There's no doubt about it, 2020 was rough for small businesses. Restaurants suffered as indoor dining was temporarily shut down and is still frowned upon by some health experts. While some of our favorites didn't make it, more than 20 restaurants took the chance and opened their doors for business. 

It's ok to be absolutely devastated if your favorite haunt didn't make it. It's no secret that Old Chicago Downtown was near and dear to my heart. They closed their doors for the last time on March 1, 2020. There's something new on the bar side now (more on that as you scroll down.) While the new restaurant very much won me over on my first visit, I didn't expect the trip to the bathroom to be so heartwrenching.

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The way the building was remodeled, if you look to the right as you walk back toward the restrooms you can see the former Old Chicago dining room. I looks like the restaurant that time forgot. The old booths are still there. Seeing them stung.

But, you know what? I'm glad we gave the new restaurant a try. Their food is great. Their staff is kind and we really want to see them stick around for years to come. In fact, we want to see all of these businesses thrive because it takes some major guts to try something new in the middle of a pandemic!

Listen to Michelle Heart mornings on 107.9 LITE-FM and download the LITE-FM app.

So what's new in and around Boise? These are 21 of the new restaurants that opened last year (and yes, we know there were more.) Some are additional locations for already established and well loved restaurants. Others are brand new concepts!

21 New Treasure Valley Restaurants That Have Opened Since the Pandemic Began

Eat Your Way Through Boise from A to Z

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