California ‘institution’ with Bobby Flay-approved food to open first Idaho restaurant
A quirky chain that began as a Truckee institution is coming to Idaho this spring.
Don’t be surprised if there’s a line.
The Squeeze In, which operates 11 locations in California, Nevada and Texas, plans to make its Gem State debut in Eagle. Serving breakfast and lunch, the restaurant will open in the former Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt space at 228 E. Plaza Drive — next to Grinkers Grand Palace arcade.
The brunch haven is targeting a May 1 launch, according to its Facebook page. In a phone interview, local franchise owner Nathan Bartosz said it might be closer to Mother’s Day, which is May 10.
Known for a space-alien mascot and hippie-edged vibe, the Squeeze In claims to make “the best omelettes on the planet” — among other goodies. A recent Yelp review described the Jack Johnson Banana Walnut Pancakes ($8.99 short stack, $10.99 tall) as “OMG amazing,” and the Salty Sweet Chocolate Covered Bacon ($2.49 one slice, $6.49 three) as “goooooooood.”
In 2010, celebrity chef Bobby Flay traveled to Reno and visited a Squeeze In featured on “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” on Food Network. Flay praised the Squeeze In’s omelettes as “absolutely delicious.” Afterward, the Squeeze In added the Spanish Flay ($14.49), a tribute to Flay, to the chain’s menu.
(Wait — hold on. Chocolate. Covered. Bacon. Did you catch that?)
North Idahoans should note that this Squeeze In is not related to the family-owned Squeeze Inn in Clark Fork. Founded in downtown Truckee, California, in 1974, the original Squeeze In cafe got its name because of its size. “At just 10 feet, 3 inches wide, and with only 39 seats, guests would literally have to ‘squeeze in’ to enjoy their breakfast at the little restaurant,” its website explains. “As the list of omelette options grew, so did the popularity of the restaurant, and by the mid-’80s, it was considered a true Truckee institution.”
The Eagle location, which is about 1,800 square feet, will have 60 seats, Bartosz says.
The menu is extensive — and tantalizing. Prices are midrange, but depending on your appetite and culinary hedonism level, the meal might not be cheap. (Prices listed here are from the Texas menu. Eagle’s should be similar; details are being finalized.)
A signature Racy Tracy omelette ($14.99), described as a “classic California” omelette, includes sauteed mushrooms, applewood smoked bacon and Monterey Jack cheese, “tucked into a blanket of fresh eggs, topped with avocado.”
How about the Holy Crab! ($22.99) — which is “absolutely crabulous”? It’s 1/4-pound of hand-shelled King Crab “sauteed in butter with fresh green onions, topped with Monterey Jack cheese, then folded into eggs, finished with avocado on top.”
Lunch options are similarly mouthwatering, whether it’s a hamburger, French dip or salad. You can even build your own sandwich, burger or burrito for $9.99.
Squeeze In normally offers beer, mimosas and multiple bloody marys. The massive Hail Mary ($14.99) looks like it might compete with the Mega Mary at The Homestead Bar & Grill for the best bloody in the Boise area, if not state. Eagle’s Squeeze In is working to acquire a legal variance to pour vodka, but it’s still up in the air, Bartosz said. “We will for sure be doing mimosas and champagne,” he said. “We’ll have beer as well.”
With or without liquor, don’t be surprised if you stagger out feeling a bit intoxicated, though.
Chocolate-covered bacon can that effect.
Online: squeezein.com.
This story was originally published March 5, 2020 at 12:58 PM.