Pambiche Reviews

I adore Pambiche. This is one of the places that if someone hasn't been to before, I will take them. The food is fantastic, and worth the wait. And 99% of the time, there WILL be a wait, so come prepared to wait outside probably for a table. They do have outside seating with heat lamps and it's much easier to get seating outside when they allow. I have come to Pambiche a multitude of times and I've yet to be disappointed!

Some of us opted for main dishes - generous plates of rice, beans and sauces, and everyone was very pleased with theirs. I stuck to dessert only and much enjoyed the guava and carrot cake - light and tasty!

I remember liking it more. The food really did not have that much flavor. With an hour wait I was expecting much more. Just not worth the wait. Drinks came after the food. There is just so much else out there.

If you like Cuba and authentic Cuban food you will love this little gem of a restaurant. It is beautifully decorated in Cuban and Latin American artwork, the food is authentic, fresh and delicious, and the service comes with a smile. I had the typical Cuban sandwich and it was perfect. I've been eating those for 20 years and this was by far the best I've had. My wife had a delicious pulled pork meal with black beans and rice and it was to die for. Prices are very reasonable. Expect a short line during popular days and hours. This is a do not miss restaurant if you like Cuban and Latin American food.

we came here after touring the save the markam home campaign for donors...we each had a christal lager...next we shared the yucca root appetizer...then i had the camarones al ajillo and my partner had the camarones enchilados...all the food and drink were fantastic as always...the servers are the most friendly people and are very quick...the menu is very versatile...veggie options too...the cuban music and decor is invigorating..thx again....

For us Cubaphiles this is the perfect place to fill that longing for the beautiful island. Everything from the gorgeous murals, to the friendliness of the staff, to the amazing food just screams Cubanismo. Try the Ajica -- SO delicious, as are their mojitos, and of course the Vaca Frita, a Cuban staple. Loved this place!

Delicious Cuban steak and eggs on a warm Saturday morning, sitting outside with a Bloody Mary in Portland! Can't beat this!

Pambiche is a great Cuban restaurant. It's often busy, and there's a sign up wait list by the door. We came in around 8:30pm on a Thursday, and got seated in about 10 min. There seems to be more outdoor seating, than inside. But both areas have a nice, vibrant atmosphere. I really like the Plato Cubano, the Cubano, and the Adoba Chicken. But I'm pretty sure everything is good. I order the jamaica ice tea everytime, and sometimes a cafe cubano with dessert. The tres leches cake is one of the best desserts I've had. And the best tres leches cake I've ever had.

Delicious! Our family of four plus pup enjoyed the outdoor seating. So good we not only ate our own meals but tasted one another’s! Delicious drinks. Friendly and attentive staff. We will definitely return.

Unbelievably fresh drinks from minty teas to fruity cocktails. Love the flavorful white fish sandwich and every kind of plantain. Excellent sauces! The guava cheesecake is also a standout dish.

Rode the Harley in just to check this place out. Well worth the trip. I ordered a appetizer, a tea drink and a pork entree. Very different and very good. I sat next to a lady who we actually shared our appetizers. So got the best of 2 worlds. Fun cute little place. Not a lot of tables inside. But if it’s a nice day there is seating outside. Clean bathrooms. Nice atmosphere. Will definitely return!!

This place has the best Cuban food in town. The only issue is that it can be very crowded at times (long wait for a spot). I loved the dish I had. Most everything on the menu sounded interesting.

Never been to Cuba. No idea of what makes for authentic Cuban cuisine. But the food here is great. I'm vegetarian and the menu is pretty meaty, but I found more than enough options to eat several meals over. I know because I ate lunch there on a Wednesday and re-arranged my travel to stay longer on Thursday so that I could return and eat lunch a second time. Every dish was full of great flavour. The hot sauce was awesome. Not McIlheny hot, but roasted limey flavour. The coffees were superb. In good weather there is outdoor dining. The service was top notch. I look forward to my next trip to Portland and my next meal at Pambiche.

I went to Pambiche after numerous people told me what a great place it was. Having never had Cuban food before, I was curious. Walking in, it was very small, but it felt like an authentic cafe. The staff was helpful and explained a lot of the different menu items since we'd never been there before. I had the Ajiaco. It is a stew with meat, veggies and a broth to die for. Eating it over rice was perfect for the chilly evening. The cocktails were fun and different. The dessert was excellent over coffee. I highly recommend this spot for anyone wanting to try something new.

A small restaurant on NE Glisan that effectively takes you away from Portland and makes you feel like you're at a cafe in Cuba. Excellent food - hash, plantains, empanadas, and cakes - and beverages - hot chocolate, cafe bonbon, pineapple tea - were all around excellent. We will return soon!

I am from Key West, FL, was married to a Cuban, and immersed in the Cuban culture for many years. I have cooked it, eaten it and loved it. Pambiche is a great example of the small Cuban restaurants found in Key West (the ones that have not fallen victim to contrived "gourmet versions" found on travel channels) Cuban food is basically fish and pork (some beef), beans, yellow or white rice, very limited veg like plantains, yucca, cassava, avocado, broth-y soups - great peasant fare! Pambiche has friendly service, does fabulous cocktails, but is missing some of the old familiars - authentic toasted Cuban bread, fried plantains with every entree, Palomilla steak with onions, sopa fideo, and a few others... and there was an unecessary and un-authentic "Creole" sauce on my red snapper - not a good combo. But overall, for a rainy, dreary and cold afternoon - it was a nice interlude - especially after the Spanish Coffee and a cakey-dessert called Domino!

I've driven by this place hundreds of times but it wasn't until this last weekend that we actually went there to dine. My BF and I checked out the website which indicated that reservations weren't necessary. Should have been a giant red flag that this was going to be one of those places that don't take reservations and diners end up hanging around outside in the weather waiting for a table to open up. I really try to avoid patronizing those places...Are you listening Screen Door and OX? So after a cold and windy half hour wait outside under an outdoor heater which was not turned on we were seated. Our waitress was very nice and attentive. We ordered cocktails...I had the habanero cocktail and my BF had the punch cocktail. Both fantastic! I ordered the beet salad and my BF ordered the avocado salad. They were pretty big and delicious. I had the shredded beef with a garlic lemon sauce platter. My BF had the Cuban pork platter. It was a ton of very good food. Made me wish I'd skipped the salad. I was so full I couldn't even think about a dessert. If I went again....which I probably won't because of the no reservation policy...I would order one salad to share. I would have loved to have tried the domino chocolate dessert.

This was our first time here - just for takeout - and we vow to return for a sit-down meal as soon as possible. SO fresh and delicious. I can't remember the last time I heard my sweetheart exclaim out loud about his food. Those plantains... I'm guessing our next visit - dining there - will yield 5-stars. Hard to judge all the awesomeness from takeout only.

We had a late flight into Portland and we picked the best place ever. The empanadas were some of the best we have had. We chose one chicken and one picadillo and wished we had ordered more. The roja viera was magnificent and the tres leche desert the absolute best i have ever tried. We will definately be back and anyone considering this.lovely spot do it..

A tiny Cuban restaurant featuring colorful walls lined with family-like photos and tchotchkes that is always packed with patrons and abuzz with conversation, Pambiche serves traditional Cuban fare that is inventive and delicious. That may account for the perpetual lines that snake out the front door of this restaurant, although the day we ate lunch there, there were many empty tables on the porch fronting NE Glisan Street in Portland. Chalk it up to rainy weather. The only complaint from this patron was that the service, while very friendly, was a bit slow. We waited almost 30 minutes for our first dish to hit the counter where we sat at the front of the restaurant. But we walked in hungry and left full and happy after eating half our generous portions. Parking is plentiful, and the prices are reasonable.

