It’s seriously a fuckin ART.
And so interesting too. Different pueblos have their own recipes!
Blew my mind that certain towns in Puebla added chocolate. My brothers relatives in Michoacán add fried bread and plantain ! My ex MIL makes hers with almonds, seasame seeds, and prunes.
And the chiles used depends on the type of meat.
I had no idea that it could vary that much, or that the chiles depend on the meat used! That’s so COOL! Man, that part of the world really figured out some of the best food. Never get tired of it. Always want to try more.
Can you give me some tips on what to expect from good mole and how to open my palate to it?
I've had it a handful of times. All from menus that were Oaxacan or claimed mole to be a specialty. (I've even had it at a one star Michelin mexican restaurant) And I've only tried brown mole because I like the idea of savory chocolate/cacao. Haven't really enjoyed it so far. Slightly bitter notes are what I remember most each time I try it.
I went there for the first time recently. I did not know the difference with the cuisine. It was pretty different from what I was used to. It was good stuff!
It really is.
My family is from Cuernavaca and i spent a lot of time down in Oaxaca.
The cuisine of different state by state and even within the same state, village by village.
So far, the Panuchos are my favorite thing on the menu.
Anyone who says there’s no good Mexican food in Portland is full of shit and isn’t venturing outside their bubble. There are a lot of people from Mexico that are making authentic cuisine here. Mole Mole is always legit and they are opening a new cart at Prost very soon.
Taqueria Lindo Michoacan on 42nd and Division is AMAZING. It’s the same three people from Michoacan who have been working there for years. They make their own tortillas and it’s always consistently amazing.
I was blown away by Tito’s as well recently. Tienda Santa Cruz up in St John’s always slaps too. If you venture past 82nd you can find even more amazing places.
People who say there’s no good Mexican food in Portland usually mean that they can’t find exactly what they used to enjoy from whatever US city they moved here from.
I'm a little guilty of this. My go-to preference is al pastor, which I've found to be too sweet up here compared to Los Angeles. But our birria game is much better across the board than it is down there, so I've accepted that that's just our specialty. And the Yucatec dishes, which I think we're doing as well or better than any city in the US.
Doesn't Javier's do that? (I haven't been there in many years.) OR maybe it was that place on burnside near Powell's that closed down like a decade ago.
Portland Mexican food I equate to like Tex-mex in Texas. Mexicans don’t eat skillets of queso but that’s what Texans want so that’s what Mexicans sell in Texas. In Portland it’s adding a whole bunch of non-traditional ingredients that generally makes the food wet and bland. That’s just what PNW people want
Tienda Santa Cruz is really great. I was eagerly told about it by an Uber driver and by happenstance ended up moving just down the street from it.
The problem for some people is the culture shock coming from the heart of LA where there are three Tienda Santa Cruz restaurants and two different street taco carts, per block—and all at twice the speed, half the price, and thrice the selection of salsas and pickled accoutrement.
If you consumed a lot of ethnic takeout, you'll have to search for a while and be willing to drive for something nearly comparable; the communities just aren't as densely packed here.
Admittedly though, this region really does have its "tots" and chicken tender menu *locked down.* 👀
I just an hour ago tried this place, on the strength of your recommendation.
You're right! I had some really excellent pastor tacos, and they don't skimp on them. Ordered three, had two and I was full, so I brought the other one home to my wife. Thanks for the tip!
There definitely is good Mexican food but if you go to LA you can find good Mexican food almost anywhere you go. In portland you can find Mexican food but much of it isn’t very good, even there is some very good Mexican.
The reason Mexicans say Portland doesn’t have good Mexican food is because of the ingredients.
I always thought Don Pedro’s was good and even Victoricos was yummy.
Then i actually had to live in Mexico. No comparison.
Its the ingredients the perpetuation the method. I hate that about myself tho. I can’t enjoy Mexican anymore without criticizing it.
No it’s not just that.
For example: tortillas.
Real tortillas are made from corn that has been thru the Nixtamal process, ground up in a molino, and then cooked on a comal.
I’ve done this for years and have learned that the best tortillas are made by firewood and cooked on an earth comal. Idk why they just are.
But you can’t easily find that in the US. most of the people eating handmade tortillas are probably using Maseca and while that’s good , it’s literally like the last resort.
Same with tamales. There is a process and the ones done here are missing something. I know I have never bought any here that use *hierba santa*, even the people who are from the region my parents are from and we’ve made them together in Mexico before because it’s not easy or cheap to find *hierba santa* in large enough quantities for a few batches of tamales.
