Verde Cocina Hillsdale

Mexican restaurant · Hillsdale

Verde Cocina Hillsdale

Mexican restaurant · Hillsdale

5

6446 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97239

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Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
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Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null
Verde Cocina Hillsdale by null

Highlights

Mexican & NW fusion, healthy, gluten-free, paleo, vegan options  

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6446 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97239 Get directions

verdecocinamarket.com
@verdecocina

$10–20 · Menu

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6446 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97239 Get directions

+1 503 384 2327
verdecocinamarket.com
@verdecocina

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 15, 2025

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@eater

The Best Restaurants in Portland’s West Hills | Eater Portland

"The Hillsdale outpost of this Portland State University farmers market favorite offers gluten-free, vegan, paleo, and vegetable-heavy interpretations of classic Mexican dishes like enchiladas, chiles rellenos, and fajitas, served with sides of garbanzo beans and quinoa. The cafe also now serves a weekend brunch menu with steak and eggs, huevos rancheros, and breakfast tacos." - Rebecca Roland

https://pdx.eater.com/maps/portland-westhills-restaurants
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@eater

Higgins Has Opened an Open-Air Bistro, Piggins - Eater Portland

"Verde Cocina, the family-owned group of Mexican restaurants that specializes in providing options for all kinds of dietary restrictions, is having a hard year. Besides losing its Pearl District location due to the coronavirus back in May, last Thursday a fire broke out in the Sylvan Highlands location, causing extensive damage. Verde has set up a GoFundMe account, aiming to raise $30,000 for its restoration. Diners can visit its location in Hillsdale for patio seating, takeout, and delivery." - Alex Frane

https://pdx.eater.com/2020/7/27/21339455/higgins-piggins-riot-ribs-verde-cocina-fire
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A List of Portland Restaurants Reopening for Patio or Dine-In Service - Eater Portland

"Verde Cocina lost its Pearl location, but the restaurant, which specializes in Mexican cooking with Pacific Northwest ingredients, still has its Hillsdale location open for dining in and takeout. Visitors can find dishes that fit all sorts of dietary restrictions." - Alex Frane

https://pdx.eater.com/2020/6/18/21295061/bars-restaurants-reopening-friday-covid-multnomah-county
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Mother’s Day Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner Specials That Won’t Get You Disinherited - Eater Portland

"Family-friendly and personal-diet-friendly Mexican restaurant group Verde Cocina will serve a special Mother’s Day brunch at all three of its locations. The meal includes choices of starters, sides, and mains, with vegan, paleo, and gluten-free options at each course, including brunch salad, vegan ceviche, smoked pork belly bacon, fish or veggie omelet, and French toast with strawberries." - Alex Frane

https://pdx.eater.com/2019/5/10/18564596/mothers-day-brunch-dinner-2019
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Where to Find Portland’s Most Enticing Margaritas - Eater Portland

"The gluten-free, paleo-friendly chain Verde Cocina has numerous stores across town, each using Pacific Northwest ingredients to make some stellar Mexican dishes. The colorful, family-friendly restaurants offer a list of agave cocktails, like tequila old fashioneds and bloody marys, but the margaritas, made with a reliable recipe of tequila, agave syrup, lime, and a salt rim, are solidly built with high-quality ingredients." - Alex Frane

https://pdx.eater.com/maps/find-portlands-best-margaritas-map-mezcal
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Karen D Wagner

Google
One of my all time favorite Portland places! Delicious Mexican food that doesn’t weigh you down - so many fresh vegetables and delicious sauces and salsas and DRINKS! Cadillac margarita is spot on! Enjoy

Emily Myers

Google
My friend and I had a great time here! We sat outside on the nice patio. She had brunch while I had the fajitas. I’ve never had them served in such a cool preparation before. They were delicious with just the right amount of spice. The service was attentive and not pushy. The margaritas were also delicious!

barbara martin

Google
Had a fabulous dinner here tonight. I had the chili relleno which was outstanding. Different than your average one, with sweet potatoes and all kinds of veggies, It was delicious. The servers were so nice and the atmosphere was very pleasant. I was a solo diner and treated very well.

Grace Geist

Google
Great little spot for a date night or other casual affair. The food was delicious and the staff were very friendly. The vibes are great, the restaurant is in top portion of the house, while the downstairs is a quaint bar. The best part is that it is all gluten free and celiac safe!

Leah's Adventures

Google
So cute! Bigger than I thought. We sat upstairs but we saw a bar below and outside seating!!! The drinks were great, our waiter was nice, fast, and let us eat in peace! The atmosphere was nice, clean, and relaxing. The music was good but not too loud. The food was so good! Vegan choices and normal! $74 total for 3 people 1 meal and 1 drink each.

