Pepino's Fresh Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Portland

I really don't like to give one star reviews but I feel like Pepino's on Hawthorne has really sunk in every way and there are MUCH better options out there. While their tacos are pretty solid, the place is always filthy. Chips on the floor, tables sticky with leftover food, drinks spilled everywhere--I promise this is not hyperbole either. For the last handful of times we've been in it's been like this and I keep thinking maybe it's an "off night", but it can't keep being off. The counter staff has gotten our order wrong many times over (and the order is not special--it's just straight off the menu). I have had to ask half of the time for silverware because nothing is ever clean. The salsa bar is filthy, the floor is sticky, and the counter staff is often on their phones in the corner when they could be cleaning up tables.

Tonight was especially bad when I went to pick up our order. The guy at the counter keyed things in wrong but I didn't realize it until I went to pick it up. They shorted us a taco and so I politely let them know what we were missing. The lady making food looked at the ticket and said, "It says you ordered three, not four, so you can pay for another one and then I'll make it." I explained that I repeated my order multiple times and it was still apparently keyed in wrong (I should have checked my ticket, but again, why is that MY job? Especially at a place where I ordered at a counter, pick up my own order, and bus my own table). I stayed calm but she kept insisting that I pay for it and that it was my fault. I then let her know (calmly) that I found this to be pretty poor customer service and she then called for someone to come talk to me, who never did, and then proceeded to ignore me.

We grabbed to-go boxes and went home from there and we will never be going back.

For those interested, here are some other great taco places in town with better customer service, food, cleanliness: --Por Que No --Tight Tacos --Matt's BBQ

TLDR; Go elsewhere. You might get sick eating here, the staff is intolerably incompetent, and the food is only so-so compared to other places in town. I'm a local who believes in giving different establishments multiple chances, so you...

If you're attending a concert at the Hawthorne, you're more than likely to end up stopping in for lunch, or at least a margarita, before your show (sadly, they're usually not open late enough for post-concert grub). You're even likely to run into your favorite band's members here, if you're lucky.

That's not the only reason to like Pepino's, though: they make some damn fine Mexican food, quick, fresh, and some seriously sizeable portions. Heck, I ordered just three tacos, and they came with enough carne asada to fill an entire fourth taco (or more); I had to grab a fork to scoop it all together and finish it! Coupled with an excellent salsa bar, you can customize your order to your taste, and heat level.

Staff are friendly, and FAST: my order ended up sitting on the counter for a couple minutes, because I wasn't paying attention, and didn't think there was any way it could be ready yet. Interior decor is lively and colorful without being gaudy, and has always been clean and tidy, even when they get busy. The only thing confusing to me (at first) was where to toss my trash and tray, as there aren't any garbage cans in sight. However, there are signs that clarify that you just put everything in the bus bins, and the staff will take care of sorting the trash, recycling, and reclaiming the trays. Very convenient, and thoughtful of them!

You don't have to be going to a concert at the Hawthorne to need a reason to come to Pepino's; they're great enough to stand on their own, and be a destination unto themselves. Anyone looking for fast, fresh, delicious Mexican food, served by friendly staff in a fiesta-like atmosphere can't go wrong with this place! Very...

I needed catering for a work luncheon for 70 people and the original company we hired backed out 48 hours before the event. I contacted Pepino's and they saved the day! Their food was GREAT, their service was PERFECT and everyone was so friendly. I requested delivery at 11:00am and they had everything delivered and set up for us by 11:03. The cold foods were cold and fresh and the hot foods were hot and fresh. We had some folks observing Passover, so we asked for some extra lettuce so they could make a salad. Well, Pepino's went above and beyond and made a lovely salad with tomatoes, etc., already in it. A very lovely and thoughtful accommodation! They provided plates, napkins and serving utensils. Everyone who attended the luncheon raved about the food and wanted to know where it was from. I think Pepino's will have a lot of new customers from this event! Thank...