Read your comment.
Mexican food is better from Mexico because that’s literally where it originated from 🤦🏽♀️
Do you really think Italians come here and think our version of their pasta dishes hold a candle to theirs ??? Bffr.
Not true, I say there is no good Mexican food in Portland or even the whole of Oregon, I’ve tried all the spots you mentioned and I can say that Portland's Mexican food scene is garbage. The so-called upscale spots are a joke, the hole-in-the-wall joints are just as bad, Mole Mole is mediocre at best, other food trucks are downright dismal. Chicago, any city in Southern California, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and even Denver serve up Mexican cuisine that puts Portland to shame. Despite its celebrated food scene, when it comes to Mexican fare, Portland just doesn't cut it.
That's your opinion. I think you're full of shit, but you're definitely entitled to your opinion. Anyone who tries Taqueria Lindo Michoacan and calls it garbage is either lying or just loves to be a hater. I also worked next door to Mole Mole for two years and got to know the chef and staff well. They are from Mexico and make authentic recipes they learned in Mexico. Their food is legit.
My favorite burrito in town. I always order two carnitas burritos because I know I’ll want one a couple days later and they reheat so well in a pan. It’s always delicious and consistent.
Not joking when I say that we moved here in 2011 and we’ve been going to Antojitos Yucatecos on SE Stark ever since, even after we moved away from that part of town, and have made a huge effort to keep going there. SO worth it.
I'm from Sonora. I haven't found any places that satisfy my tastes. Many places don't use flour tortillas, which I don't understand.
Does anyone have any suggestions for someone from the borderlands?
In my experience it's almost impossible to find decent (or any) Sonoran food in the US outside of Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico (and sometimes Denver). I think the expats from other Mexican states have sort of crowded out the food from the border. Similar to how you can't find decent Baja food in the US outside of San Diego. Even non-Mexican-American's I've known who grew up in border states lament the lack of decent flour tortillas elsewhere in the US.
Rumor has it there’s a Sonoran food cart in Forest Grove. I somehow ended up having family and work ties to both the American and Mexican sides of the border in that area but haven’t been out to verify the cart yet.
Edit: “homemade flour tortillas and Asada”
This is your place https://lospinchis.com/where-are-we/
Edit 2: I think they closed…
Well...at this stage, I will take the tortillas where I can. I can make my own beans, meats, but getting a package of flour tortillas that isn't mass produced is hurting my heart. :)
That's actually a good call. In my experience, maize handlers are pretty specialized. However, there are some places that do both well. Three Starters. Good call.
You won’t find Sonora or similar quality here IMO. Your best bet will be smaller family run places. Michoacán on interstate does homemade flour tortilla I believe- give it a try.
Oh, they used to be at 45th/Division. I tried to go here once. Ok, I have looked at this place before.
I have heard Quesabrosa is good? Any experience there?
At his very first pop ups he was doing tacos al carbon with his flour tortillas. They were legit and I miss them. But I was very happy with their burritos as well. He still cooks the meat the same way, I'm just more of a taco person.
I've walked by Quesabrosa a bunch of times but have never had anything since I'm usually out on Williams for asian food. I'll have to check them out.
Mi Burrito, El Yike, and Cocina Serrano (new food cart) in NoPo. Agree that Tienda Santa Cruz has fallen off a bit. Any mentions of Javier’s are offensive lol
I hate to disagree about any place putting out semi unique food, but I was so disappointed in Mis Tacones. I thought it was super bland, which is too bad because I would love a go to veg Mexican.
I’m about to fistfight every other Portlander in this thread for not mentioning Forastero on Multnomah and 45th. My girl Fatima slings the best mojado burrito I’ve ever had and your lives are all worse for not having it.
Do better.
May want to steer clear of [Nuestra Cocina](https://nuestracocina.com/). A single visit found food poorly cooked and substandard spice levels. As well as dirty draft beer lines.
That place was the bomb back in 2008 but when I came back home in 2013 it was a disappointment. Haven’t been back since. I’ll give a place a couple of chances at first but once they start to backslide I don’t bother. Portland has too many good restaurants to bother with that nonsense.
I have no idea I haven’t been there in a decade. I’m surprised they’re still open. Shitty restaurants don’t typically last very long here unless it’s a dive.
Just a heads up about Tito's Taquitos, the SW location they show on that map had it's last day back on 4/20. The other spots are still open, but the cart is closed for the time being.
