Don Jose Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Portland

Based on the previous reviews I was a little concerned about food and service. I saw reviews that said horrible service, not true. Saw some reviews that just authentic to a restaurant experience. This is the newest restaurant in Portland and it was and is needed. So yeah there are going to be some hiccups and frustrations with service. I have driven by plenty and the parking lot is full. So my experience wasn't baised at all. The only almost compliant I have is the chips offered are a little thicker than normal. Food is just what it's supposed to be great portions and definitely a value for your money. I had the Portland burrito,all of the meat was cooked to perfection. I also had the Tacos Locos, the carnitas, carne asada, and chorizo absolutely delicious,add the sauce provided (only if you okay with a little heat) and you are in for a treat. Will I go again? Absolutely!!!! Will I recommend? Ummm,heck yeah. Keep working out the kinks and you will be very successful.

• Update** Now for the second time I have been. The food and service were excellent. Full parking lot and MLive articles are a very good reason.......

We stopped here on an out of town trip. There is a river that cuts through the city of Portland and this little Mexican restaurant sits right on the river. If you are lucky, you can get a table that overlooks the river.

You are greeted with a warm basket of chips amd an adorable bottle of mild salsa. It’s addictive.

I ordered a margarita on the rocks and sucked it down embarrassingly fast. It was not too sweet, salty with a wedge of orange garnish.

I ordered the chicken chimichangas. They were delivered on a scalding hot platter with guacamole, rice, beans and creme fresh. I could have easily scarfed it all down, but I controlled myself and took half home as leftovers. My hubby got a taco salad. It also was delicious.

The bathroom was clean and tidy. Extra kudos for that!

The only downside to this cute little place was the parking. The lot is small, cramped and scary. When you enter the lot, use the entrance right by the front door of the restaurant. The lot is narrow and it is not obvious at first that it is one-way tightly angled parking.

Overall, great choice for...

We finally had time to give this new restaurant a try, and we were very glad that we did. We did not have to wait very long for dinner on a Sunday evening, around 6:30pm, from greeting to boxing up and heading out it took maybe 25 minutes total, and there were not very many empty tables. The prices are in line with most restaurants right now, the water tastes great, and the atmosphere was fresh and clean. Chips were nice and the salsa, though a bit sweet for my taste, was of a fine consistency and much appreciated while waiting for our food. We had the Don Jose fajitas and the Chicken Chimichanga - both came quickly and were very hot. Not too spicy either. We will definitely be returning the next time we have a craving for...