Drove all the way over there just to discover this business has closed. Too bad they didn't have the common courtesy to let the community know.
Barbara B.
Love this cozy Mexican restaurant! Hard working small staff - be kind to them! Prices are fair, they're a great neighborhood venue, and you can play some classic video games in the back. Go and chill!
Brooke H.
Oof, this place was kind of disappointing. Let me start with the good: the vegetarian tacos. I tried the cauliflower taco and the mamas y papas taco, and it was the best thing of the night. Honestly, these tacos alone deserve a 4 star review. The fillings were crunchy and flavorful. I tried the shrimp taco and enjoyed it, as well. All of these were better than the meat tacos according to my friends. If I were to come back, it would literally just be for those three tacos. Don't bother with the taco plate, as the rice and beans are both flavorless, which lead me into the rest of it. The bar wasn't very busy, but we barely had any service. We had to ask for utensils, and when we asked for napkins for our group of 4, they brought us 2. The servers were nice, but didn't seem to care much about serving us or checking in. As far as drinks, I started bold with a rose margarita. The problem was that it basically tasted like watered down margarita mix with a hint of rose. It wasn't super strong and didn't taste especially great. I tasted my husbands blackberry mule and it was better, but still not great. I tried their Oaxaca old fashioned that was made with caramelized pineapple and mezcal, I believe, and it was easily the best drink of the night. I was worried it would be too sweet, but the sweet and smoky really balanced each other out. Butterfly Kisses was pretty good, too. So, I guess I'd get an old fashioned and those three tacos and call it a night.
Cali Aha
Fabulous!!! I have been going to PorQueNo for years. Was looking for a taco place that has fresh margaritas closer to south Portland. Their tacos are spectacular, margaritas are better the PQN, ambiance is so cozy, comfortable with a touch of eclectic. Staff is very attentive and friendly and don’t rush you out. Prices are very affordable and wonderfully fresh and unique flavors. My new favorite restaurant in Portland!
William Spencer
Love the food, great staff and cool vibes!
Allison M.
Could have been 5 if it wasn't for the slow service, extreme noise and constant screeching children. Food was good. I wouldn't say it was incredible. But I really liked the mamas and papas taco and spicy Margarita!
Paige J.
I don't write bad reviews ever! But I was very disappointed. I live in sellwood and always love trying new places out. I had high hopes going into it, after hearing some people talk highly of the food so I took my family to have dinner. After a mix up with drinks, and a 30 minute wait for main courses everyone got there food at the same time except me. I didn't want to make a deal out of it so I waited a few minutes thinking maybe the kitchen was running behind. Finally I said something, and after an additional 30 minutes, and half of our party leaving since they had already eaten... I got my food. I chose to get it to go since I wasn't going to make the remaining party wait for me to eat. On top of that we ordered beans and cheese for the table and it was beyond salty. Very disappointing.
Paul Winquist
Trippy place. Excellent food..... Closes too early at night and opens to late.
Sylvie Frank
Great vibe, great food--especially exciting to have such varied and tasty vegetarian and vegan options. So happy to have this spot open in the neighborhood and can't wait to go back!
My wife and I really enjoyed this place! Tasty Beverages and the food was awesome!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
L T.
ok listen. I know nothing about pinball. it's cute, I'm sure I would enjoy it. the thing about Lava Room is the service, vibe and food. these tacos are so good. so BiG! babes don't skimp on the filling. The margaritas are perfectly balanced with flavor and booze. The folx behind the bar are charisomatic, knowledgeable and fun. love this place. It feels cozy to come, set up a game and stay awhile.
Amy Fredrickson
Good food, decent prices, cheap beer and pinball!? What more could I ask for? The mushroom tacos were tasty. The steak fajitas were a bit bland and steaky and the beans had a lot of cumin. However, the ambiance and nice bartender made up for it. The rice was tasty, the chips were fresh and salty (yum) and the salsa was good. We will definitely be back.
Recommended dishes: Taco
Lee L.
Great red walled decor. Pinball machines in the back. Attentive service. One of the best margaritas I've ever had, yes spicy pear margarita, I'm talking about you! Elevated and insanely delicious street tacos and the most tasty cheese quesadilla I've ever had. Like wow! Lava Room, you just stopped my world and I'll melt with you!
Kate B.
We love this spot so much. The food is beautiful and delicious. The cocktails are on point. The service is friendly and attentive. The music is always good. Thank you for this neighborhood gem.
