National Hispanic Heritage Month occurs September 15-October 15 and honors the cultures, contributions, and traditions of people from Central and South American countries. In Portland, Hispanic and Latine influences can be seen in business districts citywide so this week, we are highlighting the Hispanic and Latine-owned businesses that make Portland a thriving city. Here are just a few of the small shops that are doing great things in our city:

  • Alberta: Blind Insect Gallery is a community exhibition space focusing on the artwork of multicultural artists and creatives who don’t otherwise have access to show their work in the mainstream. In addition to a steady inventory of artwork and specialty items, Blind Insect produces monthly feature exhibitions of artists from around the globe, as part of Last Thursday Art Walk.
  • Central Eastside: Enjoy performances that showcase the best of local and international Latine playwrights, musicians, dancers, and actors at Milagro Theatre.
  • Division/Clinton: Zócalo Wellness is a place to find care, to put down your burdens, and just be. The “Zócalo” is the center of a community, a Spanish word for the town square and gathering place. This Zócalo is a gathering place for healing.
  • Foster: For the better part of two decades, Bar Carlo has been gracing the community with their brunches. More than just a brunch spot, though, this Mexican-American restaurant and bar has big-time vibes, tastes, and flavor.
  • Hillsdale: How Sweet It Is is a husband and wife-owned small batch, handcrafted confectionery company that creates and sells a variety of candy, chocolates, cookies, caramel corn, and other seasonal sweet treats.
  • Historic Parkrose: Known as “Portland’s Hole in the Wall” for real Mexican food, Antojitos Mexicanos taqueria will lift your spirits with its bright decor, tasty tacos, and more! Meals are authentic, quick, and delicious. Be sure to drop by for seasonal specials such as elote (grilled street corn) and champurrado (drinking chocolate.
  • Lloyd: Celebrate El Grito, Mexican Independence Day, this coming September 14 and 15 at the Moda Center! This free and vibrant celebration is a testament to the strength of our communities, bringing us together through music, food, art, cultural pride, and community resources.
  • Montavilla: Hungry Heart is a warm, friendly, community-minded bakery and coffee shop known for their cupcakes.
  • Midway: Fabiola Núñez, owner of Faby’s Hair Studio, and her team have utilized skills and positive energy to offer the best in hair care and nail services to the community. Faby, as a travel makeup artist, worked with TNT at the Latin Grammys in 2021!
  • NE Broadway: Parcera works with multiple vintage vendors to provide carefully curated vintage clothing, accessories, and decor. They focus on quality items from the late 90’s and beyond.
  • Old Town: Orox Leather Co. is a fourth-generation, family-owned business that produces handcrafted, high-quality leather belts, bags, and accessories.
  • St. Johns: Novedades Prado was started by Maribel and Efrain Prado after they first moved to the Northwest because there were few places where the Latino community could shop for traditional Quinceañera, baptism, or first communion formal wear.
  • Williams District: Tucked away between two buildings, you will find Quesabrosa, a Mexican food cart with a long history in the Williams District. Another favorite is Arelis PDX. Known for their large burritos, they are located in the Cartside Pod.

This list is only a snapshot of the great Hispanic and Latine offerings in Portland. What are your favorite Hispanic or Latine-owned businesses? Show us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out the Portland Mercatus Business Directory for a more comprehensive list of Hispanic and Latine-owned businesses.