‘So sad!: 64 restaurants, bars, coffee shops that closed in Boise area in 2025
Everyone knows the restaurant industry isn’t for the faint of heart. But when you compile a year’s worth of closures all in one place?
It’s tougher to swallow than a low-grade shank steak.
Here’s a roundup of restaurants, bars and coffee shops in the Boise area that said goodbye during the past 12 months. It’s not quite a comprehensive list. But it includes a ton of them.
Before you lose your appetite, try to remember: For every restaurant that shutters in the Treasure Valley, there always seems to be a new one opening right around the corner.
The Symposion
A dog-friendly dive bar, The Symposion, 2801 Fletcher St., stopped pouring drinks in early January. The bar had been around since the 1970s, but many Boiseans weren’t even aware of it. The isolated neighborhood watering hole was nestled between Fairview Avenue and the I-184 Connector.
Zeppole Cafe & Espresso Bar
A fixture for decades at 217 N. 8th St., Zeppole shuttered Feb. 21. It still has a cafe at 2345 S. Apple St. Meanwhile, the former downtown location is now The STILetto, a shop from local ice cream chain The STIL.
Mad Mac
The local macaroni-and-cheese purveyor returned to its food truck roots after opening a brick-and-mortar Kuna location in 2023. The restaurant was at 726 E. Avalon St.
Cinnaholic
When Cinnaholic made its Idaho debut in 2017 — in Meridian — things were looking sweet. But now the chain’s gourmet cinnamon rolls have disappeared. Cinnaholic, 3693 E. Longwing Lane at The Village at Meridian, closed in March. It was the chain’s only Idaho store.
Potter Wines
After 13 years, Potter Wines closed March 30. Located at 5286 W. Chinden Blvd., the Garden City winery and tasting room was known for off-the-wall flavors such as jalapeno and chipotle wine, plus other “winey” concoctions.
Poke Bowl
A counter-service concept in a Meridian strip mall at 2970 N. Eagle Road, Poke Bowl said goodbye to customers in March. “My wife and I are retiring,” owner Yuen Tung Lau explained in a message. The couple ran Wok King Chinese Restaurant in Boise for 28 years until it burned down in 2014 on Broadway Avenue. Focusing on customizable bowls of Hawaiian-style raw fish, they introduced Poke Bowl in 2017, also offering favorites from the previous restaurant.
Gyro Shack
Located in Boise at 9056 W. Emerald St. — at the intersection of Maple Grove Road — Gyro Shack closed in March to become the area’s second Rapido Burrito, serving a similarly limited Mexican-style menu. It followed the lead of a former Gyro Shack at 1050 E. Fairview Ave. in Meridian, which converted to a Rapido Burrito in 2024.
Sodalicious
The dirty-soda shop at 94 N. Fisher Park Way in Eagle called it quits, leaving just one remaining in Idaho for the Provo, Utah-based chain — at 4698 N. Linder Road in Meridian. Locally owned Salt & Light Coffee Lounge took over Sodalicious’ old Eagle spot.
The Chicken Shanty
After opening in May 2024 at 3110 W. Quintale Drive in Meridian — near the intersection of Ten Mile and McMillan roads — the Shanty flew the coop. It was the Oregon-based fried-chicken brand’s only Treasure Valley brick-and-mortar. Four Season Sushi & Asian Bistro soon opened in the space.
Ramen Sho
Hot, steaming noodles have disappeared at 520 S. Main St. in Meridian. Ramen Sho closed in March. The decision was made because of “multiple determining factors,” the restaurant explained on social media, offering no further details.
Guru Donuts
Leaving a hole in Eagle, Guru Donuts, 2826 N. Eagle Road, closed. The strip-mall store had debuted in the fall of 2020. Guru Donuts made the announcement on social media the same morning it shuttered — March 17 — and encouraged patrons to visit its flagship downtown Boise location at 928 W. Main St. Fans lamented the news on Instagram, where comments ranged from “Nooooo!” to “So sad!” No reason for the closure was provided. But in a reply on Instagram, Guru said the Eagle location — in the Bridges at Lakemoor development — “was very hard operationally with our kitchen being located downtown.”
