Discover the Top 10 Best Tacos in Portland - A Foodie's Guide to Taco Heaven!
Looking for the best tacos in Portland? Look no further than these top-rated spots serving up authentic and delicious Mexican cuisine.
Portland, Oregon is a city known for its thriving food scene and diverse cuisine options. However, one dish that stands out above the rest is the beloved taco. From food trucks to sit-down restaurants, Portland is home to some of the best tacos in the country. Whether you're a fan of traditional Mexican flavors or unique twists on the classic dish, there is truly something for everyone. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the best tacos in Portland, highlighting the must-try spots and the mouth-watering dishes that await.
First up on our list is ¿Por Qué No?, a popular taqueria with two locations in the city. The restaurant prides itself on using only fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in their dishes, resulting in some of the tastiest tacos around. One standout item on the menu is the fish taco, which features crispy fried fish, cabbage slaw, and a tangy chipotle crema. Another must-try option is the carne asada taco, which is made with tender grilled steak and topped with cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime.
If you're looking for a more upscale taco experience, head over to Xico. This trendy restaurant serves up modern Mexican cuisine, with a focus on fresh, organic ingredients and bold flavors. The menu features a variety of tacos, including the popular carnitas taco, which is made with braised pork shoulder and topped with pickled red onion and salsa verde. For a vegetarian option, try the huitlacoche taco, which is filled with earthy mushrooms and smoky poblano peppers.
For those who prefer their tacos with a side of entertainment, La Taq is the perfect spot. This lively restaurant features a rotating schedule of live music and events, making it a fun destination for a night out with friends. Of course, the tacos are also a highlight, with options like the al pastor taco, which is made with marinated pork and pineapple, and the tinga de pollo taco, which features shredded chicken in a smoky tomato sauce.
If you're in the mood for something a bit more low-key, check out Tight Tacos. This food cart may be small in size, but it packs a big punch when it comes to flavor. The menu is concise, with just a few different taco options, but each one is crafted with care and attention to detail. The standout item here is the Korean beef taco, which combines tender beef bulgogi with kimchi, cilantro, and a spicy gochujang sauce.
Another popular food cart in Portland is Güero. This Mexican-inspired eatery serves up a variety of tacos, as well as other dishes like quesadillas and tamales. The standout item on the menu is the cochinita pibil taco, which features slow-roasted pork shoulder and pickled red onion. For a vegetarian option, try the rajas con queso taco, which is filled with strips of roasted poblano pepper and melted cheese.
For those who like their tacos with a side of adventure, head over to Uno Más. This taqueria specializes in unique flavor combinations that are sure to surprise and delight your taste buds. One standout item on the menu is the sweet potato and black bean taco, which is topped with avocado and a zesty tomatillo salsa. Another must-try option is the duck confit taco, which features tender shredded duck and a tangy orange glaze.
If you're looking for a vegan-friendly taco spot, look no further than Los Gorditos. This family-owned restaurant offers a wide range of plant-based options, including tofu and seitan tacos. The standout item here is the soy curl taco, which features chewy soy curls that are marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and topped with fresh veggies and salsa.
If you're a fan of classic street-style tacos, make your way to Taqueria Nueve. This no-frills restaurant focuses on simple, authentic flavors, with options like the al pastor taco, which is made with spit-roasted pork and pineapple, and the lengua taco, which features tender beef tongue. The prices are also very reasonable, making it a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner.
For those who like their tacos with a side of margaritas, head over to Por Que No Taqueria's sister restaurant, La Taq. This lively spot serves up a variety of tasty tacos, as well as a wide range of tequila-based cocktails. Don't miss the chorizo taco, which features spicy sausage and tangy cotija cheese, or the barbacoa taco, which is made with slow-cooked beef and topped with salsa roja.
Last but not least on our list is Stella Taco, a popular taqueria with two locations in Portland. The menu here features a variety of creative tacos, including the standout fried chicken taco, which is topped with pickled jalapeños and a creamy ranch sauce. For a vegetarian option, try the mushroom and avocado taco, which is filled with sautéed mushrooms and crispy onions.
Overall, Portland is truly a taco lover's paradise, with a wide range of delicious options to choose from. Whether you prefer traditional flavors or unique twists on the classic dish, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. So next time you're in Portland, be sure to check out some of these must-try taco spots and see for yourself why this city is such a foodie destination.
