Que Pasa Cantina Reviews

Nothing too special here. We came in about 6:30 and wasn’t terribly busy but the rush came in about 7:00. Had to ask for waters and the food took a while. The fried cheese appetizer was really good. The grilled Mexican street food corn was out of a can and not on the cob and no bueno. The enchiladas and lasagna style were ok but the beans were no bueno. The food came out not in order and luckily we had a Groupon to take down the costs. We don’t plan on returning...

Gooood food and fun place. Drinks can be a little weak however....

Great atmosphere our server was wonderful had a great evening Great place to get some food after you've been brewery touring Family friendly outdoor seating also

We had a wonderful time! The food was very delicious and the service was wonderful!! Can’t wait to go back!

We were looking for a quick bite in the neighborhood where we were staying, so decided to try the Cantina. It was a busy night, so we ended up in the outside room There were giant heaters and picnic tables~ which set the ambiance of fun,and turns out it was! While waiting for our pitcher of margaritas (which were delicious BTW, so it was hard to limit ourselves to just 1 pitcher for the 2 of us!) we struck up a conversation with the people next to us which was quite enjoyable The food was delicious, much better than any thing we've found in Virginia, so I relished my tamales and chili rellenos. The tamales were meaty and tasty; the chili relleno lightly coated not drenched in batter, with just a hint of cheese in side not packed in so that it was a gooey, greasy mess. We had a delicious meal at a reasonable price. My stomach wanted to stay and eat more!!

There are more than 500 "Spanish" restaurants listed in the Portland area. Tonight some friends went through the list and chose a restaurant that appeared to be somewhere "between a food court and a boutique Mom and Pop cantina." What a joyful surprise! The salad was more than awesome, especially with the Que Pasa Green Dressing. The Chile Relleno was in the top three I've ever eaten. Just hot enough, perfectly cooked, and served in a double plate to assure consistent temperature - and my safety from the HOT of the top plate. Be sure to order the potatoes rather than the beans and rice. Our waitress? Well, 5-star service is what you can expect along with Que Pasa's signature, "Mexican Comfort Food!" By the way, sit in the outdoor court where you can hear the raindrops and feel the warmth of the sky heaters.

We came for dinner on a Saturday, we got there right after they opened and they were packed! Very limited seating but the outside area is covered and has heat. I got the quesa birria tacos and they were delicious. Huge portions and the consome was so good. My friend liked her chili rellano and loved the rice and beans. The food took a while to come out but everything was homeade. I would definitely come back!

One of the best meals I've ever had and the service was spot on!! Great place to eat. The owner Angela came by and chatted and was genuinely concerned about our dining experience. Comped us an out of this world Mexican cake dessert just because she liked us. I'll be heading back next time I'm in Portland for sure.

This is a nice place to get some good quality Mexican food, without having to stand in the rain. The service is good, the food is good, and the portion size is good. Nothing to blow you away but you will never be disappointed.

I had a guest visiting from France who loves Mexican food and had never been to Portland before. I saw the review on Citysearch so we decided to check it out. We had the Mexican cheese fondue. Mmmmm. Delish! We split and order of fajitas with carne asada. The carne asada was so good that it almost seemed like a shame to put it in a tortilla. I have been to steak and chophouses that haven't had steaks that were as tender as this carne asada. I don't drink so I tried the mexican mocha. Desert in a glass! The atmosphere was kitschy, but not overly so. Very tastefully done. I will definitely return. The #1 Best Mexican Food award by Citysearch was correct. They came by it honestly. Thank you very much!

Second trip to the cantina... Enjoyed the house margarita followed by guacamole and chips. Followed this with street tacos and taquitos. Plenty for us making it a 20 dollar dinner. Eclectic interior. Covered outside seating. Private room with a couch around table that would be great with a larger group of friends.