Duck Donuts
Specializing in warm, decadent doughnuts, the chain closed its shop at 2126 N. Eagle Road at The Village at Meridian. The space has since reopened as Zao Asian Grill.
Earl of Sandwich
An under-the-radar national franchise, Earl of Sandwich closed at 3775 N. Eagle Road, inside a Jacksons convenience store and Chevron gas stop. It has since opened another location at the Fast Eddy’s and Chevron at 3240 W. Chinden Blvd. in Meridian.
Green’s Deli
Located at 1100 W. Idaho St. in a space next to Cherie Buckner-Webb Park, Green’s Deli went away — but sandwiches didn’t. It was replaced by another mouthwatering sammy mecca: Anesso. That’s a concept from Garden City’s Black Moon, which bakes the fresh bread.
Lucky Perk Coffee
The coffee shop at 1630 S. Eagle Road in Meridian — near Silverstone Amenity Center — shuttered after pouring its final cup May 15. “It is with heavy hearts after 22 years we announce the closure of our Lucky Perk Silverstone,” the Idaho brand posted online, explaining that “... the new owner of the building has different plans in mind for this location, and we have to say goodbye.” Lucky Perk still has a shop at 1551 W. Cherry Lane in Meridian.
Greenbelt Market
The food-and-drink stop along the Garden City side of the Boise River usually operates seasonally. But it didn’t return to action in 2025. The 545-square-foot space was sold in June. It soon will be the new home of a tasting room for Eagle winery Dude DeWalt Cellars.
Golden Wok
After almost three decades in the Boise area, family-owned Golden Wok closed in May at 3948 W. Chinden Blvd. in Garden City. In a goodbye message posted on Facebook, owner Cuong Trinh explained that the decision was made to spend more time with family.
Del Taco
Del Taco, 1306 S. Broadway Ave., served its final late-night burritos to Boise before posting “thanks for 20 years” on its street sign. That location was the national chain’s first restaurant in the state of Idaho, its general manager told the Statesman. The building is now a Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian-style eatery.
Country Bay Bistro
This restaurant, which served seafood and steak at 1749 S. Cole Road in Boise, flipped concepts and became Amélies, a French-inspired operation. Country Bay Bistro had opened just over a year earlier, where O’Crab Cajun Seafood had closed after a stint that began in 2021. Previously, from 1998 until 2020, regional chain McGrath’s Fish House had operated in that building.
Bosnia Express
One of Boise’s more unusual sandwich destinations, Bosnia Express closed at the end of June. Located in a Boise strip mall at 4846 W. Emerald St., the ethnic lunch destination was known for its multitiered concept. “It’s a nightclub/neighborhood bar/grocery store/lunch spot ...” as BoEx explained online, and “full of surprises, chief of which is the large gyro sandwich prepared in a little corner near the front door.”
Sushi Joy Asian Cuisine
The longtime restaurant at 2275 W. Main St. shuttered June 1, according to a brief, handwritten note posted on the door. No reason for the closure was provided. The space is now home to Umai Sushi Burrito.
The Stuffed Olive
A local Italian dining staple, The Stuffed Olive, 404 S. Eagle Road at Eagle Plaza, closed on June 27 — “after 20 wonderful years,” the restaurant wrote on its website. The Stuffed Olive was opened in 2005 by Bill Carter and Janice Darelli, “both experienced restaurateurs from Northern California,” a positive Statesman review noted that year. SoCal breakfast and lunch brand The Potholder Cafe has taken over the space.
Shige Sushi Express
A chef whose name is synonymous with sushi in the Boise area finally said goodbye. Shigeki Matsuzawa, who opened his first Boise restaurant 33 years ago, closed his final one: Shige Sushi Express, located in a Meridian strip mall at 520 S. Meridian Road. “Shige is retiring,” explained a farewell announcement on social media attributed to Matsuzawa, his wife Deborah and daughter Shirah. The space is now Yume Japanese Cuisine.
