The Hemlock Restaurant at the Inn at 500 Capitol in Boise, Idaho. Photo Credit: Courtesy of the property
Finishing up a major property refresh, the 110-room Inn at 500 Capitol in Boise, Idaho, has transformed its eatery into a new fine-dining steak house, Hemlock, that now is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant also is the exclusive caterer for all events at the property.
"We’re thrilled to offer a new dining concept for our guests and the Boise community," said Inn at 500 general manager Adam Altwies. "Hemlock is an upscale steak house that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s focused on quality with an inviting, luxurious feel, and is the perfect addition to our elevated guest experience at the Inn at 500."
The restaurant’s upgraded design features dark, moody wallpaper; intimate booths; intricate light fixtures from Boise Art Glass; and murals from local artist Sector Seventeen portraying the eatery's namesake hemlock trees. Displaying the works is part of the Inn at 500 Capitol's mission to support local artists since its opening in 2017.
The new menu is anchored by premium beef cuts sourced from Idaho ranches, including Snake River Farms, which is considered the pioneer of American Wagyu. Complementing the steaks are such inventive starters as the Table-Side Baked Potato for Two, browned with a crème brûlée torch and finished with a choice of toppings. Hemlock’s bar serves a selection of craft cocktails with seasonal ingredients. Restaurateurs Scott Slater and Boise-native Todd Ketlinski are behind the project; they bought Richard’s Restaurant & Bar, which previously operated in the hotel.
Renovations completed in May
The full-property refresh included updating soft goods and carpets, adding new fixtures and furniture. More dramatic renovations took place in many of the suites, including updating the art work, and expanding the inventory of Boise Basque theme rooms in time to welcome guests for Jailaldi, the city's Basque festival that was held this summer for the first time in more than a decade.
The restaurant redo also replaced the previous small private dining space with a new and more private 270-square-foot boardroom that also can be used as a private dining room, but is accessible off the lobby instead of through the restaurant. The space has updated A/V equipment and more privacy.