Sydney’s Is Thriving in Preston, Idaho

Last year, Sydney’s Restaurant moved from Mantua, Utah to Preston, Idaho. Last week my cousin Heather and I stopped in for lunch so I could check out the new spot at 101 N State Street.

When I did a Standard-Examiner story on Sydney’s in 2021, the Mantua restaurant was quickly gaining a reputation for its Old West atmosphere and its “comfort food on steroids.” The barn-like building was strewn with loops of antique barbed wire, old cowboy hats and boots, a saddle that belonged to Hardy’s great-grandfather, bear hides, a buffalo head and other vintage items. Co-owner Denise Hardy named her restaurant Sydney’s, after her late mother. It’s also Hardy’s first name (Sydney Denise). And Denise’s daughter is named Sydney as well.

On a trip to Mantua, it was fun interviewing owner Denise Hardy and then-chef Ted Mathesius, who had also been chef of two former Logan landmarks — the Copper Mill and Hamilton’s. (Ted is now an award-winning territory sales manager for US Foods).

Summers attracted quite a crowd from folks driving through Sardine Canyon or camping at the next-door campground. But winters offered less traffic, and Hardy was forced to cut the hours.

So when Denise had the opportunity to move across the Idaho border into Preston, she jumped. Preston’s small town atmosphere made it a great setting for the “Napoleon Dynamite” movie. But it’s big enough to support a few local cafes and restaurants.

Denise told me that within a few weeks of opening, the restaurant was doing more business than it had on its best days in Mantua. Closed on Sunday and Monday, the Preston restaurant is open for lunch and dinner the rest of the week, and serves Saturday morning breakfast.

The Preston location was also easier for Hardy to run, since she had been traveling from her Thatcher, Idaho home to run the Mantua restaurant. Now, she lives in Preston, ending her long commute.

Although the Preston location has more seating, Hardy had to give up the high vaulted ceiling in the Mantua building. But she found room for the big buffalo head, and the extensive barbed-wire collection, a rusted-out bicycle, and other down-home decor that gives Sydney’s an ambiance-with-an-attitude.

For lunch, Heather and I both ordered Loaded Taters. Heather’s was topped with pulled pork, and mine with chili. They are generously portioned, as you can see from the photo of Denise holding one of those Taters. Those are pretty big Idaho spuds!

At Sydney’s you’ll find hearty, homestyle cooking, especially when it comes to the daily specials. Recent ones include slow-roasted pot roast, Big Boy Grilled Cheese (brisket or pulled pork topped with melted cheddar), and a Mac Monster Special: two 1/3-pound Certified Angus beef patties, topped with bacon, pastrami, melted cheddar, and mac-n-cheese. I’d wait to start that new diet AFTER a trip to Sydney’s.

When a restaurant makes a move to a new location, it can be risky. But apparently, Mantua’s loss is Preston’s gain.

Sydney’s Restaurant, 101 N. State Street, Preston, ID

Phone: (208) 852-2026

Website: https://sydneys.tini.app/