Bleubird
224 N 10th St, Boise, ID, 83702
Bleubird Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Boise for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Boise for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Boise for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
224 N 10th St
Boise, ID, 83702 - Phone (208) 345-1055
- Website https://www.bleubirdboise.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 4:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Hipster, Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
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Whitney N.
Writing this only because I'm pretty sure I ordered the worst thing on the menu & I want you to avoid my fate!!! Especially since when I tried to say, "um... I don't really like this... like, *at all*" the co-owner was a little scary and not remotely amenable to the idea of switching it for something I might have enjoyed... This made me sad, because everything ELSE coming out of the kitchen on the wood platters looked *divine* -- ridiculously large piles of mixed greens (hellooo arugula! I love arugula!) with generous gratings of hard cheese and sea salt, next to these beautiful sandwich compositions... some on bread, fluffy and fresh-from-the-boulangerie looking... others flattened and charred, with cheese, and hints of green poking out from the side. These are what you should order. The reason I DIDN'T is because I'm a vegetarian. In Boise. And one trip to the Whole Foods here (um, where's the curried vegan "chikn" salad???) told me that Boise is not one to necessarily cater to, nor understand, nor need to serve veggies here, because there are apparently not a lot of them. Which probably explains why they haven't had to deal with a lot of vegetarians... feeling limited in their options... and then not liking what they've come up with... The only vegetarian sandwich option on the menu was a portobello and gouda spread sandwich. JUST a mushroom! When everyone else got all these *amazing* sounding sandwich options. And in the hierarchy of cheese, gouda is pretty much my least favourite. Uncertain, of what to do, the very very nice and personable owner at the counter talked me into the "superfood salad" -- said, "it will be SO AMAZING... I promise!" Well it wasn't. I found it overdresssed, under flavoured, and containing waaay too many 'fatty' elements (avocado, olive oil, pumpkin seads) without anything acidic to cut through or offset them beyond the pile of leaves. I WANTED to like it. But didn't. And summoned my courage to go back and say as much. This didn't go well. The co-owner woman said the best she could do was replace it with the "market salad" (which I thought was just a big pile of greens) so I said, "Okay.... but could I also get a roll with that?" She said, "Yes." I waited as she somewhat begrudgingly toasted a roll and handed it to me. I was still standing there a few minutes later when another person at the counter asked if he could help me... "Oh, I'm just waiting for my salad." The woman spun around and said, "You said you wanted a roll!" "To go with the 'market salad.....' " She huffed, reached down under the counter into a refrigerator, and slid a teeny tiny plastic container across the counter *at* me like a hockey puck. It was filled with pasta and that's when I realized I had no idea what the "market salad" was when I agreed to it. Oh well! Moral of the story. Order a sandwich. And if you don't like you're order (though I maybe this experience is the only time this has happened..... since everyone else is eating meat!!!) don't expect them to fix it.
(2)Nathan T.
Finally decided to give Bleubird another try since I wanted so badly to like it based on what they're trying to do, its popularity measured by the length of the line I frequently see, and how good everyone kept telling me it is. Second time was the charm. Had the Cubano. Awesome!!! And the guy at register referenced the movie Chef when I ordered it. Double awesome!!!
(5)Kelly F.
This place will have a long line out the door - but it is a line worth waiting in! I was excited to try Bleubird during my first trip to Boise as I had heard nothing but good things about it - and I was not disappointed. My turkey and Brie sandwich was to die for. I got the tomato basil soup as the side which was also very good. My mom got the beet salad which came with the most delicious side junk of cheese I've ever had. I also ordered the basil lemonade which was refreshing. Would definitely recommend this as a must-stop dining destination when visiting Boise! My only complaint is that it is only open 11 am - 4 pm on weekdays. So if you are wanting breakfast or dinner, or want to go on a weekend, you're out of luck. But overall, a great little find in Boise!
(5)Lino R.
I went there with my wife and a friend and we decided to order 3 different sandwiches and 3 drinks and share everything. We ordered: 1) Turkey/Brie Sandwich (Our Opinion #2) 2) Pastrami/Reuben (Our Opinion #1) 3) Italian Sandwich (Our Opinion #3) YET ALL EXCELLENT Drinks: 1) Grapefruit Rosemary (Our Opinion #2) 2) Pomegranate Sage (Our Opinion #3) 3) Ginger Lime (Our Opinion #1) I would probably not order the Pomegranate Sage again but I am saying that because everything else was a 10. Literally everything we had was SO UNIQUE and full of flavor. As we all tried everything, our favorites changed around as we kept going back to different sandwiches and drinks. The Turkey and Brie sandwich had so much flavor it was an explosion of flavors. They just had a well oiled machine regarding their business. It was quick, unique and enjoyable. The corner storefront was big enough yet small enough where people continued to trickle in but there was plenty of place to sit. I can see why all the positive ratings and comments. I really appreciate businesses that do everything with excellence.
(5)Shawn W.
Stopped in for lunch before leaving town. Great Choice! I had the Cuban. It was nothing short of amazing. I drank water, but as I sat at the counter and watched them make the fresh flavored lemonades they offer, I quickly regretted my decision. Next time. Although you may wait in line 10 minutes or so to order, food comes out fast and service is great! Worth waiting in line. The gentleman taking orders seemed to remember everybody's name who ordered. I was on the phone when they called my name and I didn't hear it. He noticed, so he them bring my food to me before the sandwich got cold!! Bonus points! Highly recommend this place!
(5)Millie H.
Hands down best place to go for lunch downtown. Try their grown up version of grilled cheese, you won't regret it..., and while you're at it, a side of the rich savory tomato soup.
(5)Monica S.
THIS PLACE IS SO HIPSTER!!!!! they have wooden silverware and the food has so much flavor.
(4)Joe R.
It's nice to see a great gourmet sandwich place in Boise. The sandwiches here are delightful, soups are amazing and the salads make my day. When you go, try one of the specialty made soda's. My favorite sandwich is the ruben on the gluten free bread. The owners always are in a good mood which brings this place to life. If you haven't had the opportunity to check this place out, you betta get down there!
(5)Janel M.
Best sandwiches, salads, hand made sodas, great people and service. Definitely one of my favorites in Boise!
(5)Justin H.
Real quick, let me just say: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! Why did I wait so long to try this place. Belive the hype you read on Yelp. Fully worth it. A sandwich shop of the same caliber as anywhere in San Francisco or (the less terrifying parts of) Los Angeles. Cute location with dedicated, friendly staff, perhaps more dedicated clientele (line out the door at 11:15 a.m.), nice-yet-simple decor and a great philosophy. While waiting for your food, I'd just take a look at the head and sous sandwich chefs and what they're making. They're doing it legit and nothing is out of a can. I'll start with out sides: creamy tomato-basil soup (on par withour best homemade, slightly chunky, so tasty, not overly creamy or greasy at all) and "market side" (Israeli couscous, asparagus, dill, the perfect amount of lemon citrus presence). Damn good, light, beautiful. The sammiches: Italian (for me) and Vegetarian (for wifey). Wifey doesn't like slaw of any variety. This one was panini style, pressed / heated with roasted portobellas and fontina. Great start. Toppd with "Russian relish" and a cabbage / brussel sprout slaw. She ate the whole thing. She admitted, it wasn't exactly her style, but it was unique, crunchy and bright. I snuck a bite and loved it. The Italian had SPECK! No one uses speck. Does anyone even know what speck is? Does Whole Foods even carry it? I've only had it a handful of times (in SF) and it's one of those delicious, savory cured meats, on par with prosciutto or capicola. This was more like prosciutto, but with a darker, more savory / salty taste. The sandwich had speck, ham, genoa salami, PICKLED TOMATOES (awesome taste and crunch), "mama Lil's peppers" (great kick), herbs / greens (so fresh and so clean, clean), and a herb / garlic aioli. Perfect. Not your traditional Italian, but something to try. I also saw them hand-crafting Italian sodas with such crazy flavors and garnishes as basil, sage, lavender sprigs. Dear lord. Do whatever it takes to get here. They're only open 11-4:30 M-F. GET HERE! COME ON, DO IT, DO IT NOW!
(5)John M.
The food is fantastic and the atmosphere is very fun, however they are basically never open.
(4)Bryan F.
