Carlita's Reviews

PDX gem alert! Forget food carts, this taco oasis bursts with flavor & flair. Crispy carnitas sing in cilantro lime, al pastor sizzles with smoky magic, & guac's so fresh it whispers "Mt. Hood." Killer tunes, chill vibes, & prices that won't drain your craft beer budget. Tucked away in the Pearl District, but worth the hunt - five stars for Portland perfection!

Firstly, Jerred, our server, was a hit. Very attentive, sweet! Food was pure deliciousness, oh goodness and the ghost pepper salsa was #1! Wow!! Flavorful heat that doesn’t burn your mouth off. Mmmm. ❤️Avocado crema on side of short rib taco. Oh my geez!!! Carlita’s skillet queso. 👍 Get here now! Oh! ...and we were just told there is tequila tasting every 3rd Thursday... Yes, please. 😆

Minimal food options - tacos and some salads. If you have anyone under 21, indoor dining isn’t an option, you have to be seated outside. Not sure if this is a covid time restriction, or they enforce it always. Decent cocktails and wine options. Flan was excellent!

Staying downtown, we were looking for something a bit more local Portland. We found Carlita's a lovely & relatively quick walk from the Hyatt Centric. Not sketchy at all. Where people actually live. The service was friendly and nicely paced. The margaritas were excellent and a bargain at $9.50 happy hour. Carlita's skillet was large & absolutely delicious. Carne asada tacos were good too. They seemed to know nearly everyone that came in the door and did a huge takeout business. If we lived in the area, it would quickly become one of our spots too!

My best friend in Portland Oscar insisted we go here and boy was I satisfied! The tacos which for being Canadian and used to tiny things were good size portions just 2 filled me up when I usually can eat 4. The pink Mezcal margaritas were the best I’ve had and the service was perfect.

Carlita’s is now to the neighborhood and they invited us in when they first opened but I wasn’t able to go. My coworker and I decided we would try it after work a few Fridays ago and we LOVED it. We had heard bad reviews from a few other people but they must have been crazy or too cool for tacos because Carlitas was great. We had the mole nachos, house margaritas and like 5 different kinda of tacos. Happy house it awesome $6 Maria and $4 tacos piled high with all the good things. Give it a shot, you won’t regret it.

Tell your friends and family as this is a place you will not want to miss out on. The staff are great which gives you an excellent experience. Next time you are not sure where to go, try Carlita's

Came here for lunch & the taco choices are very unique & delicious. We had the beef short rib tacos and they did not disappoint. Drinks are creative & very good as well, but bill was $30 before tip for 2 tacos, chips & guac & 1 drink.

This bar is a great place for happy hour or a bite to eat along with your tequila or whiskey. The night I visited they were doing a whiskey tasting, so the experience was very fun. I had tacos - loaded! - and some tasty chicken tortilla soup. They have good, light desserts too.

Loved this place. We had salmon tacos delish. The chips are warm and crunchy. Good service and nice vibe. Much better than restaurant across the street ( the fields avoid that place) Will go back again for sure!

The happy hour food is a great value. Any of the tacos are truly authentic and excellent. Drinks are a bit pricy and there isn't a true "well drink" happy hour, but what they have is good. Charging the DD for soda water wasn't my fav.

My wife and I along with my family (2 adults/1 minor) went to Carlita's after 9:00 PM to grab a light dinner because we had a late lunch and a long walk around Portland. We were staying at the Residence Inn Downtown/Pearl District. We tried to sit inside but due to my little sister not being 21, we had to sit outside because it's classified as a bar. I'm really glad we decided to stay. The drinks (happy hour) and food items were on point. This new restaurant is well on it way to success if they keep up their current standard. I wish them all their success because the place has a good atmosphere and the staff is really nice. The manager from Louisiana was really nice and friendly (to be expected from a Southerner). The Ahi tuna ceviche was so flavorful as well as all the tacos people had. Super happy with this place and I'm happy to recommend them and I'd be happier to go back if I go through Portland again.

Carlita's opened in the pearl in the old Streetcar Bistro space. it is Tacos, Whisky and Tequila. They have some pretty tasty tacos. They have a good sized bar with some specialty drinks. The drinks were a struggle. We had a margarita that was just okay, The Tijuana Donkey was good. The Romper was undrinkable, so I returned it and opted for Tequila. Good choices, but the drinks should be better. The chicken taco and the porkbelly were good. Everything has a bit of spice. $10 for chips and salsa is a bit harsh. I liked it okay and it is near me. I hope it gets better.

Been wanting to visit, finally did. Tacos & drinks! Delicious & great service! Limited menu for a happy hour if hungry! Chips & dips complimentary!

Joined friends for happy hour (daily 3-6pm) and enjoy ahi ceviche, pork belly tacos and their signature skillet... So delicious! Sorry, no pic's as plates were consumed quickly. Good size portions and exceptional flavors. Specialty cocktails were also delicious with a nice selection of micros and wine. Full bar. Sidewalk seating is available. Inside seating has both high and low tops. The staff was super friendly, attentive, and efficient. Highly recommend if you're headed to the Pearl District.

Nice vibe, upscale drinks, delicious salsa and chips (different types of salsa) and tacos. Try the guava margarita! I would highly recommend this place. Ask for Ashley!

By default because we couldn’t get into San Font, good find. Very good service, good menu choices, we lucked out!

This was a great find! We arrived late to our hotel and just hit the streets to grab some food. We actually ate here twice during our stay. Happy hours is $3 tacos and they are amazing! Good drink selection and staff was extremely friendly and helpful. We will see you again when we come through!