Destined to be a hit, this restaurant plans to open next to a popular Boise park
It’s a roll of the dice to open a restaurant.
But if there ever was a sure bet, Boise’s North End just hit the jackpot.
Local fast-casual concept Wyld Child plans to join the neighborhood. The new food-and-drink hangout will take up much of the first floor of a two-story, mixed-use building under construction at 1920 N. 13th St. — in a residential area just north of Hyde Park.
Among the reasons for its likely smashing success?
1) Wyld Child is proven. Launched in 2022 at 13 S. Latah St. on the Boise Bench, the affordable restaurant offers a tight, one-page food menu of approachable burgers, sandwiches and salads. “Talk about a popular place,” a recent 5-star Google review exclaimed. “I figured it was midday (so) things would be slow, but they were still hopping.”
2) Wyld Child is owned by Wylder Hospitality Group, arguably the hottest restaurant purveyor in Idaho. Since debuting in Boise nine years ago, the company has launched seven area concepts. All remain open.
3) Wyld Child’s new expansion location will be located a french fry’s toss away from a major recreational attraction: Camel’s Back Park. We’re talking acres of hungry, thirsty, active Boiseans of all ages — directly across the street.
“We’re excited about it,” agrees David Rex, managing partner of Wylder Hospitality Group. “One of my favorite restaurants is the Shake Shack in Madison (Square) Park in New York City. That one sits, like, smack in the middle of the park. But we just figured this one would be good.”
(Another recent 5-star Google review says Wyld Child “reminds me of an elevated Shake Shack burger, which for me is a compliment.” Coincidence?)
Wyld Child will have an entrance on 13th Street, and about 50 seats indoors. It also will include an outdoor patio on Heron facing the park. Kids getting antsy while you’re trying to enjoy a weekend breakfast sandwich? Kick them loose on the playground equipment across the street. You’ll be able to supervise from afar on the patio.
Wyld Child’s menu will be virtually the same as at the Boise Bench location. (So, yes, there will be beer, wine and canned cocktails. Speaking of lingering on the patio.) One sweet menu exception: Unlike the original location, Wyld Child on the North End also will sell ice cream and shakes.
So when does the Wyld Child party get started? Probably not this year. It all depends on when the building is finished.
The first quarter of 2027 seems like a realistic goal, Rex says.
But, he admits: “We’ve never guessed accurately on opening.”
This story was originally published March 4, 2026 at 4:00 AM.