Ultimate Boise taco guide: These 50 Treasure Valley spots serve delicious birria, lengua
The pandemic has changed much about Idaho’s food and restaurant scene.
But one thing hasn’t changed: The pure joy of sitting on the side of the road somewhere, either in your car or at a picnic table, eating delicious tacos from a new taco truck.
“We say to everyone: ‘Get out of your comfort zone and try something different,’ ” said Fabrizio Sanchez, who runs a new Nampa taco truck called La Garnacha Que Apapacha with his wife, Gabriela Talavera. “There’s a lot more things out there than just rice and beans.”
If you’ve already heard of this brand-new food truck in Nampa, it’s probably because the menu features the latest traditional Mexican dish to turn mainstream obsession across the country: birria. The craze for the red, juicy beef or goat dish has been sweeping the nation for more than a year now, with glowing stories in The New York Times and viral videos on Instagram and TikTok creating countless Mexican-American and non-Mexican fans alike.
Sanchez, whose family moved to Nampa from California’s Bay Area just months ago, said he thinks birria’s popularity is because it’s one of the “most authentic Mexican dishes” and can easily be modified. Commonly eaten by Mexican families as a celebratory meal, birria has now made its way on top of pizza and ramen.
That’s certainly what Sanchez and Talavera did. They previously sold tacos and birria out of their home but started a food truck once they gained enough of a following. Most of the recipes for La Garnacha were developed with a combination of research, experimentation and traditional recipes from Sanchez’s grandmother, or from Talavera’s home state of Michoacán. They have tacos de birria (La Garnacha’s is made with beef, not goat), quesabirrias with melted cheese and consomé to dip, birria mixed in ramen — and birria pizza, the one Sanchez is most proud of.
“It’s a unique dish from us, La Garnacha,” Sanchez said. “Nobody else does it, at least around here. Or at least, not the way we do it.”
Another unique feature of La Garnacha Que Apapacha: tacos de canasta, which are popular in Sanchez’s hometown of Mexico City and originated in Tlaxcala. If you’ve ever watched Netflix’s “The Taco Chronicles,” you’ve probably salivated over the tacos de canasta episode, and immediately wondered why you’ve never heard of these before. La Garnacha’s tacos de canasta are filled with chicharrón prensado, potatoes and chorizo.
Tacos de canasta are hard to find in Idaho — which is probably one of the reasons why Sanchez said they get customers who drive 4 or 5 hours to eat the food that reminds them of family or home. Some customers, like Nampa resident Oscar Vargas, who visited the truck last week, say they even try to convince mothers and grandmothers to test La Garnacha’s birria twists.
“When we hear this, it makes us feel great pride in what we’re doing,” Sanchez said. “We want to serve them better every day.”
Eating at La Garnacha de Apapacha isn’t the only way you can safely support local family businesses and use your wallet to encourage the continuing growth diversification of Idaho’s taco scene.
As promised, I’ve updated the definitive list of my favorite tacos in the Treasure Valley and beyond. This guide offers more than 50 options with every type of taco under the sun. Like last time, this list leans toward classic taco destinations such as food trucks and taquerías, rather than the valley’s also-delicious Mexican restaurants.
In my last taco dispatch, I warned Boise readers that quality tacos in the City of Trees were few and far between compared to Nampa and Caldwell. Now, I need to amend that statement.
Canyon County is very much still the taco heart of this side of Idaho, don’t get me wrong. But after a year spent trying to stay a little closer to home like so many others, I’ve discovered some new Boise favorites for this list.
Boise
El Chavo Taqueria at 2915 W. Overland Road
Before the pandemic, they were moving into the house visible from the road, where picnic tables have still been set up. For now, El Chavo is still operating out of its food truck, making tacos de chicharrón, chorizo, al pastor, adobada, carnitas, chicken, cabeza, buche, asada. They also have breakfast burritos, tamales in the winter months, tostadas, tortas, enchiladas, sopes and endless combos and breakfast items. This truck is cash-only.
Adelita’s Mexican Restaurant at 1800 W. Overland Road
Try their carne asada tacos paired with my personal obsession, Topo Chico. Their outdoor seating overlooking Federal Way and downtown Boise below also makes it high on my list of waiting-for-tacos views.
Basilios Tacos at 10565 W. Lake Hazel Road
Basilios is famous for its perfect tacos al pastor (marinated pork), but the place also has delicious fish and lengua (tongue) tacos.
