Longhorn Steakhouse & Saloon

Stopped in on a Tuesday night after hiking in the Boise forest.  This place was pretty friendly, and the food was great.  The fries are perfect!  The fish puppies (a hybrid between a hush puppy and a piece of fried fish) were really great.  The tartar sauce was pretty much the best ever.  Also really awesome elk burger according to the boyfriend.  They have about 15 drafts on tap, which is delightful yet unexpected for such a small town.

I've never before had worse service. The food took over an hour and all we ordered were cheese burgers. The waitress couldn't count. She complained when we asked her to split the check. I actually saw her verbally complaining about customers and tips after a couple left. Oh and the fries are not good at all; very soggy.

We've visited the Longhorn several times over the last 20 years, and food has been good - but nothing to rave about.  The atmosphere is fun.  Rustic - homey - just like you'd expect for a small mountain town.

During our visit over New Years, we ate at the Longhorn twice.  The first for lunch, and the second for New Years eve dinner.

Our server, Sandra, was so energetic, pleasant and welcoming.  In fact, all the staff we saw at the restaurant seemed happy and helpful that night.  Sandra brought us samples of a great beer we had not tried before, then quickly brought us glasses of the same.  We both decided on the Surf & Turf after we heard from others not to order the short ribs.  The steak, though tender, had kind of a funny flavor.  I hope it was some kind of marinade.  The rest of the meal (including veggies) were wonderful.  

Burgers and a chicken wrap the afternoon before were average - though over-cooked.  

So why the 4 star rating?  The atmosphere and service made up for it.  There's only 2 restaurants that we know of in the area.  One has better steak...but the veggies, and instant mashed potatoes are horrid, and the service and atmosphere are average.