If you’re strolling through the historic streets of Wallace, Idaho, let me save you some time—skip the guesswork on what you'll be having for lunch or dinner that day, and head straight to the Blackboard Cafe. This hidden gem has everything you didn’t even know you were craving: small-town charm, creative comfort food that hits all the right notes, and hospitality so warm it feels like a hug from an old friend.
For me, discovering the Blackboard Cafe felt like uncovering hidden treasure in a town already overflowing with childhood nostalgia. I spent countless summers in Wallace as a kid—exploring the North Fork with my grandfather and learning kitchen secrets from my grandmother in her home towards Silverton. Back then, the dining scene was all about greasy spoons and classic diner fare.
Toward the end of my high school years, I remember the 1313 Club, another local staple, began serving breakfast on Saturdays—which was a very big deal at the time. Between that and the arrival of Walmart, few things felt more exciting in town, aside from huckleberry season, the Lead Creek Derby, the Blues Festival, and the always entertaining all-class reunion.
Don’t get me wrong—this town still serves up some of the best diner-style burgers I’ve had in my lifetime, and I can still taste the biscuits and gravy from the 1313, which make my mouth water to this day. But sometimes, a girl needs more. Something fresh. Something creative. Something made with that extra touch of love—and that’s exactly what the Blackboard Cafe delivers, and then some.
Ambiance with Personality
The Blackboard Cafe, a sandwich shop meets Italian restaurant, was listed on MSN shortly after its opening as “The most adorable small-town restaurant in every state." The restaurant, formerly located on Bank Street, was moved to its new home on the corner of Sixth and Cedar streets earlier this year, which expanded their dining room significantly and added on a few additional quirks.
Entering the building, you walk into Todd's Bookstore and Cafe, home to the Blackboard Market. From the moment you step inside, the Blackboard Cafe feels like the best-kept secret you’re lucky to have stumbled upon. True to its name, the walls are covered in chalkboards showcasing daily specials, playful doodles, and sweet messages left by happy guests. It’s cozy, quirky, and exactly the vibe you’d expect in a town where history and heart go hand in hand.
Food That’s Well Worth the Drive
Let’s get straight to the good stuff: the food. We ate at the Blackboard Cafe three times in three days during our last visit—and trust me, that’s all the endorsement it needs.
Breakfast? The Huckleberry Pancakes. Fluffy, golden stacks drenched in fresh huckleberry syrup, these pancakes are a sweet, tangy tribute to everything Wallace. Each bite feels like a celebration of Idaho’s unofficial state fruit, perfectly capturing the town’s charm in pancake form.
We also shared a nod to the classic Croque Madame, which quickly became my personal favorite. Rich, indulgent, and layered with just the right amount of béchamel, melted cheese, and a perfectly runny egg, it was breakfast perfection. But as much as I’d love to wax poetic about these dishes, I’ll spare you the details—breakfast has since been retired from the menu.
Still, I can’t help but hope the Blackboard Cafe brings these treasures back during the busier summer months. A town like Wallace deserves a breakfast that’s as memorable as the stories its streets tell, and these two dishes alone were worth the trip.
Now, onto dinner.
The Blackboard Burger was everything you’d expect from a place with a reputation for nailing comfort food. Juicy, crowned with perfectly caramelized onions, and paired with fries so crispy and golden you’d swear they were kissed by magic. It’s the kind of burger that earns its place in a town where burgers and fryers are practically a birthright.
But as good as the burger was, it couldn’t hold a candle to the real star of the Blackboard Cafe menu: the Osso Bucco.
This dish didn’t just stand out—it stole the show. Tender, fall-off-the-bone perfection, the lamb shank was bathed in a sauce so rich, so tantalizing, that each bite felt like uncovering another layer of flavor. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience. When my plate was empty, I wasn’t just full—I was grieving its absence, wishing I could rewind time and savor it all over again. It’s the kind of dish that demands you slow down and pay attention, knowing full well it’s going to end too soon.
Osso Bucco is a labor of love, and you could taste that love in every bite. Crafting a sauce this decadent isn’t just about following a recipe—it’s about understanding the alchemy of flavors and transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. This sauce, layered and impossibly silky, clung to the lamb shank like it was meant to be. Notes of tomato, red wine, and aromatics danced together, perfectly balanced against the richness of the meat.
In a town where comfort food reigns supreme and greasy spoons dominate the dining scene, Blackboard Cafe’s Osso Bucco felt like a revelation. It’s bold. It’s ambitious. And most importantly, it’s a reminder that even in a small, unassuming town like Wallace, you can stumble upon something truly extraordinary.
If there’s one dish that captures the soul of Blackboard Cafe, it’s this one. It’s the kind of meal that lingers with you long after the plates are cleared, etched in your memory as one of those rare culinary moments where everything just works. And if you’re lucky enough to try it, trust me—order a round of fries to soak up every last drop of that sauce. You’ll thank me later.
Final Thoughts
What sets the Blackboard Cafe apart is its unapologetic dedication to everything that makes Idaho—and Wallace, specifically—so special. From the sweet, tangy huckleberries to the house-made jams (trust me, you’ll want to take home a jar or three), every bite feels like an homage to the town itself. For someone like me, who grew up as part of this community, dining there wasn’t just a meal—it felt like stepping into a time capsule, wrapped in everything I love the most about this place.
At first, I’ll admit, I was surprised to find a place like the Blackboard in Wallace. But as I learned more about its owners, Rob and Luanne Wuerfel, it all made sense. After years spent running restaurants in glitzier locales like Taos, the Caribbean, and Seattle, the couple found themselves drawn to Wallace’s small-town charm. The easy access to skiing and biking without the crowds sealed the deal. They brought their passion and experience here, infusing the Blackboard Cafe with the same heart, creativity, and flavor that defined their previous ventures—only now, it’s tailored perfectly to Wallace’s unique character.
This isn’t just a cafe; it’s a testament to the magic of finding inspiration in the quiet corners of the world. The Blackboard Cafe feels like it was made for Wallace, by people who truly understand what makes this mountain town tick outside of tourist season. It fills a gap that’s been around for as long as I can remember, offering food that’s fresh, creative, and unapologetically its own.
Whether you’re a hungry adventurer fresh off the trail, a road-tripper in need of a memorable detour, or simply someone who loves food served with a little extra heart, this place will overdeliver.
At the Blackboard Cafe, comfort food gets a creative glow-up, and every bite feels like it was made just for you. But it’s not just about the food—it’s about that undeniable feeling that you’ve stumbled upon something truly special, because you have. Blackboard Cafe is so much more than a cafe, and Wallace is all the richer for having it.
Blackboard Cafe is located at 600 Cedar St., Wallace, Idaho For more information or to make a dinner reservation, call them at 208-556-5648.
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