Last call for ‘amazing’ river patio. After 19 years, Boise restaurant closes this week

If you want to relax with a drink outside Joe’s Crab Shack while the river gurgles past, time is trickling away.

After a last day of business Thursday, the longtime restaurant and bar will close at 2288 N. Garden St.

Judging by Idaho’s balmy forecast, the weather gods must have known. If you enjoy scenic, waterside views, it’s tough to beat Joe’s.

As previously reported, Joe’s is abandoning ship “due to a natural lease expiration.” That’s from a prepared statement attributed to Tim Kaliher, vice president and COO of the casual seafood chain.

If you’re nostalgic, try not to let any tears dilute your Shark Bite cocktail. Joe’s has been around since 2003, when it replaced a fondly remembered Chart House.

In a guide to dining near water several years ago, the Idaho Statesman ranked Joe’s at the top. “With a deck along the Boise Greenbelt, this is the Valley’s best river-view patio. Folks can chomp on Joe’s signature crab by the bucket and sip brews, seafaring-themed cocktails and sodas as the Boise River flows past. You can even feed the water fowl on a nearby inlet.”

Yelp reviewers have expressed similar sentiments. “If you’re in the mood for casual seafood and an amazing view of the Boise river, this is the place!” wrote one. Another said, “The dining room is nice, but the patio is wonderful. It always makes me feel like I’m on vacation and close to the water.”

Although it will miss the remainder of 2022, the old Crab Shack building won’t be empty forever. After a remodel, Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill is scheduled to take over in 2023, according to Rex Chandler, executive director of the Ling & Louie’s franchise in Idaho, and a co-owner of the Meridian restaurant at 3210 E. Louise Drive. A small chain, Ling & Louie’s also operates Arizona locations in Scottsdale and Chandler, plus one in Dallas.

Best of all? Plans are for the former Joe’s patio to stay — and be improved, Chandler said.

In the meantime, Joe’s Crab Shack is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.