Tacos in Portland: A Culinary Journey
If you're a foodie, then you know that Portland is the ultimate destination for food lovers. The city boasts of numerous food carts, restaurants, and cafes that serve a range of cuisines. One of the most popular foods in Portland is tacos. Yes, there are countless taco spots in the city, but not all of them are worth trying. In this article, we'll take you on a culinary journey to some of the best taco spots in Portland.1. ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria
If you're looking for authentic Mexican tacos, then head over to ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria. This taqueria has been serving some of the best tacos in Portland since 2005. The menu features a variety of tacos, including al pastor, carne asada, and fish tacos. The tacos are made with fresh ingredients and served with homemade salsa. You can also enjoy a margarita or a beer with your tacos.2. Nuestra Cocina
Nuestra Cocina is a cozy Mexican restaurant located in Southeast Portland. The restaurant serves traditional Mexican cuisine, including some of the best tacos in the city. The tacos at Nuestra Cocina are made with high-quality ingredients and served with homemade tortillas. The menu features a variety of tacos, including pork belly, carne asada, and fish tacos.3. Güero
Güero is a food cart that specializes in Baja-style fish tacos. The food cart is located in Northeast Portland and serves some of the best fish tacos in the city. The tacos are made with fresh fish, cabbage slaw, and homemade salsa. You can also try their shrimp tacos, which are equally delicious.4. La Taq
La Taq is a Mexican restaurant located in Northwest Portland. The restaurant serves a range of Mexican dishes, including some of the best tacos in the city. The menu features a variety of tacos, including carnitas, al pastor, and fish tacos. The tacos are made with fresh ingredients and served with homemade salsa.5. Tight Tacos
Tight Tacos is a food cart that serves some of the best street-style tacos in Portland. The food cart is located in Southeast Portland and serves a variety of tacos, including carne asada, al pastor, and chicken tacos. The tacos are made with high-quality ingredients and served with homemade salsa.6. Taqueria Nueve
Taqueria Nueve is a Mexican restaurant located in Northeast Portland. The restaurant serves traditional Mexican cuisine, including some of the best tacos in the city. The menu features a variety of tacos, including pork belly, carne asada, and fish tacos. The tacos are made with fresh ingredients and served with homemade salsa.7. Los Gorditos
Los Gorditos is a Mexican restaurant that started as a food cart in Southeast Portland. The restaurant now has several locations in the city and serves some of the best tacos in town. The menu features a variety of tacos, including vegetarian options. The tacos are made with fresh ingredients and served with homemade salsa.8. La Bonita
La Bonita is a Mexican restaurant located in Northeast Portland. The restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine, including some of the best tacos in the city. The menu features a variety of tacos, including pork belly, carne asada, and fish tacos. The tacos are made with high-quality ingredients and served with homemade salsa.9. Mi Mero Mole
Mi Mero Mole is a Mexican restaurant located in Southeast Portland. The restaurant serves traditional Mexican cuisine, including some of the best tacos in town. The menu features a variety of tacos, including chicken tinga, carne asada, and pork belly. The tacos are made with fresh ingredients and served with homemade salsa.10. Stella Taco
Stella Taco is a food cart that serves some of the best tacos in Portland. The food cart is located in Southeast Portland and serves a variety of tacos, including carne asada, al pastor, and fish tacos. The tacos are made with high-quality ingredients and served with homemade salsa.In conclusion, if you're a taco lover, then Portland is the ultimate destination for you. With so many taco spots in the city, it can be overwhelming to choose where to go. We hope this article has given you some insight into some of the best taco spots in Portland. From authentic Mexican tacos to street-style tacos, Portland has it all.A Taco Lover's Paradise: Portland's Top-Rated TaqueriasPortland, Oregon is a city known for its vibrant food scene, and when it comes to tacos, there are no shortages of options. From classic street-style tacos to creative fusion creations, the city offers a diverse range of delicious taco offerings that are sure to satisfy any palate. Whether you're a local or just visiting, here are some must-try taco spots in Portland.Savor the Flavor: Must-Try Taco Spots in PortlandOne of the best things about Portland's taco scene is the variety of flavors and styles available. For those looking for traditional, no-frills tacos, Taqueria Nueve is the place to go. Located in Northeast Portland, this taqueria offers classic street-style tacos with options including carne asada, al pastor, and lengua (beef tongue). If you're looking for something a little more creative, Por Que No? offers unique taco combinations such as their mole negro taco made with braised pork in a rich mole sauce.Taco Crawl: Discovering the Best Tacos in Portland's NeighborhoodsTo truly experience the best of Portland's taco scene, it's worth taking a taco crawl through the city's various neighborhoods. In Southeast Portland's Division/Clinton area, La Panza Cafe is a hidden gem serving up