Taquería La Flama at 1680 Westland Drive
The happy hour tacos here are 99 cents each. Why aren’t you there yet?
Campos Market at 413 N. Orchard St.
Carne asada tacos are my go-to here, and the seasoned carne asada and al pastor meat available for purchase in the carnicería is perfect if you decide to make your own. This is also one of the few markets to stock my favorite Topo Chico flavor (grapefruit).
Carnicería Coalcoman at 5234 W. Fairview Ave.
You can get a wide variety of tacos here, including chicharrón, asada, adobada, carnitas, chorizo and al pastor. The nearby bakery visible from Fairview has a great variety of pan dulce, too.
Madre Boutique Taquería at 1034 S. La Pointe St.
I have a personal vendetta against taco joints that charge far more than $1-$3 for tacos that aren’t even worth it. However, I was thoroughly impressed by Madre’s braised short rib and Idaho spud-chorizo tacos — although it still hurt deeply to pay $6 for one taco.
Taquería El Torito at 4628 State St.
This restaurant is a neighborhood favorite with a great variety of shrimp, fish, asada, lengua, buche, cabeza, tripa and chorizo tacos, burritos and more.
Taco Veloz Mexican Food at 6713 Fairview Ave.
I really liked the carne asada and carnitas tacos here. This truck is also right next to the Taste of Nigeria Food Truck, which I also highly recommend.
Lolita’s Tacos at 1899 E. Boise Ave.
A full slate of taco options (including birria), plus the occassional pozole, tamales and pan dulce? Perfect.
Azteca Mexican Food (several spots in downtown Boise)
You can find this truck parked at the Capitol with long lines at lunch time, so it must be good, yes?
Taquería el Chino at 9030 W. Franklin Road
A reader recommendation! I liked the adobada, chorizo and lengua tacos, and also placed a very delicious order of pork and rajas tamales.
Los Reyes de la Torta at 6125 W. Fairview Ave.
Just barely opened on Fairview — which is quickly developing into another taco alley like Nampa’s Caldwell Boulevard — this food truck specializes in tortas, like the name suggests. But they also make an absolutely delicious version of tacos acorazados, stuffed with rice, peppers and more fillings than your average taco. I tried the tacos acorazados with milanesa (thinly sliced, breaded beef) and sausage.
GARDEN CITY
Meshico Mexican Food at 9719 West Chinden Boulevard (temporarily closed)
Meshico is currently on hiatus, and the owners told me they’re unsure when they will reopen. But they’re still on this list in hopes they’ll reopen soon, and I’ll get another bite of their tacos made with cochinita pibil a type of slow-roasted pork from Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.
Tacos El Rey #2 at 4116 W. Chinden Blvd.
This Tacos El Rey location (there are many across the Treasure Valley) has my favorite carnitas (shredded pork) tacos in the state. Many taquerías prefer to cook their carnitas to a crisp, but they’re perfectly juicy here.
NAMPA
Garnacha Que Apapacha at 215 1st Ave S.
The owners spend most of the morning cooking, so the truck doesn’t open until 4 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 a.m. on the weekends. If you’re in the mood for tortas, they share the Durobilt parking lot with Hijo Divino, a truck that specializes in tortas. Prepare to pay in cash or Venmo only.
Taquería Mexico Chiquito at 615 Caldwell Blvd.
This little orange truck has been a Caldwell Boulevard staple for several years. It used to be hard to find the location, tucked in front of the auto shop, but a recent makeover makes it much easier to spot from the road. If you order the tacos adobada or the carne asada, you won’t be disappointed.
Tony’s Tamales & Catering at N. Cody Ave. (moves frequently)
Tamales are the obvious draw to this food truck, but their tacos are also amazing. They’re technically based in Nampa, but I’ve seen this food truck show up everywhere from the McCall Winter Festival to outside Meriwether Cider Company in Garden City. Follow their Facebook and Instagram to make sure you know where to find them.
Toros Tacos at 316 N. Franklin Blvd.
Perfect tacos al pastor and many more options make this stand on the corner of Garrity and Franklin one of my new favorite taco stands in the Treasure Valley. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Tacos el Tesorito at 1707 Garrity Blvd.
