If you sensed something fishy about the continuing vacancy at the former Brick Oven Bistro, which closed last November, well, you were sort of right.

The spot has been snapped up by Lucky Fins Seafood Grill — which is aiming to make a splash.

The former Bistro and its adjacent Alive-After-Five-friendly patio will have a completely different look and feel than what Boiseans grew accustomed to since 1991.

Plans for the new Lucky Fins next to the Grove Plaza include an indoor/outdoor bar with a roll-up garage door, and the opportunity to shuck oysters or nibble sushi while fire elements crackle on the patio.

“We think it’s a fantastic space with huge potential for a patio, and you’re right in the heart of Downtown Boise,” said Lucky Fins co-owner Derek Hood.

With all due respect to the Bistro’s long tradition, Lucky Fins most likely will be a more chic environment for hanging out.

“The vibe that we’re going to create, I think it’s going to be awesome,” Hood said. “... If people want to have a martini and sushi, or somebody wants fish and chips, they’re going to be able to get what they want. We’re real excited about it.”

This will be the second Lucky Fins location in the Treasure Valley. The original restaurant opened in November 2011 at 1441 N. Eagle Road in Meridian. Chef Mark Ballen’s concept was to target health- and budget-conscious seafood diners. The menu since has been expanded and refined, providing additional options for nonfish fans and — even in the case of seafood — keeping most items under $15.

“We’re very passionate about the food we serve,” Hood said.

Plans for Lucky Fins in Downtown Boise include carryout and delivery, as well as catering.

So when will it open?

“That’s the $64,000 question,” Hood said. “We’d like to be open before the first Alive After Five. That’s our goal.”

If all goes according to plan, a third Lucky Fins Seafood Grill will beat the Downtown Boise location to the punch; construction is under way on a Lucky Fins in Greeley, Colo., scheduled to open in April.

Æ FAT TUESDAY: In the meantime, if you have a craving for Cajun grub on Feb. 12 — that’s Fat Tuesday — check out the day’s menu at Lucky Fins in Meridian.

Items include The Big Easy’s “Running Scared” ($11.99, alligator with vinegar sauce and beer-battered frog legs with Cajun aioli), “Jazzin’ Trio” Gumbo ($5.99 cup, $9.99 bowl), Chef’s “On the Bayou Platter” ($29.99, fresh crawfish, andouille sausage, alligator, frog legs, over Cajun fries with variety of dipping sauces and choice of Caesar or house salad) and more.

Online: luckyfinsgrill.com. Phone: 888-3467.

PIZZA CO. REOPENS

Idaho Pizza Company played a game of “now you see it, now you don’t” for about a month at Glenwood and State streets.

The pizzeria, which has changed ownership, closed Dec. 31 while it got remodeled.

It reopened Feb. 4.

Phone: 853-1224. Online: IdahoPizzaCompany.com.

NEW MICKEYRAY’S

MickeyRay’s Roadhouse Barbecue is now open near Boise Towne Square at the former Macaroni Grill space, 980 N. Milwaukee St. Phone: 343-7427.

Owner Mickey Shields closed his store at 2325 Apple St. MickeyRay’s continues to serve barbecue at its Eagle restaurant at 395 W. State St. Phone: 393-7427. Online: MickeyRaysBBQ.com.

Reporter Dana Oland contributed to this article. Submit news to scene@idahostatesman.com at least a week before publication.