El Coyote

Mexican restaurant · St. Johns

El Coyote

Mexican restaurant · St. Johns

5

6965 N Fessenden St, Portland, OR 97203

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El Coyote by Ron Scott/Eater Portland
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Highlights

El Coyote is a St. Johns taco truck serving crispy carnitas, flavorful fish tacos, and killer asada fries with fresh, affordable, authentic Mexican flavors.  

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6965 N Fessenden St, Portland, OR 97203 Get directions

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$10–20 · Menu

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6965 N Fessenden St, Portland, OR 97203 Get directions

+1 503 839 7093
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ElCoyotePDX

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Jul 30, 2025

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@eater

Best Restaurants and Food Carts in Portland’s St. Johns Neighborhood

"Chefs across Portland love to whisper about this under-the-radar cart and its next-level carnitas. El Coyote serves a shockingly large variety of tacos and burritos for its size, with fillings ranging from shrimp to buche to ham and pineapple. But here, it’s all about those salty, crispy carnitas, folded into a taco." - Rebecca Roland, Brooke Jackson-Glidden

https://pdx.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-st-johns-portland-oregon
View Postcard for El Coyote
@eater

Where to Find Outstanding Tacos in Greater Portland

"Limited (and admittedly worn) signage adorns a makeshift cart that relies on its food to do the talking. El Coyote is known locally for having the best carnitas not only in St. Johns, but arguably in Portland — potato-chip-crispy at its edges and massively flavorful. The chorizo here, however, might be the sleeper hit, with a smoky complexity that shouldn’t be missed." - Nathan Williams, Ron Scott

https://pdx.eater.com/maps/best-tacos-portland-map
View Postcard for El Coyote
@eater

Vital Restaurants and Food Carts in Portland’s St. Johns Neighborhood

"Chefs across Portland love to whisper about this under-the-radar cart and its next-level carnitas. El Coyote serves a shockingly large variety of tacos and burritos for its size, with fillings ranging from shrimp to buche to ham and pineapple. But here, it’s all about those salty, crispy carnitas, folded into a taco for less than $2. It’s open for walk-ups." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden

https://pdx.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-st-johns-ice-cream-vegan-soul-tacos-burritos
View Postcard for El Coyote
@eater

A Portland, Oregon Dining Guide to the Food & Drink Scene - Eater Portland

"St. Johns for Mexican food; El Coyote for carnitas tacos)." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden

https://pdx.eater.com/22570310/portland-oregon-dining-guide
View Postcard for El Coyote
@eater

Where to Find Knockout Tacos for Takeout and Delivery in Portland - Eater Portland

"This somewhat under-the-radar St. Johns spot is the go-to taco truck for several chefs in the Portland area. El Coyote is still offering takeout from its cart, including its super porky, juicy, crispy-edged carnitas." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden

https://pdx.eater.com/2020/5/5/21248467/taco-takeout-delivery-portland-gresham
View Postcard for El Coyote

Ricardo Diaz

Google
Service was friendly with plenty of seating and area on the street to park but I will say the carne asada tacos made me feel like I was eating ground beef, That's all I had from there so I can't say much more about the food but the service was very friendly.

Ryan Primm

Google
friendly staff, delicious burritos, scrumptious salsas and fast service!

johnny mora

Google
Incredible authentic food, friendly service, and great ambiance! 10/10 would recommend!

Berenice Vital

Google
Great service and food! We’ll definitely be back! 😊

Cody Janssen

Google
Really nice hidden taco truck if you blink you would miss it. I was in the the area doing some work. So we stopped there for lunch. The tacos were on point! Super hot and fresh. The hot sauces were really flavorful as well. Definitely would recommend this place when you looking for some quick lunch.

Jay Fakhuri

Google
I ordered the Coyote Burrito and a large fries. It was my first shrimp burrito, and it was absolutely! The prices are great, I definitely see myself coming back in the near future.

neal munson

Google
Hands down one of the best taco spots in Portland and beyond. Grew up in Central California and these stack up against the best! Carnitas and Chorizo are go tos, I could drink the green sauce.