I have been going to Pambiche for years. Now that I live out of state, I crave it! While visiting recently, I made a point to dine on their Ajiaco literally an hour after landing. It was as good as I remember! The restaurant is a little small, so it can get crowded fast, but I enjoy the vibe regardless. It's not a place for large parties either, a group of 7 or more would be tough to serve. I can't wait to go back.

Awesome restaurant. love the menu and the waitstaff are super cool. Also, you can't go wrong with eleven kinds of coffee drinks to order, all of which are very exotic and tasty.

One of the best Cuban restaurants I've been to! (including locations in West Chicago and Miami) The Pescado con Coco was amazing and the plantains were perfectly done with traditional sauces available. Great neighborhood location with outdoor seating.

I had lunch today with a good friend and we decided on Cuban cuisine - so glad we went to Pambiche today! Fabulous food - wonderful staff. We ate outside and took advantage of the beautiful Autumn day!

This is my second review, not sure what happened to the first one , did Pambiche delete it because I was disappointed and they didn't want people to see that? Food was terrible, I got very sick. Server was fine, even that they put more people inside that restaurant than they can , they made us move because of that. Then waiter told us that food was vegan and she was vegan and we were safe to eat it. But after getting as sick as I got I don't believe it. Not going back and do not recommend it to vegans.

Wonderful Cuban food. Great primitive atmosphere and wonderful fresh Cuban food. Good drinks too and friendly service. May be a wait on line but worth it. Just get a drink and breathe and then get your table.

Authentic Cuban choices! Wonderful flavors and a fun ambience, including the music. I would take anyone to Pambiche--great variety of choices, great food, great service, great prices. What an awesome surprise!

We found this restaurant to be crowded and expensive for what you get. The menu was confusing for a first time visitor. Our waitress was impatient and this did not help us with our selections. Other wait staff seemed more interested keeping us happy. One visit was enough for us!

we wanted lunch after the portland sunday parkways s.e. event...we took a table outside...i began with a tecate, and my partner had a rum cocktail...both were fine...next we shared the yuca frita, i had the cubana egg, with codfish and rice/beans, and my partner had the tortilla de la romana...all were excellent....the server was very friendly and quick...we love pambiche...thx

Always very friendly and organized staff. Grata menu from top to bottom, tongue was delicious, as well as the stew and the beet salad. Great selection of Cuban traditional beverages.

Traditional Cuban food. Everything I have ever had here has been delicious. Great bar selections as well. Be sure to leave room for one of their incredible desserts.

Small cozy place, delicious food! We ordered the pollo criollo, frituras maiz, all delicious, especially the empanadas!!!

We are originally from Miami. but have lived in North Carolina the past 15 years. Visiting our son in Portland, he took us to Pambiche which is a Cuban restaurant. Usually, a Cuban restaurant outside of South Florida is far from being authentic. What a surprise, the best Cuban food we have had in a long tome. It was as good as many of the Miami restaurants. Very authentic.

I stopped here for lunch before a meeting. The servers were warm and hospitable. The food tasted wonderful.

This was our first time here but will definitely not be the last! The food is so amazing with perfect flavors and seasonings! Everything was fabulous, including our server! Great service and food!

We were invited by friends to this "Cuban" restaurant. Food was not so Cuban and service was poor and unprofessional. The manager got upset cause he was expecting that in a party of 11 of us, only two credit card transactions were allowed (by the way, read the fine prints on the menu). Very rude people at this place!

We were going to meet friends in Portland and another friend recommended Pambiche. I telephoned to make reservations for four and was told they don't accept reservations. The fellow on the telephone asked when we were planning to come in; I told him and explained we were heading for a concert and had some time constraints. He said breezily, "Oh, no problem, just come on in." We did. We signed their waiting list, and then watched as their wait staff took drink orders from other groups waiting to dine but completely ignored us. After forty-five minutes, (and having watched several groups who had signed in after us be seated), I asked a hostess about seating, and she told me it would be at least an hour. This was not poor service - this was the complete and absolute absence of service. She was not even remotely apologetic. We wasted time and cab fare to come to a place that in my view is over-rated and deserves to go out of business immediately. What utter rubbish.

Great Cuban food. I have eaten their twice now and both times have been great. One time I ate the fish entree and the other time I had a pork dish with yucca. Both were very good. Wonderful latte.

We recently came here with friends for my boyfriends birthday. On a Friday night with a large party, we were seated with very little wait. We sat inside due to the size of our group, but there is adorable, brightly colored outdoor seating if you are with 2-4 people. I had the enchilado de pescado, not to be confused with traditional mexican enchiladas. This was great fresh cuban food, which I typically only have when visiting Miami. The maduros (ripe sweet plaintains) are always my favorite part of the meal. Since it was a birthday celebration, we ordered a couple of desserts to share both the guava cheesecake and "lime in the coconut cake" were great! Since the restaurant is in east portland, its not close to other places if you are looking to bar hop...but it's only a quick cab ride to downtown or the pearl district.

This is a great place to visit for Lunch, Happy Hour or Dinner. I have never had a bad meal here. Great service with a smile and the food is delicious. They may be busy, but it is worth the wait!

Had a delicious late lunch. Beans and rice; fried chicken in mojo sauce, which is strongly favored by citrus; codfish croquettes; flan. All for $20. Great value. Service friendly and helpful. Interior was bright and funky. Lots of seating outside with heat lamps. Will revisit next time for breakfast.

We came to Portland from Ohio on a food trip, we own a restaurant and wanted to get new ideas. Pambiche was one of the best places we experienced. The food was really excellent, well prepared and the service was on point! We had two brunch dishes mixed with a Cuban sandwich. We all shared our dishes and each one was equally excellent. Fantastic job Pambiche! It is small so expect you may have to wait, it is for sure worth your time. Definitely go out of your way to try this place.

Came to order take away along the way to drop off a friend at the airport. Bring time, it took quite a while for the food to be ready.however, the taste was worth the wait. Service and place itself was nice and fun to hang out at.

Three of us met for dinner here and we had all had lunched here previously. The restaurant art and decor put you in mind of Cuba. The food is authentic Cuban and there are many options. All of them are delicious and look fabulous! There is a bakery on site and the pastries are to die for. Definitely recommend this colorful gem in near NE Portland.

What a great place to find. The colorful building invites you in and so do the friendly employees. The food is marvelous! we had the roast pork with black beans and rice and the tongue in a mild chili sauce with almonds and raisins. The mojitos were the best I have ever had. Then we discovered the desserts! OMG they have two pastry chefs that make them there. Delightful coconut and lime, or a chocolate ganache that looks like a cigar and is made with a quality chocolate. Yummy

Cuban Food so far, far away! Being Cuban-American puts me in a great position of having the real thing and the 'wanna-bes' all my life... I've got to say, that every time I visit in-laws in PDX, I try to make a pit-stop @ Pambiche. It may not be perfect Cuban cusine, satisfying to the taste buds, and for being thousands of miles from both Miami and New York - the biggest Cuban enclaves in the U.S., they do a fantastic job at traditional and some neuveau-style dishes! If you're looking for traditional seasonings, well prepared dishes in a lively locale, this is it! The downside is, they have no booze license and service needs lots of improvement!

we returned to pambiche for my annual bd celebration for lunch..i had a tecate, and my partner had a rum flight...i had the huarevos cubano with cod fish/scrambled, and she had the plato communista with eggs added...plus we shared the yuca fritas....the staff is so friendly, the food delicious, and the interior festive and cozy...thx so much

The menu features a full line of Cuban favorites and an impressive drink selection. My memory tells me that their mango habanero cocktail was fabulous. Try a Cubano or venture into dishes with platanos and yuca, beans and rice or flavorful pork. Always crowded -they do a great brunch.