authentic Mexican street-style tacos with homemade tortillas. Over in North Portland's St. Johns neighborhood, Tienda Santa Cruz is a must-visit for their flavorful al pastor tacos. And in Southwest Portland's Multnomah Village, San Felipe Taqueria offers a diverse menu featuring everything from vegetarian options to seafood tacos.From Classic to Creative: Portland's Diverse Taco OfferingsPortland's taco scene is all about diversity, and that includes the wide range of taco styles and flavors available. For those who love seafood, The Fishwife in Northeast Portland offers a variety of delicious fish tacos, including their popular surf and turf taco made with shrimp and carne asada. If you're looking for something on the spicier side, Mi Mero Mole in Southeast Portland serves up fiery tacos such as their tinga de pollo made with shredded chicken in adobo sauce.Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly: Delicious Meatless Taco Options in PortlandPortland is also known for its vegetarian and vegan-friendly food options, and the taco scene is no exception. Los Gorditos in Southeast Portland offers a wide range of vegetarian and vegan tacos, including their popular soy curl taco with avocado and salsa. For those looking for something a little more unique, Homegrown Smoker Vegan BBQ in North Portland serves up plant-based taco creations such as their smoked jackfruit taco with slaw and BBQ sauce.Spice Up Your Life: Portland's Hottest Taco JointsFor those who love their tacos with a little extra heat, there are plenty of spicy options available in Portland. La Taq in Southwest Portland offers a variety of spicy taco options, including their diablo shrimp taco with habanero salsa. Over in Northeast Portland, La Bonita serves up a fiery spicy pork taco as well as a spicy tofu option for vegetarians.A Fusion of Flavors: Portland's Unique Taco CreationsPortland's food scene is all about creativity, and that extends to the taco offerings as well. The Grilled Cheese Grill in Southeast Portland offers a unique take on tacos with their cheeseburger taco made with ground beef, cheese, lettuce, and tomato. And at Güero in Northeast Portland, you can try their korean short rib taco made with marinated beef, kimchi, and cilantro.Taco Tuesday Done Right: Portland's Best Deals on TacosFor those looking to enjoy tacos on a budget, there are plenty of Taco Tuesday deals available throughout the city. At Stella Taco in Southeast Portland, you can get $2 tacos all day on Tuesdays. Over in North Portland, The Original offers $2.50 tacos as well as $5 margaritas on Tuesdays. And at La Cocina Restaurant in Northeast Portland, you can enjoy $1.50 tacos and $3.50 margaritas on Tuesdays.Authentic and Delicious: Portland's Top Mexican Restaurants for TacosWhile Portland's food scene is known for its creativity, there are plenty of authentic Mexican restaurants serving up classic, delicious tacos as well. Uno Mas Taquiza in Southeast Portland offers traditional street-style tacos with a variety of meats and toppings. And over in North Portland, La Bonita is a favorite for their flavorful and authentic tacos, including their popular al pastor option.From Food Truck to Brick-and-Mortar: Portland's Taco Scene is on FireOne of the unique aspects of Portland's taco scene is the abundance of food trucks serving up delicious tacos throughout the city. Many of these food trucks have now expanded into brick-and-mortar locations, such as Matt's BBQ Tacos in Southeast Portland and Tight Tacos in Northeast Portland. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite from a food truck or sitting down for a meal at a restaurant, Portland's taco scene is sure to impress any taco lover.In conclusion, Portland's taco scene truly offers something for everyone. From classic street-style tacos to creative fusion creations, and from meat-filled to vegetarian options, the city's diverse range of taco offerings is sure to satisfy any palate. So why not take a taco crawl through Portland's various neighborhoods and discover your new favorite taco spot?
The Best Tacos in Portland: A Perspective
Introduction
As a food enthusiast, I have tried various tacos in Portland, and I have come across some of the best tacos that this city has to offer. In this article, I will share my point of view about the best tacos in Portland, their pros and cons, and provide a table comparison of these tacos.The Best Tacos in Portland
After trying out various tacos in Portland, I have concluded that the following are the best tacos in the city:1. ¿Por Qué No?
¿Por Qué No? is a taqueria that serves delicious and authentic Mexican tacos. The tacos are made with fresh ingredients and come in a variety of flavors. Some of the popular tacos include the carne asada, al pastor, and the fish taco. The flavors are well-balanced, and the toppings are generous.
2. Taqueria Nueve
Taqueria Nueve is another popular taqueria that serves mouth-watering tacos. The tacos are made with handmade tortillas and come with a variety of fillings. Some of the popular tacos include the carnitas, barbacoa, and the veggie taco. The flavors are bold and rich, and the toppings are fresh.
3. Matt's BBQ Tacos
Matt's BBQ Tacos is a unique taqueria that serves BBQ-inspired tacos. The tacos are made with smoked meats, such as brisket, pulled pork, and chicken. The flavors are smoky and robust, and the toppings are creative and flavorful.
Pros and Cons of the Best Tacos in Portland
Here are the pros and cons of the best tacos in Portland:1. ¿Por Qué No?