So I'm excited about this little place. Went here for happy hour, not knowing it was still happy hour- so when we ordered our waitress said "off of the happy hour menu"- OH! We had the loaded nachos and the carne asada taquitos and we went through two margaritas each. Pretty darn good margs. My friend had been before and knew they had a pineapple jalapeño margarita, I'm definitely going to be back for that one. It comes with little chunks of pineapple and slices of jalapeños in it! Our food came out pretty quickly and the nachos were great, cheese, beans, onion, jalapeños and carne asada, but you can pick what mean you want on it. Next time I want to try their carnitas. The table next to us ordered their tacos and I was kinda staring. They had grilled onions and fresh onions on them, then they were generously sprinkled with cilantro, which I love! There were a handful of things that I would come back to try- their soups, they even had a salad that sparked my interest. Our server was very kind, checked in on us and brought me an extra side of salsa right away when I asked. The place was busy! They have about 8 or so tables inside, one little room in the back, enough for one group to sit at and the outdoor seating area that was covered and I guess they had heaters? Someone was out there with a newborn baby so it must have been warm. Street parking was easy to find around the corner. I'm definitely going to come back to this spot.

...Fish tacos-not so good - over fried...they were suppsoed to be blackened but not cremated... :( great severcie and fun atmospher on the patio. we will go back.

Amazing core, traditional mexican dishes, and range of unusual tasty choices. Here are some unusual items to consider: the mashed potatoes!; the jalapenos stuffed with goat cheese!; he chicken enchilada casserole! Did I say the house margaritas are fantastic? This place is rustic, cozy, casual and relaxed. They have a wonderful outdoor patio.

What a great, cozy little Mexican place this is! The Margaritas are super as is the food. The goat cheese quesadilla is delish but my very favorite was the grilled corn on the cob which was memorable! So delicious! Still thinking about it as I write this the next morning. Owners Sarah & Angie are hands on & will make you feel welcome. Our server Antonio was great; he told us he's worked there 10 years & that says a lot! A great evening!

Two couples dining early on a Saturday evening. The place was nearly full but we were seated immediately. Lots of crowd noise on the covered heated patio but a little less so inside. Very friendly staff however service was slow. Took about 15 minutes to put in a drink order. Another 10 to get it. Three or four beers on tap. Fairly large menu. All items our group had were delicious: steak fajitas which included generous steak portion but not much salsa; chicken quesadillas; shrimp enchiladas. Would definitely go back for a good Mexican meal.

This place is unique, charming, friendly, delicious. On the other side of the river, it's in a slightly gritty area with a few bars, food trucks, etc. nearby. Easily walkable from downtown, or just get a Lyft if you over-indulge on the margaritas. Ole!

This place is by far one of my favorite restaurants in Portland. My boyfriend come here about once a month. The space is a small, intimate setting. I feel like it is best suited for 2 diners, no more than 4 to a party. Sometimes the wait for a table can be a little long, (that’s Portland for ya!) but don’t let that discourage you as the food is well worth the wait. The service is always good, and the food is consistently wonderful. We have NEVER had a bad meal here. My top recommendations for food are the chips and homemade guacamole, the stuffed jalapenos, and the fish tacos served with potatoes ole. These are hands down the best fish tacos I’ve ever had in my life…any time I try and order them somewhere other than Que Pasa, I’m severely disappointed! If fish isn’t your thing, don’t fret. They have a ton of other excellent choices on their menu. Insider tip: If you arrive, and there is a wait for a table, out your name on the list and walk next door to “The High Dive” bar. You can have drinks there while you wait, and a staff member from Que Pasa will come and get you out of the bar once your table is ready. Even though these are two separate establishments, this is the greatest idea EVER. Hanging out at the High Dive is a great option while waiting since Que Pasa is a small establishment and there isn’t a ton of standing room by the door to linger while your table is being prepared.

