Yelp just ranked these Idaho restaurants Top 100 Places to Eat in U.S. — even a top 10

As Idaho’s population grows, so does its restaurant scene.

The Gem State just made its biggest splash yet on Yelp’s newly released Top 100 Restaurants list.

Two Idaho standouts are included in the 2022 guide: Junkyard Bistro of Salmon, ranked an elite No. 7; and Brick 29 Bistro of Nampa, also impressive at No. 27. It’s the first time more than one Idaho restaurant has been recognized on Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat list, now in its ninth year.

Never driven to Salmon? Here’s another reason for Boise residents to explore a few hours northeast. Located at 405 Main St., Junkyard Bistro offers a menu of approachable, American-style food.

It’s “both a neighborhood favorite and a happy discovery for visitors to the surrounding national parks,” Yelp writes. “This family-friendly restaurant has something for everyone, from their Mongolian Beef Noodle Bowl to a killer French dip sandwich. The kids’ menu has a Nutella and honey sandwich that makes even adults’ mouths water.”

Like many of the destinations in Yelp’s guide, it’s also affordable. As in super-affordable. That French dip sandwich costs $9.99. The Infamous Garlic Burger — Junkyard Bistro’s go-to item, Yelp says — is $11.99. “This is the BEST hidden gem in Salmon,” according to Yelp reviewer Jeanie G. “Everything is good but the garlic burger is to die for!”

Brick 29 Bistro is a back-to-back Yelp honoree. The ambitious Nampa restaurant made the list last year, too. Owner and chef Dustan Bristol — a three-time James Beard Award semifinalist — has been churning out exceptional cuisine at Brick 29 since 2007. Located at 320 11th Ave. South, the restaurant describes its evolving menu as “inspired American comfort food with a local, seasonal bent.”

Yelp raves that “even everyday favorites get the gourmet treatment. The mac and cheese, for example, is loaded with four different cheeses and topped with Bristol bacon. The Blueberry Pork Chop is herb-marinated and topped with a demi-glace and blueberry compote. Save room for house-made desserts, like the ‘humongous’ Deconstructed German Cake (which also happens to be flourless).“

Brick 29 is spendier than Junkyard Bistro, but yo: This is still Canyon County. That gourmet mac ‘n’ cheese goes for $15. An All Natural Beef Burger also is $15. If you feel like living larger, you certainly can. There’s Filet Mignon for $30. And when it’s available, braised Lamb Shank costs $50.

“OK Brick 29,” proclaimed Yelper Terryl W., “you are my favorite restaurant in Idaho! I’ve been downtown Boise and honestly you’re better than anything I’ve had there!”

No soup for you, Boise! Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat has never, ever included a Boise restaurant. Before Brick 29 made the list in 2021, now-defunct Ten/6 of Coeur d’Alene was the only Idaho restaurant ever featured. It got the nod in 2020.

Granted, being featured among the nation’s top 100 takes some luck. The process is, uh, fuzzy. “To create Yelp’s Top 100 U.S. Restaurants list,” Yelp explains, “we first reached out to Yelpers for their favorite dining spots. Then, we ranked each by total number of submissions, ratings, reviews, and geographic representation, among other factors.”

Do you think a Boise restaurant deserves recognition? Give it some love on Yelp. “Remember,” Yelp says, “we only know how good a spot is if people take the time to review it, so share your thoughts on Yelp, and maybe your favorites will be on next year’s list!”