Villas Market — Attraction in Milwaukie

Decided to try out a new place closer to me to get supplies for a tamalada instead of my usual place (Tortilleria de Leon), and wish I hadn’t.

The good: very friendly staff, excellent quality on their products, great bakery.

The bad: you definitely pay for the quality. Everything was 1.5-2x more expensive, and they don’t have a lot of options. Worse, they forgot to fill my masa order and ruined a weekend’s worth of work and a lot of food.

I put in an order for 50 lbs of masa preparada for tamales a week early and prepaid. When I showed up at 10 am to pick up my order, receipt in hand, the very nice guy behind the counter at the deli looked worried and got on the phone for a while. Either the order had never been called in to their supplier (4 Hermanas) or the supplier forgot to deliver it. Either way, the best they could do is to give me 60 lbs of masa for tortillas instead and a cash discount for the difference in retail price (which I spent on some very tasty pan dulce).

We spent all day trying to fix that masa but never could get it light enough to float no matter how much baking powder we added or how much we mixed it by hand, but I had a bunch of family over and 700 hojas soaked so we decided to try it anyway. We finally got about 250 made up and steaming before everyone had to go and while the flavor was good, the masa still turned out flat and rubbery. At that point we’d already been at it for 9 hours so we decided to freeze the rest of the meat and chile until we could get some proper masa and can get enough people back together to make them.

I ended up with 250 embarrassing tamales instead of 600 good ones that we had planned on and a bunch of wasted (and expensive!) masa and hojas, not to mention the days of work for nothing. That’s what I get for trying...

My go-to spot for tamales and more. It's hidden gem on 82nd!

I've come to love Villas Market's deli more and more with every visit. I can honestly say this is now my go-to place whenever I'm craving Mexican food in Portland. After a 3-year search for the perfect tamales in PDX, my hunt ended here.

Villas Market quickly became my favorite for delicious, flavorful tamales with just the right balance of masa to meat, just exactly how l like them.

Last week, they still lived up to my expectations. I had the mojarra frita, and it was juicy and fried to perfection. My friends ordered the fish and al pastor tacos (three tacos per order), and both said they completely hit the spot. We asked for extra lime a few times, and the staff was generous and accommodating. The papaya fresca was a refreshing bonus, not too sweet, just right.

Quick note: Yelp lists this as a "Convenience Store," which doesn't do it justice. It's a full grocery store with a deli, fresh-baked bread and pastries, and made-to-order Mexican food that's bursting with flavor.

Things to know before you visit: It's located on a very busy stretch of 82nd Ave with limited parking, so getting in can be a little tricky. You'll exit through a back road. Most of the staff speak Spanish, so be ready to practice yours, or point, order, and smile your way through ordering. It's all part of the charm. There's indoor seating with plenty of tables, and a few outdoor tables facing the bustle of 82nd.

The store itself is spacious, clean, and well-organized. I haven't shopped much of the grocery side yet. I keep coming back for the hot food and pastries, and they never let me down.

Go check them out. Don't let the humble exterior fool you. This place is...

As an avid food enthusiast, I recently had the pleasure of visiting Villas Market, a remarkable Hispanic foods market that left an indelible impression on me. From the moment I stepped in, I was greeted by the warm and friendly staff, setting the tone for a delightful shopping experience.

The cleanliness of the store is immediately noticeable, reflecting their commitment to providing a pleasant environment for shoppers. But what truly sets Villas Market apart is its vast selection of goods. The highlight for me was their amazing meat counter, boasting an impressive variety of cuts. The pre-seasoned meats, perfect for carnitas and fajitas, were a standout, showcasing the authenticity and care put into their offerings.

The vegetables and produce section was another delight. Not only were the prices incredibly reasonable, but the way they were attractively displayed made the shopping experience even more enjoyable. It's evident that Villas Market takes pride in the quality and presentation of their products.

The in-store hot deli case and sit-down restaurant add another layer of convenience and charm to this market. It's a perfect spot for grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely meal. I must mention the chicharron en verde and the chili relleno - they were, without a doubt, some of the best I've ever had. Coming from an 'old fat man' who loves his food, that's high praise indeed!

Villas Market is not just a store; it's a culinary adventure. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a casual cook, this market has something to offer for everyone. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for quality Hispanic foods and a delightful...