Just a regular Mexican food restaurant. No frills but I would go here again. The staff was friendly and had great service. Free chips and salsa that were pretty good.
(4)
John H.
I've been in here five or six times by now ... maybe more. They have a huge menu, but I keep ordering the same thing, which I would have to say is just about the same that you can get at any other Mexican restaurant. However, the menu is extensive and, perhaps, I should branch-out ... try other items on the menu; maybe there is another "star" hidden in the menu that I have not tasted. As is often the case in Mexican restaurants, they give you chips and salsa while waiting for your meal to be served. Those are quite good, actually. I suspect they are made in-house, but I am not sure. The food is good, but not outstanding by any means. The portions served are not skimpy ... so ... bring an appetite or leave with a take-home box. The service is fast and friendly and there are clearly many repeat customers who come in. So, they have a loyal clientele. For me, after giving this place many a try, I'm gonna look-around for a place that may be just a little better.
(3)
Nicole D.
I am a long time Chapala supporter of all the locations around the valley. Went to the Vista location this weekend and was very disappointed. I feel like they are cutting corners on portions and food quality. The Chili Colorado looked thinned out and lacked flavor. The Carne Asada was very greasy and a little tough. The quality of ingredients did not seem up to par for what you usually expect at Chapala. The chips also tasted like the oil needed to be changed out. I hope it was just a bad night for them because it is one of the few places in the valley where you can expect consistent quality and service.
(3)
Jenny M.
Since moving to Boise, I have been on the hunt for great Mexican food. I moved from a city that had a vibrant hispanic culture and a large selection of great restaurants. I want that in Boise, so after reading all of the reviews for the other Chapala locations I thought this might be my place, plus they have multiple locations, that means they have been in business for a while and must have a loyal clientele, they are doing something right, huh? Well, after visiting the Vista location I wasn't all that impressed, maybe one of the other locations is doing it better, but if they have the same menu I am going to assume no. The food was okay, really it was no different than visiting a ChiChi's from the 1980's. It just felt uninspired, under seasoned and was nothing special. To be fair, I did start this review in August and I have wanted to visit another location but the husband won't allow it. The staff was friendly so I will give them props for that. My search continues for good no GREAT Mexican food in Boise, does it exist?
(2)
John N.
I have been going to one Chapala or another for 20+ years. If you know what they serve best, the food is great. I highly recommend Camarones Chapala (shrimp, onions, bacon, cheese, with tortillas and the side plate that goes with fajitas), the fajitas, the grilled chimis, or the flautas. Most of the time you can get green salsa as well with your chips. The green salsa (you have to ask) is sweet and spicy.
(4)
Patrick L.
I am always looking for good Mexican food. I am fairly new to Boise and haven't been impressed with most of the Mexican restaurants. I read that this chain has won the Best of Boise for a number of years so I figured I would check it out. Right from the beginning I wasn't impressed with the menu. For instance, they didn't really have many options for tacos (e.g., no Adobada, Carnitas...). When the food did come out, it was bland and borderline cold. Everything we had was so-so. We left disappointed.
(2)
Dave S.
We've been going to here for years, mainly because its the only place that is pretty much consistent. The food is ok, kind of like a Taco bell on steroids, quick and clean with no frills, The problem with the Boise area is ALL the Mexican restaurants have pretty much the same menu and taste to there food. Its like the all came from the same area in Mexico and they alll learned to coos the same way. Would really like to see a TEX-MEX restaurant come into the valley that didn't smother there food with cilantro.
(3)
Mark B.
Love this place every time I go here. Friendly staff, fast service, and I always like the food. Really good chile verde burrito, and priced reasonably. I stop by every time I'm in Boise.
(5)
Julie E.
