Where to eat during Treefort 2022
A guide to finding the best food at the festival and around the city during Boise’s lively five-day event
Story by Kurt Orzeck
Now in its 10th year, Boise’s annual Treefort Music Fest — like a 10-year-old kid … or, uh, a tree — is continuing its growth spurt by featuring more than 500 artists for the first time. But with bigger size comes bigger appetites.
While Treefort will sate concertgoers’ hunger for music of every conceivable variety from March 23-27, the festival is also expanding its palate with a series called “Foodfort Tastes.” Separate tickets are required for the events, which makes sense given the involvement of Seed Life Skills founder Hugh Acheson and Food & Wine’s 2021 Best New Chef, Carlo Lamagna.
But just as Treefort rallies the entire community of Boise to get involved, a fleet of eateries will offer special menus, creative concoctions and discount prices for festival attendees.
Foodfort will also offer two dinners, named “Twisted Filipino” and “Chef Collab Dinner.” Meanwhile, Alefort will be stocked with munchies, and Comedyfort will host a brunch bomedy show on Friday and a drag brunch called “It’s Brunch Bitch” on Sunday.
Treefort will also feature food showcases, while a convoy of food trucks will be parked near the festival’s Main Stage. Last year saw 10 trucks from local restaurants including Mad Mac, Kanak Attack and Genki Takoyaki. Musicians chilling in the artists’ lounge will be able to chow down on pastries donated by Gaston’s Bakery (3651 W Overland Rd.).
But just as Treefort rallies the entire community of Boise to get involved, a fleet of eateries will offer special menus, creative concoctions and discount prices for festival attendees. Project FARE contacted 30 local establishments to catch a whiff of what they have in store; while many chefs and managers hadn’t yet finalized their plans, a slew were already warming up delicious delights for Treefort’s hungry hordes.
Manfreds Kitchen
1114 W Front, Suite B
When Project FARE initially contacted Manfreds to find out what to expect from their special Treefort menu, it was still in the planning stages. But then co-owner Jason Farber texted us and revealed a menu that is both mouth-watering and jaw-dropping. His three dishes will be: Pamplona Chorizo (thin sliced), Manchego, garlic aioli and fresh arugula on Acme Baguette; Muffuletta with Prosciutto, salami, Provolone and tapenade on Acme Focaccia; and Banh Mi with sweet chile tofu, kimchi, pickled jalapeños and cilantro vin. Farber added that, because his crew will be serving beer in the parking lot, he developed a grab-and-go sandwich theme that folks can purchase in the beer line.
manfredskitchen.com
The STIL introduced a Treefort flavor in 2021. The 2022 edition uses liquid coconut milk, maple syrup, pecans and dates. | Courtesy of The STIL
The Funky Taco
801 W Bannock St.
Fusing Asian, Indian, Mexican and Americana styles of food, this casual dining restaurant is typically one of the most popular places to grab a bite during Treefort. The Funky Taco — which has a Treefort stage all its own — will give concertgoers a chance to wolf down some food while on foot. When the bands start playing each day, Funky Taco will wrap all ordered food in soft tortillas, burrito-style, to help ensure music fans won’t miss the next band they want to see.
thefunkytaco.com
The STIL
786 W Broad St.
Concertgoers looking for premium ice cream are in for a Tree-t, as the small-batch crafters will roll out a flavor they introduced last year. Simply called “Treefort,” the vegan, dairy-free dessert has a coconut milk base packed with maple syrup, pecans and dates. While the flavor was a hit during last year’s Treefort, the STIL is taking its sumptuousness to a new level by using liquid coconut milk instead of the powdered alternative it was offering before. Lines at the STIL during Treefort are often longer than the ones outside Boise’s music venues — thanks in part to a 10% discount the ice cream shop gives patrons wearing their Treefort wristband.
ilovethestil.com
These Boise establishments are getting in on the action too:
Mad Swede Brewing (2772 S Cole Rd. #140) are serving up beer and seltzer to support Ukraine — learn more here at Project FARE.
The folks at Owyhee Tavern (1109 W Main St.) — which is only a block away from Treefort’s Main Stage — have a surprise up their sleeve but wouldn’t spill as of press time.
The Modern Hotel and Bar (1314 W Grove St.) will unveil a unique cocktail menu for music fans who want to keep it classy and sip between sets.
Flying M Coffee (500 W Idaho St. #100) will knock a substantial 20% off any food or coffee drink order for wristband-wearers.
The District Coffee House (219 N 10th St.) will bust out brewskis and stay open well past its normal closing time of 4 or 5 p.m.
While Boise Fry Company (204 N Capitol Blvd.) won’t have any specialty items on its menu, out-of-towners hunting for local flavor might want to take advantage of its BOGO on small fries and local draft beers from 4-6 p.m. every weekday.
