putting Caldwell on the map. Make your reservation now. You won't regret it.
Chop Shop – Taking BBQ Up a Notch
Chop Shop is a smoke-house themed BBQ joint focused on sourcing ingredients from local, sustainable farms throughout Idaho. What this crew does with meat is insane - refreshingly outside the box. Try one of their rotating menu items that change regularly to reflect the variations and bounty that each season brings.
Casa Anejo – A True Testament of Cultural Harmony
With every menu offering, patrons can taste how the founders united to establish an experience that beautifully embodies the fusion of Mexican and American cultures. This collective aspiration gave way to a remarkable Chicano restaurant boasting a captivating atmosphere, mouth-watering cuisine, and extraordinary cocktails.
C A S U A L D I N I N G
Grit 2C
Grit 2C – A Little Bit Classy with a Touch of Grit
Grit is inspired by regional American cuisine and assimilates flavors from the melting pot of traditional American cooking techniques. Trust us when we tell you all the rumors are true: These guys do it all and they do it well. Their fresh take on traditional favorites, craft cocktail menu and community-driven atmosphere make Grit a top pick for any and all. Be confident that their ingredients are locally sourced from family-owned farms whenever possible. You can taste the local difference on every plate.
Indian Creek Steakhouse - Applewood-Fired Steaks Perfected at This Caldwell Landmark
The bold aroma of crackling applewood fills the dining room and hits you right as you walk in the front door. While seated, guests can enjoy watching their steaks being perfected over an open flame. Take advantage of one of the best happy hour menus around. Many of their signature plates at a reduced price daily. Their menu is sure to please everyone at the table. If you find yourself dining in on a night with live country music and dancing, you'll assume you've been transported to a honky-tonk in Nashville.
Mr. V’s – A Family Favorite Sure to Please Everyone
The Mr. V's experience is the culmination of grandma's best recipes, quaint atmosphere and next level service. It's comfort food at its finest with a menu full of savory home style and traditional comfort foods. Want biscuits and gravy for dinner? You got it. Their full menu is available all day.
F A S T C A S U A L
Gandolfo’s – Bringing New York to Caldwell
What makes Gandolfo’s different from the rest is they do things the "deli way" - like a true New York delicatessen. They bake their own breads, slice their own signature meats and cheeses, and make their deli salads fresh throughout everyday. Bringing New York-inspired recipes to downtown Caldwell!
Keystone Pizza - A Decades-Long Favorite
Serving up house made, hand-tossed dough in the traditional pizzeria style, these guys have all your favorites under one roof. Their toppings list is extensive and their fresh salad bar is a perfect appetizer to your pizza. Stay a while and play some arcade games with the kiddos or try your hand at pool. One of Caldwell's favorite hangout spots.
Oakes Alley - A Gathering Place
Discover a vibrant new gathering place in downtown Caldwell. Oake's Alley offers a dynamic mix of food, fun and community. Indulge in delicious bites from a local food truck and have a seat. Designed to be as comfortable as your own backyard, enjoy the alley's laid-back atmosphere and plan to stay a while.
Twisted Fig - Soup and Sandwich with a Twist
Every once in a while, a restaurant comes along and it's difficult to place it into a particular category. Deli feels too simple. Lunch spot, not enough. To say Twisted Fig is unique doesn't quite suit them either, but calling them special might be getting closer. The difference is in the taste, ingredients and service. Their vegan and vegetarian offerings are popular even among the most devout of carnivores, boasting combinations that are unexpected and bursting with flavor. Their soups and salads pair perfectly with any sandwich on the menu. Ask your server which combo is their favorite - they're always up for making suggestions.
XTREME Pizza – Dedication to Quality. Commitment to Innovation
Using the store-baked crust as their canvas, these guys are constantly experimenting with ways to test your palate. They use only the freshest ingredients and tastiest topping combinations. Order either a traditional pizza or try one of their mind-blowing combinations that'll really send you. Don't overlook their salad, wings and appetizer menus. You can't go wrong, so why not try it all?