If you're in the mood for predictable Mexican fare, Chapala is a good choice. The interior is cheerful, colorful and houses the usual bric-a-brac. The menu, while loaded with words is, for the most part, variations on a theme. Tacos (but an entry for beef taco, chicken taco, shrimp taco.. et al) and burritos and enchiladas. Combo plates. My husband had been in the mood for nachos for a few days, so he chose the ground beef nachos. One of my go to's is Chile Verde, and I asked for corn tortillas. The bean dip, salsa (with a nice kick but not too fiery) and chips were brought to our table. Sadly, the chips did not seem to be too fresh. It took us a bit of time to review the novel, I mean, menu, but we finally made a decision. Our order was not taken by the server who had brought us our water and munchies (and had asked if we needed more time) but by a young woman. All the time since we'd been seated I'd been noticing something in the background. Not just the music you'd expect to be hearing.. but a local Hispanic radio station with all the advertisements blaring in Spanish and all the chit chat of the DJ's. My husband and me found that very off-putting, though we DID enjoy what music was played. When our food arrived (without the usual 'hot plate' warning I might add.. and man those plates WERE hot, but we had expected it) it LOOKED good. The cheese on my husbands nachos was really well melted. The verde sauce was trifle thin, and so were my frijoles.. but I mixed the beans and rice together anyway to it wasn't a huge problem. Lastly the server brought the little container that would house my corn tortillas. Except they weren't corn tortillas, they were flour. I was hungry and I don't mind flour tortillas, so I didn't mention it and I am not taking any points away (if we were keeping points) because of the mix up, I just wanted to mention it. Hubby seemed happy with his nachos, but when I mentioned that maybe in the future I could stop and get some to go on the way home from work (as this location is about a mile from our house) but he said he'd not order them again. I asked him why as we made our way home, and since I sampled a few bites I know why, and I agree. The ground beef for the nachos was sweet, like ketchup had been added to the mix. Reminiscent of 'sloppy Joes' from the school cafeteria. Throughout our dining experience the servers (both male and female) interacted with us a total of six times. Seating. Ordering. Delivery. One water refill, 'Doing Okay' and clearing/delivering check. As I'd stated the female server did the majority of the work. Yet when the bill came is was the male servers name printed on the ticket. We went to the register to pay, then,when it was time to add the tip and sign the slip .. THEN the male server got chatty and companionable. I tipped just over 20% because the food was enjoyable (to a point for my husband, but mine was fine) and I know that service people count on tips. But I left shaking my head at what to me, was an obvious ploy for a bigger tip. The restaurant was not busy. I am (so I've been told) personable, my husband is quiet, but open to listening to me chit chat with folks. Had the server actually spent time interacting with us outside of the blase basics, the chances of a higher tip, even if the nachos weren't quite up to par would have been there. Overall, it was a satisfying meal, but this location isn't one that we'd consider sending other people to, except maybe on Wednesday nights when margaritas are 2 for the price of 1. Ole!
Outstanding! The food was delicious. I got the Enchiladas Sauze (tomatio sauce) - I highly recommend these! The service was very efficient. We got there shortly before closing time, and they were very welcoming and friendly. They brought us our food quickly and checked on us to be sure we happy. The waiter was a lot of fun and did a really good job. I'm very surprised that there are some reviews with less than 4 stars - this place is really good and a place I would definitely recommend!
(5)
Nina B.
I don't know why people have given this Mexican restaurant bad reviews, every single time my significant other and our son go in , they remember us, very kind, attentive, and happy staff, who often sing as they work. I'm a regular and eat every bite! Delicioso!!
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Dan S.
Just a regular Mexican food restaurant. No frills but I would go here again. The staff was friendly and had great service. Free chips and salsa that were pretty good.
(4)John H.
I've been in here five or six times by now ... maybe more. They have a huge menu, but I keep ordering the same thing, which I would have to say is just about the same that you can get at any other Mexican restaurant. However, the menu is extensive and, perhaps, I should branch-out ... try other items on the menu; maybe there is another "star" hidden in the menu that I have not tasted. As is often the case in Mexican restaurants, they give you chips and salsa while waiting for your meal to be served. Those are quite good, actually. I suspect they are made in-house, but I am not sure. The food is good, but not outstanding by any means. The portions served are not skimpy ... so ... bring an appetite or leave with a take-home box. The service is fast and friendly and there are clearly many repeat customers who come in. So, they have a loyal clientele. For me, after giving this place many a try, I'm gonna look-around for a place that may be just a little better.
