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Acapulco's Gold
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
2608 NW Vaughn StPortland, OR 97210
Neighborhoods: Alphabet District, Northwest
(503) 220-0283
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
35 reviews for Acapulco's Gold
Review Highlights
-
"Best margaritas in town- hands down." In 18 reviews -
"...from eating too much of it and save room for my nachos." In 6 reviews -
"Pretty darn good Mexican food that is obviously gringo..." In 3 reviews
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35 reviews in English
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Review from Jason W.
Portland, OR
3/30/2012
I consider myself a nacho afficianado, and I would happily scarf down their nachos any time. The service is fast and no frills. This is a very cool, relaxed place to get a beer, hang out, and eat some good nachos.
-
Review from Katie D.
New York, NY
4/21/2012
Attention Portlanders: Do NOT ever ever EVER eat at Alcapulco's Gold. It's the dirtiest, nastiest restaurant I've ever been to. Aside from my beef taco potentially having antennas, everything was microwaved out of a can.
We went there because someone told us they had a good happy hour. I walked in and was like "omg I wonder If dirty dining has been here." The floorboards were filthy! They kept chips and salsa out on every table waiting for people to come sit down... Chips uncovered and salsa not covered or refrigerated. Although nice, but completely unprofessional...even our waitress was dirty!! She looked like she was in the back pulling weeds in between waiting tables. I don't know how they are still in business. I didn't order a drink but they must make strong ones. That's the only thing I can think of to keep people coming back.
This should be their motto: "Gettin' em' drunk so they don't notice the dirt!" -
Review from Jack D.
Portland, OR
9/11/2011
When you arrive at this restaurant, the chips and salsa are on every table in the place. Who knows for how long before customers start eating them: an hour, two hours, all day? Our chips were stale and I had to ask for another basket of fresh chips. The salsa is okay - even if a little bland.
Twenty five minutes after eating the Juarez burrito I got the squirts bad. I ordered my burrito "light" on the black beans and got a lot of black beans. This is because, they pre-prep their food and use a steam warmer to keep the pre-made dishes warm.
My gals dish was cold and the taco sauce tasted like watered down tomato soup.
They had a kids menu and the kids liked their meals but they are kids (aged 10 + 5) and kids meals.
The service was respectable and the waitress was great.
I will not go here again. And would not recommend this place to anyone....Listed in: Worst Restaurants In PDX
Comment from Christine S. of Acapulco's Gold 9/26/2011
Thank you for visiting Acapulco's Gold - I'm sorry to hear… More » -
Review from Chris S.
6/22/2011
Pretty darn good Mexican food that is obviously gringo-versions of Mexican cuisine, but well-executed. A nice stiff drink can be had, and when your serving staff isn't preoccupied, you can get both quickly and pretty inexpensively. I don't expect mi abuelita to walk out of the kitchen or anything, and so, with expectations firmly lowered, I can get a yummy, filling meal here. Note: This is a pleasant contrast to anything that the sister restaurant next door serves... owned by the same management, from what I understand, but miles different in quality.
I haven't had their margaritas, so I can't comment. There are a few comments regarding the salsa here, and I agree it is... interesting. More like diced tomato and onion were thrown in a rough-chop blender with cilantro and a hot pepper or two.
ORO (pro): Inexpensive, yummy & filling; good cocktails
PAYASADA (con): Staff is at time inattentive, salsa is... unique. -
Review from michele f.
Portland, OR
3/17/2011
If you like your margaritas to taste like candied raspberry syrup, this is the place for you. If you like your mexican food on the bland, americano side, lacking all flavor and ingenuity, this is the place for you.
But, if you're like me and want a veggie burrito stuffed with slow cooked, flavorful beans and roasted vegetables beyond red and green peppers, go elsewhere. . I hate to say it but I've had better mexican food at the Taco del Mar in Happy Valley.... BF wasn't very happy with his chicken tacos either (meat was ok but not the rest of the taco ingredients) and HATED the margarita we were supposed to share (but after just one sip I was completely repulsed and couldn't stomach any more). He left his $5 margarita practically untouched when we left. Think snowcone flavoring.
On the plus side, the service was excellent but that just can't make up for the mediocre food they offer at Acapulco's Gold. -
Review from Venerable V.
Portland, OR
7/4/2011
"I took a trip down to L'America. To trade some beads for a pint of gold." That lyric crossed my mind when I went here with a friend - the owners knew what they were doing when they named this...er...joint.