B E E R , W I N E A N D C O C K T A I L S ( w i t h e a t s )
Craft Lounge
2C Wine Down – A Wine Lounge and Unique Gifts in the Heart of the Plaza
2C Wine offers a one-stop shop for local Sunnyslope wines and a curated selection of unique treasures from around the world. Choose to enjoy wine by the glass, wine by the bottle or an assortment of beers. This is the spot that beckons you to grab a seat and stay a while, lounging in their inviting seating area. Enjoy an evening of entertainment with different theme nights. They have karaoke, bingo, food pairings and pop-up events. Step out onto their patio and have the best seat on plaza to people watch and enjoy all the festivities during events.
Craft Lounge - Cultivating the Cocktail Culture
The guest service at Craft Lounge is among the best in the biz and you'd be hard-pressed to find better hosts valley wide. Patrons can see that the Craft team strives to build a community that's centered around the glass through engaged hospitality, continuing education and progressive cocktails. They've curated a menu full of culinary experiences that pair perfectly with their drinks. With an atmosphere that's unparalleled, Craft Lounge should be at the top of your list when in downtown Caldwell. Don't overlook downstairs - a throwback speak easy vibe with its own bar. Grab another round and stay a while.
Kindred by the Creek - Quality Crafted Wines and Brick Oven Pizza
To say the Kindred crew knows their wines is an understatement. All offerings are from their vineyard estate in the renown Sunnyslope Wine Region. Kindred lives and breathes every aspect of the process. From farming to barrel aging, serving to pairing their passion and knowledge are unparalleled. Add an incredible atmosphere overlooking Indian Creek and scratch-made, hand-tossed pizzas and you've got another culinary experience awaiting you in downtown Caldwell.
Mesquite Creek Outfitters – Community, Gear and Beer
It's hard to pick what's the best part of MCO: The 14 rotating beer taps, quality apparel brands or the inviting atmosphere. The great news is you don't have to choose; it's all in one place - a perfect recipe for gathering. Linger longer at this great spot on the plaza. Hungry? They got you covered with their house-made, hand-tossed pizzas. Perfect for the whole family.
Roots - Brews, Bites and Banter
Come for the beers but stay for the community. With a plentiful food menu, this isn't just any local bar. They've created a menu to keep you coming back for more. One of the area's few smoker-friendly indoor establishments, they invite you to eat, chat and stay a while.
White Dog Brewing - A Caldwell Staple for Brews and Bites
We've all experienced it before: A brewery with a subpar food menu or an eatery with a laughable beer list. You won't find either at White Dog Brewery. They mean it when they say their aim is to be unshakably devoted to crafting great tasting beer and offer a culinary experience that'll bring you back again and again. The taste of true devotion.
L A T I N F L A V O R S
Acapulco - A Bit of Mexico in Caldwell
Hard to imagine downtown Caldwell without Acapulco. Thankfully you don't have to! This decades-old restaurant and lounge have been serving up some favorite dishes for locals for as long as natives can remember. Pair your favorite traditional Mexican dish with one of their signature cocktails. These guys are all about community, so order up and stay a while.
Carniceria Mi Tierra - Market, Meats and Mexican Food
Brush up on your high school Spanish, ladies and gents, because this joint is as authentic as they come! There are three main services Mi Tierra provides: a Mexican market, a butcher and a restaurant. If you want to be a culinary expert at home, they source hard-to-find Mexican imported dried goods. Or, if you're hungry for some made to order, traditional Mexican dishes, visit their restaurant. If you're looking for fresh, custom cuts of meat, then walk right up to their butcher counter. They have chorizo by the pound!
El Compa – All Things Fresh
It's not every day you come across a restaurant in Southern Idaho that knows what to do with fresh seafood. The team at El Compa prides themselves on their regular, flown-in deliveries from the Pacific Coast. You can taste the difference on every plate. There's not one bad dish on the menu and it's one of the largest menus in the area. Be adventurous and order something you wouldn't normally. You won't regret it.
