In Portland, there’s almost no limit to what you can find here! Tacos definitely fall under this category as well. Why are we talking about tacos, you might be wondering. Because National Taco Day is Thursday, October 4th! We would never want to leave you high and dry, check out these Portland spots for a taco on #NationalTacoDay
Bayside Bowl Rooftop Bar: 58 Alder Street, Portland
If you’re a taco lover and you haven’t made it to Bayside Bowl’s rooftop bar, you’re doing it wrong! Seriously, the tacos coming out of their Airstream trailer are too legit to quit. They aren’t exactly “traditional” but a good taco doesn’t need to be. We love the pork taco featuring a chipotle and coffee braised pork shoulder, cabbage, pickled red onion, and mustard aioli. Feeling sweet instead of savory? The ice cream tacos from the Frisky Whisk are sure to be a hit as well! We have it on good authority that the rooftop will be open on National Taco Day since there’s an event to watch the Patriots vs. Colts game on their Facebook page.
Taco Trio: 119 Ocean Street, South Portland
Okay, we might be cheating just a little since Taco Trio is located in South Portland. But there used to be a Portland location, so it’s close enough! With the name taco in the name, we always have high expectations, and Taco Trio hits the spot. These are some authentic tacos, with fillings like carne asada (grilled marinated steak), pollo con mole (marinated chicken topped with mole sauce and Mexican cheese and chorizo. Not a fan of meat? You can still get tasty tacos! Try out the espinaca and champiñones (spinach, mushrooms, and herbs) if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
Taco Escobarr: 548 Congress Street, Portland
It just cannot be a coincidence that National Taco Day happens on a day with happy hour (M-F from 4 pm-7 pm) too at Taco Escobarr. Don’t even get us started on how great this happy hour is. $5.00 margaritas are definitely one of the best deals in town. That being said, the tacos at Taco Escobar do not disappoint! We’re especially partial to the puffy taco, which is a fancy way of saying it’s basically a deep fried taco. This is not for those weak at heart, but it is a whole lot of taco! Combine it with spicy chorizo, or if you’re feeling really adventurous, try the Lengua (slow-braised cow tongue) in your taco. Taco Escobarr was made for National Taco Day, so make sure you get there early because it will fill up fast!
Locally Sauced: 4 Thompson’s Point #107, Portland
For a long time, finding Locally Sauced was like getting a glimpse of a dog walking around on its hind legs-extremely rare! With the opening of their brick and mortar restaurant on Thompson’s Point, there’s a lot more than burritos to try. You thought the burrito cart was good? Well, several employees here at PWC will tell you-the tacos at Locally Sauced are even better! Yes, we didn’t think it was possible either, but it’s true! Who is going to say no to an excuse to do #ThirstyThursday right at Thompson’s Point and get a taco on National Taco Day while completing the Thompson’s Point bar crawl? Yeah, that’s what we thought.
El Rayo Taqueria: 26 Free Street, Portland
Look, there’s definitely plenty to love at El Rayo’s Portland location. Before a Mammoth’s game or one of the many concerts at the Cross Insurance Arena, it’s the perfect place to go! And don’t even get us started on the generous margaritas, because they are beyond amazing. Oh and yes, they make a killer taco too! Try something different on National Taco Day and get the taco that is sure to blow your taste buds away: the Seta, with portobello and crimini mushrooms, monterey jack cheese, crema, rajas, grilled corn salsa and shredded lettuce. Or you could just go all in and get the Taco plate which gives you your choice of any two tacos served with rice and black beans! And it’s only $11.95. Talk about a steal! We love you, El Rayo, please promise to never leave.
Margaritas: 242 St. John Street, Portland
We’re still scratching our heads wondering who decided National Taco Day should be on a Thursday. Seriously, that was a missed opportunity to have National Taco Day on #TacoTuesday instead. Anyway. Margaritas had to be included on this list because they brought back their Taco Gigante! No big deal, it’s just a massive 2-pound taco. The shell along is a foot long and it’s stuffed with chicken, ground beef, pork carnitas, bacon, refried beans, and way more. The best part? If you finish it in one sitting, you’ll win free tacos from Margaritas for a whole year! Challenge accepted.
We’ve given you the tools you need, now go out and eat some tacos on National Taco Day!
