Taco Pedaler — Restaurant in Portland

This eclectic little restaurant was a delightful surprise. On our way to the Oregon symphony, our original choice for dinner spot had a wait list that wouldn't work for to getting to our date night concert. The Taco Pedaler was a block down the street, so headed over. The shop was so delightfully painted on the outside, and walking in, we were quickly enjoying the random found objects hanging on the walls, the industrial light fixtures, and the low ceiling with exposed framing. The employee working the font of house, was very friendly, and excited that Two people who were dressed for the symphony and clearly on a date had stopped in. We each ordered the carne asada burrito special. And we made our way to noe of the small tables in the dining room. After a couple minutes of hand holding and giddy banter, the employee came out with a small tea light and delightfully told us that he was so happy that we were there. He then turned down the house lighting. The other sets of people inside didn't seem to mind. Once the food arrived, we were amazed by how massive the burritos were. They were stuffed full of tasty meat, beans, rice, a cabbage slaw and Pico. With us only being able to eat half of our food, we were given items to wrap up our leftovers, and we are so glad that we took them. It's now the next afternoon, and we are enjoying what we brought home and reminiscing of our great night out and how lucky we were to walk into the...

Eh. Problematic. We sat down, ordered and paid for our food and drinks through the app as directed by QR code signage. About 15 minutes later the server came out to inform us she would take our order but we couldn't eat it there. She was surprised when we said we'd ordered and then came back a few minutes later stating the system doesn't work after a certain hour which wasn't posted anywhere. When the food finally arrived, we felt weird and uncomfortable. I ordered a margarita that was $10.50. "it's in the bag" she said. Um it was like a tiny bottle, literally 8 oz and not really that cold. The three stars are because the food was good. Just good. Probably made worse by the unceremonious kick to the curb for flaws in their digital service model that wasn't our fault. I'm salty about it because I've really enjoyed the food there before. The server though friendly was also really dismissive and hurried. I wouldn't feel comfortable eating there again. When a server doesn't acknowledge you and you're part of a vulnerable population it's complicated not to take it personally and especially when you've been told you can't stay. Meh....

The BEST taco place around Portland, hands down - homemade tortillas, actual street style tacos, and all the meats are cooked and seasoned to perfection every time! I can't even pick the best meat here like every single other taco place - carnitas is generally my go-to, but their chicken is cooked to perfection where it has the perfect char yet melts in your mouth... This is the only place I order tacos with chicken. Combined with the great staff, chill atmosphere, and the option of all the homemade salsas and sauces just make this place extra special and so satisfying every time. When I'm missing central America, this place hits the spot every time (and when I'm in central America, sometimes I miss these tacos!!). The food even suits my gluten free, dairy free, and low fodmap diet. But seriously, everything down to the beans and rice... There's something special about this place and food that will keep me a fan forever! I highly, highly suggest this place. Keep it up Taco Pedaler crew!!!

Ps - you can also discover fun finds in the mini neon gift shop. Plants, cards, and more...