About The Intersection BBQ, Bar & Grill
The Intersection BBQ, Bar & Grill is a casual, family-friendly barbecue restaurant and music venue in New Meadows, Idaho (206 Virginia St). It sits at the literal intersection of Virginia Street and North/South Miller Avenue (local.yahoo.com ). Locals and travelers on US 95 stop here for hearty smoked meats (brisket, ribs, pulled pork), original barbecue sauces, and cold craft beers. The rustic interior – complete with wood-beam decor and a stone fireplace – creates an “old West” saloon feel that reviewers rave about (the-intersection-bbq-bar-grill.goto-where.com ) (local.yahoo.com ). In a town of only 500 people, the Intersection is also the only venue for live music and shows (www.spokesman.com ), giving it an outsized cultural role in the community. The owners are hands-on (even working alongside servers), which many visitors note contributes to its warm, small-town charm (www.restaurantji.com ). Its motto, emblazoned on the wall, says it all: “May we always be surrounded by good friends and great BBQ!” (www.menupix.com ).
Patrons appreciate that the Intersection blends classic barbecue with a local watering-hole atmosphere. With about 80 seats (the capacity noted for a sold-out dinner show (www.spokesman.com )), the space is intimate and non-commercial. A large bar runs along one side (offering about six craft beers on tap (www.restaurantji.com )), and there’s a modest performance stage at the front. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily (11:30 AM–9 PM, closed Monday) with specialized late-evening events. It has full bar service (liquor, beer, wine) and also sells take-home bottled sauces. A favorite feature is the adjoining “Country Corner” gift shop, where house-made sauces and local goods are available (www.menupix.com ).
Events and Programming
The Intersection hosts live entertainment on most weekends and special occasions. You’ll typically find country, blues, classic rock, or folk bands playing Thursday–Saturday nights. Local singer-songwriters or cover bands often draw crowds—some evenings are free with dinner, while big acts or themed shows charge admission. Notably, in 2015 the Intersection held a ticketed burlesque dinner show that later became part of a landmark free-speech case (www.spokesman.com ). More recently it has booked adult revue events (for example, a “Men Next Door” male dancer show was scheduled for January 2026) and special holiday performances. Special events like Valentine’s dinners, charity fundraisers, or holiday parties are occasional draws. Dinners with entertainment (e.g., a musician or comedian while you eat) are popular; in general, expect a cover charge of roughly $10–$20 for larger shows, though many musical evenings are covered by meal purchases.
Performances usually begin around 8 or 9 PM. On big nights the stage area is rearranged for optimal viewing and the sound system (a basic PA with stage monitors) carries the music throughout the dining area. The atmosphere during shows is lively but still seated – it’s **not** a standing room dance club. Some event tickets can be purchased in advance from the venue’s box office or through online ticket platforms (check local listings or call (208) 347-4499). Popular holiday or themed nights often sell out, so it’s wise to buy early. For regular dining or music nights, walk-ins are welcome and seats are available on a first-come basis.
Tickets and Booking
The Intersection does not have formal box-office hours or a reservation hotline for most music nights. Tickets for special shows (e.g. dinner theatres, headliner acts, or 21+ dances) are typically sold through event websites or by phone. If you see a flyer or Facebook post for an upcoming show, it will usually say how to get tickets. Otherwise, show up early (especially on weekends) and buy at the door. Typical advance ticket prices range from about $15–$25 for headliners, although many music nights are free with dinner. Cover charges (if any) are usually collected at the entrance on the night of the show.
The restaurant itself takes lunch/dinner walk-ins throughout the week, but **does not** take standard reservations (the menu is open seating) (www.menupix.com ). For a large group or party on a busy evening, calling ahead to hold a block of tickets or tables is a good idea. Ticket sellers often use numbered seats, but The Intersection is small enough that seating is mostly general admission around tables. In short, plan to arrive before showtime if you want the best spots – popular shows can be standing-room-only close to the stage!