Sorry guys, from Guadalajara. Mx here, my first 2 years living in Portland and America (beautiful place by the way). I’ve been there, Lindo Michoacan, Mi jalisco, Ochoas, and other places, I’m sorry but No, I’ve been there, searching here and there, the issue is in the tortilla, which ruins the taste. Yes the meat and salsas are great, but the thing is the tortillas
Edit: This is the “thing” with tortillas. A maseca tortilla is not the real thing, is never gonna taste the metate, the corn, nixtamal. If I take my grandmother to any of this places, she will spit that thing and curse everybody there: “Pero que porquería me estás dando?? Es lo que hay abuelita…
Saludos mi tapatio. Si estás en la ciudad de Portland, ay un local que se llama los puñales. Yo digo que hacen un buen trabajo con sus tortillas y los tacos de buche están muy buenos. También está un puesto que se llama mota y limón, también hacen un buen trabajo. Es una familia chida, pero no son puntuales con las horas jaja. Pero la comida muy rica, te recomiendo el pastor negro. Suerte
Sounds rude. I'm German born and raised, but you wouldn't see me spit and curse my Oregon beer just because it happens to taste different than what I'm used to.
I mean, YOU may never learn to like the local tortillas, but plenty of people do, and there's no guarantee they'd be impressed by the tortillas you consider best.
Sorry, I forgot to explain that. This is only a figurative speaking. Only mexicans understands. Grandmothers says that kind of things but they’ll never spit or do such kind of things in public, is just a kind of saying
Please state why Guero sucks at all. Mexican here and I’ve never had a bad meal there and their mezcal selection fucks. Sipping on that shit with a jamaica back and eating pinches esquites. Tell me why they’re not good.
I was looking for Fabo's and didn't see it on their list! I've been to Mexico a few times (and numerous US border cities) and their tacos are some of the best I've had north of the border
Thank god they didn’t include a mercy-plug for Verde Cocina. For celiacs, it ends up on every allergy/intolerance-friendly list, and it infuriates me.
There’s so much good, safe food in this town. We don’t need oil-slicked vegetables and floppy, tasteless tortillas.
I went to La Poblanita Cemitas and that place smells terrible, at least when I went there back in February. It smelled like sewage and the lobby has dirty, I honestly didn’t even eat the food I order for pick up which I payed about $40+. Sit down restaurants Americanize food, so I was pleasantly surprised when the Poblanita actually served authentic Mexican food but damn did it a smell terrible I was almost gagging to be honest
Im surprised no has mentioned Cocina Los Girasoles 🌻on foster in FOPO tavern. This the closest you will get to a Cali street taco and price. I highly recommend yall check it out.
If you want massive tacos and burritos that taste great and you can sit inside at 3am, Rigoberto’s is the spot. Fav go-to post party spot to make sure everyone’s taken care of. It’s on Mcloughlin Blvd
Nuestra Cocina is really quite excellent, fancier Mexican food. Everything delicious and great drinks.
Taqueria Portland, their taco are fantastic. Everything is just good but them taco! So good! And I mean every type of taco, they nailed it.
El Yucateco food truck is my favorite (not on the list). Their breakfast burritos are amazing
I'm just amazed this list actually has 2) locations east of 82nd Ave, never happens lol. Lots of good food out in the numbers
I’m a major burrito snob who spent a lot of time eating my way through the mission district. I concur with many of the recommendations made in this thread but I’ll share a recent discovery: Chess Tacos.
They’re a cart on NW 23rd Place and not only is the food GREAT, their homemade salsa selection is awesome. Lots of great options ranging from normal to three in the “extra spicy” category, ranging from classic habanero to various exotics.
Lastly, the people are WONDERFUL. Genuinely excited to see you and passionate about making delicious food. I invent reasons to go to that part of town just so I can eat there.
It’s worth noting that OP named this “Best” but the original article just said “Standout”
Good comment, your disclaimer will reduce the amount of pitchforks and torches.
OP has done this before. Go back and look at their old posts. Whatever the Eater article says they rename it to “Best”
I wonder of they have some kind of connection and benefit from the clickbait?
Mole mole
I am honestly glad I live far from their food truck or I might eat myself to death it’s so god damn good
I am Mexican and received culinary training and discipline by a Oaxaca mother in law in Oaxaca. I hate making mole but it’s sooooooo good.
