Local couple brings their flair for cuisine and craft cocktails lakeside By Jillian Chandler
An unmatched dining experience awaits diners on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille in Hope. Opened in April 2022 by Josh and Maddie Dorrell, Drift Lakeside Kitchen and Bar has quickly made a name for itself with its impressive menu paired with fine craft cocktails—and of course, the stunning view.
The road to Drift Lakeside began many years ago. Josh’s love of cooking began at a young age, as he recalls time spent in the kitchen with both his maternal and paternal grandmothers. After high school, he enrolled at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts - Scottsdale, where he graduated in 2007. For Maddie, she went through the hospitality program at California State University, San Bernardino - Palm Desert Campus, graduating in 2012. The two would meet in Palm Springs and work alongside each other in the hospitality scene at high-end hotels for nearly a decade. Josh and Maddie made the perfect pairing, not only professionally but personally. During this time, their relationship blossomed, and the two were married in June 2018.
The pair would spend time in Texas, then Montana—at Lake Koocanusa—where they fell in love with the North! After the struggles of COVID, not being able to make the living in California they had been accustomed to, the couple moved to Clark Fork and would open Drift Lakeside Kitchen and Bar in nearby Hope.
“My friend Ian has been out here for four years and is the one who found the restaurant location on his way home one day,” recalls Josh. “He called to tell me about it, and here we are.”
Combine Maddie’s love of craft cocktails and Josh’s love of food, and you have Drift Lakeside. The restaurant is described as new American casual fine dining. Josh, Maddie, and the rest of their team, pride themselves on being a from-scratch kitchen in which they are reinvigorating farm to table, with a dynamic menu that changes with what’s the best in season. Each menu item is uniquely crafted using seasonal, local produce, consciously sourced and foraged, and only the finest ingredients.
Stop in for dinner Thursday through Sunday to enjoy entrees like the Herb-Roasted Half Chicken, Pan-Seared Rockfish, Rigatoni Bolognese or Meatloaf. The brunch menu, served 10am to 3pm Saturday and Sunday, is sure to get you jumping out of bed, with items like the Salmon Eggs Benny, Wild Mushroom Omelet and Gluten-Free Pancakes Bananas Fosters. Try the Oysters, with vodka cocktail sauce, horseradish and lemon, or the Traditional Shrimp Cocktail. Guests are sure to satisfy their appetite with the Tri Tip Sandwich or Drift Burger. Happy hour is offered 4 to 5pm Thursday through Saturday, 4 to 6pm Sunday, with a selection of beverages, and shareables like the Wild Game Charcuterie, Truffle Garlic Parm Fries, and Pork and Green Chili Nachos.
Each week, they offer Ladies Night Thursday (with special deals on wine and appetizers), Prime Rib Friday and Pasta Night Saturday, as well as weekly specials that are sure to delight your palate. And keep your eyes out for the occasional winemaker’s dinner—sure to impress.
To complement the beautiful menu options, choose to pair your meal with a glass of wine, cold brew, or specialty cocktail from their full bar. They also offer a wonderful choice of non-alcoholic beverages to choose from, such as lemonade (huckleberry, strawberry, raspberry or blood orange), and lavender mojito.
As the warmer weather makes its way, diners have the option to dine outdoors, lakefront on the expansive patio.
Since opening their doors to the North Idaho community, Josh and Maddie couldn’t be more appreciative of the outpouring of support and encouragement. “The community has been nothing but patient and grateful, which really helps to keep us motivated to do what we love,” affirms Josh.
The Dorrells will celebrate a year in business the end of April, and they agree that they owe the success they’ve experienced to the incredible support of the local, their outstanding staff, and unwavering commitment to stand behind their food and drink, but acknowledge that without their business partners, Jason and Erin Holland, they would not be here.
Open 4 to 8pm Thursday and Friday, 10am to 8pm Saturday and 10am to 6pm Sunday, be sure to follow Drift Lakeside on Facebook and Instagram for current menus and specials.
Drift Lakeside Kitchen and Bar 46624 Highway 200 Hope, Idaho 83836 208.597.7259 DriftLakeside.com
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