Bardenay Restaurant and Distillery

I am biased so take it for what it's worth. I began working here 8 years ago as a server and moved up to assistant manager and now GM. The great food is an unmatched value anywhere. This is due to the margins the kitchen is given to work with. House made booze (1st on site Distillery/Pub in the U.S.) provides the extra cash to support this. Portions are very good to sometimes as big as in Texas. (I worked in Austin for 5 years) Menu is extensive and easily broken down into apps, satays, entree salads, sandwiches/burgers & lastly entrees. The place is big & casual...no hosts, no reservations...ie act like you own the place...walk in and scope out the seat you want and grab it or ask for assistance. The staff will find you so don't worry, you may be served by just one or eight people depending on the business. They are very knowledgeable and work as nice team. The Cocktail Program is tops in the city...Multiple award winning and has a menu and a Rolodex to back it up. The ... more

I am biased so take it for what it's worth. I began working here 8 years ago as a server and moved up to assistant manager and now GM. The great food is an unmatched value anywhere. This is due to the margins the kitchen is given to work with. House made booze (1st on site Distillery/Pub in the U.S.) provides the extra cash to support this. Portions are very good to sometimes as big as in Texas. (I worked in Austin for 5 years) Menu is extensive and easily broken down into apps, satays, entree salads, sandwiches/burgers & lastly entrees. The place is big & casual...no hosts, no reservations...ie act like you own the place...walk in and scope out the seat you want and grab it or ask for assistance. The staff will find you so don't worry, you may be served by just one or eight people depending on the business. They are very knowledgeable and work as nice team. The Cocktail Program is tops in the city...Multiple award winning and has a menu and a Rolodex to back it up. The bartenders have all been here for years...no rookies! Lastly, besides producing high quality Gin, Rum, Vodka & Lemon Vodka we make in house desserts like White Chocolate-Banana Bread Pudding and Creme Brulee (Flavor of the Week???) as well as Small Batch Ice Creams (Scotch or Hot Buttered Rum) spiked with booze or without (Vanilla) for the kids. It'll take you a few times of coming in before you can truly appreciate this Boise staple. I'd recommend becoming a regular like myself. I don't just work here. My wife and I eat here regularly on our dates. Most industry folks avoid their workplace when making dining decisions...my choice is a relatively easy one. less

Bardenay Restaurant and Distillery is new to the Boise scene, and is, for my money, one of the best. Located adjacent to the Basque Center, Bardenay offers outstanding, handcrafted gin and rum. Distilled on site, the spirits are bold and potent. As a martini fan, I was in heaven. House martinis made with Bardenay handcrafted gin go for $6.75 accompanied with your choice of frozen olives, bleu cheese stuffed olives, tomolives (pickled baby green tomatoes--yum!)or pickled garlic. Other cocktails and potent potables are expertly mixed at the large, apparantly ancient wooden bar. Champagne cocktails, bourbons, scotches and a good selection of cordials, ports, sherrys and cognacs round out the spirits. The wine list is varied, adequately priced, and many are available by the glass. The appetizer list was inviting with a choice of 5 different satays: chicken, beef, pork, squid, and my favorite, duck. Each is marinated in a different manner and served with a yummy sa ... more

Bardenay Restaurant and Distillery is new to the Boise scene, and is, for my money, one of the best. Located adjacent to the Basque Center, Bardenay offers outstanding, handcrafted gin and rum. Distilled on site, the spirits are bold and potent. As a martini fan, I was in heaven. House martinis made with Bardenay handcrafted gin go for $6.75 accompanied with your choice of frozen olives, bleu cheese stuffed olives, tomolives (pickled baby green tomatoes--yum!)or pickled garlic. Other cocktails and potent potables are expertly mixed at the large, apparantly ancient wooden bar. Champagne cocktails, bourbons, scotches and a good selection of cordials, ports, sherrys and cognacs round out the spirits. The wine list is varied, adequately priced, and many are available by the glass. The appetizer list was inviting with a choice of 5 different satays: chicken, beef, pork, squid, and my favorite, duck. Each is marinated in a different manner and served with a yummy sauce. There are other eclectic appetizers including a great smoked salmon spread, ahi sashimi salad and a wonderful vegetarian mediterraneo plate including baba gannoujh, hummus, sun-dried tomato tepenade and pita wedges. I sampled the spicy moroccan salad that featured a very spicy (and delicious) curried chicked breast with mango, grapes and fresh greens. My taste buds exploded with each tantilizing bite.
The sandwich selections are equally eclectic, ranging from a whole milk mozzarella, red pepper and grilled eggplant sandwich (Fantastic with greek olive tapenade!!), to a grilled salmon fillet sandwich with mango orange BBQ glaze (huge and flavorful) to a charbroiled ribeye steak sandwich with a volatile horseradish sauce.
The decor is ancient exposed brick and beams, with the huge copper still at the end of the restaurant. Large black and white Idaho vistas and landmarks adorn the walls. The waitstaff is casually dressed, attentive and knowledgeable about both the spirits and the food.
Bardenay is still developing, with a sidewalk patio being built with attractive charcoal colored block.It is obvious that, within a short while, Boise will discover this gem. My hat is off to my new favorite restaurant in Boise. Stop in and see for yourself!! less