The BEST Restaurants In Sandpoint (From A Local)

Post Summary: Top Sandpoint, Idaho restaurants you’ll want to try on your next dining expedition.

Looking for some tasty Sandpoint, Idaho restaurants and wondering which one to try? As a self-proclaimed “foodie,” I’ve been working my way through the restaurants in Sandpoint and the surrounding areas to come up with a list of our favorite places to eat in Sandpoint.

My focus will always be on local fare and small businesses, so no chain restaurants (unless it’s an Idaho chain!) in this post.

Sandpoint is a growing city, so I’ll continue to update as new food trucks, restaurants, and bakeries pop up in this charming lake town. You can also follow us on Instagram @liveawilderlife for up-to-date posts on Sandpoint and our other USA travels.

These are in no particular order. No hierarchy. Just pure awesomeness all the way through.

Also, take note that a lot of restaurants in Sandpoint are closed on Sunday and Monday. Hours of operation will fluctuate and change according to the season and sometimes by the day, so always double-check that it’s open before you go!

NOTE: Restaurants in Sandpoint are having a hard time finding and keeping workers. Many restaurants are understaffed and find it difficult to keep up with demand. Because of this, you may experience slower service than usual. Patience and kindness are always good choices.

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15 AMAZING RESTAURANTS IN SANDPOINT

rustic hip metal brewery with outdoor seating — Matchwood Brewery offers great outside seating in Sandpoint.

Chef with arm tattoos steps back and watches his wok light up with fire around it. — Chef Jeff Coleman of Shila Korean BBQ cooking in his popular food truck.

FORTY ONE SOUTH

Good For: Upscale Dinner, Special Night Out, Great Views

This is the place to go if you want a more upscale “special night out” dinner. With lakefront dining and two large fireplaces, the ambiance is beautiful whether you’re lakeside in the summer or fireside in the winter. A beautiful setting is nice, but if the food doesn’t taste good, who cares? You won’t be disappointed. The food is excellent. With a full bar and a robust menu of standard American fare, you’ll be sure to find something that tickles your tastebuds. Must-try dish? The 8oz mesquite-smoked and grilled filet mignon. Reservations are recommended.

Browse The Menu
Located in: The Lodge at Sandpoint
Address: 41 Lakeshore Dr, Sagle, ID 83860
Phone: (208) 255-0685

UPDATE: Forty One South is closing down permanently and its last day of service will be October 23, 2021

POWDER HOUND PIZZA

Good For: Casual Eats, Pizza and Wings

Since 2010 Powder Hound Pizza has been a much-loved staple on Schweitzer Mountain. After a fire in 2019 took out their second location in downtown Sandpoint, residents and visitors to Sandpoint have been eagerly awaiting their reopening. Reopening in Fall 2021, Powder Hound Pizza is the place to go for pizza in Sandpoint. From simple, straightforward pizzas to creative spins like their Spicy Thai and Cuban Pork, Powder Hound will satisfy every kind of pizza lover. The new location offers the perks of outdoor seating and parking.

Browse The Menu
Address: 201 E. Superior St, Sandpoint, ID 83864
Phone: (208) 255-0685

SPUDS WATERFRONT GRILL

Good For: Lunch, casual eats, soups, salads, sandwiches, water view

Spuds Waterfront Grill always surprises me with how good their food tastes. It’s an unassuming restaurant located in the heart of Downtown Sandpoint that offers fantastic soups, sandwiches, salads, and of course, baked potatoes. Generous portion sizes mean you won’t be left unsatisfied! With a view of the marina, it’s a wonderful place in the summertime to order a huckleberry lemonade and their famous Capistrano sandwich. If you’re a salad lover, I’m a big fan of their feisty vegan that comes with kale, arugula, quinoa, sunflower seeds, toasted nuts, shredded beets, dried apricots, cherry tomatoes, lemon zest, and a curry vinaigrette.

Browse The Menu
Address: 102 North 1st Ave Sandpoint, ID 83864
Phone: (208) 265-4311
**Temporary Winter Location is 202 N Second Avenue.

CLUBHOUSE RESTAURANT

Good For: Great Views, Brunch, Special Night Out

The Clubhouse Restaurant is part of The Idaho Club, the premier Jack Nicklaus designed golf course in Sandpoint. With beautiful views of the Pack River and the lush mountainside, The Idaho Club offers spectacular scenery. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot a moose grazing in the area. With Chef Richard Nakatani at the helm, the food blends American standards and Asian-inspired dishes. While it’s a great dinner spot, I like it for lunch so you can enjoy the pretty views. They also have a fabulous brunch menu offered on Sundays only. Reservations are recommended.