(3)Nicole D.
I am a long time Chapala supporter of all the locations around the valley. Went to the Vista location this weekend and was very disappointed. I feel like they are cutting corners on portions and food quality. The Chili Colorado looked thinned out and lacked flavor. The Carne Asada was very greasy and a little tough. The quality of ingredients did not seem up to par for what you usually expect at Chapala. The chips also tasted like the oil needed to be changed out. I hope it was just a bad night for them because it is one of the few places in the valley where you can expect consistent quality and service.
(3)Jenny M.
Since moving to Boise, I have been on the hunt for great Mexican food. I moved from a city that had a vibrant hispanic culture and a large selection of great restaurants. I want that in Boise, so after reading all of the reviews for the other Chapala locations I thought this might be my place, plus they have multiple locations, that means they have been in business for a while and must have a loyal clientele, they are doing something right, huh? Well, after visiting the Vista location I wasn't all that impressed, maybe one of the other locations is doing it better, but if they have the same menu I am going to assume no. The food was okay, really it was no different than visiting a ChiChi's from the 1980's. It just felt uninspired, under seasoned and was nothing special. To be fair, I did start this review in August and I have wanted to visit another location but the husband won't allow it. The staff was friendly so I will give them props for that. My search continues for good no GREAT Mexican food in Boise, does it exist?
(2)John N.
I have been going to one Chapala or another for 20+ years. If you know what they serve best, the food is great. I highly recommend Camarones Chapala (shrimp, onions, bacon, cheese, with tortillas and the side plate that goes with fajitas), the fajitas, the grilled chimis, or the flautas. Most of the time you can get green salsa as well with your chips. The green salsa (you have to ask) is sweet and spicy.
(4)Patrick L.
I am always looking for good Mexican food. I am fairly new to Boise and haven't been impressed with most of the Mexican restaurants. I read that this chain has won the Best of Boise for a number of years so I figured I would check it out. Right from the beginning I wasn't impressed with the menu. For instance, they didn't really have many options for tacos (e.g., no Adobada, Carnitas...). When the food did come out, it was bland and borderline cold. Everything we had was so-so. We left disappointed.
(2)Dave S.
We've been going to here for years, mainly because its the only place that is pretty much consistent. The food is ok, kind of like a Taco bell on steroids, quick and clean with no frills, The problem with the Boise area is ALL the Mexican restaurants have pretty much the same menu and taste to there food. Its like the all came from the same area in Mexico and they alll learned to coos the same way. Would really like to see a TEX-MEX restaurant come into the valley that didn't smother there food with cilantro.
(3)Mark B.
Love this place every time I go here. Friendly staff, fast service, and I always like the food. Really good chile verde burrito, and priced reasonably. I stop by every time I'm in Boise.
(5)Julie E.
