‘Friendly,’ ‘well-rounded’ Boise restaurant closed Downtown after less than a year

Willowcreek Grill and Raw Sushi exited Downtown Boise after an unusually brief stint.

The dual-concept restaurant at 205 N. 10th St. opened in April 2017 then quietly closed near the end of the year.

“Thank you for your support,” a note on the door says. “Please visit us at our Vista location.”

The original, side-by-side Willowcreek Grill (opened in 2005) and Raw Sushi (opened in 2007) remain open in a strip mall at 2273 S. Vista Ave.

The Downtown restaurant was shuttered in November and held private parties in December, according to an employee at Willowcreek Grill on Vista Avenue. A call to Willowcreek Grill owner Brian McGill was not immediately returned.

When Willowcreek Grill and Raw Sushi opened Downtown, it seemed to have promise. In a June review, the Idaho Statesman praised its West-meets-East brand of gourmet burgers and sushi: “The menu is well-rounded and hardly short on whimsy or creativity. ... It’s obvious McGill knows how to offer a polished culinary experience, and service is brisk and friendly ... .”

It wasn’t just the quirky blend of cuisines that made Willowcreek Grill and Raw Sushi seem like a possible success story Downtown. There also was an outdoor sushi bar. Boiseans love their outdoor patio dining.

Online: willowcreekgrill.com.

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This story was originally published February 5, 2018 at 12:57 PM.