Thank you for being consistent and for providing a bit of the Islands. I miss Cuban food and this place brings back that feeling of warm Caribbean breezes. From drinks to dessert, you cannot go wrong. All dishes are wonderful, esp. the snapper and beef. Service is friendly and helpful. The place is crowded but you can share the camaraderie of fellow diners who all are savoring the delicious flavors. Not to be missed.

I love this place! We were warned there might be a small wait for a table and signed our name on the list outside the restaurant. After no time at all, we were seated at the bar and treated to delightful food and amazingly friendly service. We split an empanada and a stew and then had a non dairy roll and flan for desert! The herbal tea I had (both hot and cold) were so tasty!! I’d go back in a second!!! I also love the brights colors and decorations! Great ambience!

The service is wonderful and friendly! And the food excellent! They have a few house made salsas/hot sauces that are good on anything. If you're in a hurry, just stop in to grab a dessert. YUMMMY!!!

We've been coming here regularly since its first year. As we have traveled more in Latin America, our appreciation has grown. A bonus for us is their expansion into heated, under-cover sidewalk seating. We remember the early days when it was muy difficile to get a table. Now with the added outdoor tables it's a much shorter wait, if any, and we can bring our terrier! We've never been disappointed and will continue to recommend.

I'm totally confused about this place unless it's just the Cuban rum that's attracting people. It's expensive and simply nothing unusually brilliant since the only flavors I noticed were chili peppers and grease (I had fried chicken)

Visited Pambiche at the suggestion of a friend. I was a bit leery of traveling to a place where they don’t accept reservations as I prefer to always confirm a seating. We went early and there was no wait time. The inside seating is small and a bit cramped but still comfortable. The service was welcoming and informative with menu selections. The mojitos are GREAT and the portions are generous with the flavors of each dish being complex. Unfortunately we had no room for dessert and the lime coconut item staring at me from the bottom of the dessert case made me regret that. Next time!!!

I've been a fan of Pambiche for many years. Unfortunately this last time, not so much. The food is delicious, as always, but the service was lacking. I called to place an order to go, and then was told the menu prices online were not correct. I took my order home to find out no rice was included with the Ajiaca and so had to make my own rice for dinner. Also, the Primera Vuelta is very small for the cost of $15 and I would not recommend it. I'm not sure I will be back again.

We had driven by this colorful place many times and always wondered about it, especially since it always seemed to be full of folks eating outside and inside. To me that is a sign of a place with good food. Anyway, after driving up and down the busy street of Glisen on a Monday when lots of places are closed, this place was open, even for a late lunch. Our timing was good thus no wait for a table. We had not planned to order so many items, but just had to try the taro root fritters which were very good especially with their own banana catchup. I ordered a side of avocados and got tons of them which made me very happy. My husband ordered the beet salad and got tons of beets, too. I got the fish which was ok & much better with their banana catchup. They were out of the best sounding dessert on the menu, so we opted for the cake they had which was ok. We took to-go boxes of the wonderful left over avocados and beets and ate on them for a couple of days. All of this colorful food and still our bill for two was not much at all. No wonder this is such a popular hot spot for so many locals, especially on weekends and after work.

Crave something different than pub fare? Try a taste of Cuba at Pambiche. Menu boasts a variety from simple black or red beans and rice to pork stews, plus vegan options. We've enjoyed the fish and plantain croquettes, and the avocado salad pairs great with beans. When guests are in town we take them for a weekend brunch--a truly different experience than the usual omelette (and the coffee lives up to Portland standards). Big plus: outside dining for summer days and evenings on the streetside, and plenty of bicycle parking.

I have always loved this gem. The food is incredible-cooked extremely well, aromatic, perfectly seasoned and filling. The decor is such that it transports you to the Havana of yesteryear. The ajiaco remains my favorite dish, but the Ropa Vieja is a close second. Their sangria is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Amazing amazing amazing!

Fish sandwich was very fresh good spice. Chicken and rice tasty but a little too well done. Desserts looked amazing.

We found a Cuban restaurant near the Irvington Historical neighborhood. It was quaint, fun small & loud. It has a good vibe with friendly waitresses. Tables are very close together. There are also tables outside on the sidewalk. My food was very tasty-fish cooked in coconut milk and spices. I had a non alcoholic drink of coconut & pineapple which was delicious, I would have ordered a mojito but $10.00 was too much I thought. I do recommend this restaurant.

We were here for happy hour with friends and enjoyed the many authentic Cuban small plates we enjoyed. The service was friendly and efficient and the cocktails were excellent and inexpensive. We will be back to work our way through the excellent lunch and dinner menus!

I've been wanting to try Pambiche forever & finally got the chance today. We were lucky, and went for lunch on a Tuesday and it wasn't very crowded. This is an excellent place to check out when it's a nice day; they have many tables outside. On Tuesdays desserts are half off, too.

Had lunch here with my son and his family and love sit. First let me say that I am cuban and I know what real cuban food tastes like and Pambiche hit the mark. We started out with tastiness and mojitos while we waited for our main course. I had the ajiaco,a root vegetable stew that was as good as my grandmother's. We also had the cuban plate which featured roasted pork with rice and beans, rope vieja, shredded beef and camarones al ajillo, all served with rice and beans. The shrimp were cooked to perfection and very tasty, the rope vieja was saucy with lots of flavor and the roasted pork tasted like it just came off the pit in the back yard. The place is small, no reservations. We had a baby with us and kept that in mind when we went at 2 pm on a Sunday. We got a seat right away and had an amazing meal. Will definitely go back.

Eclectic atmosphere with authentic Cuban dishes. Great desserts. Fun place to chill out. My fish with plantains was perfect.

This was my second trip to Pambiche and it was just as good the second time around. I had the Plato Cubano and my sister had the Ajiaco and both were very flavorful. It's a very small place so it doesn't take long to fill up and it can get very loud. They have a covered area outside with heat lamps so while you're waiting on a cold, wet night( as last night was) you can at least huddle under one of those while you're waiting. The service was friendly and moderately quick. If you're in a hurry, simply because of how crowded it is, it won't work, and if you're looking for a romantic spot, it won't work because of the crowds and noise, but if you want to linger over some good food, this is it.

We went to Pambiche for a birthday dinner. It was just 4 of us and our first time here. We loved how everyone sits so close together and you can ask what others are eating and no one gets annoyed. Everyone enjoyed talking about what they ordered. My husband and sister had the Cubano sandwich which they loved. My brother and I had the chicken and rice dish. It was delicious. The salsa they put on the table was fresh and the flavor was amazing. I could put it on everything I eat. The Mojito was good. Could be a little bit bigger for the price but good otherwise. We had the dessert Lime in the coconut which was to die for. We will definitely be back.

Everything was delicious here, the pet friendly patio had heaters, only downside is that it is so popular that you need to go early to get a seat inside or outdoors. We will definitely return to this place again.

We ended up at Pambiche because the nearby "Screen-Door" had a line around the block. I could not have been happier with our second choice. Pambiche has a very cozy atmosphere and the food is fantastic. I had the Picadillo Comunista and it was an incredibly flavorful hash. I would recommend it and bring friends here next time we're in Portland.

