Soiled Dove: A Story Etched In Grit, Art, And Idaho Falls History

As told by the founder, Jake Durtschi

When people ask why we called it Soiled Dove, they’re usually expecting a cheeky story — and sure, we’ve got a few of those. But the name runs deeper than folklore. Long before the Japanese Friendship Garden became the serene landmark it is today, the small island in the Snake River had another name: Soiled Dove Island — a reference to the brothel that once stood across from the deputy’s jail.

It’s easy to brush that kind of history aside as something shameful or best forgotten. But I believe it’s in those overlooked corners where the most authentic stories live — stories of ingenuity, resilience and a certain kind of grit that still defines Idaho Falls today.

The Women Who Came Before Us

We draw a lot of inspiration from the women of Idaho Falls’ past — women like Minnie Hitt, Rebecca Mitchell, and Josie Hill, whose stories aren’t often found in textbooks but who helped shape the character of this town.

Josie Hill was murdered on Soiled Dove Island. Her death stirred something powerful in another local woman, Rebecca Mitchell. Small in stature but bold in spirit, Rebecca stood up publicly during the trial and denounced the idolization of Sid Larkin, Josie’s killer. She later helped found the Village Improvement Society, a group of women who set out to build a better Idaho Falls — and succeeded.

That moment — when grief turned into civic vision — feels symbolic of what we hope Soiled Dove represents.

We don’t whitewash our history here. We uncover it. We retell it. And then we toast to it.

A Taste of the Real Idaho Falls

That same pride — that work ethic and unflinching creativity — runs through every part of the experience here. I want guests to taste Idaho Falls — not just in the food or the cocktails, but in the stories and the service. Our bartenders and servers bring a level of craftsmanship that reflects the heart of this community. This isn’t a theme bar. It’s a tribute.

Take Katie Munday, for example. Katie is the artisan behind the bar and the heart of our cocktail program. She’s more than a manager — she’s a creative force who inspires others and creates space for them to grow. Under her leadership, our bar team doesn’t just serve drinks — they design them.

One of her recent creations, Pegleg’s Smoking Gun, was inspired by Pegleg Ellis, another figure from Idaho Falls’ underground past. Like many of our signature cocktails, it’s not just delicious — it tells a story.

Art on the Walls, Music in the Air

Every corner of this space was touched by someone local. Our designer Katie Heiser brought depth and vision to the layout. Carrie Athay helped inspire the very name “Soiled Dove.” Chloe Doucette pushed us to dig deeper into the history and bring more authenticity into every detail. And the late Roy Reynolds — whose oil paintings now adorn our walls — gifted us with legacy, beauty and a deep sense of place. His work lives on here.

Even our spirits nod to the region. We proudly source from Idaho and our neighboring states, capturing the terroir of the Mountain West in every pour. Our food — a rotating menu of elevated tapas — is designed to evoke memory, curiosity, comfort and surprise.

And then there’s the music. Soiled Dove is proud to showcase local musicians several nights a week, offering an intimate stage for jazz, acoustic, and instrumental artists. At the heart of this program is Mike Richards, a gifted saxophonist and the curator of our live music experience. Through his vision and talent, we offer a sound that’s as soulful and layered as the stories on our walls.

A Quiet, Gritty Kind of Magic

If we’ve done it right, Soiled Dove feels like a secret you’re lucky to stumble upon — a place for conversation, imagination, and honoring the past while creating something entirely new. It’s a speakeasy in name, yes — but more than that, it’s a love letter to Idaho Falls.

To everyone who has walked through our doors — and to the community that made this place possible — thank you.

This town has given me the chance to work, to raise a family, and to build spaces that reflect our shared values. Through Soiled Dove, I hope we’ve created a place where that same spirit of grit, grace, and ingenuity can be tasted in every bite, every note and every glass.

Our Next Taste of History