Browse The Menu
Located in: The Idaho Club
Address: 151 Clubhouse Way, Sandpoint, ID 83860
Phone: (208) 265-2345

PACK RIVER STORE

Good For: Breakfast, Lunch, Monthly Tasting Menu, Off the beaten track spot

Located on the Pack River, this gas station general store turned gourmet eatery is a must-visit for anyone who deems themselves a foodie. Chef Alec Jacobsen takes comfort food to the next level with a mouth-watering selection of locally sourced fare. It’s a great spot for brunch or to have a burger or sandwiches on their outdoor patio. Where the Pack River Store really shines is their prime rib dinner on the last Friday of every month and their monthly five-course tasting menu. Whipping up new delights every month, you can look here to see dates for their next tasting menu. Reservations are recommended for the prime rib dinner and tasting menu.

Browse The Menu
Address: 1587 Rapid Lightning Rd, Sandpoint, ID 83864
Phone: (208) 265-2345

BAXTERS ON CEDAR

Good For: Lunch, Dinner, A Nice Night Out

Baxters on Cedar calls themselves an “upscale pub” serving American Cuisine. While the name fits for the easy and comfortable dining experience, their food is more akin to a nice restaurant. With options like Harvest Pear and Brie Cheese Bruschetta and Moroccan Lamb Sliders, it’s a great choice for a nice dinner out. They also have a fantastic lunch menu with tacos, sandwiches, and burgers. I’ve heard (though I haven’t tried it myself) that the key lime pie is a must-do.

Browse The Menu
Address: 109 Cedar St. Sandpoint, ID 83864
Phone: (208) 229-8377

FAT PIG

Good For: Craft Beer, Casual Dinner, Lunch

Housed in an old Sandpoint building, this beloved Gastropub manages a hip industrial look with warmth. A small menu serves standard pub fare but also has a few additions that keep you on your toes like duck nachos with duck confit and pork ramen (perfect for a cold Sandpoint night!). They also have a great selection of craft beer and wines that are periodically rotated.

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Address: 301 Cedar St. Suite 102 Sandpoint, ID 83864
Phone: (208) 265 -7675

MILLER’S COUNTRY STORE

Good For: Takeaway Lunch, Deli Sandwiches, Sweet Treats

Miller’s Country Store is one of my favorite spots in Sandpoint. The neighborhood market offers bulk food, homewares, fresh-baked bread, and one of the most affordable lunches in town. Their deli sandwiches are fantastic! I love the delicious simplicity of their turkey sandwich with herb cream cheese. Also, their desserts are baked in-house and sublime. Go for a classic chocolate chip cookie or huckleberry scone.

Browse The Menu
Address: 1326 Baldy Mountain Road, Sandpoint, ID 83864
Phone: (208) 263-9446

SECRET THAI CAFE

Good For: Takeout, Authentic Thai Food

As a girl with Thai lineage, I was over the moon to find a delicious Thai restaurant owned and operated by a Thai person. Now…if only you could find the restaurant. The name speaks the truth! Tucked away in the alley behind Eichardt’s pub and across from the parking lot for MickDuff’s brewing company, you’ll find a nondescript door that leads to the best Thai food in Sandpoint. Since the onset of the pandemic, the restaurant has become take-out only, which is for the best since the ambiance was always lacking. Instead, grab the food to go and eat at home, City Beach, or Farmin Park. It’s a small operation, and everything is cooked to order, so wait times can be long at peak hours. I often call an hour ahead of when I know I’ll be ordering from Secret Thai Cafe.

Browse The Menu
Address: 218 Cedar Street, Sandpoint, ID 83864
Phone: (208) 263-9960

MICKDUFF’S BREWING COMPANY

A family-friendly brewpub that’s the place to go for a burger and a beer. With their reopening in December 2020 at the historic Old Federal building, the brewery has had a major upgrade in its digs. While they are popular for their handcrafted beers, the food is standard beer hall fare with some creative kick. You can get a hamburger with beer-battered onion rings or take it up a notch with a goat horn burger that comes with pickled Hungarian goat horn peppers and artichoke pesto mayo. Mickduffs’s is a staple amongst Sandpoint locals, so you can always expect crowds and a wait at this popular spot. If you only want a beer, you can walk across the street to their lively Beer Hall.

Browse The Menu
Address: 419 North Second Ave. Sandpoint, ID 83864
Phone: (208) 255-4351

MATCHWOOD BREWING

Great For: Lunch, Casual Dinner, Kid Friendly, Outdoor Patio

Offering a fun and relaxed atmosphere, Matchwood Brewing has been a great addition to the Sandpoint restaurant scene. With a big outdoor patio, it’s one of the best places to eat for the jovial ambiance and vibe. Located in the hip Granary Arts District, you’ll often hear live music playing on the central stage. Matchwood serves standard brewery food with a revolving winter and summer menu. Their wintertime pastys are my favorite!

