Restaurantji's Portland picks for the finest Mexican cuisine. Try the best Chips and Salsa, Tacos, Carnitas, and more in town.
“Just had one of the best experiences of my life at Lilia. Do yourself a favor and do NOT miss the tasting menu, which rotates weekly. It was an incredible value, and more importantly there was not one single disappointing dish in the 8-course lineup. Some stand outs were the amberjack crudo in aguachile: the fish was incredible and cut so pretty, and the aguachile was just the brightest and tastiest i’ve ever had. The quesadilla with huitlacoche, sprouting broccoli and marinated radish: never having tried huitlacoche I was shocked at how decadent and rich it tasted… every flavor in the dish worked like magic with the others. The pork collar: as soon as I touched a piece of the pork collar confit it fell apart under my fork, cooked to perfection. Like the carnitas of your dreams. And the chocolate & salted hazelnut tart with kumquats: probably the most interesting combinations of flavors and textures in any dessert I’ve tried… the kind of experience that’s just delightful every time you take another bite. Every dish was just a surprising explosion of flavors and beauty. This is exciting food. Absolutely no letdowns with the service (every staff member was enthusiastic and knowledgeable) and the ambience as well, but the food is truly mind-blowing.Vegetarian options: Every ingredient is treated like the star in these dishes, which means the vegetarian dishes were a burst of flavor, spice and texture. I had the roasted fennel with fennel harissa and the white asparagus with salsa pipián, pickled rhubarb and morel mushrooms and both were just excellent.“
“This place is so good!!! We got the chicken burrito and steak burrito. They were big enough to split between the 3 of us. The taste of them both were top notch. Seriously excellent taste. Fresh handmade tortillas??? Yo, you’re trippin if you think this place is mid. Will definitely be coming back to try the habanero sauce. Tried the red and green and was blown away with the flavor for both. Highly recommend!!!“
“Since they're situated at a gas station, I can't give them full marks for "atmosphere," but they do the best they can. however, the food and service were both outstanding. This food is really, really good. Will definitely put in our regular take-out rotation.Dietary restrictions: One gluten-free and dairy-free eater here, and they accommodated the DF without issue. Delicious!“
“A unique touch on Mexican which tasted fantastic. First time eating out dinner in Portland and no regrets.The service was amazing and the waiters knew the menu very well. Definitely a place worthy of booking!We ordered the full menu and every dish was very well plated. The chicken and the birria were the highlights for me but worthy of trying the entire menu!“
“The eating area is shared by other food carts, so it can get a bit tight if you decide to eat there when it's busy. But if you're looking for a big delicious and affordable burrito that's gonna fill you up, this is the place to go.“
“The taquitos here are delicious, made with fresh ingredients, seasoned perfectly, and balanced with some veggies and pickled onions. If you come at lunch hour, there can be a bit of a wait as they get a lot of regulars, but it's well worth it, or you can order online.“
“I ordered a beef brisket chimichanga and chicken quesadilla via Doordash. Both were exceptional. The quesadilla reminded me of one of my favorite New Mexican style restaurants in Denver: Jack-n-Grill. They use high quality cheddar (my personal preference) and chicken. I wish more restaurants understood and appreciated the superiority of quality cheddar. Also, their pico de gallo was top notch.. paired perfectly with the quesadilla. Please keep up the great work.Edit: I'm lowering my score due to service on the second order. They don't provide an option to order pico de gallo. I made a request for more, as 2 tiny cups don't suffice. It was ignored.“
“I had been meaning to eat here but I finally made it the other day! The weather was perfect so I ordered and went to sit at the outside seating area. The chicken torta was good! I was super impressed by the bread and it all tasted very fresh. I also had their horchata and would order both again! I will be back for more!“
“Great and fresh burrito.The way they cooked the tortilla was outstanding, I absolutely loved a grilled tortilla the way they did it.The burrito I got was veggie, and had pickled onions and other fresh ingredients and was delicious, one of the freshest tasting burritos I've had.The drink was jamaica hibiscus and wasn't too sweet, which is great, I hate when places just add tons of sugar to drinks.Would have rather had horchata, but the option wasn't available on the app I ordered from.The sauces were something special, the avocado was airy almost like a whipped sauce.The habanero was spicy and sorta sweet.Both delicious.Overall easy 5 star.“
Mexican • $
