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The Best Tacos in Portland That Are Actually Worth the Hype
A great taco is more than just the sum of its parts—it’s an art form. Imagine biting into tender barbacoa, succulent carnitas, or smoky grilled shrimp, each one packed with bursting flavors and textures.
The tortillas add the perfect crunch, giving way to the zesty, bright salsa that brings everything together with a punch.
For taco lovers and first-timers alike, this guide will take you straight to Portland’s best taco spots. Ready to taste the magic? Let’s dive in.
1. ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria
Media credits: porquenotaqueria
Website: https://porquenotacos.square.site/home
Address: 3524 N Mississippi Ave
Contact: (503) 467-4149
Operating hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Price: $
¿Por Qué No? Taqueria has earned a reputation for its tasty tacos. Many regulars also love that they use fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients when possible.
Popular options include the Camarones taco, featuring wild shrimp sautéed in chili seasoning and salsa verde. The fillings are paired with crema, cilantro, and pineapple for a perfect balance of spice and zest.
For vegetarians, the Hongos Y Papas taco combines seasoned mushrooms and potatoes with pico de gallo and herbs. The Verduras taco offers a lighter option with seasonal vegetables and beans, highlighting fresh, vibrant flavors.
Pro tip: To avoid long waits, visit during off-peak hours. We also recommend taking advantage of their happy hour from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM for discounted prices on tacos and drinks.
2. Taqueria Los Punales
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Website: https://www.lospunales.com/
Address: 3312 SE Belmont St
Contact: (503) 206-7233
Operating hours:
- Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Monday: Closed
Price: $
Taqueria Los Puñales has made a name for itself since opening in June 2020. Known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, this taqueria specializes in traditional tacos crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The menu features standout options like the Barbacoa taco. It’s filled with tender, slow-cooked beef seasoned with a rich blend of spices for a comforting, hearty palate.
Another favorite is the shrimp taco, which showcases grilled shrimp marinated in zarandeado sauce for a smoky-sweet kick. Topped with cilantro, onions, and chipotle sour cream, it’s a light yet delightful choice that’s hard to resist.
Pro tip: Taqueria Los Puñales serves up refreshing drinks like lime and cucumber agua fresca, the perfect complement to their tacos. Light and fruity, it balances the richness of the meats for a great pairing.
3. Birrieria La Plaza
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Website: https://tacoslaplaza.com/
Address: 10114 SE Division St A
Contact: (503) 753-4495
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price: $
Birrieria La Plaza is known for serving up some of the most authentic Birria tacos around. These tacos are packed with tender and slow-cooked beef, perfectly seasoned with a blend of spices for a strong, deep taste.
They’re served with a savory consomé on the side—a warm, yummy broth that’s great for dipping or sipping.
If you’re looking for a low-carb option, their keto taco is a fan fave. It swaps the tortilla for a crispy cheese shell piled high with birria, cilantro, and onion—perfect for anyone following a keto diet.
Pair your meal with a Pacifico beer to balance the rich flavors. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a delectable and satisfying meal.
Pro tip: Instead of just a single taco, you can opt for the Cuatro Combo Plate. Aside from taco this comes with a quesadilla, mulita, and tostada. It allows you to experience a variety of flavors and textures in one meal.
4. Taqueria Portland
Media credits: taqueria_portland
Website: https://www.taqueria-portland.com/
Address: 820 SE 8th Ave
Contact: (503) 232-7000
Operating hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Price: $
Taqueria Portland is a go-to spot for legit Mexican tacos in the city.
The Tacos Dorados are a must-try. Their crispy shells are filled with a savory mix of ground beef and potatoes. They’re then topped with shredded lettuce, creamy Mexican crema, and a tangy salsa for the perfect crunch-to-creaminess ratio.
For those looking to customize, the Taco Super is another favorite. It offers a choice of tender fillings like carnitas or carne asada, paired with fresh toppings such as guacamole, tomatoes, and Monterey Jack cheese for a satisfying bite.
Pro tip: To round out the meal, consider a refreshing horchata for a sweet contrast. Going for a Pacifico beer with lime will also offer you a light finish that pairs perfectly with the rich taco flavors.
5. Pig Patas Tacos
Media credits: pigpatastacos
Website: https://www.pigpatastacos.com/
Address: 445 NE Killingsworth St
Contact: (971) 266-8465
Operating hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Price: $
Pig Patas Tacos is known for serving traditional flavors that have earned the love of both locals and visitors.
One standout is their Al Pastor taco. It’s made with marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit for that perfect caramelized, juicy bite. It’s topped with fresh pineapple, cilantro, and onions, balancing sweet and savory in every bite.
Another favorite is the fish taco which features your choice of grilled or crispy fish and a crunchy cabbage mix. It also comes with pico de gallo, creamy avocado, and zesty homemade spicy mayo.
For something different, the PDX taco offers grilled cheese pastor beef with avocado ranch, pickled red onions, and cilantro—a tasty nod to Portland’s creative food scene.
Pro tip: Go for a taco trio—it’s the perfect way to sample a few variations without sticking to just one.
6. Santo Domingo Taqueria
Media credits: sdtaqueriapdx
Website: https://sdtaqueriapdx.com/
Address: 5447 NE 42nd Ave
Contact: (503) 284-8446
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price: $
Santo Domingo Taqueria is a must-know spot for anyone who loves authentic tacos with bold Oaxacan flavors.