This place is great for lunch! The Italian sandwich was off the chain! I don't even know what was on it, it was so unique! The bleu cheese potatoes salad was way cool and very delicious. Expand!! More seating. I went back and had the Reuben sandwich it was equally as good, I had a pomegranate sage drink and again had the potato salad. The line is worth the wait. It moves fast don't worry.
(5)Alex S.
Amazing lunch...one of the best in town. Long wait, no seating typically. Early arrival is better.
(4)Matt W.
Not worth the hype. After tons of reviews I decided to come and get a Reuben sandwich. Definitely the worst Reuben in Boise! They put some weird sauce on it that I cant even describe... I couldn't get the taste out of my mouth for days. Their tomato basil soup had no flavor at all. There might be better things to eat at this place, but I'll never go back.
(1)Brad W.
Let me just get the negative comment out of the way. My only complaint is that I wish I would've discovered this delightful eatery months ago. When it comes to finding gems like this in downtown Boise, I'm led to believe that that's why Idaho is known as the Gem State. And (while I'm in this punny mood) it's also extremely fitting that Bleubird is located within the "Treasure" Valley. All this talk of gems and treasure is making feel like a pirate... Call me Cap'n BleubaRRRRRrrrd! (Yeah, I just went there.) Anyway, following my own tip (actually, borrowed/stolen from a previous reviewer on Yelp), I showed up for a late lunch in order to avoid the lines. The only downside to this is that in order to keep the quality of the food at a sustained high standard, there may be the slight chance that something you want will be no longer available for the day. But worry not! There's plenty of delectable concoctions to choose from. As you step into this bright and inviting establishment, located on the southeast corner of 10th and Bannock, the large birds on the wires mural behind the counter will grab your immediate attention. Break away for a few moments, if you can. There'll be plenty of time to admire it. To the right of that, you'll notice the menu, artistically written on a chalkboard. A quick shout-out to my mom here, who says that when you come across a menu in this style, "you cannot go wrong." To me, seeing this type of menu makes me feel at home. Never mind the menu style though, it's what's on the menu that's even more creative and captivating. I would classify the food here as "artisanal sandwiches, sides, and beverages with a gourmet twist." For one person, plan on spending somewhere around $15 (including tax and a generous tip) for a sandwich, side, and made-to-order soda; it's well worth every penny. Now one thing that I observed that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE about this place is that there's a lot of space between the tables. A. Lot. I really wish that more restaurants would take this approach to their seating Finally, if you couldn't already tell by the 5 blazing red stars in this rating, I say, "run, not walk... no... fly to Bleubird as fast as you can!"
(5)Margaret H.
This place is amazing. Go with a friend so you can split your sandwiches! I've had the roast beef, smoked trout, ham panini and turkey brie, all very different but balanced, unique and worth the wait. The simple salad side is perfect, interesting and delicious. Expect to spend $10 and leave full. Also the service is efficient & friendly. Lovely people!
(5)Bond H.
Brilliant atmosphere, business model (limited hours = sense of urgency), service, and menu. I have never been disappointed and I love seeing the passion the owners bring every day. Please open at least one Saturday a month for those of us who work M-F, please!
(5)Ryan R.
Hands down best sandwich joint in Boise. This is what a successful independent restaurant looks like. The passion from the owner/operators comes through in the quality of food and service. The menu is original and yet approachable. Every visit I have my go to: favorite sandwich (grilled cheese). Tastes great EVERY TIME. One request, install a bigger hood if at all possible.
(4)Brian H.
I feel bad for the people unable to try out Bleubird due to their limited hours. Sandwich places are a dime a dozen around these parts, but it's appreciated when entrepreneurs try to craft something different, even from the most basic of meals such as this. And with the artisinal angle that they're going for, they've managed to thrive with a niche that makes them stand out even among the better delis in town. I've had their Italian, roast beef, and turkey/brie sandwiches along with a handcrafted soda each time. I thought the turkey/brie was the best because the contrast of flavors with the apples, fig jam, brie, and dijon was the high point of my visits here. I only wish they'd put a little more brie on it because I only got the complete mixture of ingredients in my mouth about half the time. I couldn't imagine getting anything other than a handcrafted soda here. It's worth the extra money to have Dave mix one up for you. He does put a lot of ice in the glass though, and upon further reflection I should've asked for one with either no or little ice to see if more space could be used for soda rather than frozen water. It's worth a shot if you're one of those people who hates a ton of ice put into your soda. I wasn't as high on the bacon bleu potato salad as others. Not necessarily bland but in need of seasoning. I've found it a bit odd that so much homemade potato salad served in Boise needs tweaking and fine tuning on the part of the customer. I wasn't accustomed to that. Even though it's mostly self-serve, service is above average thanks to Dave. Super nice and super cheery when taking your order. Even after putting stuff in the wrong places when bussing myself my first time there, he corrected my mistakes looking like he had just won the lottery. Unlike some other reviewers I have no issues with the wooden forks or the wooden plank that my food is served on. Efficiency seems to be the name of the game here, trying to get by with as few people as possible. It does have the ability to bite them in the butt when that line gets long (I do agree it has the potential to be unnerving for some to have Dave stop taking orders with a long line while he makes a soda for someone). But I doubt they'll change, so it's one of those take-it-or-leave-it quirks that you just have to deal with if you want a meal there. I think what they serve is worth the minor hassle. The food isn't cheap, but it's not as bad as I was fearing. About $9 tops for a sandwich, and that comes with a side. $2.50 for a homemade soda. There's still some room for improvement, but overall a fantastic lunch venue.
(4)Nick L.
Hands down the best deli I have been to in a very long time. You will have to wait in line to order but it is worth it! The turkey and brie sandwich was delicious and the freshness really comes through. It all starts with the bread though.. It has a nice crust but is also soft the whole way through. Highly recommended. The price point on average is $12.
(5)Megan A.
Wow that was delicious! Roast Beef sandwich was amazing: fresh and full of flavor! The Strawberry Ginger Soda was a burst of wonderful for my tastebuds! Go here! All freshly made, local, fare. But get there quick! It's open for. 11a-4p M-F... Lines can get long if you aren't there early.
(5)Brandon W.
First off I just want to say wow Boise I'm impressed. If anyone asks me what to try in Idaho for lunch, this place would be at the top of my list. I'm from Southern California and I can honestly say if this place was in my area, it'd be extremely popular. The fact that everything is fresh, organic, and worth the price you pay would draw people in immediately. My sister and I ordered the "Grilled Cheese w/ Market Salad" and "Pastrami Reuben w/ Simple Salad." My aunt who is a local here recommended the Grilled Cheese and said it may be one of the best grilled cheeses you'll ever try. Well, it is. I don't know how to explain it but it's just perfection. The Pastrami Reuben was great as well but if I had to come back I'd probably get the Grilled Cheese. Both the Market Salad and Simple Salad cooperated perfectly with the sandwiches, and would choose one of those out of all the other sides if you wanna feel healthy haha. Something that really impressed me was the Natural Soda. The reason why they are "Natural Sodas" is because the syrups they use are made from fresh fruit. They make the soda by pouring this syrup and spraying some carbonated water, and boom you got your soda. The taste is different but in a great and refreshing sort of way. We got the Blackberry Sage which was delicious! Whenever I come visit Boise I will make sure to stop by here every time.
(4)StaciLei T.
I LOVE coming to bluebird for lunch. I go to Boise State, and funds can be a little tight at times but I always find the cash to splurge on these delicious sandwiches. the atmosphere is so lovely, bright and all of the employees just radiate happiness. definitely the best lunch spot in Boise.
(5)Kathryn C.
There is usually a long line, but it is definitely worth the wait and goes a lot faster than you would think. Everything is delicious! They have a lot of great sandwich options. The sandwiches are pretty big and could easily be shared. The ginger lime soda was so refreshing!
(5)Breana T.
The atmosphere is very bright and welcoming! The food was delicious--the grilled cheese is amazing with fig jam and the basil lemonade was a perfect accompaniment.
(5)Molly F.
Amazing. Everything is delicious here, you can't go wrong! The homemade sodas are fantastic, and the bleu cheese and bacon potato salad is literally to die for. Make this a regular stop!
(5)Wayne S.
Nice customer service. A decent selection. A bit to crowded for me though. Nice if you want to stop by for a take out
(4)Drew B.
