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EXPLORE PORTLAND | | | | | | | 1314 NW Glisan
Portland,
OR
97209
503-228-9535 | | | | | Description: PEARL DISTRICT. At Andina, their tagline is, "A Taste of Peru in the Pearl," underscoring the fact that the chef focuses on creating only the best Peruvian cuisine at this Pearl District darling. Fresh ingredients, innovative use of spices, and a pairing of home cooking and haute cuisine has diners hooked upon first bite. The restaurant offers two dining spaces, a formal dining room, and a more casual "Bar Mestizo" that features a raw bar and a host of tempting cocktails created by expert bartenders. The bar also offers live music nightly. Warm earth tones punctuated by subtle shades of red and yellow are accented by gleaming hardwoods and dark wood furniture, lending a casual, yet sleek look to the dining room.
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| 2200 NE Broadway
Portland,
OR
97232
503-280-9888 | | | | | Description: When you visit Chez Jose East, bring the kids they'll love the bottomless chips and salsa and the funky, slightly morbid decor. Terrific margaritas are a hit with adults, and there's food to please every palate. Along with standard Mexican dishes, you can also get designer fare. Among the options are zesty lime-chicken enchiladas and squash enchiladas dressed with peanut sauce. Grilled shrimp and a luscious mole sauce are also reasons to head over. Just make sure you arrive early, since they accept reservations only for groups.
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| 8324 SE 17th Ave
Portland,
OR
97202
503-231-5140 | | | | | Description: The appearance isn't as upscale as some places you'll go, but El Palenque is well able to stand on its food alone. The restaurant features good Mexican fare, but it's also frequented for its Salvadoran cuisine, which is similar but a welcome change of pace. The most recognizable dish is the pupusa, a corn tortilla stuffed with meat and cheese, then fried. Guacamole is terrific, not exactly as you'd expect, and fried plantains add a sweet note to the meal. Weekends often bring live music and add extra flavor to the culinary event.
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| 2725 SE Ankeny St
Portland,
OR
97214
503-234-7909 | | | | | Description: Esparza's Tex-Mex Cafe is a fun, festive and eccentric eatery that serves some of the most intriguing enchiladas and tamales you'll ever taste. As you sit beneath an army of ceiling-dwelling marionettes, you'll dig into lamb enchiladas (which win particularly high praise) and other unusual offerings, such as ostrich, alligator, buffalo and salmon. If you're adventurous, you may even choose to sample the calf brain tacos. If not, just be relieved that there's chicken and beef. Servings are substantial, margaritas are terrific, and there's a great selection of tequilas as well. Plus, the jukebox plays great classic tunes. Casual dress. Reservations not accepted.
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| 2135 SE Division St
Portland,
OR
97202
503-232-2135 | | | | | Description: Colorful and lively, this Mexican restaurant in Southeast Portland serves up authentic south-of-the-border eats, causing patrons to plan their next visit before they're even out the door. It's all because of tasty items like spiced, shredded pork filled tortillas, beef tips braised with Chipolte sauce and prawns served in garlic, and the Oaxacan Pasilla chile presented alongside refried black beans and plantains. A full bar offers plenty of variety, including obligatory (and outstanding) tequilas. Don't leave without treating yourself a bit; something along the lines of cinnamon ice cream, pumpkin sorbet or champurrado (Mexican hot chocolate thickened with flour) might be nice.
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| 2811 NE Glisan
Portland,
OR
97232
503-233-0511 | | | | | Description: Americans don't know enough about the tiny island nation just beyond their borders, which is a shame considering how good the food can be. Pambiche allows Cuban cuisine to shine in all its splendor, combining flavors and techniques with skill and just a touch of abandon. The popular place makes a great marinated, roast pork that melts in your mouth and also does well with empanadas, pockets of dough stuffed with savories and fried to perfection. Ropa vieja, the classic dish of marinated, slow-cooked steak, gets high marks too, as do the yucca fries. Desserts, crafted by an in-house pastry chef, are sinful but unavoidable. Try the South American wines too.
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| 555 NW 12th Ave
Portland,
OR
97209
503-228-6161 | | | | | Description: PEARL DISTRICT. In an expansive dining room saturated with color, accented by wrought iron and glass, and illuminated by a subtle, evocative play of light, stylish diners sink into comfy booths and dream of the cuisine to come. Pan-Latin in spirit, the menu succeeds in culling inspiration from many south-of-the-border locales. As a result, you'll find ceviche, empanadas, honey duck, ancho-crusted ahi, mesquite-grilled pork, and pan-roasted Chilean sea bass. The marinated, roasted game hen draws constant raves, and ¡Oba!'s chili-corn fritters make an addictive snack. Dessert, including chocolate volcano cake, is as rich and wonderful as the entrees. The bar serves as a hip hangout if you just want to absorb the scene.
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