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 Latinx influences can be seen in business districts citywide, so this week we are highlighting the Hispanic and Latinx-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 Latinx playwrights, musicians, dancers, and actors at Milagro Theatre.
  • 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. Every Sunday (from 4-8pm) during Hispanic Heritage Month, they’ll have special events including live music, food & drink specials, pop-up markets, and more.
  • 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.)
  • Kerns: Serving dishes inspired by the Andes region of South America, Epif restaurant offers traditionally meat-centric South American dishes but 100% vegan (with many gluten free, nut free, soy free, and sugar free options)! They also boast the largest Pisco selection in Portland alongside many other amazing cocktails.
  • Lents: La Arepa opened in 2010 to fill a gap in Venezuelan culinary representation, bringing a taste of Venezuela to Portland. Owned and operated by first and second-generation Venezuelans, their family-run business delivers the vibrant flavors of Venezuela right to your plate.
  • Lloyd: For a quick and delicious breakfast, Xocalo PDX serves coffee and pastries, breakfast burritos, tortas, quesadillas, and tacos with your choice of meat and fresh salsa.
  • 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 Grammy’s in 2021!
  • 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 PNW because there were little to no 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 that has had a long history in the Williams District. Another favorite is Arelis PDX, a wonderful Mexican food cart in the Cartside Pod known for their large burritos.

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