El Rico Pan Bakery - Generations-Old, Scratch-Made Recipes
El Rico Pan is a Caldwell landmark with their scratch-made pastry menu being a local favorite. Baking multiple batches of their offerings throughout the day, chances are you're going to get warm from the oven baked goods. With a menu including both traditional and unique items, there is something for everyone in their overflowing pastry cases. Some of their baked goods include flour tortillas, cookies, pastries, donuts, rolls, churros and more. Take a walk down the market aisles and stock up so you can create authentic cuisines at home using their imported ingredients.
Fiesta Guadalajara – Big Portions. Big Flavor.
Feast until satisfied when you visit Fiesta Guadalajara. Their inviting, clean atmosphere and attentive service are just a few reasons why locals revisit this establishment often. Expect all your favorite authentic Mexican dishes as well as a few surprises on your next visit.
Janitzio’s - The Taste of Authenticity
Hard to find a more traditional Mexican restaurant, from their exceptional service to their signature menu offerings. On any given day, you can find three generations of owners preparing each plate to order and chatting it up with regulars. Comes with a warning, though: Once you try it, you won't stop thinking about it!
La Pinata Bakery - Warm from the Oven Freshness
Hard to beat sweet breads warm from the oven - the smell hits you right when you walk in. With helpful and friendly service and an accessible, central location, La Pinata is a great choice for Mexican baked goods.
Papusas M&J - A Bit of El Salvador Right Down the Street
If you're a die-hard Mexican food lover, but in the mood to try something a little different, give these guys a try. At M&J they hand make the traditional Salvadoran dish, called papusas. They are stuffed flatbread, loaded with different combinations of gooey cheese, perfectly seasoned beans and house-made meats. Add this unique restaurant to your short list and visit next time you're downtown.
Sushii Son - A Deliciously Unexpected Fusion
A Fresh Fusion of Latin Flavors and Hand-Rolled Sushi; An unlikely pair that makes sense once it hits your taste buds. Their sushi rolls are beautifully presented and loaded with fully cooked, Latin-inspired meats and veggies. We love it when chefs push the boundaries of traditional cuisine like Sushii Son. Dine in, take out or let them cater your next event.
Tacos El Rey – Great Taste Without Breaking the Bank
Tacos El Rey is proof that you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a great meal that satisfies your hunger. Showcasing a traditional Mexican menu packed with all your favorites, these guys are always top of the list. Choose from an assortment of house made salsas and slow cooked meats, with all their menu items made to order.
A S I A N C U I S I N E
Momiji Sushi and Steak Bistro
Canton Café - Authentic Chinese Cuisine for the Whole Family
Known for its variety in taste, expansive offerings and great service, the Canton Cafe has been a local Chinese food favorite for decades. Enjoy two ways: dine in and take advantage of their cozy, casual atmosphere or take out and enjoy with the family at home.
Golden Palace - A Taste of East Asia
The Golden Palace is a landmark in downtown Caldwell - locals recall going with their families decades ago. They offer authentic and delicious Chinese food at a convenient location near all the action by the plaza. Affordable prices make this restaurant a great choice for dine-in or take-out. Experience their friendly atmosphere and excellent service.
Happy Teriyaki - Real Food. Real Fresh
The combination of next-level service, large portions and scratch-made food is what keeps locals coming back again and again to Happy Teriyaki. Treat yourself to one of their appetizers along with your entree. Don't forget to grab a boba tea so you have something to sip on while you wait for your food.
Momiji Sushi and Steak Bistro – Perfectly Cooked Steak, Innovative Sushi and Craft Cocktails
To be able to have innovative, made to order sushi and a perfectly cooked steak under one roof makes Momiji an instant favorite. They also have a great cocktail menu, inviting customer service and a warm industrial atmosphere that makes you want to stay and hang and order another round.
L O C A L D R I V E - I N S
The Hamburger Connection – Burgers, Shakes and Finger Steaks
It's food made fast but doesn't taste like 'fast food.' Made to order char-broiled burgers, mile high soft serve and creamy milkshakes solidify this drive-in joint as a decades-long Caldwell favorite. Hamburger Connection proves you don't have to bend your budget to fill up on a great meal. Make sure to leave room for dessert or, better yet, eat dessert first!
Gem In & Out – Save Room for Dessert!