I admit it took a Groupon for me to know about this gem of a joint on the near east side of town. Three of us tried it out on a Saturday at opening time (3 p.m.) and the place soon filled with other hungry diners. Each dish we ordered was superb, most notably the house special, Pork Negro (in a luscious smokey sauce with rice and beans). The Enchilada Casserole was rich and satisfying, and came with an abundant romaine salad. The Tostada was crisp and fresh, seasoned just right. We'll be back, with more friends, with an aim of trying out some of the house bebidos, especially the Cranberry Rita!

We went there on a recommendation of friends. The margaritas are the frozen slushy kind and really good. The menu has a wonderful mix of traditional and unusual dishes. When did you last have mashed potatoes in a Mexican restaurant? Amazing! Everything we ate was full of flavor. Funky little place.... wonderful staff. We will go again!

Get Margaritas by the pitcher! We did a birthday party and it is a small place. So if you do a group, you need a reservation for sure. The chips/guacamole were so delicious. I had the tacos and a friend had the fajitas. I'm curious about the jalapeño Mac-n-cheese. Maybe next time! This is always an inner SE go to spot, with great food and a really good atmosphere. Parking is not great!!!

The food was excellant and served quickly. The waitress was polite, friendly and professional. The restaurant was comfortable.

This a great little whole in the wall spot. The atmosphere is fun and if you're lucky you can find a spot outside. Only downfall is that it can be very crowded. Ordered chips and guac and they gave a decent portion size. The flavor of the meats was scrumptious, you could tell it had been marinating and the tacos were made from scratch!

This is a quaint, comfortable and friendly place to have consistently good Mexican food. Favorite items are the chicken enchilada casserole, Mexican chopped salad, and the special papas mashed with cheese and vegetables. However, the very best is the Tres Leches Cake.....it is the best ever. Save too for it.

We got here at 9 pm on a weeknight, and hit happy hour. The drink specials were wonderful, as were the prices on a selection of appetizers. Even before any drinks, we found out for ourselves that the food here was great. I had one of the best tamales I've ever had anywhere (Texas, LA, New York, Austin, you name it). Everything was fresh, and a lot of the dishes had interesting combinations of spices. Service was fast and very friendly. When I car got towed from across the street (they tow all 24 hours, even when a store is closed - BEWARE!!!) and came back to the restaurant, they sat us down, called a cab and asked us if we wanted anything. Kindness above and beyond, and a great place to eat too.

It's all about the food and the food is wonderful! My tiger shrimp enchiladas were delicious, guacamole was outstanding and the potatoes ole are sinfully good. This is my kind of place. A very humble locals place that serves authentic Mexican food. We live in San Diego where Mexican food is the real thing and many chefs cross the border to work in San Diego kitchens. Congratulations Que Pasa Cantina in Portland you are the real thing.

Our main meal was good. Chips were hard as a rock... couldn't carry on a conversation with all the cracking/crunching going on. Also, had to pay for our chips and salsa. Service lacked in many respects. First, our long wait for seating was annoying. Two, server didn't approach us for at least 15 minutes after being seated. Three, after eventually receiving our meal, server never approached us to see how our meals were or if we needed anything else. Four, granted the place was busy, there were only 2 servers! For a restaurant that is apparently well rated and open for 4-5 hours a day, one would think they could employ more servers with their high price meals.

My sister and I visited this restaurant on a sunny evening. We ordered a spicy habenero/pineapple margarita that was delicious. For food we split an order of fish tacos and the tamale platter. The tamale was one of the best that I had ever had and the Potato Ole is a must for the side dish. My only complaint would have to be the price of the margaritas. They are average size and are about 10$ which to me, drinks should not be as much as the meal unless they are in a larger glass. It makes it hard to justify buying more than one drink.

Beautifully decorated building with wonderful service and atmosphere. Our server was genuinely nice and the food was amazing! See profile for Pic. The steak salad was absolutely bomb!!

