The Stagecoach Inn
3132 W Chinden Blvd, Garden City, ID 83714, USA
Website
http://stagecoachidaho.com/
Email
[email protected]
WELCOME TO
THE STAGECOACH INN
LONG BEFORE THE WIDESPREAD USE OF MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION
Such as airplanes, automobiles and the so-called “Iron Horse”– the stagecoach was the best means of traversing this vast land, often traveling west to new opportunities in the expanding territories of our growing country. Pulled by teams of horses –their steadfast drivers intent on the safe and swift delivery of mail, goods, people and currency– each stage would stop for a time along the route allowing passengers to eat, rest, and be entertained at a cozy tavern or inn. There, the inn-keeper would provide valuable respite from rough roads, inclement weather, and oft-times dangerous travel.
Known for its friendly hospitality, delicious steaks, famous prawns, and house-made desserts, the Stagecoach Inn has been a favorite dining destination in the Boise area since 1959. The now-iconic restaurant shares a certain kind of history with the original stagecoach inns and taverns that dotted the west in years past.
1959: Boise’s original Stagecoach Inn opens, attracting customers from far and wide, and quickly becoming a favored lounge and dining destination. Like his predecessors, wishing to offer a much-needed service along the trails, founder Willie Schrier was a hospitable and well-liked restaurateur, a colorful personality and a legendary story-teller. As host, Willie derived satisfaction and purpose in providing a warm and comfortable atmosphere where his guests would be served the best, most succulent western fare –fine steaks, famous prawns, tender prime rib, and home-made desserts.
2015: The Stagecoach Inn is brought back to life! Featuring popular dishes going back to 1959, our current menu is steeped in the tradition of the Inn, including many recipes created and perfected by the Schrier family. As in years past, the Coach will continue to provide a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere, with delicious libations and hearty meals prepared and served by the best staff in the West.
About Us
In January 2015 the Stagecoach Inn was reborn, with its new owners committed to restoring the landmark Garden City restaurant to its former glory and re-inventing the familiar, comfortable atmosphere they too had enjoyed for so many years. The building had suffered neglect, and was in dire need of repair, cleaning, new equipment and a refreshed décor.
5 months later, the Stagecoach was ready for its much-anticipated re-opening. Not one inch of space had been left untouched. However, even with the many changes and upgrades, as if by destiny, the ‘Coach retained its feeling of comfort and familiarity –thanks to the deliberate and purposeful efforts of many skilled contractors, trades, designers and crew.
Our History
THE STAGECOACH INN HAS A RICH HISTORY ALL ITS OWN, FONDLY RECALLED IN THE MEMORIES OF ITS MANY LOYAL PATRONS. FROM THE VERY BEGINNING, IN 1959, FOUNDER WILLIE SCHRIER ENDEAVORED TO CREATE AN UNRIVALED DINING EXPERIENCE IN THE BOISE AREA; AND HE SUCCEEDED IN EVERY WAY, LEADING TO THE STAGECOACH INN’S TREASURED, LANDMARK STATUS. READ ON FOR MORE STORIES AND INFORMATION ABOUT ITS PAST, ITS BEGINNINGS, AND THE PEOPLE WHO MADE IT ALL HAPPEN.
THE BUILDING
Originally constructed in the 1940’s, the all-brick building featured curved, glass block windows in the front corners (later filled in during the brief time that Garden City permitted gambling in the town). When Willie Schrier purchased the property and began to build on his dream in the late ’50’s, the abandoned site had previously been used for social gatherings, as a gambling casino and then subsequently a dance hall. (During our renovation, we discovered a brick wall in the waiting area, covered with several layers of wood paneling. One section had been painted with lovely silver trees, designed –we presume– as a romantic backdrop during the dance hall years.)
THE BUSINESS
Prior to opening the Stagecoach Inn, Willie had previous experience in the hospitality business, first as part-owner of a bar in Emmett, Idaho; then in the late 1940’s he opened “Willie’s Say When” lounge in Garden City. From 1953-1958, Willie owned and operated the “Torch”, where he created an Idaho original: Finger Steaks. Willie left his finger steaks recipe there with Milo, promising never to compete with the Torch by serving finger steaks at his soon-to-be “Stagecoach Inn”. Jumbo Prawns became Willie’s new specialty, along with fine steaks, lobster, and prime rib.
The Stagecoach Inn continued to prosper, thanks to great food and excellent service, Willie’s intuition and foresight, and smart business practices. Always a popular place to go –and frequently crowded– it was sometimes suggested that Willie should add-on or enlarge the space. He declined, however, insisting that it was better to see his patrons “rub elbows”, become familiar, and get to know one another –reinforcing the restaurant’s sense of friendliness and its comfortable atmosphere.
After much success, in later years Willie and Eileen began to look at retirement. Allowing themselves to take more vacation time, they enjoyed traveling throughout Idaho in their camper, eventually purchasing a cabin in Lowman, Idaho, in 1980. Knowing their daughters, Mary and Marian, were in charge and fully capable of running the restaurant, the elder Schriers finally decided to retire and make the Lowman cabin their permanent residence.
From that time until 2007, Mary and Marian continued to run the business and maintain its success. Although in their last years of ownership, and partly due to Marian’s health issues, the sisters decided it was now their turn to retire. The Stagecoach Inn was then sold and continued under new ownership until 2014. Today, it is our goal to strengthen and restore the family values that had become such a strong part of the business, and to continue in the Stagecoach Inn’s tradition of high-quality food and incomparable service.
MORE HISTORY
FOOD & DRINK
As a treasured landmark in the Boise Valley, the Stagecoach Inn long ago earned a well-deserved reputation for excellence: top-notch meals, sincere hospitality, and honest value in both food and drink. Not wanting to change what has always worked so well for us here, we continually strive to exceed expectations, serving high-quality meat and seafood, sourcing local produce, and creating our own in-house recipes for dressings, sauces, desserts, appetizers –and even bar mixers made from scratch.
Many recipes for our most-popular, favorite dishes are taken from the original Schrier family cookbook, created and perfected since 1959. And due to changing tastes, food & drink trends, as well as new products on the market, you can count on us to offer a variety of salads, sides, and entirely new menu items from time-to-time.
Behind the bar, of course, you’ll find a barkeep who is always willing to experiment with new flavors –or simply pour your old favorite, “the usual”.
Our Menu
ENORMOUS THANKS TO OUR FAITHFUL GUESTS AND FRIENDS OVER THE YEARS, WHOSE SUPPORT
–along with our incredible staff and the Schrier family’s hard work, vision and dedication– has led to the Stagecoach Inn’s iconic status in the Boise Valley. Cheers to all who have contributed, in so many ways, large and small, to our enduring tradition of comfort, friendly hospitality, and great food!
Contact Us
THE STAGECOACH INN
Ph: (208) 342-4161
Email: [email protected]
HOURS OF OPERATION
Mon-Thur: 11AM – 10PM
Fri: 11AM – 11PM
Sat: 4 PM – 11PM
Sun: Closed
Last year we celebrated our 60th Anniversary. Thank you to all who helped celebrate and to Chad Case Photo & Video for capturing it on film!
Posted by The Stagecoach Inn on Wednesday, June 17, 2020
We are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with any other company, agency or government agency. All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them. Retailers are under no legal obligation to accept offers or coupons.