El Tenampa
Opened in 2017, the Mexican restaurant at 7802 W. Spectrum St. shuttered to make way for a planned Chick-fil-A. El Tenampa continues to operate a restaurant at 906 N. Main St. in Meridian.
Mandarin Palace
A longtime Boise restaurant and gathering place, Mandarin Palace, 5020 W. Franklin Road, closed its doors July 3. Located in the same parking lot as a Fred Meyer, the familiar business had served customers for decades — more than 50 years, according to Mandarin Palace’s website. A “heartfelt farewell” from “Wendy and Yifu, the owners,” explained the situation: “The reason for closing is that the building’s owner has decided not to renew our lease.”
Lucky Palace Chinese Restaurant
After serving Boiseans Mongolian beef and moo shu pork since 2008, Lucky Palace, 8630 W. Overland Road, closed Aug. 28. The reason for shuttering in the strip mall? Owner Quan Cai was not provided an opportunity to renew the lease, he told the Statesman. “So I have no choice but for me to close it.”
Wepa Cafe
Wepa Cafe owner Art Robinson gave it all he had. Following his dream, he opened Idaho’s first Puerto Rican restaurant in 2021 — at 175 E. 35th St. in Garden City. When times got tough, Robinson expanded Wepa’s menu to include Latin American cuisine from Cuba, Peru and Colombia, rebranding the restaurant as Wepa Latin American Cuisine. But after “nearly four incredible years,” Robinson announced on social media, Wepa came to an end July 26. The space has been taken over by local brunch destination Max & Louie’s.
River Room at Whole Foods
When Whole Foods Market made its Idaho debut more than a decade ago, it introduced Boise to all sorts of grocery-store bells and whistles. But one of the most memorable amenities has vanished at 401 S. Broadway Ave. The River Room, a taproom on the second floor, closed July 5. Shuttering the bar and restaurant was a business decision, according to a Whole Foods Market spokesperson.
Matty G’s Steakburgers & Lobsta’ Rolls
After debuting in December 2024, the sports-themed restaurant at 6565 W. Fairview Ave. in Boise quickly pulled the plug in July. Based in Arizona, Matty G’s still operates an Idaho location at 2826 S. Eagle Road in Eagle.
Original Sunrise Cafe
A familiar Boise family-dining destination, the Original Sunrise Cafe, 6767 W. Fairview Ave., closed after an eight-year run. A sizable local chain at one point, the brand is down to one restaurant, at 805 N. Main St. in Meridian. Opened in 1988, that location was the area’s first Sunrise Cafe.
Foy’s Franks, Driftwood Fry House, Waffle Love, Wok N’ Roll
Turnover is a regular occurrence at The Warehouse Food Hall, 370 S. 8th St. Vendors that exited in 2025 included Foy’s Franks, Driftwood Fry House, Waffle Love and Wok N’ Roll, which moved up in the world by opening its own brick-and-mortar nearby at 345 S. 8th St. Newcomers to The Warehouse this year included Just Chicken and El Cafetal Colombian Restaurant.
Spitfire Craft Pizza & Pints
It didn’t take long for customers to warm up to Spitfire’s Detroit-style pizza after it opened in 2018 at 2450 S. Vista Ave. Baked in deep, rectangular pans, the hefty pies won over Idahoans with thick, airy crusts and oceans of red sauce ladled on top. But after seven years, Spitfire said goodbye. The reason boiled down to two things, owner Rich Nichols said: a downturn in business, plus being conscientious about his health. Tov Curry and Wing, a new Asian concept, has leased the space with plans to open early this year.