We enjoyed the chips & 3 salsas. The chips were extra crunchy and the 3 salsa were very good. The fajitas we ordered were the chicken & steak. Both were tender and tasty. Served with pico, cheese, rice & beans. The big wonderful surprise was the brownie with a touch of cinnamon , topped with vanilla ice cream & whipped cream and surrounded with Carmel sauce. It was a delicious way to conclude our wonderful meal

Went there last night for the first time with my fiancee. We were looking for something a little different and cheaper than Nuestra Cocina. We yelped it, liked the reviews and the the pics, and thought we'd give it a try. We were pleasantly surprised! It's tucked in behind the food carts at 12th and Hawthorne so it's easy to miss. We actually went by it before we saw it. Inside, there is a neat little room with a small bar off to the side. It's pretty tiny. There is a small room off of that (more like a drinking lounge) with a fake fireplace and there is a cool outdoor heated patio. It was busy so we sat at the bar and sampled a few of the house specialty margaritas. The bartender was friendly and talked to us quite a bit. The "Perfect" margarita with silver Patron was, nearly, perfect and they had a nice pineapple habanero margarita on special that we also liked. We were off to a very good start and were feeling like we had a stumbled on a true gem. Where the restaurant stumbled, unfortunately, was that the food just couldn't cash the checks that the drinks and atmosphere were writing. It was more or less just okay. I had fish tacos that were too salty served with beans that were under seasoned. Katie had carnitas tacos that were admittedly much better than mine, but the end result was that it ended up feeling like a special place that just barely missed the mark. I think it certainly begs another try but that's my take for now.

The service here was great. Our waiter smiled constantly and was very laid back. It's a little small, so i would go at off peak times. Our food was really good. We grew up on Tex Mex, so we're a bit snobby about mexican food. We loved everything. My cheese enchiladas were great. The sauce was more like New Mexico style. My husband had guacamole tostadas. They were really good. My daughter had a bean & cheese burrito. She wasn't as thrilled. It was huge. I think she was daunted by the size. I tasted it. it was good (i don't even like burritos). The chips were great, the salsa was okay (again, we're snobs, we make our own salsa at home). I don't know about their meat dishes because we're vegetarians. This is definitely our new favorite place for mexican food.

Went here with a friend for lunch. Great spot, had excellent tacos and guacamole. The atmosphere was fun and open

Due to the reviews we had high expectations. However, we were a little disappointed. The food wasn't bad, but not as good as other places we frequent. I think for us, a big part of it was the extra thick corn torillas. They were kind of hard as chips and taquitos. While I liked the spiciness of the salsas, they could have had a better flavor.

Last night in Portland and wanted a low key place for good food and drinks. Que Pasa fit the bill perfectly. Ordered the “perfect”margarita and enchiladas. All was very good. The place is very small so may have to wait on busy nights. We went in a Wednesday night so no wait.

If you don't eat anything else order a basket of corn muffins and a pitcher of house margaritas. These muffins are fabulous - such a unique melt in your mouth texture with a delicious delicate flavor. Okay - so I love the guac, the street tacos, and all the rest but really I live for the muffins!! I like sitting in the outside covered and heated patio the best. Inside is too dark.

We went here whilst staying in Portland for a couple of nights on a tour of the west coast of the USA. We had found the deal on Groupon and i have to say i would go back and pay full price without issue. This is a great little Mexican restaurant where you feel at home in a great atmosphere and it serves excellent food in a good portion size. It was well worth the trip. their tortillas and assorted dips are really fresh and refillable and the drinks selction is really good. All in all an enjoyable expereince

I went to this restaurant with my family because it was recommended by one of my dad's colleagues and I sure am glad I checked it out. The ambience is friendly and welcoming. The food is delicious, the drinks are divine, and the prices great.

We tried this restaurant for dinner tonight and it’s a great new find for Mexican ! I had the fajitas, and they were great!!! My husband had enchiladas and my granddaughter had a burrito in a bowl. We all enjoyed our meals. I would go back again and I can’t wait! I loved the outdoor-ish type seating area, I want to go again on a sunny day. I highly recommend this restaurant!!!