If you're in the mood for predictable Mexican fare, Chapala is a good choice. The interior is cheerful, colorful and houses the usual bric-a-brac. The menu, while loaded with words is, for the most part, variations on a theme. Tacos (but an entry for beef taco, chicken taco, shrimp taco.. et al) and burritos and enchiladas. Combo plates. My husband had been in the mood for nachos for a few days, so he chose the ground beef nachos. One of my go to's is Chile Verde, and I asked for corn tortillas. The bean dip, salsa (with a nice kick but not too fiery) and chips were brought to our table. Sadly, the chips did not seem to be too fresh. It took us a bit of time to review the novel, I mean, menu, but we finally made a decision. Our order was not taken by the server who had brought us our water and munchies (and had asked if we needed more time) but by a young woman. All the time since we'd been seated I'd been noticing something in the background. Not just the music you'd expect to be hearing.. but a local Hispanic radio station with all the advertisements blaring in Spanish and all the chit chat of the DJ's. My husband and me found that very off-putting, though we DID enjoy what music was played. When our food arrived (without the usual 'hot plate' warning I might add.. and man those plates WERE hot, but we had expected it) it LOOKED good. The cheese on my husbands nachos was really well melted. The verde sauce was trifle thin, and so were my frijoles.. but I mixed the beans and rice together anyway to it wasn't a huge problem. Lastly the server brought the little container that would house my corn tortillas. Except they weren't corn tortillas, they were flour. I was hungry and I don't mind flour tortillas, so I didn't mention it and I am not taking any points away (if we were keeping points) because of the mix up, I just wanted to mention it. Hubby seemed happy with his nachos, but when I mentioned that maybe in the future I could stop and get some to go on the way home from work (as this location is about a mile from our house) but he said he'd not order them again. I asked him why as we made our way home, and since I sampled a few bites I know why, and I agree. The ground beef for the nachos was sweet, like ketchup had been added to the mix. Reminiscent of 'sloppy Joes' from the school cafeteria. Throughout our dining experience the servers (both male and female) interacted with us a total of six times. Seating. Ordering. Delivery. One water refill, 'Doing Okay' and clearing/delivering check. As I'd stated the female server did the majority of the work. Yet when the bill came is was the male servers name printed on the ticket. We went to the register to pay, then,when it was time to add the tip and sign the slip .. THEN the male server got chatty and companionable. I tipped just over 20% because the food was enjoyable (to a point for my husband, but mine was fine) and I know that service people count on tips. But I left shaking my head at what to me, was an obvious ploy for a bigger tip. The restaurant was not busy. I am (so I've been told) personable, my husband is quiet, but open to listening to me chit chat with folks. Had the server actually spent time interacting with us outside of the blase basics, the chances of a higher tip, even if the nachos weren't quite up to par would have been there. Overall, it was a satisfying meal, but this location isn't one that we'd consider sending other people to, except maybe on Wednesday nights when margaritas are 2 for the price of 1. Ole!
(3)B M.
We just moved back to Boise from Arizona. Maybe we were spoiled with awesome Mexican restaurants there? We just moved to a place near the vista Chapala's and decided to give it a try since we noticed they have multiple locations in the valley. They have to be good right? Nope. It was very bad. My husband got tacos. You can tell a Mexican restaurant's quality by the tacos they produce. These were school cafeteria grade. It was very disappointing. So much so we made tacos the very next night to satisfy our taco craving that was left hanging the night before. I got the Enchilada with Mole. They had our order made fast but it tasted like it had been sitting a while. Definitely not fresh. Again, disappointed with dish number two. Our third entrée was a kids crispy. They placed it into the styrofoam takeout container fresh from the piping hot grill. It melted a huge hole in the container and the styrofoam was now part of the cheese crispy. It became an inedible. Notably, though, probably the freshest dinner out of the three... I told the waitress when I placed our order over the phone this was our first visit to their restaurant. When I arrived I was greated immediately by the host. He said the waitress was getting our order ready. She didn't great me. She came out from the back of the kitchen with my food and immediately started speaking the the host in Spanish. Didn't make eye contact. Didn't even say hi. No acknowledgement. She asked him if I was there for the order (in Spanish) then proceeded to ring me up...then spoke to me to give my total. She knew it was our first experience. Repeat customers are made from awesome first experiences and ours was horrible all around. So the search for good Mexican in boise continues.
(1)T N.
Outstanding! The food was delicious. I got the Enchiladas Sauze (tomatio sauce) - I highly recommend these! The service was very efficient. We got there shortly before closing time, and they were very welcoming and friendly. They brought us our food quickly and checked on us to be sure we happy. The waiter was a lot of fun and did a really good job. I'm very surprised that there are some reviews with less than 4 stars - this place is really good and a place I would definitely recommend!
(5)Nina B.
I don't know why people have given this Mexican restaurant bad reviews, every single time my significant other and our son go in , they remember us, very kind, attentive, and happy staff, who often sing as they work. I'm a regular and eat every bite! Delicioso!!
(5)