After 28 years of Twin Falls success, this restaurant is ‘finally coming to Boise’
Magic Valley restaurateur Jose Perez has waited a long time for his Boise moment.
The owner of Garibaldi’s Mexican Restaurant opened his first location in Twin Falls in 1994. A second then appeared in Jerome. A third, launched three years ago, operates in Elko, Nevada.
Next month, the fourth Garibaldi’s is set be unveiled — at 5697 W. Glenwood St. in Garden City.
“Garibaldi’s Mexican Restaurant is finally coming to Boise,” the regional chain proclaims proudly on Facebook.
“We tried to open in Boise for a long time,” Perez explains, speaking by phone. “It’s hard to get a place.”
Garibaldi’s is remodeling a building where another familiar local Mexican chain closed last summer: Chapala. Fans of the prior tenant should find plenty to appreciate about Garibaldi’s. Known for generous portions — and “the best margaritas,” Perez promises — Garibaldi’s will strive to elevate family-friendly dining aesthetics.
“It’s gonna feel, like, more fancy,” Perez said. “It’s going to be really different — really different style.”
The Garibaldi’s menu draws from Guadalajara, Michoacán and Tex-Mex cuisines. The restaurant also has a liquor license, he says, so the bar will offer a wide array of spirits.
Raised in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Perez immigrated to Seattle in 1984 at 18 years old. Four years later, he moved to Hailey, Idaho, to work at — you guessed it — a Chapala.
The Magic Valley to Treasure Valley expansion has been a long time coming, but not quite a first. In 2002, Garibaldi’s opened a Nampa location, but it shuttered and is now (you guessed it again) a Chapala.
Perez says there is no firm opening date for the Garden City restaurant, but early September is the plan — and probable.
Bring on the chips and salsa.
“It’s almost done,” he says.