Great Wall
After Great Wall opened in 1980, it eventually became Idaho’s first Chinese buffet. But after 45 years, the restaurant at 10398 Overland Road in Boise closed. Why? Its lease was not renewed. “It was definitely a shocker,” said Kenneth Chan, general manager of the family-owned business. Property manager Colliers provided this prepared statement on behalf of the landlord: “Great Wall has been a valued tenant of Five Mile Plaza. Their option to renew the lease was not exercised, and after the expiration of that option, we began receiving inquiries from other restaurant operators about the space. We wish Great Wall continued success in their next chapter.”
The Pork Belly
A breakfast diner that added piggish flair to Kuna’s dining scene is no more. Owners Mike and Marisol Larson shared their choice to end The Pork Belly, 271 N. Ave., on Facebook. In a goodbye note posted the day the restaurant closed, they said “while we are saddened by this decision, we will forever cherish the memories we’ve made and the relationships we’ve built during our time here.” The couple wrote that “we have decided that we want to make the steps toward retirement.” Recent owner responses to Google reviews also indicated that staffing had been a challenge.
Heritage Social Club
The end of the road came for a landmark bar and music venue in Garden City. Heritage Social Club, 5467 N. Glenwood St., is no more. Co-owner Cody Cuccia and his business partner took over the space about 2 1/2 years ago when it was called Ironwood Social, he said. But they sold their liquor license and decided not to renew the lease. A new tenant, Iconic by 3 Girls, has converted the space into an events center.
Zee’s Rooftop
A cafe on the top floor of C.W. Moore Plaza, 250 S. 5th St., Zee’s closed after 12 years. Owners Christopher “Chef Zee” Zahn and his wife, Christina Zahn, made the announcement, “sadly,” on social media. Open weekdays for lunch, Zee’s was well-known among downtown workers nearby. Reaction to the closure news ranged from well-wishes to sadness. Fellow restaurant owner-chef Billy Pothikamjorn of Mai Thai wrote on Facebook that he was “so sorry” to hear the news. “Heartbroken,” is all another commenter wrote.
Kichii Sushi & Spirits
When Bodovino wine bar and restaurant closed in the fall of 2024 after 11 years in the BoDo district, it gave half a week’s notice on social media. Its replacement at 404 S. 8th St., Japanese restaurant Kichii Sushi & Spirits, followed the same last-minute goodbye model. “It was a great year with a lot of fantastic food, cocktails, wine and sake,” it wrote on social media. “But, life is taking us in a new direction! Thank you to all our wonderful guests and staff that made this such an amazing place! Please continue to visit our sister restaurant, Bodovino at the Village in Meridian!”
Hill’s Kitchen
A grab-and-go restaurant that offered catering and focused on prepared meals, Hill’s Kitchen shuttered at 10697 W. Ustick Road in Boise. Owner-chef Janel Hill, who ran the strip-mall business, made the announcement on social media. “Along with the way costs have remained high, it’s no longer possible to keep Hill’s Kitchen going without losing what makes it special. After five amazing but demanding years, it’s time for me to pause, take a deep breath, and focus on what matters most: my boys and my family.”
Hong Kong Restaurant
A fixture in downtown Nampa, the Chinese food destination abruptly closed in September, leaving customers flabbergasted, saddened and nostalgic. “After 63 wonderful years, today we close our doors,” the restaurant at 117 12th Ave. South wrote on Facebook — its first post since late 2024. “I am in complete denial,” one commenter wrote, explaining that Hong Kong Restaurant had been a family mainstay for four generations. Red Fort Cuisine of India has taken over the space.
The Brunswick
After reviving a historic Emmett building as a local coffee shop and event center, The Brunswick, 124 W. Main St., pulled the plug. The closure was announced on Facebook, along with news that business founder Heidi Smith planned to launch another event space on family property in Garden Valley.
Water Bear Bar
A high-end cocktail specialist in downtown Boise, Water Bear Bar said goodbye after six years at 350 N. 9th St. “It’s been a long time coming,” the stylish lounge announced on Instagram, “and we tried everything we possibly could to keep this special little place around for y’all. It’s just not feasible.” In addition to drinks, Water Bear also served oysters, small plates and bar snacks. The bar is for sale, according to its website.
