KIN – Boise’s Award-Winning Seasonal Tasting Bar & Collaborative Kitchen
KIN, at 999 W Main St #P101, is Boise’s premier destination for a narrative-driven, five-course tasting menu and lively bar experience. Launched post-pandemic by chefs Kris Komori and Remi McManus in 2022, KIN has quickly garnered acclaim—Chef Komori won the 2023 James Beard Award (Mountain Region), and Food & Wine listed KIN among the top 20 U.S. restaurants in 2024 :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
What to Expect at KIN
- Prix-Fixe & Supper Club: A reservation-only, five-course menu ($120) with optional beverage pairings ($40). Dinner runs Wed–Thu (7 pm), Fri–Sat early (6:15 pm) and late “Supper Club” (9 pm) sessions :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
- Art Haus Cocktail Bar: Walk-ins welcome at the adjacent bar, serving seasonal cocktails, beer, wine, non-alcoholic drinks, and light bites :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
- Rotating Seasonal Menus: Themes shift every 4–5 weeks, syncing with local agriculture. Each menu aligns with a narrative or concept, making every visit unique :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
What to Eat & Drink
- Five-Course Adventures: Past highlight dishes include deconstructed chicken noodle, fish & chips raw-bar mashups, skirt steak, maitake mushrooms, and hibiscus-lime desserts :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
- Cocktail Creativity: Art Haus cocktails feature fresh-squeezed juices like carrot, jicama shrub, and beet; plus classic and non-alc options :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
Why KIN Stands Out
- Employee-Owned Culture: Operates with equitable pay, salaried staff with benefits, and collaborative menu creation—leading to high retention and community spirit :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
- Community-Centric Dining: The “piKINic” series extends the experience outdoors with live music events and communal summer picnics at the hillside amphitheater :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
- National Recognition: Boise’s first James Beard win and features on Food & Wine’s US Top 20 and Eater’s best places lists confirm KIN’s local and national impact :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
Tips for Visiting
- Reserve Early: Tasting-menu spots book out quickly—especially “Supper Club.”
- Dress Smart-Casual: Think clean jeans or slacks with a collared shirt; Supper Club is relaxed but stylish :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
- Walk-Ins Welcome at the Bar: Enjoy cocktails and snacks if reservations are full.
- Engage & Inquire: Staff love to share the themes, sourcing stories, and community causes behind each course.
Final Thoughts
KIN isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a dynamic cultural meeting place where storytelling, social responsibility, and seasonal cuisine intertwine. With an award-winning chef, intentional team culture, rotating menus, and community events, it’s a must-visit for food lovers in Boise and beyond—every dinner feels like a celebration of place and purpose.