Westside Drive In

Westside Drive In

4.6
·491k reviews·,

An iconic 50s-themed diner serving classic American comfort food with a fun, retro vibe and unique Idaho specialties.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Westside Drive In

Westside Drive In

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An iconic 50s-themed diner serving classic American comfort food with a fun, retro vibe and unique Idaho specialties.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Step back in time and indulge in delicious comfort food at this beloved Boise drive-in!"

TIP

Visit during off-peak hours

Avoid long waits by visiting during non-busy times.

Dine on the patio

Enjoy your meal in a pleasant outdoor setting, weather permitting.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Monday 11AM

Cuisine

American

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(208) 342-2957

Address

1929 W State St, Boise, ID 83702, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Ice Cream Potato

The Iconic Ice Cream Potato

A vanilla ice cream sundae shaped and coated in cocoa powder to resemble a baked potato, a unique and fun Idaho delicacy.

TikTok+7
Retro 50s Diner Ambiance

Retro 50s Diner Ambiance

Step back in time at this charming 50s-themed diner with bubblegum pink walls and a nostalgic atmosphere.

TikTok+1
Generous Portions of Classic American Comfort Food

Generous Portions of Classic American Comfort Food

Indulge in hearty, home-style American classics like juicy burgers and unique finger steaks, served in generous portions.

Google Review+4
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Come with me to Westside Drive In. I tried a few things from their menu. Have you been there? What is your favorite thing to get? #boise #foodie #review #guyfieri #idaho
@crystalbangerter8
114 likes • 3.9K views

Visit during off-peak hours

Avoid long waits by visiting during non-busy times.

Dine on the patio

Enjoy your meal in a pleasant outdoor setting, weather permitting.

Trying the Idaho ice cream potato! 🥔 @Westside Drive In @Visit Idaho #idaho #visitidaho #boise #boiseidaho #dinerfood #oldschool #icecream #icecreampotato #idahoicecreampotato #potato #funny #food #foodie #yum #dinersdriveinsanddives #guyfieri #tourist #travel #vacation #activityideas
@explorenewengland
94 likes • 4K views
Details below 👇 ✨ This is part 1 of my new Hidden Gems in the US series, follow @zee.travel for more of these 🥔 This first spot is a retro 1950s-style restaurant called Westside drive-in where they serve amazing burgers and have a staple ice cream made to look like a baked potato. 📍 This restaurant is located in Boise, ID and is totally worth checking out. 👉 Send this to someone who needs to try t...
@zee.travel
80 likes • 2.1K views

Don't miss signature items

Be sure to try unique specialties like finger steaks or the ice cream potato.

Consider drive-thru for convenience

Opt for drive-thru service if it's raining or for a quick meal.

Like most travelers we like to eat local and try places we've seen on TV. while in Boise we had to try Westside Drive in. We saw it on Diner's, Drive-In's, and Dives. we tried the Finger steaks and the potato ice cream. I definitely ate too much but it was delicious!! #Boise #travel #Foodie #scatteredwanderers #coupletravel
@scattered.wanderers
18 likes • 336 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Visit during off-peak hours

Avoid long waits by visiting during non-busy times.

Dine on the patio

Enjoy your meal in a pleasant outdoor setting, weather permitting.

Don't miss signature items

Be sure to try unique specialties like finger steaks or the ice cream potato.

Consider drive-thru for convenience

Opt for drive-thru service if it's raining or for a quick meal.

Try the "Cheap Eats" menu

Explore budget-friendly options from their dedicated cheap eats menu.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Diners rave about Westside Drive In's nostalgic 50s atmosphere and generous portions of classic American comfort food. The unique ice cream potato is a must-try, alongside their juicy burgers and friendly service. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some note that popular items like baked potatoes can sell out, especially later in the day.

"They have a fabulous variety of classic American diner dishes! The service here was amazing and we got our food within only around 5 minutes. We ate on the outdoor patio, but they also have the option to go through either one of their drive-thrus. I appreciate the kindness of the person taking the orders- very friendly. Ordered the Basic Idahoan, 'The Works' Spud, as well as the Shaved Rye Dip Sandwich- all which were very delicious and tasted as if they were made at home!"

Seann Maron

"Large menu, fast service. I got the bologna sandwich and the coco shrimp basket. The bologna sandwich was amazing! What a surprise. It was about 3 dollars! The portions are big and there's plenty of seating outside. I wish I went when I was hungry. I shared the items and I didn't have a craving for burgers or a heavy meal."

Juana Figueroa

"Menu has something for everyone’s craving. Do not skip eating here. Juicy burgers! Walk up window, drive-thru & patio. Pet treats, endless milkshake options, burger choices. Ordered 1/2lb pastrami burger—charred perfectly with outstanding seasoning."