It's a no-frills, neighborhood Tex-Mex staple for her and we just wanted to chill, eat, drink some beer and hang out - which is exactly what we did.
The kitchen was actually shutting down when we ordered but the server took it upon herself to make us a gigantic quesadilla. Coupled with some Dos Equis and it's really all I could have asked for.
I wasn't looking to be blown away by anything - this is simply a neighborhood bar that's got a Mexican thing going on. I can appreciate that. It was a slow night which is why our nice server was able to accommodate us so. I'd totally come back. -
Review from Joshua A.
Portland, OR
12/18/2010 17 Check-ins Here
I have only been here a few times and only on my lunch break or after work waiting for the bus while having a beer. I have not been to the restaurant proper, I only go into the bar located in between the Mexican and barbecue restaurants. The bar has a very blue collar feel to it after closing time and the service is a bit on the overly familiar side for my taste. I don't want to joke around and enjoy the company of the bartender(s) at a place I only frequent for lack of local competition. The area is very sparsely served with really good options for lunch, but the prices are typically pretty darn good.
I don't know how someone couldn't like the salsa here. I love it. It's good AND free? Okay! The chips are really good by themselves as well, perfectly sized and they seem to be made on site so that is another plus. The food is nothing special. Good enough to wolf down and head back to the grind. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here though.
Mediocre food and limited draft beer selection makes me sad, but low prices compensate pretty well. -
Review from Amanda K.
12/26/2010
YAY! I love this place. Not necessarily because of the service, or the food, or the atmosphere. I love this place because it's a neighborhood joint. And the only way to break down my loves and whines about this place is in a Pro's and Con's fashion.
Pros!
-The mexican food is pretty good. I love the option for artichoke hearts as a filling. The enchiladas are good, if a bit heavy but you definitely get your money's worth. The pinto beans suck but the black beans are yummy. Something tastes weird about the shredded chicken. The peasant plate is great if you want simple mexi food but can't decide on a combo dinner.
-You can order off the Slabtown BBQ menu on the bar side!! This was super good news for me, as I try to avoid establishments where young children can also be seated. I like to enjoy my margaritas without the sounds of screeching kids. The BBQ is honest and decent. Pulled pork sandwich comes on a toasted bun and is quite enjoyable. The macaroni could use more "real cheese" or less milk; it kind of tastes like white cheddar Kraft mac or something. Collard greens are tangy and laced with onions and meatables. The vinegar/mustard-based BBQ sauce option is the best!
-Alisha, the bartender. She's fun, friendly, FAST, and leaves you alone when she can sense you want to sip your drink in peace. All the things I love and adore in a good bartender.
Cons!
-The service is kind of hit or miss. Aside from the previous mentioned gal, the other bartenders I've encountered have either been spacey and unattentive, or extremely loud and obnoxious and get this scared/startled/annoyed look on her face when I ask her for a drink, etc. Or forgets to give me chips and salsa. Or messes up my margarita order somehow. Or forgets to put my meal order in COMPLETELY. This is one girl in particular and to boot, she swears like a sailor. I thought MY language was bad when i'm serving, but she makes me look classy!
-Sometimes they run out of the BBQ items during dinner, but this is to be expected of BBQ joints. Once they sell their offerings of the day, that's it! It's easier to get the full menu on early weeknights.
Overall, I really like this place. I just have those rare bad nights of service here, and they're easy to overlook when there's so much to like about this place. -
Review from Melissa P.
Portland, OR
10/3/2008 1 photo
2 star food. 4 star margaritas.
Negative stars for my friends subsequent food born pathogen.
Postive starts for a friendly honest server.
Negative stars for manteca rice
Positive stars for cheapness.
Drink it up here, don't eat. -
Review from Ana M.
6/27/2009
Let me begin by breaking the myth around the Margaritas that are served here. I specifically picked this place off yelp due to all the Marg hype, but I was left with something to be desired. I ordered a pitcher because it's the most bang for you buck. Not so much in this case. You get about 4 margaritas and pay about a dollar less then you would have had you just ordered them normally. They weren't anything special..or strong. You normally get an extra margarita or two out of the pitcher I was a little bummer, but on to the food !
