Best of Treasure Valley 2020: Here are your winners and finalists in Food & Drink

Nearly 8,000 people voted in support of their favorite creative businesses, nonprofits, artists, musicians, sporting and community events.

This section highlights the Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell dining scenes.

The Boise area is home to a plethora of great restaurants, bars, food-and wine-makers — and for all of them, it’s been a particularly difficult year dealing with the coronavirus pandemic and COVID-19. So, this is really the perfect time to honor our food and drink community with the Idaho Statesman’s Best of Treasure Valley.

In 2020, you’ll find some familiar and some new places in our top-three finishers. Some such as Chandlers Steakhouse, Lucky Fins Restaurant and Barbacoa Grill are in multiple categories, but we consider every business that participated in this year’s contest winners.

Here are the results for our Best of Treasure Valley Food & Drink:

Best Asian Restaurant

PAD THAI HOUSE

10038 W. Overland Road, Boise

Sure, you’re going to want to bring your appetite when you eat at Pad Thai House. But you’re also going to decide what your attitude is before you walk in the door. Feeling adventurous? Go for the Tom Yom Po Tak, a spicy seafood soup with squid, shrimp, green mussels and crab legs. Want to play it a little safer? Don’t worry, Pad Thai House has you covered with Sweet and Sour Chicken or Pork. And don’t forget to specify the degree of spice you want with your meal: You can choose from mild, medium, hot or authentic. BoisePadThaiHouse.com.

2nd Place: 208 Pho & Vegan, 808 W. Fort St., Boise

3rd Place: Mai Thai Restaurant, 750 W. Idaho St., Boise

BEST BAKERY

PASTRY PERFECTION

5855 N. Glenwood St., Boise

Is there any aroma more appealing than the one you enjoy after walking into a shop that has been baking fresh pastries? And, yes, Pastry Perfection has fresh pastries. Lots and lots of them. Take a look around and you’ll find donuts, breads, cookies, dessert breads, buns, bagels, rolls and … well, you get the idea. Pastry Perfection also makes custom cakes and offers free next-day and same-day delivery for business meetings, parties and other events. A lesser-known perk: Pastry Perfection brews a quality cup of coffee at an honest price. PastryPerfection.com.

2nd Place: Zeppole Baking Co., 2345 S. Apple St., 217 N. 8th St., Boise

3rd Place: Janjou Patisserie, 1754 W. State St., Boise

BEST BAR

BARDENAY RESTAURANT & DISTILLERY

155 E. Riverside Dr., Eagle, 610 W. Grove St., Boise

Step up to Bardenay’s bar top, whether you’re in Boise or in Eagle, and order a drink. What’ll it be? Make it a Bardenay House Martini, served up, with their gin that has been distilled on the premises. Or maybe try a Cantaloupe Cooler, with Bardenay’s house-made vodka. Whatever you choose, you can trust that the person behind that bar top knows their cocktail concoctions – and the end result will be satisfying. Bardenay also offers a multitude of wines by the glass or the bottle and a wide selection of beers on tap. Bardenay.com.

2nd Place: 10th Street Station, 104 N. 10th St., Boise

3rd Place: Bittercreek Alehouse, 246 N. 8th St., Boise

BEST BARBECUE

GOODWOOD BARBECUE CO.

7849 W. SPECTRUM ST., Boise, 1140 N. Eagle Road, Meridian, plus locations in Utah and

What makes Goodwood Barbecue Co. so popular? Maybe it’s the selection. After all, the menu features a Carolina pork sandwich, sweeeeet chicken, salmon filet, sliced brisket salad, three kinds of ribs AND fresh-cut onion rings, among other offerings. (Did we mention the mopped Delmonico steak?) So, yes, the options are aplenty. But perhaps Goodwood is so popular because of its unique style of closed-pit cooking. Or maybe it’s a service staff that really seems to want you to enjoy your meal. The bottom line: Great food, lots of options and quality service result is a winning combination. GoodwoodBBQ.com.