I've driven by Que Pasa Cantina forever but never paid much attention to it. I recently gave it a try because of a Groupon that they offered. I must say, it was such a pleasant surprise! The decor is cute and funky, the staff was extremely friendly, and the food was delicious. We started with chips and salsa. The chips were homemade (we were so impressed) and the house-made salsas were delicious! The waiter brought us complimentary guacamole as well, which was a welcomed and delicious surprise. We then had the Cauliflower Tacos (a special that night) and Chile Relleno, both of which were extremely tasty. We both got the Potatoes Ole as our side, which, while very non-traditional, was a quite yummy and an interesting change from the typical beans and rice. We were very impressed with this restaurant and will definitely go back!

A nice little dining spot. Good variety of Mexican items and daily specials that were not your standard Mexican fare. Drink menu is also a nice surprise for such a small venue. our server was helpful and friendly. Give it a try -- you won't be disappointed.

Great Mexican food in Portland is hard to come by. Que Pasa never disappoints. Tacos, enchilada casserole, Mexican Chopped salad are all great. Drinks are strong and tasty. The owners are super nice as well as their staff. You might have to wait, but it is well worth it.

A wonderful dining experience not only found in the truly authentic line up on the menu but also in the spot on decor. Having spent numerous holidays in Mexico, Que Pasa Cantina brings back the charm of many restaurants we frequented there. From the corrugated metal walls to the brightly colored oilcloth table coverings...it all works so well. As does the great food. The starter of chips and salsa were sensational! These are not chips out a a bag. They are freshly made "real" tortilla chips...light, crisp and never greasy! This could be a meal! My wife and I split the shrimp fajitas. It was served steamy hot to the table with extra hand made tortillas (not a problem). Our waitperson was very nice and accommodating without any pretentious attitude that is sometimes delivered at chain institutions. Great atmosphere, great food, delightful staff and Negra Modelo on tap...this is a little bit of Mexican heaven!

I love coming to this spot. Whether I want a snack or a drink or both or a meal - there is always something yummy and the vibes are wonderful!

I've been twice, most recently during Happy Hour and once before for dinner. Really good food, like things your Mexican aunt who is an awesome cook would make. Superb margaritas (that can be a problem). Friendly service; prompt, but we never felt rushed. This is one of the five best Mexican restaurants in Portland (and there's some stiff competition). The atmosphere is eclectic and funky, but not cloyingly so. Go there for a relaxed, really good meal.

My daughter and I found this spot while touring colleges in Portland, and man I’m glad we did. Everything was fantastic! The location, the atmosphere, and the food. I had the tacos Al pastor and my daughter had the chicken Flautas. We also tried the chips and guacamole which was very fresh and delicious also. Portions were perfect. I can’t wait to go back to Portland and try another dish there.

Went here on a busy Friday night. The staff was friendly, especially our waiter. The food was outstanding. Fish tacos were super good. I am still craving the goat cheese and corn quesadilla. It was the best!

We've been coming to Que Pasa for several years, and were sad to see some long time employees depart a year or so ago. And again, when we went recently, new staff. This time around the service was spotty and not the usual exuberance we have come to expect from this restaurant. The food was still good (although my veggie enchiladas were mostly mushroom enchiladas!), especially their famous potatoes. The place is noisy once it gets packed. I would advise going early and snagging a good seat if that sort of thing matters to you.

Great food! Everything was very flavorful..without being “spicy” for the sake of Mexican spice! The place is small, decor is true Mexican religious, authentic in many ways. There was a line when we left and the locals know a good spot when they see it!

