Bleubird

I’ve always heard great things about Bleubird, but have never been able to give them a try… Until today! I enjoyed lunch from Bleubird for the first time and it did not disappoint. Will definitely make a point to become a repeat customer. Best sandwich I’ve had in Boise by far!

I have eaten here twice and both times loved the food and atmosphere since it’s always got a lively crowd. Awesome sandwich, friendly wait staff, and a very local appeal. The Italian sandwich was amazing! Loaded with meat on roasted focaccia.

If you happen to be driving along Bannock and 10^th St. around lunchtime and see a line of people outside the door, you would be near Bleubird. This small restaurant is a fairly new addition to the downtown and is already popular with the business folks, University crowd, and to anyone living and working in downtown Boise.
The space is small. There is a lunch counter with about eight stools, four tables in the downstairs portion and three tables in the loft space above. There are some tables outside as well. The food is pretty simple and it’s lunch! Sandwiches, salads, soups, and drinks are what is served. But after that what distinguishes this little eatery from your average deli is the creative side of making a sandwich and serving it.
There are no menus here except for a giant blackboard that is visible from the door. The sandwiches range from PBJs, grilled cheese to roast beef. But it’s what goes into them that’s the pleasant surprise. My husband and I ate here today, and noting the huge number of people waiting to be served, we elected to come back much later — -around 2PM. There were still people in line but the diners had thinned out. Glancing over at the mammoth sandwiches that people were eating, we decided to share. We opted for a Reuben sandwich and it was unlike any Reuben we’ve ever had! Normally Reubens are pastrami, sauerkraut, swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing — grilled and served on rye bread. This sandwich was pastrami, shredded red cabbage slaw, and a mostly mayo dressing with a hint of tomato and it was served on a crusty French roll. A side of potato salad made with red potatoes and some bleu cheese (I think!) completed this dish which was served on a cedar plank topped with butcher paper. The bread was toasty and warm and the combination of flavors in the sandwich piled high with pastrami was tasty and pleasing!
Drinks consist of sodas, teas, water, coffee, beer, and wine. There is no soft drink machine here that I noticed. My husband had a bottle of Coke and I tried a concoction of soda water, orange juice, and tamarind and vanilla syrup — very refreshing. There are several selections of these handmade sodas available every day.
The owner who took our orders was swamped with this lunch crowd but stayed pleasant, cheerful, and helpful as everyone made their selections. I can see why Bleubird is so popular given the street location, the attention to the quality and preparation of the food, and the friendly and accommodating service!

The best sandwich shop in the Treasure Valley! Wonderfully crafted sandwiches and salads. Always a treat to enjoy lunch here.

BEST grilled cheese I’ve had in Boise! Refreshing staff, love where they work and what they do and happy to help if you’re a first timer or just can’t decide which of your favorites to have! the Tomato Basil was also especially delicious! Very light, creamy, cheesy, so yumm! Definitely recommend to everyone I know and gusts who stay with Hotel 43 and need a place to have lunch that’s close by or for lunch catering for clients who want something fresh, local, and especially delicious!

Atmosphere: 8 out of 10
Food: 10 out of 10
Service: 8 out of 10
Notes: Sure, the wait is long and anyone who has been to Bleubird would agree that they should extend their hours so we can enjoy the deliciousness more than just once a day. Best sandwiches I have had yet, anywhere.
Bottom line: Well worth the wait!

I am new to town and stopped in here for lunch since it is near my work. What a lovely, eclectic place. It has such a modern and clean vibe to it, not a romantic place but a great place for lunch and to hang out with coworkers.
I had the grilled cheese sammie and I much say that it was amazing, perfectly cooked cripsy on the outside and gooey warm on the inside.
Gotta love the mural on the inside to, graphically clean. crisp and captivating stark in it’s design.

My favorite sandwich spot in Boise! If you can find a seat at lunch time, it’s a beautiful space to share a great meal with a friend. The sandwiches are always inventive and yummy, and their house sodas are so fun! I love that they include several options for sides, beyond the standard chips or house salad. The line is always out the door, but it moves fast and the service is always superb and efficient.

Awesome atmosphere, quick and friendly service, incredibly delicious food.
This little place is run by the cutest power couple, and they know exactly what they’re doing. Best sandwich in Boise — period. Great job guys!