Make Name Acceptable Go

Google
Best Mexican we've had in several years... Quite light and healthy. Great flavors. I think everyone should try this place, I will say if you want standard heavy Mexican (lard, really salty refried beans, etc.) this place is quite a different experience. Lots of vegetarian, vegan, etc. Service was great. Every group seemed very happy. Decor is cute. About the only con is that the dining room (and rest room we used) is up a flight of stairs. The bar is ground level. They have tables outside. Not sure on wheelchair access.

Alex Hansen

Google
Delicious and healthy, very reasonably priced! The wife and I tried this place out last night on a whim. We needed a date night. Verde Cocina definitely delivered. The building is cute, and the small upstairs dining area has unique.. slightly eclectic lighting, but does a nice job of making an intimate space for a date night. Weirdly, there was no music of any kind to help complete the ambience, but that was ok. The wait staff was courteous, full of smiles and attentive, but not OVERLY so (just the right amount to allow relaxed conversations , which is what we wanted). We started off with some margaritas (they have a large selection of tequilas and a few mezcals to choose from). Those were pretty small, but tasty. The food was delicious and full of fresh ingredients to give that depth of flavor. I had the gringas con mole (with pork) and the wife had the fajitas with carne asada. If there was one weak spot, I'd say the mole was a bit mild in intensity for my taste, but still rich and smooth. My wife's carne asada, though, was SUPER intense in flavor. Definitely a strong contrast there. For dessert, we spilt a coffee flan, which was DI-VINE. Definitely a place we'll be back to.

Lorena S

Google
A wonderful piece of homemade healthy Mexican food like no other. I had the Chile relleno, Definitely try it if you want an explosion of amazing flavors in your mouth. Everyone enjoyed their food and drinks. The service was great too the only complaint is that they use to have fresh homemade tortillas which is why we came and this time around the server had no idea what we were talking about so we asked for an order of tortillas and they brought us tortillas that seemed to be fried but not freshly made. Everything else was wonderful and healthy.
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Jeannie D.

Yelp
Outstanding service/hospitality!! Amazing delicious and healthy food options. It's a super cute spot, clean and inviting. I definitely recommend giving it a try!! Had a shrimp salad type dish, different from anything I've had before and yummy!! They make a great Paloma too!!!
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Jessica B.

Yelp
Sadly, I have to take down one star from my previous review. I was planning a lunch event with my coworkers. Although several options were thrown on the table, I was the one who pushed for Verde Cocina - Hillsdale. Unfortunately, I feel let down. I had called earlier in the week to book a reservation for a party of 8. I was told by someone on the phone that they do not take reservations, but I could call 30 minutes prior to arrival, and they could set a table aside from us. I called on Friday morning while I was on my way to hold a table and was given contradictory information by another worker. She told me that they don't hold tables for people. I told her that I was told earlier in the week that holding a table would be possible if I was 30 minutes out. She said, no, it's first come first serve only. No accommodations or exceptions given. Keep in mind our lunch was scheduled for 30 minutes after opening. There were SO MANY EMPTY TABLES inside and outside. Surely, they could've held a table for us without causing other customers to wait. If they were packed, I would've sympathized. My coworkers arrived before me and wanted to sit outside. I do not recommend sitting outside with a group of 8. Bless the heart of the gentleman working there who piecemealed some tables together for us, but the tables were different levels, and it was awkward, tight, and uncomfortable. The tables have slat openings in them and little items kept falling through. I accidentally knocked over the cream, and it went down through the table onto my coworker's pants and purse (b/c there was not enough space to set our stuff on the bench). If it was a solid table, everything would stay on the table. I ordered the carne asada specialty but was given the carne asada salad instead. I asked if it was the same thing as the salad and was told yes. My coworkers who did get the salad said it was actually not the same thing. Sure enough, check the menu, not the same thing. I ate it anyway even though my order was wrong because I didn't want to wait longer for food. Several other things went wrong, but my review is getting too long already. Verde Cocina still manages to get 3-star for 1) the taste of the food, 2) the customer service because they were still really nice and attentive even after the table reservation debacle, and 3) for ample parking across the street. TL;DR: Would not recommend sitting outside when you have a group of more than 5 people. Inconsistent customer care. Inaccurate orders. Food was good. Easy parking. I don't plan on returning. Edit: I took off another star. I paid with my company card and just checked the expense reports. They charged me twice and then refunded me a portion, but the portion was off 60 cents what I actually paid. This is going to cause me more work to reconcile. I'm so annoyed. Not coming back here for a company event again.
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Elicia L.

