L L.
Yelp
Certain places in PDX are 50/50. Usually the split looks like this: 'okay' food/poor customer service. This is one of those locations. Listen to the bad reviews fr. The food reviews set me up for disappointment as someone who has had authentic Mexican food abroad and in California.
I stopped by for a quick bite and there was no other patron inside. The only people there were the cashier and cooking staff. When entering, there wasn't a warm welcome or any "hello". Okay, that's fine maybe the cashier was having a bad day or the northwest gloom got to him. I warmly said, "Hey!" Still...nothing. I looked puzzled and paused and honestly there was an uncomfortable stare-down lasting a few uncomfortable moments. (If you know that meme/gif with P Diddy from Fox's 'The Four' then that should give some context into how the *awkward* dynamic unfolded.)
Honestly, from that, I probably should've just left and ordered elsewhere. Tried to still hold out hope and give this restaurant the benefit of the doubt. Reluctantly, I went forward with ordering and it was seamless (usual electronic device with a touch screen that allows easy tipping and either tangible payment or digital like Apple Pay). That was fine. Then, silence while the cashier said nothing and handed me my receipt. Not a "thanks" or "your order will be out shortly". Literally nothing; just silence.
My carry-out order came out within 10 or so minutes which was nice and the cashier handed me the bag and didn't say anything; just another blank stare (Not a "the silverware or napkins are located over there" or anything). Hmmm, guess that's okay since it was easy to locate those items myself.
As I was leaving, I saw the in-store sign stating "Yelp review for a free churro or drink" and then was like "oh, that's cool, you can Yelp and get a free drink?". The cashier said, "Yea...". I awkwardly smiled and wrote my review while he stood close by watching to (I guess?) make sure I was writing the review then I was handed my cup. I got a Sprite from the dispenser that tasted flat immediately. At that point, my internal dialogue was like "hmmm it's free, so can't complain much". Then, I dipped to eat my food elsewhere to reclaim the rest of my day from that weirdness.
When I ate, I noticed that the food was warm and tasted fine but honestly it was not the best Mexican food I've had. If you're familiar with Mexican food from either Mexico or Southern California (San Diego or Los Angeles), lower your standards to avoid the disappointment I mentioned. Within 2 hours, I had felt ill with gastrointestinal symptoms. After all of that, I likely won't return.
*If you're in the area, I would recommend to instead visit Taqueria Mendoza if you're looking for better customer service, cheaper and more authentic food, less of an awkward encounter, and not getting sick.*
1 star for an easy payment system and another for the legible menu and wide variety of options. To keep it a 100, I can't really see myself returning for either though.