This Boise restaurant thrived where others failed. Its owners just opened another one

The folks behind a successful Mexican restaurant in Boise have set up shop a few miles away.

And Garden City’s taco scene is all the better for it.

Taqueria Las Brazas opened last week at 3988 W. Chinden Blvd. The counter-service restaurant has taken over a free-standing, 2,108-square-foot building that used to be a Subway sandwich shop.

Las Brazas is run by the same family that operates Taqueria La Flama, 1680 N. Westland Drive, co-owner Carlos Lopez said.

In between taking lunch orders at the register, Lopez explained that Las Brazas’ menu is similar but with a few differences. Las Brazas, for example, has a pork-covered vertical rotisserie behind the counter — for dishing up tacos al pastor ($2.29). (Be warned: That thing smells freakin’ delicious when you stand at the register ordering.) Unlike La Flama, there’s no salsa bar at Las Brazas.

Meat choices are listed on the menu posted behind the counter: asada, shredded beef, adobada, birria, lengua, tripa, al pastor, pollo and carnitas. Tortillas are housemade or prepacked; you choose.

Typical entrees include tacos ($1.99), a hefty burrito ($8.99, or $9.49 “wet”), flautas ($10.49) and enchiladas ($9.99). Other highlights include quesabirria tacos ($9.45), birria ($14.49) and menudo ($13.99, or $7.99 if you catch it on special).

With a clean, simple dining room and a straightforward menu that includes street food nods, Las Brazas seems like a solid bet to succeed. After all, its sister restaurant, Taqueria La Flama, has succeeded where prior restaurants failed.

Located across from Pojo’s Family Fun Center on Fairview Avenue, La Flama’s building had a history of struggles. Arctic Circle opened there in 2014, then shuttered. Local hamburger joint Speedy Burger gave it a go in 2016 before closing the same year. But after appearing in 2017, Taqueria La Flama built a hungry clientele and is still going strong.

Las Brazas is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. In the future, the restaurant might be closed one day per week, Lopez said.

Online: taquerialasbrazas.business.site

This story was originally published November 1, 2022 at 4:00 AM.