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El Cantarito Restaurant & Bar in Oregon

Discover El Cantarito Restaurant & Bar in Portland, OR. Enjoy authentic Mexican menu, cocktails, dine-in or takeout. Check hours, reviews, and location here.

4.4 243 reviews $10–20 Mexican Restaurant American · Southern

735 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97204, United States

FoodPlacee Passport United States · Oregon · 78698
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El Cantarito Restaurant & Bar

Portland, Oregon, USA

Chips and Guac Shredded Meat Tostadas Horchata Moscow Mule
Rating★ 4.4 / 5
Price$10–20
CategoryMexican Restaurant
Today 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Overview

About This Food Place

El Cantarito Restaurant & Bar is a warm and inviting Mexican restaurant located in the heart of Portland, OR. Known for combining authentic Mexican flavors with a cozy atmosphere, it serves a diverse menu that includes classic platters, vegan dishes, and standout cocktails. Guests can expect fast and friendly service in a casual setting perfect for both solo diners and groups alike.

This Latino-owned establishment offers a welcoming environment with accessibility features and kid-friendly amenities. Whether craving a quick bite or a sit-down meal accompanied by happy hour specials, El Cantarito caters to a variety of dining preferences with delivery, takeout, and dine-in options available.

Gallery

Photos from El Cantarito Restaurant & Bar

Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.

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Local favorites

Why People Come Here

A popular spot in downtown Portland known for its fast service, cozy atmosphere, and flavorful Mexican dishes.

Fast Service

Enjoy quick and attentive service perfect for lunch breaks or casual dinners.

Great Cocktails

Signature cocktails and happy hour specials add a vibrant touch to the dining experience.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

A cozy and casual venue welcoming families and groups with kid-friendly menus and high chairs available.

Accessible & Convenient

Wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms plus nearby paid parking options.

Central Location

Located at 735 SW 1st Ave in Portland's bustling area, ideal for downtown dining or a quick bite to go.

Highly Rated Mexican Cuisine

Consistently praised for authentic dishes like Barbacoa Plate and Fish Tacos by local diners.

Varied Menu Options

Offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus vegetarian, vegan, and small plates, accommodating diverse tastes.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

El Cantarito is a versatile spot ideal for enjoying authentic Mexican dishes at any time of the day, accompanied by expertly crafted cocktails and a welcoming vibe.

A perfect destination for those seeking flavorful Mexican food in a cozy setting, offering fast service and a diverse menu that satisfies comfort food cravings, vegan preferences, and cocktail lovers alike. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Family-Friendly Meals

With a kid-friendly menu and high chairs available, this casual space welcomes families looking for delightful Mexican dishes in a comfortable setting.

Lunch Break Favorites

Quick service and hearty burritos make it an excellent choice for a satisfying midday meal or solo dining experience.

Happy Hour & Cocktails

Enjoy expertly mixed drinks and happy hour specials that pair perfectly with small plates and comfort food offerings in the cozy bar atmosphere.

Takeout & Delivery

Busy days call for convenient takeout or delivery options, ensuring the authentic flavors of El Cantarito reach guests wherever they are.

Reservation-Friendly Evenings

Planning dinner with friends or family is simple here with available reservations, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.

Best for

Lunch Dinner Solo dining Family-friendly Quick service Takeout Happy hour Reservations

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.

ZR
Zoe Ridenour 1 month ago

"Food is delicious, quick lunch service and Elizabeth was sweet and helpful for my first time eating here."

RN
Ren Nicole 2 month ago

"Very cute and clean mexican restaurant that also has a restroom for guests. We were seated immediately and got served quickly. It gives family owned vibes and our waiter was cool. The prices are comparable to nearby restaurants, but the quality of meats is exceptional. The nachos were fresh and the burrito was huge. Thanks!"

AMS
Aaliyah Mumtaz Said 2 month ago

"Beautiful clean modern interior design & amazing food!!!! We stayed for a few hours eating & enjoying some of their signature cocktails. They even have HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS. The staff is so kind & friendly. I love this restaurant!!! It's definitely become our new favorite place to get great Mexican food."

PB
Philip Bacon 2 month ago

"So great! No wait Food and margaritas were delish! Great service. Perfect portions. We will be back!!!!!"

EF
Elisha F 2 month ago

"First time dining at this delicious restaurant, and it certainly won’t be our last! The food was fantastic, and Elizabeth was incredibly kind and attentive, making sure we felt welcomed and well taken care of throughout our visit. We truly appreciated her warm hospitality and can’t wait to come back!"

MM
Marianne Mobley 2 month ago

"Everything was fantastic, I highly recommend the hibiscus margaritas and the lenguia tacos. The staff was incredibly friendly."

KC
Kassondra Carvalho 3 month ago

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I ordered a hot tea — they had a great selection — along with a shot of the purple Empress gin. A really nice start. I’m always on the lookout for a good mole, and their seasonal pollo en mole is now easily one of my top finds. The portion was generous, the chicken perfectly shredded, and the mole sauce was rich, savory, and just the right amount of spicy. The tortillas, rice, and beans rounded it out really well. For $23, it felt like a great value. They also have some beautiful plants in the window, and very cute spot set up for photos right now, which made the visit even nicer. Photos included in my review post."

JN
Jesus N 4 month ago

"Was nervous when I walked in and I was the only one there, but the food did not disappoint! This place is as authentic as you can get. Had the menudo and tamales de rajas and both were amazing, like my mother would make at home. Margarita definitely hit the spot. Happy to support Mexican family run businesses"

Visit info

When to Visit

Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.

Today Open now · until 9:00 PM
Weekly hours
Monday 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.

Best time to visit

Open daily from 10 AM to 9 PM, this Mexican restaurant suits both casual lunches and cozy dinner outings.

Weekday lunch for quick service Evening happy hour specials Family and group dining anytime Visits typically last 45 min to 1.5 hours Reservations accepted for stress-free planning

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to El Cantarito Restaurant & Bar in Oregon .

Address 735 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97204, United States
Phone +1 503-946-8573
Area Oregon
Call Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find answers to common questions about El Cantarito Restaurant & Bar, including dining options, menu highlights, and accessibility features.

El Cantarito provides dine-in, takeout, and delivery options. Guests can enjoy meals on-site or order for convenient pickup or delivery. Service availability may vary.

Yes, the restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating to accommodate guests with mobility needs.

Open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, El Cantarito offers consistent hours throughout the week. Hours may be subject to change on holidays or special occasions.

Vegan and vegetarian choices are available, including items like the Vegan Burrito and Tofu A La Mexicana, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

Reservations are accepted for guests planning their visit. Payment methods include credit and debit cards as well as NFC mobile payments for convenience.

Popular dishes include Chips and Guac, Shredded Meat Tostadas, Horchata, Moscow Mule, Michelada, Fish Tacos, Small Nachos, and Barbacoa Plate. Menu items and availability can change.

Paid parking options include a parking lot and street parking near the location, making it easier for guests arriving by car.

For owners

Own or manage this food place?

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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.