Yelp
The food was pretty good but the service was meh. There were 4 of us and we sat upstairs. 3 of us had tacos and one had a salad. We sat upstairs and none of the waiters staff stay up there, so you better order everything you want immediately cause you won't be able to flag anyone down to order anything else. Would I eat here again? Probably, but it's not at the top of my list.
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Jerry A.

Yelp
Recommended by my sister-in-law, we visited for lunch recently. The place is so cute, with a bar and outdoor seating downstairs and tables upstairs. The staff was super friendly, and the menu offers many gluten free and vegan options for those that want that. The homemade guacamole appetizer was awesome. My papas y chorizo was very flavorful and loaded with veggies, delicious! My wife's mole bowl with pork was rich and also loaded with veggies and was served with a side of homemade tortillas, really really yummy. My sister had a paleo bowl with salmon, she said it was wonderful! Portions were generous, next time in Portland I hope to return!
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Tannu S.

Yelp
A cozy place humbly serving great food and drinks. It's a fusion created with mexican food with healthy foods. I can eat here everyday without worrying about the contents. The food looked balanced for macros and carbs. Also the food is well presented. I would recommend a visit.
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Melodye B.

Yelp
Really liked the outdoor bohemian atmosphere and food choices. Everything tasted fresh, and and the service was excellent. Will definitely come here again.
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C V.

Yelp
Hey, just checked out this little dive over here in Hillsdale. It's pretty straightforward with some authentic flavors and fairly nice ambience and local vibes. Parking could be difficult at times but today I didn't have any problems. Staff were polite and prompt with a family feel. I ordered Mole chicken that came all dressed up but the protein itself was extremely dry and possibly previously frozen. Somewhat disappointing. Perhaps I'll try something less complex next time. Ya can't go wrong with Huevos Rancheros!
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Janice K.

Yelp
The location is cute, the food is really good, the service is great! They don't offer vegan cheese for the Mac n cheese or any other dish. But the mac n cheese was amazing even without being vegan. Everything is gluten free which is a plus. The fajita's were fresh with good flavor, great portion. The chile relleno was very good, lots of flavor! The portions were all very good for the price. They also have a house hot sauce and it is Smokey and SUPER SPICY! So taste a little before you dump it on your food. I love spicy and it wasn't my style but my husband loved it. All In all I would recomendó this place. Oh and the ginger beer is amazing! Tons of really ginger in the bottom!

Ryan W.

Yelp
$16 for some hella bland tacos, some shredded carrot, and a tiny separate bowl of beans. I suppose that's around 10 bucks for the food and a $6 fee for the awkward vibe in there.
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Marlene A.

Yelp
I truly don't understand the hype. We arrived at 8pm and already the server was making us feel rushed, checking his watch dramatically, acting annoyed that people want to eat dinner at 8. The food was so so bland. There was no cheese in the Chile relleno as the menu stated and hardly any sauce. It was just dry veggies and quinoa in a dry pepper. Seriously needed salt, herbs, anything. My friends verde enchiladas were better but still so boring. The coconut sauce was decent. Server couldn't wait to get us out of there. He was either having a bad day or he just hates his job, but he was miserable.
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Eric B.

