Best Mexican Food
There’s loads of Mexican restaurants in VanPort. Throw a rock and you’ll hit one. But finding truly legit Mexican food takes work….or you could just go to one of these fab eateries.
1. Taquería Los Puñales
Portland – Central
Best tacos I’ve had so far. They have 20 different types of tacos that are about 5 bucks each. I had Barbacoa Jalisco style, Buche and Adabado tacos. I ordered chips & salsa ($5) and a Mango Agua Fresca drink ($5). The tacos are each fantastic with has it’s own distinct flavor. I really enjoyed the texture of the Jalisco style but the Adabado was my favorite. The mango drink was a perfect pairing. I like the chips but the salsa was just ok. I like their hot sauces better. But at $5 I will consider just having another taco next time. I should mention that they play EDM and it’s loud enough you have to speak up a bit to be heard.
2. Güero
Portland – Central
Elevated Mexican. Güero serves superb and creative Mexican dishes that might redefine your mind’s eye of South of the boarder chow. I had the Ahogada, which is a torta…but unlike any I’ve ever had. It is made with a tasty brisket style pork. But the shinning star is the achiote sauce on top. Truly a fantastic entrée. My wife gushed over the tostada. It looked ok, but she had me take a bite. The taste far exceeded the appearance. It had a fabulous flavor. The margaritas are expensive, small and just okay. We will forgo those next time. This is the kind of place where you have to pay for not only the chips but also the salsa….but they were decent.
3. Provecho
Vancouver – Downtown
There’s lot’s of Mexican joints to choose from. Provecho is one of the better ones. The tacos have more meat than most and taste wonderful. The enchiladas are kind of like a mini burrito. The chips are superb. I might go so far as to say they’re the best in Vancouver. The rice is rice but the pinto beans were delicious. The margaritas are good. Ours were made with Rancho Alegre silver and Lunazul reposado tequilas. I made the mistake I often make with margaritas: If they have a spicy jalapeno or habanero version, I order it then wish I had chosen the Cadillac. This time was no different. They use a generic orange liqueur instead of Grand Marnier. Unfortunately they charge $4 for the imitation shot. The rest of the meal is a reasonable value. The restaurant is compact. Don’t expect to bring your sports team or wedding party there. Downtown parking is catch-as-catch-can.
4. Buenos Días Mexican Cuisine
Vancouver – East
This eatery is where Goldie’s BBQ used to be is not your run of the mill Mexican joint. No chips and salsa. No margaritas. But you’ll find the cleanest, gourmet Mexican food in the area. They have a big emphasis on breakfast hence their name. It’s served all day. I’ve been there twice. The first time I had a suadero burrito. It was perfect. When you take a bite you can taste each ingredient distinctly. They have great sauces for you to choose from. Two green, a red and a habanero. We like the red one the best. I was recommended a Jamaica drink that I really liked. It’s not like soda with corn syrup and and not like juice. It’s hard to describe. But it’s very pleasant. The chilaquiles con huevo Y carne is a delicious meal.
5. Los Bros Taco Shop
Vancouver- East
Los Bros is kind of fast food but better than Baja Fresh and Muchas Gracias. Los Bros wins on price and quality. A carne asada taco at Muchas costs $4.69 and a whopping $5.99 at Baja. Los Bros is just $2.50! They have lots of protein choices for their tacos. I went with carne asada, al pastor, carnitas and shredded beef. The al pastor wins for the most flavor.
The machaca breakfast burrito is fantastic. The sausage version is just ok. A huge win for me are their sauces. I’m a fan of the red. The green is for those that think ketchup is kind of spicy. It has zero heat. Another plus is that they’re open everyday at 6am…except Friday. You’d think Sunday, but hey! I’m happy to have a place open that early.
6. Nuestra Mesa
Vancouver – Camas
Stylish Mexican food with ok drinks. The menu is a bit limited. Not cheap but the quality is really good. The burritos are ok. The tacos are very small but good. They charge craft cocktail prices. Pre-covid they were better. Now a margarita served in a rocks glass. The only sweet vermouth is Martini & Rossi. Good beer selection.
