This couple creates hot Boise restaurants. The newest is open — right off the Greenbelt
David and Lizzy Rex are at it again.
Since moving to Idaho from California eight years ago, the couple has peppered Boise with fresh, local restaurant concepts including The Wylder and Percy downtown — all popular.
Their newest venture? Rosa, a straightforward taco shop.
Rosa is the Rexes’ first foray into Garden City, where it debuted recently at 214 N. 34th St. Judging by the lunch crowd, this counter-service restaurant is on its way to a busy spring. Located in the same cinder-block building as Push & Pour coffeehouse, Rosa is seconds away from the Boise River and Greenbelt foot traffic.
This is a no-frills environment with a menu to match. Six taco choices. Two burritos. You order, grab an electronic pager, and food materializes quickly. Yes, alcohol is available. (But no liquor. Rosa does sell a frozen margarita for $7.99, though.)
Tacos are $3.99 for carnitas, al pastor, chicken, barbacoa and veggie; or $5.49 for skirt steak. Ordering three, I soon realized no assembly is required. Tacos arrive sprinkled with cilantro and onions. You don’t add anything but a squeeze of lime and red or green salsa. (Neither is particularly spicy.) There also are typical bottled Mexican hot sauces. (Tapatio > Cholula, by the way).
My chicken taco was better than average, with satisfying texture and tasty seasoning. The al pastor version was mouthwatering with the expected hint of sweetness. But, man, I definitely wished there were more tiny pineapple cubes involved. (I counted two. Wistfully.) Red-meat lovers will opt for a premium skirt steak taco, which was quite good. After all, it’s freakin’ steak! On a return visit, though, I’d lean toward the standard protein options, pumping that extra $1.50 toward a fourth, face-stuffing taco.
A three-taco combo with rice and beans is $13.99 (add $1.49 for each skirt steak version). There’s also a basic bean and cheese burrito for $5.99, and a house burrito filled with goodness for $11.99 (add $2.99 for skirt steak).
Want dessert? There’s one choice, kid: soft serve ($4.99).
As proudly direct as the food menu strives to be, Rosa doesn’t skimp in the beverage department. There are plenty of tempting selections, whether it’s a can of Ruby Red Squirt or bottle of Jarritos (both $2.49), or a draft Mexican beer (Modelo, Pacifico, Tierra Madre, all $4.99).
Feeling sleepy after pounding five tacos in five minutes? Walk into Push & Pour for a caffeinated wake-up jolt. The two businesses are connected indoors.
Native Arizonans, the Rexes obviously know their craft. Downtown pizzeria The Wylder, their first Boise restaurant, was an immediate smash. Next, their Wylder Hospitality Group launched Certified Kitchen + Bakery in Hyde Park. After that, they took over the Roosevelt Market with breakfast and lunch in Boise’s East End. In 2022, they unveiled burger concept Wyld Child, a hit on the Boise Bench. Finally, in 2023, they rolled out their largest restaurant yet: the 5,300-square-foot Percy, a downtown Boise culinary attraction.
Can Rosa match the glory of its predecessors?
I’m not sure that question is relevant. When you’re serving tacos, you’re already winning.
This story was originally published February 27, 2025 at 4:00 AM.