Instead of buying toilet paper by the ton the weekend the state shut down in March, I made a much wiser decision: I ordered three dozen tamales from Tacos el Tesorito. By freezing two dozen, I was ready for months of isolation if necessary. Tacos are also great, of course. Those tamales are still available on the weekends, along with pozole.
Nueva Vida Bakery at 1424 2nd St.
If you stop for coffee at the Flying M Coffee Garage in downtown Nampa, you can find delicious carnitas tacos right next door. Nueva Vida Bakery also has wonderful baked goods and tamales made to order.
La Ranchera Market at 122 Holly St.
Come for the tacos and tamales, stay for the fantastic Panadería Lupita in the back.
Tacos Lupita at 115 16th Ave. S.
Forget taco trucks — this taquería is a taco bus! The long white bus parked behind an old gas station in downtown Nampa has some of the best tacos in Idaho. Sit with your friends or family on the bus benches while the corn tortillas are made right in front of you. Their tacos de adobada are my favorite, but their burritos aren’t too shabby, either. Be aware: This taco bus frequently changes hours and days it’s open, and may close briefly in the winter.
Tacos Aguililla Food Truck at 1010 1st St. N.
This is one of those unassuming taco trucks that you know is good because there’s a line in the parking lot around every mealtime. I recommend the lengua tacos, but almost anything on this extensive menu is good.
Pantera Market #2 at 1802 N. Franklin Blvd.
Nampa’s Pantera Market has many, many wonderful things — this is usually where I pick up my pre-seasoned carne asada or al pastor — but I’m addicted to its Tacos Jalisco. Pantera’s version includes corn tortillas fried in cheese, then stuffed with spicy birria. This market also caters.
Campos on Lonestar at 135 Lone Star Road
If you haven’t noticed yet, Mexican markets have some of the best tacos in town. Campos on Lonestar is no exception — and the tamales aren’t bad, either.
Tacos Colima Food Truck at 3222 N. Middleton Road
Tacos that are just as good, if not better, than the ones at the parent restaurant in Caldwell. The menu features tacos de adobada, carnitas, chorizo, chicharrón, asada, lengua, cabeza and more. If you find yourself patiently waiting for your tacos in cold weather, make sure to order some champurrado.
Campos Market at 3302 Caldwell Blvd.
This little Mexican market has several types of classic tacos, but the carne asada tacos are my favorite. You can also place tamale orders during the holiday season.
Pablo’s Tacos at 241 N. Kings Road (off Garrity)
This truck bills itself as “San Diego Mexican Food,” with great tacos and a California burrito stuffed with steak and guacamole you must try.
Pantera Market #4 at 1323 2nd St. South (Downtown Nampa)
Downtown Nampa, across from Flying M. Another great Mexican market lucky to have a Lupita’s Panadería inside, too.
Alondra’s Tienda y Taqueria at 515 3rd St.
Alondra’s is a longtime local favorite with an extensive menu of traditional dishes. A bonus — you can get pupusas here, too!
Tacos el Zacatecano at 9111 Lake Shore Drive
Their newly updated menu includes tacos de asada, adobada, carnitas, pollo, lengua, cabeza and tripas.
CALDWELL
Tacos Colima at 517 Blaine St.
The gravitational pull of the original Tacos Colima is strong. I can’t drive through Caldwell without a quick stop. I recommend the carne asada tacos, but everything is good. If you’re dining in, you can also choose from a deep selection of hot sauces.
Tacos El Rey at 215 N. 5th Ave.
The original Tacos El Rey, wedged next to Darigold, is often packed. Ordering ahead might be your best bet, especially if you’re placing a large order. Again, carne asada tacos are the best here.
Amano Restaurante at 702 Main St.
A rare high-priced option on this list, because Amano’s tacos are worth the money. Amano was an instant hit in my friend group and a truly beautiful addition to Caldwell’s Indian Creek Plaza. The lengua and L.A. Birria tacos were my favorite, but don’t be afraid to try as many of Amano’s original creations as possible.
Pantera Market #1 at 2502 E. Linden St.
The original Pantera Market in Caldwell is well-known for its delicious tacos and stocked carnicería. Try the tacos al pastor or the tacos de carnitas, chorizo, asada, or the classic chicken tacos.
Tacos y Mariscos el Compa at 605 N 5th Ave.
El Compa has my favorite fish tacos in Idaho — juicy, flavorful and absolutely stuffed.
