‘Even though it saddens us, it is best’ this Boise restaurant will close
A pint-sized local restaurant at the Boise Spectrum has announced plans to close.
But Tamales Nelly — which specializes in the husk-wrapped Mexican cuisine — will deliver one last December gift to customers.
“Thank you for 10 amazing years!” Tamales Nelly wrote on Facebook. “We are happy to announce that we will be taking tamale orders for the 2025 holiday season. At the same time, we are also saddened to share that this will be our last year in business.”
Located inside Chow Public Market & Eatery, 7609 W. Overland Road, Tamales Nelly essentially is a walk-up counter. The brand’s authentic tamales are filled with pork, chicken or cheese with jalapeno. They’re available individually, by the half or full dozen, and plated with rice and beans.
Tamales Nelly also sells tacos, burritos, enchiladas and other Mexican food.
It began a decade ago as a “project started to help support a disabled member in our family,” the brand’s website explains, “and it slowly grew into an actual business.”
Boiseans have encountered Tamales Nelly at the Boise Farmers Market and other Treasure Valley events over the years. On Facebook, the business explained that the decision to shutter was difficult but necessary.
“This small family-owned business has no choice but to say goodbye, as one of us has developed a medical condition that limits our ability to continue investing time and effort into our operation, as it requires her to take time to navigate this condition with her medical team, and take care of her health and her family. This situation causes a struggle for the rest of us. As a whole, we have decided that instead of changing how we operate our business or how we produce our food ... even though it saddens us, it is best to let it go. Again, thank you for allowing us to be a part of such a welcoming and loving community.”
Chow Public Market & Eatery already faces a conspicuous lack of chow. Tamales Nelly is its only restaurant concept. Other food-and-drink-related tenants include Magnolia Beer & Wine Bar, Coffee Bar, Paint ‘n Sip, Flava Kitchen (a rental kitchen) and Food Culture (a catering company).
But there are other nearby dining choices. Anchored by the 21-screen Regal Edwards Cinemas, the Boise Spectrum still offers restaurants such as La Garnacha Que Apapacha, N.Y. Giant Pizza, Be Thai Restaurant and Legends Sports Pub & Grill.
Controlling ownership of the Spectrum changed less than a year ago when the majority of the complex was sold to Utah owners. The goal is for the property to continue functioning as an entertainment center, according to a partner of Ogden-based Fashion Point Newgate LLP.
“We are looking to revitalize parts of it to draw traffic and keep it a good place for businesses,” Landon Moyes told the Idaho Statesman earlier this year.
This story was originally published October 29, 2025 at 1:59 PM.