I visit my son in Portland a couple of times a year and this is one of my favorite places to eat and people watch. We had a bit of a wait because this is a very popular spot, but it was worth it. The food, which I cannot fully describe, is absolutely delicious and the atmosphere is different from any other place that I have been. It's fun and a great culinary experience.

Pretty good Cuban food and sorta upscale.  Gluten-free is listed o various options on the menu which makes choosing gf easy.  Like other restaurants in Portland it is expensive.  This is not "authentic" Cuban but it was a good spin on many Cuban dishes.  The only complaint is that everything was a little sweet.  The mojo sauce had sugar in it, the rice was a little sweet.  I'm not a huge sugar fan so it was not preferred.  Still, nice place with good food.

I decided to share this SE gem with my kids this week and was once again in love with everything about it! My favorite dish is Arroz Con Pollo which has plaintain bananas, rice, chicken, cabbage and green olives. The portion is huge, so I have leftovers for later. My son really enjoyed his Cuban sandwich and mango shake. The place is loud and small, but the food is the star here. Drinks and desserts are another great adventure at Pambiche.

We visited this restaurant last week while in Portland. All of us had something different. All of it was fabulous. The empanadas are perfect and have a choice of fillings. The arroz con pollo and shrimp enchilados were not short on chicken and shrimp and the sauces were amazing. The plantains were cartelized to perfection and melted in our mouths. Desserts were spectacular and the drinks were all made with fresh squeezed and muddled fruits. Not to be missed.

Went to eat at this very tasty Cuban cuisine restaurant with family and friends. The service was superb, the drinks were very authentic, and the food was all that I was imagining, yucca,plantains and splendid desserts. It was a great atmosphere.

It is well past 10 p.m. in Portland. We are all hungry but don't want to stop at a fast food joint. I was driving and my navigators found a place on an app but never were able to find the actual restaurant. Then they found a Cuban Restaurant and gratefully it was open and there was parking available nearby. I had never dined on Cuban cuisine before so it was a new experience for me. I did recognize a few dishes from a Hemingway themed restaurant and also from a Spanish restaurant. I ordered a plate that seemed to be a sample of most everything available with emphasis on beans and rice. It was good, and it was filling and the price was reasonable. It is a small place and you can see into the kitchen from every table. The service was quick and patient. The name is Pambiche. I remembered it because it made me think of Palm Beach. I am glad we found it and was happy to be able to sample some Cuban cuisine. I am not sure if it is authentic because I have never been to Cuba or South Florida. So until I make those journeys Pambiche in Portland will be my Cuban experience.

Marrying into a large Cuban family, you come to enjoy the food very much. This place has very authentic Cuban food served with flare and fun! Sometimes it's nice to get together and not have to cook. It's wonderful to have this place so centrally located.

We visited Pambiche for the first time and were delighted with the ambiance, food, and service. The restaurant is warm and friendly decorated with charming posters and nick-nacks. The service was excellent. The waiter was able to help us order meals that were tasty and solved some food allergy issues. And the entrees were yummy. The arroz con pollo was tasty, the red snapper delicious. We enjoyed several side dishes which were excellent. And the drinks were different but refreshing. Overall, a wonderful evening.

I had another great eating experience at Pambiche! It was my fourth time there, and Pambiche didn't disappoint. I had the Creole shrimp and and fish croquettes. My friend had the Creole chicken. We both left happy.

I wanted to try Cuban food for the first time, and I wanted to go at happy hour where you can try small portions, but it was Saturday, and so no Happy Hour! So I ended up ordering lots of cool stuff but it was all just starchy stuff, kinda bland. I think that people who eat meat will like it a lot, but not for folks who want veggie fair. The servers were awesome, so well just an average rating from me - but again, I don't know Cuban Food.

I love coming to Pambiche for Cuban/Latin food. Their "frituras" are great, you should try them with their made sauces, the make a great starter. Ropa Vieja and Oxtail are my favorite. Save room for dessert because the have a great selection.

Our friends had never tried Cuban food before and we decided to take them to Pambiche for the initiation! We waited to 25 minutes to get a table but the wait was worth it. Vegetarian or not - all the food we ordered was delicious! I tried the sugarcane-pineapple drink (guarapina) and it brought back childhood memories of chewing endlessly on sugarcane shafts - the pineapple juice was freshly squeezed & sugarcane was milled in-house! The veggie dinner plates were served with deep-fried yucca root (as the starch) , but was very oily & bland. Rice would've been a better side. The service and staff were courteous and attentive...the decor was colorful & tasteful. Got our friends hooked to cuban food.

Pambiche is located in a congested area of Glisan with apartments on one side and an empty service station on opposite side of the street. Parking is a problem, we were there on a Tuesday evening, but going North of Glisan into the residential area its better. The building is a two story, painted a funky blue . The restaurant has outside dining space, which in pleasant weather is ok, if the noise of traffic on Glisan doesn't bother you. Inside the seating area holds 20 customers at two person tables which can be joined together for a larger group. The walls are decorated in neuvo Cuban artifacts which flamingos, posters and entertainers. Musicians singing in Spanish is very Cuban. Place does not look exactly suited for romantic date night, yet perfect for catching up with friends and family. The menu is extensive in Cuban dishes. It is written in Spanish and English with good explanations of each dish or cocktail. The mixed drinks are predominately (naturally) rum based. The soft drinks are all Cuban oriented. One of us had the Polo Crillo, "Chicken rubbed with olive oil, tomatoes, served in creole gravy served with black beans" Another order was Ropa Vieja, "Shredded beef laden with yellow onions and green peppers, stewed in an herbed tomato broth and garnished with green peas. Served with garlic crustini, and Moros & Cristianos". The third order was Rabo Encendido, "Oxtail On Fire" - tender oxtail slowly braised in a spicy creole wine sauce, served with white rice and corn fritters". Each order was huge, and seemed to make us forego a dessert, even though cakes and pastries looked so delicious. Our waiter was very attentive and fast paced, ready to give suggestions and explanations. Try something different served in a very Portland "weird" restaurant", you'll be appreciative later. Make sure to take advantage of Happy Hour prices for both food and drinks.

I haven't eaten a lot of Cuban food, so this will be my standard for now. It is tiny and it was pouring rain outside, so fortunately they had a table. I had the special that was pork and rice. Very good. Delicious sauce. Not very spicy, but they provided a Cuban hot sauce that I liked. My wife had a chicken dish that she really enjoyed. I enjoyed a champagne and pineapple juice beverage that was perfect for the meal. The server was super friendly and helpful. Will go again, eat less and save room for dessert! They had a selection that looked yummy.

Really delicious Cuban food and specialty cocktails. It’s open late as well so it’s a good last minute spot if you need a nice late night meal. The non-alcoholic drinks are also very good.

Short: Tasty, authentic Cuban food with great, friendly service in a funky setting. From the Coffee and Mocha milkshakes to the cubano sandwiches and the Cuban Cigar dessert it was all good! Go here for an inexpensive full meal deal with friends. Long: Six of us were wondering where to go for lunch and I reviewed a downloaded 10 best list and we agreed on Pambiche. This was at least as much about it being close to our next destination as anything because we did not know this place. Located on the corner of 29th and Glisan this clean and inviting restaurant has some very interesting surprises for their guests. The food is well prepared, using fresh ingredients and delivered hot or cold as it should be by servers that want you to enjoy your experience at Pambiche. The coffee milkshake was really tasty and caused two more of our group to order encores. The Cuban sandwich was new to those that ordered it and all were delighted at its presentation and taste. The roasted chicken and roasted pork entrees were also great with much num and mmm affirmations. The desserts are varied and all were beautiful to look and at and even better to eat. We would all go back, hopefully for dinner this time and are happy to recommend this Yummy Find in Portland. 5% discounts for anyone presenting their bike helmet or paying with cash.

