Nellys taqueria LLC — Restaurant in Portland

Hidden away among the Valhalla of Mexican Mercados with its well stocked Isles and amazing pastries is this charming and friendly little restaurant. The gentleman at the counter was approachable and engaging, and I felt welcome, regardless of my inability to speak Spanish or my extreme eccentric whiteness. Honestly, this is not always the case in Mexican Mercados That seemed to cater primarily to the Latino community.

I asked the gentleman at the counter what he recommended and we settled on the Carnitas burrito with a side of chips and salsa. The chips were great and the salsa was fine, but then we must come to that bundle of meat and rice known as the burrito.

As much as I wanted to love the food here, I have to say I was disappointed. The Carnitas burrito was bland. I don’t think I’ve ever had a Carnitas burrito that was not savory and spicy.. The meat seemed somewhat soggy and unspiced. maybe I hit an off day, or just ordered the wrong thing, but I was disappointed and surprised.

I suppose it comes down to the meat. It just didn’t taste like Carnitas at all. If I happen to be in the neighborhood I will most certainly stop at the Mercado, and as long as I am there, I might give Nellys a second chance. The place felt like it had potential and most of the reviews are great. Next time I might try something different or have a more comprehensive discussion with the server.

It’s like going out to the prom with the partner of your dreams, and not getting kissed. Or opening a present on Christmas and finding there is nothing in the box.

I get that taste buds are different, but this cannot be all there is. If I can get back there and have a better meal, I will eat, not only that, but my own words and will revisit...

Update: The owner now said they don't have a green enchilada sauce? Hmmm??

First visit: Sooooo Good. I had huevos rancheros and they were perfectly put together and perfectly cooked starting with the homemade corn tortillas that were tender and a little thicker to hold the structure of the dish perfectly! Layered with a flavorful green sauce and chunky smashed pinto beans, 2 perfectly cooked eggs, topped with a splash of spicy red sauce and cheese, this was probably the best and most creative huevos rancheros that I've eaten since moving to the Portland area from Yuma, Arizona. Did I mention this was a Perfectly executed breakfast! My husband had chilaquiles which he says were equally and creatively delicious. Gracious for the inspiring vegetarian and vegan menus too! Can't wait to share this food with our AZ and CA families when they...

Easily the best tacos around! As others have mentioned, the homemade corn tortillas are so fricken' good! I mean, everything is amazing! All of the meat is super tender and juicy, the seasoning is perfect, and their salsas are incredible! If their tacos were my last meal I would die a happy gal! SERIOUSLY WHY HAVE YOU NOT TRIED THEIR TACOS YET?!

Like honestly, if I left country for a bit, this is the food I'd miss. And when I got back, this is the first place I'd go! Mum's cooking can wait!

Seriously they're so good, I keep coming back to this review to write more because I feel I haven't conveyed how ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE...