Fernando's Alegria

Fernando's Allegria, which in English translates to Fernando's Joy, is truly something to marvel at. Mexican food in the PNW is difficult to find, but decent Mexican is even more challenging. I ordered the Al Pastor Burrito, which encompassed the typical brown beans, al pastor, pineapple, onions, and rice, all surrounded by a warm flour tortilla. While the ingredients were all there, I found the al pastor slightly dry and the rice and beans lacking deep flavor. However, they were essential ingredients that provided little to fret about. Their habanero salsa had a nice little kick but did not provide the spice I craved. I suggest giving lime, sliced radishes, and cilantro on the side to elevate this experience truly. Service was kind and quick. Few things give me more joy than when one melds the love of their culture in their cuisine, which was at full power at Fernando's.

Wow, I should have listened to the other reviews. Oh my gosh they need to run to the corner store and buy a box of Morton's kosher salt because this might be the most bland thing I've ever tasted. No kidding, I don't think they seasoned anything. I'm gonna give them three stars cause the burrito is big, food was fast and their salsa is decent. Season your food please!

Their burritos are HUGE and the way that they fold/grill the tortilla makes the burrito stay together without leaking a single drop the entire time you're eating it. (Theyre literally as big as my head). Tastewise- they're amazing, my go-to is the asada burrito but even their vegetarian options are great too. I get my burrito super fast everytime and for only $9 it's much better than going to the capitalist taco chain.

57 ( with tip) for 3 burritos and two, which were asada, tasted funky to the point where we just threw them away. Never going back.

Breakfast burrito with chorizo! Delish, and the guy was super friendly! This whole food cart area is awesome and chill.

Update Dec 2024: I still come here on the regular and it's still the top burritos in the area. The woman behind the counter is THE BEST, I adore her, and she makes the simple task of grabbing food fun and friendly. Also, it's hard to find nopales around Portland and I give them 10 stars just for that. As we all know Mercado caught fire a year ago (heartbreaking) and the inside is still closed. The carts out front are still here and still great. Support your local businesses! Original review: I love this place, but I admit I always get the same thing (alegría burrito). The guy behind the counter is friendly and fun, and the service is fast. Good food. Support your local business owners!

I've gone here many times over the last few years, and the food and service has consistently been very good. The Serena's Fave breakfast burrito is one of my favorites in the area. It's heavier on potatoes than most (which I like) and always seems fresh and flavorful.

I love the Mercado and all of the carts are great, but Fernando's is easily the best for quick, consistent, DELICIOUS food. I lived right across the street for 6 years and I've probably eaten here 100 times. Every single time the burritos are the best in the city and ready in like 10 minutes. I've been back in the neighborhood working for the last week, and I've eaten here four times. Every single time, still the best burrito in the city. Fernando's truly does spread alegria!!

Don't recommend ... Got the chicken tinga burrito and there was a TWIG inside. Absolutely unsanitary and disgusting.

I've been there a few times now and each and every time its DELICIOUS. I'm a huge fan of burritos, so you definitely can't go wrong with any of their offerings. The standout though is the breakfast burrito. A great menagerie of flavors combined with their habanero salsa made this a hit.

Love to come here and get the chicken tinga burrito! Really large and super tasty Would definitely recommend!

$10 for the RIP CITY VEGAN BURRITO. You can split it with another person! Large serving size! It was delicious I love how fresh the ingredients were. Definitely large chunks of tofu and beans! It fills you up. Nice employees too!

Things i really look for in a food cart/burrito is that 1) it fills me up 2) worth the money 3) the next day im not regretting going there and the food still 'agrees' with me. Check, check, and check. Their tortillas were so good, which usually isnt a thing that jumps out at me- but were noticeable enough to mention. So much food stuffed into a burrito, i expected to eat Half and save the rest for later but the Carnitas were cooked so they were still moist but also had that nice crunch on one side. Al Pastor had some Pineapple in it, not sure if ive ever had that? and normally wouldnt? But it did give it a sweet little kick to it too.