If you can make it in when they're open, you won't regret it. They suggested I try the reuben, which was a great choice. My wife doesn't like reubens, but she ate quite a bit of my sandwich. She got the turkey, which was a little heavy on the dijon for her liking, but I liked the kick. Our son got the fanciest grilled cheese with tomato soup he's ever had, and ate every bite (which is a big deal for him).
(5)Vicki P.
Awesome place no doubt. If you are going for lunch get there before 11:45 or after 12:30 or you will stand in a long line. Excellent food.
(5)Michele R.
We had Bleubird in our lunchtime scope well in advance of a recent visit to Boise. An acquaintance added a piece of advice that was invaluable and I pass it along at the top of this review. If you are going in for lunch (and you should) to avoid waiting in line, sometimes a very long line, go early. We went in about 11:30 and timing was perfect. By 12:15, as we were enjoying a remarkably good sandwich and potato salad, the line was snaking all the way down the side aisle to the side door of this bistro / cafe. Were we Boise locals, we'd be Bleubird regulars. If they added table service to allow eat in diners to avoid the awkward line, this would be 5 stars. THE VIBE Casual and friendly. With pun intended I note it almost seems to warble "welcome" as you step in the door. Creative birds on telephone wire artwork on walls. (See if you spot the single blue bird...Idaho's state bird, btw.) Sparkling and warm at the same time. I note the Yelp header says this is "hipster". I would more say this is an "all people are welcome" vibe, that is all ages, all walks of life and levels of 'hip'. Nice. THE DRILL Stand in line at the counter and place your order from the chalkboard adjacent. The friendly guy who took our order also served up beverages for us to take to our table. When your food order is ready, they'll call out your name to pick it up at the counter. You'll find a bit of a wait if you arrive during peak lunch time but we noticed how efficientl the order taker and the couple of folks in the open kitchen were in getting orders filled. FOOD / VALUE The chalkboard menu had several handcrafted sandwiches, soup, salad and cheese / charcuterie options. This is no ordinary sandwich deli as one of the owners has culinary "chops" from years in the culinary world including chef experience. The menu changes up from time to time based on season and the kitchen's creative imagination. Our rosemary ham, fontina cheese and homemade mostarda panini sandwich was delicious, a perfect fit for Fall and plenty big to share. We've had a few sandwiches this good elsewhere but we've had none better. At $8 we thought it was a great value for the quality. Sandwiches come with your choice of a few side salads. On the day we visited they were bleu cheese potato salad, lentil salad or green salad. We went with the former and it was an excellent choice. I could make a meal of that potato salad. Sandwiches are served on a wood plank covered with parchment paper and knowing we planned to share, the kitchen graciously split it for us on two separate planks at no extra charge. Very nice of them. Looks like desserts here would be pretty wonderful too. On another visit, we'll give them a whirl. LIBATIONS Fresh squeezed soft beverages, coffee, tea, wine and beer. I'm a lightweight when it comes to alcohol in the afternoon so I had a cup of good coffee ($2). Made all the better perhaps by the bluebird colored mug in which it was served. My hubby ordered a spicy sangria ($6), cleverly served in a Mason jar, and he said he'd go back again just for that with the fresh chili pepper kick. SEATING Three or four tables seating about 10 people total on main floor. Sools at the service counter and a window counter at the front for maybe 15 more. Additional table seating up a flight of stairs. Outside seating on sidewalk at picnic tables and benches near side entry and tables and chairs near front entry. THIS N THAT: 1) GLUTEN FREE & VEGETARIAN OPTIONS: Acquaintance who follows a GF diet and who is a big fan of Bluebird that they offer GF bread here as well as several GF menu items. Also we noted several menu options that would sing (pun intended) to vegetarians. 1) ACCESSIBILITY: Level in from main and side entry. Some standard height seating at tables on main floor. Some outdoor seating is accessible too. 2) PARKING: On street or in adjacent garage.
(4)Jordan C.
I have wanted to try this place a bunch of times, but because of their hours I never made it down. I was a bit worried this would be yet another "trendy, hipster ridden, overrated" type of place that seems to be the common theme for most restaurants popping up in the valley. They make honest good food without being smug. My wife got the turkey and brie that several people spoke so highly of in the reviews and I got the reuben. Both were fantastic. The reuben isn't a traditional reuben with sauerkraut, but still hits all of the right notes and is perfectly balanced in my opinion. Not too heavy, not soggy, not dry. Yet still enough savory to make it satisfying like a reuben should be and a very good twist on what you normally expect a reuben to be. We also tried their simple side salad and a cup of tomato soup. Both were good, but outshined by the comparatively awesome sandwiches. We also tried basil lemonade and grapefruit rosemary soda, both were good. Portion sizes we're not small but not obscene. I can eat a fair amount and I was satisfied. Pricing is about right in my opinion. Service was friendly, they were packed so we had a small wait but they were quick to get our food. Highly recommended if you can make it out to try.
(5)Brian M.
I'm updating my review from 3 to 4 stars as they have made some improvements: 1) They look to be upgrading their utensils and moving away from the wooden ones ... well done. 2) The reason things can sometimes be slow? These guys are weeded every damn day at lunch. Go before or after the rush ... or prepare to wait a few minutes. 3) Smoke in the air sometimes messing with the dine-in experience? Carry-Out yo. 2nd best sandwich (and tater salad) I've had in Boise ... Pastrami Reuben. Damn Good.
(4)Barb W.
This restaurant came highly recommended from a local and since I was visiting from Seattle thought I would try. There was a line out the door, which was a good sign. It moved relatively quickly and was well worth the wait. The cashier took our order and got our drinks. I would recommend they have someone making the drinks which would move the line faster. The decor inside is darling and there was plenty of seating as they got the food out quickly after you ordered. The food was excellent and picture perfect. Let's start with the drinks. I had a blackberry and sage soda which comes in a mason jar with a sprig of sage and blackberry floating in it. So cute and yummy! Several other kinds were available, like peach and honey. I ordered a tuna melt which was not on the current menu, but since I saw a pic of it on yelp and it looked good, I asked them to make it and they did. So good and it had a surprise inside! A scoop of green olive compote with yellow peppers that was salty and devine! I am Italian and this was up my alley! The sandwich came with a side salad with greens with oil and vinegar dressing and toasted almonds and peanuts on top and freshly grated Parmesan over it. Generous cheese on the salad and over the sandwich for garnish. We Italians love our Parmesan:). The sandwiches are served on boards with white paper. I looked around and saw most sandwiches were on nice thick French bread. Another side you can get was blue potatoe salad with blue cheese and bacon. I want to try that! Someone in line said they get the superfood salad every time and are in love with it. Will have to try it next time!
(5)Irina V.
Great sandwiches! I ordered the Rueben and my friend ordered the Italian, both were very good. The combination of meat and bread was a perfect pair. The only downside to bluebird is that is is really busy around lunch time.
(5)brian g.
I really don't know where to start... We're sitting across the street enjoying a cup of coffee at District and there it is, a line forming across the street at what looks like a sandwich spot. We thought "hey we're hungry, people must dig that spot, we like sandwiches..." The line didn't quit, it moved fast but people kept coming in droves but we're still confident this is a solid choice. All of a sudden the menu punches us in the face. HOW the hell are we supposed to choose, everything sounds so good and after looking around at everyone's order and their faces of delight were standing there stuck. Nevertheless we get a little help from the man with answers at the cash register. He's brilliant. We order the special (a smoked trout sandwich with apple and boursin and beets and... Sorry I'm catching my breath) along side the beet salad (there's beluga green lentils and golden beets and pistachios and truffled arugula and love- so much love). To wash it down we roll the dice on the blackberry sage soda and a grapefruit Rosemary soda. We might make mistakes on our taxes, trip on our own shoelaces now and again, but I'll never know how we made so many right choices at once without a single fall. This place is tops. We literally crossed the country eating out of the back of our van, so when we finally decided to snag a meal as we zoomed through Boise we only dreamed we'd have a lunch so good. Seriously, one of my favorite sandwiches I've had in awhile.
(5)S G.
I'd eat lunch here everyday if I could! I usually get the Veggie, which changes seasonally. They have gluten-free options, a wonderful Superfood Salad, and make their own soda flavors (imagine Rosemary Tangerine). FYI: This gem has limited opening hours (11am-4pm)!