Everything here is absolutely delicious. It’s one of my favorite places to take out-​of-​town guests to impress them with this foodie-​friendly hidden gem. The food is fresh, inventive, and well-​apportioned, and the staff is quick and friendly.
The only minor downside of Bleubird is that it’s so popular, you might want to visit during off-​hours, especially if you’re on a time crunch or want to find a seat for more than 1 or 2 people (they do have carryout as an option, too). The busyness and high demand doesn’t negatively affect their service or quality whatsoever, and the fact it gets so crowded during lunchtime just indicates how good this place really is.

I ordered to go for a group of 4. Call and leave a message or email them ahead of time. There is ALWAYS a line… Yup it’s that good. Pick anything you want and you won’t be disappointed. I left a message and sent an email. I received a call back and they confirmed my order. It was waiting for me when I walked in and I just signed my credit card receipt, left it on the counter and walked out with the food. I didn’t have to wait it was ready for me. I parked in the loading zone out front. I was in and out in less than 3 minutes. The food was perfect.
I’m ordering a second to go meal. Everyone just loves the Turkey Sandwich here. I am going to try the soup. I will update my review after the next divine experience.

Awww, LOVE this place! Came in today after a long long hiatus, had the superfood salad with smoked salmon for myself, hubby ordered their reuben with tomato soup, all washed down with a diet coke and basil lemonade. Everything is incredibly fresh and tasty and drinks are made to order (watched him squeeze fresh lemon juice for my lemonade, yum!). Salad was good but honestly, I couldn’t stop eating my husbands’s reuben — so much for trying to keep it healthy The interior is super charming with comfy bar or table seating with additional seating upstairs. Service is prompt and friendly in spite of the long line, I promise you it moves fast and is worth the wait.

Bleubird has been hailed by Unilocalers as the place to grab «the best sandwich in Boise.» When you hear claims like that, you have to go check it out! Now, I’ll admit, I DID NOT get a sandwich, but mostly because I was going for a lighter lunch without all the calories. Sorry guys… I just don’t really order sandwiches! Needless to say, I’m super impressed and am already planning a return visit soon!
Food: I ordered the golden beet salad, looking for a lighter option. While I LOVE sandwiches, I don’t love the high calories that go along with them so I often don’t get them. I like the variety of salad offerings Bluebird had, and the golden beet was one I couldn’t pass up. I love how it came out in a deconstructed fashion with large, golden beets, fresh green lentils (and lots of them!) and a HUGE chunk of cheese with plenty to be able to add to each bite. The salad was an absolute hit! My friend ordered a salmon and lox sandwich and the portion was giant and it was super tasty (she gave me a bite!).
Drinks: I’ve heard great things about their house-​made sodas!
Atmosphere: During lunch times, it can get super crammed but that’s a good thing because it means the food is good! The indoor seating area is light and fun, and there are also a few places to sit upstairs as well as patio seating. Win, win win. I love that the owner was behind the counter making sandwiches. Her home-​grown vision for the café was truly evident! Every time I’ve walked by, there have always been huge lines but honestly, the wait is worth every bite!
Service: Very quick, friendly, and helpful. I’d never been in and the man behind the counter was not only patient but was
Happy Hour Offerings: n/​a
Healthy Hack: If you love salads but don’t want cheese, ask for your salad without the cheese. It comes with a HUGE piece of cheese which adds lots of calories. The cup of soup is a great portion if you’re looking for something super light and affordable.
Tips: The sandwiches are BIG! As they don’t offer half orders, consider splitting with a friend to save on portions AND cost.

A few months ago, I resolved to be more stingy with my 5 stars reviews. I was previously handing them out like candy on Halloween, but realized how truly powerful they are. But Bleubird is one of those few places that deserves ever star and more.
Yes, I wish their hours were better (so that I could stuff my face on the weekends). Yes, I wish the line wasnt so slow (so that I didn’t have to wait to stuff my face). I dream about these sandwiches, homemade soda concoctions, and unique sides. The turkey brie and is my favorite– that combination of a hearty amount of turkey, creamy brie cheese, sweet fig spread, and crispy apple, all on a wonderfully baked baguette. Hang on, I need to go compose myself.
The fact is, this place is fabulous and if you haven’t given them a try, you haven’t lived. I’m hesitant to post this glowing review, because I shouldn’t make the line any longer, but they deserve the business and no matter how long the line, I will still wait.

Absolutely killer sandwich. I got the Italian, totally loaded on a chewy roll. Yum!
Probably waited 20 minutes in line just to place my order, and another 10 minutes for my sandwich to come up. It was worth it though.
The bacon blue cheese potato salad was great too.