One star on their menu is the Lengua taco, made with tender, braised beef tongue. It’s juicy and savory and served with fresh pico de gallo and creamy guacamole for a perfect mix of textures.
Another favorite is the steak or chicken fajita taco. It’s packed with marinated meat, sautéed bell peppers, and onions—all wrapped in a warm tortilla with just the right hint of smokiness.
To round out the meal, try pairing your tacos with a refreshing Agua Fresca made from fresh fruits like watermelon or hibiscus.
Pro tip: The tacos are the star, but if you see chilaquiles on the menu, give them a try. These are tortilla chips in salsa topped with cheese—a hidden gem that pairs perfectly with the tacos.
7. La Bonita
Media credits: labonita.pdx
Website: https://labonitapdx.com/
Address: 2710 N Killingsworth St #4155
Contact: (503) 278-3050
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price: $
La Bonita has earned its spot as one of the city’s favorite taco spots, known for its authentic flavors and laid-back vibe. It’s especially famous for its diverse taco selection, with standouts like the Suadero and Garden tacos that keep people coming back.
The Suadero taco is a must-try. Made with a unique cut of beef called “rose meat,” it’s tender and juicy. It’s typically topped with fresh salsa and cilantro for an irresistible combination that’s rich but not greasy.
Then there’s the Garden taco, a hit with vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Packed with sautéed zucchini, carrots, spinach, corn, and red onion in a savory tomato sauce, plus black beans—a perfect balance of veggies that’ll leave you satisfied.
Pro tip: Don’t hesitate to customize your tacos with extra guacamole or salsa. The restaurant is known for accommodating special requests, allowing you to tailor your meal to your taste.
8. Mayas Taqueria
Media credits: mayastaqueria
Website: https://www.instagram.com/mayastaqueria/?hl=en
Address: 1000 SW Morrison St
Contact: (503) 226-1946
Operating hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price: $
Maya’s Taqueria is a local favorite for authentic Mission-style Mexican tacos. With a menu full of appetizing options, it’s a spot that pleases both taco purists and those looking for something with a twist.
Two biggie items are the Tacos al estilo chilango and breakfast tacos. The chilango-style tacos feature fresh tortillas packed with marinated meats like carne asada, topped with cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime.
The breakfast tacos are filled with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and salsa verde, offering a tasty and hearty start to your day.
Pro tip: Pair these tacos with horchata, a sweet cinnamon rice milk that’s a great match for the savory tacos. If you’re in the mood for something alcoholic, pick the michelada. It’s a tangy beer cocktail with lime and spices.
9. Mis Tacones
Media credits: mistaconespdx
Website: https://mistaconespdx.com/
Address: 1670 NE Killingsworth St
Contact: (503) 444-7972
Operating hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Price: $
Mis Tacones is a must-visit spot for taco lovers who crave savory bites. The taco shop serves up a mix of classic and inventive options, including the cilantro limon taco. This taco pairs fresh cilantro with zesty lime to complement grilled meats.
The 3 Hermanas taco (gluten-free), brings together traditional flavors in a way that’s both satisfying and inclusive. Don’t miss the Chicharon taco too, which is known for its crispy crunch and bold salsas that really pack a punch.
Pro tip: Take advantage of the flexibility in selecting different toppings. Mis Tacones offers several fresh toppings that can be adjusted according to your preference.
10. La Osita PDX
Media credits: la.osita.pdx
Website: https://www.laositapdx.com/
Address: 1515 -A SE 122nd Ave
Contact: (503) 358-3364
Operating hours:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 7:15 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday – Monday: Closed
Price: $
La Osita PDX is a must-try for taco lovers in Portland. The spot offers a variety of flavorful options, including the popular Brunch Taco and vegan taco.
The Brunch Taco is a satisfying mix of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh pico de gallo, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. It’s the perfect match for your morning coffee or a sweet Mexican mocha, making it a top choice for brunch.
Meanwhile, the vegan taco is a crispy corn tortilla packed with seared avocado, sautéed bell peppers, and crimini mushrooms. It also has vegan cheese, pico de gallo, and pickled onion. It’s a savory, well-balanced option that’ll please even the most discerning vegan taco fans.
Pro tip: Look out for any daily specials or limited-time taco offerings that may feature unique ingredients or combinations not typically available on the regular menu.
11. Robo Taco
Media credits: robotacoportlandor
Website: https://robotacopdx.com/
Address: 607 SE Morrison St
Contact: (503) 232-3707
Operating hours:
- Sunday, Tuesday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Price: $
Robo Taco is a well-loved spot in Portland, known for its fresh, handmade tortillas.
A must-try is the Soy Pastor Taco. It features marinated soy curls, pineapple, and diced onion for a perfect sweet-and-savory bite.
Another favorite is the oyster taco, packed with rich umami flavor and served in soft corn tortillas. For plant-based options, the Veg Sausage Taco is made from house-made spicy vegetarian sausage, offering a striking note that even meat lovers will appreciate.
To round out the experience, Robo Taco has a great selection of drinks. You can sip on a cold craft beer or a refreshing margarita to balance the richness of the fillings.
Pro tip: Pair your tacos with sides such as chips and guacamole or the Robo Taco Supernacho to balance the meal and explore more of their flavors.
