New Boise bar, cafe opens in former Aged Chicago spot. It does food stuff ‘with a twist’

Jan. 5—When Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom closed its downtown Boise area in early 2020, it came as a shock. The chain experienced operated in the Union Block constructing for 23 years — and the coronavirus pandemic had not but arrived to ravage the cafe industry.

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Viewing the room revived almost feels equally stunning. At least ideal now. Closures have turn into pervasive for the reason that of COVID-19.

But Union Block Bar & Eatery seems to have a factor or two likely for it. The new cafe at 730 W. Idaho St. recently opened serving takeout and shipping.

It is really a sister cafe to Mai Thai, which has operated up coming doorway since 2003. That indicates they can share functions.

And Union Block Bar & Eatery has not blatantly bitten off far more than it can chew. Fairly than leasing the total ex-Aged Chicago space, it really is taken above only the bar facet. The dining room 50 percent continues to be vacant, however out there to a new tenant.

Union Block Bar & Eatery has solid a wide culinary internet, much too. The menu is explained as “New American cuisine with a twist.” That signifies pastas and flatbreads, sandwiches and hamburgers, salads and shareable plates — with arms prolonged to carnivores, vegetarians, vegans and the gluten-totally free crowd. “From pasta to burgers to flatbreads, you can make it vegan!” Union Block Bar & Eatery claims. “Order on DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub! Or give us a simply call at (208) 994-3050!”

Passers-by can examine out the menu posted on a window. Or you can peruse it on the internet. Notable alternatives involve buffalo cauliflower ($10), duck confit pasta ($16) or flatbread ($14), a pork stomach burger ($13), a goat cheese salad ($14) and bolognese ($16).

At the second, Union Block Bar & Eatery does not show up to be open for seated eating. You can find no exterior signal on the creating. It really is not open Mondays, when I dropped by for a peek. (Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 5 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 5 to 9:30 p.m. Sundays). Mai Thai Vice President Billy Pothikamjorn did not immediately answer to an electronic mail.

But if you peer inside, the place seems nearly completely ready for day night time. Union Block Bar & Eatery’s decor is modern and clean up. The blend of bar, desk and booth seating is comparable in structure to the Old Chicago days.

And if you might be pining for the enormous beer selection that Previous Chicago experienced? Properly, drive out to Boise Towne Square. Previous Chicago even now has a place out there. It opened way again in 1997, just like the downtown Boise restaurant.