Anthony Hulstrom

Google
Used to be a awesome place to eat. But now they're way over priced and the service is horrible. 19.60 for a veggie burrito and two small tacos wont be back I can go sit in a nice establishment for that price and eat a meal.
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mark g.

Yelp
El Coyote has great tacos. The burritos are pretty decent as well. They like every other thing have had massive price increases. Not sure it's worth it anymore, but definitely an authentic street taco experience.
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Zach S.

Yelp
This was recommended to us by a fellow Yelper (she lives a few blocks away). It doesn't look like much but the food and service was great. We had shrimp, fish, carnitas tacos and asada fries. If you are in the area of St. John's and are dieing for Mexican this should be your stop.
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Tiffany A.

Yelp
Amazing food. Authentic Mexican cuisine and great service. U must eat here Dogs friendly.
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Nadea T.

Yelp
the best fish tacos in town thus far. NEVER SOGGY!!! great service. Ive heard everything there is delicious.
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deangelo w.

Yelp
This little cart packs a punch as it possibly has two of the city's BEST tacos! The carnitas and the fish tacos are the stars here! Also the coyote fries will blow you away. 4 stars cause the ticket times are sometimes long but the food is well worth it.
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Hannah L.

Yelp
The best chicken taquitos in pdx! I am gluten free and they were able to accommodate my food allergies which I appreciated.
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Mary E.

Yelp
Don't be fooled by its outward appearance. The only thing you have to worry about here is the wait time. But it's worth it. Best fish tacos, best carnitas tacos. Also the Coyote Fries are BOMB! Spend the extra wait time and go get you some tacos from here. Cures hangovers too!
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Taj T.

Yelp
If you were driving by and you saw the wooden sign with "tacos" written in black tape, you'd be forgiven for driving past and thinking it was an abandoned food truck. DONT MAKE THE MISTAKE. After eating at such bougie taco spots like Por Que No, I can easily and confidently say that El Coyote is WAY BETTER than them. At $2.50 for a large taco, the food here is a steal (please don't start charging more). Our "fish taco" came with a HUGE piece of fish that was perfectly fried and tucked into its tortilla with a heaping of creamy sauce and cabbage. The "Shrimp Taco" was definitely the winner though. The shrimps were pan seared to perfection: plump, juicy, and with the slightest charry taste of the pan. I don't think I've ever been more satisfied by tacos before. I can't wait to come back to try all their other food!
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John S.

Yelp
Great tacos, I tried the cameron taco , pescado taco , carne asada taco , and pollo taco . I also got rice and beans . They gave a decent size to go container of salsa verde and a smaller habanero. The meats all tasted fresh, the asada was grilled nicely, fish was nice and battered, and the shrimp were a bunch of little guys without batter rather than one large battered one. Will come back and try a few more things. Tasty tacos, nothing insane or life changing but if this place was in your hood then you're lucky.

A R.

Yelp
Tasty asada burrito, but the meat was chewy and gristle. Might be back to try fish burrito.
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Bernard W.

Yelp
i love love love this place. every time i get a tattoo next door i always get a few carne asada tacos before my appointment. never disappoints and i'm always excited to return
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Brooke P.

Yelp
I moved here from southern California 3 years ago and me and my family have been so disappointed by every single Mexican restaurant, and I'm not kidding when I say we have tried almost all of them. My son had basketball practice by El Coyote and we decided to try it out for dinner. We had the lowest of expectations due to our failure to find any mexican food that is remotely good in Portland - however, we were blown away! This food is excellent. My son and I are vegetarians and the burritos and tacos are incredible. My husband, who eats meat, raved about his food as well. The hot sauce is unlike anything I've ever tasted...it's amazing. Anyway, if you're looking for legit mexican, this is the place.
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Alexie M.

Yelp
Best freaking asada fries in town (coyote fries) Very unique with a twist. The shrimp and sauce that is used is a extra bonus. After a order of that shoot I'm taking a nap hahaha good food man
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Duane P.

