Sofie’s Chatterbox turned out to be an eatery worth waiting overnight to experience, since Rupert Idaho (population about 6,000) was closed up “tighter than a drum” when we pulled into town on a Sunday afternoon.
Our drive from Oregon to Idaho took us through some amazing scenery earlier that day, and I could picture cowboys rounding up their herds in the valleys below those majestic mountain peaks.
I wished all of those abandoned homesteads could tell us their stories…
By the time we arrived in Rupert we decided we had driven enough for one day. (That’s the beauty of being retired and having no deadlines. We drive until we feel like stopping…and then we stop!)
We made that quick pass through downtown before we even looked for a place to stay, since small town diners and cafes are a highlight for us on any road trip.
Absolutely nothing was open on Sunday…but we had our plan for breakfast on Monday, since Sofie’s Chatterbox looked very promising.
We headed back out to the edge of town where we found an interesting Mom and Pop motel. A throwback to the 1950’s…just our kind of place!
The owner was friendly, and he was quick to hand us a key so we could check out the room to make sure it was OK. (We don’t hesitate to ask to see rooms before we sign on the dotted line.)
The motel contained some colorful characters. (Enough said.)
But the room was clean, the white towels were fresh, and the bathroom was clean as well.
Sometimes old and outdated is just fine with us, as long is it’s clean and safe. (These small motels allow us to keep more of our fixed-income dollars in our pockets to spend on other things…like food and fun!)
It was almost time for dinner, and since we already knew the downtown was deserted we headed back out near the Interstate to look for an open restaurant. I must say nearly everyone in Rupert Idaho must eat all their meals at home on Sunday, but we finally found a Pizza Hut…the ONLY choice nearby. After a quick trip to their salad bar we headed back to the motel for a good night’s sleep before our long drive resumed, and early the next morning we headed back downtown for breakfast.
Sofie’s Chatterbox was a welcome sight. (Fresh flowers are always a good sign…)
The interior was filled with Western touches…
And every head turned when these two “strangers” walked through the front door. (We LOVE that!)
The place was absolutely spotless. Really. I mean it.
We were quickly greeted by none other than Sofie herself!
If I could clone the perfect restaurant server, it would be Sofie. She was constantly moving around the restaurant…keeping coffee cups filled, taking orders, delivering plates of food, clearing tables, and yet always taking time to chat with her customers. And her million dollar smile never left her face.
Of course I asked her how the restaurant got its name.
She told me one time she received a detention in school. For TALKING, of course. Her father was NOT pleased. And that’s when he told her when she grew up she’d better find a job where she could talk all day.
So that’s exactly what she did!
Sofie has owned the restaurant for the past five years, and I must say she picked the PERFECT business to match her personality. I told her we’re kindred spirits, since my childhood nickname was “Chatty Patty.” (I remember MY dad offering to pay me a quarter if I could PLEASE NOT TALK during one meal when company came to visit. I did earn that quarter…but it sure wasn’t easy!)
Smiling Sofie took our order, and of course the food was absolutely delicious.
I looked closely at Peepaw’s whole wheat toast, and I asked Sofie if that luscious looking bread was homemade. And to my surprise…it was!
It turns out Sofie’s daughter Shelby is the baker at the restaurant!
(Yes…Sofie is old enough to have a daughter who works with her. I am still in disbelief about that.) I was even invited to step into the kitchen to see what was in the oven that morning, and I jumped at the chance.
Shelby makes all the white and whole wheat bread served at Sofie’s Chatterbox.
And the oven was already filled with chocolate chip cookies.
And no made-from-scratch restaurant menu would be complete without…Pie! Of course that talented baker Shelby was getting started on those too.
What an amazing mother/daughter team. I think they each found their niche at Sofie’s Chatterbox!
What a warm and welcoming eatery. No wonder Sofie’s Chatterbox has become the hub of that small Idaho town!
After some of the “locals” heard me say I was a food and travel writer, they began to laugh. One person told me they had been studying our car’s personalized license plate to try to figure it out. And that started a conversation with everyone else in the place! (My “Chatty Patty” side came out.) Some diners told me they eat at the Chatterbox twice every day, and some said they come every morning to catch up on the latest news (aka gossip). Small town America…still alive and well in Rupert!
We met a wonderful couple named Milbert and Darlene who live in nearby Acequia.
Darlene told me she was a school bus driver for 34 years, and her stories of blizzards and the treacherous mountain roads behind the wheel of that bus would make a great book!