2nd Place: Bodacious Pig Barbecue, 34 E. State St., Eagle

3rd Place: BBQ4Life, 930 S. Vista Ave., Boise

BEST BEER SELECTION

YARD HOUSE

The Village at Meridian, 3693 E. Longwing Lane

Some people’s beer choices change with the seasons. When it’s hot out, they might prefer a McCall Lemon Ginger hefeweizen. As the temperatures dip into the teens, they might turn to a hearty North Coast Old Rasputin imperial stout. Winter, summer, spring or fall, the Yard House has beer lovers covered. Speaking of the seasons, the Yard House also keeps things interesting with rotating seasonal selections. Draft beers are $2 off during happy hour, and 64-ounce house beer growlers are available to go. Yardhouse.com.

2nd Place: Bittercreek Alehouse, 246 N. 8th St., Boise

3rd Place: Albertsons Market Street, 1219 S. Broadway Ave., Boise, 3499 E. Fairview Ave., Meridian

BEST BLOODY MARY

BACON

121 N. 9th St., Boise

The letter “B” gets top billing at Bacon. The restaurant’s tagline is “Breakfast, Bistro, Bloody Marys,” and yes, even the owner John Berryhill. Yes, Bacon has a full bar, but the Bacon bloody mary gets top billing here on the cocktail menu. And why not? An expertly crafted bloody mary accompanied by a strip of bacon is a match made in heaven. And there’s no need to stop with that strip of bacon that comes with your bloody mary. While you’re sipping away go ahead and try a sampler of all five kinds of bacon on the menu at Bacon. BaconBoise.com.

2nd Place: The Homestead Bar and Grill, 6275 N. Linder Road

3rd Place: Fork, 199 N. 8th St., Boise

BEST BREAKFAST

THE GRIDDLE

The Griddle has been a storied institution in Winnemucca, Nevada, for more than half a century. New locations were opened in Meridian in 2007, Eagle in 2009, Boise in 2012 and Nampa in 2017. Now, breakfast lovers across the Treasure Valley are lucky to have The Griddle’s “Good Cookin’” just a short drive away. Everybody in the family will find something to their liking on the large and varied menu, from Dad’s Hotcakes (a family recipe made from scratch) to Auntie Mo’s Spuds (hash browns with bacon, onions, mushrooms, bell pepper and cheddar cheese). TheGriddle.com.

2nd Place: Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro, 108 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise

3rd Place: Joe Momma’s Breakfast Eatery, 3510 N. Eagle Road, Meridian

BEST BREWERY

PAYETTE BREWING CO.

Mike Francis left his life as an industrial engineer at Boeing Company in Seattle to return to his roots and establish Payette Brewing Company in Boise in 2010. Soon thereafter, the Rustler IPA (formerly Outlaw IPA) became a go-to beer for craft beer lovers in the Treasure Valley. Through the years, Payette has continued to set the standard for quality craft beer with offerings such as the North Fork lager and the Mutton Buster brown ale. The creativity (and beer) continues to flow at Payette, and you’ll now find more off-the-beaten-path seasonal offerings such as Embers S’Mores Porter. PayetteBrewing.com.

2nd Place: Sockeye Brewery

3rd Place: 10 Barrel Brewing Co.

BEST BRUNCH

FORK

199 N. 8th St., Boise

Want to start your day the right way during the weekend? Sleep in a bit, build up an appetite and head to Fork. Perhaps you’ll begin your meal with a Happy Brunch Starter, such as the Build-Your-Own Mimosas. No problem if you opt to skip the drinks; you’ll get to your meal that much quicker. You can’t go wrong with the Chef’s Benny (a classic), but if you’re feeling a little more adventurous might we suggest the Boise Bibimbap Breakfast Bowl (with farro, glazed crispy chicken and house-pickled veggies)? No matter your choice, the Fork will try to keep the ingredients local. ForkBoise.com.

2nd Place: Joe Momma’s Breakfast Eatery. 3510 N. Eagle Road, Meridian

3rd Place: Bacon, 121 N. 9th St., Boise

BEST BURGER

BIG JUD’S

1289 S. Protest Road, Boise, 3030 E Overland Road, Meridian.

Here’s the thing: Big Jud’s has become famous for the Big Jud’s Challenge – or challenges. The 1-pound challenge offers eaters a measure of success. The 2-pound challenge takes things up a notch – a big notch – and separates the pretenders from the real eaters, who truly earn a spot on the Wall of Fame. But here’s the other thing: You don’t need to be a world-champion eater to enjoy Big Jud’s. You just have to enjoy world-class burgers. Big, juicy burgers like the Mushroom Bacon Burger or the Hawaiian Burger. Whatever your appetite, you won’t go home hungry. BigJuds.com.