(5)Majken B.
The food is good but nowhere to sit during lunch and you have to pay for parking. I won't be back sorry.
(2)Misty W.
This cafe is, hands down, my favorite lunch spot in Boise. I am not normally a deli or sandwich girl but the quality, care and attention to detail that goes into the items on their menu is enough to blow your taste buds away. Incredible! The Turkey Brie sandwich with the Dijon and fig spread is quite possibly the best layers of flavor I have ever put into my mouth at one time. Even their soft drinks {rosemary grapefruit!! } are unique and caress the pallet in a way that is both refreshing and complimentary to their delicious food. I live in Michigan (tragically) and this area does not have the local spirit The Northwest does, (also tragic). If I could visit home more often I would eat lunch there every single weekday!
(5)Lisa E.
Great tasting sandwiches and salads and handcrafted sodas. The food is simple yet tasty and satisfying. The delicious simple salad is an option for any of the sandwiches. The grilled cheese with fig jam and gruyere cheese is savory. The PB & honey makes for a nice vegan lunch. Owners Dave and Sara are super friendly.
(4)Andrew H.
This is the first restaurant in Boise that I would give a 5/5 to. Only open Monday through Friday for lunch. Love their commitment to local suppliers. Get there early, or you'll be resignedly thrilled with the local City Peanut PB&J. Sandwiches and sides, not to mention the unfatigable drinks are on par with anything I've ever had. Proprietors/chef/bartender are talented and passionate. If you make one stop for lunch in Boise, this better be it. Highly recommend the blue cheese, bacon potato salad and roast beef sandwich.
(5)Megs H.
WHY didn't someone tell me about this place BEFORE I went back on my stupid "diet"???!?! Honestly! I'm angry. Probably mostly hangry... but still mad. This place is a delight. The lines are long and but it's worth the wait. Seating is also very limited so taking it to-go isn't a terrible idea. Portions are super reasonable. I think the photos are a bit deceiving that it's a $14 bite-o-sandwich and you'll leave hungry after dropping a $20 on lunch. Not the case. Large bread rolls, lots of meat and fillings, very worth the reasonable price. The turkey and brie will tickle your fancy pants (because who DOESN'T like a giant 1/2" thick slab of brie-heaven on a sammy??) and the Rueben will just plain knock your face off. I loved loved loved both. Note: The Italian is salty! They probably brine their meats for the Italian and it was just simply too too much for me. Also, the rosemary grapefruit lemonade is more rosemary than grapefruit... I didn't love it. At all. Oh, and the butternut squash soup will make your soul happy. Get it. You're welcome. Enjoy!
(5)Meghan H.
This cafe is so good! I cannot believe it took me this long to visit this spot for lunch. I had the turkey and Brie sandwich and basil lemonade was delicious! I will be returning before I head back to Virginia next month :)
(5)Nicole W.
I know i am in the minority - i don't think this is the best place in Boise. I don't find it cute or kitchy to stand in line for food. We went at 11:30, it took nearly 15 minutes to get thru the line - one of the main reasons was that the hubby/cashier was also the fancy soda maker. So each person that ordered a beverage, would be treated to him stopping what he was doing, and creating their concoction, while those still waiting to order had to wait and watch. I went with the turkey and brie - it was a tasty sandwich, interesting combination of flavors. I also went with the recommendation of the simple salad which was quite a surprise it was so tasty with such little in it! Over $8 for a sandwich - i guess that was expected (without the fancy beverage) All in all it was a pretty nice place, but definitely not a place for me, i don't have that kind of time to stand and wait for a sandwich. (as per Lindsey L, i guess i'll meander over to subway or Andy's down the road) Pros: Super friendly owners/staff Cute location Tasty grub Free lemon, cucumber water while you wait Cons: Menu is written on a chalk board in script writing, i had to almost stand on top of it to see the choices Waiting for everyone's fancy beverages to be created by the same guy that would eventually take your order. The scream your name when your food is ready, so if you are sititng on the patio... you probably wont hear your name called. The hand craft your sandwich one at a time, so if 3 people in line had the same sandwich they don't prep each piece for each of the 3, they start the process a-new for each sandwich. (i know some would find that part of the awesome that each sandwich gets it's own attention, but to me it's poor planning skills, I'm ok if my apple slices get done at the same time as the sandwich prior to mine!)
(3)Allison S.
Gourmet Sammy's, a must try. The owners are super friendly and they work hard to get you the best. The wifey is a professional chef and makes amazing flavor combos that party in your mouth. My favorite is the turkey and brie because I love the hot mustard with honey and fresh sliced apples with a thick slice if brie yum! Hubby makes his own sodas that are really good and have a beautiful presentation too. The price is more than reasonable for what you get. Definitely my favorite sandwich cafe in all of Boise :)
(5)Steve H.
Best Sandwich and Salad in town. It is a great unique lunch if you are near downtown check it out!
(5)Iris G.
Amazing! I LOVE this place! Local ingredients, fresh, creative food. Tried pomegraate sage and strawberry ginger mint drinks which are awesome! The sandwich I tried was great and I hear rave reviews from other people I spoke to as well. If you are in the are during their open times I say GO IN!
(5)Finley B.
This is my number one favorite restaurant in Boise. Bleubird has consistently inspired my eating. I wish I worked downtown so I could eat here every day, it's that exciting! The last time I was in, I had a smoked trout sandwich and a pomegranate sage soda, and felt a tear slip out of my eye each bite. I am a man, but I am guilty of taking pictures of these beautiful sandwiches, I just want to remember the goodness. Thank you Bleubird, now I'm starving, see you tomorrow!
(5)Emily E.
Bleubird is awesome! You really can't go wrong with a sandwich or a soda there, and I really, really love and appreciate that the owners are there every day making your food and drinks. That shows real commitment and care towards the quality of your food and experience. So far I have had the turkey and brie, which is awesome although slightly too much mustard (but the thick brie makes up for it) and the tuna nicoise which was so delicious, although they stack those sandwiches so high they're hard to eat! Can't really complain about that though :) My boyfriend has gotten the grillled cheese with tomato soup every time we've gone and it's absolutely amazing. The handmade sodas are always really delicious and refreshing and a very nice touch. I can't wait to try the rest of the menu!
(5)Ryan K.
This place is fantastic. Unique. Fresh sandwiches. Very good bread and they pile it on. Reasonably priced. I had Turkey Brie. Chips selection sucks but overall 5stars
(5)Megan N.
These sandwiches are to die for. Currently I am sitting here eating a Smoked Salmon and Lox sandwich and a Turkey and Brie sandwich. I am in hog heaven at this point. The owner makes everything himself, including all of his delicious and unique drinks. If you are unsure of where to eat your lunch while in Boise-try this place. You won't be sorry!
(5)Chelsey F.
Tried the turkey Brie. Wow. So good. The combination of flavors and textures is perfect. The simple salad is simply good. The cucumber flavored water just added to the whole experience. Definitely going here again.
(5)Dave A.
A great downtown lunch option for foodies. Taking sandwiches to the next level and...gluten-free bread!
(5)Mary S.
Wow. I rarely crave sandwiches, but I headed to my husband's favorite place in town as I was in need of a Reuben. My husband is a sandwich connoisseur so I thought it'd be a good bet. Absolutely amazingly delicious. Had a mimosa with homemade grapefruit and rosemary soda (don't judge, it was a really stressful day!), a pastrami Reuben, and a pasta and butternut squash side. Phenomenal! Right portions, right combo of favors, great atmosphere. The much needed break from the chain establishments we're plagued with in the Treasure Valley- gourmet done right!
(5)emily b.
Amazing atmosphere and a great lunch spot.
(5)Leticia A.
Living in Chicago for so many years, I am a foodie in search for healthy, home made, delicious appetizing explosion of flavors in your mouth, I found it here at Bleubird. Great food. Worth the wait (approx 10-15 min when busy, if that).
(5)Jorgen V.
Loved the "not so ordinary Grilled Cheese" with a cup of above average tomato bisque soup! I was somewhat unsettled however when seeing my grilled cheese being scraped off of the Teflon panini grill using a metal spatula...(breaking a basic rule of Teflon food safety) Other than that everything was great. Love the biodegradable utensils!
(4)Kevin C.
