Six years ago, Art Robinson was undergoing a series of life changing events and wanted to leave his 25-year career in finance. Like many before him, he went soul-searching in the Sawtooths. By the time he pulled into Boise that night, he’d bought an 89¢ notebook and was dreaming up Wepa Cafe.
Finding a Home in Garden City
Before that day in 2018, Robinson had never considered owning or operating a restaurant. He was a good cook, but didn’t know how to translate home recipes for a larger kitchen — so he got to work.
After several years of pop-ups, working in kitchens where he was graciously offered space to learn, and getting connected with the local food scene, Wepa Cafe opened in September 2021.
“Everything just sort of slowly gelled into place, and then we found this location and now it’s like, I know we’re home and this is what we’re supposed to be doing,” Robinson said. “I love this community. [Garden City] has embraced us, so it’s easy to say this is home.”
Arroz con pollo feat. olives, capers, and plantains on the side. (Blake Hunter / City Cast Boise)
New to Puerto Rican Food? Here’s What to Try
Since Wepa Cafe is the only Puerto Rican restaurant in the entire state, you’re right on time if you haven’t visited or eaten much Puerto Rican food.
The cuisine on the island territory is influenced by African dishes/food via the trans Atlantic slave trade, the indigenous Taíno people, and the Spanish. Of Wepa Cafe’s menu items, Robinson encourages newcomers to try the pernil jibarito, a slow-roasted pork shoulder, and the arroz con pollo, for a little bit of everything.
The pastelillos are an appetizer similar to empanadas, and the plantains are worth a try — especially in mofongo form.
“It’s something new for a lot of people, but as long as they’re willing to try, most of them leave happy,” Robinson said.
The cafe started serving brunch from a Puerto Rican perspective earlier this year, and also opened a rooftop patio on their second floor last year.
But from the beginning, it’s been important to Robinson to give back to Puerto Rico. A portion of every check goes to a nonprofit organization that builds shelters for Puerto Ricans still recovering from Hurricane Maria in 2017, and diners can now donate directly when they check out.
