On the corner of Park Avenue and A Street sits a cozy and friendly neighborhood bar-andgrill. Between the cozy seating, low lights and welcoming atmosphere, The SnakeBite Restaurant is the neighborhood mainstay of Historic Downtown.
The SnakeBite Restaurant was established in 1994 on River Parkway and over the years evolved into a downtown cornerstone. Two of the restaurant’s first employees, Todd and Gina Thoulion, later purchased the restaurant in 1999 and moved it downtown in 2003. Since the beginning, their vision was simple: to bring fresh dishes with fresh ingredients to the community.
Now with a new location and under new ownership, SnakeBite sees the vision clearer than ever.
When 100 Proof Hospitality took over ownership of the SnakeBite in 2022, they set out to expand its brand and began by serving lunch full-time and creating a dinner menu. The restaurant was busier than it had ever been. So busy, in fact, they mingled with the idea to move into a bigger space.
In 2024, the building across the street became available, and they decided to make the move, but not before carefully crafting its revamp. “We started to say, ‘Hey, we really have an excellent brand here. What do you think about expanding it, putting it in a larger building, and kind of letting it grow?’” said managing partner of 100 Proof Hospitality, Justin Morris. “As we fleshed out the idea and put some details on paper, one idea led to another. We really felt like this was going to be SnakeBite’s new home, and here we are.”
The original concept of the restaurant has stayed true to the original owners but with a few changes. “There’s still a lot of the California Bistro mindset that they had. Fresh ingredients, fresh dishes,” said Justin. “SnakeBite was always well known for having craft beers and great burgers, so being able to expand upon those things, that’s definitely changed for us.”
The new location offers more indoor and outdoor seating, bigger booths, a handful of TVs for sports enthusiasts, a full-service bar with 15 beer tap handles and an expanded menu. The restaurant now offers more options for their signature dishes, ranging from burgers to sandwiches to pastas and now to cocktails, wines and beers.
While many things have been improved on, many of the classic gourmet burgers, pasta dishes and salads remain. “We inherited the menu from Todd and Gina, and we are trying to keep things on the menu that people have been coming to eat here for 20-plus years, all the while giving some fresh flavors,” said head chef Matt Feldman.
On top of prioritizing fresh ingredients and sourcing products locally, the restaurant prides itself on its culinary talent. Before a dish hits the table, it’s carefully cooked to perfection by the culinary team, who seamlessly work together.
Inside you will find the California Bistro aesthetic is still at SnakeBite’s core, but with a slightly more casual vibe. “SnakeBite is an Americana restaurant, first and foremost,” said Justin. Hanging on the walls are unique paintings and signs, and hanging from the ceiling are wooden fish that were created by local students to reflect the theme of Idaho’s great outdoors.
Through its commitment to serving high-quality dishes, creating a one-of-a-kind experience and being a part of the community, you can see why SnakeBite is the talk of the town. “I want guests to remember that we went above and beyond to create a special moment, a special experience for them,” said Justin. “And to be full. Full and happy,” said Matt.
For More Information
The SnakeBite Restaurant
393 Park Ave.
208-525-2522