First visit yesterday. Wondering why the line is always out the door. Unique sandwiches and sides. Awesome drinks like basil lemonade. A fun dining experience!
(5)Max C.
One of the best sandwich's in Boise. If you are going to be around downtown, don't want to spend a fortune for lunch, and want top shelf food then you should check this place out. I would also recommend one of their handcrafted lemonades. I have never gone wrong with any of their sandwich's or sides. I LOVE Bleubird! Max Coursey
(5)Jaime H.
I stopped in here for lunch on a Tuesday and the food was fantastic! I had the turkey and Brie sandwich along with a homemade soda. Be prepared to wait as the line was out the door during lunch hour. You will not be disappointed!
(5)Wm D.
Love this place, I've had a number of their inventive sandwiches and salads and enjoyed them all. Staff is awesome too. Be sure to get there early for lunch though, the line goes out the door!
(5)Amanda J.
I love the potato salad, delicious! Very friendly staff. I will be back.
(5)Melissa B.
Great, inventive food. Loved it. Only thing I would change is to offer 1/2 sandwiches. You won't go away hungry!
(5)Lee H.
While I'm certainly no jet-setter, I do a reasonable amount of travel mostly in the western US... and I'm baffled and delighted to say that my favorite lunch restaurant is in Boise, ID. Bleubird Cafe is just so perfectly suited to my lunch tastes. I went the first week they opened - I just happened to be in town, and it was a convenient block away from the office. I was hooked immediately. The sandwiches are ample and ingredients fresh, well-balanced, and, most importantly, tasty! The hand-made sodas are amazing and refreshing, and inspired me to get my own iSi siphon to recreate them at home. Even the "simple salad" as a side is perfect - so simple, yet so tasty. I was only in Boise a few more days, but I went back probably every other day I was there. I was in town again several months later, and was recognized immediately and greeted by name with a smile. Fantastic food, and fantastic people - It doesn't get any better than that. I'm back in Boise the rest of this week, and passed Dave on the street last night in front of the restaurant while walking back to my hotel and waved - again he recognized me with a smile and a wave. I went back today for lunch, of course. Bleubird is far busier now then I remember, and they've got more folks bussing dishes and working the line, but I'll never eat lunch anywhere else in Boise. If I have to make one complaint, it's the wooden forks. Maybe it's me, but I have a hell of a time eating the salad with those forks! ;-)
(5)Patrick W.
One of those places you don't want to review so you can still get a sandwich during your lunch hour. The menu is outstanding with very different options for all tastes. I enjoyed the open atmosphere and friendly service (even though they were very busy). I ordered the roasted squash panini with brie, apples and arugula (I think). It was awesome and my basil lemonade was well balanced. I have been searching for a great Boise lunch spot and have found it. The sandwiches were a little slow but I didn't mind the wait. They have only been around 2 months now so I am sure as business continues to pick up, they will add help.
(5)David F.
Great concept and execution is only hindered by not enough staff to fulfill the hoards of patrons lining up out the door. The beef pastrami Reuben came with gruyere, red cabbage slaw and Russian dressing for $8. I was a little disappointed that it was on a roll instead of rye. I nursed a refreshing ginger lime house made soda for $2.50. Worth it because it came with fresh lime. I arrived at around 1PM and after waiting to place my order and then receive it, it was 1:40PM. I would have thought 1PM would be after the lunch rush, but not so. Bring something to read while you wait.
(4)Dave B.
This is one of the best places to get lunch! I have only been able to go 3 time though due to their limited hours. If you go you need to make sure to get the potato salad. If the soup or some other side looks really good, you still need to get the potato salad. Just ask for it as a extra side. I promise you wont regret it! My favorite sandwich so far is the Cubano, but I would advise you to try whatever your heart desires; their is no wrong choice. PS the window art and decor of this place is impressive
(5)Julie L.
Can't go wrong here! My favorite lunch spot when I come to Boise. Yummy fresh creative food
(5)Brianne M.
Amazing! I loved the eco friendly vibe, and decor. The spicy sangria was good and the basil lemonade was awesome. The salad was great and my husband got a sandwich. The down side of this place is the limited hours only open Mon-Friday until 430.
(4)Amaya O.
The grilled cheese sandwich is amazing. So many subtle flavors going on, had it with the tomato soup and can't wait to bring my friends and family back here. Good service, good prices and good food. Ill be back!
(5)Kiley Z.
I love their sandwiches. They have gluten free bread and the service is great. The atmosphere is amazing. The homemade fruit sodas are also delicious. They get VERY crowded- I have waited in line for 30 minutes. A lot of stay at home moms love to go there and bring all their kids and strollers in line. I get annoyed they are not open on weekends.
(5)S. S.
My wife and I eat here often and I have yet to experience a bad meal. Such nice people and delicious food. A true gem in Boise, I just wish they would serve breakfast too, I can imagine they'd whip up a great breakfast sandwich!
(5)A K.
Bleubird has wonderful food- high quality, interesting flavors. I've has most of the menu and enjoyed every bit of it.
(5)Clark K.
5 Stars everyday. I love to take people here for there first time experience... Makes me look like I know what I am doing w friends and clients. All is fresh, unique tastes that work, witness the quality and clean prep that takes place right in front of you. The owners are always smiling and adding to the the happy food Karma that is part of every delicious bite. No bad dish... Love the hand crafted sodas.
(5)Brittney C.
Beautiful atmosphere, to-die-for food, and great people. What more could you ask for? Had the rosemary ham panini. WOW! So good! I think I said mmmm for every bite. Will be going back soon to try their turkey Brie and other delicious sounding items. Just wish it was open later than 4:30.
(5)Margaret R.
So I -finally- made it to Bleubird for lunch. It was quite the undertaking as I don't live or work downtown and the hours are pretty weird, but I'm glad I made it. The highlights were definitely my bf's Pork Cubano panini, and the Spicy Sangria. The pork had a nice carmelization, and the gruyere was creamy and delicious. The sangria had a really pleasant slowburn heat that warmed us up on this cold day. We also loved the blue cheese potato salad. The low point was actually one of the most popular sandwiches--the Turkey & Brie sandwich. I just think it could be sooooo much better with toasted bread. If the sandwich components were a bit warmer the flavors would come out so much more! I will definitely return for the warm sandwiches, potato salad, and the delicious drinks. Maybe, in the future I can convince them to warm up the Turkey & Brie for me.
(4)Cameron M.
Best Lunch place in Downtown Boise. Eating there is a must. The staff is friendly and remembers your name. Go try it today!
(5)Erin H.
Great find for a late lunch! The sandwiches are big so we split one. We had the Turkey and Brie with the potato salad. The handmade sodas are fabulous. I had the ginger lime one and my friend had the raspberry lavender. I would come back again for sure when I am in Boise.
(4)KB B.
Hell! Yeah! I love how the food is served on wood. The Reuben was de-lish. And service with a smile.
(5)Natalie G.
Best sandwiches I have ever eaten! My new favorite is the Buffalo chicken!!! I don't know how she does it, but every single drop of food there is mouthwateringly delicious!!! SO worth the wait! Great friendly service and very clean!
(5)Laurie S.
This is by far the best lunch spot in Boise. Friendly owners, great food & a generally happy place. Long lines so go early or late. I only wish they were open on weekends.
(5)Brandy K.
Super cute place with a good menu. Went here for lunch around 12:30. The grilled cheese was delicious. The fork for the salad is wooden, which is a bit awkward. I'll definitely stop in for a sandwich again when I'm in town.
(4)Jennifer D.
moved here from sf recently, and this place rocks it! I feel a lil urban, contemporary, hip vibe, with amazing food! Bummed they aren't open on the weekends. Boise needs more places like this, who care about atmosphere and quality of food! hooray!
(5)Lucy T.
Always delicious. I am a huge fan of the reuben sandwich, chiefly due to the fresh, lightly pickled sauerkraut. My only complaint is that the line is usually pretty awkward.
(4)Kate S.
I don't even like sandwiches and I'd eat here everyday if I could. They make the most delicious food with the highest quality ingredients. And they are super sweet people!
(5)Patrick L.
For a place to get a sandwich and lunch, this place is great! I finally got around to checking it out last week and I was blown away. My brother and I shared sandwiches (I think we got the pork and the italian???). We both got salads and a beer. It's not subway so you aren't getting lunch for $5 but without beers, I think you could get lunch for about $10-12 / person. Place is small though and so I bet it can get crowded at times.