2nd Place: Boise Fry Co., multiple locations

3rd Place: Westside Drive In, 1929 W. State St., 1113 E. ParkCenter Blvd., Boise

BEST CASUAL RESTAURANT

BARDENAY RESTARUANT & DISTILLERY

610 Grove St., Boise, 155 E. Riverside Drive, Eagle

You don’t need to be wearing your Sunday best to visit the Downtown Boise Bardenay or the Eagle location, but if you are dressed to the nines you will still feel welcome and comfortable. Both locations feature a patio for enjoying fresh air, great food and drinks galore. Both locations feature high ceilings and a view of Bardenay’s on-site distilleries. After a few visits, you’re likely to find a favorite dish – and feel strongly about having it again on your return trip. The Meatloaf Sandwich can cause that reaction, as can the Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chimichanga. Bardenay.com.

2nd Place: Luciano’s Italian Restaurant, 11 N. Orchard St., Boise

3rd Place: Fork, 199 N. 8th St., Boise

BEST CATERER

GOODWOOD BARBECUE CO.

Special occasions can require sooo much planning. Whether you’re hosting a business lunch, a wedding or a holiday party, the logistics can be overwhelming. Unless you call Goodwood Barbecue Co. and ask for a little assistance. Goodwood offers full-service event planning and will do custom packages to your specifications. When your guests breathe in the aroma of Goodwood’s on-site grilling they’ll know you made the right catering choice. Speaking of choices, there are plenty on the catering menu, from a mini sandwich bar to a smoked salmon filet to garden salads. Oh, and Goodwood also has dessert covered. GoodwoodBBQ.com.

2nd Place: 3 Girls Catering

3rd Place: Kanak Attack Katering

BEST COCKTAIL MENU

BARBACOA GRILL

276 Bobwhite Court, Boise

It’s one thing to have an exquisite cocktail menu. It’s quite another to have a bartender who knows how to mix and serve those drinks. Thankfully, Barbacoa has both of those elements. Sure, you can order a Classic Margarita or a Classic Mojito, and Barbacoa will knock it out of the park. But Barbacoa almost dares you to live it up a little and be adventurous. So, maybe you should try the Heat, with fresh cilantro, serrano peppers, lime, El Jimador Reposado Tequila and fresh orange. Barbacoa-Boise.com.

2nd Place: Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery, 610 Grove St., Boise, 155 E. Riverside Drive, Eagle

3rd Place: Chandlers Steakhouse, 981 W. Grove St., Boise

BEST COFFEE ROASTER

DUTCH BROS. COFFEE

22 locations in Idaho: Learn more at DutchBros.com/locations.

You don’t need to go to Central or South America to enjoy the coffee beans that are roasted by Dutch Bros. In fact, you don’t even need to leave your home. Dutch Bros. Private Reserve Coffee is available through the company website at shop.dutchbros.com. Whether whole bean or ground, the coffee you’ll enjoy is a medium roast with low acidity. The beans are hand-roasted in Grants Pass, Ore., and coffee shops across the Treasure Valley would love to serve you a Dutch Bros. cup of coffee however you like it, iced or hot.

2nd Place: Flying M Coffee: FlyingMCoffee.com/shop.

3rd Place: Dawson Taylor Coffee Roaster, 1035 S Lusk St., Boise.

BEST COFFEE SHOP

FLYING M COFFEEHOUSE

500 W. Idaho St., Boise

What makes a great coffee shop? Customers can usually tell if they’ve entered one the second they walk through the shop’s front doors. Does it feel welcoming? Is the aroma of fine coffee wafting through the air? Is it unique? Flying M Coffeehouse checks all the boxes, and it has been a coffee lover’s destination since 1992. Since then, its customers have enjoyed house-roasted coffee, quirky gifts, colorful furniture and a friendly, inclusive environment. And did we mention the scratch-made bakery items? Choose from homemade croissants, giant cookies, cinnamon rolls and more.

