Nautically Speaking

The Hayden Lake Marina is a little off-the-beaten path, on the southern part of Hayden Lake. But it’s nestled among the toniest of tony residences on one of North Idaho’s most stunning lakes.

With its casual, local feel and extensive deck overlooking the busy marina, The Boathouse should have no problem capturing the tourist crowd, yet it’s locals who’ll keep this place afloat through the long winters that have been tough on previous tenants docked there. Thus their menu is nicely broad-based: fairly reasonably priced appetizers, salads, burgers and an after-5 dinner menu that remains under $20.

Appetizers have nautically themed monikers like Life Rings and Buoys (onion rings and fries, $8) or the Bailer’s Bucket (clams in garlicky wine broth with warmed bread, $14). Other easy-to-share items include beer go-withs like chicken strips ($8), taquitos ($8), or the ever-popular fish and chips ($12).

Certified Angus beef is featured in the one-third-pound Boathouse burgers: classic ($8), mushroom and mozzarella ($9.50), the double-patty “works” burger with grilled onions, bacon, cheese and the usual garden items ($12.50). Other sandwich options include fish tacos ($8), and the Chicken Point Sandwich, which includes — no surprise — chicken ($9).

The regular menu lists five standard dinner options, such as the First Mate ($12), penne pasta with grilled veggies and a creamy Parmesan pesto and tomato sauce. The Lake Runner was an 8-ounce salmon filet (with lemon dill sauce or blackened), and either potatoes (thick with cheese and topped with green onion and bacon) or wild rice and seasonal vegetables ($18). There are also dinner specials like the Idaho Fried Chicken, which the reader board boasts is so good that it made the Colonel leave his wife. Sometimes it’s refreshing when a restaurant doesn’t take itself overly seriously.

While warm weather means dining outdoors on the deck, cooler weather is made all the more cozy by the small and lively bar scene that anchors one end of this eatery. There are six microbrews on tap at any given time and a modest wine list. — CARRIE SCOZZARO

The Boathouse, 3799 E. Hayden Lake Rd., Hayden Lake, Idaho, is open Mon-Thu 4–9 pm, Fri-Sun 11 am-9 pm. Call (208) 772-5057.