There are not many places that can say they’ve been around since Idaho was even a state. In fact, the restaurant featured below may just be one of the only places in our state that can claim that. Touting itself as the oldest restaurant in all of Idaho, this place has been around for a long, long time. It’s easy to see why. You’ll be charmed by this restaurant’s rustic vibe and good ol’ fashioned hospitality from the moment you step through the doors. For an iconic Idaho experience, plan a trip to this historic restaurant ASAP.
The Snake Pit (formerly known as the Enaville Resort) is an iconic Idaho landmark located along the fork of the Coeur d’Alene River in Enaville. This long-standing restaurant has a whole lot of history, and every Idahoan should experience it.
The story of The Snake Pit began over a century ago. It’s estimated that the business began in 1879. In the early days, Enaville was a transportation center full of railroaders, miners, and loggers. The resort was the type of spot where travelers would briefly stop for a bite to eat and some rest before moving on to somewhere else.
Stepping into The Snake Pit feels like traveling back in time to the days of the Wild West. From the rustic decor to the old timey furniture, this place is like a time capsule of a long bygone era.
Don’t pass up a truly Idaho specialty: Rocky Mountain Oysters. These hand-cut, breaded, and deep-fried concoctions aren’t the type of oysters you get from the sea. If you order them, you may just get your picture in the “Rocky Mountain Oyster Hall of Fame”.
The eclectic restaurant is also famous for their steak dinners. After all, there’s no better setting to enjoy a hearty slab of meat, don’t you think? The Prime Rib is especially spectacular but they also serve a mean Rib Eye and Sirloin Steak.
There aren’t a lot of places that can say they’ve been open for as long as The Snake Bite has. However, it’s easy to see why this Enaville institution has stayed over the many years. This place is no five-star restaurant, but the food is good, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the company just can’t be beat.
You’ll find The Snake Bite at 1480 Coeur d’Alene River Road Enaville, Idaho. Be sure to pay this historic restaurant a visit the next time you find yourself passing through.
Have you visited this historic restaurant before? For more truly old restaurants, check out our entire list of The Oldest Restaurants In Idaho.
