Madre - Boutique Taqueria

We stopped by Madre Taquería while visiting Idaho for the first time. The restaurant itself is very pretty with a great atmosphere, and the food was quite good overall. The tacos weren’t the best I’ve ever had but they were flavorful and enjoyable. That said, it was definitely on the pricey side for what you get. Service was just okay, we waited at the counter for a bit before anyone acknowledged us to take our order, and it took a while for the food to come out. Still, the ambiance and quality ingredients made it a decent experience. Worth trying if you’re in the area, but maybe go in knowing it’s a bit on the upscale side for tacos.

Madres Tacos has quickly become one of my favorite spots in Boise, especially if you’re after a boutique taqueria experience. The location by Ann Morrison Park couldn’t be better, and the atmosphere is top-notch—modern, spotless, and really cozy. It’s clear the staff takes pride in the place; everyone was genuinely friendly and made us feel right at home from the moment we walked in. I tried a few different tacos, and each one was bursting with flavor—super fresh ingredients and creative combinations that really stand out. The only thing to note is the price point; it’s a little higher than your average taco joint, but honestly, the quality and overall experience make it worth the extra splurge. If you’re looking for a clean, inviting place with great service and tacos that pack a punch, Madres Tacos is absolutely worth checking out.

There are no words to describe how much I loved this place. Every item is bursting with flavor and the service and ambience were welcoming and comfortable. Another fantastic Triple D recommendation.

Tacos gone wild!!! Definitely worth a stop in for tacos, a solid selection of beverages, and top tier service. They also have a brunch menu and the occasional burger pop up on Sundays. If on the menu, definitely try the Korean Short rib, or Nashville hot chicken taco. Potato taco could be skipped imo. The only negative was the queso. Not a traditional dip but rather a skillet of cheese.

Best kept secret in town. Just visited Madre after having a beer at Lost Grove next door and was thoroughly impressed. Quiet, not busy, perfect day on the patio and when the tacos arrived the planets aligned! Loved the carnitas and Korean short rib tacos and the potato taquitos with guacamole were brilliant! Coming back very soon!

Ordered the pork belly on me and Korean style short rib tacos. Placed the order on their website to go and was ready before the advertised time. Incredible flavors, can’t wait to come back with friends and family.

Well. They're big. For $9 you at least get a generous taco. But for $6.99 I can get a pound of succulent tender perfect carnitas at a local store. The $9 taco was some generous portions of the driest carnitas I have ever had. The rest of it was tasty, the blue cheese was delicious. But even with a salsa on it-- that pork was tough. But I wish I'd eaten it last because the Korean short rib taco was-- just bad. The meat was tender but nothing about it said Korean flavors. The kimchi was good but only on it's own because the whole taco was drenched in this bitter peanut sauce. Why? Peanut isn't a big Korean flavor. It felt like a disservice to Korea Vietnam and --Thailand? Peanuts? It felt like a taco punishment. "$9 taco, guess I should try to eat it" I gave up halfway. The server asked what I thought and I told her it wasn't good and it felt like it was created by someone who wasn't familiar with those cuisines. It just wasn't good. She wasn't very nice. The whole vibe was very sterile and hip. Which is whatever. A $9 taco should be amazing. I've stood in line for Kogi Roy Choi fancy overpriced Korean inspired tacos. They're so good the long line and price vanish as the first bite happens. It's heaven. Even Riceworks has better fusion tacos. This place definitely is generous. But if the food isn't good that just feels like an obligation to choke down overpriced mediocrity. I'd have thought about coming back if the server was even close to professional about a food complaint. That second taco is a crime against food.

Wonderful place! The bartender and manager with the grey hair were so friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. I had the skinny margarita and the shrimp taco and it hit the spot. The service was very fast as well. 10/10 recommend. Also the tacos were huge I could only eat one

I always make it a point to stop by Madre when I'm in town. It's a short walk from my hotel & a nice change for working remotely on the dog-friendly patio. The tacos - GET the avocado & Korean short rib. So fresh, full of flavor, and generous sizes. I love to get the chips & salsa as well. Not the biggest fan of their green salsa, but the red is delicious. Their spicy margaritas are also tasty and not too heavy on the sugar. I'll have to remember to get pics of their amazing food next time!

The tacos at this restaurant are "next level"! Seriously! This place is my new favorite spot in Boise! George ensured we were happy and his recommendations were spot on! Margaritas were fantastic!

