With Texas-size cocktails, a Hollywood restaurant will expand to — Boise? Its owner rocks
A North Hollywood restaurant and bar that calls itself “Los Angeles’ ultimate Tex-Mex hangout” will expand to downtown Boise this summer.
Uh, why the City of Trees?
Idaho live-music fans know the owner well.
El Tejano Tex-Mex is targeting a July opening at 850 W. Broad St., next to the Knitting Factory Concert House. Launched in 2016, the original El Tejano is one of four dining concepts co-owned by L.A.-based Knitting Factory Entertainment.
Although most people think of it as a music-venue brand, Knitting Factory also has ties to the hospitality sector, record labels and management companies. El Tejano in Boise — the only other location besides the one in L.A. — will be owned solely by Knitting Factory, said Morgan Margolis, CEO and president.
‘The right time’
Margolis, who travels from California to Idaho regularly, has fond memories of the familiar restaurant space in the alley between 8th and 9th streets. For nearly two decades, it was the now-defunct Ha’Penny Bridge Irish Pub and its smaller side lounge, Happy Fish Sushi and Martini Bar. Most recently, it was the short-lived home of Deluca’s and, after that, even briefer Barrelhouse Pub & Grill.
“I used to love Ha’Penny back in the day,” Margolis said.
When the opportunity arrived to lease the space next door to the Knit, “it just seemed like the right time” to bring El Tejano to Idaho, he said.
Like the Knitting Factory, El Tejano will serve liquor. Not only will the bar and restaurant be a convenient spot for Boiseans to grab pre-concert tacos and Modelos, it also will appeal to sports fans.
Boise’s El Tejano will be filled with TV screens, Margolis said. “We are going hardcore on sports. Frozen drinks. Texas-size drinks and sports, catering to everybody.”
What are Texas-size drinks? Margaritas are served in 18-ounce schooners — “frozen,” El Tejano’s website says, “on the rocks, with a beer in it for all we care.”
Games, open space
El Tejano will debut with the same menu in Boise that it offers in Los Angeles. (Although prices could differ a hair — possibly slightly lower?) Appetizers in L.A. range from Frito pie ($10) and Texas-style queso ($12) to taquitos ($12) and grilled Mexican street corn ($10). Want something more sports-bar traditional? Order wings ($14).
Tacos are $6 a pop. They come in nine varieties ranging from carnitas and carne asada to marinated chicken and ground beef. There are two vegetarian options. (Including potato tacos, Idaho!) Burritos are available in the same styles for $14. (You’ll pay an extra $1 for shrimp in either the taco or burrito version.) Want a burrito plate with rice and beans? Add $5.
El Tejano serves lots of different nachos, plus salads, bowls and fajitas. The spendiest items on the menu are filet mignon fajitas ($20) and shrimp fajitas ($23).
As part of remodeling, a wall that separated Ha’Penny from Happy Fish will be torn down, Margolis said, opening up the space. That means there will be room for — why not? — indoor cornhole and other games. (Outdoor cornhole on the patio also is planned.)
“It’s going to be fun, good food ... atmosphere,” Margolis said. “Sports bar-oriented. Good for families as well. Kids and adults. We’ll have all the games on all the time. We’ll be doing lunch. Everything.”
This story was originally published February 15, 2024 at 4:00 AM.