by brady l. kay

It’s Monday afternoon, and even though this isn’t the couple’s usual routine day to dine at Smokin Fins, they find themselves sitting out on the patio in their favorite spot. To call Robert and Angie Griffith regulars would truly be an understatement. In fact, it’s safe to say they wouldn’t have just celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary if not for the role the downtown restaurant played in bringing them together.

The couple met at Smokin Fins on July 6, 2019. “I want you to know, I was very bold that night,” recalls Angie. “I came up and introduced myself after two classes of wine, so I was feeling a little brave with my friend encouraging me.”

Nearly five months later, when Robert decided to propose, he had the perfect place selected to ask the important question.

There are regulars, and then there are Robert and Angie Griffith. The couple met, got engaged, and then celebrated their wedding…all at Smokin Fins. They can be found in the patio area on most Saturday mornings in the summer, enjoying brunch at their favorite restaurant.

“We got engaged on November 28, 2019, at the bar, where I was sitting that night in the same spot,” says Robert. “Then we got married on May 30, 2020, at the Japanese Garden across the street, and then came over here after.”

Adds Angie, “It’s a big part of our history, it’s our favorite restaurant to come to. On Saturday mornings, we sit here on the patio, bring our dog, and people watch. It’s our favorite restaurant in town, and having a place like Smokin Fins in Idaho Falls is great because we really, really needed a place like this. It has a nice patio, good ambiance, and amazing food.”

Robert and Angie visit often, and according to the 2026 Dining Awards, they’re not alone in thinking Smokin Fins is a great place to eat. It was recently voted the top overall restaurant in Idaho Falls and number one in the fine dining category. When General Manager Joey Docksey, who has been with Smokin Fins for eight years and has been managing the Idaho Falls location for nearly five, found out about the honor, he was excited to know his high expectations had been met.

“That’s our goal, to be the top restaurant in town, that’s where we want to be,” said Joey. “That’s what we strive for, in every aspect, from the host stand to the dishwashers, to the service, and the quality of food. We just want to be the best. There are a lot of other good restaurants around here, too. So we certainly compare ourselves to them and try to be better in everything, in every aspect.”

Aaron McGregor is one of the managers at Smokin Fins, and he is always cooking up something delicious; a ribeye steak or the Mahi-Mahi are among his personal favorites.

The secret to a top restaurant is finding a staff that works well together.

“I’m in the back a lot, but the camaraderie between the kitchen staff is amazing,” says Aaron McGregor, who runs the kitchen. “The people here are great. We’re all nuts, but we’re all friends. I just love the people who work here.”

Joey agrees by adding, “I like to take care of our staff, I think that’s sometimes overlooked by other restaurants. Our guests are certainly most important, but so is taking care of the staff. If they’re happy, then they will make sure that our guests are happy.”

As you interact with the restaurant staff, you quickly pick up on the positive vibe and friendly atmosphere among them.

“The best part of my job is probably my co-workers. They’re like family,” says Whitney Clapp, who has been with Smokin Fins nearly eight years. “We’ve been through it all together, so I really enjoy being here. I’ve worked at other restaurants and this one by far is my favorite and the one I’ve been at the longest.”

Known as a great seafood restaurant, what some haven’t discovered yet is that Smokin Fins also offers a full menu with steaks and burgers, including its new Smash Burger that is served in a melted cheese sauce.

With “fins” being in the name of the restaurant, it’s easy to understand that it has become a popular place for those craving seafood. The extensive menu changes with the season and if you love fish, Smokin Fins has it all. But what if you’re not a seafood fan?

“Probably two of the biggest misconceptions are that people think we are expensive, or high-priced, and they think we just offer seafood,” explains Joey. “We’re not just seafood, we have something for everybody in the family, including the kids, and the grandparents. And we also have price points. We’re doing a new lunch menu and a happy hour. And then brunch on the weekends.”

Adds Justice Hill, who is one of the managers, “We’re definitely not just a great seafood place. We’ve got so many options, so many different things. Some family members were hesitant to come in because they don’t like seafood, but I assured them they would find something they would love here. No matter what you like, we have options for everyone.”

One of the things Joey has been most impressed with is the support from the local community, not just downtown but across all of Idaho Falls.

“We always try to support anybody who needs it, and take care of this city that takes care of us,” says the general manager. “We really love Idaho Falls and want to do our part to take care of them like they have taken care of us.”

The great people in southeast Idaho have voted and made it clear the food, atmosphere, and staff are top notch, thanks to a hard-working crew that believes in quality, flavor and presentation.

“The food is great and so is the staff,” concludes Joey. “People come for the food and stay for the staff.”