Pros:
- Fresh ingredients
- Well-balanced flavors
- Generous toppings
- Long lines during peak hours
- Small seating area
2. Taqueria Nueve
Pros:
- Handmade tortillas
- Bold and rich flavors
- Fresh toppings
- Prices can be higher than other taquerias
- Small seating area
3. Matt's BBQ Tacos
Pros:
- Unique and creative flavors
- Smoky and robust meats
- Creative toppings
- Higher prices than traditional taquerias
- May not appeal to traditional taco lovers
Table Comparison of the Best Tacos in Portland
Here is a table comparison of the best tacos in Portland:| Taqueria | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| ¿Por Qué No? | Fresh ingredients, well-balanced flavors, generous toppings | Long lines during peak hours, small seating area |
| Taqueria Nueve | Handmade tortillas, bold and rich flavors, fresh toppings | Higher prices than other taquerias, small seating area |
| Matt's BBQ Tacos | Unique and creative flavors, smoky and robust meats, creative toppings | Higher prices than traditional taquerias, may not appeal to traditional taco lovers |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best tacos in Portland are subjective based on individual preferences. However, ¿Por Qué No?, Taqueria Nueve, and Matt's BBQ Tacos are among the top contenders for the title of the best tacos in Portland. Each taqueria has its pros and cons, but they all offer unique and delicious tacos that are worth trying out.The Best Tacos in Portland: A Guide for Taco Lovers
Thank you for taking the time to read our guide on the best tacos in Portland. We hope that you have found it informative and helpful in discovering some of the tastiest and most authentic tacos that the city has to offer. Whether you are a local or a visitor, Portland's vibrant taco scene is not to be missed, and we encourage you to explore all of the delicious options that the city has to offer.
If you are a fan of traditional Mexican tacos, then you will definitely want to check out some of the taquerias that we have highlighted in our guide. From the mouth-watering al pastor at Taqueria Nueve to the authentic lengua (beef tongue) tacos at La Bonita, these spots offer some of the most flavorful and authentic tacos in town.
For those who are looking for a more modern take on the classic taco, there are plenty of options as well. From the fusion flavors of Güero to the inventive creations at Por Que No, these restaurants offer a unique twist on the traditional taco that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
No matter what your preference, there is something for everyone in Portland's taco scene. And with so many great options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we have put together this guide – to help you navigate the city's best taco spots and find your new favorite spot.
One thing that sets Portland's taco scene apart from other cities is the emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Many of the taquerias and restaurants that we have highlighted in our guide use only the freshest and most high-quality ingredients in their tacos, from the locally-raised meats to the organic produce.
In addition to the delicious food, many of these spots also offer a fun and lively atmosphere that is perfect for enjoying a meal with friends or family. Whether you are looking for a casual spot to grab a quick taco on your lunch break or a festive atmosphere for a night out, Portland's taco scene has it all.
We hope that our guide has inspired you to explore the best tacos in Portland and discover some new favorite spots. And if you have any other recommendations or suggestions for great taco places in the city, we would love to hear them! Feel free to leave a comment or send us a message – we are always on the lookout for new and exciting taco spots to try.
Finally, we want to thank you again for visiting our blog and reading our guide on the best tacos in Portland. We hope that you have enjoyed it and that you will continue to follow our blog for more great content on food, travel, and lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Happy taco hunting!
People Also Ask About Best Tacos in Portland
What are the best places for tacos in Portland?
Portland is known for its diverse food scene, and tacos are no exception. Here are a few of the best places to get tacos in Portland:
- Nuestra Cocina
- ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria
- La Taq
- Taqueria Nueve
- Stella Taco
What is the most popular type of taco in Portland?
Portland is known for its love of fusion cuisine, which means that taco fillings can vary greatly. However, some of the most popular types of tacos in Portland include:
- Pork belly tacos
- Fish tacos
- Carne asada tacos
- Vegetarian tacos with tofu or tempeh
Where can I find vegan or vegetarian tacos in Portland?
Portland is also known for its vegan and vegetarian offerings. Here are a few places to try vegan or vegetarian tacos:
- Los Gorditos
- Homegrown Smoker Vegan BBQ
- Black Water Bar
- El Nutri Taco
Are there any taco festivals or events in Portland?
Yes! Portland hosts several taco festivals and events throughout the year, including:
- Portland Taco Festival
- Taco Tuesday at The Whole Bowl
- Taco Crawl PDX
- Taco Fest at McMenamins Kennedy School
What is the average price range for tacos in Portland?
The price of tacos in Portland can vary greatly depending on the restaurant and type of taco. However, on average, you can expect to pay around $2-4 per taco.