2nd Place: Flying M Coffeegarage, 1314 2nd St. South, Nampa

3rd Place: Moxie Java Bistro, 4990 W. Chinden Blvd., Garden City

BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT

IDAHO PIZZA COMPANY

Load up the family and head to your nearest Idaho Pizza Company. The kids will enjoy their own Little Spud’s Meal, which includes a one-topping pizza, a soft drink and a surprise. The parents will have plenty of options, from hot wings to garlic bread, from salads to sandwiches. And the pizza options are aplenty, from a simple pepperoni pizza to a Hells Canyon, which features bleu cheese sauce and optional jalapenos. With locations throughout the Treasure Valley, there’s likely an Idaho Pizza Company near you. Don’t forget to ask about the monthly special. IdahoPizzaCompany.com.

2nd Place: Luciano’s Italian Restaurant, 11 N. Orchard St., Boise

3rd Place: Flying Pie Pizzeria, multiple locations

BEST FINE DINING RESTAURANT

CHANDLERS STEAKHOUSE

981 W. Grove St., Boise

Whether you’re celebrating a 25th anniversary or just the end of another workday, a dinner at Chandlers always feels special. Since 2007, Chandlers has provided a perfect environment to enjoy a quality dinner, with a full-service lounge and jazz every night. Chandlers specializes in prime-grade steaks and jet-fresh seafood. With complimentary valet parking, visiting Chandlers is a snap. You’ll be seated and enjoying yourself in no time. Perhaps you’ll begin with a 10 Minute Martini — or maybe you’ll start your meal with a bottle of wine from their Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. ChandlersBoise.com.

2nd Place: Barbacoa Grill, 276 W. Bobwhite Court, Boise

3rd Place: Brick 29 Bistro, 320 11th Ave. South, Nampa

BEST FINGER STEAKS

WESTSIDE DRIVE IN

1929 W. State St., 1113 ParkCenter Blvd., Boise

Don’t even get us started on the age-old question of who invented finger steaks. All we know is that Idaho has made them famous, and there are any number of restaurants that serve their own version. But Best of Treasure Valley voters have deemed Westside Drive In’s finger steaks the best. And who are we to argue? After all, Chef Lou Aaron has a long history of serving finger steaks at the Westside on State Street, which opened in 1957. The battered beauties at the Westside are served with garlic bread and fries or gems. Dig in, and enjoy a signature Idaho delight. WestsideDriveIn.com.

2nd Place: The Dutch Goose, 3515 W. States St., Boise

3rd Place: Big Bun Drive-In, 5816 W. Overland Road, Boise

BEST FOOD TRUCK

THE KILTED KOD

Wonder why more than 6,000 people follow the Kilted Kod on Facebook? Because they want to know where the Kilted Kod trucks are going to be located on any given day (you can also access this information through the company’s website, thekiltedkod.com). If you’re in the mood for British-style fish and chips, then you’re going to want to track down one of the Kilted Kod trucks yourself. Kilted Kod uses Alaskan cod to create their authentic, golden masterpieces. One patron summed up the experience this way: “I feel like I died and went back to England.” Track it at TheKiltedKod.com/locations

2nd Place: Mad Mac, MadMacBoise.com

3rd Place: Brown Shuga Soul Food, BrownShugaSoulFood.com

BEST FRIES

BOISE FRY COMPANY

Multiple locations:

Feeling indecisive? Boise Fry Co. might overwhelm you, although the staff is great at helping you make decisions. On any given day you might be able to choose from a number of different potato options: russet, gold, red, purple, yam or sweet (you can even opt for Brussels sprouts). Then you’ll need to decide on the cut: shoestring, regular, curly, homestyle or Po’Ball. After considering those choices you’ll discover another option: The Bourgeois, which features russets fried in duck fat and garnished with Italian truffle salt. It’s OK, though, because there are no wrong choices at Boise Fry Co. BoiseFryCompany.com.

