Did you know it takes about 1,000 pounds of potatoes to make 350 pounds of chips? If you didn’t, one way to find out more fun facts about this perennial spud is with a trip to the Potato State: Idaho. But, where to begin in a state where there must be 101 places (and some) to pull through? If you find yourself in the capital city of Boise, here are some of the most unique ways to enjoy the beloved vegetable that you won’t want to miss.
1. Westside Drive In
1929 W. State St., Boise
(Also at 113 Park Center Blvd.)
208-342-2957
westsidedrivein.com
Why not start off with a bang and jump right into dessert? Westside Drive In undoubtedly serves up the most popular potato in the state. Enter the bold and the beautiful Idaho Ice Cream Potato, created by chef Lou Aaron. While it might seem uncanny at first, don’t knock it until you try it! Stacking a baked potato with vanilla ice cream as the bottom layer, a large swirl of whipped cream follows topped with Oreo cookie crumbles, diced peanuts and dusted in cocoa powder. The result is, of course, a sweet-savory bite with a tantalizing tingle from the warm potato and cool ice cream — think dipping a french fry into vanilla ice cream, only better. Lastly, it rests in an alluring puddle of chocolate syrup. The popular spud has been featured on Travel Channel’s Man V. Food and was named one of the 50 most iconic desserts in the country by Food Network, among other accolades.
PHOTO COURTESY WESTSIDE DRIVE IN
2. Pie Hole
205 N. 8th St.,
Downtown Boise
(Also at 1016 S. Broadway Ave.)
208-344-7783
pieholeusa.com
Pie Hole might be a pizza joint, but it still delivers when it comes to rolling out a winning potato dish — plus, pizza is loved by pretty much the whole world (right?). The shop’s Potato Bacon is one of Pie Hole’s original slices and is one of the most popular selections. It is generously topped with bacon pieces, house roasted and seasoned Idaho potatoes, Alfredo sauce and mozzarella cheese. Take it as a slice to enjoy right away or go for the entire pie to take on the go. (Pro tip: It’s great to take for a road trip.)
PHOTO COURTESY PIE HOLE
3. Idaho Potato Museum & Potato Station Cafe
130 NW Main St., Blackfoot
208-785-2517
idahopotatomuseum.com
Speaking of road trips, this location is a bit of a drive from the capitol city, but that’s the point of visiting another place — cue road trip playlist! The Idaho Potato Museum & Potato Station Cafe is a serious must when visiting The Gem State. Just imagine: Digging into a glorious baked potato at a potato museum in the Potato State. The museum boasts potatoes bigger than one’s head, as well as a history on the potato industry and its revolution. Don’t forget to stop at its cafe where guests can fill up on french fries and a traditional baked potato, including a Baked Potato Bar to pile up on all the fixings. Also enjoy potato bread, potato cupcake, potato salad … well, you see where this is going; there’s more than enough potato to go around!
PHOTO COURTESY IDAHO
POTATO MUSEUM & POTATO STATION