As we finished our wonderful meal, I mentioned the beautiful scenery and the Snake River nearby. And that’s when Darlene told me, “If you drink that Snake water…you’ll always come back.” So before we said goodbye to Sofie and her loyal customers, I took another sip from my glass.
I sure hope Darlene was right.
As always I am so happy to read about these wonderful towns-thanks
Thanks Linda! And I always appreciate your comments! I LOVE to hear from my Dear Readers…it makes writing so much more fun when I know people are actually READING my blog! 🙂 Comments from my readers are always read…and appreciated!
Yes this is the best place to eat ! If you are in town you need to check it out ! And special orders are never a problem ?
Thanks Cheryl! And having met Sofie I’m sure she would gladly do a special order…for anyone! What a special lady…Thanks again for yuour comment!
Loved this article ! You definitely chose the perfect place in our town to eat and meet some great friends !
Thanks for your kind words Sheryl! Your pretty little town was the perfect place to spend some time. And Sofie’s Chatterbox gave us a great breakfast and some new friends! Keep reading my blog to see who we’ll meet on Meemaw’s NEXT big Road Trip. And follow Meemaw Eats on Facebook and Instagram! (I may be an old lady…but I’ve got this Social Media thing down!) 🙂
Just a comment to let you know I read (and enjoy) your blog!
Thanks a bunch Laura! It means SO MUCH to me when my Dear Readers take the time to comment! And it helps me plan my next story…or recipe when I see the posts that resonate with my readers!
You should come to this little town of Rupert Idaho the day after Thanksgiving or on the July 4th weekend we’re over 5000 people Gather in the Square for fireworks ,food, and fun..
Thanks for your comment Lendon! I bet Rupert puts on an awesome event…no matter the season. That’s what makes Peepaw and I want to jump in the car and explore this great country…The little towns just like yours. Follow my blog and see where our next road trip takes us!
Lendon is right! The week before the Fourth of July and the day after Thanksgiving are amazing! Sofie is wonderful. I went to school with her. She just gets more fun and talented!
Thanks for your comment Amy! I hope you will all send me pics of the festivities later this month! And I bet Sofie’s Chatterbox will be filled to overflowing with customers that day. All the best to ALL of you in Rupert…from your new friends Meemaw and Peepaw! (And please drink another glass of water for me!) 🙂
Great article and Sophie’s IS the best!!
Thanks Cherlyn…I appreciate your kind words! And yes…We see why Sofie’s is THE tasty place to gather in Rupert. 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed your blog about Rupert, idaho, where I was born 71 years ago. I love the town square & the Bandstand. Christmas City & the 4th of July Parade, Street Dances, 4- H projects & rabbits, sheep, goats, calves, horses & pigs showings, Rodeo & Carnival. Love the old town closeness of the people. How we always ‘Come Home’ from wherever else we may live at the present to see all our friends that we know “Come Home” too for those special occasions.
Thank you Beverley…I can almost see the events as you described them so well! And we both know the secret to “coming home” to Rupert…It’s that Snake River water…for sure!
Enjoyed the article about Sophie’s and Rupert.It was so upbeat and made me feel good all day! Thankyou! Sophie’s is great and so is Rupert!
Thank you so much Jo Anne! And now YOUR kind words will make ME feel good all day too! 🙂
We thoroughly enjoyed this blog about our hometown. Hubby’s family owned that establishment for several years, and lots of happy memories flood back every time we go there. We’re so pleased it’s legacy continues under Sofie’s very capable ownership. I wrote a walking tour brochure about the historic buildings around the Square. Aren’t they spectacular! And our crowning glory, the park, is undergoing a face-lift just in time for Santa to kick off this year’s Christmas City opening events the day after Thanksgiving, complete with fireworks! We just retired and love checking out off-the-beaten-path places, like you. Life is grand! Judy Graham-Barnes, Rupert.
Thank you SO MUCH for your comment Judy! (I’m sorry about my delay in answering, but this old Meemaw has been “under the weather” for a few days and I’m resting up for the arrival of our family this Thanksgiving week!) We absolutely loved Sofie and her daughter…and all the wonderful locals who added colorful details about your beautiful hometown and the scenic area around it. It was a delicious breakfast we’ll remember for a long, long time! Happy Holidays to you and yours…wherever you plan to celebrate!
XOXO
Meemaw