Grabbed an Alegria burrito. It was super tasty and huge! All the flavors were spot on, and the spicy salsa went really well with it. I'd definitely come back and try some other things!

Service is excellent! However both my husband and I have gotten burritos there at different times. I ordered the chicken fajita burrito amd while it was quite large and the tortilla was good there was nothing tasty inside the burrito. The chicken was not great chicken. Their burritos just do not have any flavor. It is my least fave burrito I have had in a long time and it was $11.00. They need to up their flavors. I honestly only ate half of it because I did not like it. I tried to doctor it up at home, but it did not help.

Stopped last night for quick bite I figured that it must be ok do to the fact that every thing in the complex is Latino.The burrito tasted very good but there was very little meat in it and for $12 that unacceptable.I feel there a lot of places around Portland doing this and it's getting to be hard to find good Mexican food.

Service was a 5/5. Food 5/5. The food was hot and fresh. I ordered the pastor and the flavor was great. It had just the right amount if beans and rice ration. Very filling burrito.

Came here with girlfriend and my three-year-old we chose this food cart at the Mercado because it had children food option of a kids burrito. The kids of been Barito was not as good as other Bambino burritos that you find out there, just bland beans and cheese. I ordered the Fernando's special burrito and it was just an average burrito with the steak being chewy and not much in it. And I felt some of the ingredients listed were missing. My girlfriend ordered the Tingo pollo and she thoroughly enjoyed it. I am not a burrito expert because I'm from Australia and we don't have much Mexican food there but I have sampled many burritos that are better than the one I've had here, and at a more affordable price.

If you're looking for a proper tortilla, here ya go! Kids cheese roll: a cheese quesadilla rolled up. Delicious, as expected! Pastor burrito: tortilla was good, the rice was average, but the meat sadly left something to be desired. Unlike normal pastor, where there is depth of flavor and smokiness, which gives it that deep red color that stains the tops of your fingers and leaks all down the bottom of the tortilla, & leaves a puddle in the bottom of your plastic tray- this pastor lacked all of that. I would come back, to try other things on the menu! Everything had promise and they even have a cactus burrito.

Place is awful, I ordered the Fernando's special burrito and it wasn't so special. I haven't had issues with food carts until I ate at this location. Not sure if they keep up their expirations, but I swear the food made me sick. Lots of nausea and vomiting that day.

Completely and totally bland veggie burrito. Bland beans, too much rice, no seasoning!!!

Every burrito is completely delicious. Best breakfast burrito in Portland. I've also loved their pollo burrito, the chicken is incredible. Would not turn down a trip here any day.

This is one of the shiny new carts at Portland Mercado. They seem to be one of the ones that is open all the time, and while I have not been there early enoph they have signs advertizing breakfast. I am on the fence of 3 or 4 stars.... The food was good, but not cheap, Service was friendly, but Its a cart with a long wait for food ( I was there on a Saturday during lunch, though). I thought it was good, I would go back for sure, but am I a fan? Not really, though I am of the mercado and its concept. I got the Chicken Burrito as the woman at the window said it was their least spicy, it wa still a touch spicier then I would have prefered. The meat however was exelent with a bit of char from the grill. It was also eight bucks but was huge I arrived hungry and only could finnish about half of it. I would get it again but only if I was heading home so I could save the meat for later. The space was nice and clean and the woman who works at the window is great (good energy and calm during a rush). You have choices where to sit, there are tables under a shade cover ( It is just a wood frame with cross bars not solid roof), or you can sit at Barro if you order drinks there, or sit inside the market. This place like the whole market is new, I think with time they may find ways to get the food out faster and be even better. I look forward to giving them an extra star.