Yelp
First time here as I always go to Rose City Taqueria, which is down the street. It's hard to find like my photos will show, but look for the Open and taco's sign out front. I'm conflicted in doing this review, as the establishments usually get busier and they start raising the prices, but oh well. This place is now in my top 3 in Portland for tacos, after only trying the fish/shrimp tacos, but if they are all the same quality as these were, I'm not stepping off my claim. The price on these large fish and shrimp tacos are only $2.50. Find that in Portland, go ahead I'll wait. The portions were plentiful, fresh tasting and flavorful. It's is a true dive, even for a food truck, but you'll not be disappointed in any way. Service was prompt and wait time was exactly as expected for frying fresh. Happy eating and stay safe.

JJ R.

Yelp
This is what a chicken taco is just a lump of a piece of breast at least shred the chicken breast no season.
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Ann-Rachel H.

Yelp
May be the best tacos in Portland! I had a shrimp taco and asada tacos and both were bright and fresh. I never order shrimp tacos but felt compelled after reading the reviews. They truly were delicious and crave worthy. Bonus - I really like how they slightly fry their tortillas.
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Ashley B.

Yelp
Best Mexican food I've had since moving from California. Got the bean and cheese burrito. Their hot sauce is great too!

John A.

Yelp
Delicious food always fast, friendly family business that is bilingual as well as made their spot in my Top 3 Latin food places

Mellissa B.

Yelp
Love this place! It's the best Mexican food in Portland. The fish tacos are so delicious -- batter fried with a delicious crema slaw. Hard to find but worth the trip!
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Kimberly C.

Yelp
My favorite taco truck in the Portland metro area. I live on the opposite side of town and make my way here at least a handful of times a year. My husband and brother swear by the asada fries. I always get tacos - carnitas, asada, and/or pollo. The green avocado salsa is the best and I've purchased them in bottles.
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Alex Y.

Yelp
Best Mexican food in St. John's. My wife is from L.A and she confirms. Highly recommend trying everything on the menu because they are just quality all around

Dirk K.

Yelp
I said no cilantro three times you confirmed and I got this. It's ruined. I get to try to pick this stuff out now. Look. No one will even notice if you never buy cilantro again. Throw it in the garbage. Otherwise Great flood! Shop locally owned !
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Rawley R.

Yelp
El Coyote is the spot!!! I can not even begin to describe how amazing these tacos are. If you looking for some authentic Mexican street style tacos. Look no further. Imagine the gates of heaven...Now imagine the gates of heaven, and when they open the truck and all it's glory awaits you. Yes, I'm talking about the infamous El Coyote. These mouth watering tacos are what dreams are made of. Ohhh yes, they hit the spot every time. Three spices chorizo tacos and a chicken taco with a huge Fanta glassed bottle all for $7. I'll say it again Incase you thought the hype was just all talk. THIS PLACE IS THA FUCKING SPOT!!
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Joe D.

Yelp
Unfortunately the food was so good and eaten so fast that there is no time to take pictures. This is the second time I've been to this location and the food is absolutely amazing.
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Alex D.

Yelp
Amazing service and love the family that has taken the time to make they're own food truck service for years now 5-stars definitely
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Alex O.

Yelp
Best Mexican food in the area hands down, No need to try anywhere else just come here
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Aileen O.

Yelp
The fish tacos are sooooo goood!!!!!!!! The enchiladas are made with good tortillas!! Supppppppppppppppppppeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrr Goooooooooooooooood.
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Laura G.

Yelp
Great Mexican food! Quick too, usually only 10 minutes and I can go pick up my order. Love their avocado salsa.
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Charles S.

