Por Que No? was recommended by several people as I announced that I’d be making my way to Portland. And as it usually goes, when several people recommend a spot, there’s good reason for it.
My husband and I specifically made this our last stop before flying back to Salt Lake City because we knew it would be good. Before I get started on the food, let me mention how much I loved the neighborhood this specific location was in- the Boise neighborhood in the North East part of town (although they do have an additional location just off of Hawthorne in the South East part of Portland). It was quiet but still filled with personality. We enjoyed walking around for a few blocks after our meal and soaking in our last bit of one of my favorite cities ever!Okay back to the food. We started with guac and chips (#duh) which were everything you want in a serving of homemade guacamole- thick, chunky pieces of avocado with just the right amount of salt, tang, and heat, enjoyed with crunchy, probablycookedinlard, delicious mexican tortilla chips. Yums.
In top to bottom order:
- Camarones: spicy sautéed wild shrimp topped with crema, cabbage, spicy serrano salsa, onion, cilantro, and pineapple.
- Lengua: Cascade Farms beef tongue braised and seared crisp, topped with onions, cilantro, and spicy serrano salsa.
- Al Pastor: succulent Cascade Farms pork grilled with pineapple & topped with spicy salsa de arbol, onions, and cilantro.
- Pollo Verde: Cascade Farms chicken braised in tomatillo salsa & topped with salsa verde, onions, and cilantro
- Barbacoa: Cascade Farms beef brisket braised inside banana leaves in a three chile barbacoa salsa, topped with pickled red onions, cilantro, and crema from Ochoa’s Quesaria in Albany.
Bottom line: the hype is real and it’s there for a reason. Make sure to prioritize Por Que No? on your next trip to Portland for some of the best tacos I have had in my life. And save a Camarones for me. 🙂
When we lived in Portland, Por Que No? was our most favorite place. I especially loved their chorizo Bryan’s Bowl and the Horchata. If I ever get to go back I will definitely try a shrimp taco though!
Hi Kate! I am so glad that you like Por Que No? too! I haven’t tried the Bryan’s Bowl yet but it sounds amazing!!! Now I need a taco 🙂
This place is absolutely delish, 100% agree.
Just found FF today and am wondering if you are in need of another contributor? I’m based in the US but travel in my camper with husband and baby girl.
Hi Bailey! So glad that you like Por Que No as well! We aren’t currently looking for another contributor at the moment, but we will definitely be re-opening our application this fall. Follow me on Instagram @femalefoodie and we will post something there when the application is open. Thanks! 🙂