Jackie Guzman of Tacos 208
BY ISAIAH FRIZZELL
Jackie Guzman is the eminently beautiful, fresh face of Tacos 208. After almost three years of serving the community, seasonally, from a food truck in Bellevue, the Guzman family grew their concept into a gorgeous, year-round, dine-in location, smack in the center of downtown Hailey. With deftly-lit, spacious bar seating and a perfectly arranged dining room of tables and cozy booths, Tacos 208 has that unmistakable vibe that invites lengthy lunches. Dark wood, sleek lighting, and with enough space for dancing (there are parties!) the eatery is well thought out, polished and chic, yet approachable. Maybe a type of New American vibe but with true Oaxacan flavors and drinks.
Guzman is one of four siblings who, with her parents, have crafted an authentic, obsessively fresh, handmade Oaxacan eatery. Hailing from Santiago Yucuyachi, Oaxaca, in southwestern Mexico, the family has combined recipes to create a most excellent blend of Mexican flavors.
“Our grandmother is from Baja, California, where some of our dishes start, but our mother is from Oaxaca, so the tastes come from down there in southern Mexico and we also pull from northern Mexico. It’s a family combination of recipes and inspiration.” Guzman is in the kitchen every day, with her siblings, hand crafting all comestibles, from the corn tortillas to the salsas.
“Nothing is pre-ordered at all. Everything is made from scratch… you know, all the spice blends, every sauce, everything. It’s all made fresh, like, I can’t guarantee that enough, we’re at it, in here, every single day!”
Guzman is extraordinarily passionate about the quality and care that goes into their offerings. With so many regular restaurants cracking open cans, boxes and packets of processed ‘ingredients’ you could find at Costco or Sisco, the Guzmans prepare food the way you want it and that quality is immediately apparent the moment you see, smell and taste. Flavors are precise, perfectly executed and, honestly, amazing. The birria taco is an achievement. Not too much chili (although we love the heat here), the meat is delicate, while the tortillas are bliss. Their tripa taco is a crispy, elegantly charred exercise in restraint. As someone who lived in Oaxaca, this is full-on, authentic, taste persuasion. Tortas, burritos, and quesadillas alongside Jarritos, tap/bottle beers and liquor round out this esteemed establishment.
Having only been open for three months, Tacos 208 is sizzling. With a buy-one-get-one Taco Tuesday, weekly specials, and a secret dessert menu, “I’m gonna say that it will be very, very authentic. Something you don’t find every day, y’know?” Guzman keeps it on the DL for now. With Tortilla Rewards you collect 10 tortillas for $5 off your next meal.
Happy Hour
“We haven’t established a happy hour just yet but definitely come in for special treatment from 2 to 4 p.m.” Events dot the calendar and a couple of pool tables are en route.
Celebrations
On July 26, Tacos 208 will host a Peruvian Independence celebration with well-known Peruvian DJ Guero Wilder. Regardless your background, this is Hailey, know the community and check it out! Perhaps you want to play there as a band, DJ or solo artist? Call and ask for Stephanie Guzman.
Variety, novelty and fresh vibes keep a community exciting, thriving, and inspired. On a sales or romantic date? Tacos 208. Just go in, you’ll get it. While they offer to-go orders via phone or onsite, the ambiance makes you want to have a drink and stay. Some things are ineffable and there’s something about the vibe of Tacos 208 that seduces with elegance with chill.
Discover their specials and events on Instagram: @tacosdoscientos8
Tuesday-–Saturday: 11am–9pm
Monday–Sunday: Closed
107 S. Main St., Hailey, Idaho 83333
208-913-0255
tacos208idaho.com
