‘So big,’ Boise restaurant splits into 3 separate concepts: fine dining, bistro, sports bar

Ever since it opened in 2021, the largest challenge for House of Western has been, well, it’s largeness.

Known as Western Proper before rebranding last year, the bar, restaurant and entertainment center takes up 10,500 square feet.

So beginning July 18, the downtown Boise space at 610 W. Idaho St. will be reborn — as three separate concepts.

“It’s so big,” owner Cary Prewitt explained, “that one concept doesn’t necessarily fit.”

Two will be new. Due West, a fine dining restaurant, will greet patrons on the immediate left when they enter. The National, a classic American bistro and bar, will be on the right.

In the rear, House of Western will continue to offer a fun, casual experience with mini-bowling lanes, arcade games, lots of TVs and a revamped menu focusing on sports pub fare.

Part of the Western Collective group — Western Collective is Prewitt’s Garden City brewery — the three-in-one idea was partially inspired by a popular trio of food-and-drink establishments operating under one roof on 8th Street: Red Feather Lounge, Bittercreek Alehouse and Diablo & Sons Saloon.

“The fact of the matter is, we can offer different people different experiences,” Prewitt said, “... due to the size of the restaurant.”

Construction is underway to make each space feel distinct. Here are some of the concepts’ highlights.

Due West

Providing a “modern Western” fine dining atmosphere, Due West will greet guests with “meticulously prepared tableside cocktails,” according to a media release — including the option of a Bone Marrow Old Fashioned. Among the signature dishes? Smoked steelhead rillettes, salmon tartare carpaccio, duck tostadas, ground elk-and-pork meatballs, king crab macaroni and cheese, wild boar ribs, a bison rib-eye and more. Reservations are suggested. Hours: 5 to 10 p.m. daily. Online: duewestboise.com.

The National

Accepting walk-ins only, the bar-focused National will provide “upscale takes on classic American dishes.” Explained Prewitt: “It’s really a bistro in terms of how I would think about it.” Menu highlights include a tuna tower with avocado, a pork tomahawk with miso butterscotch sauce, cold water lobster tail, vegetarian bolognese, salt and pepper calamari, steaks, Parker House rolls and more. The bar will serve many classic cocktails — think martinis and Manhattans — ”rounded out by warm cookies and milk,” the media release adds. Also, “we’re going to have a wine list of about 40 American wines,” Prewitt said. Hours: 4 to 10 p.m. or later daily. Online: thenationalboise.com.

House of Western

With miniature bowling lanes, air hockey, arcade games and sports on TVs, House of Western will keep things fun in the wide-open space toward the back. “The menu will transition to emphasize sports bar favorites,” according to the media release, “including burgers and pizza. ... House of Western remains open seven days a week and continues to offer its popular $30 unlimited drink specials on weekends. Additionally, happy hour will now be available seven days a week. Reservations will continue to be available.” Online: houseofwestern.com.

During its three years, House of Western has seen its menu adjusted. But splitting into three destinations essentially is an overhaul for the huge spot.

“We were much more excited about running multiple concepts to fit the experience a lot better,” Prewitt said, “fit the space a lot better.”