October 1st was National Taco Day!

October 1st was National Taco Day! Originating in 18th century silver mines in Mexico, this massively popular cuisine has taken on a whole new identity in Portland’s foodie scene. Interestingly enough, the word “taco” is quite new. In the silver mines of Mexico, gunpowder was wrapped in a paper like a “taquito” and inserted into rocks before detonation. Tacos became known as the food of the working class, which included miners and the portable street food was called “tacos de minero“, aka “miner’s tacos.” The possibilities are limitless and the Portland restaurant scene is not shy about its love of tacos. As if Portlanders need an excuse to eat more tacos, if you missed the celebrations yesterday, everyday is a good day for tacos and supporting small business. Get out there and celebrate National Taco Day at these local businesses:

• • 82nd Ave: The famed food cart pod, the Springwater Cart Park, has more than one option for delicious tacos! Pop by and peruse their amazing food carts.
  • Beaumont: Sit on their heated patio, kick back, relax, and enjoy Tacovore. Known for their always gluten-free tacos, they also offer a wide variety of tequilas!
  • Central Eastside: Robo Taco is a petite Mexican restaurant with late hours, a vertical rotisserie, and a delicious vegan-friendly menu. They are also open for lunch as well.
  • Foster: Cocina los Girasoles recently opened inside FoPo Tavern, where they run the kitchen and serve up tasty tacos, quesatacos, and other Mexican favorites.
  • Hawthorne & Historic Mississippi: Voted Portland’s Best Tacos and Mexican food in 2023, ¿Por Qué No? is famous for a reason! Their food is simply the best! If you haven’t tried their tacos already, get on over there and taste them for yourself.
  • Hillsdale: Family-owned and known for locally-sourced ingredients, Verde Cocina Market offers naturally gluten-free options for the omnivore, vegan, and paleo-minded alike. Their dishes are simple, healthy, unique, often rustic, and always delicious. They have 3 locations around Portland and offer catering as well!
  • Historic Parkrose: Known as “Portland’s hole in the wall for REAL Mexican food”, Antojitos is well known for their amazing tacos and their colorful building on Sandy Blvd. that you just can’t miss!
  • Lents: Feel right at home eating and drinking at El Pato Feliz. They have many flavorful tacos to choose from and put a lot of energy into creating a space that feels welcoming for all.
  • Lloyd: Have you ever had edible flowers on your tacos? If not, stop by XocaloPDX to try one of their famed street tacos or quesa tacos!
  • Midway: Authentic Mexican food like pollo asado and tinga are all made fresh daily at Baby Corn Food Truck, located in the parking lot of the 122nd Bar and Grill. People can’t get enough of the steak tacos! Also, make sure to try a tiny fingernail taste of the salsa before pouring it on your tacos… most of them are HOT!
  • Montavilla: Tierra Del Sol brings authentic Mexican-Oaxacan food from recipes passed down from generations to Portland. They have another location at the Portland Mercado in SE too! Their specialties include authentic moles, made with the spices from the Mixteca Region of Oaxaca, Enchiladas, Empanadas de Amarillo to Tetelas, and Tlayudas. They were even voted the best tacos in PDX on National Taco day in 2017!
  • Old Town: Fabo’s Tacos has become the spot for both pre-club and post-club tacos, serving suadero and lengua alongside cheesy quesa. They started as a simple, late-night taco window and just this year expanded into a full blown taqueria. Check them out!
  • St. Johns: You can still enjoy the glory of the taco, even if you are vegan! The best vegan tacos in town are in St. Johns at The Groovy Floret, which offers a menu built for those with dietary restrictions.

  Williams District: Matador is famed for the chic, adventurous, yet easygoing vibe and their seasonal, local specials. They offer happy hour and late-night menus too! This is a destination you will surely never forget.

This list is non-exhaustive so there are plenty of other places to enjoy delicious tacos. What is your favorite spot? Show us on Instagram and Facebook. Venture Portland members can suggest small businesses for future Wednesday Newsletters here!