Idle Isle Cafe Serves You
That the Idle Isle Café serves YOU—their guest—is immediately felt when you walk through the front door. It starts with warm greetings and friendly smiles from staff, which is part of the Café’s longtime tradition.
Next, you feel the historic, yet comfortable surroundings. From rich old wood to soft light from antique fixtures to the gentle sound of music, guests are wrapped in coziness.
Then the scent of fresh baked bread, pies, and delicious food takes over and you are ready for a fabulous meal among new friends.
You can easily spot the Idle Isle Cafe by the green awning spanning the storefront. It's well lit at night too.
Location:
24 South Main Street
Brigham City, UT 84302
Contact:
Travis Porter
(435) 734-2468
Hours:
11 AM - 7 PM, M-Th
11 AM - 7:30 PM, F-Sa
Website:
http://idleislecafe.com/
The original soda fountain counter, made of marble and onyx, gives guests the feeling of stepping back in time.
100 years of History and Tradition
So what makes this Café so special? Idle Isle opened in May 1921 as a family-run ice cream and candy shop, adding the café a few years later. Since opening, it has been in continuous operation, surviving 100 years of challenges.
Even though the original owners sold the cafe (1994), the “family-run” tradition continues. The owners, Travis and Jana Porter appreciate the café’s rich history. Keeping those stories alive and remembered is an important part of their business plan.
Dine in the original wood booths handcrafted in 1921.
Our lunch was so delicious! I had the “Pepper Philly” sandwich, served with made-from-scratch potato salad. Can’t beat the taste of fresh, homemade bread. Yum!
Amazing, Old-fashioned Comfort Food
Idle Isle Café serves you old-fashioned comfort food, another continued tradition. Diners enjoy made from scratch meals, including tasty sides, fresh breads, and yummy desserts—all made in house. No packaged mixes here!
Daily specials are a big favorite. See the main image at the top? It’s the hot turkey sandwich. Made with turkey atop a slice of fresh bread—along with mashed potatoes, both smothered in gravy. Totally mouth-watering and delish!
LEFT: Fresh house salad was part of my meal. RIGHT: Nothing better than hot, fresh rolls with butter. Be sure to try their delicious lemonade. We ordered a black raspberry and a peach lemonade. (Our visit was during “Peach Days.”)
Original woodwork, mirrors, and furniture on display and in use every day.
Historic Interiors Keep it Original
Want to step back in time? Just step inside the Idle Isle Café. There you find two dining rooms filled with 1920’s history. This includes original woodwork, mirrors, and wallpaper still in place.
In addition to display cases filled with vintage equipment, there are two original bentwood chairs, an antique grandfather clock, and handcrafted coat rack. The story is the coat rack was made from an old covered wagon.
LEFT: Grandfather clock has been in the Café since 1921. RIGHT: Wood trimmed mirrors and wallpaper are also original.
LEFT: One of the original bentwood chairs. Notice the triangular seat. CENTER: Mirror, wood shelf and trim along with the sconce are from 1921. RIGHT: Art Deco globe light was added later, but still adds a strong vintage feel to the dining room
The Tradition Continues
Serving both high-quality food and exceptional service is Travis and Jana’s vision for the Café. They have definitely succeeded. You enter as a guest, but leave feeling like part of the family.
Without a doubt, the Idle Isle Café is worth the detour off the highway. So, when you’re traveling near Brigham City, Utah, make plans to stop. And be sure to tell Travis and Jana we said hello!
(FYI…Watch for the Café’s centennial celebration in 2021.)
A beautiful oak wood case, filled with antique kitchen tools, dishes, and other items, places the Café’s history on display.
Travis Porter, Idle Isle Cafe owner. (Jana was in the kitchen making homemade pies when we were there.)
About the Owners
We have found one common thread in all the food service business owner interviews we have done—they are all passionate about good food and great service.
That is exactly what we felt in Travis and Jana Porter, current owners of the Idle Isle Café.
Even though Travis and Jana purchased Idle Isle in 2015, they both have a long history with the Café. Jana’s parents purchased the business in 1994 and she worked there growing up.
Enter Travis—or should I say Travis’ sister. She set Travis up on a blind date with Jana. Well, love bloomed, they married, and Travis managed the business from 1998 until 2007. After taking a break from the Café, Travis returned in 2015, this time as the owner when his in-laws retired.
The Porters are remarkable people with a vision for this historic business. The traditions begun so long ago will continue on.
Looking for more yummy foods to enjoy?
Head over to our "Places to Eat" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
Idle Isle Cafe is under new ownership. Can we have the site updated?
We would be happy to update the owner information! I will contact you to get the information I need to re-write the “About the Owners” info.
Thanks!!
Jeanette
please call as at the restaurant. We would like to get this updated ASAP.