2nd Place: Westside Drive In, 1929 W. State St., 1113 ParkCenter Blvd., Boise

3rd Place: Highlands Hollow Brewhouse, 2455 N. Harrison Hollow Lane, Boise

BEST GLUTEN FREE MENU

GLUTEN FREE GALAXY

Gluten-free food has come a long way, and Gluten Free Galaxy creates offerings that gluten-free fans think are out of this world. Truth be told, you don’t have to be on a special diet to enjoy all the offerings. Gluten Free Galaxy makes breads, cinnamon rolls, (pictured) cookies, muffins and even pizza crusts. The products are free from gluten, dairy, egg, soy, corn, canola and nuts. They are also vegan. Gluten Free Galaxy products are sold and served at stores and restaurants throughout the Treasure Valley. Go to GFGalaxy.com for a list of establishments where GFG products can be found.

2nd Place: Jakers Bar and Grill, 3268 E. Pine Ave., Meridian

3rd Place: Wild Root Café, 276 N. 8th St., Boise

BEST HAPPY HOUR

BARBACOA GRILL

276 Bobwhite Court, Boise

Thankfully, you don’t have to be a math genius to enjoy the happy hour at Barbacoa, which occurs every day of the week from 4 to 6 p.m. The formula is simple: Buy one drink and get one free. Does that mean you can order a Lemon Drop and the waitstaff will serve you a second one for free? Yes, it does. Same goes for a Pineapple Mojito, or a Black Manhattan. See how easy this is? The happy hour deal is also extended to beers and wines by the glass ($15 or less). Barbacoa-Boise.com.

2nd Place: Jakers Bar and Grill, 3268 E. Pine Ave., Meridian

3rd Place: Lucky Fins Seafood Grill, 801 W. Main St., Boise, 1441 N. Eagle Road, Meridian.

BEST INDIAN/MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT

MADHUBAN INDIAN CUISINE

“All happiness depends on leisurely food.” Those are words to live by at Madhuban. The restaurant features classic Indian dishes as well as creative dishes that apply Eastern flavors with a Western twist. Madhuban has built a reputation for delicious clay-oven specialties, such as the Mughlai Tandoori Mixed, which includes tandoori lamb, chicken and jumbo shrimp. The options are endless, and vegetarians will be especially pleased with their choices. But don’t leave without trying their two versions of freshly baked naan.

2nd Place: Mazzah Mediterranean Grill, 1772 W. State St., Boise

3rd Place: The Gyro Shack, multiple locations

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

LUCIANO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Luciano’s tops this category for the second year in a row. Luciano’s is where Treasure Valley diners go to get a taste of Italy. The restaurant describes itself as “casual, yet classy. … Come as you are and start with a glass of wine.” Absolutely, come as you are. But also come hungry. Because Luciano’s will sate your appetite with authentic Italian food, featuring classics from both northern and southern Italy. You’ll find pasta dishes galore, along with specialties such as cioppino or Lucci’s Tuscan New York. Luciano’s also caters, and can provide pans of lasagna, chicken Gorgonzola or spaghetti marinara with meatballs for your special event. LucianosBoise.com.

2nd Place: Gino’s Italian Ristorante and Bar, 3015 W. McMillan Road, Meridian

3rd Place: Alavita, 807 W. Idaho St, Boise

BEST MARGARITA

THE MATADOR

215 N. 8th St, Boise, Casa Del Matador, The Village at Meridian, 3690 E. Monarch Sky Lane

There are any number of ways to form an opinion about a Mexican restaurant. Are the tortilla chips homemade? Are the chile rellenos authentic? But many like to cut to the chase: How are the margaritas? By this standard, it’s safe to say that The Matador is off the charts. You can’t go wrong with a Top Shelf, but we suggest you try the Smokey, which features a charred pineapple reduction. Those looking for a bargain show up between 4 to 6 p.m. or from 9 p.m. to close, when lime margaritas are $5 and mango margaritas are $6. MatadorRestaurants.com.

2nd Place: Cafe Olé Cantina, 3284 E. Pine Ave., Meridian

3rd Place: Barbacoa Grill, 246 Bobwhite Court, Boise

BEST PIZZERIA

IDAHO PIZZA COMPANY

Multiple locations IdahoPizzaCompany.com.