$8 for a burrito sounds like a lot, but their burritos are HUGE! Only able to eat half, meant I had enough left over for lunch next day. However; knowing this now, I will buy a child's size burrito the next time, for half the cost. Their Fernando's Special Burrito is loaded with steak, onions, jalapeno's, tomato, rice, beans, sour cream and cheese. That's what I ordered and it was delicious! so is their spicy sauce. It costs $.35 to charge your monstrosity on a Visa. That's okay, because I didn't have cash and am collecting air mile points. I then tipped a dollar because they took my order and made it so fast that I was able to eat with my family, who also had ordered here and was already served. My mistake had been to get in line at another cart and being made to wait...and wait...and wait...before walking away and joining my family at Fernando's. I have zero complaints or suggestions for improvement because the service was friendly and fast and we thoroughly enjoyed everything about our experience.

We stopped here for a quick bite because our original plans fell through and I'm glad they did. I had the tingo pollo ($8) and it was stuffed with delicious shredded chicken. There were beans and Mexican rice too but it was just bulging with chicken. My boyfriend ordered the burrito named after the cart and he thought it was just ok. Our bambino had the kids burrito ($4) and enjoyed it too.

I came home from Fernando's Alegria today, realizing I needed to write a quite negative review. Looking for his Yelp page, I read on another url that his cart in Asylum had been robbed and severely damaged in January. I felt really bad about that. I have only written a handful of reviews, on anything, ever... but, as sorry as I felt about Fernando being robbed, I don't think withholding my review is going to fix anything. If there will be a positive, it might be that he would upgrade his food (and perhaps his customer base) - at least regarding the Special Beef Burrito, which is the top-liner - apparently - at this cart. I have been eating Mexican food for a half-century, where I used to live, and over the last 35+ years: at least an average of one beef burrito per week, often from rustic taquerias (Mission District, SF). Unfortunately, this one at Asylum was the worst burrito I have ever had, by a long shot. The outside appearance was encouraging, but, when I first bit in, I immediately was biting on, and chewing, gristle. Ugh. But I figured that was a fluke: that gristle had gotten into the meat, and that things would improve soon. Unfortunately, not at all. Every bite was into some kind of irregular mush: cutting into it, you couldn't tell what you were looking at mostly. The burrito was described as a "steak" burrito, but I never found anything that tasted or looked, or chewed like, clean meat, or "steak". Virtually every ?piece, ?bite - hard to know what to call it - yielded the unmistakable texture (and sound) of gristle (sinew, ligament, connective tissue), often with the unmistakable texture of fat. Not just fatty meat, but actual chunks of pure fat. This "steak" was the worst quality meat I have ever had in any kind of street food, or cart, and I've traveled on the ground in 40+ primitive and developing countries. There were some pieces of what was probably green pepper in there (still crunchy), but the main "mass" was a sort of puréed, ill-defined mixture. It looked like it was coarsely ground up together. You could tell that some of that did include rice grains - but totally soggy. I buy frozen burritos at Trader Joe's with far more flavor and much better texture (and none of the disturbing and extensive gristle and fat), but at 1/4 of the price I paid today (albeit smaller in size). It's too bad that Fernando is using "reject" meat, that you could NEVER serve in a taqueria, where the steak is chopped in front of you, sizzling on the grill, and you can see it. In this burrito, I think the puréed texture of all the ingredients is designed to make it impossible to visually recognize what you are eating. But when you chew on gristle and fat, you know it, even if you can't see it. So, I wish Fernando the best, but he will have to find a way to recoup the losses from the robbery, but still choose to serve a grade of meat that looks and tastes like meat, and not gristle and gross fat. Good luck, amigo.

I LOVE Fernando's Alegria! Best burritos in SE Portland. Since COVID hit I've been ordering them for delivery as a treat for lunch. They are always delicious!!!

