Imelda's Mexican Restaurant

My mother was from Texas, and I grew up on Tex-Mex flavors. The first time I came to Imelda’s, I knew I’d found my spot—it reminded me of my mom’s cooking. My sister and I even made it a tradition to drive in from Boise nearly every weekend. But starting in Spring 2024, we noticed a big change. The flavors became muted, and over time the food grew increasingly bland. The last two visits were so disappointing that we stopped coming altogether—until today, when we decided to give it one more chance. Unfortunately, it was another letdown. I ordered eggs with beans and chorizo. The eggs had no flavor, the chorizo looked undercooked, and even though I spotted a jalapeño in the beans, they were flat and unseasoned. What struck me most was how the atmosphere had shifted: where the dining room once buzzed with large Mexican families, it’s now mostly white families. I can’t help but wonder if the recipes have been toned down to cater to milder palates, because the taste and quality have clearly suffered. After three disappointing visits, I have to say three strikes and you’re out. It’s especially disheartening because there’s no other place in the area serving truly good Tex-Mex. If Imelda’s ever has a grand reopening with a renewed focus on authentic Tex-Mex flavor, I’d gladly return. Until then, I’m sad to say I won’t be back.

Went for lunch Oct 10/2025 & ordered the taco plate. Yes it took a little while to get our order even though the restaurant was not busy as I seen before. When we got our order the rice & beens were barely room temperature so when the waitress came by i mentioned to her my concern. She looked at me like what do do want me to do about it, I’d say very poor customer service not caring! That used to be one of my favorite places to go when we went to Caldwell. No More after today.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 2

Very busy small restaurant. Everyone one i saw seemed happy. It felt like everyone in the restaurant was sharing a secret. After I tried their breakfast burrito I knew it was made with love and caring. It was gooooood! Highly recommended. Was a short wait time because it was only a couple people running the whole thing. It was worth the wait. Can't wait to go back and try other things from the menu.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was not made right, had people waiting for 35 plus minutes, soda machine was not working pricing too high for very little portions

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

AC not working. Soda machine not working. Service horrible. Food ok.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

Toook way longer than was told over double the time didn’t get good portions for the cost tables weren’t cleaned and had 1 worker doing everything!

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

Was told the wait would be 20 minutes and ended up waiting over 40. Went up to the counter multiple times and no one came to ask what we needed. 1 guy running the entire restaurant with barely any seating and uncleared tables. Once we got our food it was in To-Go containers that were not asked for. Portions were terrible (see picture). Food was put in styrofoam so hot it burned through the bottom (see picture). Do not recommend.

Atmosphere: 2

Service: 1

After over a decade of going to Imelda's, I'm very disappointed over our experience today. The lack of service and professionalism left me speechless.

We preordered food this morning for pick up this afternoon. When we showed up for pick, we found out they cancelled our order and refunded us. There was barely an apology, and they didn't even call us to inform us they cancelled our order. The food was for a birthday and now we are scrambling with what to do.

Although I like Imelda's, I am not sure I'd order again

Came in for breakfast with family, menu wasn’t popping up, none of the drinks were working the teller had no customer service to top it off they didn’t have the masa made for the tortillas so they had to refund the burrito and the drinks, then she couldn’t refund cause she didn’t know what was going on. I come to this place often and NEVER AGAIN!!!!!

I ordered online and paid through the website (square) for a burrito plate. Went to pick up my food and they said they weren’t able to make the burrito, and wasn’t able to give me a refund since they didn’t know how to. So I asked if I can order something different and I did, but still had to pay for another menu item. And the food was not great, especially waiting again another 25-30 minutes. I called again today and they said there wasn’t anyone available to give me a refund and call on Saturday someone should be able to help. So I will update this when I receive my refund.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

60+ minute wait for the food.

Food: 5

Service: 1

The best Mexican food in the valley!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Been coming here since 2008 when the original owners had it. New owners don’t really seem very enthusiastic about their customers. They should take the name off sign and call it something else, because it’s not Imelda’s anymore. Nothing last forever. oh well.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 1

Overpriced tacos! Charging 4.50 per bean and cheese taco. They serve with old beans, skimp on the cheese. I’m from Texas and this is a crime against traditional taste and value.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Amazing food and service! Would highly recommend!