(5)Lindsey L.
One of my favorites in Boise. I have never been to Bleubird without waiting to order. That speaks volumes to me to the quality of the food. I have ordered the grilled cheese which is topped with caramelized onions, cheeses, fig... I am literally salivating as I recollect the fantastic flavors of that mind-boggling sandwich. Run by a wife and husband, they are extremely sweet, which I think is very important in the food service industry. Always smiles gracing their faces, even during rushes! Although I have never had a soda, I have witnessed a berry/rosemary blend being concocted similar to a bartender mixing a drink. Quick tip, if you're in a hurry and are going to complain about it, go to a Subway. I am completely entranced with the romanticism of Bleubird as I am a food purist, and they maintain the delicious flavors and comforting environment. Hidden gem of Boise. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
(5)David K.
Delicious roast beef sandwich - danish bleu and horseradish cream flavors jumped out from the first bite, and the the bacon & bleu potato salad was an excellent compliment to the meal. Considering the plethora of sandwich options available to me in the bay area , my expectations were tempered for a sandwich shop in Boise, but ultimately exceeded...well done bravo! I will be back!
(5)Andy S.
Bleubird opened later summer 2012. First things first: great customer service. Everyone is so kind and friendly. It is clear they know what they are doing. Bleubird offers an array of gourmet sandwiches. The grilled cheese ($8) is my favorite - and it's not your average grilled cheese! Caramelized onions, several kinds of cheeses, fig jam...mmm. Every sandwich is a masterpiece of different flavors. The meal always looks pretty, and you can get a pretty drink in a mason jar to match. I suggest the basil lemonade ($2.25). They make it right in front of you, and is so refreshing and tasty. Right now the hours are minimal. It's pretty much a lunch stop Mon-Fri. The place is always packed, I hope with their success they can be open more. I will say they are a little more pricey for lunch break, but it's the perfect spot for a lunch date, or to treat yourself on a bad day at the job. The set up and atmosphere are lovely, too. You just can't help but be happy here.
(5)Andrea B.
Best grilled cheese sandwich I've ever had!
(5)Ethan H.
Just ate here, these sandwiches are fantastic. We're talking about fresh ingredients put together in the tastiest ways. Here's a tip: if you want a good sandwich, eat here.
(5)David R.
Bleubird's space is amazing and the food is incredible! Honestly, I wish they were open a bit more, but that's not a complaint - I just want more Bleubird!
(4)Rhet H.
One of the best, if not the best, sandwiches in town. A little pricier than other sandwich shops but you get what you pay for. For the extra buck or two, you come away with higher quality ingredients and more flavors than you would get elsewhere. A very nice couple run the restaurant and they know their stuff when it comes to food. It is nice to find a place like this that cares about the taste of the product they produce. Many of their sandwiches are enhanced versions of the standards but they also have some unique ones and the menu changes up a bit each week so you can always keep coming back for something exiting and new. I would highly recommend this place as a daily lunch spot or it should at least be in your regular rotation.
(4)Danny A.
This place was awesome! everyone was so friendly and made it very enjoyable. I have been in a few times and really enjoy the food - I would like to see them add more or switch some of the items up but I guess they are pretty popular so they don't make a ton of changes. Not a huge fan of the wooden silverware - I feel like I am going to get a sliver every bite. The food is worth it though so I will totally take the risk! Wish they would extend their hours to be open on weekends.
(4)Jonathan D.
I had the Turkey Sandwich and it was made with the best ingredients: Gruyere cheese, hand carved turkey, baby spinach, some sort of delicious sauce/mustard, all on local Zeppole bread - need I say any more? I also got a freshly baked cookie and a bottle (not a can or fountain) Coke! Great experience overall and can't wait to go back!
(4)Emma M.
This is my very favorite place to have lunch. It can be busy at lunch time so I always go after the lunch crowd so the wait isn't long. My favorite sandwich is the turkey and herbed brie with paper thin sliced green apples and fig jam. Awesome! Today I had a white peach sangria that had a sprig of basil in it and it was perfect on a hot day. If you are in a hurry or hate to stand in line then don't go during the lunch rush. Otherwise, just take your time, wait your turn, and enjoy your lunch because it's worth it. The owners are super nice too.
(5)Maurice B.
Great food at reasonable prices. Very casual. High quality fresh ingredients. I had the italiano sandwich. My wife had the beet salad. Perfect place for lunch.
(5)Chad T.
Probably would have been 4 stars if I would have brought a real fork. The food was good. I will be back.
(3)Ranae C.
This little place was fantastic. Their grilled cheese was such a unique take on a classic and the flavors they chose melded perfectly. Service was incredibly friendly, I only wish it was open evenings. A great option for a casual and tasty lunch Downtown.
(5)Adan C.
I have been in the restaurant business for most of my life... I love love this place! Everything from the food the service and the environment. So happy to have a place like this here in Boise. Excited for the growing culinary community! If you haven't been you should totally check it out! P.s. don't modify anything... Trust the chef! Mmmm
(5)Sophie S.
Their turkey and brie is excellent, as is the grapefruit rosemary soda. However, I'd probably pass on the Italian sandwich next time (very strong vinegar taste with the peppers and dressing).
(4)Jerry S.
Bluebird is awesome. I had meetings at Boise plaza and took a quick walk over for lunch. The menu is simple but full of culinary delights. Everything is made fresh and it tastes like it. I had the pastrami sandwich and a hand made blackberry sage soda. Truly incredible. Service was excellent, the counter space was great to sit at and do some good people watching. This is a must for a solid lunch!
(5)Joe D.
My wife and I stopped in here to get a quick sammich on our way to the hills.. I got the turkey while she had the corn beef.. Her sammch was pretty good, my salad was tasty but the turkey sandwich while decent wasn't what I had thought it would be.. What I mean is that I was thinking fresh roasted turkey, ripped off the bone and put on some bread.. Alas it didn't appear to be the case.. Would I go back? Sure, one more time to check out a different sammich.
(3)L. C.
I really liked my turkey, pear & brie sandwich with fig jam. She's a master at combining unusual flavors. Next time I won't get the salad--they shake coarse salt onto the top and salt became the predominant flavor for me amongst the stemmy-textured greens. It's a pleasant space with good people-watching angles, so the wait for a sandwich isn't a problem. Listen closely for your name, since the angles also make it hard to hear whose name is called. Drinks are served in canning jars with threaded tops--cute, but it gets a little old.
(4)Kate D.
The flavor combinations served are wonderful. I just had a grilled brie and cheddar sandwich with fig jam, caramelized onions, and mustard with a side of blue cheese bacon potato salad. Delicious. When they first opened, they had a bit of a flow problem because there were only two employees (the owners). They have since added a third employee and now things run seamlessly. I have had nothing but congenial and grateful service so I am surprised to read Katie B.'s review. It surely is not the norm.
(5)Boise G.
A delicious little sandwich shop that I get very excited to go to every time. Ingredients are fresh and flavor combinations are great. The grilled butternut squash sandwich puts me in my happy place. Only wish the hours were a little longer. Yes there will be a line a lot of the time, and yes it's not "cheap", but the prices are fair for the quality of the food.
(5)Bubba R.
Rotating menu means every day you can try something new! With high quality, fresh ingredients this place has NEVER provided an un-awesome sandwich.
(5)Katie B.
Terrible set-up, terrible service. If you want to stand in line and be yelled at by the employees, this is the place for you. If not, go to any other sandwich shop in Boise.
(1)Candy R.
fine assed sandwiches. inventive, tasty & quality food. minor criticisms: don't really care for the board the food is served on, the 2 times i've ordered the potato salad, i was given a tiny dollop as if they were running out & very small compared to the other sides. suggestion: get an extra person to help out at the counter during the lunch rush. the line was a dozen people long & only one guy to take orders/work the register & make the drinks (handling money then touching the fruit for the home made sodas? yuck) also it's very loud in there maybe because of the 2 story ceiling. overall a great place though.
(4)Mark R.
