PARK ISLAND The owner, Katie Pierce, wants both residents and tourists to know that Shotgun Bar is worth the stop, so don’t be fooled by the road construction.
This spring, the well-known pub, which has operated in Island Park since the 1970s, converted into a sit-down restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and supper at 3519 Yale-Kilgore Road.
After purchasing Shotgun Bar in 2018, Katie Pierce has spent the past seven years turning the establishment into a gathering place for both residents and tourists. Shotgun Bar, a well-liked hangout for friends, a location for charitable events, and a center for live music, is well-known for its rustic appeal and welcoming staff.
Pierce understands that now is not the best time to open the restaurant. On Highway 20 between Island Park and Dubois, the Federal Highway Administration is working on a significant construction project that is expected to be finished on October 1. However, parking problems and transport challenges are being caused by the work.
LINKED | Fed up with delays at Yale-Kilgore? There will be relief soon.
The business has suffered greatly. “It feels like we’re starting over, even though we’ve been open for seven years,” Pierce said. Many people can’t find parking or believe we’re closed. However, we remain here, continue to cook, and continue to serve coffee and mimosas.
Despite ongoing road construction problems, Pierce intends to serve an even larger audience with the restaurant’s recent launch.
Pierce Sasid, adding the restaurant feels like we’re beginning over even though we’ve been open for seven years. We want people to know that we’re available, that we need their help, and that we want to continue to support our staff during this difficult time.
Pierce hopes to draw both long-term locals from neighboring towns like Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Blackfoot who spend the summer in the Island Park region, as well as tourists staying in short-term rentals.
Wednesday through Sunday is when the new sit-down restaurant is open. Lunch and dinner are offered from noon to eight o’clock, while breakfast is served from eight a.m. to noon.
Breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches, and the $5 Grand Slam Breakfast special—which comes with two eggs, one pancake, one sausage, and a cup of coffee—are among the breakfast menu items.
Guests can have a range of in-house-prepared lunch and dinner options, such as sandwiches and burgers, along with fresh salads.
Pierce stressed that during the hours when they offer food, Shotgun Bar is a family-friendly establishment.
Pierce stated, “We’re excited to finally be serving a full restaurant menu and we’re one of the few places in Island Park that serves breakfast.” Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, we’re preparing dishes that we’re proud to offer.
Pierce is introducing Wednesday Happy Hours in August from 2 to 5 p.m., with food and drink offers, to draw in new clients and remind residents that they are open. In order to continue the tradition into the off-season, she is also planning to transfer the popular Shotgun Sunday live outdoor performances indoors after Labor Day.
The bar’s reputation for promoting local, live music is still strong, and its roster of returning bands and up-and-coming performers keeps patrons coming back.
Pierce expressed his satisfaction that Shotgun has become into a destination for local music, something that patrons eagerly anticipate.
Call (208) 339-5929 or visit the Shotgun Bar’s Facebook page for more details or to see its whole menu.