Alia’s Coffeehouse
After nearly two decades, the beloved coffee and brunch destination in downtown Boise said goodbye at 908 W. Main St. Co-owner-operator Sri Galindo announced the news on social media “with profound sadness and deep gratitude.” A post on the Alia’s Coffeehouse Facebook page explained that, “My business partner, Donnie, has been experiencing severe health issues over the past couple of years, limiting his presence at the shop. Unfortunately, John, our pastry chef, who has been instrumental in running Alia’s alongside me, is also facing serious health concerns.” Boise Thai Noodle House plans to open its second location in the space.
El Tejano Tex Mex
Located at 855 W. Broad St. — next door to the Knitting Factory Concert House — El Tejano opened in the fall of 2024. It abruptly closed roughly a year later. A Mexican restaurant and bar, El Tejano was owned by Los Angeles-based Knitting Factory Entertainment. Messages to Morgan Margolis, CEO and president of Knitting Factory, were not returned.
Sockeye Alehouse
When Sockeye Alehouse opened in Northwest Boise, it was a big deal — literally. Taking over a former garden center at 36th Street and Hill Road, it became the largest brewery-owned restaurant and bar in the Treasure Valley. Roughly two and a half years later, the party ended. Sockeye Alehouse, 3823 N. Garden Center Way, closed after a final pour. It remains available to rent for private events. The restaurant industry, co-owner Janice Skinner said, is “tough right now.” The local brand’s flagship Sockeye Grill and Brewery continues to operate at 12542 W. Fairview Ave.
Tree City Juice & Smoothie Cafe
A longtime local chain known for blended drinks and tasty sandwiches, Tree City dwindled from three locations to a single counter at the Boise State Student Union food court, which remains active. The brick-and-mortar restaurants at 8249 Franklin Road in Boise and 3355 E. Fairview Ave. in Meridian shuttered without explanation.
Mad Swede Brewing Company
After nine years, the Boise brewery at 2772 S. Cole Road closed in October. Owners Jerry and Susie Larson are retiring, according to a thank-you message posted on social media. Mad Swede also operates a downtown Boise pub, Mad Swede Brew Hall, at 816 W. Bannock St. That location, in the Garro Building, was slated to remain open through December, according to Mad Swede. Meanwhile, a new brewery, Wild Frontier Beer Project, plans to take over Mad Swede’s former 15-barrel brewhouse and taproom on Cole Road, according to its Instagram page.
Tamales Nelly
Nestled inside Chow Public Market & Eatery, 7609 W. Overland Road, Tamales Nelly essentially was a walk-up counter. The brand’s authentic tamales were filled with pork, chicken or cheese with jalapeno. After taking orders for the holiday season, Tamales Nelly called it quits. “This small family-owned business has no choice but to say goodbye,” Tamales Nelly wrote on Facebook, “as one of us has developed a medical condition that limits our ability to continue investing time and effort into our operation.”
P.F. Chang’s
After anchoring the BoDo district for 20 years, P.F. Chang’s shuttered in late October at 391 S. 8th St. The 6,980-square-foot restaurant at the corner of 8th and Broad streets is available for lease. A high-end casual chain founded in 1993, P.F. Chang’s blends Chinese dishes with culinary influences from Japan, Korea, Thailand and beyond. The Scottsdale-based chain operates nearly 300 restaurants in 23 countries and American airport locations, according to a recent press release.
Spring Creek Brewing Co.
After five years of beer and wood-fired pizzas at Avimor, the brewery at 18651 N. Streams Edge Way closed. Texas-based Gather Brewing Co. plans to open its second location roughly 1,600 miles away — in Spring Creek Brewing’s old spot.
