About
Perched above the Payette River is a rustic eatery serving classic comfort food, cold brews, and warm hospitality. Welcome to Locking Horns Riverside Restaurant.
This restaurant offers a fun, family-friendly environment with stunning river views. Toss in that the dog-friendly eatery has a horseshoe pit, and it's easy to see why it's a popular hot spot.
The heart and soul of this eatery are husband and wife, Cliff and Summer. After retiring from law enforcement, they moved to the peaceful town of Horseshoe Bend to plant roots, raise their family, and start new careers.
Fast-forward past Summer's extensive stretch managing four restaurants and the family raising Scottish Highland cows and some yaks and we get to their dream: to open a restaurant to serve their prized beef. Their dream became reality in 2019 with the purchase of their eatery.
They chose the name "Locking Horns" to pay homage to bighorn sheep in the area, and "riverside" because, well, it's on the banks of a river. Being on the water makes it easy to combine a rafting trip at Idaho Whitewater Unlimited or float to the restaurant on a tube purchased at Garden Valley Ridgetop Rentals. The possibilities are endless.
Locking Horns Riverside Restaurant's mission is to offer small-town charm and relaxation with food sourced from local ingredients. The result is a fun, vibrant, and welcoming eatery serving savory fare with the picturesque Payette River as the backdrop.
Vibe
The environment at this restaurant is cozy, fun, and relaxing. It's the type of place where if you enter as a stranger you'll leave feeling like family.
With sweeping views of the water, it is idyllic for romantic meals or family-fun adventures. The river's tranquility adds to the atmosphere, attracting nature and serenity lovers. This peaceful vibe is ideal after exploring the area's landmarks, like the eclectic Cleo's Ferry Museum & Nature Trail.
And since the eatery is in Horseshoe Bend, it's only appropriate to have a horseshoe pit. This amenity is perfect for groups and families who enjoy a fun game before or after dinner, making for a memory-making experience.
Locking Horns Riverside Restaurant: Menu & Drinks
Now, let's explore the heart of the matter – the food and drinks. All entrees showcase the region's flavors and a commitment to using fresh, local ingredients.
A must-try dish is the prime rib dinner. Featured every Friday and Saturday, this delectable entrée features slow-smoked prime rib rubbed down with a garlic steak seasoning and cooked to perfection. Each bite is incredibly tender and flavorful and will have you singing praises to the chefs.
The L.H. Burger is another standout choice. It rotates daily and features different, locally sourced ingredients highlighting the area's flavors. Regardless of when you visit, rest assured that it is a hearty and satisfying choice.
The eatery is also your go-to for breakfast. While the breakfast menu isn't posted online, it features everything from oatmeal to country-style meals.
Regarding drinks, Locking Horns offers a complete selection of wines, local craft beers, and various signature cocktails. Consequently, there is no better place along the Payette River to grab a cold brew and soak in the lovely atmosphere, especially after cruising the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway.
Locking Horns Riverside Restaurant offers a dining experience that seamlessly blends delicious cuisine with nature's tranquility. It promises a dining experience that will leave you with cherished memories on your Garden Valley vacation.
Local Tips
- Make a reservation to secure a table with a view of the river.
- Desserts like their Mud Pie and freshly baked pies are not to be missed!
- Don't forget to explore the nearby nature trails and scenic overlooks for a pre or post-meal adventure.
- Consider visiting during lunch for a more relaxed and intimate dining experience.
- Look for wildlife – bighorn sheep and other animals are often seen along the riverbanks.