7. Rigo’s Finest Latin Grill
Vancouver- Columbia Way
The space has no evidence of the former Rock Pizza. It was happy hour so I tried their Quesabirria. It was very good but I was missing the fab tangy sauce that Amaro’s Table serves with theirs. My wife had the Carnitas Street Tacos which she enjoyed though she wished the tortillas would have been a bit thicker. I particularly liked their salsa that came with the complimentary chips. Our margaritas were served in generous sized glasses and were very flavorful. The staff were friendly and attentive. Even the GM came by to say hello. I look forward to trying other items on their menu.
8. La Valentina
Vancouver – West
La Valentina is in a converted Pizza Hut on Highway 99. I really like the flavor of their spicy salsa. Their margaritas were fab. I had low expectations because their bar is very small and no stools to belly up. That’s not usually a good sign but on the contrary, I like them better than the standard margarita at Los Portillos (my go-to). They use Hornito’s. I believe it was the reposado. La Valentina serves large portions of good food. Two meals and two Cadillac margaritas came to $76 before tip.
9. ¿Por Qué No?
Portland – NorthA funky decor joint with quality tacos that don’t have much seasoning but their hot sauce is great for those that like to kick it up a notch. There’s always a line (think Screen door). Margaritas are served in a pint glass and are just ok…but at least they’re big. Chips are fab. Guacamole is decent. Salsa is pedestrian.
10. Los Potrillos
Vancouver – East
Best priced Mexican Happy Hour in Vancouver. Good margaritas. Extensive tequila selection. Their salsa has personality. I like the carnitas burrito better than the macho. I’m also fond of the Chile Colorado and steak fajitas. The largest selection of base spirits for a Mexican restaurant in Vancouver. Fabulous staff. They treat you really well. Especially if you sit at the bar. PRO Tip: Their Happy Hour is the best in Vancouver. A medium Cadillac margarita is only $9! If you like spicy, ask for the green habanero sauce. They have an adequate amount of parking.
11. Morelia Mexican Taqueria
Vancouver- Central
Throw a rock and you’ll hit a Mexican joint. The trick is finding the really good ones.
The word on the street was that Morelia Mexican Taqueria is authentic Mexican and makes its tortillas in-house. It’s located in a strip mall in Vancouver with a couple of other south-of-the-border eateries. With that kind of competition, I figured it had to be decent.
I ordered three different tacos to discover which of their meats I liked best. I went with al pastor, carne asada, and carnitas. My stepson decided on a wet burrito. Right away, they brought us chips and salsa. We both agreed that Morelia has some of the best salsa around.
The tacos were a good size, but the burrito should have its own ZIP code. I found the meat to be very good quality, though not as heavily seasoned as I would have preferred. Of course, hot sauce fixed that right up.
We came away having enjoyed our meal and with plans to return. Morelia is one of the good ones.
12. Don Taco
Vancouver – West
The Carne asada, al pastor and carnitas are delicious. All have slight crispy edges on the meat which I really like. Don Taco has several salsa/ hot sauces to choose from. I like their red, which is their spiciest for the carne asada and carnitas. I was recommended to use the orange sauce which has pineapple as an ingredient for the al pastor. I didn’t detect pineapple but it was very flavorful and a great pairing. They have fresh-made tortillas which are wonderful. It doesn’t look like that kind of a joint but they also serve margaritas and other cocktails. The menu is extensive. They have plenty of parking.
13. Super Taco Express
Vancouver – North
Super Taco is a no frills. They don’t even have a website. But this is one of the best places to get a burrito in town. They have a wide range of meats to choose from. I went with the carnitas. Their habanero sauce is on point. I need to try their tacos next. They have a few tables but I will probably just do take out.