Stumbled on this restaurant while staying in the neighborhood. I'd never tried Cuban food before so have no comparisons but I did enjoy the experience and food. Wait staff is super friendly and service was great. Plates are large enough to share.

This restaurant was suggested too me by a client who's family was from Cuba and if she said it was the best, well I had to try it. We have gone here for dinner, and breakfast with friends and family and it has always been a party in my mouth... It was a Tue. night and it was a full of people waiting and licking there chops, (just kidding I think about LTC). So if your in a hurry, this is not the place, but for us it was worth the wait. Dinner, should be a time for talking and eating, not eating and running. I had the Oxtail OMG it was to die for and I don't remember what was in the sauce, but they must have cooked them both all day because the flavors were superb and every bite melted in my mouth. This time I didn't have desert, I was way to full, but in the past I have had their Trace Leche Cake, Love Love Love it!!!! The staff are nice and helpful, if you have questions, they will be glad to help you. There are so many choices of delicious, unusual and amazing items to taste, you will keep coming back just to try the food you didn't try before. This restaurant is one of those places that is for me a destination restaurant, a find, maybe like a secret, you may feel like you are in Cuba, with bright colors painted on the building, and the décor inside takes you away to another place, well that's what I imagine anyway. If you want to take your foodie friends someplace to impress them with a genuine exciting food experience, THIS IS THE PLACE.

Fantastic place with amazing Cuban food! I got the steak plate and it was truly mouth watering. We all shared empanadas and the pastry was perfect. We also took some dessert to go because we wanted to try the Cuban cigars! Friendly service, great recommendations.

Delicious food in a Caribbean setting. The main course choices are all tasty but don't miss out by skipping the various appetizers or small plates. They also have vegetarian and gluten-free options. Dessert is a must!

Growing up and living in Florida, I have had a lot of Cuban food. Pambiche did not disappoint. We started with the beef consume' and rice. My wife had an empanada and I had the roast pork sandwich. Really great food !

It was our first visit. We decided to share and ordered one each of their Bacanes selection. It was plenty of food and we have a few meals of leftovers to enjoy. The bacanes themselves are not spicy, and the habanero hot sauce served along side was mellow and fruity and complimented the bacanes nicely. Our waiter recommended the plantain appetizer and it was excellent. It is a must order.

We had a great dinner with very friendly staff. The food was excellent but the deserts were over the top!

Pambiche is amazing! Delicious, soulful Cuban food that will leave you feeling so fulfilled! They have great options for Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, etc. Their drinks are always on point, fresh juices, fresh sugar cane, great ingredients. Really cute restaurant, great service. If you haven’t been here, you should probably do yourself a favor and go now.

Came back to Pambiche for a group meal and loved it all over again. The food is unique and tasty and the atmosphere is upbeat and fun.

This is Cuban food which is not expensive and is well worth more than they charge. The chicken fell off the bone and the sauces were so tasty. The plantains were the best I have ever eaten and I have eaten them in the Cuban restaurants in Miami and elsewhere in Florida. This casual restaurant has wonderful food that you cannot miss with whatever you have.

This is a great place to go during the summer time. They have plenty of seating outside with heaters and it feels like you are in a Caribbean island. The food is good and we loved the hot sauces with the dishes. The Cubano is very good.

we returned to pambiche for lunch to celebrate our 18th anniversary....it was cold, and we sat outside on the relaxing patio....yaidel was the staff person...he set us up with the heater going, and that was perfect......i had the lager, and she had the decaf spanish coffee.....it hit the spot....next, we shared the yucca con mojo, and the pescado de como......the food was excellent...yaidel was so charming, and friendly, plus he was quick....we love coming here for yrs...thx so much....

We'd been to Pambiche several years ago for lunch and enjoyed ourselves at the time, so when we recently found ourselves back in the area and in desperate need of a good brunch, we thought it time to give the place another try and, man, are we glad we did! We started off with an appetizer of codfish croquettas (amazingly light and tasty fritters of salt cod) and followed those with two mains. I had the Tortilla ala Romana, which is a large omelette made with bacon, shrimp, yucca and avocado with a spicy red sauce (fantastic!), while she had the Cubano sandwich (meat, cheese & pickles on a great roll) - that was plenty! I tried a drink called a Red Bul that was made from a ginger and hibiscus mix and a Tecate beer - just perfect with the meal. When all was said and done, we'd spent only $30 and walked away filled and quite content. We'll be back again. You should go.

Went to dinner at Pambiche in Portland. This really charming restaurant is in a nice quaint neighborhood in Portland. Bright cheery interior is great and the food is even better. I had the oxtails in a great spicy sauce. We also had a a vegetarian dish and the tongue. It was all really good. Pambiche has an amazing list of cuban and tropical cocktails made with fruit juice. They also have a great list of juices and what they call shakes. This is not a place for a quiet romantic dinner as it is bright and a little noisy, but the excellent food makes up for that by alot. What is so great is they have the traditional foods, albeit a little our of the ordinary, like tongue and oxtails and also more accessible foods like chicken and pork. I can say the tongue and the oxtails were outstanding, as well as the vegetarian dish one of the party had. The sauces were oh so tasty. This was one of the funnest places i have eaten. There is outdoor seating on the street. I give this place an A plus.

Pambiche' s inside seating area is small but there is additional seating outside, and that is a good thing because it is usually very crowded. Cuban food is the specialty here and its cocktails and other drinks complement the food. The menu offers a wide selection of foods rather than just variations of the same things. Food is prepared to order and occasionally there may be a bit of a wait, but it is time well spent as you'll realize as soon as you dig in. We shared the Primera Vuelta, an appetizer plate offering samples of many of the cafe's offerings. All were quite good. Of special note are the sauces they set n the table t accompany the food. Each is unique, each is very different from the other one (one sweet the other spicy) and both are great. If you are adventurous and like trying new foods, this is a great place to go!

Good menu of Cuban food. Much nicer that the food in Cuba. Lots of flavor with lots of options for all tastes. Drinks were excellent and service fairly good for late evening dining right before closing. The on street seating was nice on a warm evening.They had overhead heating to take the chill off.

I have visited Cuba twice recently and never had food as good as this. They have taken the flavors and staples of Cuba and raised them to a whole new level. The atmosphere is casual; the service quick and efficient. There is always a line, and with good reason. The owner is a pastry chef, so be sure to save room for a Cuban Cigar or some other pastry.

If you love food with flavor this is the place to eat! We came here for lunch. Love the cozy atmosphere. We ate at the bar and could watch all the amazing food coming out of the kitchen. I had the Primera Vuelta and my husband had the Ropa Vieja. Both were outstanding. I ordered the combination platter to try the selection of empanadas and frituras but the beet and cabbage salads that were included were just as interesting and delicious. Our server, Yoselin was great. Very friendly and welcoming. If we lived in Portland we would eat here on a regular basis. If you love Cuban food, you won’t be disappointed. If you have never tried it, this is the place to go.

I'm vegetarian and my wife vegan, this spot provided great options for both of us. The service was fast and our waiter was wonderful. The food was delicious and a bit different from what is normally offered around Portland.

I've been here numerous times over the years. I love their food, which is always easy to enjoy. The only bone I have to pick is their 'two (charge) cards per table' limit. There were 3 in our party and I surely wasn't paying for my friend. Luckily the server took our 3 cards, but what a crock.

