Nestled in the heart of Idaho’s panhandle sits an unassuming (but completely amazing) restaurant: the Snake Pit, a.k.a the Enaville Resort. Just far enough off of I-90 to feel miles away from the beaten path, this amazing bar and grill isn’t just delicious, remote, and lively; it has also gained a stellar reputation as the oldest restaurant in Idaho and one of the oldest in the entire Northwest. With a history that lengthy, you’d better believe that this 125-year old establishment has quite the story to go along with its rustic location in the middle of nowhere — and it’s totally worth the drive to experience it for yourself.
Tucked away on Coeur d’Alene River Rd. in Kingston, this historic restaurant has a truly unique location and history.
The Snake Pit in Enaville, Idaho/Facebook While the Snake Pit is seemingly miles away from anything besides endless trees and a few hidden residences, it’s just a few short minutes away from the river’s edge. It’s the perfect rustic setting for an eatery so full of western charm.
Dating all the way back to 1880 when loggers and miners flooded the Silver Valley, one could walk into this rustic treasure and see rowdy, famished diners packed three-deep.
The Snake Pit in Enaville, Idaho/Facebook While the Snake Pit has had its ups and downs over the last century, it’s just as lively and welcoming today as it was back then when Wyatt Earp sat perched on his own bar stool.
The inside is a fantastic mix of old-time saloon meets Northwest lodge.
Cheryl R./Yelp The furniture is nearly all handmade from local wood by former guests and owners.
How this unpretentious gem came to earn its nickname “the Snake Pit” has always been a source of local lore…
The Snake Pit in Enaville, Idaho/Facebook But those nitty-gritty details are for another time!
The star of the show here is the incredible cuisine full of classic Idaho flavors.
The Snake Pit in Enaville, Idaho/Facebook Sweet potato and pulled pork nachos…smoked prime rib tacos…
And the drinks deserve their own claim to fame.
The Snake Pit in Enaville, Idaho/Facebook
But it’s perhaps the Rocky Mountain Oyster specials that truly set this place apart.
The Snake Pit in Enaville, Idaho/Facebook This seasonal special comes and goes because, “sometimes the bulls don’t cooperate,” but snap a photo of yourself enjoying one of these Northwest delicacies and you might just find yourself in their Hall of Fame.
The Snake Pit is conveniently close to recreation opportunities, so the majority of locals are aware that this historic beauty is hiding right near the river.
The Snake Pit in Enaville, Idaho/Facebook
But what really keeps folks coming back is the lively community atmosphere of live music, backyard games, deck dining, and small-town community.
The Snake Pit in Enaville, Idaho/Facebook
Or maybe it’s the setting?
The Snake Pit in Enaville, Idaho/Facebook
All in all, what more could you ask for?
The Snake Pit in Enaville, Idaho/Facebook
The Snake Pit is truly one of those historic gems that makes Idaho so unique, and definitely worth a trip. So in remembrance of the departed prospectors and miners of the Gem State’s early days, or indeed in tribute to the likes of Wyatt Earp and other western greats, stop on by and give their famous “oyster” delicacies a try! If you dare…
The Snake Pit in Enaville, Idaho/Facebook
While the Snake Pit is seemingly miles away from anything besides endless trees and a few hidden residences, it’s just a few short minutes away from the river’s edge. It’s the perfect rustic setting for an eatery so full of western charm.
While the Snake Pit has had its ups and downs over the last century, it’s just as lively and welcoming today as it was back then when Wyatt Earp sat perched on his own bar stool.
Cheryl R./Yelp
The furniture is nearly all handmade from local wood by former guests and owners.
But those nitty-gritty details are for another time!
Sweet potato and pulled pork nachos…smoked prime rib tacos…
This seasonal special comes and goes because, “sometimes the bulls don’t cooperate,” but snap a photo of yourself enjoying one of these Northwest delicacies and you might just find yourself in their Hall of Fame.
If you’ve ever eaten here, we’d love to hear your stories. What other remote locations do you love to visit in Idaho?
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