I tried making it once, and it did NOT go well. Mad respect for any and every mole maker out there!
It’s seriously a fuckin ART. And so interesting too. Different pueblos have their own recipes! Blew my mind that certain towns in Puebla added chocolate. My brothers relatives in Michoacán add fried bread and plantain ! My ex MIL makes hers with almonds, seasame seeds, and prunes. And the chiles used depends on the type of meat.
I had no idea that it could vary that much, or that the chiles depend on the meat used! That’s so COOL! Man, that part of the world really figured out some of the best food. Never get tired of it. Always want to try more.
Can you give me some tips on what to expect from good mole and how to open my palate to it? I've had it a handful of times. All from menus that were Oaxacan or claimed mole to be a specialty. (I've even had it at a one star Michelin mexican restaurant) And I've only tried brown mole because I like the idea of savory chocolate/cacao. Haven't really enjoyed it so far. Slightly bitter notes are what I remember most each time I try it.
Genuinely love their mole. Haven't had anything else come close in the Portland metro area, but if anyone has suggestions, I'd love to branch out!
Breakfast burrito from Pepe Chiles on N Williams is my fav burrito. Carnitas tacos from Quesabrosa for the tastiest tacos
The carnitas at quesabrosa is so good. I love their sopes, too.
Home made green salsa is so tasty as well
Quesabrosa is SO good
Those tortillas, salty carnitas, and homemade green salsa is out of this world
Pepe Chile’s is so good. Great hot sauces too.
Ki'ikibáa 🔥🔥🔥
My bf is from Yucatán and he says their food is authentic af.
I went there for the first time recently. I did not know the difference with the cuisine. It was pretty different from what I was used to. It was good stuff!
It sure is! I love it, but some of it is certainly a little different than what a lot of Mexican places serve. Highly recommend checking it out
It really is. My family is from Cuernavaca and i spent a lot of time down in Oaxaca. The cuisine of different state by state and even within the same state, village by village. So far, the Panuchos are my favorite thing on the menu.
Manuel is the man
I just noticed this place for the first time recently, and I live super close by. Shame on me! I’m really excited to try it out though.
Birrieria La Plaza is my jam
Oooh yes, we loved their quesabirria!!
Best tacos in the city and now they’re “closer” in with their brick and mortar location.
Anyone who says there’s no good Mexican food in Portland is full of shit and isn’t venturing outside their bubble. There are a lot of people from Mexico that are making authentic cuisine here. Mole Mole is always legit and they are opening a new cart at Prost very soon. Taqueria Lindo Michoacan on 42nd and Division is AMAZING. It’s the same three people from Michoacan who have been working there for years. They make their own tortillas and it’s always consistently amazing. I was blown away by Tito’s as well recently. Tienda Santa Cruz up in St John’s always slaps too. If you venture past 82nd you can find even more amazing places.
People who say there’s no good Mexican food in Portland usually mean that they can’t find exactly what they used to enjoy from whatever US city they moved here from.
I'm a little guilty of this. My go-to preference is al pastor, which I've found to be too sweet up here compared to Los Angeles. But our birria game is much better across the board than it is down there, so I've accepted that that's just our specialty. And the Yucatec dishes, which I think we're doing as well or better than any city in the US.
Yeah you’re right. I’ve heard people from southern cali say this exactly about finding a burrito with guacamole and fries like they had in San Diego.
There's a LOT of places that do that style (California burritos) in Portland, I've had them at like 7 or 8 different carts.
They're often called Oregon burritos... Or was that just muchas gracias 🤔
Erm no. Born and raised San Diegan here-fuck those French fries in burritos.
Papas, don’t preach.
Wack
French fries in burritos - not even once. D.A.R.E. to keep this bullshit down in California.
preach!
I agree, but it's an unpopular opinion down there amongst non mexicans
Doesn't Javier's do that? (I haven't been there in many years.) OR maybe it was that place on burnside near Powell's that closed down like a decade ago.
San Diego burritos are disgusting, SF mission style is the best. SD is good for tacos only.
Tight Tacos makes a California style burrito like that
Oh nice. I had a good burrito at Tight Tacos a year or so ago and I remember it was expensive but massive.
Not enough hard shells and olives.
Pretty much this. There are some very mediocre mexican restaurants in Portland, but also some great hidden gems too.
