Like this back patio? New Eagle restaurant opens next week — with rooftop bar, too

As construction has progressed on Crave Kitchen & Bar, Derek Hood has encountered more than a few curious Eagle onlookers.

“A lot of people drive by and stop in and want to take a sneak peek, so to speak,” he says with a chuckle. “The response has been fabulous.”

Sliding across the finish line during the coronavirus pandemic, the new restaurant at The Bridges at Lakemoor development almost felt like it might never open. He understands.

“It’s been a wonderful project,” says Hood, a longtime restaurateur in the Boise area, “but it’s been a long one.”

Now it’s time to celebrate.

After a soft opening this weekend, Crave made its public debut Monday, June 22, at 165 E. Colchester Drive. Idaho customers will discover a blend of casual and upscale influences at the restaurant, a project Hood did with Pat Morandi, co-owner and CEO of Roaring Springs Water Park and Wahooz Family Fun Zone in Meridian.

Crave has an atmosphere where people will feel comfortable in jeans or formal wear, Hood says. Filled with American cuisine like steaks and sandwiches, the menu should appeal to a variety of Idaho diners.

“It’s not necessarily fine dining. It’s not necessarily casual dining. It’s somewhere in between,” he told the Statesman in January. “Something called ‘polished’ dining.”

Rooftop patio

There’s plenty of seating inside Crave, which is roughly 7,000 square feet. Or customers can take advantage of ample outdoor space.

Crave offers a large, partly covered patio in the back. Patrons enjoy a view of a pond that separates Crave from the Intuit building.

Want to get elevated? Crave also features a rooftop bar with its own menu.

Crave’s restaurant hours will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The rooftop patio will be open 4 to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. The rooftop is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Unless, of course, Hood decides to give you a “sneak peek.”

“We’re excited,” he says, “and obviously, ready to open.”

▪ Crave Kitchen & Bar should not be confused with Crave Delivery, a new but entirely separate local startup with different owners.

This story was originally published June 18, 2020 at 9:33 AM.