This Boise bar and restaurant was ‘loved’ but closed. A pricier French bistro replaced it

Michael Deeds
·2 min read

North End diners popping into a neighborhood bar and grill for familiar pub food got a surprise over the summer.

Something was different about Fort Street Station, a “public house” opened in 2017.

A transformation seemed to be taking place, as online reviewers grumped. “We used to love it here,” wrote one.

So goes change in the restaurant universe.

It’s not clear from the building’s exterior, but Fort Street Station has closed. Or rebranded. Whatever you want to call it.

After celebrating its grand opening Sept. 30, French-inspired Bistro D’Helene has taken over at 808 W. Fort St. (Just ignore the lack of signage outside. And those “Fort Street Station” logos still on the awning.)

Sharing a parking lot with the Boise Co-op, Bistro D’Helene initially might be a sobering transition for former Station regulars. There’s no liquor, for one thing. Imbibers can choose from beer, wine and “low-octane cocktails” on the menu.

Meanwhile, culinary aspirations — and entree prices — have been elevated.

Bistro D’Helene is a new North End restaurant for owner-chef Danielle Christine of Apericena, an Italian-influenced eatery that she opened in summer 2022 in nearby Hyde Park.

“Bistro D’ Helene’s French-esque menu takes inspiration from the heart of France,” according to its website, “and melds it with the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The menu begins with a strong selection of artisanal breads and traditional spreads, followed by a wide selection of classic apértifs and hors d’oeuvres, and is finished with an eclectic selection of entrees that touch on Chef Danielle’s favorite French and Mediterranean flavors.”

Bistro D’Helene opens at noon Mondays through Fridays for lunch and then dinner, and adds breakfast hours Saturdays and Sundays, when it fires up at 10 a.m.

“Chef Danielle’s classic French Steak au Poivre features your choice of grass-fed steak pan-fried in its juices along with cognac, cream, and fresh cracked pepper,” the bistro wrote on social media. “Though the sauce is rather simple, we guarantee this pan sauce will turn any evening into your Parisian dinner dreams.”
“Chef Danielle’s classic French Steak au Poivre features your choice of grass-fed steak pan-fried in its juices along with cognac, cream, and fresh cracked pepper,” the bistro wrote on social media. “Though the sauce is rather simple, we guarantee this pan sauce will turn any evening into your Parisian dinner dreams.”

Lunch options are dominated by a handful of soups, salads and sandwiches — including an Egg Salad Sandwich ($15, “jammy egg, fresh dill, dijon, country loaf”).

After 4 p.m., diners have access to entrees including half a dozen seafood options: five Crab-stuffed Deviled Eggs ($19), Lobster Ravioli ($32), Black Cod with Gremolata ($34) and more.

Other dinner choices range from Helene’s Cassoulet ($22) and Burst Tomato Tagliatelle ($24) to Osso Bucco ($38) and Steak au Poivre (starting at $53).

“It’s never too late for dessert ...” the bistro adds on social media. “Our Mousse au Chocolate Blanc features layers of fluffy white chocolate mousse and house-made shortbread cookie, with notes of fresh vanilla bean and lemon. This beauty is prepared by our in-house pastry chef Samantha Flory and available daily.”

Interested in perusing the full menu? Visit Bistro D’Helene online at bistrohelene.com.

Passersby might not realize it from the outside, but Bistro D’Helene is open at 808 W. Fort St.
Passersby might not realize it from the outside, but Bistro D’Helene is open at 808 W. Fort St.