14. Santo Domingo Taqueria
Portland – Northeast
Santo Domingo is a small eatery that serves excellent Mexican food including some of the best carnitas I’ve had. Their tacos are loaded with savory meat with a bit of tomato, onion, cilantro and guacamole. The texture and flavor of the carnitas in on point. The burritos are large for those with hungry appetites. Santo Domingo has indoor and outdoor seating. There’s three parking spots in the tiny lot in front. Otherwise there’s street parking. ✌🏼
15. La Cocina
Portland – North
Fab street style tacos. The carne asada meat is stellar quality. They have two sauces available a green- gringo, mild sauce….and a red/orange sauce that is legit! It’s spicy and flavorful.
16. Nuestra Cocina
Portland – South
Delightful Mexican eatery. Tacos are street size. Yummy but small. The chicken enchiladas look great. Chips and salsa cost $3.50. The habanero margarita is excellent.
17. Who Song & Larry’s
Vancouver – South
Dependable Mexican food with a fantastic view. They have a nice variety of margaritas. If the weather is good, ask to set by the river. The tacos vampiros are fab. Their steak can be a bit tough. Best to ask them for medium. Great chips. If you like spicy ask them to make you some hot salsa. KIDS: This location is ideal for parents with smaller children. The patio is fenced in. Which allows a kid have some mobility while waiting for your meal. Which is much nicer than having to be strapped down in a high chair the whole time. It’s also NOT a great place for evil people to snatch and grab kids. It’s a fairly long road to get out in each direction. No quick get-a-way. There’s plenty of things on the menu that work well for little fingers. Having a lovely view of the water while you sip a margarita doesn’t hurt either. PRO TIP: Whenever the bridge is up margaritas are just $3!
18. Los Alambres Taqueria
Vancouver – Central
One of the better Mexican joints in Vancouver. Small eatery in a strip mall. Think Muchas Gracias but much better chow. There are several meats to choose from. The pastor pork and suadero beef were my favorites. Four hot sauces. The machete is the most novel dish.
19. La Sirenita
Portland – North
Great neighborhood Mexican joint. . The portions are huge. The habanero green sauce is very good and only moderately spicy. Parking can hard to find.
20. La Bonita
Portland – North
Excellent Mexican food. Some of the best I’ve found in that area. Not fancy. Just delicious chow.
21. Matador NW
Portland – Northwest
Great food, average margaritas, good beer and a cool vibe. The taco salad was fab. The Picante Haba enchiladas were EPIC. Chips are very good. Salsa was decent…but could use more flavor. Next time I’ll ask if they have a spicier one. We had margaritas. They were average and served in Collins/highball glasses. Next time I’ll order a beer. Friendly staff and stylish decor.
22. MI CASA PUPUSERIA
Vancouver – West
Delicious El Salvador focused Mexican eatery. Small but mighty. This joint has the most legit South of the border food in Vancouver. The pollo a la diablo was amazing. The tacos are great too. Margaritas are served in pint glasses and are only $7.50. It’s in a tight strip mall so parking is very limited. Finding a spot on the street is challenging too. But worth it.
23. Casa Colima
Vancouver – East
Solid neighborhood Mexican restaurant in a strip mall. Food is very good. The steak fajitas are great. During happy hour you can order three tacos for $10. They’re very small but it’s a decent value. The staff are super helpful.
Drinks: The only sweet vermouth is Lejon and even worse it is not refrigerated. Stick to margaritas, but they’re pricey…and sour. I like them at Los Portillos much better and for a lot less $$. Having said that, the chow at Casa Colima is better.
PRO TIP: They use a mix brand called “Old Recipe” which is vert tart. Quality control your margarita to not be as sour. by ordering a Cadillac. A proper Cadillac has a shot of Grand Mariner added. But being made in France, a 750 ml bottle retail is currently $38. Casa Colima uses a cheap substitute. The mix is so sour that a shot of the orange liqueur is too small to compensate. So have the bartender give you a shot of triple sec as well. This will make it more balanced.
There’s no mention of it on their website and I wasn’t able to find any photos of the happy hour menu. So I photographed the elusive, mythological menu and added it here. PRO TIP: If you like spicy ask for their habanero sauce. Ample parking in the strip mall.
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