Rave reviews call this restaurant a ‘Boise must.’ It’s moving after 19 years
One of Boise’s most beloved mom-and-pop restaurants will pull up stakes next year.
But don’t worry, regulars — it won’t go far.
Tango’s Empanadas, which has served hungry customers for 19 years at 701 N. Orchard St., is moving to 295 N. Orchard St. The transition probably will happen in a couple of months, co-owner Monica Bremmer said.
The restaurant, which serves “a taste of Argentina in Idaho,” has earned a loyal following. Tango’s is rated an exceptional 4.8 out of 5 stars on both Google and Yelp — with thousands of reviews.
“A Boise must,” one reviewer declared recently. Admitted another: “I didn’t even know what an empanada was until a friend took me here. Wow!”
Empanadas are scrumptious pastry turnovers filled with meat, vegetables and cheese. (Unless you order a sweet dessert version, of course.) The Tango’s menu offers dozens of variations.
Not only are empanadas delicious and satisfying, they travel well in a to-go container. That’s probably one of the reasons Tango’s was named Idaho’s top restaurant in a guide to the “Best Takeout in Every State” from Move.org a few years ago.
Another likely reason? Authenticity. Monica and her husband, Louis Bremmer (whose roots are in Buenos Aires and Mexico City, respectively), moved to Idaho from Mexico City. They had operated an empanada restaurant there.
The Bremmers treat customers like family. Monica prefers to go by Mama Bremmer — the way she signed an email explaining the move from Tango’s current building.
“The owner of our location in Boise after 19-plus years decided to sell the location,” Mama Brenner explained, “and being that we were left with hardly any parking, we decided not to buy the building.
“We’re very excited to be opening in the new location just three blocks down with plenty of parking and adding some extra empanadas and some other fun things.”
For now, the original Tango’s on Orchard Street is still open. Tango’s also has a Meridian restaurant at 46. E. Fairview Ave., which debuted in 2022.
And keep your eyes peeled. Tango’s Empanadas operates a food truck that traverses the Treasure Valley.