Ocotillo — Restaurant in Portland

My girlfriend and I just this morning went to ocotillo for the second time. We actually scheduled our entire trip to Maine based off of this restaurant. The first time we went the food was phenomenal. I mean just 10/10. The meat was juicing the cornbread was buttery and soft and delicious. This time, the food was beyond subpar for the hype around this restaurant. We got the cow poke plate and the smoked haddock Benedict, a side of brisket and a side of cornbread. BEWARE, THE SUBSITUTE FOR BRISKET IS ONLY A SINGLE SLICE. the brisket was beyond dry and oxidized like it had been left out under a heat lamp for 6 or 7 hours. I know it's leftover brisket. That's fine. But it keeps it moist for Christ sake. The cornbread, what we literally bought a hotel room for, was so dry that I choked. I had to gobble up my watery horchata cold brew just to not have a medical emergency at the table. The beans in the cow poke plate were clearly from a can, and if they weren't, whoever's recipe that is has got to be thrown out. The smoked haddock Benedict was not only not smoky, it only tasted like bell peppers. The only good things we got, were the eggs. Cooked great. And the cactus juice or whatever the hell it's called. That little juicer is delicious. Staff was great. Atmosphere very cool. We will not be coming back.

Message to ocotillo. Lock back in. We scheduled a trip around you and some goshdarn trolls. And the trolls put you to shame.

Included the photo, I mean if you're ok with serving this,...

Yes. Yes. Yes! Portland has desperately needed more brunch places, and Ocotillo has blown it out of the park with its brunch/breakfast offerings. I’m so glad I dined here right after they opened because I feel they’re about to be one of Portland’s hottest breakfast spots. We just don’t have anything else like it in town.

Southwestern influence in Portland? Say less. When I stepped inside, I felt like I was in a terracotta-hued daydream with New Mexico vibes. The space at Ocotillo was simply a feast for my eyes — you could tell that every element was meticulously designed. The velvety orange booths, the plants, and the art wall all work perfectly together without it feeling like they’re trying too hard. It felt authentic.

The menu was impressive and extensive. They offer everything: soups, salads, tacos, plates, and sandwiches. I want to go back and try it all. I ordered the Terlingua Brisket Hash, and holy moly, talk about a tasty brunch plate. The poached eggs and brisket were perfectly cooked. I topped it with their homemade hot sauce and just couldn’t get enough of it. Also, their coffee was phenomenal.

The service was also excellent, but I think my favorite thing about Ocotillo is that they made their menu accessible. I checked, and all plates are under $20. Given the location, quality, and experience, this is a great deal in Portland, and I hope they remain affordable through the years.

I think I may have just found my new favorite...

The service here is really bad. I went once when they first opened and had a good experience. We tried to go a few weekends ago and the restaurant was empty but they told us it would be over a two hour wait. This weekend we planned ahead and made a reservation, or so I thought. We accidentally had made the reservation for Monday instead of Sunday. I tried to first call to let the restaurant know we were running late but got an AI automated system and couldn’t get to a real person. Then I went to test the automated text that confirmed the reservation and that’s when I realized it was for the wrong day. I called again and got a person who sounded like a juvenile and couldn’t really offer a solution, which I understand, but had trouble answering any questions I asked. Several times she had to ask someone in the background who sounded like a sassy man with an attitude problem. In the end, she juvenile adopted his attitude and said “well hopefully you come in but we can’t help you over the phone” and hung up. I can empathize with not being able to add another table but the combination of the rude tone, not being able to speak to a person, talking in the background for coaching, and being told a two hour wait previously I really think this place should reconsider how they...