If you drive down Fairview Ave in Boise and spot a patio with red umbrellas and a hand-painted "Order Here" sign, you have found one of the valley's best kept secrets. Lorena's Mexican Grill is small, family-run and women-owned, and it has earned a 4.8 rating from 245 Google reviews the old-fashioned way: handmade food, one taco at a time.
Here is a simple guide to ordering like a local, whether it is your first visit or your fiftieth.
1. Start with the tacos
Tacos are the heart of the menu and start at just $1.99. They come on warm corn tortillas with onion, cilantro and house-made salsa. If it is your first time, build a mix:
- Birria – rich, slow-cooked beef that is deep and comforting.
- Al Pastor – marinated pork with a little char and a touch of sweetness.
- Carnitas – tender inside, crisp at the edges.
- Asada – the classic grilled steak that never misses.
Local tip: Really hungry? Two tacos with rice and beans go a long way for less than you would expect. Or grab a hand-rolled burrito ($9.99) and a cold Jarritos.
2. Do not skip the antojitos
Beyond tacos, Lorena's makes the classics you miss from home: sopes, huaraches, gorditas and chalupitas, all made by hand. The torta milanesa ($9.99) is huge, and the elote ($3.99) is the perfect afternoon snack.
3. Get the enchiladas your way
The enchiladas ($11.99) come with your choice of sauce: mole and chicken, green sauce, red sauce, suizas or beans. If you love mole, this is your sign.
4. Come with time and enjoy the patio
It is often the owner herself doing the cooking, so the food comes out fresh and made to order. The short wait is worth it. Grab a seat on the patio under the red umbrellas, or call (208) 484-7185 to order takeout. They are open Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 7 PM.
Lorena's is at 9110 W Fairview Ave, serving Boise, Garden City, Meridian and West Boise. As their menu says: Que Dios Lo Bendiga, God bless you.