I ordered the enchilada plate. Here they give you a whole list of fillings and you choose which one you want in what you orders, I love choices. I settled on one artichoke and one spicy beef ( the waitress said that was the best one ). They had the option of soyrizo for an extra dollar and other veggie options which I thought was nice. My food was great! I had never had artichoke enchiladas, but I plan to much more in the future. Normally after eating a enchilada combo I feel like a fat ass but the artichoke was refreshing.
A glutton at heart, I ordered a slice of margarita cheese cake. I was 100% stuffed but I'd never heard of that before and as a margarita enthusiast I couldn't in good faith pass it up... In retrospect I could have because it wasn not so much margarita as it was just plain lime. Good, but not what I was hoping for.
Solid Mexican food. I ate here a week ago and completely forgot I had, it just didn't leave an impression on me whatsoever. I'd go back, but only for the artichoke option.Comment from Christine S. of Acapulco's Gold 9/8/2009
FYI - the margarita cheesecake has Herradura Silver tequila,… More » -
Review from Cora P.
12/6/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I'm a fan of their tamales...not a fan of their salsa and there's something weird about the cheese they use- it puts a film on your teeth that can only be removed by margarita, which isn't always an option. In fact, I think most of their food is designed to make you want a margarita. That's probably a solid business plan.
It's a decent lunch spot if you're in the area, and a great happy hour spot all the time. -
Review from Lindsay S.
Portland, OR
10/8/2009
This place is so random!
Little NW 26th and Vaughn has a dive mexican/bar/restaurant! Who woulda thought!? I seriously was about to walk by it (dark interior, lack of signage exterior-specifically speaking of the bar area by the way) when I heard my name yelled from within the darkness! My friends were in this strange place! And why!?!?!
Anyhoo, on with the review....
I agree with Ana M, the margaritas were a little expensive and while they were good, they weren't mindblowing.There was so much ice in my glass that I questioned how many I would need to drink for a buzz....
The food was decent. The +1 and I enjoyed a blackened chicken quesadilla which was surprisingly good but nothing I would rave about.
The service was great. Our waitress was honest, fast and friendly.
It's worth a try if you're in the area but definitely not a first pick. -
Review from BoaBzOr B.
Portland, OR
2/24/2010
This is a pretty solid 3 star place, that I mostly only frequent because it's close to my job. It doesn't suck, but it's not real exciting either.
Good Stuff:
Free chips and salsa, and the salsa is actually pretty darn good
Huuuuuge nachos. If you want the most food for your dollar, definitely go for the nachos.
Strong, though not necessarily great, margaritas.
Weak Sauce:
In general, most of the rest of the food is pretty forgettable.
And, in general, the margaritas are not my favorite. They are an alarmingly bright green color, and taste of something artificial as well. Still drinkable though.
Summary:
Probably not a great place for a fancy date, but if you're in the neighborhood and hungry for some Mexican food, it's pretty OK. -
Review from Parker J.
Vancouver, WA
12/4/2009
Five Stars for the Chicken Nachos!!!
The rest of the food 3.5. I have never had anything exceptional here except the chicken nachos. Get the medium. Large has too many chips not enough goodies. Small is not as good of a value as medium.
Margs are strong.
Service is average.
Bathroom on restaurant side is unique. -
Review from Holy-foo' X.
Portland, OR
11/4/2011
Dining in La Cantina is the only way to go w/the Oro de Acapulco...
This is probably the most nuanced, complicated 4 star review I've yet written. Very mixed feelings about the food, but the place scores big on value, ambiance and service.
First, the incredibly Good: the halibut tacos. Magnificent. HEAPING w/toppings, too, incl. scallions, which I love. Also scoring highly: Chile rellenos, con Mole! Mole!
The not so good: Super Nachos. This is a huge 21st century shock! My mom used to work in this neighborhood, so we would sometimes come here, and I remember LOVING their nachos as a kid. Of course, that was a bazillion years ago. Things change, and not always for the better. Has this place been under the same ownership/mgt. that entire time? Perhaps only the mustachioed, mysterious Guapo on the menu (with what looks like it could be a quesadilla in his mitt, or just as easily could be a blunt) knows for certain, and something tells me he will take many secrets to his grave with him, not unlike the legendary Juan Valdez and his trusty burro, or the salt and peppered lothario of the Dos XX TV ads, aka "the most interesting man en el mundo" see-- http://en.wikipedia.or...... Can it be considered coincidence that Acapulco Gold is one of the very few places in town to offer Dos XX on tap? Pienso que NO. Stay thirsty, my friends...