Carnicería Mi Tierra at 517 E. Main St.
An all-around delicious Mexican market and restaurant with tons of options for tacos and full meals. Like many others on this list, this joint also has awesome tamales.
Imelda’s Coffee Casa at 2414 Cleveland Blvd.
Breakfast tacos. Do I need to say anything else? (I don’t, but it also got Boise State President Marlene Tromp’s recommendation.)
La Cocina Mexican Restaurant at 417 N. 5th St.
Handmade tortillas, quesabirrias, chilaquiles … what more could you want for your tacos?
Tacos y Mariscos el Sinaloense at 5216 Cleveland Blvd., Suite B
Delicious tacos with a variety of seafood options, like the name suggests. This was a recommendation, so send me your reviews.
Tacos y Mariscos Altata at 6502 E Cleveland Blvd.
You can also find handmade tortillas and fish prepared in the Sinaloa style here.
Elsewhere in the Treasure Valley
Tacos Mendoza, a block before Wilder City Hall in Wilder
The ladies at Tacos Mendoza make my favorite tacos adobada in the valley. Hands down. They’ve just moved from their popular location right off U.S. 95 further into the Wilder city center, just a block from Wilder City Hall. Tacos Mendoza is a veritable haven with plenty of seating and shade, which is probably why it’s always been packed with farmworkers from nearby fields.
Johnney’s Tacos, 156 South 5th St. in Wilder
Incredibly flavorful tacos de adobada and chicharrón.
Cocina Mexicana Americana, 112 E. Idaho Ave. in Homedale
This Homedale taqueria is stocked with not only tacos but birria, quesabirrias with consome, mulitas, gorditas and huaraches.
Lima Limón Food Truck at 366 N. B Ave. in Kuna
Tacos de birria, again! Whereas the Lima Limón restaurant in Kuna is billed as Peruvian food, the food truck has a full slate of tacos and other Mexican fare.
A little farther out
Tacos Mi Ranchito at 252 S. Oregon St. in Ontario, Oregon
Another reader recommendation. The Argus Observer reported that customer loyalty and demand prompted the owners of this taqueria to open another location on the Idaho side of the border in Fruitland.
Tacos 2 Hermanos at 176 SW 4th Ave. in Ontario, Oregon
I’ve heard many good things about this place just over the border. They have a full slate of taco choices, including fish and tripa tacos. Try their chiles toreados!
Main Street Tacos at 1535 American Legion Blvd in Mountain Home
I stopped by on a recent reporting trip and loved the carnitas and tacos al pastor. Main Street Tacos takes online orders and even shares the parking lot with a BBQ food truck.
Rosti Xpress at 1223 W Main St. in Jerome, inside the Mr. Gas Truck and Travel Center
This indoor food truck at the Mr. Gas service station at Idaho Highway 25 and Interstate 84 west of Jerome has just about everything, including goat birria, Michoacán-inspired mole and amazing tacos. Check out the Twin Falls Times-News’ glowing review.
Tacos el Paisa at 2504 S. Lincoln Ave. in Jerome
This suggestion comes straight from JJ Saldaña at the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs.
La Moreliana Market at 524 1st St. in Rupert
A recommendation from former Twin Falls Latino Affairs reporter Megan Taros that did not disappoint. All your traditional tacos — and Mexican dishes — available here.
El Piolin Tacos at 906 S. Oneida Hwy 24 in Rupert
Several great taco options here, but I loved the unique flavor combination in the Basque chorizo tacos the best.
Be aware: Many taco trucks change hours or locations during the winter months. Others are still struggling to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and may temporarily close or change hours to deal with decreased demand or staffing issues. COVID-19 safety precautions may also vary based on the business or the local health district’s rules. If something on this list has moved or changed hours, let me know.
If you have tacos that I should know about — especially outside of Boise, Nampa and Caldwell — email me the taqueria name and your review at nfoy@idahostatesman.com.
And don’t forget my usual disclaimer: I reserve the right not to include your “totally authentic” favorite on my list.
Nicole Foy is an investigative reporter and current Community Impact Fellow with Stanford University’s John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships. She writes about agriculture and Idaho’s Latino community and has spent the last three years looking for (and eating) the best tacos in Idaho. You can follow her taco adventures on Twitter @nicoleMfoy.
This story was originally published February 17, 2021 at 4:00 AM.