Seating and Layout
Inside, the venue is arranged with dining tables throughout and a long central bar. Booths or high-top tables flank the bar, and the rest of the dining room has two- and four-person tables angled toward the raised stage. Capacity is charmingly modest – roughly 80 guests in all, including outdoor seating on the patio (weather permitting) (www.spokesman.com ) (the-intersection-bbq-bar-grill.goto-where.com ). For music acts, tables are typically oriented toward the stage; for sports and TVs, there are high stools facing the big screens upstairs. General admission applies, so seats are first-come, first-served (except for guests with pre-purchased show tickets, who may have numbered seating). If you want the best view of the performers, aim for one of the front tables near the stage. If you plan to socialize with friends, sitting at the bar or back corners is fine – just know the music will be quieter there.
Acoustics are good given the small wooden interior. The sound system fills the room without distortion, but it can still be loud for young children near the speakers. If your group is sensitive to noise, the far corners or the outdoor patio tables provide a quieter dining experience. Outdoor patio seating (with umbrella tables) is popular in summer – it’s covered and pet-friendly (www.restaurantji.com ), making it great for picnics with kids or dogs. All seating (indoors and out) is accessible to wheelchairs. There are no exclusive “VIP” sections – everyone gets the same casual seating.
Getting There and Parking
The Intersection is easy to find by car. It’s at 206 Virginia Street at the Main Street intersection in downtown New Meadows (www.newmeadowsidaho.us ) (local.yahoo.com ). GPS coordinates or map apps will point you to the corner of Virginia and Miller. From McCall, take Highway 55 west to Highway 95 and look for the turn just beyond the Grangeville highway junction. From Boise or the Treasure Valley, drive north on US-95 through Council and Weiser toward New Meadows. There is no public transit to this small town – almost everyone drives. (McCall does have occasional bus service from Boise via Valley Transit, but last stops are several miles north after New Meadows.)
Parking is plentiful and free. A parking lot behind the restaurant provides accessible spaces, and street parking is available all around (the-intersection-bbq-bar-grill.goto-where.com ). Signs do not typically require meters or time limits – it’s a small town. The lot and curb spaces tend to fill up on busy weekend nights, so carpooling or arriving early can help. Rideshare and taxis in these rural areas are rare; drop-off is usually done on Virginia Street in front of the door. If you’re staying in town, the main hotels (Idaho Heartland Hotel or Sagebrush Inn) and campgrounds are within a few minutes’ walk, so no large parking lot is needed at the venue. As always in mountain weather, watch out for icy spots in winter underfoot, and note that GPS may give the building’s old name – the best landmark is the intersection with the Texas Roadhouse–style neon sign outside.
Inside the Venue
Upon entry, you’ll find a friendly host or bartender ready to seat you. The vibe is warm and casual: the wood-paneled walls are decorated with Western memorabilia, and local music often plays at modest volume before shows. Security is relaxed; you’ll find no bag-check, but staff may glance at large bags near the stage. The bar along one side features draft beer, wine, cocktails, and soda fountains. The draft list includes Idaho microbrews and familiar brands – the menu changes, but most nights there are at least five to six beers on tap (www.restaurantji.com ). Bartenders are known to craft good cocktails and shooters for events (if a bar show is running).
The restaurant menu focuses on BBQ classics: smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, burgers, and a cowboy-style ribeye steak. Many diners recommend the brisket sandwich and the smoked sausage, and sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and corn bread. They also serve casual appetizers (onion rings, loaded potato wedges) and desserts (cheesecake is mentioned as a favorite) (www.restaurantji.com ). A whiteboard lists daily specials or soups in season. Meals come with a set of house-made BBQ sauces (some creamy mustard, some smoky sweet) that have their own fan following. Welcoming to families, there’s a kids’ menu and high chairs available. Also note: a tiny gift stand by the entrance sells bottled sauces and the restaurant’s branded merch (“The Country Corner” store) (www.menupix.com ).
