Mountain Java: This charming little coffee shop sits right next to Payette Lake, and serves tasty pastries and a solid cup of coffee. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s quaint and the baristas couldn’t be nicer! (@mountainjavamccall)
Wild River Java: Perfect for a morning when you’re on-the-go, this drive-through coffee spot serves Seattle’s Best Coffee with a smile - and their smoothies are great too! (Wild River Java on Instagram)
Breakfast
Ruby’s Kitchen: This family-run breakfast and lunch spot is new to the McCall food scene, and they’ve already become a local favorite for their made-from-scratch and locally sourced menu. Get a couple breakfast bowls and a waffle to share! (@rubys_kitchen_mccall)
Bobby’s pick: Bear Basin Bowl
Alli’s pick: Oat Bowl
Cutwater: Located in the cozy Shore Lodge, Cutwater is one of our favorite breakfast spots in McCall - mostly because you can’t beat the lakefront views! If you’re in the mood for a treat, try their famous Huckleberry Pancakes! (@shorelodge)
Bobby’s pick: Beef Short Rib & Idaho Potato Hash
Alli’s pick: Avocado Toast
Pancake House: One of the most iconic restaurants in McCall is the quirky and playful Pancake House - complete with year-round Christmas decorations, giant pancakes, and old-school memorabilia covering the walls. It’s quite the sight to see - and the place to be if you’re looking for a classic, hearty breakfast! (McCall Pancake House on Instagram)
Bobby’s pick: Grandma’s Cinnamon French Toast
Alli’s pick: The #2
Lunch/Dinner
The Sushi Bar McCall: You probably wouldn’t think a rural mountain town like McCall would have a sushi restaurant worth writing home about - but think again! The Sushi Bar has fresh, innovative rolls that are as visually beautiful as they are tasty! Maybe it’s an Idaho thing… Sun Valley has an epic sushi spot too. (Sushi Bar McCall on Instagram)
The Narrows: Carve out at least one night of your trip to splurge at the sophisticated and scenic Narrows Restaurant at The Shore Lodge. It’s a splurge, but the quality, presentation, and mouth-watering flavors are well worth it. If you love a good steak, get ready for your mind to be blown. (@shorelodge)
Bobby’s pick: Boneless New York Striploin
Alli’s pick: Narrows handmade Gnocchi
Pueblo Lindo: Ask anyone in McCall where you should grab lunch, and they’ll most likely send you to Pueblo Lindo. It’s that good ol’ Mexican establishment that has unlimited chips and salsa and crave-worthy-super-cheesy enchiladas. (Pueblo Lindo on Instagram)
Bobby’s pick: The #10
Alli’s pick: The #8
My Father’s Place: They claim to have the best burgers in Idaho, and they just might be right. Fresh ingredients, well-seasoned fries, and milkshakes that are reason enough to go. They’re only open for lunch, and are closed on Wednesdays, so plan accordingly! (@myfathersplace)
Rupert’s Restaurant: Another spot that’s “worth a splurge” is Rupert’s. It’s romantic, the menu is creative and locally-sourced, and if the weather is nice, there’s no place better to sit than their lakefront patio! Make a reservation in advance, as it’s a popular spot. (@rupertsrestaurant)
Bobby’s pick: Wild Game Bolognese
Alli’s pick: White Miso Glazed Salmon
Salmon River Brewery: Solid craft beer, fun and casual atmosphere, and a queso that we’re still trying to top - Salmon River Brewery has it all! We loved it so much, we went twice! (@salmonriverbrewery)
McCall Brewing: If you’re looking for a spot to drink with ample seating and plenty of dining options, McCall Brewing is the place for you. Their craft beers and great, and they have a full bar for those of you that prefer a gin and tonic to an IPA! (@mccallbrewing)
Broken Horn Brewing Company: This small-batch brewery is under the radar and easy to miss - but it’s one of the best! Their back patio is dog-friendly, too! (@brokenhornbrewing)
Shore Lodge: Since McCall is such a small mountain town, lodging is limited. That being said, the only place we feel comfortable recommending (and the only place we choose to stay) is the Shore Lodge. It’s right on Payette Lake, it’s warm and welcoming, and has every amenity you’d want - from spacious rooms, to nightly turndown service, to an on-sight movie theater and game room! Don’t stay anywhere else when you come to McCall! (@shorelodge)
Do: (Since our only experience in McCall is in the winter, our activities are cold-weather focused. If/when we return when the weather is warmer, we’ll be sure to update our guide with some warm-weather fun too!)
Snowmobile Tour to Burgdorf Hot Springs: Now we have to warn you, this tour is not for the faint of heart. It’s a good 80-mile snowmobile journey that’s incredibly scenic and exhilarating - but it’s alot. If you’re looking for a more leisurely adventure, you might want to think again. But, we guarantee this adrenaline-filled day will be the highlight of your trip, and Burgdorf Hot Springs is quite the oasis (it doesn’t get better than a hot springs in the snow) - you’ll be raving about this adventure for years to come!
Snowshoeing around Ponderosa State Park: Stop by Gravity Sports, where you can rent snowshoes for only $12 for a half day. Just a few miles down the road is Ponderosa State Park, where you’ll find plenty of snowshoe trails to explore. You’ll be singing “Walking In A Winter Wonderland” the whole way through!
The Cove Day Spa: Pamper yourself with a trip to the legendary Cove Day Spa at The Shore Lodge, where you can swim in indoor/outdoor heated mineral pools, indulge in spa treatments, and sip champagne as you watch the snow fall. Book your appointments in advance, as it tends to fill up quick. (@shorelodge)
As are most mountain towns, McCall is extremely pet friendly. There are ample hiking trails, spots to swim in the lake, and most restaurants welcome pups on their patios. The Shore Lodge has designated dog-friendly rooms, too!
