7 updates from Boise’s food-and-drink scene: newcomers, closure, expansion

From a dinosaur-themed burger joint to a Portland ice cream chain planning to open in Meridian, the Boise area’s food-and-drink scene saw its usual flurry of news in recent days. Here’s a roundup of openings, closings, expansions and awards.

• A dinosaur-themed restaurant hatched at Boise Towne Square. Jurassic Burger opened in the mall’s food court, offering playfully named items like Pterodactyl Nuggets, Petrified Onion Rings and the T-Rex Supreme burger ($13).

• Tango’s Empanadas left its original home after 20 years. Owner Monica “Mama” Bremmer called the move from 701 N. Orchard St. “bittersweet,” but the restaurant is relocating three blocks south to 295 N. Orchard St. and planning a third Boise location near Albertsons Stadium.

• A festival-style “social hub” is coming to the Boise Greenbelt. Bluebird Social will take over the former Green Acres Food Truck Park site at 14th Street and Shoreline Drive, with plans for live music, food trucks and a full stage, debuting in early June.

• Salt & Straw, the Portland-based ice cream chain, plans to open at The Village at Meridian in the fourth quarter of this year. Idaho will be a new state for the brand, which operates dozens of locations in eight states.

• Zao Asian Grill is expanding with two more Boise-area locations planned — one in Eagle this summer and another in Meridian targeting mid-2027.

• Coiled Wines will shutter its Garden City tasting room at 3408 W. Chinden Blvd. Owner Leslie Preston said “my winemaking days are behind me,” though wine will remain available online and at local shops.

• Boise Brewing’s Black Cliffs Stout won silver at the World Beer Cup, which the Brewers Association calls “the world’s most prestigious beer competition.” The stout also won gold in 2018 and bronze in 2024.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.