Bao Boi, Tim’s Burgers
Two tenants next door to each other closed at the mixed-use Boardwalk Apartments complex at 521 E. 41st St. in Garden City: Bao Boi and Tim’s Burgers. Bao Boi, an Asian concept, opened in fall 2024. Tim’s Burgers had debuted earlier this year. Bao Boi quickly reopened at West End Food Co, a ghost-kitchen collective at 1744 W. Main St. in Boise.
Giggy D’s
The sports bar with the quirky name closed its original Meridian location after four years at 1505 S. Eagle Road, near the intersection with Overland Road. A second Giggy D’s remains open in the Orchard Park development at Chinden Boulevard and Linder Road. In a social media announcement, Giggy D’s gave no official reason for closing its Eagle Road restaurant. But replying to comments, it pointed to lease-related considerations.
Lemon Tree Co.
The Boise sandwich shop threw in the towel at Harris Ranch in November. Owner Jasson Parra shared the news in a selfie video, explaining that “unfortunately, this is the final final” for the restaurant at 3724 S. Eckert Road. Lemon Tree Co. continues to operate its flagship downtown location at 224 N. 10th St., and a sister cafe, The Grove by Lemon Tree Co., at 404 E. Parkcenter Blvd.
Happy Boba
Family-owned Happy Boba recently closed at 6932 W. State St. in Boise’s Northgate Shopping Center. It didn’t explain why, but it did share good news: A new concept, Mr. Tea Boba & Coffee Shop, is planned in that spot for a January 2026 opening. Mr. Tea, which has Facebook and Instagram pages, indicates that it will serve boba, coffee, tea and dessert.
The Whale Tea
A franchise chain that originated in China, The Whale Tea also shuttered in November at 1226 S. Broadway Ave. in Boise. An announcement was made on social media, but no reason was for closing was included.
Wild Root Cafe
A temporary closure that could end up permanent struck downtown Boise’s popular “restaurant row.” Wild Root Cafe, 276 N. 8th St., shuttered at the end of November. The restaurant, which opened in 2015, had run into a couple of hurdles, co-owner Dan Watts said in a message. “We’ve had a shift in our core employees just recently,” Watts said. “First time in a long time. With that, along with the slowed spending that has happened over the last 18 months, we need to rethink certain areas of our business. Wild Root is one of those.”
Shanghai Restaurant
Located at 332 Caldwell Blvd. in Nampa, Shanghai Restaurant finally closed. No reason was immediately available, but its absence will be felt. The building, with its “buffet and family dining” sign, has been a familiar sight for decades. Shanghai’s Facebook page described the business as a “family restaurant serving the Nampa community since 1982.”
Coned Pizza
Combining pizza’s warm, gooey deliciousness with the handheld convenience of an ice cream cone, the local brand grew from food cart to food trucks and, finally, a Meridian brick-and-mortar that opened in 2018. But that store closed in early December at 2976 E. Overland Road, near the intersection with Eagle Road. (Some Idahoans might also remember a now-defunct downtown Boise location.) Coned Pizza plans to continue its mobile catering, concession and food truck operations.
Brewed: A European Coffee House
The Southeast Boise java hangout at 3157 E. Barber Valley Drive recently pulled the plug after “three wonderful years,” a note on the door explained. “This was not an easy decision, and it comes with a full heart.” Another local concept, Bumble Coffee & Taps, plans to open in the space.
Paris Banh Mi
Despite positive reviews, the growing franchise chain pulled the plug on its only Idaho location in December. The restaurant at 1492 N. Webb Way in Meridian will be taken over soon by a local brand that also plans to sell Vietnamese sandwiches (along with other Asian cuisine): Pho 7 & Baguette.
Carl’s Jr.
As the year drew to a close, the hamburger chain shuttered its prominent, standalone restaurant at 1700 W. State St. — across from an Albertsons grocery store. But something spicy is coming in 2026. Sprucing up the building with a remodel, Dave’s Hot Chicken plans to open there. Idaho franchisee Doug Davis said he hopes to have the new North End location of Dave’s open by mid-August.
This story was originally published January 1, 2026 at 4:00 AM.