Los Gorditos

Recent Californians, here’s looking at you: if you need a quick burrito fix, Los Gorditos is your go-to. The menu is nearly half meat and half vegetarian/vegan and one of the restaurant’s high points is their homemade orange salsa (which is so good that they actually market the stuff in take-home bottles for $5). Be warned: if you’re from San Diego and a recent transplant, you may enter a few unintended high school reunions. Just remember: this is because this place really is legit. Side-note: if you can, stick to the locations on the East side of the river, they are less expensive for mysterious reasons.  

1212 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202

Porque No?

What many Californians may label as “hipster Mexican” in contrast with the hole-in-the-wall linguistically Spanish taquerias that dominated their lives down south, Porque No? is still a keeper. Housed in an adorable building reminiscent of a Basque adobe, Porque No? offers truly flavorful street tacos and peculiar margarita blends. You won’t find crunchy tacos or even noteworthy burritos here, but if you’re trying to go on a cute first date, this is an authentically Portland starting point.

4635 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215

(Photo by: theportlandtaco.com)

Cha Cha Cha

In Portland, everybody loves comfort food served in a vintage craftsman. Cha Cha Cha is a great option for those with a famished family on a Sunday afternoon. Cha Cha Cha has some of the best taquitos in town and also carries tasty margaritas. Again, burritos are not a huge draw here so stick with other items.

1605 SE Bybee Blvd, Portland, OR 97202

Nuestra Cocina

Nuestra Cocina is Portland’s answer for those who prefer to see Mexican food as Mexican cuisine. Situated strategically in fine dining-rich SE Division, Nuestra Cocina makes its own handmade tortillas and was conceived by its owners in the “old peasant style,” creatively drawing on Mexican history. This place is great for people looking at performance as well as taste. 

2981 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR

Stella Taco

Similar to the “hipster Mexican” aesthetic of Porque No?, Stella Taco is adorable inside and out. The food is kitschy but creative: order the quesadillas and it will look like you received a quesadilla/taco hybrid. This is especially gratifying if you were having issues choosing between those two subcategories of Mexican food to begin with. Again, the burritos are surprisingly not notable here, but the beer selection is solid and when you’re done, you’re free to roam Alberta. 

2981 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR

Autentica

Also a possible option if you are looking for something more aligned with fine dining, Autentica incorporates mostly locally sourced products into its menu. The taste here is rich and the vibe is classy: remember, this is a place that is more likely to serve you a glass of wine over a margarita. Still, if Nuestra Cocina is too busy, this is a suggestable backup. Note: you may still need a reservation. This is no burrito joint. 

5507 NE 30th Ave. Portland, OR 97211

Mi Mero Mole

For the yuppie crowd (who are potentially situated in NW Portland already), stop by Mi Mero Mole for street food and lively cocktails during happy hour or after work. However, Mi Mero Mole also has some incredible daily specials: such as the burrito, beer, and a shot combo. Also, if you crave a burger with a hot green pepper in it, you're in for a treat.

32 NW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

La Cocina Restaurant

Looking for taquitos with potato filling? Tempting vegetarian tamales? La Cocina Restaurant has one of the most imaginative Mexican-inspired menus in Portland. The rice is even served in a pyramid. La Cocina is great for those looking for comfort food and also for those who aren't even in the mood for Mexican: there’s a noteworthy quinoa salad with tofu. 
 

3939 NE Martin Luther King Blvd Portland, OR 97212

Tienda Santa Cruz

Tienda Santa Cruz is an affordable, homey, and nostalgic home base for all burrito-hungry southern Californians. The place is anchored by a landscape mural that is reminiscent of San Francisco’s the Mission District, and there is limited seating. To put things in perspective: you might actually encounter the Spanish language within these walls. 

8630 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97203

Mayas Taqueria

Perhaps less reminiscent of southern California and more likeminded with the taquerias from the bay area (namely San Francisco), Mayas is still a solid option if you’re traipsing through downtown and need some guacamole. Though you might think of the burrito building process here as a more honest interpretation of Chipotle, the restaurant has flowery tables outside with colorful umbrellas and nice people-watching views. Mayas' true claim to fame, however, is its horchata. If you don’t even like horchata, you’ll want to try theirs. You just might end up ordering it on your own sometime. 

1000 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97205