¡Chayo! — Restaurant in Portland

You could say this review is biased because I work on Division. You could also say I'm qualified to write this review based on the sheer number of Sonoran hot dogs & Gringas I've consumed since they opened.

As the daughter of Mexican nationals, my standards for Mexican food, or Mexican-fusion are quite high. I am often disappointed by Portland's take on Mexican which lacks the flavor & depth achieved through traditional techniques. Most of the go-to places in the area cater towards an American palate, and I am often left wanting to call mi mamá for some comida casera (home cooking).

!Chayo! is different.

With a nod at his Jalisco roots, the owner creates some of the most savory Mexican bites I've had in PDX.

My current favorite: the Ay Chihuahua hot dog. Similar to the bacon-wrapped Sonoran dog everyone raves about but with the delicious addition of expertly grilled carne asada, pickled jalapenos, caramelized onions, an incredibly vibrant pico de gallo slaw, and a homemade avocado salsa (delicious enough to rival my dad's). Portions are generous and leave you pleasantly satisfied. "Barriga llena- corazón contento" as mi mamá always says.

To be clear. This is not exactly "traditional" Mexican- nor is it trying to be.

This is the meticulous creation of someone who very much learned traditional cooking from their mamá, and took it to the next level.

It's an invitation to experience a little slice of this family's heritage. You just have to be willing to...

HOLLY MOTHER OF YUM!!! I watched a food cart show on Netflix that highlighted a food card across the street but when I got there luckily they were closed on Wednesdays. so I looked on Google and found directly across the street ¡Chayo! and let me tell you, there's a reason why this place has nothing but five stars. I'm a big guy I love my food I eat out a lot and I'm going to tell you this is amazing food. I had the gringa and it absolutely blew me away. I live an hour away and I will be back for more food. my wife absolutely loved her El Rey tacos but I can't really speak to those as I didn't eat them because they were gone before I had a chance and besides I was too focused on my own meal :-) if you're still reading this review please know I can't say enough good things about it the people are amazing the food is beyond reproach and if you don't stop by soon you are denying yourself.......

I absolutely loved my steak sandwhich I had last night! The sandwhich was not only stuffed, but it was filled with the perfect proportion of meat to vegetables. I appreciated how it had a lot of flavor but not overwhelming to the point where it takes away from that classic cheese steak flavor! I also wanted to mention it was filled with steak bits and not the usual shredded type of steak which I thought was neat and made the sandwhich feel a “level above.” I hadn’t eaten all day so I was able to finish my sandwich, but its definitely a reasonable “meal” for $16, and I felt full but not bloated afterwards! Great food, cooked and handled with care and precision 😊 I...