Let me just say: if you're on the hunt for tacos that deliver both comfort and flavor fireworks, the queso birria tacos I had recently deserve center stage. These beauties were everything you want in a taco -- rich, cheesy, crispy, and unapologetically indulgent. The slow-braised beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, packed with deep, savory flavor that paired perfectly with the golden, griddled tortillas oozing with cheese. Dipping them in the warm consommé? Game-changing. Like wrapping yourself in a flavor blanket. And the fresh margarita? A bright, citrusy counterpoint to the richness of the tacos. Not too sweet, just enough tartness, and refreshingly crisp. It balanced the meal beautifully and left me wondering why I don't do this more often. Coming from Ohio, I didn't expect to be writing home about tacos -- but here we are. If you're anywhere near this place, make the detour. Your taste buds will thank you.

This my first time there. I had the pulled pork taco with a slightly spicy barbecue sauce. Pork was juicy and tender. One was enough for me for lunch. I wish the flour shell was a little crispier but I get that would be hard to achieve as soon as you add the juicy meat. The slaw on top was great and it gave the taco more texture. Nice outdoor seating for a nice sunny day.

I really wanted to like this place, food was decent. But they added a service fee (gratuity) on top of your bill, and tax you on it. To be clear, there is no table service. You order at the counter and take a number. Ridiculous.

Still my favorite taco spot! I will always come here when I pass through Boise. Great service, great atmosphere. Absolutely the best!

I really wanted to like Madre and have been thinking of how to summarize it, but I just keep coming back to overpriced, mediocre tacos. Food: 4/5. First off, the margaritas were great! For appetizers we had the street corn and the potato taquitos. Both were ok. The sauce for the corn was probably my favorite item, which was delicious but I'm not sure that is a compliment. We tried 5 different tacos and they were good, but nothing special, especially not for the price. A couple of them were cold, and the potatoes were not cooked all the way in one. I wish the cilantro was more cut up as opposed to just a stringy decoration. Service: 3/5. All of the employees were fantastic! The food came in a timely manner. My biggest complaint is that you have to seat yourself and order at the front counter. We saw a single person sit at a large table which caused some issues and I think for the price of everything having to order at the front just felt off. Atmosphere: 3.5/5. First off, parking is awful. There are only a handful of spots designated for the restaurant and street parking in the area is terrible. The vibe is nice and there is a tv and bar for sports viewing. The outside could be a good place to eat, but it was too sunny for us to sit out there comfortably and umbrellas or other shade would be beneficial. Overall, we had a decent experience but I felt it was just overpriced for what it was.

Great service, great location. GREAT food. The owner and his staff takes such pride and ownership. Great quality tacos. Great guacamole. Great salsa.

4 instead of 5 stars based on prices. $151 for a party of 4 with 7 tacos, chips and guac, a beer, can of wine, and 2 margaritas is crazy. Not to mention they add 20% service charge without asking. I take care of my servers but this isn't full service. You order at the counter. The prices will keep me away. It's a shame because the tacos are good. Chips that come with the salsa and guac are not fresh and seem mass produced. The saving grace here are the tacos.

Awwwww what can I say but incredibly delicious and fresh and outstanding service! And they're Quesabarilla is to die for--death row last meal food, as Jami would say!! Their hazy beer is always on point. JamiAndMarla.Love

Be prepared to spend your money if you want more than 1 taco and beer. Every taco is ala carte and while very inventive and flavorful, the tacos are small (think street taco size) and priced from 7 to 10 dollars. I did enjoy the salsa flights but overpriced. Service was good as.they brought plenty of ice as we sat outside in the sun. Interesting place and cool to check out at least once.

My wife, daughter, and I were going to a Boise State football game and came here beforehand. It is conveniently located a short walk from the campus, near the Brady Garage where we parked. There is some outside seating but, of course, yesterday it was cold and windy, so everyone was sitting indoors. The interior was dark wood, a counter facing you as you enter. You order at the counter and seat yourself. We grabbed a table and checked out the menu. We then went to the counter to order. A couple was in front of us, but the man behind the counter, who I took for the owner, brought us up to the front because this couple had not made up their minds yet. I appreciated that. The gentleman behind the counter was very friendly. My daughter ordered an IPA and I was going to have the same thing, but the gentleman ordered something else for me, which took me by surprise. It turned out to be a good choice, and I'm sure he would have given me something else at no charge had I not liked his selection. We all ordered tacos. My wife: carnitas. My daughter: one shrimp, one Al Pastor. Me: Two shrimp. My wife has specific tastes and thus ordered her tacos sans bleu cheese crumble. My daughter seemed to like her order. My wife liked hers, though she allowed me a bite. I found the carnitas a bit dry. My shrimp tacos were good. I would have liked a bit more of their sauce but the shrimp were grilled very well. One awkward aspect of the layout is that, in going to the restroom, there was a large party at a long table and I had to squeeze behind them to get there. We don't go to the Boise State campus often, but the next time we're in the area we would consider returning.