Yelp
I was at Karts on Lombard with a friend. I ended up getting some delicious food @Falafel House. My friend wanted to go some place close for Mexican food; we searched and noticed El Coyote was less then a 1/2 mile away. I called them to find out if they have sopes. The woman that answered the phone, told me they don't have sopes but they do have huaraches. My next question was ?if they make them fresh at the moment you order? She told me yes indeed they make them fresh at the time your order them. Just so I'm understood. I make a point to ask this question whenever I order sopes. Why? Because some Mexican food carts, and restaurants buy the sopes premade from a factory and I don't care for those ones at all. They tend to be very dry and tuff. Also, they almost always have to deep fry them just so they aren't dry and tuff. Which makes them crispy and full of oil and grease. I also asked her if they could heat or cook my huarache without deep frying; I heard her asking some body I assume was the cook, she relayed to me that yes they could heat up the hurache without deep frying.. Off we went to El Coyote. I got one Huarache vegan. My friend got chicken enchiladas plate. I was going to get a jaimica to drink but they were all out. My friend got a Mexican coca cola. On top of the Huarache were mashed up pinto beans lettuce, chopped tomatoes, chopped onion, and guacamole. It was very good. My friend enjoyed his Enchiladas. Are only complaint was the beans had to much salt. The guacamole color was lite. Which prompted me to ask if they use dairy, or mayonase. I was assured that their was no dairy. They offered 2 salsas red and green the red was ok. But I did get a roasted chilli. Which was a nice addition .50¢ It's $6 for the huarache. With no meat. It really should be about $4 or $5. Because it's not huge. However El Coyote is no different then all of the of places that offer sopes. This is a typical price. I know of one other place that charges $4.75 and their was one place now closed which charged $3 or $3.50. Its strictly street parking. So you may find your self circling around before finding a spot or the alternative, parking far away and walking Here's the thing if you get food here and you find you don't like it or if you happen to still be hungry. The Food Karts @ Lombard are literally a stone's throw away. I think you'll like El Coyote.

Amy C.

Yelp
I've had their veggie, asada, chicken & carnita tacos. No one else can compete to their perfect trio of meat, onion and cilantro!! The asada fries are the best I've ever had!! The portion is enough for two. The fries are seasoned so perfectly, I very highly recommend!!!! The chicken quesadilla taste slightly resembles Taco Bell, if you (oven) reheat it, it will taste even better somehow!! The breakfast burrito was enormous and cost under $7, it was the almost the exact size of my pc keyboard. Unfortunately, I had my breakfast burrito altered, I just wanted the potato/sausage/egg, minus the beans and sour cream, next time I will try it how it's meant to be sold. Last but not least, another favorite would be their guacamole burger.....it is impressive!! Very yummy and we order regularly!!! Very highly recommend this place to anyone and everyone!!!!!
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Adam S.

Yelp
Best fish & shrimp tacos in PDX. Not the biggest fan of corn tortillas yet theirs are grilled so perfect it converted me.
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Mariano S.

Yelp
Great food they have a restaurant right by them and they still bring in way more customers WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND The fish tacos chicken tacos and the breakfast sausage burrito and they make there food fresh unlike alot of places
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Lasty K.

Yelp
Probably the best taco shop in NoPo, possibly Portland itself. All I come here for are the tacos, and every time has been damn good. Coming from LA, it was a bit hard trying to find a solid spot but this is it. This is the place, go here and buy food, do it.
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Brittany E.

Yelp
Amazing. I'll eat everything on that menu and no one can stop me. Everything is delicious. Guacamole is fresh and delicious. Seasoned chips. Crispy shell tacos. Coyote sauce. My fav stop in Oregon coming from Cali
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Matt B.

Yelp
The Al Pastor and Chicken tacos are the best I've had in Portland and very affordable. I typically don't like chicken tacos, however, El Cayote boils the chicken so it's nice and juicy. If you try the chicken tacos I'd recommend getting the green sauce as it compliments it very well.
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Janey W.

Yelp
This gem was recommended to me by a St. John's local and I'm so glad I made the trip out here. They blew the nearby popular spot Santa Cruz OUT. OF. THE. WATER. I overheard from another customer telling others in his party that everything here is good, but I had to go for the tacos for my first spin. They come in a small and "regular/large" size. Not knowing what to expect, I opted for four small tacos: pastor, chorizo, asada, and pescado. I was pleasantly surprised that the "small" tacos are standard taco size for pretty much everywhere else and certainly bigger than tacos at Uno Mas. Each taco was a perfectly seasoned flavor bomb, and the meat was well cooked and a markedly higher quality than most taco trucks and taquerias. I would readily back this place for best tacos in Portland.