Wow! This place is fabulous. Owner must have been working counter because he was working so hard and being so friendly to all during rush hour. Their take on sandwiches are different enough that you won't feel like it's a standard sandwich lunch. Salads are thoughtful and complex. Sandwiches have their own twists and unique condiments. They make their own sodas on the spot! This is franchise worthy and cannot believe Boise has such an original. Keep it up, Bleubird! I went with roast beef sando, tried both potato and simple salad and a ginger limeade. Great flavors
(5)Michelle N.
I love this place!! Delicious food and great staff. I have been here many times and even though it's always packed for lunch, it's such a great atmosphere with great service and great food. I personally love the Cuban sandwich, all the salads, and all the DK Sodas. Additionally, the staff is super friendly and personable, especially when they take your order. Even though seating is often limited, it's one of my favorite places to grab a quick bite to eat. If only it was open on weekends!
(4)Bryan N.
Great hole-in-the-wall sandwich joint. Had the grilled cheese - solid, but forgettable. Did, however, steal off my lunch date's turkey & brie and it was AWESOME. Also had a pomegranate sage soda, and loved it. Now the caveat: get there early for lunch (no later than 11:45), because there is very little seating, and a line forms pretty quickly (relatively unheard of in downtown Boise for lunch). But a must-do if you're downtown for lunch, definitely, even if you have to take it to go and eat it at, e.g., Capitol Park or somesuch...
(4)Mandee R.
No matter what you order here you cannot go wrong. This place is only open for lunch M-F from 11-4 and it is ALWAYS busy. No matter if you try and visit early to beat the crowd or show up later you will have a small wait because it is that good. Maybe one day they can expand but their location is great and they did a good job with the decor. Order anything on the menu and you won't be disappointed. I have had numerous dishes here thus far. I wish I got a picture of my recent dish which was the tomato bisque soup and grilled cheese sandwich but I couldn't wait to devour it. The cheese oozed out of the sandwich onto the griddle and made a grilled crispy cheese ring around the sandwich itself which is just the best thing in life.....is it not? Who doesn't want crispy cheese goodness! The sandwich was so good and has an onion and fig preserve spread and an aioli that compliment the three cheeses very well. And to wash everything down I had a basil lemonade. I think I'll make this lemonade at home all summer long......(maybe add a little vodka in it to top it off)! You are doing yourself a disservice if you don't patron this restaurant. It is great to support local businesses and if you are not normally around town during business hours M-F, take the day off work to make it downtown to try this place out!!!! You will not be disappointed.
(5)JoAn E.
Bluebird is hands down worth five stars and I don't give out five stars easily so that is really saying something. DK and his wife are awesome people and really understand great food and great customer service. I also found out on my last visit that they also cater. They take everyday sandwiches and not so everyday sandwiches and kick them up and make them new and exciting. The Reuben for example has red cabbage slaw in it and the bread looks like it may be too much but it really is so soft and yummy. Their lox sandwich kicks butt over any lox and bagel sandwich. My favorite is the Cubano sandwich that has chimichurri in it for a wonderful twist and the pork is soooo soft and flavorful. Their blue cheese potato salad is perfectly balanced and not overwhelming at all. And their homemade sodas.....well let's just say I wish I could get them in a 32 oz. serving size. Not overly sweet and so fresh with homemade syrups. You really can't go wrong with this place. Only sad thing is that they are only open Monday thru Friday from 11am to 4 pm. Probably a good thing or I would be there all the time.
(5)Nicholas R.
BlueBird sets the standard for sandwiches in the Boise downtown area. Consistently tasty, fresh, and filling. They have a continual rotation of specials, the sides are unique and flavorful, and the staff is friendly and efficient. I've been here many times, and have yet to be disappointed (or to leave hungry). I do wish that they'd alternate their soup selection (the only one I've ever seen is the tomato) every now and then, but I can't fault them for sticking with a winner. Well worth a lunchtime visit any day of the week.
(5)Eugene S.
I really enjoy places that try and stay local. First the line was outside the door at lunch time and parking isn't the easiest either. The menu is creative but familiar at the same time. I tried the Italian which was delicious. The bread and the meats we're top quality. I also saw they make certain sodas in house and had to try the strawberry ginger mint yummy is all I can say. Definitely try when you're in town.
(5)Katy H.
Now THIS is a place in Boise you must visit if you haven't already. And heck, even if you've been here you've gotta come back! I popped by for lunch and had a great experience. The system is simple (as per the rules on the wall). Order at the register, pick up food when they call your name, find a table, and when you're finished, bus your table. Bleubird is so (deservedly) popular that there's even a polite disclaimer/request that patrons not stay too long if it's busy because people desperately need tables. Thankfully there's an upstairs area and the space can fit about 25-30 people eating at once. I came with a friend and nabbed a table facing the street upstairs. It was light, it was bright, and it was cozy. We broke out our laptops but found ourselves too into our delicious food to even bother with work. Which was a relief because sadly, the wifi is not dependable. We connected but it didn't work well and then shut off. But again, my turkey and brie sandwich and half cup of tomato soup was too good to let sit while I tapped on a computer. And same with the house made grapefruit drink I had. Nothing here is cheaply made, nothing seems thoughtless or lazy, and everything from the serving boards to the recyclable utensils and mason jars seems well planned and intentioned. The decor is great and even the menu is so great that it was difficult to choose a sandwich. I could rattle on forever but you should just eat here already. The line is long so get here now!
(5)Michelle S.
I went for the first time yesterday. I ordered the turkey and brie sandwich and my mom ordered the same sandwich, but panini style.... She did it right. I was so torn because the regular bread looked so scrumptious. However, since hers was a panini, the cheese was deliciously melted. Which I prefer. The ingredients were very fresh and there was a great combination of flavors with the fig jelly, dijon mustard, brie etc. I think next time I am going to try the grilled cheese simply because when I saw it, my mouth started watering.
(5)Jayde D.
Turkey and Brie is excellent! I love the atmosphere and their sandwiches are delicious! Only downfall is they are not open more!
(5)Cassie S.
Um, I think I got the wrong sandwich. I ordered a turkey/brie/apple when a co-worker was going on a lunch run, but I'm pretty sure what I just ate must have been unicorn... PURE MAGIC. P.S. The side salad is pretty good too- way better than the chips or fries you'd get elsewhere!
(5)Nichole A.
The line that for the bleubird cafe should be your first indication of how amazing this place is. This cafe definitely tries to keep it local and they do a damn good job. The food is the best ive had in boise and appeals to my foodie side. The prices made my wallet sigh with happiness and the wait times were short. We ordered: Turkey and brie sammy: An amazing blend of brie, apples, turkey, Dijon and fig on a thick cut hard bread. Along side this artfully crafted sandwich was a steamy flavorful tomato soup. I was very impressed with both. Grilled cheese and simple salad: lets start with the fact that I am a grilled cheese connoisseur. A few different cheeses, fig marmalade and carmelized onions melt together to envelope your senses and hold your taste buds hostage. Crispy on the outside and gooey goodness inside. The simple salad is a light refreshing break in between the bites of this rich grilled cheese. Rosemary lemonade: At first sip you expect an overly sweet sugery lemonade.....what you get is a nice balance between bitter, sweet and herby. Perfect pairing for any sandwich. I don't believe you can go wrong with anything you order here. This is proof that simple and fresh ingredients make the best food. "The proof is in the pudding".......or in this case "the proof is in the lemonade" 5 stars
(5)Danielle M.
Came here to Bleubird again and it was amazing, again. There is no other place like Bleubird in downtown Boise that has a unique twist on sandwiches. Not to mention the Owner greets you with a big smile and friendly conversation. I had their Pheasant soup and it was incredible. Never thought I would like something like Pheasant soup but it was delicious. Bleubird really knows how to bring some exotic flavors together and spins it into an iconic dish. I enjoy the authenticity of Bluebird and the eclectic group of people it brings in. Really a must-see in Boise.
(5)Julie E.