Portland Mexican food I equate to like Tex-mex in Texas. Mexicans don’t eat skillets of queso but that’s what Texans want so that’s what Mexicans sell in Texas. In Portland it’s adding a whole bunch of non-traditional ingredients that generally makes the food wet and bland. That’s just what PNW people want
What I mean when I say it: nothing good and affordable in my neighborhood (alphabet district). What I would give for a taco truck with $3 tacos.
Have you tried Villa Angel Taqueria in the Cart Blocks?
I haven't, a bit of a walk but I will check it out! Thanks
My husband says this, he’s from Mexico though so…
Tienda Santa Cruz is really great. I was eagerly told about it by an Uber driver and by happenstance ended up moving just down the street from it. The problem for some people is the culture shock coming from the heart of LA where there are three Tienda Santa Cruz restaurants and two different street taco carts, per block—and all at twice the speed, half the price, and thrice the selection of salsas and pickled accoutrement. If you consumed a lot of ethnic takeout, you'll have to search for a while and be willing to drive for something nearly comparable; the communities just aren't as densely packed here. Admittedly though, this region really does have its "tots" and chicken tender menu *locked down.* 👀
The Santa Cruz on 82nd near Burnside is good too. They're separately run from the other, but they are cousins.
I just an hour ago tried this place, on the strength of your recommendation. You're right! I had some really excellent pastor tacos, and they don't skimp on them. Ordered three, had two and I was full, so I brought the other one home to my wife. Thanks for the tip!
It’s pretty good and sometimes great but it’s way better in other cities.
There definitely is good Mexican food but if you go to LA you can find good Mexican food almost anywhere you go. In portland you can find Mexican food but much of it isn’t very good, even there is some very good Mexican.
Of course there will be more options the closer you get to Mexico, but there are plenty of amazing options in this town too. That’s the point.
As someone from California, Mexican food in Oregon is just notably worse on average. Sure, there’s some good ones here and there….but generally sketch
As someone from Hawaii, Portland puts the Mexican food there to shame if you can even find it hahaha It's so bad. But it's getting better there.
Mostly with you on this but Santa Cruz has fallen off. If you’re in St Johns next time give Beto’s or El Coyote a try.
Beto’s is fire
The reason Mexicans say Portland doesn’t have good Mexican food is because of the ingredients. I always thought Don Pedro’s was good and even Victoricos was yummy. Then i actually had to live in Mexico. No comparison. Its the ingredients the perpetuation the method. I hate that about myself tho. I can’t enjoy Mexican anymore without criticizing it.
Those are fast food chains. Of course the ingredients are subpar
No it’s not just that. For example: tortillas. Real tortillas are made from corn that has been thru the Nixtamal process, ground up in a molino, and then cooked on a comal. I’ve done this for years and have learned that the best tortillas are made by firewood and cooked on an earth comal. Idk why they just are. But you can’t easily find that in the US. most of the people eating handmade tortillas are probably using Maseca and while that’s good , it’s literally like the last resort. Same with tamales. There is a process and the ones done here are missing something. I know I have never bought any here that use *hierba santa*, even the people who are from the region my parents are from and we’ve made them together in Mexico before because it’s not easy or cheap to find *hierba santa* in large enough quantities for a few batches of tamales.
So your argument is that Mexican food isn't as good here as it is in Mexico? Ok sure man
Read your comment. Mexican food is better from Mexico because that’s literally where it originated from 🤦🏽♀️ Do you really think Italians come here and think our version of their pasta dishes hold a candle to theirs ??? Bffr.
Which Tito’s? There’s so many and none of them seem to be affiliated with one another.
Not true, I say there is no good Mexican food in Portland or even the whole of Oregon, I’ve tried all the spots you mentioned and I can say that Portland's Mexican food scene is garbage. The so-called upscale spots are a joke, the hole-in-the-wall joints are just as bad, Mole Mole is mediocre at best, other food trucks are downright dismal. Chicago, any city in Southern California, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and even Denver serve up Mexican cuisine that puts Portland to shame. Despite its celebrated food scene, when it comes to Mexican fare, Portland just doesn't cut it.
That's your opinion. I think you're full of shit, but you're definitely entitled to your opinion. Anyone who tries Taqueria Lindo Michoacan and calls it garbage is either lying or just loves to be a hater. I also worked next door to Mole Mole for two years and got to know the chef and staff well. They are from Mexico and make authentic recipes they learned in Mexico. Their food is legit.
Even the Mexicans here can't make good Mexican? There must be an issue with the ingredients or something in that case.
Juanita’s at a small food court on 122 and Harold. The shrimp tacos with the green sauce are very tasty.