So slow. Asked for a second time how my burrito was coming -- it had been 20 minutes and it wasn't busy -- and got a bunch of attitude. My wife and kid ordered after I did, ate, finished, and were wandering around shopping for 5 minutes by this point. He offered my money back, and I took it. Pretty sure I wasn't being a dick about it. I mean, hey, things go pear-shaped in a kitchen. They run out of stuff or an order gets missed. Just fucking say something instead of standing around drinking a soda and NOT COOKING.

Thoroughly impressed with the quality of food in this little plaza. Coming from Southern California, I wasn't expecting much with Mexican food up here in the Pacific Northwest, but Fernando's proved me wrong. These burritos were enormous and fresh and had tons of variety to them that you couldn't necessarily find elsewhere. The rest of these food carts in this interesting Latino food court on Foster is also a great find. Definitely check some of these out!

My sweetheart and I recently discovered this food cart, and we've been back THREE times in the span of about ten days. For real. It's so delicious! We especially love the "Serena's Fav" breakfast burrito. It's very filling. Enough for two people to share.

Had the Fernando Special burrito, it was missing the onion, jalapeño, tomato and sour cream. It did come with an abundant amount of bland beans and rice, plus a little bit of over cooked steak and cheese. Not worth $8.00. Not the worst burrito I've had but very, very far from the best.

I had a good burrito at Fernando's. I would have expected to pay $6.50 for the quality, but it was 8. They were super upbeat and friendly though. I would probably come back.

$8 cart burrito missing ingredients. I ordered the Fernando's burrito, and while it claims to feature grilled onion, jalapeños, tomatoes, sour cream and cheese, it had few of these things. It seemed more like diced mixture of those things (vegs) with a bunch of beans and rice and some meat (that was pretty good). IMO, overpriced for it claims to be (and isn't), but the guy's response when I asked if there was sour cream on it was worse. I asked gently because it was slow, and he told me that "it was in there", but I could have extra. Having to beg for the food I paid (too much) for = no thanks.

Disappointed. I ordered a grill chorizo burrito with a mild chilli sauce. The rice was flavourless and bland and the Chorizo was over mixed making it into a meat paste. The tortilla was great and so we're the beans but the chilli sauce was not it lacked any real punch. I would not return

They have vegan choices and habanero salsa. I got the Tica Wrap and it wasn't super flavorful but it was packed with fresh veggies and tofu. Good and spicy salsa.

Compared to just about every other taqueria food truck I've been to, this place is: over priced, no open access to salsa, overcooked meat, small portions. They do have good guacamole.

Not a bad burrito, but on the two occasions I've been here they've omitted something from the burrito. Ugh. Probably done with this place.

As I hail from the precious land of California, where we are spoiled with some of the best Mexican food in the U.S., by far, this is one of the best burrito spots in Portland. The $8 is worth it, it's huge, flavorful, and awesome quality. I'm actually getting ready to head back now for my 2nd visit.

Chef refused to make simple substitution of black beans for pinto, even though he had them for a different type of burrito. We won't be returning, especially for a $9 burrito.

I've been here more than a few times as I live nearby. The food is decent, but not worth the price. The burritos are huge, but they are sometimes falling apart. They aren't made according to their menu, sometimes they contain all of the ingredients, plus some extra, or half of them. In short, they are inconsistent. Today, the burrito I ordered the the other day (r. Kai asada) had jalapeños in it. They are not supposed to be there. The last time it had peppers in it. Both are not listed on the menu. Inconsistency is a killer in a restaurant. The salsa that comes with the burritos is not very good. You'd be better off going to the produce market and buying their salsa (I recommend all of them from there!). The meat doesn't seem to be of good quality, or at the very least it isn't trimmed well. It is fatty, too chewy and full of gristle. I hate that they charge for using debit cards. I know many places that pass their fee onto their customers, which is fine. But those places are not charged a fee over $5, and since most of their burritos are $8, I don't see how that would be an issue.

I had the burrito Al Pastor and it was, I say without hesitation that this is best burrito of my life. It was creamier than I would expect, and the cheese was perfectly melted. They are generous with the meat, but there are also rice and beans. And the price... unbeatable!