Any pizzeria can probably satisfy your basic pizza needs. After all, it’s hard to not LIKE pizza. ANY pizza. But if you’re looking to take your pizza experience up a notch, head to Idaho Pizza Company (and there’s probably one near you). Instead of ordering just pepperoni, go extreme, as in the Wilderness Garlic Extreme. We’re talking garlic sauce, and we’re talking plenty of tasty ingredients on top of that. Idaho Pizza Company has any number of time-tested creations, so don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone. That said, you can’t go wrong with just pepperoni.

2nd Place: Flying Pie Pizzaria, multiple locations

3rd Place: Guido’s Pizzeria, 235 N. 5th St., Boise

BEST PLACE FOR ICE CREAM/FROZEN YOGURT

THE STIL

786 W. Broad St., 3724 S. Eckert Road, in Boise

Some ice cream shops play it by the book and are rather, well, vanilla. The STIL is anything but your standard ice cream shop. The ice cream menu features four categories: dairy-free, vegan, custom ice cream and booze-infused. You heard that right: booze-infused. The ice cream flights – featuring beer and ice cream or wine and ice cream – are customer favorites. But still, The STIL is all about the ice cream. They use local dairy and a 16% butterfat churned in an Italian-made gelato machine to make sure it’s the richest, creamiest ice cream their customers have had. ILoveTheStil.com.

2nd Place: Delsa’s Ice Cream Parlor, 7923 W. Ustick Road, Boise

3rd Place: Goody’s Soda Fountain & Candy Store, 1502 N. 13th St., Boise

BEST PLACE FOR SEAFOOD/FISH

LUCKY FINS SEAFOOD GRILL

801 W. Main St., Boise, 1441 N. Eagle Road, Meridian

It’s interesting how many customers seek out Lucky Fins for … macaroni and cheese. But this isn’t just any mac & cheese, and Lucky Fins knows how to take it up a notch by adding shrimp, salmon or lobster. But if you’re looking for a more traditional seafood lunch or dinner, Lucky Fins won’t disappoint. Try the Seared Scallop & Ahi or the Crab Platter and you’ll swear you can hear ocean waves as you take a bite. Lucky Fins also features an extensive sushi menu and has mastered the art of the takeout order. LuckyFinsRestaurant.com.

2nd Place: Fresh Off the Hook, 507 N. Milwaukee St., Boise

3rd Place: Chandlers Steakhouse, 981 W. Grove St., Boise

BEST PLACE TO SATISFY YOUR SWEET TOOTH

GOODY’S SODA FOUNTAIN & CANDY STORE

1502 N. 13th St., Boise

No matter how old you are, it’s impossible to walk into Goody’s and not feel like a kid again. Seeing (and smelling) an array of candy, chocolate, caramel corn and ice cream creations will do that to the best of us. So, let your inner child take over when you order at the old-fashioned counter. Go for a Butterfinger Malt or a Cherry Coke and Chocolate Float. Then ask for some of Goody’s handmade chocolate to go. Why stop there? Might as well get some classic jawbreakers to while away the time. Then, you’ll really feel like a kid again. GoodysSodaFountain.com

2nd Place: Crumbl Cookies, 8665 W Franklin Rd, Boise

3rd Place: Chip Cookies, 501 W. Main St., Boise, The Village at Meridian, 3540 Longwing Lane

BEST QUICK LUNCH

TIN ROOF TACOS

115 S. Broadway Ave., Boise, 1750 W. McMillan Drive, Meridian

Yep, Tin Roof Tacos is quick on the draw. But if you’re looking for an especially quick experience, then order online before arriving. The staff will be waiting for you with your order, whether it’s a few BBQ Brisket Tacos or one each of their vegetarian options (Roasted Corn, Black Bean or Rajas, with roasted poblanos). Whatever you choose, Tin Roof sticks to the staples of a street taco that are made from scratch. Can’t wait for a quick lunch? That’s OK, Tin Roof also does breakfast tacos. TinRoofTacos.com.