The venue is fully wheelchair-accessible. Ramps lead to the entrance and patio, and pathways between tables are wide. The restrooms are ADA compliant with grab bars and space for a wheelchair (the-intersection-bbq-bar-grill.goto-where.com ). Complimentary Wi-Fi is offered (ask a server for the network password). Coat storage is minimal (there’s a wall rack for jackets by the back entrance, but no formal coat-check). Outlets are scarce, so if you need to charge your phone, plan ahead. Cell phone reception in New Meadows is generally spotty (depending on carrier), so some guests spend downtime enjoying the ambiance instead of relying on data.
A few unique inside features bear mention. The large plasma TVs above the bar show sports or local news most days – on game nights, fans are welcome. A wood-burning fireplace (staffed in winter months) adds a cozy glow on cold nights (the-intersection-bbq-bar-grill.goto-where.com ). The patio out back is covered and heated lamp-lit in winter, making it an extended dining area >even on cold evenings. Merchandise like T-shirts, hats, and branded stickers can be found for sale at the host stand. A different crowd tip: photography is allowed for personal use, but during live shows performers might ask you to refrain from flash. Smoking is not allowed inside (just a porch area for smokers).
Nearby Amenities
New Meadows is small, so amenities are limited and close by. For pre-show dining elsewhere, the closest spot is Sagebrush BBQ Steakhouse (another local grill) just a block south – they serve steaks, burgers and have a bar. A few hundred feet east on Virginia is McCall Hideaway Pizza if you’re craving pizza or pasta, and a classic diner (the Station Café) for breakfast or lunch. There’s also a small convenience store (with deli sandwiches) next door if you need snacks. For drinks before or after your visit, the neighboring bars (like the Sagebrush Lounge) offer more quiet spots for second drinks.
If you’re visiting from out of town, lodging in New Meadows includes the boutique Idaho Heartland Hotel (charming historic property with suites and fireplaces in rooms) and the Sagebrush Inn & Suites. Both are within walking distance. Campers can use Creekside RV Park a block away, which offers RV hookups and tent sites. In winter, popular resorts (Tamarack or Brundage Mountain) are 15–30 minutes’ drive, so some skiers stop here on the way. The small Adams County Airport is on town outskirts, but the nearest major airport is Boise (about a 1.5–2 hour drive).
In short, plan to arrive by car. If you’re staying late, remember there’s no Uber in New Meadows – either secure a designated driver or stay at a nearby hotel. After shows, the town is quiet; the post-midnight option is usually a quick drive to McCall (where there are a few late-night diners) or simply heading home to your cabin. Throughout your visit, Golden Mineral Springs and other local outdoor parks are in the vicinity, so daytime visitors sometimes combine a nature stop with dinner at the Intersection.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Intersection isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a local institution. In a town where the speed limit is 25 and everyone waves, it functions as the social heart of the community. Its rustic, “cowboy bar” decor – complete with Western art, mounted antlers, and surfboards repurposed as wall art – sets it apart from chain restaurants (local.yahoo.com ). Fortunate travelers call it a “hidden gem” for BBQ, noting the outstanding brisket and homemade sauces (the-intersection-bbq-bar-grill.goto-where.com ). The wood bar and plasma TVs create a classic lodge feel, where even strangers quickly become friends over shared tables.
The venue’s cultural significance extends beyond barbecue. It has hosted New Meadows’ only theatrical and live music acts, from local country dances to touring rock bands. It even made legal history by challenging Idaho’s censorship laws (the 2015 burlesque show) – a case that ultimately led to more artistic freedom in venues like this (www.spokesman.com ). It attracted fans from around the state with that story, cementing its reputation. Additionally, the attached Western gift shop (The Country Corner) and full bar make it more than a restaurant: it’s a one-stop community hangout. The pet-friendly patio and family events (like Trunk-or-Treat or Fourth of July cookouts) showcase the owners’ commitment to the town’s traditions.
