I tried a popular street taco spot in Boise. What I got for under $25
The sounds of friendly chatter echoed through a downtown Boise restaurant as tortilla after tortilla circled down a spiral warming belt.
The sound of my name over the intercom briefly disturbed the peace of the eatery and its outdoor patio. Then the customers picked up their conversations again.
Tin Roof Tacos, 115 South Broadway Ave. in Boise, is known for Tex- Mex street tacos with low prices, the Idaho Statesman reported previously.
I visited one of Tin Roof Tacos’ three locations as part of On a Budget, the Statesman’s new community-driven series focused on cheap eats and affordable activities in the Boise area.
Here’s what I got for less than $25:
What is Tin Roof Tacos in Boise like?
Tin Roof’s Broadway Avenue location is tucked into the corner of a strip mall.
Inside, the open kitchen and dining area resembled a sticker-covered warehouse with exposed ceilings and overhead lighting. A stack of boxes and kegs sat adjacent to the entryway, enhancing the industrial aesthetics.
With large tables inside and an outdoor patio featuring a rustic fire pit, the eatery could easily fit a few families, a birthday party or even a business meeting.
When I visited Tin Roof Tacos on a recent weekday afternoon, many seats were filled but the eatery wasn’t overly crowded.
There was ample parking available for customers and no wait at the cash register, enabling me to stop in for a quick lunch
What’s on the menu at Tin Roof Tacos?
After stepping inside Tin Roof Tacos, I scanned the electronic menu off to the side of the ordering counter.
Tin Roof Tacos’ menu has plenty of options for diners, including all-day breakfast tacos to help you liven up your brunch game.
All breakfast tacos start with a base of egg and cheese with the option of adding brisket, chorizo, jalapeno sausage, bacon or steak.
If you prefer a meatless option, Tin Roof Tacos also has potato or black bean breakfast tacos available.
Lunch and dinner options are more detailed, ranging from a fried chicken taco served with jalapeño ranch dressing to a BBQ brisket taco drenched in a housemade barbecue sauce. Both are priced at $3.50.
Another unique item is the Tin Roof pork taco dressed with jalapeño pineapple relish for $3.
The Other Stuff section of the menu includes a $6 taco salad and a cheese quesadilla for $2.50 with add-ons such as chicken and pico de gallo for $1.
Tin Roof Tacos’ menu is rounded off a few desserts, including churros and fried fruit tacos.
Although I was tempted to satisfy my ridiculous sweet tooth, I tried to keep my lunch balanced by including some savory options
What I got for less than $25
In the end, I decided to keep it simple and test out the meal options that can make or break a taco joint.
I ordered the most expensive item on Tin Roof Tacos’ menu: the birria taco plate.
I spent $9 on three grilled birria tacos stuffed with juicy brisket and perfectly melted cheese, with beef consommé on the side.
Those are the cheapest — and some of the tastiest — birria tacos I have ever had the honor of consuming.
I personally would have loved a bit more color and a little more consommé, but at that price I won’t complain when I’m not the one working the grill.
I also got a fountain drink for $2.50.
I couldn’t entirely fight off my dessert cravings, so I ordered the churros.
For $2, I got two sweet and crispy fried churros rolled in cinnamon sugar goodness. I will happily make another pit stop for more in the future.
Is Tin Roof Tacos affordable?
In total, I spent $13.50 at Tin Roof Tacos before tax and tip — a litle more than half of my $25 dollar budget.
I’m already planning a return trip to devour the entire dessert menu in one go.
Tin Roof Tacos is the perfect place to stop in for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
I’d encourage any taco lovers to stop by for a meal, buy lunch for a friend or bring the whole family for a treat.
Where should I go next?
Have any ideas on where I should explore next in Boise on a budget?
Send me suggestions by emailing hali.smith@idahostatesman.com or filling out the form below.