I love the burritos in this place! Super tasty! And the salsas are delicious as well.

I love all the burritos and wraps here! My favorite is the chorizo meat with guacamole. Well seasoned and delicious!

My life long search for Portland's best breakfast burrito has concluded. If you want the best, most satisfying, well balanced, non grease ball, big and perfectly blended ingredient breakfast burrito, look no further than here. At this truck you will find an item named, "Serena's Fave." It's available with bacon or chorizo. I always get the chorizo but the bacon is just as good. About 4 bites into this thing and you too will find your soul experiencing a peace and bliss you once thought only possible in heaven. Over the years I've eaten the weight of several elephants in breakfast burritos so I know what I'm talking about. I'm no breakfast donkey amateur. My only caution is this: once you eat the Serena's Fave, all other breakfast burritos will be a complete and utter disappointment compared to this deliciously wrapped up piece of divinity with whom you will be well pleased. You're welcome breakfast burrito fans. You are welcome.

Fernando's is our go-to place for our favorite Portland burritos. We've been loyal patrons since the beginning. We usually get the Fernando's special and the bean and cheese roll and split them up for us and the kids. This place rocks, and we love walking to the Mercado for family meals!

This was my third visit, previously I'd had the Fernando's special burrito tonight I had the R.Kai Asada Burrito and it was really good. The burrito was stuffed with meat and flavor. Very reasonable pricing and I'd highly recommend.

I finally got around to trying out these new carts on Foster and I was pleasantly surprised! 8$ for a burrito sounds like a lot, but it's basically the same price as a chipotle burrito. However, you get way more for your dollar here. I got the breakfast burrito (Serena's fave on the menu) and it was very good. The chorizo was very tasty and the added avocados helped give the burrito an amazing creamy texture. Not only was it good, but it was also huge! The staff was also very friendly and I felt right at home chomping down at my new favorite burrito place. Highly recommend these burritos!

The best bean and cheese burrito I have had in the Northwest. So tasty! Nothing plain about it. Also it was only four dollars. A lot of places charge as much or almost as much as a burrito that has meat and other ingredients. The food came out quickly and they were very friendly though it was fairly busy. Thank you! I will be back. Again and again.

The Fernando's special is AMAZING!!! the salsa is hot and tasty. This is the only place I go to when I'm craving Mexican. For the price and the size, what a deal.

BEST burritos in Portland!!! Obsessed with this place. Not sure why you would go anywhere else. The food is the bomb dot com!!

Delicious burritos, lots of tasty and filling options (including vegan and vegetarian options whoa). Super fresh food (fresh food takes time, hey), huge portions, and everyone who works there is really friendly. Love the nopalitos, too.

All of the burritos I've tried here have been delicious (even the vegan ones). Serena's fav is a chorizo and potato breakfast burrito that is so good and sooo filling. Every one working there has been friendly and eager to answer any questions and offer recommendations. Writing this makes me want to rush over for one right now!

***AMENDED: Changed this to five stars based on the owner's courteous response!**** Went last Saturday night and had a great experience! I thought $8 was a bit steep for a burrito, but it was as big as my head, delicious, and had the requested modification (no beans.) The Fernando's special burrito. Loved it; great service. Went last night before closing, and... not so much. those in my group were fairly certain the cashier was high as a kite. No, problem, buddy, but you've gotta be able to keep it together. he asked over and over and over again what we wanted. Fernando's special burrito again, no beans. The burrito was significantly smaller than the one last week, it had beans, and it didn't have sour cream. The kicker: my husband went to ask about their plasticware, because "I need something to cut the burrito in half," and this baked cashier gives him a giant chef's knife! Thankfully, my husband isn't one of the Foster-wanderers with questionable mental stability, and didn't commit a horrific act with the knife. But still... We are loving the Mercado, and hope this was an isolated incident!