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The Blue Wave

3.1 (49 reviews)
InexpensiveDive Bars, New American
Open 11:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)
Updated 3 months ago

The Blue Wave Photos

Business Info

THE BLUE WAVE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Divey
Good for groups
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - The Blue Wave

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Amber G.

I was so hopeful... This is definitely a dive bar for locals. We came in for an early dinner and there were several families dining in playing pool or giant jenga with their kids. It was such a fun vibe. A coworker suggested Blue Wave and we were excited to try "the best burgers in Idaho Falls". Unfortunately, outside of the fun atmosphere, the rest of the experience was lackluster. We seated ourselves and waited close to 20 minutes for anyone to acknowledge we were there. It wasn't just us either. The table across from us were also clearly tapping their feet in anticipation. Someone from that table actually ended up walking over to the bar to ask for service. Once our waitress finally made it to the table, we had mulled over what we were going to order more times than I can count. But alas, we made a decision. We ordered mini corndogs, a pastrami burger for my fiancé, and a mushroom & swiss burger for myself. Both burgers came with a side of fries -- I wanted tater tots but they were all out. Let's talk taste. The mini corndogs were burnt. I actually think they would've tasted so much better if that weren't the case. The chef gave us more corndogs than what's on the menu but that's probably because he knew they were burnt (LOL)! The pastrami burger was meh. I can't think of another word to describe it. The beef patty was overcooked and the pastrami slices were dry. My mushroom & swiss burger was better but still not good. The beef patty was cooked to a medium-well but lacked flavor. There were no condiments on my burger so I kept dipping it in fry sauce hoping that would give it some life. I'm not sure why The Blue Wave gets hyped up so much. We won't be coming back -- at least not for the food.

Double Fromage Burger

The Blue Wave has the best burgers in Idaho Falls. The staff always treats me well and is friendly.

Asked for the game and no problem.
Bill S.

Neighborhood dive bar that grills its burgers with pride, cooks proper fries, and doesn't charge too much for the cold beer. A few taps ranging from the national swill to the local ambrosia. Enough TVs and pool tables to keep the entertainment lively, with a few quiet corners, tables and a bar to settle in. People can be a little stiff at times when they're slammed, but nice and welcoming when things are quieter. Located next to the Senior Citizens Center and a large cemetery, just down the road from the local zoo. Clientele can be rough at times but folks are generally civil and respectful.

The Blue Wave

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2 months ago

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25 days ago

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1 year ago

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3 years ago

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7 months ago

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1 year ago

Usually cold inside the restaurant, good burgers, a bit of a dive bar, has a pool table, Service was polite and cost was reasonable.

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1 year ago

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2 years ago

Awesome local bar, great food, tasty drinks, pool tables and super employees. What more could you ask for. Always good specials too

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2 years ago

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

We always get the steak fajitas with potatoe skins and have never been disappointed the severs is always wonderful

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3 years ago

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4 years ago

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4 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

Totally cool vibe, great grub, cool staff. I wish it were just a little bigger but only for more room around the pool table. Recommended.

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3 years ago

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4 years ago

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3 years ago

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4 years ago

Love the blue wave. Good food good drinks. Good people. It's is a cool , clean, great for hottys.

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7 years ago

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16 years ago

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7 years ago

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3 years ago

Taylor is definitely the coolest and efficient, friendly girl!!! Go see her and get some yummy drinks and food!

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8 years ago

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7 years ago

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8 years ago

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4 years ago

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7 years ago

Yummy burgers and fries! Good dive bar. Try the kahuna burger, the grilled onions and mushrooms are delicious.

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7 years ago

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9 years ago

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8 years ago

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10 years ago

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8 years ago

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8 years ago

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11 years ago

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13 years ago

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12 years ago

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9 years ago

Good greasy burger and fries! And a good price! Service is sometimes slow, but we go back for the burgers!

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Ask the Community - The Blue Wave

Review Highlights - The Blue Wave

Between Isis, Murphy and Travis I had an epic experience for my first visit to Idaho Falls.

Mentioned in 5 reviews

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Ford's Bar - Idaho brewing scotch ale

Ford's Bar

2.9(19 reviews)
0.9 mi
$

Always have a good time a little roudy know when to leave but typically a fun time draft beers any…read morecocktail you ask for or tell them how to make bartenders tend to accommodate your likes

On September 18th, my husband and I went to Ford's Bar in Idaho Falls with some family while we…read morewere in town visiting for a wedding. Everyone paid for their own drinks except my husband's brother and his brother's girlfriend. My husband opened a tab only for the drinks he personally ordered for them and himself. When we later checked our bank statement, before we were heading back home we noticed we were charged significantly more than expected. $435 to be exact. After calling the bar, they emailed us a receipt, which showed several drinks we did not order or recognize, along with a $15 tip that we did not authorize. (We had been tipping with cash) & after trying to figure out what the heck happened we realized were also never given a receipt to review or sign that night. We asked for that the day we called and were told we couldn't get it because the owner had already picked all that up. So she sent an itemized receipt instead. We did try to resolve this through our bank, but the dispute came back as "inconclusive" since the receipt provided just shows what was entered into the system, not what was actually authorized. We've also tried contacting the owner as directed, numerous times over the last 4 months but communication has been very limited, which has made it difficult to know how to proceed. He responded pretty quick to our first email, and said he'd look into it. Then silence. We emailed a few times after that & I've called a few times. One thing that added to the confusion is that we were told if a tab isn't closed, the bar's policy is to add a 25% gratuity -- or 20% can't remember what she had said which would have been much more than the tip that was added. That makes it unclear whether the tab was closed or handled correctly. I got there first with 4 other ladies in the wedding party. My husband showed up later with his brother. And he ordered all 5 of us a birthday cake shot- (not realizing it was ladies night & if I'd ordered we could have gotten free ones haha) & then himself an AMF & his brother a jack & coke. He closed that tab and signed a receipt for $64. Then his brothers girlfriend showed up after she got off work around the time the second tab was opened- he got the patron for the 3 of them. And 2 beers between the shots. So with all that they have on both tabs it would have been $485 worth of alcohol. Second tab only being for 3 people and the one he didn't receive a receipt for- which the owner just confirmed via email. No receipt was signed. But per the itemized receipt that tab was closed at 1:30am BEFORE the bar closed and BEFORE we left. Its been a nightmare and I still haven't been able to get my money back.