2nd Place: Cobby’s Sandwich Shops, 4348 Chinden Blvd., Garden City, 6899 Overland Road, Boise

3rd Place: The Gyro Shack, multiple locations

BEST RESTAURANT PATIO

BARDENAY RESTAURANT & DISTILLERY EAGLE

155 E. Riverside Drive, Eagle

Twenty years ago, Bardenay became the nation’s first restaurant distillery, and they made it a point to create a menu that also makes it worth the trip. With locations in Boise, Eagle and Coeur d’Alene, each location specializes in distilling different spirits, including gin, vodka and rum. The cozy patio at its Eagle location is a perfect spot to have a cocktail with its gin, lemon vodka, strawberry liqueur, banana liqueur or cassis (currant). And there’s also an impressive selection of wines and beer on tap. The real trick is trying to choose which menu item and which cocktail to try first. Bardenay.com

2nd Place: Cottonwood Grille, 913 W. River St., Boise

3rd Place: Sandbar Patio Bar & Grill, at the Riverside Hotel, 2900 W. Chinden Blvd., Garden City

BEST SANDWICH SHOP/DELI

COBBY’S SANDWICH SHOPS

4348 Chinden Blvd., Garden City, 6899 Overland Road, Boise

There’s good reason Cobby’s has been making sandwiches in the Treasure Valley since 1978 — you can’t really go wrong. Fresh bread, fresh veggies, premium deli meats and fresh sliced cheese all come together to give you a variety of sandwich choices that include favorites like turkey avocado, French dip, salamis and all the basics. You’ll also find plenty of fans for Cobby’s Soup of the Day, chili and clam chowder. And there’s a salad bar. Anyone who has lived in Boise for any length of time knows Cobby’s is a solid choice when it’s soup and sandwich time. Cobbys.com.

2nd Place: Deli George, 220 Broadway Ave., Boise

3rd Place: Hugo’s Deli, 10599 W. Overland Road, Boise, 6233 N. Linder Road, 950 E. Fairview Ave., Meridian

BEST SPORTS BAR

THE RAM

709 E Park Blvd, Boise, 3272 E. Pine Ave., Meridian

Beer, burgers and atmosphere. That’s what you find at The Ram, again voted No. 1 in this category. The Ram was way ahead of the curve when it started brewing its own beer 25 years ago. And let’s just say they know what they’re doing since they have dozens of craft beer awards gathered up over the years. There are plenty of televisions around, too, and a menu that will make you want another beer. There are two locations in the Treasure Valley — the area’s original Ram near the Boise State University campus and the other on Eagle Road. TheRam.com.

2nd Place: Big Al’s, 1900 N. Eagle Road, Meridian

3rd Place: Taphouse Pub & Eatery, 760 W. Main St., Boise

BEST STEAKHOUSE

CHANDLERS STEAKHOUSE

981 W. Grove St., Boise

Chandlers has been on everyone’s steakhouse and fine dining list since opening in 2007. In fact, it took No. 1 again in the Fine Dining category as well — and three additional Top 3 finishes! This is upscale steak and seafood with a heck of a wine list and live jazz every night. Its specialty is prime steaks and jet-fresh seafood, which means anything on the menu is a winner, but oh those steaks: Midwest corn-fed, grass-fed, NW American Wagyu, or how about certified authentic Japanese Wagyu? Check out the new Butcher Block take-out program to cook Rex’s meals at home. ChandlersBoise.com.

2nd Place: Barbacoa Grill, 276 Bobwhite Court, Boise

3rd Place: Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 800 W. Main St., Boise

BEST SUSHI

LUCKY FINS SEAFOOD GRILL

801 W. Main St., Boise, 1441 N. Eagle Road, Meridian

Lucky Fins takes home three honors this year, including two No. 1 finishes: Best Sushi and Best Seafood/Fish. Happy Hour here means buy one sushi roll and get the second one half off, and that makes for a lot of tasty, picturesque rolls to share around the table. When you consider how many sushi choices there are around the Valley, you can bet there’s a reason this one finishes somewhere around the top of the list every year. One of its two locations is in Downtown Boise with a patio on the Grove Plaza, perfect for meeting friends and people-watching. LuckyFinsRestaurant.com.