Our son and his partner took us to this heaven for the senses restaurant with beautiful murals on its one side. We ate on the sidewalk. Delicious empanadas and cubanos. Food is cooked with love. Excellent place to watch people of all stripes. TIny place which delivers excellent food. This place is popular on a Saturday night. It's fun to wait and people watch and admire the excellent colors of the apartments above the restaurant.

I came here on a business trip, and was positively blown away. Portland, in my mind, has the best food in the country. We sampled a number of dishes and beverages on the menu and were delighted. I cannot wait to come here again!

we had lunch yesterday, sat at the bar, and celebrated my birthday from the day before...i had the migration lager they offer from across the street, and my partner had the rum flight...next, i had the huevos a la cubana with cod, and she had the picadello communista with two eggs added...the food and drinks were fantastic...the staff is always friendly and funny....thx so much again!

The space is "tight" inside...very small space . There is sidewalk seating ..but on a busy street... and,of course, this is in Portland..thus many inclement weather days. Be prepared to squeeze in. The food is worth it . I mostly choose seafood dishes Very consistenly good.

Food is super tasty, well seasoned, and downright delicious. The place is super small though and there may be a wait especially on weekends but it’s worth it...service is just okay, each time we’ve been the staff is not the most friendly or welcoming which would usually make me not want to return, but in this case the food is so delicious that I don’t even care. Get the tostones!! And the camarones al ajillo...super yummy!! My hubby had the beef dish which was also really good. We’ll be back next time we’re in Portland!

...... atmosphere. The stage is set as you approach and see the two story mural in bright colors greeting you. The interior is just as colorful, with bright yellow and orange colors and beautiful paintings, complemented by great Latino music. The second star is for service. Our main server was right there to help with menu and drink selections. Other wait staff jumped right in whenever they saw our water needed refilling, dishes cleared, dessert orders made, or check brought. It's really a team effort there. The third star is for the food menu. It's one of those where you want to eat your way through every selection. We had the special. So so good. And you MUST order the avocado salad. It's on one food authors list of the 11 food experiences you must have before you die. I agree! And the mojitos were excellent too. The fourth star is for the desserts. We had the lime coconut dessert to share but looked longingly at the tres leche cake and other wonders. These too are all items we'd like to try sometime. The last star is for the total experience. We were unexpectedly delighted with everything. Given the food choices in Portland, that's quite a statement. So go, take your time, and enjoy the hum of conversation from happy patrons, the ambience, and the food. Did I mention you must try the avocado salad? Enjoy!

This is a tiny restaurant but the food will blow you away. They have amazing Cuban food like the Ajiaco Stew and the Tres Leches Cake. We enjoyed our dinner there I just wish we lived nearby because we would be regulars!

I am from Cuba so I enjoy looking for Cuban food wherever I go. This is one of the few places in Oregon where Cuban food is served so there are not many to compare it to. The menu is pretty good but it lacks some of the basic Cuban dishes that I am familiar with. Overall it is a good place to get Cuban food. We love the flan!

We have been going here for years, the food is good, lunch or dinner are mains, salads and other. there is wine and beer. A nice friendly place, sit out side if you can.

returned for my birthday lunch...had a tecate, and my partner had the 15 yr rum...then i had the huevos a la cubano with codfish and yucca fritas...my partner had the picadillo comunista socialist soy hash,a dnpan fritos....plus she had the guava cheesecake...everything was superb, tasty, and festive...we love the staff, as they are the friendliest....thx so much!

Our visit did not live up to the web site and reviews. My Pollo Criollo was unremarkable and not much more than a roasted piece of chicken without character and interest. The rice and beans were - well - rice and beans. My table mates were equally unimpressed. Pambiche is coasting on its reputation which has given way to serving as many people as possible. Service was inattentive to the server not able to answer questions to bringing our drinks after they cleared away the plates - a little late. I would not go back.

The food is fantastic, flavorful, and delicious. Restaurant is small and quaint. The atmosphere is electric when filled with patrons. If you must wait for seating be patient, it is worth your time investment. I wasn't really sure what Cuban food entailed when first suggested by my wife but glad she did. Ear here you'll be glad you did.

Based on Tripadvisor reviews we stopped by for dessert and coffee. We sat outside by choice, the evening was beautiful; the day after Easter. The service was friendly, very friendly. There was a bit of a breeze and our server asked if we wanted the outdoor heat 'thingy' on... but the breeze felt good. We ordered Cuban coffee, a cafe mocha, what is called a Domino cake and what is called a Brazo de Gitana (Gypsy's arm.. lol) all I can say is Good Grief! The domino cake is so incredibly awesome...it was a kahlua soaked white chocolate cake and then some... , it's cold and creamy and bold and sweet but not too sweet at the same time... just absolutely decadent. My son ordered the Gypsy's arm and of course being the caring, loving mother that I am I had to take the proverbial first "test bite" even though he's a grown young man already lol...(hey, a parents job is never done! lol). it was so very good, it's a corn flour sponge cake rolled with mango lime marmalade - three letters: WOW! The coffees were delicious and really beautiful. We will return every time we are in Oregon, in fact, we've decided that Pambiche dessert and coffee is a must-stop and will be our new tradition.

We had a lovely meal catered by Pambiche. The food was well prepared and flavorful. The pollo crillo, black beans and rice are a great combination. The flan melted in the mouth. Everyone raved about the food. We will be back! Pambiche made placing a catering order easy. They are very responsive and even helped us load the car. Thank you all for making our luncheon a success!

We tried the empanadas, they were good, with the spinach and cheese falling a little flat - it could have used a bit more spice. The Vaca Frita was very good and satisfying. The Ajiaco was also very tasty, ask for the Moros instead of the regular rice.

we looked forward to returning to pambiche since jan 2020, before the pandemic hit, and chose yesterday for lunch outside, all masked up, to celebrate our 14th anniversary that is coming up soon...the staff seated us immediately, and we've had them previously for yrs......i had the crystal lager, and the staff person suggested a coconut cocktail after my partner wanted something fun and festive....they were right on with the drink choice!...she loved the drink...next, we shared plato de comunista and red snapper ....so delicious, the comunita had boiled yuca, carribbean cole slaw, and black beans/rice with mojo sauce....the red snapper, we tried the congri oriental rice/beans with coconut pepper sauce, and carribbean cole slaw...we each had another drink, and all this food absorbed it....we love pambiche, and are so happy it's open for outdoor seating/take out....be sure to tip big during these challenging times...thx so much!!!!

We love it here - have been on multiple visits. Must-gets are the Ajiaco stew, the pan frito with avocado salad, and save room for dessert!

Great restaurant it was my first time trying Cuban food and I was not disappointed. Meat was tender and rice was a perfect texture. I will be eating here again my next trip

This is a VERY small restaurant with excellent food! It must be real cuban food, very fresh and tasty. Try the "fried cow"! Deserts are superior. But there is NO parking. You must drive around and find parking on a side street. I'd advise taking the bus to be honest.

We had not been here for about 2 years and we stopped by for lunch around 1 p.m. on a Thursday afternoon it was busy as always the food was excellent the service was outstanding we will continue to frequent this establishment.

I came here for lunch. It is a very festive and happy atmosphere. I perused the menu and decided on the Ropa Vieja which consists of adobo shredded beef laden with yellow onions and green peppers, stewed in a herbed tomato broth and garnished with green peas. It came with a beet salad and black beans and rice. It was an excellent lunch and the portions are perfect. I had a lemonade to drink. A perfect lunch and it took me into deep thoughts reflecting about Bunny and how I would give her kisses for breakfast, kisses for lunch, and kisses for dinner, and then I discover she is eating out...........At least I enjoyed the lunch. I highly recommend Pambiche for Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner.

