This article was produced in partnership with Chandlers Prime Steaks & Fine Seafood to celebrate its 2025 DiRōNA Hall of Fame induction.
In Boise’s vibrant downtown, where culinary creativity meets genuine hospitality, Chandlers Prime Steaks & Fine Seafood continues to lead with distinction. The iconic restaurant, helmed by veteran restaurateur Rex Chandler, has added another prestigious honor to its growing list of accolades: the 2025 Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRōNA) Best Award of Excellence and induction into the DiRōNA Hall of Fame, recognizing the very best in fine dining across the continent.
This honor joins an impressive lineup—Wine Spectator’s Best Award of Excellence annually since 2013 and a Forbes Travel Guide Recommended designation—cementing Chandlers’ status as one of the most lauded and consistent fine dining experiences in the Northwest.
“The cuisine must be excellent—that’s a given,” says Rex Chandler. “But what sets a restaurant apart is the warmth and professionalism that make guests feel truly welcome.”
A Lifetime of Culinary Leadership
Rex Chandler’s journey to the top of the fine dining world spans more than five decades and three states. A Southern California native, Chandler first made his mark in Hawaii’s restaurant scene before opening award-winning establishments in Newport Beach, California, and Sun Valley, Idaho. In 2007, he took a bold leap—transforming a defunct hotel pool inside Hotel 43 into what would become Boise’s signature steakhouse.
Today, Chandlers occupies over 9,000 square feet, employs more than 90 hospitality professionals, and is recognized nationwide for its flawless service, curated wine program, and sophisticated atmosphere. Nightly live jazz completes the experience, creating a cosmopolitan energy that feels right at home in the heart of downtown Boise.
Chandler’s approach to success has always been rooted in a simple philosophy: take care of your team, and they’ll take care of your guests. “We have a circle of life philosophy,” he says. “We train and empower our employees. They take care of our customers. And our customers, in turn, take care of the restaurant.”
Excellence on Every Plate
Steak may be Chandlers’ signature, but it’s the craftsmanship behind each dish that truly defines the experience. Every cut, whether it’s the bone-in Delmonico, the Cowboy ribeye, or the ever-popular filet, is hand-cut daily in the restaurant’s own butcher room.
Chandlers partners with True West Beef and Snake River Farms to source the highest-quality meats available, including Japanese A5 wagyu and American wagyu raised right here in Idaho. Chandler calls the latter “a perfect balance” of tenderness and flavor, a true reflection of the region’s agricultural excellence.
Seafood arrives fresh daily from Honolulu, Anchorage, and the Pacific Northwest. The menu changes seasonally, but favorites like Alaskan halibut, sashimi-grade ahi tuna, and oysters on the half shell remain staples. Each dish is paired with selections from a wine list that has earned Wine Spectator’s Best Award of Excellence for fifteen straight years—a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to quality and pairing.
“Our menu starts with prime beef, and then it goes up from there,” Chandler says. “The focus is always on quality—no shortcuts, no compromises.”
Recognition at the Highest Level
The Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRōNA) honors establishments that meet the organization’s highest standards of cuisine, service, and hospitality. To be recognized alongside elite restaurants from major metropolitan markets is no small
achievement—especially for an independent restaurant in Boise.
“Earning this distinction is no small feat,” said Scott Breard, CEO of DiRōNA. “It reflects a level of passion and dedication to creating unforgettable dining experiences.”
Chandler himself was also inducted into the DiRōNA Hall of Fame in 2025, honoring his lifetime of excellence, mentorship, and community commitment. The recognition acknowledges not only his culinary leadership but also his decades-long devotion to elevating hospitality as both an art and a profession.
A Culture of Community and Care
Beyond the awards and accolades, what truly defines Rex Chandler is his heart for people—both guests and employees alike. Many of his staff have been with him for years, a rarity in the industry.
That commitment to service extends far beyond the restaurant’s walls. Chandlers has long supported local organizations such as the Women’s and Children’s Alliance and The Idaho Foodbank, helping fund community programs and provide meals for those in need. “We’ve been fortunate,” says Chandler, “and it’s important to give back to the community that supports us.”
Classic Hospitality, Timeless Experience
In an era when restaurant trends come and go, Chandler stands by timeless principles: impeccable service, attention to detail, and a genuine welcome. His approach is old-school in
the best sense—where dining out means something special, and where guests are treated like family.
“People come to Chandlers not just for a meal, but for a memory,” Chandler says. “They want something that feels personal—something that reminds them what true hospitality is.”
Whether it’s the polished service, the warmth of live jazz, or the perfect glass of wine with a hand-cut steak, Chandlers offers more than dinner; it offers an experience that embodies Boise’s growth, grace, and sophistication.
Chandlers Steakhouse is located inside Hotel 43, Downtown Boise. Visit ChandlersBoise.com or call (208) 383-4300 to reserve your table.
Boise Lifestyle occasionally partners with select local businesses to share stories that inspire and inform our readers. Our partners are carefully chosen for their commitment to excellence and community impact.
- 15 Years – Wine Spectator Award of Excellence
- Forbes Travel Guide – Recommended Restaurant
- 2025 DiRōNA Award of Excellence
- 2025 DiRōNA Hall of Fame Inductee – Rex Chandler
- 90+ Employees – Dedicated to world-class service
- 9,000 sq. ft. of elegant dining and nightly live jazz