“I went to the food cart location and saw they now have gone brick and mortar. How exciting!! I had their street tacos and some Birria Consomé. Sooo super yummy!!There was plenty of parking and it is wheelchair accessible. The place looks clean. Hands down, these are the best street tacos I've ever had!“
“The food quality is good, but the size of the breakfast burritos leave something to be desired, and I am a small person so I don't eat much. Would have been better if they put potatoes in it to bulk it up a little. The people working in there are nice and the lattes and food are good though. I would go back.“
“Cleaned good inside &out with good helpful working guy at register ; with good cook that’s a guy or girl. My first time here definitely won’t be my last. Good yummy in my tummy food and beverages; affordable and worth every penny. Thanks for good service Smart Donkey , keep up the good work.“
“We live near the French Quarter food cart pod and Taco Express is a cart that we frequent every time we come (and that's often)! The kids love the breakfast burrito, their tacos are delicious, and seriously the fries are the best of anywhere in the Village! Friendly service and convenient hours. Love this place!“
“The best Mexican food cart by far. I always get tacos and they've never let me down. Super quick and delicious every time. The man running the cart is always very nice and sometimes gives me extra food. This is always my go-to when I'm craving Mexican food.“
“Ate at Dita's Peruvian food truck. Fabulous sandwich and plantain side. Hardly anyone there at 12:30 on a Friday so the rest of Portland was definitely missing out! Highly recommended. We'll be back soon.Parking: We found easy parking on a side street 1-2 minutes walk from Portland Mercado.“
“Nested in a nice food park, Saint Burrito has delicious burritos and friendly service. Ordered carnitas which was flavorful and had a slight crunchy texture from the searing. ? I also ordered the harbanero salsa but thought it would be a bit more spicy as a good middle ground of the choices. ALTHOUGH!, the salsa has a fantastic authentic roasted texture and color which I absolutely love. Will be returning.“
“Coming from LA it's hard to beat some bomb Mexican food and especially tamales. The Oaxaca tamales were some of the top tamales I've ever had. Price is reasonable as well. Definitely will be returning as it has become a go to stop for tamales “
“This is a great neighborhood taqueria. The prices are really good for the quality of the food and the spices on the Al Pastor are some of the best I've had. Burrito bowls are my jam and this burrito bowl is seriously legit. Salsas are also great.“
“I was in Portland from out of state for a conference and Tacos Frita catered one of the meals. I loved their vegan and gluten free tacos and the pinto beans were the best I've had. I had to have their food again so I went to the food truck. Very nice people, great customer service!“
“The enmoladas are my fave, and now that you can get them with black beans instead of refried, I think they've been perfected! That's my jam!Cold tip - the drinks in the cooler inside are a bit colder than directly from the front of the truck.“
“Everything they make is delicious and the staff is as friendly as can be! I’ve been eating here most days during a long, drawn out move and they have some lighter options that have helped me avoid a taco-baby belly. The lime chicken soup is so tasty ? I have proven to myself in the last three weeks that I really could eat here everyday! And the staff has only gotten kinder and kinder as I show my face moreDietary restrictions: I have found this place to be very safe for my gluten restriction and they are chill about switching out food that accidentally arrived with dairy on it!“
“Yummy yummy Mexican food I'm from so moving out here to WA it was very hard to find a really yummy Mexican spot and I'm 100% sure I finally found it. Yummy tender meat great homemade tortillas and yummy Carne Friess !!! 100% a loyal customer love love love. Even more better the people here are really nice !“
“They used to be at East Port food cars on 82nd but now they move inside fopo tavern 5902 se foster rd same delicious food like before and the best part is now I can get food until late (tacos. quesatacos, burritos, tortas, bowls wings , pork belly asada, pastor, carnitas, chorizo, Birria and yes they do have veggie options so if you get a chance stop by“
“The food here is excellent. You simply can't go wrong. The panuchos are my favorite but the empanadas and burritos are delicious as well. Their sauces are quite good too. The fare is reasonably priced , the ingredients are quality and the service is always friendly and prompt. The owner is very nice and is super accommodating. I highly recommend visiting this cart.“
