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There has been much hype for Portland’s newest Mex destination.  It is well worth it.  This gas station turned brightly colored restaurant is the best Mexican food going.  The seemingly awkward location is actually quite ideal.  Away from the crowded streets of the Old Port and abutting the more industrial side of town.  Glimpses of the working water front can be had from the picnic tables (with padded benches) out front.  The menu is straight forward.  I can personally only vouch for the fish tacos (it takes 3 to make a proper lunch), but my dining companions were nodding in improvement of their meals as well.  El Rayo has ended the good Mexican food drought in this town.  The owner mentioned that they have been a bit overwhelmed by the crowds surging in for lunch, comparing it to being born and then immediately turning 21.  The response has been so overwhelming that they shut down dinner for the past week or so.  Dinner service is back tonight, just in time for First Friday.  Go there.  Go there now.
 


Comments

Sad Mexican

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 22:00:02

This is not even a distant cousin of a taqueria. It is not authentic, made for people who prefer Margarita's type food, and is over the top expensive. Given the dire need for hip/authentic/ethnic food we all wanted to love it. The media has tried to carry their water. In the end if a real authentic group of Mexican cooks opened up a "real" taco shack w/i a block El Rayo would go back to selling gas. Sorry...we wanted to love you but instead go insulted by your prices, portions, and lack of authenticity.

 

JR

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 06:17:22

Is it the best Mexican food north of the border? No. Is it the best in Portland? By far. While it may not be the perfect replication of what you find in Mexico, it is far and above better than Margarita's. I think the tacos were in the $3 range. Does not feel too $$.

 

Trevor

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:12:18

I'm so excited by what has been done here and the fact there is a new place outside of Portland's 'restaurant zone' that I'm on the fence if I can overlook the fact that it's a little for a lot. While there is nothing inherently wrong with the food nothing really pops.Of course that's just my opinion, my wife didn't even finish her chicken burrito. Will I be going back? Probably not, you just go ahead and ask my wife if she wants to flush another $7 down the toilet and see where it gets you.

 



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