With the proliferation of uber-popular, high profile/pressure restaurants in Portland, it's nice to have a few go-to places that you know you can always count on for a relaxing, reliable dining experience. Que Pasa Cantina is one of those places. The margaritas are great, the guacamole is consistently fresh and flavorful. The Mexican Chopped Salad with the fresh, moist corn muffin is a 'can't miss' experience. But mostly, they are so nice. For example, my dad was visiting and asked the waiter if he had ever heard of Mexican pizza, which my dad had years ago at a place in California. The waiter brought the cook, they listened to the description, and then made him one! You won't find this kind of restaurant very often.

Love it! Best Mexican in Portland outside of the food carts. Try the Mexican fondue!

Tried a few options of the appetizers and one entre! Great portions great price and most of all very good! To top things off their fruit slushy margarita was amazing ! Very refreshing Used groupon so worth it! Try their Mexican fondue !!

The atmosphere is festive and relaxed. The service friendly, attentive and quick. We enjoyed guacamole, salsa and chips for starters then shared one of their specialities, Chicken Enchilada Casserole. All very tasty chased with a cold beer. Hard to beat!

I'm not sure what happened, but we waited a long time for our meal. We've eaten here many times before, and this was the slowest its ever been. People who came into the restaurant well after us were half done with their meals before we got our food. Once we got the food, it was hot and tasty. They offer salt free chips if you're willing to wait while they make them. We went on a Tuesday night in March, and it wasn't that crowded. The potatoes are to die for!

The service at Que Pasa is certainly nothing to brag about, but the food is fantastic! This is a very small place, but they do have outdoor seating as well. Their salsa is great! Be careful..the spicy one is VERY spicy! Would definitely eat here again if in the area!

Huge menu of things you know and some you won't recognize. The fish tacos are wonderful, as are many dishes, but my favorite was the mashed potatoes. I know, Mexican mashed potatoes? Yes, again, yes. Try them, you will come back just for this side dish. Try the house made Sangria, but save some money and buy a pitcher. You'll want more than one, anyway.

Not your ordinary Mexican restaurant, everything just a bit fresher, lighter tweaked a bit but with a lot of the flavors and comfort you want. The margaritas were delicious! Happy hour was pretty good as well

Food is great, good portions, well priced. It a definite on the Mexican food circuit. And of course the drinks are great. Not watered down good portions.

If you are "big time" hungry and want quality Mexican food, this is where you should head. Fresh ingredients, enormous portions and some interesting combinations--not the usual taco, enchilada, rice and bean plate. We thought the guacamole was exceptionaal--really fresh taste. Reasonable prices.

A friendly Mexican café that appears to have enlarged over the years by several add-on rooms and patios that give it a homey feeling. Had an enjoyable warm evening dinner on one of the patios of caritas burrito smothered in green chile sauce. Others ordered the Toms plate which can be configured to your tastes. We also had the chips and salsa appetizer which had three types of salsa. Fortunately the waitress pointed out the hot one. I like hot sauce but one chip dip was enough to satisfy my curiosity. The modelo beer with a splash of slushy margarita was a great happy hour find! Will go back again.

Hit this place for dinner at happy hour. Chips come with salsa at three levels of heat and guacamole with plenty of refills. Nice selection of drink choices. Good variety of food choices. Nice ambiance with inside and garden seating.

My girls friends and I went there last night what fun we had the food was excellent and so was the services . The Margaritas were strong as they should be.

We've been shopping for a good Mexican restaurant with fresh, authentic food and thought we'd found a winner when we enjoyed a delicious dinner on their covered and heated patio. However, they doubled the amount of our tip when they did the final run on our credit card; we thought 20% was enough so we called about it. The owner gave us a lecture on how hard people in the restaurant business work. We know; that's why we always tip. Guess we will keep looking for that great Mexican place.....

Been there three time on Groupon Coupons (3049 reviews & 4 1/2 stars), facility is small and next to busy street, no air conditioning as far as I can tell, has outside patio sort of. The food overall is very good and well worth the price even without coupon. My favorite is Chicken Enchilada Casserole. Staff is great, service is great and lady who cooks came out to table to see how we liked our meals. What more can you ask for.