I miss this
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Nachos and Tacos
Drove all the way over there just to discover this business has closed. Too bad they didn't have the common courtesy to let the community know.
Love this cozy Mexican restaurant! Hard working small staff - be kind to them! Prices are fair, they're a great neighborhood venue, and you can play some classic video games in the back. Go and chill!
Oof, this place was kind of disappointing. Let me start with the good: the vegetarian tacos. I tried the cauliflower taco and the mamas y papas taco, and it was the best thing of the night. Honestly, these tacos alone deserve a 4 star review. The fillings were crunchy and flavorful. I tried the shrimp taco and enjoyed it, as well. All of these were better than the meat tacos according to my friends. If I were to come back, it would literally just be for those three tacos. Don't bother with the taco plate, as the rice and beans are both flavorless, which lead me into the rest of it. The bar wasn't very busy, but we barely had any service. We had to ask for utensils, and when we asked for napkins for our group of 4, they brought us 2. The servers were nice, but didn't seem to care much about serving us or checking in. As far as drinks, I started bold with a rose margarita. The problem was that it basically tasted like watered down margarita mix with a hint of rose. It wasn't super strong and didn't taste especially great. I tasted my husbands blackberry mule and it was better, but still not great. I tried their Oaxaca old fashioned that was made with caramelized pineapple and mezcal, I believe, and it was easily the best drink of the night. I was worried it would be too sweet, but the sweet and smoky really balanced each other out. Butterfly Kisses was pretty good, too. So, I guess I'd get an old fashioned and those three tacos and call it a night.
Fabulous!!! I have been going to PorQueNo for years. Was looking for a taco place that has fresh margaritas closer to south Portland. Their tacos are spectacular, margaritas are better the PQN, ambiance is so cozy, comfortable with a touch of eclectic. Staff is very attentive and friendly and don’t rush you out. Prices are very affordable and wonderfully fresh and unique flavors. My new favorite restaurant in Portland!
Love the food, great staff and cool vibes!
Could have been 5 if it wasn't for the slow service, extreme noise and constant screeching children. Food was good. I wouldn't say it was incredible. But I really liked the mamas and papas taco and spicy Margarita!
I don't write bad reviews ever! But I was very disappointed. I live in sellwood and always love trying new places out. I had high hopes going into it, after hearing some people talk highly of the food so I took my family to have dinner. After a mix up with drinks, and a 30 minute wait for main courses everyone got there food at the same time except me. I didn't want to make a deal out of it so I waited a few minutes thinking maybe the kitchen was running behind. Finally I said something, and after an additional 30 minutes, and half of our party leaving since they had already eaten... I got my food. I chose to get it to go since I wasn't going to make the remaining party wait for me to eat. On top of that we ordered beans and cheese for the table and it was beyond salty. Very disappointing.
Trippy place. Excellent food..... Closes too early at night and opens to late.
Great vibe, great food--especially exciting to have such varied and tasty vegetarian and vegan options. So happy to have this spot open in the neighborhood and can't wait to go back!
Restaurantji Recommends
My wife and I really enjoyed this place! Tasty Beverages and the food was awesome!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
ok listen. I know nothing about pinball. it's cute, I'm sure I would enjoy it. the thing about Lava Room is the service, vibe and food. these tacos are so good. so BiG! babes don't skimp on the filling. The margaritas are perfectly balanced with flavor and booze. The folx behind the bar are charisomatic, knowledgeable and fun. love this place. It feels cozy to come, set up a game and stay awhile.
Good food, decent prices, cheap beer and pinball!? What more could I ask for? The mushroom tacos were tasty. The steak fajitas were a bit bland and steaky and the beans had a lot of cumin. However, the ambiance and nice bartender made up for it. The rice was tasty, the chips were fresh and salty (yum) and the salsa was good. We will definitely be back.
Recommended dishes: Taco
Great red walled decor. Pinball machines in the back. Attentive service. One of the best margaritas I've ever had, yes spicy pear margarita, I'm talking about you! Elevated and insanely delicious street tacos and the most tasty cheese quesadilla I've ever had. Like wow! Lava Room, you just stopped my world and I'll melt with you!
We love this spot so much. The food is beautiful and delicious. The cocktails are on point. The service is friendly and attentive. The music is always good. Thank you for this neighborhood gem.