Tacos el Rey in Nampa seems to make some of the most authentic Mexican food around the Treasure Valley. From the fresh tortillas hand made every day to their wide choice of meats for their tacos, they have delicious choices available for anyone who likes South of the Border cuisine. Lunchtime at the taqueria especially seems a popular time, when they have a buffet available for those who choose to have a brunch type of experience. Upon being seated, a nice basket of fresh chips with both salsa and refried beans was brought to the table. The red salsa had some definite kick without being too hot, while the beans made a nice creamy contrast to the fresh crispy chips.

One visit yielded a carne asada beef burrito that was very nicely sized for a meal. Chock full of beans, rice, plenty of meat, cilantro and onion, the burrito was flavorful, especially when doused with a choice of salsas provided to the table. The basic burrito also has the option of being turned into a Super Burrito, adding lettuce, tomato, Monterey Jack Cheese and sour cream to an even larger tortilla. Another option is the Burro Ahogada, which takes the basic burrito, covers it in a red chili sauce and tops it with shredded cheese. Like the tacos, all the burritos have a nice choice of meats to fill them with.

The tacos at Taco el Rey in Nampa are the traditional soft corn tortilla type, with each taco made from two fresh corn tortillas. Meat choices include the familiar ones to most people such as carne asada (beef steak), pollo (chicken), carnitas (fried pork), pescado (fish) and ground beef. Other, more traditional Mexican choices include adobada (marinated pork), chorizo (Mexican sausage) and lengua (tongue). Several other choices give tasty options for the more adventurous diner or one familiar with the choices from an authentic taquiera.

Three tacos seemed like a good way to start the meal. Ordering a la carte, my tacos included chorizo, adobada and chivo. Chivo is slow-cooked goat, a popular dish in Mexico. The flavor is similar to lamb and it is well worth trying if you like that flavor, with the goat essentially a milder taste than lamb is. All three tacos were nicely prepared and topped with cilantro and onions. The chorizo was really delicious, the sausage grilled on the flattop so it had a nice crispness to it. The adobada had a nice amount of spice in the marinade with just a little sweetness to it, yielding a complex flavor that was very enjoyable. The chivo was delicious, the mild flavor and soft texture of the shredded meat a nice contrast to the crisp diced onions. A salsa bar is available, so if there is either a salsa or pico de gallo that you want to add to tour tacos it is right there.

Over the years I’ve found a good way to try different restaurants and compare them is to pick one dish and always get that in a new place. At Tacos el Rey in Nampa, like most Mexican restaurants, the chosen dish to use for that is the Chile Relleno. Ordered with the tacos as a side dish, it came nice and hot, doused with a generous portion of their house-made red sauce. The slightly foamy egg batter was nice and light, with a nice pasilla chile pepper stuffed with cheese buried inside the batter. The fried pepper, covered with sauce, made a delicious package with nice contrasting flavors. Tacos el Rey’s Chile Relleno is indeed a very good version of this classic dish.

Other dishes at Tacos el Rey in Nampa include various combination dishes with beans and rice, several types of stews and soups and the ever-popular torta sandwich. Chicken dishes including the classic molé, enchiladas, chimichangas, quesadillas, fajitas and a variety of pork and beef specialties such as Bistek Ranchero grace the menu. There is also a nice selection of seafood items, from the shrimp coctel de camaron to fried fish dishes, shrimp and octopus tostadas and even a seafood soup. On weekends, the popular soup menudo is served. Finally, if you are craving a breakfast style dish, there are several egg dishes to choose from including a Mexican version of ham and eggs.

Tacos el Rey in Nampa is definitely a casual, comfortable restaurant. They do have a nice choice of domestic and imported beers including all of the popular Mexican beers. They also have Mexican sodas and traditional Aguas Frescas drinks. The Tamarindo was very flavorful and a nice drink to go along with the meal, its somewhat sweet-tartness a nice foil for some of the spicier dishes. Overall, Tacos el Rey in Nampa hits all the buttons of what a taquiera should be—-good, authentic, tasty Mexican food at a reasonable price. There is plenty of parking available and service was prompt and attentive. If you are craving an authentic taquiera experience, Tacos el Rey in Nampa is an excellent choice.

Tacos el Rey #5

2707 Garrity Blvd. #1

Nampa, ID 83687

(208) 442-8813

www.tacoselreyrestaurants.com

Tacos el Rey Nampa Facebook Page

There is also another location at:

216 N 5th Ave

Caldwell, Idaho 83605



(208) 459-4668