Perhaps the most fun-tabulous dining find for us in all of 2023 in the Boise area is this late October opened eatery at the corner of Chinden and 37th in Garden City. They are serving outstanding pizzas, salads, apps and desserts in afternoons six days a week and with plans underway to have bakery goods available in mornings beginning sometime in early part of 2024.
Pride of ownership shines in attention to detail for design (same owner as the more swank Broadcast coffee in downtown Boise and while the vibe is different you'll see analogs in set up) for making the best of the revamped space in a "hmmm?" kind of neighborhood next to an Axe throwing joint and across a side street from a very old motor-hotel. Garden City overall is evolving to have this funky mix and Black Moon is one of the best examples of getting things right on all levels from the "all people are welcome here" universally accessible interior to the "we're so glad you're here" service to the "I can hardly wait to come to eat here again" fantastic food.
SERVICE: You are welcomed the moment you walk in the door, whether what they consider the front door on the back of the building with its' own parking lot (woohoo) or the busy street Chinden facing door that you see as you drive by. Order at the counter, you're given a number to put on the table you choose to use and they'll deliver the delicious eats to you when they are ready and then check on you at the just right intervals to be sure you are enjoying all. We have been in two times now and both Ricky and Erica get Gold Stars for great service.
VIBE: Dining area has limited light given the double glass doors on to the parking lot provide the only window but they have made the best of it with globe lighting hanging above and green plants too. Handsome polished concrete floors. Windows on the Chinden facing side let in light for the main section where the order counter is and that is open to the dining area. Music was just right sort of funky alternative mix at a perfect level to know it was there but not compete with conversation.
SEATING: At high stools at counter and a high table on the Chinden side of the building. Standard height tables and chairs easily usable by people of all ages and life stages, including me as I have had multiple sclerosis since college days and boosting my butt onto a high seat is in my rearview, are in dining room area and also along a window on the Chinden side.
EATS DEETS: House specialty pizzas are offered in creative combos on excellent crust with quality toppings applied in perfect amount starting at $17. You can also create your own if you choose with base price $11 then add ons priced $1.50 / $2.00. Pizzas are in one size, 12" I think, cut in 8 pieces and easily feed two with leftovers to take away. We loved the Brussels 2 Ways option with shaved braised Brussels sprouts, garlic confit and caramelized onion, My Sicilian heritage husband who grew up in an Italian speaking household in an Italian neighborhood in Brooklyn paid it his highest compliment; "the crust has perfect balance of crunch and chew".
This is a scratch kitchen so things like sausage for the pizzas and meatballs served as app and in sandwiches are housemade. Salads use perfectly fresh ingredients and are impeccably dressed. Save room for dessert because you'll have options like panna cotta with seasonal compote (house made lemon curd when we ordered) and bourbon vanilla poached pears on whipped mascarpone with caramel. Full menu is at website. GF crust available.
BAKERY PLANS: House baked country bread and baguette available on Saturdays (they open at 11a) but future plans are for this to also be a sweets and pastry bakery that will open earlier to sell those items. (Which they also plan to use in Broadcast coffee downtown.)
LIBATIONS: Soft drinks, wine and beer. We enjoyed glasses of Cava on one visit and Sangiovese and Aperol Spritz on another. No coffee service yet but once the sweets bakery is open they'll have Broadcast coffee in the house.
PARKING: You can't park on the blacktop on the Chinden side of the building which driving by you'll consider the front. But turn onto 37th side street and you can park at building side there or around the back of the building you'll find private parking lot. Hooray!
ACCESSIBILITY: In a truly rare occurance for Garden City, the parking lot is ADA compliant with the van accessible access striping on the correct, passenger, side of the vehicle and accessible route to the door. Inside has ample floor space to get to and from order counter which is at accessible height. Several standard height tables with chairs look like they would work for diners using wheelchairs. Loos are accessible. Kudos to these owners.
LOO: Two, a uni and a ladies. read more