Went here with a couple friends to try it out! Oh my goodness! So good, I don't remember the plate I ordered, but it had shredded beef I believe. I tried their hot chocolate, it was a large cup of warm deliciousness! The service was great, our server kept up on checking on us and our refills. The atmosphere is colorful and captivating. There was a bit of a wait, but it was worth it!

Just got back from trip to Cuba and wanted a taste of it in my mouth. So long a line we left after 20 minutes with no tables opened up. This place is tiny and does not take reservations plus has good food and so is very popular. They need a bigger space or should take reservations. Situation ridiculous.

I really want to love this place. I do. My husband is Cuban, and I am Puerto Rican both from Miami. Needless to say, we have had authentic Cuban food both homemade and out and about around Miami. We have visited about 3 times now, with last night being most recent. I can fairly say that the spices are off to me, even bland. The creole gravy, and dipping sauces seemed weird to me, as this isn't typical or what we are used to, but I guess the food has been dressed up and adapted for the area (cabbage included). In all fairness, the cafe con leche is very good (just would like to have some pan Cubano to dip in it) I just wish I could taste the grilled onions, mojo, cumin, garlic and lime flavors I've been craving for so long. Maybe Portland isn't ready for that? :(

We sat outside & had the BEST lunch & service. The food was great....we had dishes from both brunch & lunch menu. My 9 year old grandson loved the French toast!!! Will definitely go back!

Our first trip to a Cuban restaurant and we loved it. Great to meet old friends there who were able to recommend dishes. We ate family style, sharing the dishes to enjoy the variety. We loved the Espinaca con Queso, onion, spinach & cheese pie as starter to share with the garlic mushrooms. Then we shared a delicious white fish & shrimp dish, Ropa Vieja, a shredded beef & pepper stew, and a traditional toasted Cuban sandwich. Sadly we had no room for the tempting desserts on display. Look forward to enjoying Cuban food again. Thanks for the introduction and friendly service.

We were visiting Portland for a family event and were looking for some good food. My daughter found this on one of her many search engines. I have been to Cuba and really enjoyed the food there, so was excited to try this place. First up was a Mango Daiquiri for me and a Cuban specialty drink for my daughter. We ordered fried plantains as an appetizer which were sweet and cooked perfectly. They sounded like a dessert but went really well with our drinks. The main course for me was Pescado al Ajillo con Camerones. Red Snapper with Baby Shrimp rubbed with fresh garlic, parsley and olive oil and sauteed in garlic mojo sauce. Served with white rice and avocado and cabbage salad. I could eat this dish every single night. Simply amazing. My daughter had a type of Tamale, called Bacanes made of Masa and palantain, stuffed with shredded pork. The Plantain gave it a sweet taste that was surprising but wonderful. White Rice and Avocado and Cabbage Salad added to the dish. This restaurant is small with only a few tables inside and a few more on the sidewalk outside. There was a 20-30 minute wait, which was worth it. It is in an obscure part of town, and you need your GPS to locate it. The wait-staff was friendly and helpful. We took their advice about what to order. I highly recommend this restaurant.

What a diverse and fun group of guests! We were fortunate to choose a beautiful early summer evening to dine at Pambiche and were seated outside. It was difficult to choose from the extraordinary offering of Cuban fare, some classics, some "creaciones nuevas." We chose the "plato communista," "moros y cristianos," and "ensalada caribena." Each dish was carefully composed and seasoned as well as impressively presented. I must say that this was one of the more delicious meals I enjoyed in Portland. We were tempted enough by the interesting choice desserts to decide to share a lime infused "pastel de tres leches;" it was a brilliant offering (and I'm going to try to recreate it at home) of the rich traditional cake enhanced by the tartness of fresh lime juice. I definitely want to come back to this restaurant on my next trip to beautiful Portland.

This is a review of lunch at Pambiche; I've never had dinner or brunch there. I always enjoy eating lunch at Pambiche. (I should mention that, although Pambiche has outdoor seating, I always eat indoors.) The service is friendly and professional, the space is pleasant and colorfully decorated (although perhaps a little cramped), and the food is reliably good. When I visited Pambiche on March 1st, I had the "Plato Cubano" (very good to excellent), café con leche (excellent), and flan (very good).

We visited Portland a few years ago and a family friend who lives here took us to Pambiche for lunch. The meal was memorable. When we returned yesterday to Portland, we headed straight to the restaurant, which is in southeast Portland. We had a great lunch. Black bean soup with a side of white rice; a Cuban sandwich with tostones; tres leches cake for dessert. The service was very friendly. The experience was so good we went back today for brunch. Another delicious meal -- eggs with ropa vieja and plátanos maduros; a steak sandwich; flan for dessert. Large portions. The restaurant is in a hip neighborhood a few miles across the bridge from downtown. It is well worth the drive. The acid test: would I go back? It's not enough to make me want to move from Connecticut to rainy Portland, but I wish we head a Pambiche at home.

My family an I enjoyed a late lunch and coffee here the day after Thanksgiving. The decor is bright and the service is excellent. We had a variety of vegetarian dishes and they were delicious too. And the coffee drinks are a treat. H

I'm Cuban... My out of town family is Cuban. This was a pretty easy sell. They were not disappointed. I used to live nearby and are here often. I live the camarones enchillados, vacation grits, and ropa viejo. The ox tail is all the rave but I've never tried it. My wife is a vegetarian and lives that there is plenty on the menu for her as well. Honestly I love this place.

We tried to eat here for dinner on a Monday night, but they do not take reservations and the place was packed. we had better luck at lunch on a pretty Thursday and had a wonderful meal. Food is very authentic: empanadas, pan con pescado, frijoles colorados, Arroz amarillo, moros y cristianos, and sanwich cuban. Our waiter was very attentive. Don't miss the alfajores and chocolate cha-chas for dessert.

It was recommended by friends to try Pambiche - I'm glad I followed their lead because this place is great. Ambiance is wonderful. I went for lunch because apparent at night the crowds are hefty. We started with the cod fish and potato croquet - delicious! Then on to the Cuban sandwich and chicken. The meals were excellent, served quickly and service was great. Also the food wasn't expensive. Definitely worth a try!

If you want good cuban food, head to Pambiche in the Hollywood District of Portland, Oregon. Good food, great service and a wonderful neighborhood. If you are close, walk or bike and you will fit right in. Portland is a fun city where people bike and walk all the time.

I met with a customer for lunch and we had a great meal. We both decided on shrimp but different plates. we both enjoyed with Jamica and finish with their signature dessert, chocolate cake with passion fruit puree filling. Loved it. I am sure will be cack soon. If you have never been here -dont hesitate to come. The only issue in getting a seat and the space is really limited inside.

We first came here on the recommendation of someone we met at Oktoberfest. He was spot on! Since than, we have been here on numerous occasions. We are big fans of a Cubano Sandwich. I like the fact that I can get it as a platter (minus the bread). The food is always fresh. That yellow sauce in the bottle they make and serve is to die for. One of these days, they will have some for us to buy and take home. The fried platanos are delicious! I understand the desserts are delicious also.

Wow what a lovely find! I felt like I was back in Havana! We had plantains to start, then I had the black beans with a delicious avocado salad and hubby had the Cuban sandwich. Both were delicious and generous in size. I look forward to coming back to try their brunch also!

Menu a very good summary of Cuban cuisine well prepared. Complex spicing, variety of selections, full bar, small interior with cheery decor. Sidewalk seating. Always crowded so some strategy or several attempts may be necessary or a long line is in store. Worth it.