Yelp
First, the service was good. The room was charming. But the food...the food was truly disappointing. I fully agree with other reviewers that give due praise to the environment, but pan the food. I was in the mood for Mexican food, so I tried this place. I ordered the fajitas. What I received was an unappetizing plate of slop. I was starving, and it was edible. But it looked like a dish you might make when you have nothing in the house except vegetables on the way out, some leftover chicken, and one of those bottles of Mexican-inspired sauce that's been in the fridge for weeks/months. So you mix it all together and hope it's satisfying. My dish wasn't. It was as far away from traditional Tex-Mex fajitas as you can get. Should NOT be called "fajitas". Maybe something like, "chicken stew...ish". The sauce covered everything, and had it been uniquely flavorful, had the vegetables been cooked to keep flavor and texture, perhaps it would have worked. But this felt like a "lazy" dish. Just mix a buncha stuff and cover it with sauce. Presto! I ordered a Starter of chips and salsa, advertised on the menu as "Hand Made", suggesting the salsas might have distinction. Not so. This was "chain quality", which isn't necessarily bad, but there was NOTHING, and I mean, NOTHING distinctive about the salsas. And the chips? No different than those big, yellow chips in bags at the supermarket. AND, they charged $4. Now, this placed is over-priced, at least for what I got. And to charge $4 for these chips and salsa was a real turn-off. I'm sorry, but I grew up on Mexican food, have been to ANY number of Mexican restaurants, and a welcome serving of chips and salsa is TRADITION. The small percentage of restaurants that actually charge for chips and salsa offer something that is truly extraordinary, or if it's a second serving, or if they keep pricing in check otherwise. I could do better with Tostitos and a small portion from a jar of La Victoria. OH! And my entree came almost immediately after my chips and salsa arrived, about two minutes. So much for "Starters". I now felt that I better get to the entree before it gets cold. Had I known what awaited, I wouldn't have rushed... When I go to a Mexican restaurant, I don't need to hear traditional Mexican music. But I do like the energy and ambiance of an authentic Mexican eatery. Certainly something more lively than the folk-ish music they were playing, which had a somber note. It felt purposely contradictory to the spirit of a Mexican dining experience. They can play whatever they want, of course, but a cocina this wasn't. It was more a cafe with some Mexican inspired dishes. Verde Cocina was the "whitest" Mexican food joint I've ever been to. Maybe they had Mexicans in the kitchen, but this place could have been in Vermont or Maine, in the middle of Lobster country, where some daring restauranteur, raised on Lobster Bisque, tries their inexperienced hand at Mexican food to drum up some business by giving the locals some grub with an international flair. And locals, throughly unfamiliar with Mexican and Tex-Mex, might just buy into it. But it was funny...I had my back to the room, and there was only one couple in the dining room when I arrived. When I got up as the dinner hour asserted itself...a sea of White folks, primarily older, like what you might see in a breakfast diner in an Idaho farming town. A lot of plaid. The point being, what you WON'T find here are repeat customers with a strong Mexican heritage, Mexican food aficionados, or Mexican food critics looking for the next, great Mexican joint. They probably have been warned... When I finished my entree, the server offered up coconut flan. I ordered it. It was served in a pie-cut, like cheesecake. Fancy, with sprinkled coconut, and a strawberry with another little berry inside and some dribbled syrup. OK, at best. But by the time they attempted to fix something that wasn't broken, this was flan in name only. Shouldn't have been called "flan". The texture was off, the flavor bland, and if they are going to dribble anything on it, dribble a the traditional wet caramel. If you are a flan-lover, expect disappointment. Again, I had ONE dish. One thing of chips and salsa. One piece of "flan pie". The thing is, all were dissatisfying, So much so that I considered going to a REAL Mexican joint to wash my mouth out, so to speak. But frankly, the meal left me feeling a mix of extreme disappointment and the entree hit my stomach with little grace. Finally, they can add their touch to the menu any way they want. Have a different take on traditional Mexican or Tex-Mex. Add a "nouveau" or a "fusion" or something to their cuisine. But don't advertise fajitas or flan when both dishes aren't. As to THESE chips and salsas, keep them off the menu, and complimentary, where they should be.
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Elizabeth G.

Yelp
Dinner at Verde Covina in Hillsdale was amazing. There food is regional and distinctive. I love Chili Relleno. the Chili Relleno here is Gluten free, and stacked high with veggies, a vegan's delight. Omnivores can order meat add ons, but Chili Relleno purists like me would never do that. The Chili Relleno here is filled with Quinoa topped with Verde Cocina's signature grilled vegetables that some of us have come to know an love. The Chicken Enchiladas Verde has a distinctively exquisite creamy verde sauce. You can choose to add a fried egg on top. There are outdoor dining booths with heavy clear plastic enclosures, for people who chose to eat outdoors. Indoors, they have a wide staircase leading up to the second floor dining room, where the tables are social distanced far enough apart. The ambiance is charming, in an old Victorian era building, with small windows at each table. The lighting is low, adding to the intimacy of the experience. I like this location better than the downtown location. The menu and ambiance here is more old world and cozy. I actually prefer the food here over the location downtown.
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Chandler L.

Yelp
Extremely underwhelming and over priced. There's no denying the ingredients they use are fresh, I will give them that. The chilaquiles were an abomination, flavorless and nothing like any chilaquiles I've ever had. The sauce was watery with shreds of chard and cabbage interspersed with other undercooked veggies. It was a bit like a lukewarm vegetable soup with bits of chips in it. I thought what on earth am I eating. I still don't know what happened to my mouth that day. The only saving grace that made it edible was dumping some of their salsa verde on my dish. That's the only thing I tried that had any flavor. I give 2 stars for the salsa verde and customer service, and knock off 3 for the thing they call chilaquiles and the sad, flavorless guac. I'm still hoping someday the food with match the hype I hear but after coming here for years out of obligation, I don't think it's likely.
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Eric R.

