Finger steaks are an Idaho novelty; a perfectly fried creation that is unique to our state no matter how often other states (I’m looking at you, Texas!) try to steal them from us.
They’re our Key Lime pie. Our Philly cheesesteak. And, according to legend, they were invented right in our state’s capital by none other than Milo Bybee at the Torch Lounge back in its family-friendly days.
Breaded, snackable, and fried (just the way an iconic state food should be), these little bite-sized morsels of beefy meat and warm goodness are definitely something to write home about if you’ve yet to try them. For a winning combination, dip them in fry sauce! But really, Idaho finger steaks are delicious all on their own, and here — in no particular order — are just a few awesome places to find the best of the best.
- Westside Drive-In, Boise
Cheryl N./Yelp
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr This Boise must-stop always seems to offer up classic Idaho dishes. Ice cream potatoes? Check. The perfect drive-in burger? Check. Juicy finger steaks meant for dipping? Double check.
- Lindy’s Steakhouse/Lounge, Boise
Rick Snyder/YouTube
Lindy’s Locals have repeatedly rated this little bar-turned-steakhouse as their top pick for finger steak perfection. Deliciously fried but not greasy, it is reported that these bite-sized gems are modeled after the original Boise Torch recipe – the home of the finger steak.
- Lardo’s Grill and Saloon, McCall
Google Maps
Sue H./TripAdvisor This western-style saloon in McCall cranks out some incredible hand-battered finger steaks, just the way you wish your momma could make ’em.
- Trudy’s Kitchen, Idaho City
Dave Kilman/Flickr Trudy’s is particularly famous for a renowned selection of massive, award-winning pies, but this landmark Idaho restaurant is also the home of finger steak deliciousness.
- Scotty’s Drive-In, Idaho Falls
Scotty’s Drive-In/Facebook
Reese Derrenberger/Flickr An Idaho Falls classic for decades, you can bet this old-school drive-in knows how to serve up finger steaks the right way, right alongside thick, malted milkshakes.
- Depot Grill, Twin Falls
mini/Trip Advisor
boxer_bob/Flickr The Depot Grill has been around for nearly a century, but is all-too-often overlooked as a finger steak nirvana where these fresh sirloin tip gems truly shine.
- Jeb’s Corner, Weiser
Google Maps
Ross A./Yelp The wonderful thing about this small-town gem isn’t just the delicious finger steaks…. it’s the awesome milkshakes and sauces served alongside that are perfect for dunking.
- The Dutch Goose, Boise
The Dutch Goose
The Dutch Goose This friendly, pub-style dining gem is a local favorite for a number of reasons, burgers included. But when it comes to finger steaks, visitors and residents alike agree that the fried, bite-sized gems served here are just about perfect in every way.
- GW Hunters, Post Falls
Google Maps
GW Hunters/Facebook Well known for their game selections and hunter-friendly atmosphere, this classic Idaho sportsman restaurant serves up something truly special as well: elk finger steaks, battered and fried to juicy perfection. It’s a new take on an old tradition that you’ll absolutely love.
- Crescent No-Lawyers, Boise
Crescent! No Lawyers!/Facebook
Wendy Quek/Flickr Boise’s favorite no-politics sports bar serves up some surprisingly good finger steaks that have consistently ranked at the top of Boise Weekly’s annual list. Served alongside a spicy cocktail sauce, they’re perfect for popping in between innings.
Finger steaks are a quintessential Idaho food that, like many fried foods, find themselves served up in baskets at drive-ins, old-fashioned diners, and greasy dives. Where’s your go-to place for these bite-sized wonders? They’re hidden all over the place and I’m dying to try more!
Cheryl N./Yelp
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
This Boise must-stop always seems to offer up classic Idaho dishes. Ice cream potatoes? Check. The perfect drive-in burger? Check. Juicy finger steaks meant for dipping? Double check.
Rick Snyder/YouTube
Lindy’s
Locals have repeatedly rated this little bar-turned-steakhouse as their top pick for finger steak perfection. Deliciously fried but not greasy, it is reported that these bite-sized gems are modeled after the original Boise Torch recipe – the home of the finger steak.
Google Maps
Sue H./TripAdvisor
This western-style saloon in McCall cranks out some incredible hand-battered finger steaks, just the way you wish your momma could make ’em.
Dave Kilman/Flickr
Trudy’s is particularly famous for a renowned selection of massive, award-winning pies, but this landmark Idaho restaurant is also the home of finger steak deliciousness.
Scotty’s Drive-In/Facebook
Reese Derrenberger/Flickr
An Idaho Falls classic for decades, you can bet this old-school drive-in knows how to serve up finger steaks the right way, right alongside thick, malted milkshakes.
mini/Trip Advisor
boxer_bob/Flickr
The Depot Grill has been around for nearly a century, but is all-too-often overlooked as a finger steak nirvana where these fresh sirloin tip gems truly shine.
Ross A./Yelp
The wonderful thing about this small-town gem isn’t just the delicious finger steaks…. it’s the awesome milkshakes and sauces served alongside that are perfect for dunking.
The Dutch Goose
This friendly, pub-style dining gem is a local favorite for a number of reasons, burgers included. But when it comes to finger steaks, visitors and residents alike agree that the fried, bite-sized gems served here are just about perfect in every way.
GW Hunters/Facebook
Well known for their game selections and hunter-friendly atmosphere, this classic Idaho sportsman restaurant serves up something truly special as well: elk finger steaks, battered and fried to juicy perfection. It’s a new take on an old tradition that you’ll absolutely love.
Crescent! No Lawyers!/Facebook
Wendy Quek/Flickr
Boise’s favorite no-politics sports bar serves up some surprisingly good finger steaks that have consistently ranked at the top of Boise Weekly’s annual list. Served alongside a spicy cocktail sauce, they’re perfect for popping in between innings.
And where are more of Idaho’s classic state foods located, you might ask? Check out this list of Idaho’s Best Potato Dishes for the state’s best poutine, fries, potato pizzas, and more.
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