Street side seating or indoors—this is a very popular place, and for good reason: the food is delicious! I had a vegetarian spinach empanada with corn bread and coleslaw, and my husband had the fish plate. Loved every bite! The mojito was excellent too. If you’re wearing shorts, bring something to sit on, as the grated metal seats aren’t too comfortable on bare skin.

Ate here last week and really enjoyed the food. We were there past the lunch hour and did not have any wait. My husband had a pork dish and my friend and I had a type of fritter. We also shared fried yucca. They have a banana sauce and it was heavenly. Yum!

In Portland,colourful building contain a tiny space for 15 tiny table,with no reservation only writ your name on the main door ,there is some table out side with heater,the place is very colourful and topical Latino,service is great but a bit slow due to lake of manpower,they need one more waiter,the food is legend tasty,generous,topical Cuban and colourful,drinks are great both alcohol or vergin ons.very moderately price.

Oh, this place is beautiful and delicious! Inside there's so much color! Outside the seating is shaded and perfect on a July evening! The music is festively Caribbean, and the food... Ah, the food! We had a Cuban toasted pork sandwich, arroz con pollo, and red snapper with black beans and rice. It was all delicious! I washed down my meal with a spicy, refreshing Yerba Mate, a minty iced tea. Three adult meals and a drink for just under $40. It's hard to beat that in Portland. We have two little kids. (They split one of the adult meals.) The kids had quite a few spills, but the staff were very sweet and patient. Definitely a family friendly place.

Good food and dessert as usual. I hope they will consider expanding the place soon. The space is too small to move around. The description of each dish in the menu should be clearer. I ordered the chicken dish without the word "bone-in", but turned out to be "bone-in" anyway. So wonder what is the point of saying "bone-in" in the menu since they all come with bones?

I went with 2 kids and we were four adults whether its inside or outside is still small if you go with kids! Food is good but I had never had Cuban food so i can't compare, thought it was a little expensive though.

Being from Florida, I am always craving a good Cuban place. This surpassed my expectation, the Cuban sandwhich was fantastic, so was the cafe con leche and the mojitos (includes a real piece of cane sugar--that's how you know it's the good stuff!) We finished the meal with the tres leche and was not disappointed. I would definitely recommend this restauarnt.

We visited Pambiche on a Friday night for an early dinner. The wait was minimal before 6 pm but the restaurant was already full. There is a choice of outdoor or indoor seating and they have outdoor heaters to take away the chill. We were seated indoors which is much smaller than expected. Tables are very close together and we had to either raise our voices or limit talking. Service was excellent for ordering and receiving our food. A second glass of wine, ordered mid way through my meal, arrived when I had finished eating (and I'm a slow eater). We both ordered the ropas viejas with different bean and rice choices. The food was excellent - meat very tender and accompaniments tasty. They provide two sauces which both compliment the meal, one sweet and tangy, the other a bit spicier. The house wine was very good and my companion enjoyed his Cuban cocktail. If you want a bit more intimate evening, sharing conversation over your meal, you might consider outdoor seating or perhaps a less busy night. Although we didn't order dessert, our server told us that we ought to come back another time and try desserts as "both owners are pastry chefs!" I will definitely return.

This was one of our favorite restaurants, I'm sad to report it has slipped dramatically.Our party of four were totally underwhelmed. My shrimp dish had no taste. In reality it tasted like boiled shrimp. My wife thought her dish was just ok, in the past we raved about the food. We were looking forward to the avocado salad, to be informed by the indifferent server that it wasn't on the menu because avocados were had to get. What a lie! The house wine was horrible. My Wife's Mojito had no buzz. I suspect they waved the rum above the drink and failed to pour any into the drink. All in all ,we will never return to this dismal restaurant

we returned yesterday for lunch for our 16th anniversary and sat outside...the weather was comfortable and the music was festive.....we each had the lager which hit the spot.....next, we shared the endalada aguacate and pan con pescado.....the food was amazing as usual, and the staff was so nice and efficient as in previous yrs.....we love coming here, and thx so much....

We went as a group of 4 for Sunday lunch/brunch. I don't eat eggs and there wasn't any item without them on their brunch menu. I was a little concerned that they wouldn't service any lunch items, but they did. We ended up having an ode to fried foods - a little hard to avoid. The empanadas picadillo were delicious - filled with a beef hash mixture that was a nice balance between savory/sweet/ and pickle. The Cuban sandwich was one of the better ones I've tasted and we followed the server's suggestion to order it on white bread. Two types of fried plantains - both good. The highlight for me was the simplest dish - the red beans (frijoles Colorados). I would just have a bowls of those and be happy. The service was quick, perhaps slightly haughty, and certainly on show. I'd definitely go again.

we always come for my birthday lunch, and had so much fun...i began with a tecate, and my partner had a mulata...i had the Huevos a la Cubana with codfish, and she had the Huevos Habaneros...we split the Yuca Frita ....everything was wonderful and delicious...the staff is superb and friendly...thx

Multiple visits for most of the group; first time for one. The sandwiches are always spot on and the avocado salad is exceptional.

This place is wonderful. They catered a friend's wedding and everything was to die for. Later I ate at their restaurant and was just as impressed.

This place is fun and lively. We came for my brother's birthday and waited a while but finally got seated in the small interior. it was worth the wait as always. I recommend saving room for dessert. :)

I've driven by this place a number of times over the past 6 months. I finally stopped in and had dinner. It was awesome food, generous servings and the deserts are beautiful. I brought my business partner over the next day for lunch. You will not be disappointed! Another Portland Restaurant I can put on my ever growing list of "Must Go to" restaurants in the Portland area.

we came back for my annual birthday lunch at pambiche....we sat at the bar......i had a cuban lager that is especially made for pambiche, by migration brewing across the street...excellent...my partner had the rum flight.... .i had the hueveros cubano with cod fish/scrambled, and she had the plato communista with eggs added...plus we shared the yuca fritas.....the food is excellent, the staff/bartender is the nicest, and informative..she suggested the rum when asked....thx so much...

I really enjoy this place when there's almost no one else there. There are very few tables and the space is tight, so when it's busy, it's a little too cozy. Having said that, the food is magnificent. I've been here many times and have sampled nearly everything on the dinner menu, It's all been fantastic, so it's hard for me to call out any particular dishes specifically. However, the desserts are the best - the cuban cigar and guava carrot cake are my favorites.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Portland. Save room for dessert! Try the Cuban Cigar dessert. Excellent drinks, appetizer, entrees & dessert. Avacado Salad & Maduros MMMMMmmmmm. Also an excellent place for brunch & happy hour (hora del amigo).

Nice funky sign your name on the door waiting list type of place with indoor/outdoor options. Many options on menu but couldn't get a good recommendation from the nice waitress. Compared to Florida Cuban a letdown. OK for a no reservation come-as-you-are place and dog friendly which I don't like. Nothing special except how many Cuban restaurants are in paleface Portland? Cuban sandwich was chopped meat rather than thick sliced. As a leftover it was skanky. Maybe need to try other than the highlighted staple Cubano plate as I was discouraged from trying the indian pot. Drinks OK. Young crowd vibe..

We needed a restaurant near the Oregon Children’s Theatre where our grandson was enrolled. I had Cuban hash with eggs lightly fried just I requested. The hash was light with lots of vegetables, much more interesting than the usual version. My wife had eggs with delicious salt cod croquettes. A side of beet salad was excellent. Service was friendly and patient. Highly recommended.

First cuban food I've tried, good choice of small plates during happy hour, very good (but quite expensive) cocktails and a great sweet! The personnel is very kind and the room design is well done!