Sat outside on a perfect day at a corner table. We loved the food, the tacos are an exquisite world of flavors. Staff are very friendly. I will be sad if I don't get the opportunity to come back!

Ate here with a friend who suffers from celiac. We asked the person in charge if they catered to celiac and the response was yes, we got you. They didn't have her. She ended up with a celiac attack about an hour after eating at the restaurant. Celiac beware!

I am ready to go back and try everything. Two of us shared the Barria tacos and chicken tinga salad. All was delicious. Flavors were like a party in your mouth. Service was excellent and staff were friendly. Highly recommend!

Wow!!! I love this place. The food is incredible and the service is super friendly and fast. It is such a beautiful restaurant not too far from the Greenbelt. Every time I come, I can't believe I don't come here more often. Try any taco, they are all amazing!

We stopped by after walking around Julia Davis Park. We started with a plate of chips, guacamole, and salsa. Great, fresh guacamole. We ordered a Pineapple Al Pastor Taco and Korean Short Rib Taco and a very cold beer. It was all delicious. The service was good, especially since we stopped by after the normal lunch time and 2 large groups came in behind us. The layout is good for small and large groups. And your 4 legged friends are welcome on the patio.

Stopped by for a quick bite and ended up staying longer just to enjoy the vibe. I got the fish tacos and they were perfectly crispy with a creamy slaw on top. The flavors were fresh and bright, nothing felt too greasy. Prices were fair for the quality and portion. It's casual, nothing fancy, but totally hits the spot.

Thoughtful menu, authentic and perfectly executed. Portions are huge. Flavor combinations will surprise you in the best way. You want an authentic quesabirria, no problem. The prices are justified. Get there.

So good! All 3 tacos variations we had were super tasty with creative flavors, and customer service was top notch as well. Wish this place was closer so i could try everything on the menu.

Fabulous food with personalized service! A++ We went back a second time while in Boise because it was SOOOO good!

I ended up at Madre unintentionally for lunch recently. I've always wanted to give it a try but just hadn't worked out. When I walked in, I was promptly greeted by a friendly staff member who quickly went over the menu with me and gave some recommendations based on a few criteria I gave him. I ordered the Chicken Tinga Salad and within five minutes or less, it was delivered. I was pleasantly surprised at how large and beautiful it was! Even more pleased at how delicious it tasted. Apparently when I ordered I didn't pay attention to the entire description; as I kept eating, I uncovered rice and beans under the greens. Overall, it was filling, delicious, fresh tasting, and had fantastic flavour. The service was excellent as well; I'm not used to being checked on by staff when I go to a place that is order-at-the-counter, but I had staff members come by my table three different times. I appreciated the attentive service. Will definitely be back!

Fun taco spot with authentic flavors but in a different delivery. We tried all of the tacos as a family and we concluded the best is the non Mexican chorizo with potato. I think it was basque. Regardless it was great and the service was excellent. The rice and beans are outstanding and I give them a 10 out of 10. We all loved them !

It was good. I wouldn't say it was amazing though. Definitely some unique flavors. I tried the chorizo potato taco and that was good, I wish the potatoes were a tad bit smaller though. The birria tacos were good too but I felt as though they were so rich or just so savory that they needed some acidity to them. Which was surprising because all of their other tacos have unique toppings but the birria don't. The reason for 4 stars was because of the wait on our food and they also kept forgetting our chips/guac/salsa.

Had a group of 8 come here at 5pm. First and foremost, parking. It is horrendous. It is right by Ann Morrison near some college dorms. People will park their vehicles by the restaurant and then walk somewhere else. On to the review of the food. When you get in your order at the register, if you want a drink they hold your credit card. You don't get that back until you close out your tab. Tad different since it is a restaurant. I got the spicy pineapple margarita with tajin a rim. It was ok. I only got one. Got chips, salsa, and guac. The chips were great. Salted well. Nice and oily the right amount of oily. The salsa was pretty good also. You get two types in an order. The guac could have been seasoned a bit more and you get maybe a cup of it for a serving size. Everyone at the table got different tacos. I got the two vegetarian ones. The avocado and pineapple. They were really good. I wish they was some different texture in it. They are soft all together, they need some crunch. My buddy said the same thing about the mushroom ones. All together this place was pretty good. Just some minor tweaks are needed.

