Barbacoa

We usually love barbacoa but not the last time we went. We made reservations for valentines day. We were seated in the bar area which was fine but not the typical experience that were used to here. Our table was dirty. It had some green sauce that they had set my silverware in. They promptly reset it when asked. I ordered a steak medium. It came out barely cooked… it wasn’t on the hot rock so I couldn’t cook it more. I didn’t want to complain again but my visit was not up to standard with what I was expecting.

By far the best place I have dined-​in in boise. Crab cakes were fabulous. I had the hot rock lamb chops which did not disappoint. Highly recommend the hot rock menu items. I loved the sauce that came with the fries. The waiter was very attentive and assisted us with wine. We went there for my wedding anniversary so we got a complimentary cotton candy. Love the place!

Best restaurant in Boise, bar none. Get the Hot Roc fillet. Amazing dishes, environment, staff, everything. Perfect in every way.

Met my second wife here Best bar restaurant in idaho this and tilted kilt my two favorite spots

Need I say anything?! This place has great ambiance for a cozy date or a gathering of friends. The patio upstairs has a great view of Table Rock and the pond.
The food is off the charts.

My boyfriend and I went here for the first time and had the best meal of our lives. The server was awesome– explained the unique menu to us and was very friendly and efficient. We had the table-​side guac, The crab bisque soup, and I ordered ribs. Everything was cooked perfectly and tasted amazing. The presentation was really something as well!!! Definitely a different atmosphere and something fun to try! We loved it and will definitely be back.

This review is absurdly overdue, as Barbacoa is essentially my neighborhood go-​to. Having a meal here is all about the dining experience: the service, plating and décor all work together to give you a very unique ambience. Dark, sultry & sensual, with a massive menu of mostly meat. The table side guacamole is an absolute must. Other favorites include the crab bisque, the hot rock fillet & the tequila habanero ribs. Great patio in the summer, and two for one happy hour in bar area all year round. The artwork is local, and the owners can be seen schmoozing with guests on most nights.
Why only 3 stars? Barbacoa is good, and it is consistently good. But it is just that — good. While I heartily recommend it, and go there often, it needs a bit more culinary creativity to reach the 4 star mark.

I came here on Valentine’s Day, where they had a special menu selected for the night. Because of this, the experience might vary for someone stopping by for a bite on a normal day. But based on my experience here, I would come back any day in a heartbeat.
I was excited about this restaurant as soon as I walked through the front door, and continued to be even after I left. This is by far the coolest place I’ve ever eaten. I don’t know how to describe the atmosphere and décor of the restaurant other than nothing really goes together, but it works perfectly. The décor is just as satisfying as the food. Behind me was the pond outside illuminated by the reflection of the moon, to my left was a long open fireplace adding a warm gentle glow to the table (and my beautiful date), in front of me was the beautifully decorated entrance with a rich red lighting that pleased the eye, and to my right was the bar with its unique lighting illuminating the art displayed. Not a boring view in the entire restaurant, nothing left untouched by the artist (s) that decorated this place. But enough about the stunning atmosphere, how’s the food?
The first bite left my taste buds screaming for more. Lamb cooked perfectly, with seasoning that added to the flavor but didn’t take away from the rich flavor of the meat. Lobster stuffed mushroom, that practically melted in the mouth, with enough lobster to be appreciated yet was completed by the flavor blended by the mushroom. And that was just the starter. The presentation of the food was incredible. Edible art. Just as delicious to the eyes as it was the taste. It only got better from there, but I’ll leave it at that, go try it yourself.
Not a single complaint from me. They promised a dinner to stimulate the senses, and an experience like no other, and they delivered just that. And to make it better, they had prepared bouquets of roses for those who brought their date. To me, they went above and beyond my expectations, especially with their professional servers who made sure everything was exactly how you wanted it.
All in all, it was a wonderful evening thanks to everyone at the Barbacoa, and I will be looking forward to my next visit.