Browse The Menu
Address: 513 Oak Street Sandpoint, ID 83864
Phone: (208) 718 – 2739

CITY BEACH ORGANICS

Good For: Healthy Eats, Sandwiches, Smoothies, Lunch

This cute and stylish cafe in Downtown Sandpoint is the place to go for nourishing food that’s good for the body and soul. While most of the menu is gluten-free and plant-based, they do have a small selection of sustainable meats and dairy options. Their smoothies and drinks are phenomenal, but it’s their homemade gluten-free tortillas (they call them Ahava Amore) that keep me coming back. I don’t know how they managed to make gluten-free tortillas taste so perfectly buttery and crispy, but they did! They use it to make all their wraps, and while I’ve tried most of them, I keep coming back to their Pesto Melt. With homemade pesto, herb-seasoned turkey, avocado, and microgreens, it’s a great healthy lunch choice that’s tasty as well.

Browse The Menu
Address: 117 N. First Ave. Sandpoint, ID 83864
Phone: (208)-265-9919

FOOD TRUCKS IN SANDPOINT

bohemian food truck with potted flowers surrounding it

I’m a food truck kind of gal. I think food trucks often surpass restaurants in their creativity and taste. Sandpoint has a great food truck scene, including the Oak Street Food Court, which houses a collection of semi-permanent food trucks. Most food trucks don’t have websites, so it’s best to look on their social media accounts to get updated info on hours and menu items.

SHILLA KOREAN BBQ SANDPOINT

Shilla is one of my favorite places to eat in Sandpoint. Specializing in authentic Korean BBQ, everything at the food truck is amazing. The Korean Street Noodles are to die for! Chef Jeff Coleman brings his Korean heritage and professional training to the table with a selection of potstickers, ramen, rice bowls, and other rotating specials. It’s one of the most popular food trucks in Sandpoint, so it’s a must-do for any visitor to Sandpoint.

Facebook Page
Location: Oak Street Food Court
Address: 317 Oak Street Sandpoint ID, 83864
Phone: (336) 837-5488

LA CATRINA

Authentic Mexican food that serves street tacos and other Mexican standards. I love this place! The owner is always serving up great food with a smile. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for more affordable lunch options. The Veggie Tostada is delicious and perfect for when you need a light lunch. The burritos are BIG and filling.

Facebook Page
Location: Oak Street Food Court
Address: 317 Oak Street, Sandpoint ID, 83864
Phone: (208) 568-0008

HEART BOWLS

When you’re jonesing for a delicious smoothie bowl or smoothie, Heart Bowls is where you need to be. In addition to their smoothies, they have a small offering of rice bowls for a hearty, clean vegetarian lunch. My personal favorite is the Hawaiian “Asian Fusion” Rice Bowl. Pair it up with the Acai Cardamom Smoothie. Heaven.

Browse Menu
Location: Oak Street Food Court
Address: 317 Oak Street, Sandpoint ID, 83864
Phone: (208)-304-7631

SOUL PICNIC

Soul Picnic is organic, locally grown, gluten-free food done right. Located next to Sandpoint’s famous coffee shop, Evans Brothers, you can stop by there for the best coffee in Idaho and then stop by Soul Picnic for one of the yummiest breakfast and lunch spots in town. The secret to her food is the magical seed sauce that goes on almost every dish that’s offered. Everything is amazing there, but I always default to her green eggs and yam. It’s two eggs scrambled with kale and yams, layered with chips, seed sauce, beans, salsa, and topped with avocado.

Facebook Page
Address: 524 Church Street Sandpoint, ID 83864
Phone: (208) 265-7985

Honorable Mentions

Here are some other great restaurants in Sandpoint to put on your list when looking for where to eat.

Bluebird Bakery – Primarily a bakery, Bluebird has a small selection of house-made sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, and pizza. The bread is delightful!
Dish – Located in the picturesque city of Dover in an upscale waterfront housing development, Dish is an easy 10-minute drive from downtown Sandpoint. With riverside views, it’s a great lunch and dinner spot. The Buffalo Meatloaf is amazing! Prices are higher there.
The Nest – Located in the Sky House at Schweitzer Resort, The Nest offers lunch for visitors to the ski hill. The main draw to the restaurant is the incredible views of Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille. The main drawback is getting there. If you’re not skiing for the day, you’ll have to pay for a single chairlift ticket to get to the top. In the summer, if you’d prefer not to pay for chairlift tickets, you can opt to hike up the Nature Trail, an uphill moderate hike that takes about 1.5 hours. We did it and we felt the burn! Kind of worth it for a tasty beverage at the top.

That’s the list of our picks for the best restaurants in Sandpoint, Idaho! We’re always excited to see what new additions will make their way to this burgeoning lake town. Check back in as we continue to try out more Sandpoint restaurants and add them to the list.

*Looking for fun activities in Sandpoint? Check out our post on 25 fun things to do in Sandpoint and 17 winter adventures to have in Sandpoint.

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