“A good alternative to the popular chain Mexican place down the street. The food is fresh, tasty and you have options of burritos, tacos, bowls and taco bowl. The guy who served my food was super sweet. I feel the price is really good especially downtown which is getting pricey for lunch. I had a carne asada bowl and it was plenty of food and good for my tummy. No extra charge to add guac too! I would come here again and try the other dishes.“
“This is the greatest burrito in all of Oregon. I was lost and now I am found. As soon as I took my first bite a single tear formed in my eye, tastiness like I had never known surged through my body. I tried to take a photo but we ate the burritos with such speed that it was simply impossible. The food, the salsa, the atmosphere and the service was the best of anything I've tried in all of Oregon. Please do yourself a favor and go to Taqueria El Paisano.“
“I’m here at least once a week! I can’t get enough! Great tacos and sides! Wonderful atmosphere and excellent service.A great place to dine alone or with your friends /family. The staff and food are pure gems. I will always get my tacos here.❤️“
“Awesome food!! The owner was also SO friendly and kind, she greeted me with a huge smile. The food portions are quite generous and delicious! The kimchi is also super bubbly and fresh I couldn’t get enough. The prices are also the best I saw among all the others. For the quality, amount of food and super friendly owner I can definitely recommend this place and will definitely be back!! 맛있어요!“
“The tacos are amazing. I ordered asada, pollo , lengua and tripe tacos. The lengua were my favorite but all of them were amazing. i had some green and red sauce on the side and normally I don't like the red sauce much and prefer the green but the red sauce has the perfect heat and it's slightly smoky with good flavor. As long as they keep this quality I won't go anywhere else for a taco again.“
“The young man taking orders was so polite and took the time to explain some of the memu items. We ended up getting the beef birria tacos with consume and the meat was so tender and full of flavor. We also got chicken Panuchos which was so fresh and colorful with cabbage and pickled onions creamy black beans and seasoned chicken it was so filling. The sauces were delicious especially the guacamole one. This was a great experience and the food was excellent. Try this place out you won't regret it“
“Super delicious food and super friendly staff. I have been wanting to try this cart for a while and finally stopped on my way back from the airport. The pork and cheese pupusa was recommended when I asked what their favorite was and it did not disappoint. Super cheesy, great griddled crust, and the pork and sauces were so flavorful.I also was gifted a fruit cup of sorts (kind of like an agua Fresca) and it was delicious and refreshing—honestly it was better than any actual agua Fresca I’ve had in PDX…Vegetarian options: Lots of different veggie options for pupusas (squash, beans, peppers, cheese) and other items.“
“I've had four different dishes at this place and every one of them has been amazing! This may be the very best Latin Food I've had in Portland! On top of that; I'm usually able to get two meals out of what I order.Kid-friendliness: Kids are welcome and will likely find something that appeals to them.“
“The best Burritos in Portland? Absolutely!! I lived in southern CA for 25 years and this is the most authentic burrito I’ve had here in Portland. The midtown beer garden where they’re located is great as well. Go check them out you will not be disappointed“
“AMAZING MEXICAN FOOD! (Yep, I meant to yell that.) This is by far the best Mexican food we've had in Portland. Carnitas and Carne Asada both perfectly seasoned. Order the grilled onions and jalapeños. Just do it. We don't drink alcohol, so can't speak to the execution of the several mixed drinks on the menu except to say they are big and look tasty. Ordered take out twice in one week. Tried to order the flan the first time we ordered, but they were sold out. Granted, it was within a hour of closing on a Sunday. Next time - score! Simply yum!! Staff? They were friendly and got our orders out on time. Next time we'll dine in. Churros need to be eaten right out of the kitchen, right? Do yourself a favor and check them out.Parking: Several parking spots next to the building and some street parking.Wheelchair accessibility: Street level entrance. No stairs.“
“Best Mexican restaurant ever.this place was more than I possibly imagined.this place is the pinnacle of culinary creation.love and passion served on a plate.as a sous chef this place motivated and inspired me,food can be so much more than just something you eat.its and experience,an adventure“
“You know how you usually think of tamales as dry and generally lacking flavor? NOT this place!!! I've had their mole and their verde chicken tamales, and both are tender, moist, and PACKED full of flavor. I can't say enough good things about this food cart. The home made tortillas they use for their tacos are probably one of the best things I've put into my mouth and their al pastor was juicy, flavorful, and delicious. The lady working the food cart was amazing, gave me a complementary taste of their hibiscus agua fresca, and encouraged me to take a load off in their cute little outdoor space. Do yourself a favor and stop by, you won't regret it!!“