I'll admit it. Most of what I'd heard about Bleubird came from someone I consider to be a pretentious snob. That was wrong of me- to base an opinion of whether to try a restaurant on how I felt about what someone else said. Bad me.. BAD. After spending the previous evening at a Yelp Event across the street at The Distirct, and staring a Bleubird for a bit, I decided I needed to push what I'd heard from my head and go try it for myself. What others have said, right off the bat, (and no, not the snob) is right.. GO EARLY if you can. I arrived just after noon and was able to get into the line just inside the door.. but just barely. As I looked around for seating options I realized that unless I wanted a stool at the counter I was best off getting my grub to go. The menu at Bleubird- chalked out on looong blackboards on the wall - has many choices. When you THINK you'll be reading a mundane description of a sandwich you find yourself seeing words like cornichon (pickle) and your inner foodie says "WHOA". Sadly I was in a time crunch and not able to fully focus on the cornucopia of choices before it was my turn to order. I went with the Smoked Pork Cubano (mainly because the word cornichon was still frolicking in my head) THEN had to choose a side. Simple Salad, Tomato Basil Soup or Bleu Cheese Bacon Potato Salad. Yeah. The bacon one. I placed my order to go, then wandered to the back of the restaurant to take some photos, do some people watching and wait. I was delighted to find a chilled crock of iced water with cucumber, and sipped a glass as I watched the artistry of building a Bleubird sandwich go on. Huge portions of meats, cheeses and fresh vegetables (roasted, pickled and raw), with various mustards, mayos and other spreadables- being applied to flaky hunks of bread. Some pressed, some not. Environmentally conscious the disposable cutlery available to use for patrons included plastic AND wood. I was pondering where to go to eat my creation, when I realized: "Hey The District is right across the street". I had been there the night before and know they have good coffee.. let's do that. I crossed the street, entered the building as asked if it were allowable for me to eat my 'outside food' if I made a purchase there, they said sure. THIS is how I wound up nicely situated at a table in The District with my lovely lunch from Bleubird and my (OMG you have to try this) iced Nutella latte. My pressed Cubano was still nice and warm Toasty, and packed with meat, the first bite was heavenly. Munching further I did note the sandwich to be a trifle dry- still delightful though. The potato salad.. oh call a crash cart I could DIE RIGHT NOW. Potatoes cooked to perfection, crispy bacon and just enough blue cheese to bring it all together. I wanted (at that moment) nothing more than to bury my face in a tub of that salad and not come until I'd chewed my way to the bottom. Thank GOODNESS that was not an option. To recap: Bleubird. HELLA busy at lunch (go early). BIG menu (maybe they have one online?). SERIOUS sandwich construction with premium ingredients. BLEU CHEESE BACON POTATO SALAD (drool.. snarf snarf.. burp!) An amazing lunch for less than $10 to be found in the middle of downtown Boise. Plan a trip now.. and then let me know what sandwich YOU chose! (PS: I've since sampled the simple salad.. nothing simple about it.. NOMS)
(4)Elise D.
Love, love, love the Bleubird!!! Fantastic food, great service and the owner is a delight. If you are eating healthy there are great salads, I am partial to the lentil, beet version with a dab of goat cheese, and the sandwiches are to die for. You must try one of the homemade sodas with your meal. Great staff, clean and comfortable but get there early, the line gets long pretty fast!!!
(5)Ophelia M.
Bleubird is serving up some of the best sandwiches in Boise. Hands down. I ordered their grilled cheese which comes with an amazing combination of cheeses (Brie, gruyère, & cheddar) as well as caramelized onion, fig preserves, and dijon aioli. It was, in short, delicious. The sort of sandwich that leaves you looking urgently at your dining companion as you point at your own sandwich, awestruck, and say terribly articulate things like, "I mean...I mean...whoa..." and "This is so...mmmmhmm..." One thing I'd like to give a particular mention to is the caramelized onions. They are, in actuality, beautifully caramelized. The color of brown sugar, my people. So often, this is not the case and Bleubird deserves special mention for their stellar caramelization skills. I got their creamy tomato basil soup as my side and their basil lemonade for my beverage (what can I say? I dig basil). The basil lemonade was sublime--a little fizzy, a little herby, and full of lemony goodness. The creamy tomato basil soup had a lovely hint of basil and was generously sprinkled with parmesan. The interior's bird-centric decor is absolutely adorable. The service is friendly and efficient. It's an order at the counter, then pick up your order further down the counter system. If, when you enter, it looks busy with little seating, don't fret as there is a second floor seating area as well. Overall? Outstanding. Get to it!
(5)Brian H.
This place is awesome. Top-notch (and friendly) service, creative, classy, delicious. I had the Reuben with bacon & blue cheese potato salad on the side. The ingredients were all fresh and high quality. Add to all this handmade sodas! Ginger lime was great but I wish I could've tried them all. Thank you for kicking a**, Bleubird!
(5)Annie H.
High Quality food, great flavors and fresh ingredients! Must Eat here if you can only have one lunch in Boise! Our party was notified there is no saving tables so no sitting until after you order. This location is smaller, with an upstairs seating area and outdoor sidewalk seating area, perfect for when the weather is nice. I ordered the Turkey Brie with potato salad and a mint lemonade after reading fellow yelper's reviews. Everything was delicious! The bread was amazing, the sandwich was large for me, if you're a light eater I would recommend to share. The lemonade was super fresh flavorful and perfect. Not great for large groups, not good if you're in a rush. Service is friendly, the interior is very fashionable and clean.
(5)MJ P.
Delicious! The sandwiches are made with fresh ingredients and very tasty bread. We liked the homemade sodas too. I wish they were open on weekends!
(5)Roberta C.
This is the most creative sandwich you will find in Boise. Great ambiance. Dave at the register is also the creative force. Try his DK sodas; house made syrups that use the best of seasonal ingredients. I've been here several times, tried a number of sandwich and salad combinations, soups, and various DK sodas. Everything is flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented. Go early and patiently stand in line, you will be well-rewarded with a great lunch.
(5)Sam S.
We were downtown for lunch on a recent business trip to Boise and I wanted to try something new. Yelp pointed us to the nearby Bleubird so we stopped in for a bite. It was very busy for a weekday lunch with a small line out the door. But after waiting a few minutes we placed our orders and our food was served up fresh not longer afterwards. I enjoyed a very good smoked pork Cuban sandwich and a great tomato soup. To wash it all down I had their homemade basil lemonade, which is freshly prepared and quite yummy. Their menu features many flavors of homemade sodas and lemonades. With indoor seating and a nice outdoor patio, the Bluebird serves up some great food in downtown Boise! All of my co-workers were very happy with their lunch and relived that the new place I'd talked them into was surprisingly very good.
(4)Greg T.
This place is so legit. Only strange thing is their odd hours. But what they are shooting for they nailed it on the head! Chic little artisan sandwich shop! Can't go wrong with anything on the menu. I have come here three or four times. It is a solid, consistent place that you can feel comfortable taking your parents, date, or guests to.
(5)Jess A.
My favorite lunch spot in Boise. I've tried a few things on their menu: The turkey brie sandwich was my go-to when I ate meat. I've had many good sandwiches, but this is the best non-vegetarian sandwich I have ever eaten. The bread is thick, though, so make sure you're hungry prior to ordering. The flavor is amazing and unique - I would never think to add apple slices to a sandwich! The dijon adds a nice kick, and the fig jam ties it all in together. The grilled cheese is quite the indulgence - 3 different cheese melted together with caramelized onion, fig jam, and dijon. SO. GOOD. But so bad. But really good. Their rotating vegetarian sandwiches are a hit or mess - I've had the mushroom one and wasn't a huge fan (probably because I don't love mushrooms). The eggplant sandwich with kale and ricotta was delicious. The superfood salad is my favorite item on the menu. It's packed with nutrients, has an amazing flavor, and fills me up (unlike many salads - unless they're drenched in bacon, croutons, and ranch (yuck)). I always order a fun soda - my favorite so far is the strawberry ginger mint. Refreshing and not too sweet. The owners are so kind, they work hard (one of the co-owners is always at the register, while the other co-owner helps prepare the food), and they have excellent manners. Which is maybe an odd thing for me to point out, but good manners goes a long way in my book! I love this place. I only wish they served dinner.
(5)Mel B.
I enjoyed my grilled cheese and side salad. The staff was very friendly and the atmosphere of the restaurant had great vibes.
(4)Justin T.
Went here for an after hours catered (be them) birthday party. The food was awesome as well as the drinks. They were putting wonderful combinations of sparkling wine and their home made soda. Just awesome. The food was perfect and unique. Lamb shanks that were perfect and to die for. You really can't go wrong here the staff was awesome and was excited that YOU were excited about their food. Its what I love about the Boise foodie scene. Get on in there and Git yer self summin to eat.
(4)