Famous performances here have been local classics: the burlesque show (sold out at 80 people (www.spokesman.com )), country reunions, and even appearances by minor celebrities on tour. The regular weekly acts and open-mic nights keep Maine Street alive during quiet winters. For visitors, artists often enjoy playing here because the audience is committed and appreciative (the small crowd means every person is up-close). For decades from its opening, audiences have loved the combo of live jams and slow-smoked brisket under one roof. Put simply, artists love it for the crowd, and crowds love it for the food – a pairing that makes the Intersection uniquely beloved in Idaho’s North Country.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The Intersection has wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms and seating throughout (the-intersection-bbq-bar-grill.goto-where.com ). Staff are happy to accommodate special needs (just ask).
What to Bring: Photo ID if you plan to drink (Idaho law is 21+ to purchase alcohol). Cash is handy for tips or cover charges. Warm clothing for winter nights, as mountain weather can drop suddenly. Your appetite!
Avoid External Food/Drink: Outside coffee, alcohol, or plates aren’t allowed. The venue is family-friendly, but on 21+ show nights minors will be asked to leave after dinner. Smoking is allowed only on the patio. Photography (no flash) is fine for memories, but always respect performers’ wishes during shows.
Age and Dress: Dress is casual (jeans and boots welcome) – no nightclub-style attire needed. Most evenings are all-ages (especially before 9 PM), but special events (advertised as 21+) strictly enforce ID at the door. Note that loud music and dancing might not suit toddlers on those nights.
Tips: As with most bar-restaurants, 15–20% gratuity is customary for servers. If a performer is good, a few dollars tucked into an envelope for them is appreciated (they often rely on tips). Arrive early on weekends (5–6 PM) if you want dinner before a big show. The crowd here is warm and friendly – don’t hesitate to chat with locals at the bar. Finally, check the weather and road conditions in winter; State Highway 55 and 95 can get slick. Enjoy the food, music, and atmosphere that make The Intersection BBQ a standout stop in Idaho.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I buy tickets for shows at The Intersection?
For most music nights, no advance ticket is needed – you can walk in and pay at the door. For special events or dining shows, tickets may be sold online (through ticketing sites) or by phone. Check the restaurant’s announcements or local event listings. If an event is ticketed, the details will specify where and when to purchase in advance. Arrive early on big nights to ensure entry.
What are the typical ticket prices or cover charges?
Prices vary by event. Most weekday or simple live music nights have no cover (you just pay for dinner). Larger concerts or themed shows usually charge a ticket fee (often ranging \$10–\$30 per person). Dinner-theater events may include an all-in price. Always check the event description – tickets, if needed, are prepaid. Gratuity and drinks are extra.
How do I get to The Intersection BBQ, Bar & Grill?
The Intersection is at 206 Virginia St in New Meadows, at the corner of Virginia St and Miller Ave (www.newmeadowsidaho.us ) (local.yahoo.com ). Most visitors drive. From McCall, head west on Hwy 55 to Hwy 95, then north into town. From Boise, drive north on US-95 toward Council/New Meadows. GPS or map apps will find it. Note: there is no public bus or subway service to New Meadows, so plan to drive or carpool.
Is there parking available (and is it free)?
Yes – The Intersection offers free parking. A customer lot behind the building provides space (including disabled spots), and ample street parking runs along Virginia Street (the-intersection-bbq-bar-grill.goto-where.com ). No meters or fees are typically in effect. On busy weekend evenings the lot can fill up, so you may need to use curb spaces. All parking is at road level (no steep hill to climb).
What is the seating and stage layout inside?
The dining room has booths and tables facing a corner stage, plus high-tops near the bar. Seating is general admission. For live shows, tables are arranged to face the performers. There is also an outdoor patio with extra tables (heated in winter). In total, about 80 guests can be seated (www.spokesman.com ). No VIP or balcony seating exists – the venue is small and intimate.
