Deep fried seafood is a 55-year tradition at The Gangplank and it’s worth the trip to Idaho Falls
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IDAHO FALLS – For 55 years, The Gangplank at 925 North Holmes Avenue in Idaho Falls has been serving up deep fried battered cod, shrimp, salmon and other items. EastIdahoNews.com paid a visit to sample some of the menu.
All the seafood is as fresh as it can be. Jason Croney, the general manager, says the fish is usually served within a month or two being caught. They get new shipments of fish several times a week.
We tried five different dishes. The first one is the South African Hake. It’s a limited-edition item available for the next few months. It’s served with fries, tartar sauce and drink of your choice.
“It’s a white fish similar to cod,” Jason Croney, the restaurant’s general manager says. “We got 21 cases in. They had it in a special on a close-out deal. We bought all 21 cases, not realizing they were 20-pound cases. We’ve got about five cases left.”
The second item we tasted is the seafood combo, served with one cod, two shrimp and clams. It’s Croney’s favorite menu item and we thought it was delightful as well.
The two-piece cod with fries and coleslaw is another great one.
If you’re looking for some non-deep-fried options, The Gangplank’s version of clam chowder soup is creamy and delicious. Croney says they use a pre-made base and “add things to it to make it their own.”
“It has a good flavor to it,” says Croney.
The restaurant’s homemade coleslaw dates back to the 1970s before the Croney’s owned it. At that time, it was part of a national franchise called Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips and the coleslaw is Treacher’s original recipe.
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“They had a different dressing for the United States and a different dressing for Mexico. The original owner always liked the one from Mexico better so that’s the one we’ve used ever since,” Croney says.
When asked what the special sauce is made of, Croney responded matter-of-factly, “It’s our special sauce mix.”
The Gangplank launched a catering service about three years ago and just kicked off the 2025 season taking the mobile food truck to community events. A recent trip to Paris, Idaho was overwhelmingly successful for them.
“We’ve got 20 different events lined up this year. I feel bad that I’ve turned down 11 because I’ve got something else booked for that weekend,” Croney says.
Those interested in booking The Gangplank for catering can call (208) 524-1774. Just ask for Jason or Jeff. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
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