Idaho Restaurants That Serve Potatoes In Ways You’ve Never Seen

Idaho and potatoes go together like peanut butter and jelly, but some restaurants in the Gem State take this relationship to wild new heights! I’ve spent years exploring Idaho’s food scene, and let me tell you, these creative chefs are doing things with spuds that’ll make your taste buds do a double-take. From desserts that look like potatoes to potatoes that taste like dessert, here are six restaurants serving up potato creations that’ll blow your mind.

1. The Brickyard’s Surprisingly Delicious Peanut Butter Mashed Potatoes

At The Brickyard in downtown Boise, there’s a side dish called Loaded Potatoes that plays up the potato in satisfying ways. Instead of experimental mash with peanut butter, this option comes with roasted potatoes topped with bacon, parmesan, chives, and a drizzle of truffle cream.

It hits a balance: indulgent and rich, but not over the top. These potatoes are meant to complement steak or seafood entrees – and they do so deliciously. The crisp edges of the potatoes and smoky bacon contrast nicely with the creamy parmesan and fresh chive notes.

It’s a favorite “potatoes done right” side among locals who want comfort without weirdness. If you’re hoping for something more daring than fries, this dish delivers.

2. Pie Hole’s Carb-Loading Potato Bacon Pizza

Pie Hole in Boise features a menu item called Potato Bacon Pizza. It doesn’t use mashed potatoes as the base; rather, it includes thin slices of roasted potato layered over the regular crust, along with bacon bits, cheese, and sometimes Alfredo or tomato sauce depending on the version.

The dish offers texture and richness: the potato slices provide creaminess, while the bacon adds crunch and smokiness. It’s a special or rotating item, not always permanent, so it’s best to check whether it’s available when you visit.

But folks who know Pie Hole say this pizza is one of their most talked about savory specials – comforting, hearty, and satisfying without being overdone.

3. Madre Boutique Taqueria’s Idaho-Meets-Mexico Potato Tacos

Madre Boutique Taqueria, in Boise, includes an “Idaho Spud & Chorizo” taco that’s authentic, creative, and rooted in local produce. The taco features roasted Idaho potatoes – the “Idaho spud” – cooked until tender, paired with spicy chorizo, topped with mojo sauce and a jalapeño pesto.

The tortillas are handmade (corn or flour, depending on preference), and the toppings often include crema, pico de gallo or fresh herbs. This dish honors both Mexican street food tradition and Idaho agricultural identity.

It’s a regular menu item, not just a fleeting special, and locals often comment on how the potato provides a grounding texture that complements the bold seasoning of the chorizo and sauces. It’s an example of region + flavor innovation done well.

4. Westside Drive-In’s Mind-Bending Ice Cream Potato

You might do a double-take when the server brings this dessert to your table! Westside Drive-In’s famous Ice Cream Potato is the ultimate Idaho food prank – a scoop of vanilla ice cream masterfully shaped to look exactly like a baked potato fresh from the oven.

The ice cream gets a dusting of cocoa powder to mimic that earthy potato skin, then they pile on whipped cream that looks just like sour cream. Chocolate cookie crumbs scattered across the top complete the illusion as the “pepper.”

What began as a quirky state fair treat has become Boise’s most photographed dessert. The sweet-savory visual confusion is so convincing that first-timers often hesitate before digging in!

5. Guru Donuts’ Fluffy Potato-Based Pastries

Guru Donuts in Boise is well-loved for its inventive and delicious donut creations, though it doesn’t specifically promote donuts made with potato batter. The bakery participates in local food trails celebrating creative uses of potatoes, but their regular offerings focus on classic donut varieties and seasonal flavors that draw in crowds.

While some food events highlight potato-themed treats around town, there’s no clear confirmation that Guru Donuts uses potato starch or whole potatoes in their standard recipes. The secret behind their light, fluffy texture likely comes from traditional baking techniques rather than the addition of potatoes.

Still, their seasonal menu items, which sometimes play with unique ingredients and flavors, are worth exploring. For fans of imaginative pastries and those curious about potato-related culinary innovation, Guru Donuts offers tasty options that complement Boise’s vibrant food scene.

6. Trillium Restaurant’s Elevated Smoked Trout Poutine

Trillium Restaurant in Boise offers an elevated twist on the classic Canadian poutine, highlighting local ingredients in a sophisticated way. Their version features hand-cut russet fries, cooked twice to achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a fluffy interior.

These fries are layered with house-smoked steelhead trout, adding a rich, smoky flavor that enhances the dish’s complexity. Instead of traditional gravy, a lemon-dill cream sauce is drizzled over the top, providing brightness and a fresh tang that contrasts beautifully with the smoky fish. Mild cheese curds add the classic poutine creaminess without overpowering the other flavors.

The dish is thoughtfully balanced, combining rustic comfort food elements with refined culinary techniques. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, this inventive poutine exemplifies how local ingredients can be transformed into a memorable and creative dining experience.