Updated October 2025.
Hitting that mid-day slump? Need something to look forward to? Fear not, Portland. We got'chu! What better way to start off your evening than with mouthwatering tacos? We've put together this list to help make it easier for you to find killer spots to throw down on delicious Mexican cuisine! Maybe even a margarita—or three?
photo: matador
1438 NW 23rd Avenue & 2424 E Burnside Street
With two locations in the bustling areas of NW 23rd and East Burnside, The Matador puts an upscale twist on gourmet Mexican. (AND they have great hand-crafted specialty cocktails.) Personally, I recommend the Grande Nachos—especially during the late-night Happy Hour.
photo: robo taco
607 SE Morrison Street
I like to think of Robo Taco as the Mexican-inspired equivalent of Portland’s very own Sizzle Pie. Open late seven days a week, just off the east side of the Morrison Bridge. Right next to some of your favorite bars (Creepy's, Dig-A-Pony, Star Bar and more), there’s no reason to miss out on a Robo Taco (or four) this Tuesday night.
photo: el nutri taco
2124 NE Alberta Street
For all vegans, vegetarians and all-around health-conscious Portlanders, El Nutri Taco uses 100% all-natural ingredients and boasts a ton of plant-based options. With two locations on NE Alberta and Woodstock, El Nutri Taco has plenty of great options and even greater prices!
photo: matt's bbq tacos
2204 NE Alberta Street & 2216 SE 50th Avenue
If you're a fan of either BBQ or tacos, you've definitely waited an hour in line to get Matt's BBQ Tacos. The famous food truck has been featured on Netflix, Bon Appetit Magazine and frequently makes "best of" lists in Portland publications. Their house-made vegan corn tortillas and mouth-watering meats are served all day - or until they sell out (they usually do.)
3060 SE Division Street & 2707 NE Sandy Boulevard
The trendy taco spot serves big portions with even bigger flavors. Try their carnitas and al pastor on house-made tortillas, or the "impastor" cauliflower tacos in adobo marinade that taste just as good. Eater Portland has featured Tight Tacos as some of the best in the city countless times, so I think it's worth the hype.
photo: mis tacones
1670 NE Killingsworth Street
Mis Tacones is a Chicano and queer-owned vegan taqueria - although you wouldn't know it. Owners Polo Bañuelos and Carlos Reynoso started Mis Tacones as a pop-up and watched as it received high praise for its authentic taste. Tacos are just the appetizer at Mis Tacones, the tortas, and burritos are massive and don't skimp on the flavor. They provide free meals for trans people of color and have solidified themselves as pillars of the community.
photo: republica
100 NW 10th Avenue
If you've been keeping up with the local food scene, you've heard of República. The restaurant is Mexico-forward with a daily rotating 5-course menu to ensure locally sourced ingredients. República commits to four rules, one requiring each dish to have a meaningful historical connection to the culture. Each dish must also be sourced locally, in season, and present as a work of art on the plate.
photo: taqueria los punales
3312 SE Belmont Street
After opening during the pandemic, Los Puñales is the go-to spot on Belmont for guisados-styled Mexican food. You can smell the food cooking at Los Puñales a mile away, which is a good sign. Their unconventional fillings like the garlicky steak al pastor and fried chile relleno add to the already stacked menu. They also have a good variety of vegetarian and vegan options. Don't skip on the agua fresca!
photo: Taqueria y panaderia santa cruz
8640 N Lombard Street
Portland's Mexican food game isn't nearly as strong as California's, but the closest you'll find is Taqueria Y Panaderia Santa Cruz. Any lover of Mexican food will tell you that the St. Johns taqueria and meat market is the go-to spot for the most authentic tacos and fresh Mexican sweet bread. The lengua, al pastor, and carnitas tacos pair deliciously with the house-made avocado salsa.
photo: mestizo
2910 SE Division Street
Here's one for all you gluten-free patrons! Mestizo is 100 percent gluten and soy free, and their menu has something for everyone. Start dinner with the tostones or elote and work your way up to the fried fish tacos and chicken tinga flautas. They offer beyond beat empanadas and fried banana flowers for vegetarians.
photo: chilango
2217 NE Alberta Street
If I told you that wasn't meat, would you believe me? Chilango is a vegan Mexican street food truck turned brick-and-mortar. Between the confit jackfruit, the button mushrooms, and fried tofu, you'll need to try out a few. Hint: Try the "La Neta" salsa, it's a family secret for a reason! If the tacos aren't enough to fill you up, get the Esquites, which is the perfect-sized mini elote bowl.
What did we miss? Let us know at [email protected]