Went to Barbacoa last night for Happy Hour. Positive — Buy 1 get one free drinks and there’s lots of very affordable wine options. they also will offer you a sample if you are undecided.
Now on to the food — we ordered the octopus (it was recommended by the waitress) and it looked great when it came out. It was essentially a ½ a small octopus steamed and served with a chimichurri sauce. we let it set for a few minutes (±5) while we ate the duck quesadillas (good by the way, but definitely not enough of the pineapple slaw. Maybe a tablespoon total?). Long story short — the octopus was VERY chewy. And somewhat gritty. The sauce had broken so it was a separated mess of the oil and the herbs. When we mentioned this to the waitress she told us it was one of the most popular appetizers and basically no one else has an issue with it. Not a great response.
Later the busboy came by and we told him he could take it away (we quit trying to eat it) and he asked if there was a problem. When we told him our about our experience he acknowledged that this is not uncommon and he said that the way they steam it can leave the end product unpredictable. He then said he would talk to the management. Interestingly enough our server was back a few minutes later and said they would take it off the bill.
We then went ahead and ordered the crabcakes instead. They were good. Typical crabcakes. 2 of them — maybe 1 ½ inches in width. $ 15 seemed excessive for that. Too many other great places in Boise to try. Add to it the creepy 1980’s glamour shots of the owners plastered on the wall — it just was weird.

Okay. So I’ve been to Barbacoa several times so I feel I can really speak to it’s worth. Outlandish, baffling décor? Check. Bizarrely vain portraits of the oft-​in-​trouble-​with-​the-​law owner and his wife? Check. Stellar view of the Boise foothills and Parkcenter Pond? Check. Food? Middling, especially for the price tag associated with it. If I want a flatbread for over ten dollars, I’ll make my own and then use the leftover money to buy a beer and rent a movie.
The rooftop bar is pretty neat, if for nothing but the views. Good luck getting a spot up there during happy hour. Will be packed to the gills with Boise’s botoxed and popped collared set. But if this is your scene, hey, found it!
Tableside guac is, well, nothing short of tableside guac. Not fabulous. Just guac. Portions are on the large side and some of them come with complimentary fire! Or weird steel serving gizmos!
Looks are what this Boise restaurant focuses on. Which is makes it a great place if you want to go out to see and be seen. If you want to just eat, I’d venture elsewhere.

We had heard so many positive things about this restaurant, so when my wife said we were going to Boise for my bday, I said I wanted to eat their!
Man, did not disappoint! Started with table side guacamole-​EXCELLENT!
Ordered a steak with mushrooms… AMAZING!
Wife had steak and shrimp on a rock-​just as good!
For my bday, they brought me cotton candy. Loved it!
This whole experience was great from start to finish including the décor!
Will definitely be back again!

This was my first Boise restaurant experience, and it remains a favorite almost two years later. It’s my go-​to for a dressy night out and a three-​course meal, or for a «too hot to cook» appetizers-​and-​drinks night.
The Highlights:
–The service is always friendly and attentive, I’ve never had a server I didn’t like.
–The food: As far as appetizers go, the Habanero Chili ribs are a treat, and the Table Side Guac is a blast. As for entrees: the linguini pasta with chorizo and clams is delicious. Dessert is always yummy, and if you’re there for a birthday, don’t miss the cotton candy!
–The presentation: Not only is the food good, the presentation is consistently delightful. Kitschy at times, but oh-​so-​fun.
Tips:
–It can be spendy, but the entrees are large enough to split– especially if you ordered a few appetizers or are planning on dessert.

Had dinner on ½ for our 21^st wedding anniversary. From the time we checked in until we left, everything was amazing! We were immediately seated, and were taken great care of by our table attendant.
Table side guacamole was great to start, then on to my New York steak on a hot rock, soooo good, perfectly cooked!
We go every year, but we’re going to make it more often, because they’re service and food is so good. Thank you Barbacoa!

A1 dinner experience. I have been here 3 times now. Order the guacamole, it’s made to order right in front of you. I have had the «hot rock fillet» twice and it was delicious. It literally comes out sizzling on a hot rock! Right now the music is too loud, but I haven’t noticed that in past visits.
The delicious $ 9 classic mojito comes with a real piece of sugar cane and fresh mint.
We came to celebrate our anniversary, so were provided a complimentary fluff of cotton candy with a piece of fudge in the center topped with a candle. Quite a fun little treat.
Dinner meals are about $ 25 – 40 a plate. Appetizers are $ 6 – 12. Expensive, but a great experience with some entertainment while eating.

