7 Places Where You Can Find the Best Mexican Food in Portland

When people think of cities offering delicious and authentic Mexican food, Portland doesn’t always come to mind. But it should. This bustling city offers a diverse array of bustling Mexican restaurants that will satisfy any craving. Whether you are craving some burritos or enchiladas, Portland has all of these delicious Mexican dishes and more. If you’re looking for something new to try, visit one of these restaurants we are featuring below!

Do you have a friend who loves the Portland restaurant scene? Surprise them with a virtual GiftYa card! GiftYa cards can be applied to a number of different restaurants around Portland, including the ones we featured below! You can easily adjust the amount of money you put on the card and even add a special message for the recipient! The next time they go out, they can rest assured their meal is already taken care of. 

1. Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant

Popular Mexican restaurant offering an eclectic variety of authentic dishes

2050 SW Morrison St | Goose Hollow | mazatlanbarandgrill.com

Located in the Goose Hollow area, the Mazatlan Bar and Grill offers an exciting array of authentic Mexican dishes. The second you step in, you are greeted with a vibrant and lively atmosphere. 

On the menu, you will find delicious Mexican specialties such as the chorizo burrito and the chile relleno. If you’re in the mood for an appetizer, we recommend sharing some cheese nachos and guacamole dip with the rest of your table. All of the restaurant’s combinations and house specials are served with rice and beans, making it easy to enjoy a hearty and filling meal. 

“All three of our meals were delicious. Maybe some of the best Mexican food we have had in awhile. The hornitos margaritas were delicious. The staff were fun considering they were slammed. We could see the bartender mixing and preparing orders and he looked like he was having a great time.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant. 

2. Jefe Mexican Restaurant

Mexican restaurant offering a full bar filled with fun margaritas

16360 Boones Ferry Rd | Lake Oswego | jefemex.com

Looking for some traditional, housemade Mexican food? Look no further than Jefe Mexican Restaurant. Jefe offers delicious options like camarones tacos, barbacoa bowls, and house salads. Some of their most popular plates include the El Jefe Relleno, which features slow-roasted pork shoulder, and Casa Tamales, which offers several tamales topped with house mole sauce.

In addition to its extensive food menu, Jefe also offers a great selection of beverages. Among its list of house margaritas, you can find fun options like the pomegranate margarita and spiced apple margarita. Jefe also serves brunch, giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy a mimosa or a Bloody Mary. 

“We ordered online takeout tonight with a family style meal, plus chips, guacamole (yum!), and salsa. It was absolutely excellent food and perfect for a socially distanced backyard dinner with friends. We will definitely be back.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Jefe Mexican Restaurant. 

3. Taqueria Portland

Popular spot for Mexican street eats in Portland

820 SE 8th Ave | Buckman do they not have a website/Facebook?

If you’re looking for a casual Mexican spot, you will love Taqueria Portland. Located in Southeast Portland, Taqueria Portland serves up delicious Mexican dishes including Beef Tongue Tacos, Green Chili Burritos, and more. If you’re craving something on the lighter side, you can also try the Barbacoa Soup or the Menudo Soup. Their seafood specials are also incredibly popular! Both the Garlic Sauteed Shrimp and Spicy Shrimp are served with rice, beans, and salad, offering you a full meal to fill up your stomach. 

“So. Good. I eat here probably 3 times per week and everything I've gotten has been delicious! I especially love the shrimp tacos (they are massive and the grilled corn tortillas are heavenly), potato taquitos, tostadas, and beans and rice (then smother it all in the avocado salsa).” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Taqueria Portland. 

4. Taqueria Nueve

Fun and refreshing Mexican restaurant that will quickly become one of your favorite restaurants in Portland

727 SE Washington St | Industrial District | taquerianueve.com

At Taqueria Nueve, there is no shortage of delicious and savory Mexican cuisine for you to try. To start your night off right, we recommend ordering a couple of empanadas or some chips and guac. If you’re in the mood for some tacos, you have a wide selection to choose from. Carnitas, Suadero, carne asada, barbacoa, and other savory tacos are available for your choosing. 

As for the main dishes, you have great options like the Chile Relleno, Enmoladas, and Tamales. If you managed to save enough room for dessert, try the Flan or Tres Leches Cake! The Flan is great for people who enjoy custard dishes while the Tres Leches offers a delightful vanilla and chocolate taste. 

“While living in quarantine is definitely a hardship, it has been made a lot easier by T9's curbside service.  They have adapted, and have consistently served the food and beverages we love.  We applaud Brent and the T9 team!  We appreciate you and look forward to our next rack of enchiladas, and quart of Take-and-Shake!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Taqueria Nueve. 

5. Tamale Boy

Bustling Portland restaurant offering a wide selection of tamales

1764 NE Dekum St | Woodlawn | tamaleboy.com

Since 2008, Tamale Boy has brought fun and affordable Mexican cuisine to the hungry residents of Portland. There are actually two branches of Tamale Boy located in Portland. One is found on Dekum Street while the other is found on Russell Street. The two menus do vary a bit, so make sure you look up the specific menu for your location before going!

Nonetheless, you will still find a wide variety of enchiladas, tacos, and classic Mexican dishes at each location. If you ever want to go to Happy Hour or Brunch, you will also find great deals during those times! 

“I was really impressed with the food and staff after having an impromptu dinner here for the first time! The staff was super friendly and the outdoor dining area was spaced well in order to accommodate for social distancing. They have a good selection of beers and drinks to pair with your food!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Tamale Boy. 

6. Nuestra Cocina

Housemade sangrias await you at this warm and inviting Mexican bar

2135 SE Division St | Hosford-Abernethy | nuestracocina.com

While Nuestra Cocina was closed down for a while due to COVID-19, it is now open for both take-out and dine-in services! In addition to its full menu, you can also enjoy a full bar filled featuring Spanish wine, Mexican beers, sangrias, and margaritas! As for the food, you can find tacos, camarones con tamarindo, chile relleno, and more! 

“While the food was good, the absolute best thing about the night was my drink! Holy cow. I have never had a drink that dangerously delicious. The cocorita (I think) was divine. The chili lime rim added the perfect amount of zest- I seriously could have drank 10 of these.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Nuestra Cocina. 

7. La Jarocha

Downtown Portland restaurant known for its classic dishes

210 SW 4th Ave | Downtown Portland | lascalafoodhall.com/restaurant/la-jarochita

At La Jarocha, there is no shortage of fine Mexican dishes for you to try. This casual downtown eatery offers great options such as the Breakfast Eggs Burrito, Huevos Rancheros, Tofu Burrito, and more! La Jarocha is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it the perfect place to stop by whenever you are in the mood for some delicious Mexican food. If you’re looking for a casual spot offering authentic and savory Mexican food, La Jarocha is the place to go! 

“We had the Huarache - sort of like a Mexican flatbread pizza on a fried masa dough.  Also had the ample chicken fajitas.  The margaritas were excellent.  The service was excellent - you order and pay up front and they bring your food out when it's ready.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for La Jarocha. 

Finding a restaurant to visit for a special night out can be challenging. There are so many choices in Portland, it can be hard to pick just one! The next time you find yourself stuck on where you want to dine out, try one of the restaurants featured on this list!