New owners, Summer and her husband Cliff are changing it up at the Locking Horns Riverside Restaurant. Just a short drive from Boise to Horseshoe Bend, you will find some amazing food all nestled in this historic community. Preserving the history of this iconic restaurant is important to Summer but so it upping the game as they bring exciting changes to life.
The Journey
Summer and Cliff knew that they were ready to move out of California, leave their jobs as police officers and get ready for the next adventure. They spent time going through different parts of the country and just happened to go through Horseshoe Bend. It was love at first sight with the community and the people. Once back at home, they were hanging out watching a game on TV, they thought they found the perfect home. However, this process was not an easy journey. After several challenges, setbacks and an unknown future the home was finally theirs. Summer and Cliff spent a lot of time at the Riverside watching games, enjoying the patio and really thought they could do something special with this place. Finally, the opportunity to own it became a reality!
Changing It Up at Locking Horns Riverside Restaurant
“A diamond in the rough” but loaded with possibilities was the focus for Summer as she took on the challenge of the Riverside. “Upping the game” on the food offerings, ingredients and atmosphere was just the start of the changes happening. Keeping it Idaho, preserving the history and yet elevating the experiences was extremely important to Summer. Managing 4 restaurants in Boise gave her plenty of ideas on how to take the current menu and upgrade it to what people were looking to experience.
Food
Summer felt it was important to keep the burgers just as they were because they were a staple to this restaurant. Where they did make changes came with upgrading and elevating the quality of steaks, adding new menu items, creating specials as well as keeping the larger portion sizes. Their fingers steaks are now made with the tender shoulder meat. So, all you have to do is lightly bread them, fry them and enjoy – they practically melt in your mouth. For seafood lovers, there is a skin on wild sockeye salmon that is extremely popular.
An off-menu item is just one of my favorites – a Blue steak sandwich. This sandwich is made with flat iron steak, seasoned to perfection with blue cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It was juicy, flavorful and like butter on my tongue. I did give it a bit of a twist as I added the grilled chili from my husband’s Campfire Burger. To learn what their specials are, check out their Facebook Page.
Patio, Bar, Restaurant, River – Oh My!
There is nothing more peaceful than kicking back and relaxing on the patio along the river! Grab an Idaho brew, glass of wine or cocktail and head out to enjoy some catching up with friends and family. It is a great place to gather the family for some friendly games like cornhole, horseshoes and more. Boise State fans can watch the games on the big screen TV either in the bar or on the patio. Events every weekend is just one of the ways Summer is changing it up at Locking Horns Riverside Restaurant. Get a group together and enjoy some beer tasting, games, sporting events or company/family get-togethers! There is something for everyone!
Riverside Train Depot Airbnb
Ready for a getaway, look no further as there is an Airbnb on the property! Riverside Train Depot’s rustic charm, historic value, and views overlooking the river make this property perfect. There is so much to explore in Horseshoe Bend! Ziplines, hiking, rafting/kayaking, and then a stop at Volcanic Farms to get fresh pies and produce are just a few highlights of this amazing area.
Community Support
Summer and Cliff really wanted to be a big part of contributing back to this community who embraced them without reservation! Expanding the hours of business to add breakfast, also added more jobs to this community. They also wanted to make sure that anyone in the community could enjoy their food, so they added deliver and are looking to expand it to outlying areas in the future. Hosting community events is also high on Summer’s agenda! Giving back to this community, preserving the history and showcasing Idaho are all part of the future that Summer has in mind!
What’s Next
Summer says it best in this short video clip about what is
happening next for the Riverside. These
two retired police officers are really living life large as they immerse
themselves in their new community and this new adventure.
Plan A Trip to Horseshoe Bend
What are you waiting for? Jump in the car, take the short drive over to Horseshoe Bend or just stop on your way back from McCall. Every day is a perfect day to drop in to see how Summer and Cliff are changing it up at the Locking Horns Riverside Restaurant. If you want to win 1 of 2 $25 Gift Cards to Locking Horns Riverside Restaurant, just head on over to our Facebook Page to enter!