Portland Mercado
Market · Mt. Scott-Arleta ·
Latin American food, market, butcher, and incubator kitchen hub
Latin American food, market, butcher, and incubator kitchen hub
"A Southeast Portland marketplace hub for Latin American carts and stalls—though its market hall was noted as still rebuilding after a 2024 fire—with vendors including Oaxacan spot Tierra del Sol and Yucatecan cart Principe Maya among others." - Dianne de Guzman
"After a fire on January 3 that began in the market hall and forced responders to saw into the roof to extinguish flames, the Portland Mercado reopened its outdoor food carts more than three weeks later after inspectors cleared them, but the indoor space that housed Xŏcotl, Barrio and an incubator kitchen remains out of commission with an unclear reopening date; the building sustained extensive damage though no one was hurt, Hacienda CDC has raised funds through a Portland Mercado Fire Relief Fund (closing January 30), and the organization said it will share opportunities to support rebuilding efforts soon." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden
"A two-alarm fire early Wednesday morning seriously damaged the central building of the Portland Mercado food pod and shopping center: Portland Fire & Rescue arrived just after 5:30 a.m. following reports of “explosions,” discovered active fire hidden in odd void spaces within the ceiling that required a second alarm and sawing through the roof, and extinguished the blaze after about 30 minutes; the building was unoccupied and no injuries were reported. The fire began around 3 a.m. and caused extensive damage to all businesses within, forcing the eight food carts to close until further notice due to loss of power and water even though the carts themselves were not directly damaged. The Mercado has served as a venue for cultural events, been frequently featured on Eater as a standout food pod, and its Instagram post said, “Today we are heartbroken.” Hacienda CDC, the developer behind the Mercado, is organizing a Portland Mercado Fire Relief Fund and is accepting donations as they work to reopen the pod." - Nathan Williams
"This bright collection of exceptional Latin American food carts along SE Foster — including Cuban, Argentine, Oaxacan, and Colombian — affords the solo diner an easy opportunity to grab a meal and then sidle up to the bar at the cozy wine bar Barrio, or onto long indoor and outdoor picnic tables — friendly regulars often happily make room for others at the unused end. Well-behaved pooches are welcome, though Barrio owner Chris Shimamoto might try to grab a selfie or two with them." - Nathan Williams, Krista Garcia
"A collection of eight brightly colored food carts representing different corners of Latin America (Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Costa Rica, and more), anchored by a brick-and-mortar indoor dining space, carniceria, wine bar, and coffee shop; Mercado has a unifying theme and spirit, with carts often joining together for themed menu specials, musical events, and other attractions." - Nathan Williams