Yelp
The presentation, portions, and cooking of the food were great. What was a pretty substantial disappointment was the lack of flavor. I ordered the carne asada. It was served more like a normal steak rather than the typical thin, skirt steak. It was cooked just as I had asked (medium rare) and was just fine to eat. The issue was that it, along with every other thing in the entirety of our meal had little to no flavor; it was all so bland. We also ordered the queso fundito as an appetizer. The cheese was relatively flavorless and there seemed to be no added flavors (peppers, tomatoes, other salsa, etc.). Additionally, there were lots of large chopped vegetables mixed in. While unique, it seemed to take away more than add (especially since they also didn't have flavor). As I mentioned, the food was cooked great and had very nice presentation. If everything wasn't so bland I feel like it would be a lot more popular.
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Shannon H.

Yelp
We are fortunate to have this yummy space in our neighborhood as a long-standing business. They offer so much support to community that it's really important for community to support them back. The food is sourced so well from organic and free range that you can feel confident in the quality of what's being served to you. The service is always on points. The cocktails are yummy! My only note is maybe ask for Saultz or bring your own because everything is either not or underseasoned.
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D A.

Yelp
Stopped in for dinner and they did not disappoint. Great taste and portion size. Chips and Salsa, Verde Enchiladas and my meal - Carne Asada Fajitas. All Gluten Free and fresh. Pleasant staff, happy vibe. Highly recommend.
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Benjamin H.

Yelp
Wow I just got tricked into eaching so many vegetables. The trick was they made them really good. This place is in such an odd, quiet spot, but really worth seeking out. I got tastes of two dishes and both were great, kind of "Mexican' cuisine but very fresh and simple ingredients, and a little bit of a Caribbean flavor. Servers were funny/cool. Outdoor tables were great!
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John S.

Yelp
Dropped by for lunch based on some other yelp reviews, and will definitely be going back. Really delicious, unique takes on some classic Mexican dishes. I had pork mole tacos, my sister had the coconut poblano verde enchiladas. Both were amazing. I especially liked that the dishes aren't weighed down with a big pile of rice and beans. Would highly recommend!
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Sandro M.

Yelp
The minute I got upstairs, I realized something was wrong. My feet were moving in an odd pattern, and I seemed to have no control over it. Wait! was I dancing? That's when I noticed the music playing and there were sounds of the Caribbean causing these involuntary motions in my hips and feet. But I'm getting ahead of myself. When I walked into the place, I was warmly greeted by Jose who was helping another customer, but took time to acknowledge me when I came in. That's my favorite kind of appetizer when I go to eat somewhere. Later Arrow came and took my order. If you've read any of my other reviews, you'll know I'm a fairly picky person when it comes to eating (actually, when it comes to anything). Arrow wasn't phased by my questions. He was very helpful in suggesting something I would like. I really enjoyed my dish, the NOR'WESTER. The entire experience was great. Jose and I talked about the Caribbean a bit, and it felt like catching up with an old friend. I'll definitely be back with my wife. I might even give her a spin and a dip if the music hits me just right. Shhh...don't tell her. She likes when I surprise her like that (no, not really).
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Wayne C.

Yelp
Really rockin' it! As always. Throughout the craziness of the pandemic we've been visiting Verde Cocina. Until recently, it's been take out visits. However, we took the plunge and dined in the cabanas on Saturday night. A bit chilly - as we selected a pod without a heating element - but oh so enjoyable. The food is crazy fresh and delicious in its simplicity. The drinks rock! And the staff are all smiles and kindness. Add to the tapestry of delight - Verde Cocina is family owned and a Portland grown small business. Definitely a place we will keep on our 'go to' list of dining options. Love this place. Love the vibe. Love the people.
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Hannah G.

Yelp
Came here for brunch and really enjoyed! The service was great and you can tell the ingredients are fresh. The ambience was also really cozy and perfect for a rainy day! I would recommend this place to anyone looking for yummy and somewhat healthy Mexican food!
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Mikhail H.

Yelp
I love a good coupon - especially when I get them for those businesses I would have never heard of or discovered without. This is one of those exact places. I had/have a coupon for $5 off $25 and I have had this coupon for months....and months. Finally I had a thing nearby with a friend and suggested this as our drop in for some dinner. I will be honest - I was nervous thinking it was on Capital Highway which can be very hit or miss but I live in Beaverton so I am not over here often. This is one of those places which makes me realize I need to start coming over here far more often. We were trying to park 6ish on a weekday which wasn't horrible but also not great since I am limited with a big old boot cast and Spring in Oregon can involve going through all four seasons in a half an hour so one needs to be prepared. There was a nice fella who saw me and my little car trying to squeeze in - waived me with a smile saying he had his to go and was leaving. Perfect! And then we walk up and I look at the interior sign "Dining Upstairs" in horror...back to my cat boot... Old building...probably no elevator and the staff says the dining room is actually full right now anyway. We honestly were cool with just coming back another day but nope...they were so nice and immediately offering us seats right next to the restaurant outside. WHOA! Little booths with heat, lamps and their own plastic surrounds...it was not just perfect but so wonderful - especially with the rain sounds on the tin roofs. Just when we thought the folks were nice we met our server and our food? Did I order ahead and not realize it - it was so fast and delicious!!! My friend CLEANED her plate...it was THAT good. And...oops...forgot to use my coupon so I will be back very soon. I might try some takeout not that eating there is not delightful but that food though....WHOA. I want to try half the menu and cannot wait to go back and try out their other location too!
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Matthew L.