Interesting experience. Food was beautiful, tasted good, however, my order was incorrect.
My boyfriends came out perfect though.
Our server was nice, though we didn’t see much of her. The servers assistant and the guacamole guy were both fantastic.
The hosts weren’t very friendly but looked nice.
The atmosphere and décor or the restaurant are A+.
I like the laid back uniforms.

First, let me say, there is nothing better than a place who recognizes their mistake and try to make things better. This is my second time there. We had reservations at 6. We didn’t get seated until 6:30. They brought us appetizers while we waited: nice touch! Then when we finally seated we had the server and the manager apologizing and giving us a table side guacamole on the house. I like the place, the food, the atmosphere. I got the paella, really good! Husband got the lamb shank osobuco special. Seriously the best lamb I’ve ever had in my life. Couldn’t convince him to trade plates. One of our guests wanted to they the cajun ahi, but didn’t like spicy nor raw (yup). They accommodated the request. Another nice touch.

Ambience: Beautiful. Lovely inside and a great view outside. We sat at a table outside with a fire pit overlooking the large pond out back.
Staff: Very friendly and knowledgeable. Down to the young man refilling our waters. They were on top of every refill, every question, and the timing of the service was great. No waiting or getting all the courses all at once. Great.
–Ordered guacamole and chips as an appetizer. They make the guacamole table-​side to however spicy you’d like it. Simple and delicious.
–Hot Rock Filet was wonderful. Cooked to perfection with a whiskey peppercorn sauce. I ordered sautéed spinach on the side, which was good, but not the best I’ve ever had. I tried my mom’s mashed potatoes, and they were delightful.
–My fiancé ordered Filet Mignon Tips with Fettucine. Wonderful pasta. Just great.

When I think of a nice spot to take out-​of-​towners to in Boise, Barbacoa is usually my first spot. If I’m dressed up to the nine’s, this is also where I’ll go. Barbacoa is like the «who’s who» of the Boise social world.
Food: While I primarily dine at Barbacoa for happy hour drinks, the happy hour specials are very good, and very well-​priced. Last time I was there, I ordered the Orange Fennel with Poppy Seed salad and it was very good. Try the Tableside Guacamole – you won’t be disappointed!
Drinks: The drink menu is done right. Sit in the bar and you can sip your happy hour cocktail for a decent price while you enjoy the décor! The lemon drop (and other martinis) are served in a fancy ice glass that, while it’s a little hard to drink out of, is rather pretty to look at!
Happy Hour Offerings: Barbacoa has both a food AND drink happy hour menu. That’s all I need!
Atmosphere: Unique for a place of its kind. I can’t think of anything else like it in the Treasure Valley. I recommend trying out the open seating in the bar or upstairs patio. Very social & glamorous.
Service: Barbacoa seems to be pretty stringent with who they hire. It’s very clear that their staff are well-​trained, professional, attentive, and quick-​to-​act. Their service is top notch.
Overall Quality: They offer many unique food choices that you can’t find elsewhere. Nothing is done at half quality.
Overall Value: Rather spendy, but worth it if it’s for a good occasion.

Beautiful restaurant with fantastic food. The filet mignon served on the hot rock was so tender and delicious.
Great place for a special dinner when visiting Boise.

A chill restaurant with great drinks and excellent food.
I went during HH and situated myself at the bar. The bartenders are friendly and will steer you thru the menu.
The top shelf margarita is served in a high boy but is legit. HH gives you a two for one, so definitely a good deal at $ 9.
I ordered the Taste of Three Ceviches. Excellent, save for the few pieces of popcorn thrown in to decorate and the mango sorbet on the Tuna Tartare.
I also ordered the Barbacoa Chile. Excellent! Tender shredded beef and flavorful sauce with just enough asadero cheese and sweet potato cubes. The sauce on the side is hot, so be warned.
Speaking with the bar staff I was informed that the owner originally had a restaurant in Laguna Beach. It shows. This is a first class place.