‘Lard dough’: How an Idaho mining town, turned restaurant got its name

If you’ve driven through McCall, you’ve probably noticed Lardos Grill and Saloon on the edge of town heading towards New Meadows.

While the restaurant has been open since the 1970s and is known for its burgers, spaghetti, and drinks – Lardos’ history dates back to the 1800s.

The site where the restaurant sits today was once a small mining town called Lardo, which sprang up in the area during the Gold Rush in 1886.

“It is said Lardo got its name when a wagon load of flour and lard overturned and mixed together to create a “lard dough,” the Visit McCall website notes. “While there is no evidence to prove the truth of this event, it does make a great story!”

Lardos also notes the theory of how it got its name on its website.

“The Road was steep, rough, and rocky, and freight being hauled over it bumped and jostled. On one occasion when freight was being transported, a strange happening occurred to the cargo of flour and lard. The sacks of flour had broken open, and the pails of lard had popped their lids. When the driver began to unload, his eyes widened with disbelief at the mess he viewed: So with a southern drawl he exclaimed, “Lard, Oh, Lardo!” meaning lard and dough.”

While the restaurant is now a part of McCall, the once-small mining town had two blacksmiths, a stable, a meat market, a restaurant, two hotels, a post office, and a general store. The town was also home to the area’s first newspaper called the Long Valley Advocate.

“Today, the Lardo Grill and Saloon is the perfect stop after a day on the lake,” Visit McCall’s website notes. “We love the buffalo wings or loaded Lardo fries to start. Choose from a huge menu of burgers and sandwiches then make sure to save room for the hot buttered fudge cake with vanilla ice cream.”

Lardos Grill and Saloon is open 7 days a week from 11:30 am – 10 pm.