People talk about the lines. However, Tuesday at 2:30 there wasn’t a line in sight. Yet, after seeing the list of artisanal sandwiches and enjoying one, I fully see why there is said lines during the Boise lunch rush.
I opted for a panini — the ham, gruyère, goat, blueberry jam and mustard one. Yes. Don’t all those ingredients sound just magnificent? Pressed together, it was magic. That saltiness from the cheese and ham combined with the sweetness of the blueberry jam and the slight spice of the mustard? BOOM.
I opted for the simple salad as my side and it was just that — greens, slivered marcona almonds dusted with parmasean shavings.
All of this for $ 8.50 + tax. A nice little lunch offering, Boise. Plenty of seating and homemade soda offerings served in mason jars makes this a no brainer.

I got their Italian Sandwich and their Honey Peach Soda. The soda was absolutely amazing! Not too sweet, but also just sweet enough with great flavoring that wasn’t overpowering. The sandwich was good. HUGE sandwiches that are great for the price.
I’m docking one star for the following reasons: They don’t offer half orders so you HAVE to spend the $ 8 — $ 9 for the whole thing which would be a great price for two people to split or if you can eat the whole thing, but for one person it’s not the ideal meal. Secondly, the sandwich was INSANELY salty. I went with parents who split a Roast Beef and I was told that one was also super salty so just beware.
Otherwise cute restaurant, new and interesting flavors and I would definitely return– but with someone to share my sandwich with this time!

No matter what you order here you cannot go wrong. This place is only open for lunch M-​F from 11 – 4 and it is ALWAYS busy. No matter if you try and visit early to beat the crowd or show up later you will have a small wait because it is that good. Maybe one day they can expand but their location is great and they did a good job with the décor.
Order anything on the menu and you won’t be disappointed. I have had numerous dishes here thus far. I wish I got a picture of my recent dish which was the tomato bisque soup and grilled cheese sandwich but I couldn’t wait to devour it. The cheese oozed out of the sandwich onto the griddle and made a grilled crispy cheese ring around the sandwich itself which is just the best thing in life… is it not? Who doesn’t want crispy cheese goodness! The sandwich was so good and has an onion and fig preserve spread and an aioli that compliment the three cheeses very well. And to wash everything down I had a basil lemonade. I think I’ll make this lemonade at home all summer long…(maybe add a little vodka in it to top it off)!
You are doing yourself a disservice if you don’t patron this restaurant. It is great to support local businesses and if you are not normally around town during business hours M-​F, take the day off work to make it downtown to try this place out!!! You will not be disappointed.

Bluebird is hands down worth five stars and I don’t give out five stars easily so that is really saying something. DK and his wife are awesome people and really understand great food and great customer service. I also found out on my last visit that they also cater.
They take everyday sandwiches and not so everyday sandwiches and kick them up and make them new and exciting. The Reuben for example has red cabbage slaw in it and the bread looks like it may be too much but it really is so soft and yummy. Their lox sandwich kicks butt over any lox and bagel sandwich. My favorite is the Cubano sandwich that has chimichurri in it for a wonderful twist and the pork is soooo soft and flavorful. Their blue cheese potato salad is perfectly balanced and not overwhelming at all. And their homemade sodas… well let’s just say I wish I could get them in a 32 oz. serving size. Not overly sweet and so fresh with homemade syrups.
You really can’t go wrong with this place. Only sad thing is that they are only open Monday thru Friday from 11am to 4 pm. Probably a good thing or I would be there all the time.

Now THIS is a place in Boise you must visit if you haven’t already. And heck, even if you’ve been here you’ve gotta come back!
I popped by for lunch and had a great experience. The system is simple (as per the rules on the wall). Order at the register, pick up food when they call your name, find a table, and when you’re finished, bus your table.
Bleubird is so (deservedly) popular that there’s even a polite disclaimer/​request that patrons not stay too long if it’s busy because people desperately need tables. Thankfully there’s an upstairs area and the space can fit about 25 – 30 people eating at once.
I came with a friend and nabbed a table facing the street upstairs. It was light, it was bright, and it was cozy. We broke out our laptops but found ourselves too into our delicious food to even bother with work. Which was a relief because sadly, the wifi is not dependable. We connected but it didn’t work well and then shut off. But again, my turkey and brie sandwich and half cup of tomato soup was too good to let sit while I tapped on a computer. And same with the house made grapefruit drink I had.
Nothing here is cheaply made, nothing seems thoughtless or lazy, and everything from the serving boards to the recyclable utensils and mason jars seems well planned and intentioned. The décor is great and even the menu is so great that it was difficult to choose a sandwich. I could rattle on forever but you should just eat here already. The line is long so get here now!