Yelp
First, I love the vibe. The room feels like it's been there for ages - maybe one of those 19th Century inns where travelers on horseback stopped for hearty stews and ale before heading north to trade pelts. It has that kind of cozy homey feel to the place. Second, the presentation. Your taco is not some ordinary clump of protein shoved into a tortilla with some lettuce stuffed in, but a plate that has been carefully and tastefully arranged and decorated. The fresh ingredients will win you over. Finally, the flavors. More subdued than a lot of places, not a huge amount of heat. It's almost like they want you to taste the food. Weird. But you can always hot it up if you want. I like this place a lot.
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Patti K.

Yelp
We came here with our pups to check out the outdoor seating. Although fully open inside, so far, they've kept the outdoor tables and "booths" they built for COVID. We LOVE the booths! Servers were super friendly, and helpful. I always appreciate wait staff that makes me feel welcome, and that was the case here. We came for brunch, and I had the poached eggs, which were poached perfectly, atop yukon gold potatoes. Hubby had the huevos rancheros, which he also really enjoyed. This is a nice break from the greasy, cheese-laden, Mexican-type places that cater to American tastes. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE me some goopy cheese on top of anything. However, this is more what I experienced down in Mexico/Mexico City - fresh vegetables, light on the cheese (queso fresco only) and a focus on the flavors of Mexico. Of course, not leaving there with a huge gut-gasket feeling is definitely a plus! They also offer cocktails, which I'll definitely try when I'm up for some dranks.
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Meagan L.

Yelp
Come here for healthy, veggie-focused Mexican food! That's not a combination you see very often but Verde Cocina knocks it out of the park! It's so fresh, filling, and delicious--and looks pretty too! The Verde Bowl had tons of flavor and left me feeling so satisfied...I would definitely recommend it. We sat on the outside patio and it was a nice environment if the weather is good! Overall the service was average but our food came out really fast. I was very pleased with my experience here and would love to return the next time I'm in Portland! P.s. Everything on the menu is gluten free!
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Andrew H.

Yelp
Sung to the tune of Jewel's "You Were Meant For Me": "I hear the clock, 2 pm. I feel so far from Oregon I got my tortillas and my asada too I got my little beer, everything but you I break the foam, make a smiley face" I wish I had more time to do the whole song! Anway, that's how I feel. This place was meant for me. It melds the two things I look for most in my food choices: - Is it Mexican or Mexican inspired? - Does it have really good veggies, while also NOT being a vegan place that smushes up veggies into fake-meat? Seriously, I love my veggies. I wish I had realized this before I moved to Alaska. Good veggies are rare (and expensive!) up here. When I travel I usually look for meat places that are liked by vegetarians. It's a miracle that I stumbled upon* a place that emphasizes fresh veggies while also being a Mexican place. Verde is also gluten free, but not in an annoying way. It's not like they have a bunch of gluten-free carb bombs: GF cookies! GF cupcakes! GF scones! Instead, their food is mostly meat & veggies...which are naturally gluten free. Their tortillas are also all corn. They didn't attempt to invent some GF white "flour" tortilla abomination like so many #GF places do. They also cater to paleo and keto diets. Cuz, again: meat & veggies. I like this place so much I came twice during a recent visit to Portland. *not entirely true: I actually got some food from this place when they used to only be a caterer. They had no brick and mortar eateries, and I just happened to catch them at a farmer's market.
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Jrj S.

Yelp
Went for drinks and a snack on Valentine's Day. I haven't been to this location in years but that is going to change! The guacamole and 2 salsas were among the best I have ever had.....and a HUGE portion too. The green salsa was bright and fresh with a nice acidity and the red salsa had a soft smokiness to it. They were both fantastic! I had a spicy pineapple margarita and my husband had the mayan mule. Both were great. The owner stopped by the table to chat a moment and check to see if everything was OK. Very nice gentleman and a nice touch. We will be back soon!!
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Vivi W.

Yelp
A hidden gem near the Jewish center MJCC. Authentic Mexican cuisine. Pork belly breakfast (Buenos Dias salad ) is a must. Tea selections are healthy and organic. Outdoor seating is pleasant.
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Pearl B.