Yet again- Guy Fieri and Triple D nailed it. Best Tacos in Idaho. Husband had the birria. He is still talking about them. I had the pork belly (amazing) and the salmon (boring compared to the others) but still some of the best tacos since leaving California. Well worth the drive from the 2C, and we will definitely come back. Owner was there- and he was also in incredibly nice. Ask him for the hot sauce, and use it sparingly. Seriously - come here. It's fantastic.

This is an amazing place. Greeted by the nicest people. Helpful and they do know their menu. Full bar and an assortment of tasty beers. The tacos are full size and most people only need one. We shared the Quesabirria plate. It comes with two and our server split it. I love the interior. Very mod vibe. We will for certain be back again. .

Easy 5-star. This place is about a block outside Ann Morrison in a cramped corner among other restaurants and new apartment construction. That stated, both the inside and patio spaces are inviting and comfortable. Food and ordering is simple enough. Fast casual style. Gratuity is forced which is both annoying and appreciated. 20% is high, but the service is very good and it's nice not to have to worry any pressure during ordering or leaving. Food is top notch, very, very good tacos and burritos. You'll pay for it, but still some of the best in the valley. This place also has a full bar so we great for either a night out or a casual lunch during an outdoor day at the park or greenbelt. The only problem is the parking. I dropped the family off and parked at Ann Morrison (5 min walk), so not a deal breaker, but reminded me of major city street parking challenges. Will absolutely be back.

These have to be some of the best tacos in Boise. Inventive, very creative and extremely tasty. I went there and had the chips and salsa and two tacos and my total bill was around $30. This does include their 20% service fee, which they do so that they can pay their employees a higher wage, which I fully support. People complaining about that need to understand why they do it. Inside is very spacious and there was plenty of seating outside. Parking is a hassle, be patient with that and try to find a spot within a couple block radius and you'll be fine. The tacos were pretty big, they're not your average size tacos. The two tacos and the chips were very filling. I highly recommend this if you're a local or if you're in town for vacation.

This place is AMAZING!!! I've lived here for decades and this is THE BEST meal I've ever had!!!! Total culinary explosion of flavors in the mouth! Seriously...this place is BE-YOND!!!! Also the service was fabulous!!! And the patio was so comfortable. Best outdoor chairs!! FYI they recently dropped the 20% service charge.

A++++ absolutely amazing experience. The food is over the top delicious and the owner George is a really great guy. We're visiting from LA and this place is better than anything we've had in a long time. Go here for sure when you're in Boise

Went with a local while visiting on business. I love the concept of stepping out of the norm w food and the chef here has done that! He and his wife are an amazing team along with their staff. I can't start to describe the food and the flavor profiles he has put together but it's mouth watering. Just writing this review a day later my mouth is watering. I suggest that you go with a group or someone you can share tacos with so you can try them all. I personally loved the pork belly. All the food is fresh there and they do not have a freezer. If I had to pick one bad thing to say is the parking is hard so share ride would be ideal but don't let that stop you from enjoying the best food I have enjoyed in a little while.

If you need vegetarian food that will rock your world, check out Madre. I've never before eaten beans and rice that felt like a transcendent meal, but the version they make here is incredible. It's inspired me to try making it at home but I can't get layers of flavor the way they can. They also always offer at least one vegetarian taco option, often rajas or mushrooms. Both have been tasty, and you can modify the meat options to remove things if you'd like to try something else. The service here is really friendly and the owners are wonderful people. Definitely check this place out!

Food is really good. Unfortunately the owner was aggressively rude to all his employees the third time I was there and when a customer walked in he would be overly excited and nice to the customer. Yikes. Also their 20% service charge should be for parties of 5 or more or for dine in only. Not on to-go orders for a few tacos. At that point there's no service being done for that charge to be valid. I guess he charges the customers the extra tip so his employees stick around for his unprofessional behavior. Tread lightly here.

Absolutely destroyed these madre tacos! super stuffed! Warshed it down with 7 madre margs after my boss bitched me out! Angry guy fieri was nice for dessert

Great food. Really good tacos. Had the Baja shrimp and Bahn Mi tacos with one (12oz) beer... Price is a bit pretentious for said tacos. Overall, I paid just under $27 for one beer, two tacos which included an automatic 20% gratuity (no choice for gratuity - ordered at the counter- similar to Taco Bell). Each taco is between$8-$7 each (one 5" taco).. Pricing and Forced gratuity resulted in 3 stars.

DO NOT GO HERE The food is 1: Overpriced and 2: tasted microwaved and like burnt cheese. If you want real mexican food do not go here. Got charged a 20% service charge without the option to say no, they also barely do any service other than bring your food. Spent 60 dollars for 4 tacos and chips and salsa. And couldn't even finish my food. Do not recommend.

