Nestled where Lake Coeur d’Alene meets the Spokane River sits a dining experience unlike any other in Idaho. The Cedars Floating Restaurant has been delighting visitors since 1965 with its unique position directly on the water. Whether you arrive by car or boat, this floating eatery combines breathtaking views with mouthwatering cuisine that captures the essence of the Northwest.
1. Idaho’s Only Restaurant That Floats on Water
Imagine dining while gently swaying with the lake’s rhythm! Since 1965, The Cedars has remained Idaho’s sole floating restaurant, supported by an engineering marvel of over 600,000 pounds of concrete-encased Styrofoam pods.
This remarkable structure doesn’t just sit near the water—it’s literally on it, creating an immersive dining atmosphere that connects you directly with Lake Coeur d’Alene’s natural beauty. The restaurant marks the exact spot where the lake meets the Spokane River, offering a geographical uniqueness matched only by its structural ingenuity.
During the massive 1996 flood, when many shoreline structures were damaged, a local tugboat captain heroically saved The Cedars from drifting away—just one chapter in this floating landmark’s storied history.
2. Panoramic Waterfront Views That Steal Your Breath
Perched directly atop the crystal-clear waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene, every table at The Cedars offers a front-row seat to nature’s grandeur. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the shimmering lake, distant mountains, and occasional wildlife like ospreys diving for fish or deer wandering along the distant shore.
Sunset transforms the dining experience into something magical. Golden light dances across the water’s surface while the gentle rocking motion creates a soothing atmosphere unlike any landlocked restaurant.
Accessible by both dock and shoreline walkway, guests can arrive by boat or car—though many locals insist the full experience includes approaching from the water. The restaurant’s strategic location at the confluence of lake and river maximizes viewing angles in all directions.
3. Engineering Marvel That Survived the Great Flood
What keeps a restaurant afloat for over five decades? Beneath The Cedars lies an engineering feat consisting of approximately 600,000 pounds of concrete-filled Styrofoam blocks that provide perfect buoyancy while remaining incredibly stable.
During the catastrophic 1996 Spokane River flood, when water levels rose dramatically, The Cedars proved its remarkable resilience. While it began to drift from its moorings, quick action from a local tugboat captain prevented disaster, securing the floating structure before it could be swept downstream.
The restaurant’s design allows it to rise and fall with changing water levels, maintaining a consistent height relative to the lake surface year-round. This ingenious system creates the subtle, almost imperceptible motion that makes dining here so uniquely soothing—like enjoying a meal on a perfectly stable luxury yacht.
4. Northwest Flavors That Celebrate Each Season
The kitchen at The Cedars transforms Idaho’s natural bounty into culinary masterpieces that change with the seasons. Their signature cedar-plank salmon arrives at your table still sizzling on aromatic wood, infusing the perfectly cooked fish with subtle smoky notes that complement its natural richness.
Prime rib enthusiasts rave about the slow-roasted, herb-crusted beef, while seafood lovers gravitate toward the fresh Alaskan halibut. Each entrée comes with your choice of their famous house-made clam chowder or access to a bountiful salad bar stocked with crisp local produce.
Executive chefs prioritize Northwest-sourced ingredients, working directly with local farmers, fishermen, and ranchers to ensure peak freshness. This farm-to-table philosophy means the menu evolves throughout the year, showcasing the region’s best seasonal offerings.
5. Sip Handcrafted Cocktails While Watching Sunset Colors
Bartenders at The Cedars craft cocktails that perfectly complement the spectacular setting. Their famous huckleberry martini blends Idaho’s beloved wild berry with premium vodka for a vibrant purple concoction that tastes like summer in a glass.
The carefully curated wine list showcases the best of Pacific Northwest vineyards, with knowledgeable staff ready to recommend perfect pairings for your meal. As day transitions to evening, the bar area becomes a gathering spot where locals and visitors alike toast to the kaleidoscope of colors painting the sky.
Save room for their legendary mud pie—a towering slice of coffee ice cream on chocolate cookie crust, draped in hot fudge. Or try their signature huckleberry ice cream, made exclusively for The Cedars using berries harvested from nearby mountains, creating a truly authentic taste of Idaho.
6. Historic Landmark That Locals Treasure
For generations of Idaho families, The Cedars isn’t just a restaurant—it’s where memories are made. Consistently ranked among TripAdvisor’s top 10 restaurants in Coeur d’Alene, this beloved landmark has hosted countless anniversary celebrations, wedding proposals, and milestone birthdays since opening its doors in 1965.
The attentive staff includes servers who’ve worked here for decades, sharing stories of the restaurant’s evolution while maintaining its timeless charm. Many employees know regular customers by name, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels more like dining with friends than at a tourist destination.
Photographs throughout the restaurant document its rich history, including visits from celebrities and the dramatic 1996 flood rescue. This deep connection to local history makes The Cedars more than just a meal—it’s an authentic piece of Idaho’s cultural heritage.
7. Arrive by Boat for the Ultimate Idaho Experience
Nothing captures the essence of lakeside Idaho living quite like pulling your boat directly up to The Cedars’ private docks. This distinctive “dock and dine” option transforms an ordinary meal into a quintessential Northwest adventure, allowing you to combine a day on the water with exceptional cuisine.
The restaurant maintains several well-maintained slips where watercraft of various sizes can moor while guests enjoy their meal. During summer months, these coveted docking spaces fill quickly as boaters arrive to watch the sunset while sipping cocktails.
Even for those arriving by car, watching boats come and go adds to the dynamic atmosphere. Many guests time their visits to coincide with lake events like holiday boat parades or sailing regattas, making The Cedars the perfect viewing platform for Lake Coeur d’Alene’s vibrant maritime culture.