A local favorite for decades, Gem In & Out is among the top of the list for fast food in the valley. Their reasonable prices and large portions, along with great tasting traditional food are the reasons why these guys have remained a staple in this community for as long as they have. Now open for breakfast, you can enjoy their menu for any meal of the day. Finish off your meal with their famous soft serve, soda float or milkshake.
Jack’s Drive In – Hits the spot every time.
With big portions, unique drinks and great prices, these guys make it on the short list of quick bites time and time again. A true classic American ‘burger joint,’ these guys don’t skimp on flavor and their menu is packed full of reasons why you’ll be back again soon. They even deliver your food to your car, like an old school 50’s drive-in.
C O F F E E H O U S E S
Bond & Bevel
Bond & Bevel - Award-Winning Craft Coffee House and Handmade Leather Goods
Boasting an unlikely pairing of craft coffee and handmade leather goods, Bond & Bevel is anything but ordinary. Gaining statewide and national recognition for both quality and uniqueness, B&B has quickly made the short list of Treasure Valley's best coffee houses with the reviews and awards to prove it. Sourcing an ever-changing menu from local bakeries, make sure B&B is on your list when visiting Caldwell. You just might be able to see a leather crafter at work in the vault while sipping on your latte.
Flying M – Latte Art and Off-Beat Gifts
Flying M in downtown Caldwell has been a local favorite since they first opened their doors. Specializing in an ever-changing, scratch-made pastry menu with perfectly prepared craft coffees, it's hard to keep this one off your list when in town. Don't take our word for it, their reviews speak for themselves. Enjoy their brightly colored sitting room and great service that create an ideal atmosphere for perusing their off-beat gift section. Find something for everyone while visiting Flying M Caldwell.
S O M E T H I N G S W E E T
Rose Hill Bakery
Creekside Mallow - Smore's on the Creek
Gaining national recognition, the Creekside Mallow family is whipping up some unique concoctions, inspired by a favorite tradition around the fire. If you're a fan of s'mores, get ready to take it to the next level. They are thinking outside the box and curating a menu with seemingly endless possibilities. You don't have to pack up and camp out for the weekend to enjoy this family favorite treat. Come visit their seasonal patio that's open to the public for S'mores on the Creek. Roast those marshmallows by a fire pit, chat it up with friends and family and stay toasty warm under the heaters. Soon to be your favorite hangout spot the whole family will love.
The Good Spoon – Satisfy That Sweet Tooth.
Boba tea, soft serve, custom toppings, hot cocoa bar, milkshakes and the list goes on. It's all things dessert at The Good Spoon. With a great location on plaza and inviting atmosphere, this is the place to meet up and appease your sweet tooth.
Rose Hill Bakery - Taste the Local Harvest
Next time you're near the plaza, don't forget to give Rose Hill a try. What this team does with simple ingredients is astounding. Pop in regularly because Rose Hill is always updating their menu in accordance with the season's harvest. They source quality ingredients from the area's local farmers and small businesses. They also specialize in long-fermented sourdough breads that are fresh-baked every day; mouth-watering simply toasted with butter. Ask them about their gluten free and organic options.
Shine Nutrition - Shine from the Inside Out
Shine proves you don't have to compromise on taste to make healthy choices. With their huge menu including fresh smoothies, loaded teas, yummy shakes, protein bowls, pressed juices and more, they have dozens of combinations that'll satisfy your taste buds and give your body the fuel it needs to plow through the day. Convinced you need lunch to be between two pieces of bread? Think again - any number of their offerings are meal replacements, making you feel confident that you just made a great decision.
The Stil - Imaginative Flavors and Creative Pairings: An Award-Winning Concept
Not only is the Stil single-handedly reinventing the ice cream experience, but they're doing it without any artificial ingredients. Pair your scoop with their wide selection of local beer and wine for an experience unlike any other. You can also create your own ice cream sandwich or try their affogato with fresh local espresso. Boasting multiple awards at the local and national levels, the Stil is a must visit while in downtown Caldwell. See for yourself what everyone's talking about
SEE YOU ON THE PLAZA!