Are children and families welcome?
Absolutely. The Intersection prides itself on being family-friendly; kids are welcome at most events and during mealtimes. A kids’ menu and high chairs are available. Note that some special events (like adult dance shows) are restricted to ages 21+ and will be clearly labeled. Otherwise, there’s no cover charge for kids, and families often dine together early evening. Outdoor patio seating is also pet-friendly and kids-friendly (www.restaurantji.com ).
What is the dress code?
The dress code is very casual. Most patrons wear jeans, T-shirts, flannel shirts, or cowboy boots – you’ll fit right in. Hats are fine. Special event nights do not require formal attire. If you plan to dance outdoors, bring a jacket in cool weather. Overall, come as you are – the focus here is on BBQ and music, not style rules.
What food and drink options are available?
The menu centers on barbecue and comfort food. Expect smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and burgers, all served with house sides (coleslaw, baked beans, mashed potatoes, etc.). There are also salads, sandwiches, and appetizers (onion rings, wings, loaded spuds). For drinks, a full bar serves beer (idaho/craft beers on tap), wine by the glass, and cocktails. Non-alcoholic sodas and coffee are available. Vegetarian options (like bean plates or veggie sandwiches) are limited but can be requested. The restaurant also features daily specials and soups (seasonal).
Are there vegetarian or gluten-free menu items?
Vegetarian and gluten-free options are limited at this barbeque-focused restaurant. You might find salads or sides (baked potato, coleslaw) that fit a GF diet, and vegetarian guests can choose cheese or veggie sandwiches. If you have serious dietary restrictions, call ahead – the kitchen may accommodate with substitutions. For a guaranteed plant-based meal, local diners might be a better bet, as meat is the specialty here.
Is The Intersection wheelchair accessible? What is the capacity (maximum attendance)?
The restaurant holds about 80 people when full (www.spokesman.com ). This includes both indoor tables and outdoor patio seats. It’s an intimate setting, so large crowds can fill the venue quickly. If a show is sold out, the owner will honor the legal occupancy limit (around 80 guests). This makes it much smaller than city clubs, so plan accordingly for busy nights.
What items am I not allowed to bring?
Prohibited items include outside alcohol and weapons of any kind (family establishments have zero tolerance). No outside food or beverages are allowed. Cameras are fine for personal photos, but professional audio/video recording equipment usually requires prior permission. Smoking is only allowed on the outdoor patio. It’s also best not to bring large backpacks or coolers – the staff may ask you to stow them.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, The Intersection takes major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) for food and tickets. They also accept debit cards and mobile pay (Apple Pay, etc.). Cash is of course welcome and may speed up cover charges or tips. There’s no ATM inside, so plan ahead if you need cash for tips or small purchases.
What time should I arrive for a show?
For shows and popular dinner hours, arriving about 30–45 minutes before start is wise. The kitchen can fill up and parking may get tight on weekends. Early arrival ensures you get seated, order food, and are settled by showtime (typically 8–9 PM). Plus, you’ll beat the crowds. If you just want a quiet dinner, any time up to 7 PM is usually uncrowded on weekdays.
Is there a dress code or recommended attire?
The venue has a casual dress code. Guests typically wear jeans, boots, T-shirts or flannel – fitting the BBQ “cowboy” vibe (local.yahoo.com ). There’s no formal requirement. If dining out on a regular night, casual clothes are perfect. On colder evenings the patio might be chilly, so a sweater or jacket is a good idea if you plan to sit outside.
Do you offer vegetarian/vegan dishes?
Vegetarian and vegan options are very limited at this BBQ-centric restaurant. The menu is heavily meat-oriented. You may find a salad or side dish that’s vegetarian (e.g., baked potato or beans) but vegan proteins are not a focus. If you have dietary restrictions, it’s best to call ahead and ask what can be prepared. Otherwise, plan to enjoy the sides and possibly a veggie sandwich if available.