“We’ve been coming here since they opened! We will never go somewhere else! Amazing options for everybody! Meat eaters and vegetarians will never go hunger here! They are the friendliest and kindhearted family. Thank you so much for the sweatshirts, we love them!“
“Highly recommend. Possibly the best Hispanic food I’ve EVER had. The tortillas were great, bread for the Torta was Definitely the best I’ve ever had. Not so soft that it falls apart, slight crunch. Tacos didn’t skimp on meat. Tender and flavorful no matter what one you get. The rice was also the best I’ve had. Moist and full of flavor. Found my new spot. Gotta get some churros and elotes. Price is comparable to any other truck and at times cheaper.“
“I call my order ahead of time and bike over. The tacos are top notch. I am obsessed with the fried chicken and al pastor chicken tacos. Their tacos are packed with filling and lots of meat. The pineapples go great with the al pastor chicken! The sauce on the fried chicken enhances the flavor nicely. One of my fave food carts. The covered area is nice to eat under. Plus you can get free salsa or hot sauce if you like. Reasonably priced for the high quality ingredients and friendly service.“
“This is hands down one of the best mexican food trucks I have tried out here in Portland. It's authentic, service is wonderful, and it tastes great every single time. This is literally my go to spot for tacos, chilaquiles, morisqueta and milanesa. They just added asada fries and it's *chef kiss* amazing. A true hidden gem in the NW Portland area.“
“Amazing tacos! Filled to the brim with Carne Asada…wonderful salas. Very nice people…great customer service. She wrapped my tacos beautifully so I could tuck them under my cycling jacket and transport them safely home where I devoured them.“
“We had the Boston waffle with PB&J, bananas, and whipped cream. It was delicious and the perfect size as a dessert for two people. Fluffy and light, and just filling enough. The covered portion of the patio was cozy on a rainy winter's day, while still giving a fun food cart vibe. Highly recommend.“
“Food was great, a decent beer & cider on tap selection. Service was quick and welcoming. Got 4 of the street tacos, they use one tortilla instead of two but very filling if you get 4-6. Prices were standard. The nacho platter was $12.5] but it was mountain with great toppings.“
“Pupusas! I just wanted to try one of these for the first time, and El Porvenir did not disappoint. I had the chicharrón pupusa with delicious salsas for $6 and was surprised to find it satisfying without being too heavy. Wonderful flavor and texture.Look forward to another visit to try the chef’s other specialties.“
“This place has some really good tasting tacos! Prices are fair for the taste and you can enjoy some imported beverages as well as ice cream afterwards. Plenty of seats inside or 6 picnic tables outside which is covered but see through (forgot to take pic). Parking can be accessed from both crossing streets but a little tight. Located on the corner. Do highly recommend and will definitely be back!“
“This is an interesting idea. They have a food truck style kitchen with a structure built around it. You can see the kitchen looks clean and smells delicious. They offer a simple menu of tacos, burritos, quesadillas and few treats. The fried birria tacos are hands down the source of the delicious aroma from the kitchen. My wife and I debated if the shells/tortillas are house made. The service is good and they get busy enough to have invested in a paging buzzer system. I will have to return for more birria tacos!“
“Food prices are not correct on yelp, they are quite a bit more than what is listed here. Service was good, food took awhile - but was super fresh and super hot... yummmmm! Ambiance is a little sketchy and the parking in this little strip mall is a nightmare.“
“I highly recommend this place. Food is delicious. Waites Andres treats you family. I appreciate you so Andres, you are the best. My drink and modelo was too notch. Thank you so much ❤️? we got the BEST service from Andres. If y’all come please tip Andres good he deserves it ?“
“This place is amazing! Someone clearly put their heart into making the interior feel like you were dining in an outdoor pavilion in Mexico. It is intricately detailed and decorated. The service is fantastic, and it's some of the best Mexican food I've had in Portland. Highly recommend dining here.“
“Delicious food every time we dine in, and fresh margaritas too. Supporting a queer-owned vegan business makes every bite and sip that much better. I would highly recommend their torta with any of their "meat". Music is a little loud, and it's a small environment. Besides that, the vibes are impeccable. We try to make it in every weekend.“