The mucho feo: The Chips. I was rather surprised, in reading other reviews and the lovely Christina's reply stating that the chips were made fresh in house. I shared portions of two bowls brought out to us, and they both tasted quite stale. I thought they had to be Tostitos or somesuch brand from a long-opened and not properly sealed bag, but if la Duen~a says they're cooked in house, good enough for me.
Lots of Yelp reviews complained about the salsa--- I didn't find the salsa all that bad. I like it much hotter, of course, but when you're running a business (let along a 3-in-one, like w/Acapulco-cum-Slabtown), you have to appeal to the lowest common denominator sometimes, and most people I realize have far more delicate mucus membranes than I.
So then. Congrats on the longevity of prosperity for this place, and may Los Mariachis in the heavens continue singing their blessings and offering their protection. I suddenly feel the irrepressible urge to grow a manly beard (NOT of the wispy, girly-man hipster variety), paint it salt and pepper, and lead a decidedly more interesting life! Adelante, caminantes! -
Review from Alex P.
Portland, OR
8/29/2007
The margarita's may not taste the best (though not bad), but they are pretty strong for a restaurant.
The food was the best Mexican I've had since being in Portland, but that's only about 3 months. Real guacamole is a plus and they have super big portions for cheap.
Not exactly a fancy/dressy place, but good times, think dive bar with more seating and good food. -
Review from Brian D.
Portland, OR
11/3/2009
Strike one! Went tonight for dinner, sat down, ordered....45 minutes later, no food....tons of chips and salsa and water refills....no food....no food....lots food going to other tables...no food for me and Bruce. Oops, waitress lost our order. Free chips and iced tea!
I'll give the place another try but this is not a good way impress me. -
Review from Patricia W.
Portland, OR
1/8/2009
I remember one night during an ice storm in Portland my sister and I decided to go to dinner. We love a good margarita so we decided to try Acupulco's Gold. We got chips and stuff and ordered dinner ALONG with a pitcher of margaritas....a small pitcher at that.
We got our meals and were done with the one pitcher and looked at eachother and said "boy that wasn't very strong, lets get another one"....so we did. Halfway through the second one we realized what a huge mistake that was...it was a creeper. We ended up walking around NW 23rd and having coffe at Coffee People (yes it's been a while for those familiar with the area) to walk off our drunk. The food was good but the margaritas were better, just don't order more than one pitcher or you'll be in trouble. -
Review from Aaron R.
5/23/2010
Basic. Reasonable. What you expect from a nice, non-chain Mexican restaurant. The service was attentive but not over the top, the food was reasonably priced and pretty good.
The place is VERY laid back. We were there well past closing and there wasn't even a peep from the waitress. Most places would have kicked our ass to the curb long before. She was awesome, though. -
Review from cranky p.
Portland, OR
5/26/2011
Yikes. Dry dry dry flour tortilla tacos.
To be fair, the chicken nachos were a solid "2*" but it's hard to imagine what process led to the unfortunate tacos. Service was very nice.
I want to be encouraging, since it would be great to have some good Mexican-ish food in the neighborhood, but I think it just might be hopeless. -
Review from Erin E.
Portland, OR
8/29/2008
Well I haven't had their margaritas, but I have had their food, which explains the solid 2 star rating. If you're looking for authentic Mexican food (or good food), this is not the place. How they can screw up a simple Quesadilla is beyond me, and the dishes that are more edible are still not that great. Their salsa is different, but pretty good. Bathroom is disgusting, and the whole restaurant deserves a good scrubbing. Service is almost always good & friendly.
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Review from Emily B.
Portland, OR
5/4/2009
Probably some of the worst food I've ever had. I walked into would could have been any Mexican joint. I really had no reason to be too skeptical. I mean, I felt safe enough to order fish tacos. I was served up some hot-lunch style "Mexican" food: cold ,white-flour tortilla with heaping mound of cafeteria-style salad (iceberg lettuce, tasteless tomatoes, bought-in-bulk shredded cheese) , and then they plunked down two microwavable fish sticks on top! I was horrified. The dining partner didn't say much. Perhaps he was embarrassed (this was his pick, not mine). His food looked pretty unimpressive too. I think these folks buy their ingredients at Cost-co and charge you a warm-up fee. Yuck.
Comment from Christine S. of Acapulco's Gold 9/8/2009
Hmmm - our fish tacos come on corn tortillas, with cabbage,… More » -
Review from Keith B.
