Best Cheap Mexican Restaurants in Downtown Portland | Cheap Mexican Food

11 restaurants in Best Cheap Mexican Restaurants in Downtown Portland | Cheap Mexican Food

• The Big Legrowlski — Mexican · rated 3/5: Stepping into this spirited, cult-classic-inspired haunt feels like joining a perpetual house party where the air is thick with the savory aroma of sizzling lumpia and tangy kimchi-topped fries. The kitchen turns out playful comfort food ranging from crispy drumsticks to hearty vegan dogs, offering a laid-back sanctuary where guests can linger over golden baskets of tots in a space that celebrates the unpretentious art of taking it easy.
• Whole Bowl — Mexican: Sunlight streams through the windows of this vibrant eatery, where the air is filled with the earthy scent of steamed grains and the bright tang of citrus-infused dressings. Guests craft colorful, nourishing masterpieces from a bounty of crisp greens and roasted vegetables, creating a kaleidoscope of textures that makes every bite feel like a celebration of fresh ingredients. It is a mindful retreat for the modern diner, offering a fast yet wholesome experience that leaves you feeling energized and completely satisfied.
• Brix Tavern — American: Brix Tavern serves as a spirited neighborhood anchor where the comforting glow of a modern pub invites guests to linger over an array of bold, snackable plates. The air is filled with the aroma of warm brick-oven pretzels and the sizzle of sesame-seared tuna, creating a convivial backdrop for sharing everything from crispy coconut prawns to zesty fish tacos. It is a place where elevated tavern fare and a high-energy atmosphere converge, making every visit feel like a celebratory social occasion.
• Poblano Pepper — Mexican: The air at Poblano Pepper is thick with the savory scent of charred meats and toasted tortillas, drawing diners into a space alive with the vibrant energy of a neighborhood cantina. Golden-brown quesadillas overflow with melted cheese while hefty burritos come packed with smoky asada or succulent chicken, each bite offering a bold explosion of traditional spices and sun-drenched flavors. This lively spot captures the heart of casual dining, where the warmth of the kitchen and the richness of every hand-crafted wrap create a truly satisfying escape.
• Burrito Bar — Mexican: Burrito Bar pulses with a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere where the savory aroma of charred meats and the bright tang of freshly squeezed lime fill the air. Guests dive into overstuffed burritos wrapped in warm, hand-pressed tortillas, discovering a bold landscape of smoky spices, creamy guacamole, and zesty salsas in every bite. It is a spirited neighborhood destination where the clink of margarita glasses and a lively soundtrack create the perfect backdrop for a festive, flavor-packed escape.
• Elephants Delicatessen at World Trade Center — American: Sunlight streams through this vibrant urban hub, where the morning air is thick with the comforting aroma of toasted bagels and sizzling bacon. From golden sunrise burritos that kickstart the day to elegantly layered turkey clubs and zesty cauliflower wraps, each offering is crafted with a gourmet touch that elevates the classic deli experience. It is a sophisticated yet welcoming retreat where the city’s fast-paced rhythm meets the simple joy of a perfectly prepared meal.
• Teote Outpost — Mexican: This vibrant Latin American sanctuary pulses with energy, drawing guests in with the smoky aroma of slow-cooked meats and the golden, griddled crunch of hand-pressed arepas. Flickering fire pits and bold, colorful accents create a spirited backdrop for sipping tropical cocktails and savoring hearty bowls that celebrate sun-drenched flavors in a communal, open-air setting.
• Cha! Cha! Cha! — Mexican: This vibrant taqueria pulses with energy, drawing guests into a sun-drenched space where the rhythmic sizzle of the grill meets the bright, zesty aroma of fresh cilantro and lime. Hand-pressed tortillas serve as the canvas for a colorful array of slow-simmered meats and crisp, farm-fresh toppings, all elevated by a lineup of bold, house-made salsas that dance on the palate.
• Papi Chulo's — Mexican: Bathed in neon glows and the rhythmic pulse of Latin beats, this high-energy cantina invites guests into a world of bold flavors and festive spirit. Charred aromas drift from the open kitchen as street-style favorites meet zesty, hand-shaken cocktails, creating a sun-drenched atmosphere that feels like a perpetual summer celebration.
• La Real Taqueria — Mexican: The air at La Real Taqueria is thick with the irresistible scent of marinated pork sizzling on a vertical spit and the rhythmic pat-pat of masa being pressed into fresh tortillas. Vibrant plates arrive piled high with tender meats, brightened by zesty salsas and a squeeze of lime, capturing the soulful energy of a bustling Mexican street corner. Whether perched at the counter or tucked into a colorful booth, diners are treated to a masterclass in bold, authentic flavors that turn a simple meal into a festive celebration.
• Colibri — Mexican: Colibri serves as a vibrant crossroads where the rich, smoky traditions of Oaxaca and Sinaloa meet the comforting warmth of a neighborhood breakfast nook. The air carries the enticing aroma of slow-simmered cochinita pibil and savory chile verde, inviting guests to linger over inventive plates like tender birria nestled atop creamy grits or golden chilaquiles brightened by house-made salsas. This soulful destination celebrates regional Mexican heritage through a modern lens, offering a sun-drenched escape where every bite transports the palate from the rugged north to the lush, earthy heart of the south.