A Flavorful Gem in Coeur d’Alene – Comfort Food with a Cultural Twist
Izzy’s Comfort Kitchen was the first restaurant I tried in Coeur d’Alene, and it truly set the bar high. While dining options in the area tend to lean toward American diners, breakfast joints, and Mexican fare, Izzy’s stands out with creative takes on Southern comfort food and cultural influences—even offering hints of Egyptian and Caribbean-inspired flavors.
The menu features dishes you won’t easily find elsewhere, like oxtail soup, fried green tomatoes, and shrimp with grits, all elevated with bold, unexpected twists. They also proudly display their “Best of the Islander” awards, and it’s easy to see why—with options like a standout Bloody Mary and plenty of gluten-free offerings.
We visited during Happy Hour and sampled a variety of dishes. The wings were incredibly crispy with a unique, flavorful dry rub that was unlike any I’ve had before—deep, savory, and absolutely addictive. The shrimp were charred just right, though slightly overcooked for my taste, but still rich in flavor thanks to their sweet and savory house sauce. The fried green tomatoes were softer than expected (I was hoping for more crunch), but they paired nicely with the vegetable sides.
The fries were a last-minute addition—we spotted them at a nearby table and couldn’t resist. Thin, golden-brown, and extra crispy, they did not disappoint.
What really made the experience exceptional was the service. The staff were attentive, fast, professional, and kind—bringing us extra boxes and condiments without us even asking. The entire atmosphere lived up to the restaurant’s name: warm, cozy, and comforting, with rustic yellow décor, floral accents, and bar-style light fixtures that added charm without feeling kitschy.
We were seated right at 11 a.m. on a Wednesday, and by noon, the place was packed—always a good sign. Between the flavorful food, inviting atmosphere, and thoughtful service, Izzy’s Comfort Kitchen is a gem in Coeur d’Alene I’d definitely come back to—and recommend to anyone looking for something...
Read moreWe picked this place over a few others on our short list to celebrate our 26th anniversary. We ordered the 4th street fries as an appetizer. When they brought it out, the hair on our arms stood on end. There was pot roast, seasoned gravy, and cloves of garlic crisped by the blessing of a benevolent God nestled there on a bed of fries. Then a light shon from heaven and angels burst forth in glorious song.
We gently poked and stirred it. Each bite carefully crafted to prolong our enjoyment. We finished and the spell seemed broken. Now there could only be disappointment. What meal could follow an appy like that? But when the waitress, that blessed messenger of heaven, traversed the crowded dining room, she carried with her the hope of a broken man.
The Midtown Madness lay glowing like a beacon in the darkness before me. A half pound of angus beef, bacon jam, cheddar, thick cut bacon, mashed potatoes, crispy onions, and peppercorn gravy nestled contentedly in a brioche bun. In that glow, the room grew dark and I found myself alone, drifting in time and space. My only companion, the velvet crooning of Barry White as the Midtown Madness and I became one.
Spent, I fell against the back of the chair, once again surrounded by the noise and bustle of estatic diners. Wiping the sweat from our brow, we ordered the bread pudding to go. The least appealing name for a dessert ever conceived by the mind of man. Throwing caution to the wind, we dared challenge this culinary wizard that delights in enslaveing the hearts of mortal men. But there was no pudding. Only crisped cubes dusted with cinnamon. And tiny diced apples drizzled with a glaze for the light whipped cream to sit gently upon.
It was amazing and we are forever cursed to suffer in mediocrity until we can make it back to Cda again. These guys rock! If you're thinking about maybe going somewhere else, you need to make a fist, look at it, and punch yourself in the face until you...
Read moreI found Izzys after searching desperately for a place to go out to eat that is GF friendly, takes cross contamination seriously, and doesnt just roll their eyes upon hearing that someone has allergies. My step mom and I decided to give it a try after experiencing several gluten free options at other places that were mediocre at best.
The first time I came in, I tried the chicken strips. Deliciously crispy and accompanied by thinly cut fries that paired oh so well with their garlic aioli, I truly wouldn't have it any other way.
I don't usually order alcohol because I'm not a big drinker, but at Izzys I always order 2 of the rum punch drinks on their menu because its just that good. The Bloody Mary is also a noteworthy choice.
My step mom and & then came in again the very next day because we liked the food that well and needed to know how the rest tasted. Was this a fluke?!?
First sampled the tacos on their happy hour, you'll never forget the tomatillo salsa and the pickled onions, two toppings that make these tacos stand out from any other. Also tried the shrimp skewers, the peach chutney I might be dreaming about for weeks. The deep fried pickles were my personal favorite, the breading to pickle ratio was right on and the sauce pairing was devine.
I then took my boyfriend there a week later, and might have helped him polish off his peach bourbon burger. (I may have provided more help than he was after)
I could continue, but at this point, if you're still reading this, I know you're drooling and you may as well just head over there.
This is honestly one of the only places I ever want to eat out at anymore, and I do truly believe I would be saying that...
Read more