Exceptionally good tacos! When I walked in and saw that Guy Fieri had tried this restaurant, I knew it would be good. I tried the Korean pork belly taco and the Pastor taco with pineapple. Both were amazingly delicious and not your normal tacos.

Great food but the cocktails were super spendy and watered down.It took over 15 minutes before the drinks even were brought out after ordering at the counter. My husband and I shared the chilaquiles bowl which was delicious and contained a good portion of food. Would return for breakfast but probably go next door for an adult beverage.

The food was great, service outstanding and the ambiance just right! Had two outstanding tacos and a side of fresh hot tortilla chips and a variety of sauces.

!!ABSOLUTELY DO NOT GO!! First - Moat importantly, the food is not good. It is really bad. I'm from San Diego and I know Mexican food. I get this is a "boutique", but it is awful. The rice was bland white rice, not Mexican rice, white plain rice. The tacos have a weird taste. Don't know how to describe it other than they're bad. Second - 7 tacos, rice and beans, and taquitos, was $90. Mandatory 20% gratuity for you to order at the counter, take your own seat, and have your food brought to you. Absolute madness.

Just hand brunch - food was delicious and the staff was amazing!!! Can't wait to go back!!

Absolutely awesome! I got the bahn mi, mushroom and carnitas tacos. All were very big and delicious! The Chef's Brother greeted me and made me feel at home. I don't who was more excited, me to try the food, or him to see me try it. Each of the tacos were amazing, for their own reasons. The vibe is super chill, and feels like a really fun place to enjoy food made with high attention to detail. Honestly, I am so happy right now.

This place is delicious! They have tacos with flavor combinations you would never think of and the taste will make your head explode. The crew is super friendly and you can tell they love what they do. The restaurant, itself, is cute and quaint with Spanish tile throughout. Love it here.

I went in on Friday and was charged a 20% "Service Charge" which was snuck in the bill without giving me the option say yes or no to it. The screen didn't clarify it, the manager told me over the phone that they have a sign saying it, but since I didn't see it, it is not easily noticeable... Also, as I was on a date, I wasn't going to create a scene, and I am sure that they bank on that, they bank on the fact that people are trying to have a good time to take advantage of them. I found all this out because I received the electronic receipt (which I made sure to get) and noticed that not only they snuck it in, but they also included it in the charges so that I had to pay taxes on it. Are we kidding, are you so desperate to have people pay your servers that you have to do something so shady like that? Clients are supposed to be aware of what they are being charged. An automatic 20% service charge is a scam. I work hard too and no one gives me a tip for doing my job!

We went here on a Tuesday afternoon to have lunch and sat on the patio. There was only 1 other person there so no wait time. You order first and pay then they bring you your food. I got the potato and chorizo tacos and my husband got Al pastor pineapple tacos. We also split the chips and guacamole/salsa. For 4 tacos, chips, and a beer (can't remember which one he got) it came to a little over $50 with tip. With how full I was after and the amount of stuff on these tacos, I'd say it was relatively worth it. Considering that I filled up on the chips, I probably would only get 1 taco next time. My only minor complaints- the chorizo was almost overwhelming salty and the potatoes were in huge wedge chunks. It kind of made it awkward to eat. From previous pictures online I also expected that the cheese would be a little bit more crispy. I was expecting it to tasty like a cheez-it and it was pretty gooey. If I'm in the area I'd definitely come back. Overall area just needs better parking ;)

Lunch today at Madre - Boutique Taqueria in Boise, Idaho was fantastic! Our first visit and I love this place! The interior and vibe is awesome and the service was super friendly! The tacos are amazing! I had the Blackened Baja White Shrimp taco and the Braised Carnitas. The portions are huge and I could barely finish both of them. My hubby had the Wild Mushroom and Braised Carnitas. I'm just sorry that we were just passing through because the food is amazing!

Delicious, gourmet, but pricy tacos (prices reflect 20% service fee). The birria tacos were very meaty, savory, delicious and filling. The pineapple asada taco was very tasty: sweet and tangy. We also tried the mushroom, bahn mi, and shrimp. This is an order and sit down place, but not a "fast" restaurant. It took about 20 min for our order to come out after ordering. There is both indoor and outdoor seating (but outdoor seating doesn't have a lot of shade) Parking: a few dedicated spaces but mostly street parking (and not that much of it)

Unfortunately, I have to update my review here. Food is still spectacular but now they auto charge a 20% tip when you order. Tipping before you've received any service or food is just mind boggling to me. You order at the counter here as well. The required 20% tip will be the end of the road for us with Madre.