I stop at Rediscovered Books, a thoughtfully stocked bookstore, before meeting an old friend for dinner at the nearby Juniper. We sit at the bar and eat delicious bison meatballs and grilled kale salad with pancetta and fried eggs.

// Not to be outdone, Juniper(211 N. Eighth St.) combines an inviting brick-walled atmosphere with seasonal dishes like pork belly fries and Idaho trout, but ups the ante with craft cocktails that use house-made mixers. If you're really looking to splurge, reserve the chef's table for a five-course menu personally prepared and presented by the chef. // Boise has one of the biggest Basque populations outside of Spain, and you can sample a little of this culture at The Basque Market(608 W. Grove St.), which does a gigantic paella on the patio Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, offering up a plate for $9.

Grab a table under the exposed red brick at Eighth Street gin joint Juniper, and order the monstrous Chicken in a Biscuit. This leaning tower of breakfast features a thick biscuit sandwiching cage-free fried chicken, a couple of crisscrossed strips of bacon, a free-range fried egg, Ballard Family Farms cheddar and an oozing ladle of sausage gravy. This caloric beast comes with a steak knife to adequately slay it and is almost guaranteed to conquer your hangover (alongside a stiff Bloody Mary).

Open for lunch and dinner, The Juniper features a seasonal menu inspired by coastal European and Pacific Northwest cuisine. Dinner entrees include Pancetta and Raclette “MAC” (Ferranti’s Tripolini Pasta, Peas, Gruyere Cheese Sauce, Focaccia Crumb, Caramelized Onions), gluten-free Mushroom Risotto (Peas, Pesto, Cauliflower/, Pea shoots, Chevre, Olive Tapenade), and Idaho Trout (marble potatoes, lemon butter sauce Castelvetrano olives, Marcona almonds, apple-fennel slaw, fresh herbs).

Pop into Juniper, located on 8th Street, for a fun, friendly vibe and upscale bistro fare. The fried Castelvetrano olives ($7) and cheese curds and creamed spinach served with baguette ($8) are enough to make a satisfying meal, but then you’d miss excellent entrées like the duck ramen ($17) and beef medallions with farro risotto and roasted cauliflower ($25). The wine list showcases almost exclusively Idaho-made wines, and live music on weekends adds to the vibrant atmosphere.

Juniper, with its brick walls and pendant lights, is the local favorite for indulgent brunch dishes like chicken in a biscuit and lamb hash. Local craft brews and elevated pub food with an artisanal twist are the specialty at Bittercreek Alehouse, and its neighboring sister restaurant, Red Feather Lounge, has excellent classic cocktails and gussied up Idaho staples like smoked trout and beef tenderloin. Fork updates comfort foods with local ingredients.

Juniper’s commitment to local ingredients extends to its wine list, which is comprised almost entirely of Idaho selections. Try creative but unpretentious dishes like blackened Idaho trout with a blue-corn grit cake and harissa aioli, or Snake River Farms beef medallions with farro risotto. The Chef’s Table is a worthwhile experience: Five courses prepared as you watch, paired with local wines.

Go to this restaurant for brunch and order the massive Chicken in a Biscuit. This famous dish consists of a thick biscuit sandwiching free-range fried chicken and a fried egg, crisscrossed strips of bacon, Ballard Family Farms cheddar, and sausage gravy. You may want to bring a family member or friend to help you devour this monstrous dish.

Juniper is a farm-to-table restaurant that focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu features a variety of dishes, including roasted duck breast, grilled pork chop, and vegetarian options like cauliflower steak. With its rustic decor and cozy atmosphere, Juniper is a great spot for a romantic dinner or intimate gathering.

For more sophisticated fare, Juniper serves up a brunch that puts an inspired spin on the classics. Seemingly traditional Brioche French toast is coupled with fried duck tenders, and the pesto omelet envelopes smoked salmon. For eggs benedict, choose from a coupling of crabcakes and beef tenderloins or a ham and spinach option.

Local eggs, cage free chickens, grass fed beef, and non-GMO and organic ingredients. Juniper is a trendy, hip place in Boise offering fresh, local ingredients put into each dish they serve. Juniper brings the high-class dining effect without having the other reparations as the over-the-top dress up and fancy attire.

It feels very upscale with its modern and dimly lit interior, and it’s the perfect spot for people-watching in the summer on the large patio. They serve fantastic gin and tonics, and even have house-made syrups for their cocktails. Ask for what’s local and you’ll likely find they have a lot of choices.

For more local fare Boise’s farm-to-table restaurant Juniper blends Northwest U.S. and global flavors in tempting shared small plates and innovative entrees. Menu standouts are the Idaho trout po’ boy sandwich, beef medallions atop farro risotto, spicy duck ramen and shrimp gnocchi.

Hard-drink hotspots around town, including Juniper, The Mode Lounge and The Modern Hotel and Bar, now employ bartenders who exhibit culinary aptitude. In other words, this new breed of mixologists produces cocktails that boast the same flair as the food offered on the menu.

The fact that we'd never been to Juniper is what inspired our impromptu patio tour last spring. It's the perfect place to people watch as everyone makes their way back downtown to pick up their cars from Saturday night!. It's a great place to enjoy an amazing brunch!

Juniper: Cocktail lovers, make Juniper your first stop - and chances are you won’t want to leave. From their imaginative seasonal drinks, to the classic fan-favorites, they have something for everyone on their extensive cocktail list. We love the vibe in there, too!.

Chef’s recently released brunch menu will be on full display for Easter Brunch. This includes the Skirt Steak Benedict, which has quickly become a favorite for our Indulge Boise Tour Guests during the Capital City Sunday Brunch Tour.

Offering a unique blend of American and international flavors, Juniper is a dog-friendly gem located in downtown Boise. Their innovative cocktails and carefully curated menu will leave you and your pup satisfied.

I love Juniper, and their fried chicken is one of the best things on the menu. Try their "Fried Chicken in a Biscuit!" It's delish!. Getty Images for NYCWFF/Monica Schipper