Some called this restaurant ‘absolutely the best sandwich shop in Boise.’ It closed

A locally owned sandwich shop that built a loyal Boise following has closed.

Pino’s Fine Spirits and Grinders, 10697 W. Ustick Road, shuttered recently, and the space has been been leased to another restaurant, according to a representative of Colliers International Idaho.

Opened in April of 2017, Pino’s offered a full bar — yes, cocktails — plus wine and beer. But it was oven-baked grinder sandwiches that lured most customers. In a positive restaurant review, the Idaho Statesman described Pino’s as a “one-man show” starring co-owner Jason Desaro, a Boise native: “Desaro bakes daily the long submarine buns that get used with all of the sandwiches, which get hit with the garlicky sub sauce and a blend of mozzarella and jack cheeses before getting placed in the scorching pizza oven.”

A highlight? “Pino’s makes a damn good meatball and cheese sandwich,” the Statesman wrote.

Many reviewers on Yelp — where Pino’s has a rating of 4 1/2 out of 5 stars — were similarly enthusiastic.

“Absolutely the best sandwich shop in Boise,” wrote one. “If you love sandwiches, you have to try Pino’s,” raved another. “It’s the best restaurant that no one is talking about,” observed another,“ and while I’ve consistently boasted that Fat Guy’s is the best sandwich in town — I’m officially changing my mind. Pino’s is the best, hands down.”

It wasn’t immediately clear what new restaurant will take over the old Pino’s space. (It won’t be Fat Guy’s, which is opening a new location soon in Columbia Village.) Other food tenants in the Ustick Road strip-mall building include Fiesta Chicken and Little Caesars Pizza.