About
Serving wood-fired flavors of Mexico, Spain, and the Caribbean at its lakeside setting with dining areas resembling an art gallery is Barbacoa Grill!
The story starts in 2005, when Robert and Martine Castoro opened the first Barbacoa on ParkCenter Pond in southeast Boise. That original building burned down on New Year's Day in 2010. A year later, a larger and more ambitious restaurant rose in the same spot.
The Castoros designed the Boise space with Thompson Interiors, a 2005 National Award Winner for hotel and restaurant design. The result is part museum, part art gallery, and part restaurant.
The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Enrique Martinez, showcasing open-fire grilling with cuisine celebrating ranchers of the Pacific Northwest, the Vaquero of Spain, the Gaucho of Argentina, the Llanero of the Brazilian plains, and the Charro of Mexico.
Its central location makes planning a celebratory meal around a busy day of activities easy-peasy. Across the river is the Boise River Greenbelt that connects you to the Kathryn Albertson Park and the Boise Whitewater Park. A short drive further south is The Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey. No matter what your day looks like, you’renever far from wood-fired meals.
For a unique Idaho dining experience, visit Barbacoa, where history, culture, and cuisine unite as one.
Vibe
With a dream location beside ParkCenter Pond in southeast Boise, the eye-catching exterior and setting set the stage for what’s to come.
The interior combines elements of an art gallery, like sculptures, fire features, and imported art. Look for Saul Bernstein's digital redraws and pieces from Martine Castoro, Boise Art Glass, and Fire Fusion Studios.
Dining areas include the bar for casual drinks or a quick bite, and the main room for date nights and celebratory meals. The third-floor Luna Bar overlooks the pond and is popular at sunset, offering a one-of-a-kind experience.
The balance of art, warmth, and Latin-inspired rhythm makes the ambiance ideal for your Idaho vacation.
Barbacoa Grill: Menu & Drinks
With a dinner, taco bar, and vegetarian menu, to say this place has it all is an understatement!
Kick off your epicurean dining adventure with the tableside guacamole. A server builds this appetizer right at your table, mixing fresh avocado with your choice of spices and ingredients. It's simple, fresh, and fun for any occasion.
The salads will also impress, with creative choices like the Orange Fennel. This light, refreshing salad features the sweet, licorice note of fennel with butterleaf lettuce, blue cheese, pine nuts, green and red peppers, and mandarin oranges. The house-made poppy seed vinaigrette ties the flavors and textures together.
Regarding entrees, the steaks are what put Barbacoa on the map. The signature 2.5-pound prime porterhouse steals the spotlight, arriving on a sizzling hot rock, letting you cook each bite to your liking. It comes with your choice of two sides and three house sauces: serrano chimichurri, habanero tequila barbecue, and cognac. Designed to be shared, this juicy porterhouse will melt in your mouth.
A Spanish-inspired dish is the paella, known for its complex notes and bountiful land and sea ingredients. The saffron-infused rice with tomatoes and peas comes with braised seafood, chorizo, chicken, prawns, mussels, and clams.
On the Taco Bar menu, the flatbreads offer yet another layer of palate-pleasing flavors. Noteworthy is the Braised Short Rib with Barbacoa signature BBQ and cheddar mozzarella blend.
Also tantalizingly tempting are the mini tacos, the ceviche, quesadillas, and sliders, ensuring something for everyone.
The bar keeps pace with the kitchen, with various beer and wine offerings. Creative cocktails like the I'm Your Huckleberry offer a taste of Idaho with Koenig Huckleberry Vodka, white cranberry, and fresh huckleberries.
The Heat margarita showcases fresh cilantro, serrano peppers, lime, El Jimador Reposado tequila, and fresh orange, giving it a bold and spicy edge.
A meal at Barbacoa adds real character to a Boise getaway, with creative food, craft drinks, and an art-filled setting all in one lakeside stop.
Local Tips
- Happy hour runs 4–6 PM daily with 50% off drinks.
- Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends.
- Free parking is on-site with overflow across the boulevard.
- The Luna Bar is only open on weekends and is seasonal.
