East Idaho Eats: Find buffalo chicken mac and cheese, poutine, Detroit style pizza and more at the Mountain America Center

IDAHO FALLS — The Mountain America Center has been open a little over three months. While you expect hockey games, concerts, events or something else going on almost every day of the week, you can also find delicious food.

Robert Martin is the Executive Chef and Food and Beverage Director at the facility. He and his team have created a variety of entrees, drinks, desserts and snacks that are quickly becoming fan favorites.

“We have great food. You can still get your burgers and dogs, but there’s a lot more,” Martin explains. “You can get in and out quick as our lines are usually no more than 5-7 minutes.”

The most popular item at the Mountain America Center is the brisket macaroni and cheese sold at Top Cheddar, a mobile food stand. There’s also pulled pork, classic and buffalo chicken mac and cheese – complete with ranch and buffalo shredded slow-cooked chicken, white cheddar cheese sauce and blue cheese crumbles smothered on pasta.

Crafty Pete’s Pie Shack serves craft soda, craft beer and hand-made pizza. Martin’s team recently rolled out Detroit style square pizza. It’s loaded with mozzarella cheese, white cheddar on the edge of the crust and finished with a spicy honey sauce. We tried it with pepperoni and jalapenos on top. Pair it with a huckleberry lime rickey and you’ll have a delicious combination.

If French fries are your thing, stop by ToPo Tato and try poutine – waffle fries covered with brown gravy and cheese curds. You can add smoked brisket to the top for an extra hearty dish.

“We do all smoking in house. Our chef Nate does the smoking for all of our meats and does a really great job. It comes out nice and tender,” Martin says.

One of the most delicious items we tried was the peach cobbler – a warm dessert straight out of the oven topped with pecans and whipped cream. So good. You can find it at Coyote Country BBQ.

The portion sizes are big enough that you can share most meals at the Mountain America Center and don’t forget to stop by El Flamingo Tacos for Mexican food and Eagle Rock Burgers and Brews for The Hat Trick Burger, jumbo steak dog, chili cheese fries and more.

“Our portions are not small. They’re full, restaurant quality meals and there’s a lot of variety. We have a lot of people that show up at 6 o’clock before their event just to enjoy something nice to eat before the show or game,” Martin says.

You can learn more about the Mountain America Food options here.