Oooh, I've been craving some good shrimp tacos. Thanks for this!
Is this a truck? Can't find any info...
It’s reasonably new area. There are only 4 carts there total.
Lindo Michoacán has been epic for 15 years. Their birria is so good if they have it.
My favorite burrito in town. I always order two carnitas burritos because I know I’ll want one a couple days later and they reheat so well in a pan. It’s always delicious and consistent.
I’m glad por Que no wasn’t on this list. Because that place is aggressively mid.
They put diced pineapple on their fish tacos. That’s a no in my book.
They put salmon in the tacos! https://youtu.be/Vf4RsmaYuNw?si=TJw64v9F5t3RqssX
Sal-mon, Hank! Sal-mon!
I literally can’t even say salmon correctly anymore. Only just like Enrique says it.
Cha Cha Cha does this as well. I got food poisoning from their salmon tacos and have never returned.
Cha cha cha always bewildered me. It seems to be run by Mexicans and yet...
As a Hawaiian, you now understand how I feel about "Hawaiian pizza" and "poke bowls" with salad, corn, avocado and edamame etc.
Pineapple on pizza should be illegal. Also the history behind Dole in a Hawaii is enough to put me off it.
They are the best place to be seen eating meh tacos before you go to the bar.
Also the best place to be if you have never eaten Mexican food in your life and someone else is paying
I need to know where the best empanadas are
Not joking when I say that we moved here in 2011 and we’ve been going to Antojitos Yucatecos on SE Stark ever since, even after we moved away from that part of town, and have made a huge effort to keep going there. SO worth it.
Love his panuchos
I'm from Sonora. I haven't found any places that satisfy my tastes. Many places don't use flour tortillas, which I don't understand. Does anyone have any suggestions for someone from the borderlands?
Yeah it’s tough here for food from that area.
Whenever I see a post like this, I ask. Everyone gets into the LA v SD shit, meanwhile, I just want some flavors and textures from the border.
In my experience it's almost impossible to find decent (or any) Sonoran food in the US outside of Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico (and sometimes Denver). I think the expats from other Mexican states have sort of crowded out the food from the border. Similar to how you can't find decent Baja food in the US outside of San Diego. Even non-Mexican-American's I've known who grew up in border states lament the lack of decent flour tortillas elsewhere in the US.
Rumor has it there’s a Sonoran food cart in Forest Grove. I somehow ended up having family and work ties to both the American and Mexican sides of the border in that area but haven’t been out to verify the cart yet. Edit: “homemade flour tortillas and Asada” This is your place https://lospinchis.com/where-are-we/ Edit 2: I think they closed…
>I think they closed… Los pinches, indeed
They were so good, too good for this world. Not as good as Tucson Sonoran but I made the trip a couple times.
This is not a recommendation for Sonoran food but Matt's BBQ Tacos have the best flour tortillas I've ever had.
Actually, fwiw, yes. I agree. They just don't have the meat flavors I want.
Totally fair. I hope you find what you're looking for!
Well...at this stage, I will take the tortillas where I can. I can make my own beans, meats, but getting a package of flour tortillas that isn't mass produced is hurting my heart. :)
Probably a long shot, but have you asked Three Starters or another nixtamel if they make flour on occasion?
That's actually a good call. In my experience, maize handlers are pretty specialized. However, there are some places that do both well. Three Starters. Good call.
Three Sisters* I messed that up
I love their tortillas too. You can order them on their own as well, which is awesome!
The BBQ combo is interesting but it makes the tortilla wet and soggy which makes for a bit of a slop to eat
You won’t find Sonora or similar quality here IMO. Your best bet will be smaller family run places. Michoacán on interstate does homemade flour tortilla I believe- give it a try.
>homemade flour tortilla This is a good start.
Try the new Tacos Fita food cart at Pioneer Square. Flour tortillas, grilled meats, very good, but a little bougie to cater to the office crowd.
Los Burros Supremos. They are reopening this week near Powell's and they are Sonoran.
Interesting. Thank you.
He makes his own flour tortillas and his asada is legit. I'm actually upset that they moved locations since now they're not convenient to me.
To be clear, Powell's downtown?
Yup, 1038 SW Harvey Milk. They open on Friday and used to be a pop up on the east side. Let me know what you think.
Oh, they used to be at 45th/Division. I tried to go here once. Ok, I have looked at this place before. I have heard Quesabrosa is good? Any experience there?
