‘Handcuffed,’ this well-reviewed star of Boise’s ‘restaurant row’ has closed
Believe it or not, one of the best-reviewed options on downtown Boise’s “restaurant row” is a quick-service chain that offers food in throwaway cups.
Kudos to Cupbop.
Since opening in late 2020 at the corner of 8th and Bannock streets, the Korean barbecue concept has earned 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google. That’s better than Bittercreek Alehouse (4.5). Better than Pie Hole (4.3). Better than the Matador (4.4), Rustica (4.2) and Eureka (4.4).
Perhaps that’s why stomachs suddenly are growling a little louder around lunch time?
Cupbop, 298 N. 8th St., has closed. Not, like, forever. Supposedly. But it’s been long enough to be missed. And it’s unclear when the situation might be resolved.
A torn, handwritten note taped to the door blames electrical issues. “We are working on opening soon! Cupbop loves you,” it insists.
Boise loves you, too, Cuppy, based on the online reviews drooling over the customizable cups.
But some famished folks might be gettin’ — hangry?
A recent unhappy Google review chastized the length of the closure as “absolute absurdity!” An apologetic response attributed to Cupbop’s owner promises that “we would love nothing more than to be open. Our landlord has us handcuffed. We (can’t) do anything since it’s a historic building, and he’s not fixing it. We are so sorry. We can’t wait until we can open again. We hope it’s soon!”
Attempts to reach the Cupbop franchise owner and a publicist for the Cupbop chain were not immediately successful.
Fortunately, there are other Treasure Valley options. The chain — which has more than 100 locations in Indonesia, according to its website — also operates at 3106 E. Amity Road in Meridian and at 1471 Caldwell Blvd. in Nampa at Karcher Mall.
But in downtown Boise? The Cup is empty. At least for now.
“Please for the love of all that is holy,” gripes the aforementioned Google review, “get it figured out ... .”
This story was originally published July 30, 2025 at 3:51 PM.