2nd Place: YoiTomo Sushi & Grill, 405 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise

3rd Place: Sakana Japanese Sushi & Steak, SilverStone Point, 1718 S. Eagle Road, Meridian

BEST TACOS

TIN ROOF TACOS

115 S. Broadway Ave., Boise, 1750 W. McMillan Drive, Meridian

Tacos are another one of those food choices with a lot of competition out there. The two sisters from Texas who started Tin Roof Tacos have had a great run already at only 4 years old, and there’s a second location out in the valley at McMillan and Linder roads. This is good old-fashioned Tex-Mex tacos that includes shredded pork, grilled chicken, brisket, shrimp, fish and veggie versions of roasted corn, black bean and the tasty raja tacos. With street taco prices of $2.25-$2.50, I mean c’mon, what’s not to like? TinRoofTacos.com.

2nd Place: Calle 75 Street Tacos, 110 N. 11th St., Boise, 3635 E. Longwing Lane, The Village at Meridian,

3rd Place: Campos Market, 413 N Orchard St, Boise, 3302 Caldwell Blvd., 122 Holly St., Nampa

BEST TRADITIONAL MEXICAN

ANDRADE’S RESTAURANT MEXICANO

4620 W. Overland Road, Boise,

It seems like Andrade’s has been around a lot longer than 19 years, because those who like a good sit-down Mexican restaurant have always been a fan of this place. Javier Andrade’s authentic cuisine brings the flavors and aromas of his ancestors in a warm, colorful and welcoming atmosphere — and one of the tastier salsa bars around. These dishes are all his own creations, developed over the years, and represent the memories and colors of “all those unforgettable kitchens I’ve enjoyed over my lifetime.” Coming soon — a new, larger location right down the street on Overland Road. AndradesRestaurant.com.

2nd Place: Enrique’s Mexican Restaurant, 35 North Ave. E., Kuna

3rd Place: El Gallo Giro, 615 W. Main St., Boise. 5285 N. Glenwood St., Garden City

BEST VEGETARIAN MENU

WILD ROOT CAFÉ

Michael and Anne-Marie met in culinary school and they made the move to open their own restaurant in Downtown Boise in 2015. The Wild Root has a wildly delicious and colorful menu of seasonal, craft comfort food with an emphasis on locally sourced fare. Come for the tofu, stay for the pork belly. It’s open for breakfast and lunch with brunch on Saturday. Aside from scratch-cooked food, they offer a seasonal menu with enticing options for those with specialized diets. You’ll find bone broth, wheat-free, vegan/vegetarian, keto- and paleo-friendly meals right here on 8th Street. Enjoyable — and picturesque — surprises await. WildRootCafe.com.

2nd Place: Boise Co-op, 888 Fort St., Boise, 2350 N. Eagle Road, Meridian

3rd Place: BBQ4Life, 930 S. Vista Ave., Boise

BEST WINE SELECTION

ALBERTSONS MARKET STREET

1219 S. Broadway Ave., Boise, 3499 E. Fairview Ave., Meridian

Idaho drinks more wine per capita than any other state, and the vino aisles at the two Albertsons Market Street stores aren’t going to put a damper on that. The selections, which include an array of Idaho wines, are almost so mind-boggling that you’ll be glad to find someone stationed nearby to help you find what you’re looking for or to tempt you into something new and interesting. Much like the extensive craft beer selections, you may want to consider starting a log book to keep track of your favorites and update your wish list.

2nd Place: Chandlers Steakhouse, 981 W. Grove St., Boise

3rd Place: Uncorked at Boise Co-op Wine Shop, 915 N. 8th St., Boise

BEST WINERY

STE. CHAPELLE WINERY

19348 Lowell Road, Caldwell

Ste. Chapelle celebrates its 45th year of wine making in 2020 and you can celebrate it, too, with a trip to its tasting room south of Caldwell. Idaho’s wine-making reputation continues to grow across the region and country, thanks in part to its elevation, loamy volcanic soils, long growing season and dramatic diurnal shift. Ste. Chapelle has long had the respect of wine drinkers in the region, and it has numerous awards to show for it. There’s always something tasty here. (What do you mean you haven’t tried the Soft Huckleberry yet?) And don’t forget their summer concert series! SteChapelle.com.

2nd Place: Telaya Winery Co.. 240 W. 32nd St., Garden City

3rd Place: Cinder Wines, 107 E. 44th St., Garden City

This story was originally published August 28, 2020 at 8:30 AM.