Photos
Ford's Bar - Alabama slammer

Alabama slammer

Ford's Bar
Ford's Bar - Front of bar.

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Front of bar.

Bee's Knees Pub & Catering - Don't leave here without tasting this!

Bee's Knees Pub & Catering

4.3(691 reviews)
1.6 mi
$$

The Pink Floyd Dipper was incredible--house-made Alfredo mixed with their house marinara, paired…read morewith bread drizzled in balsamic... absolutely a flavor explosion! We followed it with the corned beef soup, which was more like a rich, hearty stew. The tender brisket literally melted in your mouth. And for the potato lovers--this place is heaven! Mashed, home fries, and balsamic fries... we just had to try it all. Even though we were completely full, we couldn't pass up GMA's "Slutty" Peanut Butter Brownie. Warm, topped with ice cream, whipped cream, cookie crumbles, Fruity Pebbles, fresh strawberries, and hot fudge... and yes, we finished it. Now we're officially in a food coma! A huge thank you to our Uber driver--and owner of the Yellowstone Motel--for recommending this unique spot. Between the amazing food and a fun LA born server it made for one of the most memorable dining experiences we've had in a long time. Thank you, Ava--we'll definitely be back!

April 2026 Idaho Falls, Idaho…read more I was surprised to see this place is attached to a hotel when I drove up. Typically I do not eat at restaurants that are attached to a hotel. However, Yelp told me it was a 4.3 star place to eat. I asked if they had any nonalcoholic beers. The waiter brings me a can of beer to show me what it is. When I tell him that I will have it. He says well I'll just take it back and put it in a glass. So they bring me a 16 ounce glass with the beer poured in and it only filled 12 ounces. I ordered the Nacho Mama's Dip. It is a chicken nacho dip. The waiter told me it was a large portion so I am eating that just as my meal. My husband ordered the fish and chips. When you walk in the front door, the bar is right there. Pretty large bar for one to sit and enjoy a drink or a meal. To the right our booths and high tables that line the wall as well as some booths in the middle of the restaurant that make you feel like you are sitting under a gazebo. There are tables and booths on the far wall as well. The tables are cut to appear like a live edge wood top table. The booths sit too low and the table sits high. Even my husband who is 6'2 felt an imbalance with the table to chair. My nachos come out and the cheese sauce is dripping off the side of the dish. It is an absolute mess. The nacho chips are off to the side. The toppings consist of black olives and onions with four pieces of diced tomatoes. Accompanied by a side plastic dish is salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. The guacamole is definitely not homemade. My biggest complaint is the cheese sauce is definitely from a can. The cheese that they did put on the nachos was a slice of cheese that was not even melted. See picture. Reminds me that I am eating in a restaurant attached to a hotel. There are no beans. The chicken is mixed in with the cheese sauce. And it is sparingly there. This dish is absolutely disgusting! The fish and chips were terrible. They're served in a basket with four pieces of fish and they sit upon fresh cut fries. The fish was not good. The batter has a odd taste. Perhaps the oil it is fried in? I think I would've been better off going to Culver's and having their fish platter. Although my beYr was in a can, it was very cold. It was truly the best part of my meal. I am so disappointed that yelp led me to this place. This is my warning to others. Stay away. We had two completely different meals and neither of them were good.

Photos
Bee's Knees Pub & Catering - Interior look a bar.

Interior look a bar.

Bee's Knees Pub & Catering - There's a nacho in there somewhere.

There's a nacho in there somewhere.

Bee's Knees Pub & Catering

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Hurricanes

Hurricanes

2.4(9 reviews)
2.0 mi
$$$

I'm not anywhere from this area but had so much fun dancing with my friends and bf at hurricanes…read morelol. Sure, the dj is probably playing music off of a pre-mixed tape or even just the song of an artist that isn't even mixed. Our friends from the area were showing us the different bars when the girls from California (guilty as charged) asked them to find a club with dancing. Was the location and atmospheres 4 stars? Maybe not but it was so much fun! Get a couple of drinks in your system and just shake off the "i'm scared people will judge me " vibes! I don't think there was a cover for the girls and the songs they played were all songs that I could dance too. On our last night in Idaho, we actually wanted to come back and just have fun one last time but it was closed.

Wasting my time writing this review, but I want the owners to know: the venue is a goldmine, but…read moreyou are truly missing an opportunity to be a great place. The main problem is that your DJ on Saturday night is NOT A DJ!!! HE SUCKS EVERY TIME... NOT JUST A LITTLE... HE SUCKS HARDCORE!!! The proof is when the place is packed and yet, NO ONE is on the dance floor! GET A REAL DJ, not someone who who plays the same thing week in and week out and can't keep people on the dance floor! The other issue is that the carpets are sticky and nasty. Nobody wants to feel their shoes sticking to the carpet! Back in the day this was the place to be. Now it's just sad.

The Blue Wave - divebars - Updated May 2026

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