The Portland Mercado is a public market that’s home to a variety of Latin-American businesses, including a food cart pod — enjoy a wide range of cuisines in a single stop, including Oaxacan, Yucatecan, Cuban, Peruvian and Colombian fare.

Credit: Celeste Noche

Mexican Food Carts in Portland

From Oaxacan to Yucatecan, from tacos to tortas, Portland food carts offer a diverse and delicious array of Mexican cuisine.

Portland boasts acclaimed Mexican restaurants that run the gamut from affordable neighborhood taquerias to elegant prix fixe tasting menus — but to experience the full breadth of Portland’s Mexican-inspired cuisine, step outside the brick-and-mortar setting and explore the multitude of Mexican food carts. You might start based on your favorite dish: For tacos, you can’t go wrong with the Tijuana-style fare at Los Plebes or the breakfast tacos at La Osita (which is known for excellent breakfast and brunch dishes across the board, making it a perfect place to start your day). If tortas are more your speed, enjoy Pepe Chile’s many tempting takes — from a chorizo breakfast torta to a Hawaiian version with sliced ham and pineapple — or indulge in the hearty offerings at Los Francos. Burritos are a longtime favorite of diners on the go — if that describes you, experience the bold flavors of Saint Burrito, or check out Smart Donkey, the latest delicious venture from celebrated Portland chef Oswaldo Bibiano. Or does Birria have your heart? Then head to Birrieria Jalisco or find one of Birrieria PDX’s multiple locations across the city.

You could also explore Portland’s Mexican food trucks by region. For Oaxacan fare, don’t miss Tehuana Oaxacan Cuisine — since 2016, this acclaimed cart has been serving up excellent, authentic street food, including favorites like mole-drenched entomatadas and crisp tlayudas piled high with fresh, flavorful toppings. Los Tamales Locos is another top-notch Oaxacan option: try the tamales Oaxaqueños, mole negro enchiladas or a chile verde burrito. For Yucatecan eats, pay a visit to Loncheria Los Mayas — be sure to order the panuchos or the poc chuc, a citrus-marinated pork dish served with veggies, beans and house-made tortillas. Another Yucatecan food carts is El Yucateco Foodcart (a mix of Yucatecan classics and fusion dishes). Just can’t make up your mind? With a visit to the Portland Mercado — a public market that’s home to a variety of Latin-American businesses, including a food cart pod — you can enjoy a range of regional cuisines in a single stop. Food trucks offering Mexican fare include Fernando’s Alegria, Principe Maya and Tierra Del Sol. (As an added bonus, other Latine-owned and -operated carts are also on-site, including Colombian, Cuban and Peruvian options.)

Portland’s Top Taquerias

Follow our guide to Portland's top taquerias and find a wide variety of tasty tacos — from meaty morsels to vegetarian creations — in every part of town.

Portland Mercado

The Mercado is a food cart pod and also a hub of Latine culture and local entrepreneurship and may be one of the city’s most delicious destinations.

groups of people at tables in an indoor market dining area

Great Latinx-Owned Eateries in Portland

Portland is home to authentic eateries from every corner of Latin America. Feast on tacos, tlayudas, pupusas and burritos; read on for some of the best Latinx-owned restaurants and food carts in Portland.

someone orders at a restaurant that is colorfully decorated, people fill the chairs in the background

Taqueria Mis Tacones: Cultivating Community and Cashew Cheese

Located in Portland’s Alberta neighborhood, Mis Tacones serves up authentic vegan Mexican food and community support for trans POC visitors and locals.

$A sign reading \"Portland Mercado\" in front of a brightly painted mural showing a Latin American dancer and musician$

Living Latine in Portland

Spend a day enjoying and buying from Latinx-owned businesses all over Portland.

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