All of your favorite foods can be found in one place, but they’re all on a taco shell. Be it corn or flour, you can have your choice of just about any type of taco you can think of – and even some, you’ve never imagined possible!
Getting Started
Boss Man Tacos hasn’t been around that long, but for the time that they have been in the Northwest Indiana area, they’ve done extremely well. The small hole-in-the-wall establishment is home to a multitude of different taco varieties, some that have never been thought of before.
The name “Boss Man Tacos” was derived from an idea of the owner’s husband. According to her, at a restaurant in Chicago where he worked, the employees all called him “hefe” or boss man. When they first opened the restaurant, they originally called it“ El hefe de tacos”; but changed it in 2018 to Boss Man Tacos to make it easier.
The doors to Boss Man Tacos opened in February of 2017, and since then they have received several accolades and achievements. Not to mention a large loyal customer base. When asked if they have more regulars or newcomers, owner Rachel responds with,
“I would say we have a pretty even mix. Our loyal customers melt our hearts, We have customers that we have known from day one. And we have customers who were here for the fist time last week and we have already seen in again twice. I think both Vinny, (my husband) and I learned the value of customer appreciation when we were bartenders downtown for so long. To him, every customer is his best friend. He has the gift of gab and is an entertainer at heart. To me, every customer is an opportunity to make someone’s day a little better, put a smile on their face and good food in their belly.”
And it’s a positive and welcoming attitude like that which was one of the reasons Boss Man Tacos was one of my best experiences here in the greater area. While every place I’ve visited in Indiana has been special in its own right, Boss Man Tacos does give you that little bit of added touch when it comes to a personal approach. Making you feel like you’re a friend rather than a guest, makes the customer want to frequent the establishment that much more often.
There’s also a great bargain to be found at Boss Man Tacos. While you can certainly go through a Taco Bell drive-thru and get a soft taco for under $2, here at Boss Man Tacos you’ll find that the fast in their food is definitely only based on speed and not on quality. You may indeed be spending more than $2 for a proper dish, but it’s not that much more, and you get a lot more bang for your buck than at a cheap fast food place.
The Owners
Rachel, 38, was the bartender and manager at The Fireplace Inn in Chicago for12 years, prior to opening up Boss Man Tacos.
“That’s where Vinny and I met and where he proposed to me!” She says with excitement.
Vinny, who is 53, also worked at The Fireplace Inn for nearly 25 years as a bartender and GM. The two came together not only personally, but professionally to start this little restaurant several years ago, and have had nothing but joy since doing so.
“Fireplace Inn is a family owned restaurant that has survived and thrived since 1969. The family became our family, mentors and our biggest cheerleaders when we decided to open our own restaurant. I left Fireplace after 12 years to learn more about the corporate side of running a resataurant. I became GM of a fast casual hot spot downtown and spent 3 years learing the ins and outs of the corporate side of managing a restaurant,” Rachel expounds, remembering her start in the restaurant industry before finally getting the opportunity to open her own.
And what a place! Though it’s a small, humble little place, Boss Man Tacos has so much to offer in terms of their menu. It’s one of those happy medium places – something in between a fast food restaurant and a sit-down. You can do both. You can get your food fast and take it to go, or you can still get it quickly but sit down inside the restaurant and be served at your table.
Kitchen to Table
And let’s talk about what you’re going to be served. With a laundry list of choices, here are just some of the options awaiting you. Rachel tells me, when asked what their most popular dish is,
“There’s so many! People come for the street tacos which are only $1.25 but then they see the extensive menu and come back to try some of the more unique or completely traditional dishes.” And their specialty dish? Any of their “Boss Tacos” – which there are nearly 30 to choose from!
Rachel also says the most unique thing they have on offer is more than likely their Boss Man taco.
And my favorite tacos that evening? I would not turn away another Fish n’ Chips taco. While it may sound too exotic for a traditional Mexican pallet, there is no question this was my absolute favorite thing that evening! Just the right batter on those fish, and the fries were perfectly cut as well. Slathered in a salsa that was unbeatable, the tacos were truly delicious and stuck to a very tight budget.
And that’s not to say that there weren’t other items on the menu that I didn’t enjoy or love. In fact, pretty much everything I tasted that evening was spot on terrific, and I would definitely be back in the future if opportunity allows. At a low cost, and with delicious fare, there is no reason not to stop in.
Just like Rachel adds, another reason for patrons to visit Boss Man Tacos, is that they offer both traditional and non-traditional items – and I would add, very creative non-traditional items.
Their value, convenience and the fact that they are a family owned business are more reasons indeed that people should come by to check them out. Supporting the locally owned businesses is always the smart way to go, and you know they’ll treat you right!
Prices
Let’s talk about the value of their menu. With the least expensive item being $1.25 for their street tacos, the most expensive thing you can purchase here is a whole $13.99 for their delicious Fajitas. And let me tell you, they’re totally worth it. Also, their beans and rice are amazing, do yourself a favor and order a lot of that.
Future Plans
Rachel beams with excitement when I ask her if they have previously owned any other businesses, or have plans to own more in the future.
“This is our first! But definitely not our last business. Before Covid hit we were ready to buy a food truck. We are always looking for a new spot, truck or even idea. We have done restaurants for a long time and both have other interests we might jump into!” And we’re just as excited with anticipation. I can’t wait to see where they take this and what their next move will be, as I will definitely want to be first in line with their new endeavors.
With merchandise available for purchase, and even cocktails and beer on offer, the little spot in Highland, Indiana has so much going for it, especially warmth and smiles. Everyone at Boss Man Tacos gives you the sense you belong there, and are always a welcomed member of their group.
So what are you waiting for? You know you want to try one of their deliciously exotic tacos, or some of those amazing platters they have available. Just make sure that when you do stop in to Boss Man Tacos in Highland, you let them know that Lisa sent you!
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