Yelp
Our teen called it fancy Mexican. I know lane name but hey we love authenticity of good taco trucks knowing that isn't a nice sit down meal where we can actually 'tip' for 'service' we received. Verde Cocina once awhile is a great idea. Quality lunch we had from all 3 plates. This location is not as nice as one off 26 but they have not reopened that yet. Parking on street wasn't too hard. Lunch without drink is really reasonable. Dinner with Margarita might end up double which is like everywhere else.
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Cara L.

Yelp
Finally ate at Verde Cocina. They have a pop up tent at the PAU farmers market and I've always been intrigued to stop and try their food. I had a sister in law come to town that has celiac disease and we needed a safe option for her to eat. Verde Cocina was at the top of our list. The restaurant in Hillsdale is small but we had no trouble finding seating upstairs. The staff was incredibly nice and helpful since we were first timers. The food is fresh and packed with flavor. I felt like I licked my plate clean and was very sad I didn't have left overs. If you order anything with carne asada in it you will be a very happy camper.

E. N.

Yelp
Pretty standard safe food. I thought i was pretty bland for mexican food. Service was friendly and accomodative.
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Mellissa B.

Yelp
I called on my way over to ensure they were open... the person who answered did so by saying: "Hillsdale." I asked "yes is this verde Cocina?" The person said "yeah Hillsdale." So unprofessional and rude. The enchiladas were actually pretty good, but didn't arrive hot. It's hot outside today but that doesn't mean I want to be served cold "hot item menu" food - plus the chips were really stale that I ordered. This location is also extremely dirty. I sat down to a sticky feeling table (and when I left I brushed my hand across others that were empty which also felt sticky). I pushed back the curtain at my table so I could see outside and the window sill was full of crumbs and a dirt filled track. So gross. Flies were zooming around everywhere (I even killed one on the window I sat next to with my napkin. I've eaten at plenty of indoor/outdoor restaurants during my 20 years in Portland and I've only very rarely encountered flies even in an outside setting - there's no excuse for flies inside. I wonder what the kitchen looks like and if flies are landing on food being prepared. I really wanted to leave and not eat but I'd already encounter two restaurants (not affiliated with verde Cocina) that were unexpectedly closed so I was starving and stayed. I have eaten here many times over my 20 years of living in Portland (last time was 8/2019) and it was never like this back then. It used to be friendly, fresh and clean. I moved out of state in the past year and wanted some good Mexican style food during my visit back to Portland. Disappointed I wasted $25 today. Two stars because my bottled mexi-coke was ice cold and they have AC upstairs.
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Alex B.

Yelp
Chicken Mole: Yes, it was very decent. And they give you a fair amount. But there was just something odd about the experience I couldn't exactly put my finger on. Staff was friendly but also had just an odd vibe. Reminded me of the movie Truman Show for some reason. Plus, I mean, this supposed Mexican restaurant didn't even have sour cream! Just weird. Maybe I would return?

Mandee W.

Yelp
The food was super fresh! We really loved the tortilla chips. They were the perfect balance of crispy & salty. We prefer our Mexican food to have a little more heat. Bonus points for having outdoor seating so our dog could join us!
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Sandy Y.

Yelp
Verde Cocina has a couple locations in Portland, and they also have a booth at the Portland Farmers Market at Shemanski Park on every Wednesday from May-October. We were in town exploring Portland Farmers Market. We noticed this was one of the most popular food booths in the market. We were almost half full after trying some free samples at the Farmers Market, so we only ordered a Grilled Chicken in Adobo for sharing between the two of us. It was a very big portion size. Chicken was very moist and tender. We added avocado sauce on side. It was mildly spicy, but it gave the chicken more flavour. Food: Should Try! 4/5 Price: $20-$30 for two Presentation: 2/5 Parking: Meter Parking Would I Return: Yes Tips: * try their own home-made sauces * good for sharing
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Adam P.

Yelp
Super disappointed today. Been eating here for years. Have tried other locations and most recently our experience wasn't awesome. Today we started with Guacamole and the Candied/Pork Belly Bacon. The guacamole was terrible. It had absolutely no flavor. The chips were stale and the bacon was over cooked. Our food came, one dish was ordered with tofu which came separate and looked undercooked. The scrambled eggs were WAY over cooked, the tortillas were tough, potatoes were way oversized for the "smashed potato" idea and were undercooked. Was really hoping it was just a one off but seems like they are letting themselves go
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Shannon S.

Yelp
Verde cocina is our go to for Mexican. It is modern Mexican with some delicious healthy options. My family loves the chicken or pork enchiladas. I'm love the vegan fajitas. The sauce is delicious. Guac and chips are always fresh. The heaps of fresh veggies , yum. Margaritas and anejo old fashions are delicious. We get take out a lot and are thankful for the family size portions to go. Hope they open back up the sylvan location for the fabulous porch.