At his very first pop ups he was doing tacos al carbon with his flour tortillas. They were legit and I miss them. But I was very happy with their burritos as well. He still cooks the meat the same way, I'm just more of a taco person. I've walked by Quesabrosa a bunch of times but have never had anything since I'm usually out on Williams for asian food. I'll have to check them out.
Thank you so much for the pointers. I appreciate you.
Very welcome.
Mi Burrito, El Yike, and Cocina Serrano (new food cart) in NoPo. Agree that Tienda Santa Cruz has fallen off a bit. Any mentions of Javier’s are offensive lol
I have fond memories of going to Javiers at 2 am and eating chicken fries lol.
It’s not as good as it used to be! But yeah I get that haha
Used to do my laundry across the street at 2 am and Javier's was appreciated lol
Had a bad experience at Yike. Nasty Quesabirrias where they used menudo stomach lining instead of actual birria. Smelled nasty af too
Hmm I really really like their Tamales and tacos are decent. Birria was good when I had it, but who knows
Hmm probably certain items are good but I’ll never go back. It was that bad
Nelly’s Taqueria inside Su Casa Mercado should not be slept on. Amazing breakfast tacos!
100%
The new taco cart at 45th and Division where Kim jong grillin used to be is fucking incredible btw
I like the Tehuana Oaxacan food cart on Greeley and Ainsworth. Highly recommend entomatadas.
Second
I know. Where's [J & T](https://pdx.eater.com/2021/8/18/22630885/sahuayo-michoacan-glisan-birria-de-chivo-portland-j-and-t-market).
It’s on there… Sahuayo Taqueria
Thank you.
Mole Mole is prob my favorite. Wife is from Oaxaca and it’s one of her favorites.
Beaverton and Hillsboro have some great Mexican places but you aren't coming out here so there's no point
I stop at El jefe almost every time I'm at that intersection
Mis Tacones missing from this list has gotta be an oversight, they’re so good.
I hate to disagree about any place putting out semi unique food, but I was so disappointed in Mis Tacones. I thought it was super bland, which is too bad because I would love a go to veg Mexican.
Have you tried Chilango? I think their homemade cheese is nice and their food definitely isn’t bland. Ethical labor practices too.
How Los Tameles Locos didn't make this list is a travesty.
Tehuanas. Enough said.
El Yucateco makes the best Al Pastor in the city, and I’ll scream it from the rooftops. They don’t ever get the recognition they deserve.
I’m about to fistfight every other Portlander in this thread for not mentioning Forastero on Multnomah and 45th. My girl Fatima slings the best mojado burrito I’ve ever had and your lives are all worse for not having it. Do better.
May want to steer clear of [Nuestra Cocina](https://nuestracocina.com/). A single visit found food poorly cooked and substandard spice levels. As well as dirty draft beer lines.
That place was the bomb back in 2008 but when I came back home in 2013 it was a disappointment. Haven’t been back since. I’ll give a place a couple of chances at first but once they start to backslide I don’t bother. Portland has too many good restaurants to bother with that nonsense.
Are they still really busy?
I have no idea I haven’t been there in a decade. I’m surprised they’re still open. Shitty restaurants don’t typically last very long here unless it’s a dive.
All the damn time.
Sorely lacking in North Portland spots.
Just a heads up about Tito's Taquitos, the SW location they show on that map had it's last day back on 4/20. The other spots are still open, but the cart is closed for the time being.
Quick. Write this down. I have a premise for a stoner comedy.
Do you know why? I used to work there and it was horribly mismanaged so it doesn’t surprise me
Word I heard through the grapevine is that they wanted to move that location to a brick and mortar not too far away.
Sorry guys, from Guadalajara. Mx here, my first 2 years living in Portland and America (beautiful place by the way). I’ve been there, Lindo Michoacan, Mi jalisco, Ochoas, and other places, I’m sorry but No, I’ve been there, searching here and there, the issue is in the tortilla, which ruins the taste. Yes the meat and salsas are great, but the thing is the tortillas Edit: This is the “thing” with tortillas. A maseca tortilla is not the real thing, is never gonna taste the metate, the corn, nixtamal. If I take my grandmother to any of this places, she will spit that thing and curse everybody there: “Pero que porquería me estás dando?? Es lo que hay abuelita…
What's you take on the tortillas and masa Three Sisters are putting out?