Claudia R.

Yelp
this is my new favorite taco place! not only is the staff friendly, but the tacos are amazing! I love my carnitas crispy, and they crisp it perfectly. and their green sauce, I dream about it! do yourself a favor St. Johns, and go get some tacos!
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Andria R.

Yelp
My hunt for the best street tacos in Portland has ended with this little gem. I tried the carnitas and pastor and they were both excellent. Carnitas had great flavor and a good crisp without being dried out. The pastor was equally flavorful and moist. Tortillas were on point, not dried out or falling apart. Just the right amount of cilantro and onions to top them off. I also impulsively ordered chicken enchiladas and I'm glad I did. Lots of juicy flavor! I've had far too many dry, flavorless enchiladas in this city. Throw in some of their salsa verde for a delicious spicy kick!

Perry H.

Yelp
This is for the burrito only. The poor review is for the fact that I ordered mine with no lettuce. Lo and behold, when I got home and bit into it, there was plenty of lettuce, which pretty much ruins a burrito for me. I'm of the firm belief that lettuce belongs nowhere near a burrito. I picked out what I could, but it was impossible to get out all the small pieces. They should also put in more pico de gallo and sour cream, as there wasn't much of either. If you like black beans in your burrito like me, this also isn't the spot for you as they don't carry them. I will say that the carnitas was quite flavorful, but I don't think I'd order a burrito from El Coyote again. Even without the lettuce, I'd give their burrito about a 6/10. I'm looking forward to going back and trying their tacos, however, as I've heard good things about them and imagine their carnitas tacos must be quite good.
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Gustavo S.

Yelp
Best Mexican food in north Portland hands down I'm so glad I found this place it's a jewel located right next to the overrated rose city Mexican food place. This place is blowing them out the water real quality food fresh and you can just taste the love best fish taco I ever had.
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Jasmine B.

Yelp
This place is a gem! Not only is the food so tasty and affordable, their employees are sweet as well. Call in an order and your food is always ready in 10 minutes. My personal favorite dish is their Al Pastor tacos, they got little bits of pineapple in them for a fruity splash of flavor! I'm also a fan or their steak taco salad, and steak chimichanga. They have good portions for the price, and every component of your meal is well seasoned - beans, rice, meat, salsa, all so delicious! Beware their steak burrito though, while delicious, it can be a little salty so order a drink. Whenever I crave Mexican food (which is all the time), it's always gonna be El Coyote.
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Kay L.

Yelp
The people here are so kind they feel like family and the food is amazing, so delicious and affordable, best spot hands down.
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J H.

Yelp
Fish tacos. Perfect price. Great verde and red sauce. Veggie tacos awesome. Nice people. No Sunday's, but I eat lunch theRe twice a week.
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Carl R.

Yelp
Very much worth it. Gotta try the grilled chicken plate next. A friend recommended the Asada fries
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RihannaJane W.

Yelp
Tacos are reasonably priced at $2, the chips and guacamole are AMAZING and an extra side of guac is only $1. Highly suggest the al pastor tacos!
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Celestial N.

Yelp
I Love El Coyote. Best everything. Especially the shredded chicken!! Never disappoints unless your try to eat after 9m
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Sarah S.

Yelp
¡Qué rico! Friendly taqueria... food always spot on... from amazing fish tacos to excellent chipotle style burritos. Fun crinkle fries you don't get most places... comes with spicy seasoning, while yummy, ask ahead of time to leave off if it's not your thing. ¡Siempre excelente!
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Chelsea C.

Yelp
Delicious! A hidden gem of North Portland. Fast, flavorful, and well priced. The sauces are a little spicy (in my opinion) but super flavorful and something you can slather your tacos in. Spectacular!
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Ray S.

Yelp
Best tacos and burritos in north Portland! The carnitas are out of this world! Whether it's tacos, burritos or nachos. Hands down the best! You want a bomb breakfast burrito? Sausage breakfast burrito is delicious! Get some of the green and red hot sauce and your good to go! Love this place!!!