Jenn

What People Like

Unique Ice Cream Potato
Generous Portions
Nostalgic 50s Ambiance

What People Dislike

Popular items can sell out

Frequently Asked Questions

It's a vanilla ice cream sundae shaped to look like a baked potato, coated in cocoa powder with toppings like butter and sour cream.

TikTok+7

No, Westside Drive In primarily offers outdoor seating, with walk-up windows and drive-thru options.

Google Review

Yes, they offer an endless variety of milkshakes, a classic diner treat.

Google Review+2

Yes, they offer pet-friendly treats like hotdogs or hamburgers specially made for your furry friends.

Google Review

Yes, Westside Drive In has been featured on the Food Network show "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives".

TikTokGo Back in Time with These Classic Boise Diners+3

Besides the ice cream potato, try their signature finger steaks or the "Basic Idahoan".

TikTokGoogle Review

While not explicitly listed, their large menu may have options. It's best to inquire directly.

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This one is an icon in the Boise scene also with two locations. One at 1929 W State St in Boise and 1113 Park Center Blvd in Boise. Details from the website "The Westside Drive In has been in operation since 1957, and was purchased by Chef Lou in 1993. His goal was to bring his experience as a classically trained chef to the setting of a '50s-era drive-in restaurant. The resulting restaurant was a hit, and is known all across the Boise, ID area. We have even been featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" on the Food Network! Join us at one of our two locations to try a selection from our expansive menu and immerse yourself in the nostalgia of a bygone era.

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Their high quality of ingredients and uber-friendly staff make this carnival and 50s-themed restaurant a must-try. Before I was handed their Chicken Sandwich by the head chef and son of the owner, Chef Josh, he warned me, “people can’t go back to Chick-fil-A after they eat this.” Enthusiastically, I hurried to reveal the sandwich swaddled in the white paper wrapping. With both hands, I found between a classic white bun with sesame seeds, a thick helping of chopped lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, plenty of mayo, and a substantially sized fried chicken breast.

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Everything about Westside appeals to classic ‘50s drive-up nostalgia, and the fast food overall is terrific, thanks to Chef Lou Aaron (especially the prime rib dinners, which are an unusual but very popular weekly special). But nothing embodies Idaho pride – or originality – quite like the russet sculpt of that ice cream, its cocoa-powder “skin,” and “butter” and “sour cream” toppings. This ingenious dessert looks good enough for the silver screen and tastes like a dream.

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Hungry after rafting, Berty and I googled “Best Burgers in Boise” and Westside Drive-In came up as a top contender. Driving up in the parking lot, bubblegum pink walls surround the outside eating area and you are immediately sent back in time to lazy summer days and greasy comfort food. They had incredible milkshakes (could you expect anything less?) and it’s location on State St. made it perfect for stopping by on your way out to visit Boise and beyond.

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I’d heard rumors of an ice cream potato long before I ever set foot in Idaho so I made it my mission to seek out this strange creation. Set in a nostalgic 50’s pink drive-in, the ice cream potato is more ice cream and less potato, though it is shaped to look like the state’s signature dish — vanilla ice cream coated in cocoa powder. While potatoes are a mainstay of Idaho agriculture, I can appreciate anywhere that knows how to poke fun at themselves.

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The Ice Cream Potato, a menu staple at Westside Drive In, has an extensive history, dating back to the 1960's and spanning state borders. The dessert originated at the defunct Boise Gamekeeper restaurant, according to Westside Drive In chef Lou Aaron. The chef at Gamekeeper created it for a governor's banquet and called it the "Gamekeeper Surprise." The Gamekeeper Surprise was made with maple ice cream and topped with toasted almonds.

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West Side Drive-In on State Street is fantastic if you're looking for an old fashioned burger and fries kind of place. Also, there used to be a place on Apple street near Park Center called Eddie's Wood Fired Dogs, and they served the best hotdogs I've ever had, bar none. They've been closed since October, but their sign is still up, the interior of the store is still intact, and it doesn't look like the space is up for lease.

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Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, despite being purchased by a gourmet chef, the Westside Drive-In still maintains its original nostalgic 50’s charm in a bubblegum pink building. Going well beyond the basic burger and shake joint, the humongous menu of sandwiches and ice cream creations takes up two entire boards, but we recommend skipping straight to dessert. The ice cream potato is iconic and always a crowd pleaser.

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Operating since 1957, this vintage American restaurant hearkens back to simpler times, delivering a classic 1950s-era drive-in experience. Whether it brings back old memories or creates new ones, this eatery is one of the city’s must-see places!. The Westside Drive In dives in with a classic American menu featuring everything from burgers and fries to prime rib.

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