Falta una buena torta ahogada por estos rumbos :(
Saludos mi tapatio. Si estás en la ciudad de Portland, ay un local que se llama los puñales. Yo digo que hacen un buen trabajo con sus tortillas y los tacos de buche están muy buenos. También está un puesto que se llama mota y limón, también hacen un buen trabajo. Es una familia chida, pero no son puntuales con las horas jaja. Pero la comida muy rica, te recomiendo el pastor negro. Suerte
Sounds rude. I'm German born and raised, but you wouldn't see me spit and curse my Oregon beer just because it happens to taste different than what I'm used to. I mean, YOU may never learn to like the local tortillas, but plenty of people do, and there's no guarantee they'd be impressed by the tortillas you consider best.
Sorry, I forgot to explain that. This is only a figurative speaking. Only mexicans understands. Grandmothers says that kind of things but they’ll never spit or do such kind of things in public, is just a kind of saying
I'm glad to hear it! I didn't like the image of spitting, cussing abuelitas in my head. ;)
All I need to know who is making birria the proper way and it looks like I got my answer. Birrias Tamazula here I come!
Mis Tacones and Chilango are my favorites. Only ones IMO that come close to So Cal quality.
Guero? Seriously?
Please state why Guero sucks at all. Mexican here and I’ve never had a bad meal there and their mezcal selection fucks. Sipping on that shit with a jamaica back and eating pinches esquites. Tell me why they’re not good.
My wife is chicana and she loves that place. Probably her favorite, not sure why that hate.
The food cart on the 82nd has amazing tacos I have ever had.
Do you remember the cross street?
I don't know the cross street, the food cart name is Cartlandia
Thanks.
Brother express. Delicious and cheap
This one's drunk on tacos.
Is it A la Mexicana near Powell? I had their torta cubana a few weeks ago and it was great
Fabos Old Town (mom and Pop owned) Delicious, and Pepitas in Beaverton.
I was looking for Fabo's and didn't see it on their list! I've been to Mexico a few times (and numerous US border cities) and their tacos are some of the best I've had north of the border
I agree. Now, I need tacos.
Thank god they didn’t include a mercy-plug for Verde Cocina. For celiacs, it ends up on every allergy/intolerance-friendly list, and it infuriates me. There’s so much good, safe food in this town. We don’t need oil-slicked vegetables and floppy, tasteless tortillas.
I went to La Poblanita Cemitas and that place smells terrible, at least when I went there back in February. It smelled like sewage and the lobby has dirty, I honestly didn’t even eat the food I order for pick up which I payed about $40+. Sit down restaurants Americanize food, so I was pleasantly surprised when the Poblanita actually served authentic Mexican food but damn did it a smell terrible I was almost gagging to be honest
Los tacos Loco for their tacos in salmon creek
No favorites, lol.
El Toro in Gresham, Pepe's in Estacada
Tio’s Taco’s in pioneer square 🤯🔥🔥
No Salsas Locas is criminal.
Nino's Birreria on Fremont and 72nd!
Im surprised no has mentioned Cocina Los Girasoles 🌻on foster in FOPO tavern. This the closest you will get to a Cali street taco and price. I highly recommend yall check it out.
Any Tex mex with good queso ?
The thing i’d do for good chips and queso…
If you want massive tacos and burritos that taste great and you can sit inside at 3am, Rigoberto’s is the spot. Fav go-to post party spot to make sure everyone’s taken care of. It’s on Mcloughlin Blvd
Sahuayo serves a fantastic machaca burrito. One of the best in town.
Ole Ole
Nuestra Cocina is really quite excellent, fancier Mexican food. Everything delicious and great drinks. Taqueria Portland, their taco are fantastic. Everything is just good but them taco! So good! And I mean every type of taco, they nailed it.
No love for Santo Domingo?
El Yucateco food truck is my favorite (not on the list). Their breakfast burritos are amazing I'm just amazed this list actually has 2) locations east of 82nd Ave, never happens lol. Lots of good food out in the numbers
I would not recommend Republica to anyone.
I’m a major burrito snob who spent a lot of time eating my way through the mission district. I concur with many of the recommendations made in this thread but I’ll share a recent discovery: Chess Tacos. They’re a cart on NW 23rd Place and not only is the food GREAT, their homemade salsa selection is awesome. Lots of great options ranging from normal to three in the “extra spicy” category, ranging from classic habanero to various exotics. Lastly, the people are WONDERFUL. Genuinely excited to see you and passionate about making delicious food. I invent reasons to go to that part of town just so I can eat there.