Chance T.

Yelp
The most bland Carne asada served in a bowl full of grease and saturated veggies. $4 of value for $18 dollars.

David T.

Yelp
If you like your Mexican food bland, this is your place. The food is aesthetically pleasingly, just no flavor.
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Autumn S.

Yelp
We stopped here for lunch and it was a great experience and wonderful food. The server was friendly and helpful. They have outside seating with in individual pods for safety. Each pod has a heater for warmth. My mom had the vegan fajita, I had the carne asada salad and my dad had carne asada. We were all happy with the meals. It even appears to be a gluten free environment with all tortillas being corn. Also very vegetarian friendly. The chips and salsa was also very delicious. Highly recommend.
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Amy B.

Yelp
The food is superb, the cocktails delish, the service professional and delightful. Well done!
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Claudia E.

Yelp
I was recently at Verde Cocina and had poor (slow) service, food that gave me stomach cramps and diarrhea later, and I disliked the safety pods. Several "scared" people like the pods for safety reasons, but I felt they were oppressive. The waitress kept zipping us up inside the pod and had the cook serve us instead . He handed the food quickly through a small hole (after slightly unzipping the plexiglass). Even when ordering, we had the plexiglass between us and the server and were "zipped up".. I won't be returning any time soon until sanity reigns in a postpandemic society.
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Karrie C.

Yelp
Delicious food and great service! Prices are a little high but good quality ingredients.
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Dana T.

Yelp
We love this place! We live just down the street and have been coming here for years, but have actually ramped up our visits during COVID. During the summer, their outdoor set up was safe and clean. Currently, we're ordering take-out every few weeks and they are simply doing a great job. The online ordering platform is easy to use and they are always timely with having everything ready. I have some food sensitivities and try to eat really healthy, but still love my comfort foods, and Verde is just the perfect place to eat. Fresh, local, healthy, and delicious. Their seasonal dishes this year were stellar - butternut squash enchiladas and green chili posole were my favs. Their mac and cheese is also surprisingly good - they use quinoa noodles, loads of veggies, and not a ton of cheese. Their vegan fajitas and paleo bowls are also excellent, and their spicy margs are quite refreshing :).
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E. M.

Yelp
Very friendly staff whether taking a pick-up order or a table order. Gracious to our two dogs, including a large dog. Delicious mescal. Recommended anything with either green or red salsa. Large, delicious portion of jicama with salt and lime.
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Abby J.

Yelp
I come to Verde a fair amount and finally made a point to snap some photos for the review. I came for brunch yesterday and sat outside. Service was prompt and food was delicious! I love Verde because their food is all gluten free and fresh veggies are paramount. I got the Eggs Benito (with added salmon and avocado) and my friend got the Carne Asada and Eggs. Both delicious! My favorite brunch item has to be the Buenos Dias Breakfast--I love that garbanzo bean medley. Also, mimosas for $3! I love this place for brunch, lunch, and happy hour. You really can't go wrong. I'll be back (because I always am).

Carpe Viam M.

Yelp
Beautiful food...great venue...kind & talented people!! Oh my! I can't say enough great things about Verde Cucina! I literally dream about the QUESO FUNDIDO WITH CHORIZO! Yummmm! I originally discovered this gem years ago while on a Paleo eating plan and I'm so grateful. Their food is nutritious & obviously made with a lot of love. Service is always amazing, always feels to me like I'm in a happy home! HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Fallon V.

Yelp
Always super delicious and great service! I absolutely love the habanero margaritas! This is a perennial favorite for me since I have celiac, but I would go there anyway because it's just such a great place to go. Great atmosphere and delicious food!
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Flory W.

Yelp
Someone told us, they just opened up. Reading several reviews, they were posted in 2013 - 2014? This is now 2018, and they just opened up? I am not getting it, but anyway, here's my review, since it was the 1st time we had a take out - son lives not too far from here. We ordered a couple items for take out. One was the Carne Asada - $20. The steak was very tough, and spoiled the whole meal, one side was blackened (I don't like that one bit!). I brought it home, so I can make it into soup or slice it thinly along with the vegetables and add it on my Top Ramen noodles soup, for lunch, another day. Served with sauteed veggies, sweet yukon potato mash, and pickled red onion, served with chimiroja salsa. The Chile Relleno - $15 - was very disappointing! Other than the name, it is nothing like anything anyone would consider to be a chile relleno. Guacamole my husband thought it was fine. Update: the meat & veggies that came with it, cut up smaller, with the TR noodles, made an excellent meal!