These Boise Area Restaurants Say They Fry in Beef Tallow

If you’ve been noticing more people asking about beef tallow at the fryer, you’re not imagining it. Frying foods in beef tallow instead of common seed oils has become one of the newest food trends, with proponents saying it’s a more traditional way to fry, that it tastes better, and that it can be an easier fit for certain ingredient preferences.

You’ll want to do your own research and make your own decisions about any perceived health benefits. But I will say that tallow-fried food adds a layer of flavor that’s absolutely worth trying. No matter what your reason, here are a few Boise-area restaurants that have specifically said they use beef tallow or beef shortening in the fryer.

Quick Recap of Boise-Area Beef Tallow Frying Spots

In case you scrolled too fast or forgot what was at the top, here's a fast rundown of the list of Bloise area restaurants that claim to fry their food in beef tallow.

• Hemlock (Downtown Boise / Inn at 500): Upscale downtown option that says it uses beef tallow in its fryers.
• Sid’s Garage (Boise + Meridian): Burger-and-bar favorite that says it runs beef tallow in all fryers.
• Boise Fry Company (Boise area): Local staple known for fries that are fried in beef tallow.
• Smokin’ Iron BBQ (Meridian): BBQ spot that notes house-fried corn tortillas in beef tallow for certain nacho options.
• Buffalo Wild Wings (Boise + Meridian): Chain pick whose prep guide notes beef shortening is used to fry products.

If you know of another Boise, Meridian, Nampa, or Caldwell spot that’s using beef tallow in the fryer, shoot it my way, and I’ll add it to the running list. And if you’re doing this for allergy or strict ingredient reasons, it’s always worth your time to ask if the fryer is shared with other types of oil.