Portland, OR
6/7/2010
A poor microwaved excuse for Mexican food, even by Portland standards.
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Review from Suzanne G.
Portland, OR
6/27/2008
I love this place! When I lived in the neighborhood I used to visit it about 3x week. The food is always great and you can't beat the prices! Did I mention they have GREAT margaritas!
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Review from bridget n.
Portland, OR
8/27/2008
i haven't been here for quite a while and am reviewing only on their platters of nachos. when i had more free time on my hands, i made it almost a weekly ritual to have nachos here at least once a week.
the plates are HUGE-the size of texas and come piled HIGHHHH with everything!!! they are certainly not stingy on their toppings. (YEA!)
their house made chips and salsa which they bring out upon your arrival are really really good too! i have to stop myself from eating too much of it and save room for my nachos. ohhh and the strawberry daiquri is as good as it gets. the ambiance is quite unique and makes me feel like i'm actually in Mexico. -
Review from Edward J.
Portland, OR
11/27/2007
This is one of the best place for cheap eat with a group of friends. Really tasty and spicy Mexican food. There are tons of vegetarian options to choose from the menu. It is a popular spot for lunch and dinner during the weekday. The weekends are a bit less busy. There is also endless chips and salsa. Their margaritas are really good and strong, well priced. I love their vegetarian peasant taxmax. I share it with my boyfriend all the time. let me remind you, most of their food is quite greasy and cheesy and spicy. So expect your stomach to handle the weight.
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Review from Amanda W.
Portland, OR
3/4/2008
Best margaritas in town- hands down.
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Review from Rob K.
1/6/2007
I can't even remember why we went here - I think it was a work happy hour, but I got pretty drunk off the Margaritas. Plus, I could walk home. Good enough for me.
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Review from Angela B.
San Diego, CA
6/30/2007
Acapulco's is known for its margaritas and it lives up to all the rumors I have heard. I would love to write a detailed review about the food, the vibe, and all the fun we had, but my memory stops at margarita number one. Oh yes, there was margarita number 2 and 3 and perhaps there was number 4, but my memory stops at margarita number 1 so I will never really know how many of those tasty drinks made it to my belly.
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Review from chile o.
Portland, OR
12/20/2009
Wanted to take my girl to Salbtown BBQ, but realized they are closed on the weekend. She suggested going next door to Acapulco's. She had been there before and said it was good, so we went. Having chips and tasty homemade salsa at the table before you sit down could almost get this place five stars. Almost. I had heard rumor about margaritas, but I was grabbing a quick bite, and had things to do , so I wasn't hitting the sauce. For another time.
The menu is fairly straghtforward, the stand out being all of the meat/veggie/wannabe meat eater options. I am a combo guy, so I ordered the smoked chicken burrito/relleno combo. My girl ordered the relleno with verde pork. The plates were attractive and full. The wait wasn't long. That being said, I would probably avoid the smoked chicken or maybe the combo burrito altogether. The rice and beans were dry as wall paper paste, which I don't even consider a bad thing anymore, as almost every Mexican/Tex Mex joint that serves rice and beans taste pretty much the same. Anyway, the combo had a heaping pile of both. The burrito also had more of both.Along with the chicken. It was smoked very well, the question is, when? Extremely dry burrito, even with sour cream. Won't do that again. The rellenos were very good. Large and fresh. Lightly battered. Tasty. My girl's was smothered in large chunks of pork, and she said it was great.
I would have to say that this is a very straightforward Tex Mex joint. If I lived in the 'hood, I would probably stop in for drinks and chips quite often, as they have a pretty good list of Tequilas and the salsa is quite good. Otherwise, I'll stick to the taco cart.
If you want what the owner does best, go to Slabtown BBQ next door. See my review for info. -
Review from Dave H.
Portland, OR
10/14/2009
I like the margaritas (for the price), they have a great staff, and the food is an interesting (but not authentic) take on Mexican food. They have a lot of vegetarian options, including the Peasant Platter that's pretty tasty and will definitely fill up most people.
The free chips and salsa almost got them another star as well. I know they give it away to get me to drink more, but I'm okay with that. There's enough flavor in the salsa to get me to have another drink usually. -
Review from david s.
La Mesa, CA
4/29/2009
Ate here twice. First time was for the BBQ, and it was pretty darned good!
Second time I had shrimp in a tequila tomato sauce. It tasted like their salsa and nothing more.
Excellent tequila selection and friendly bar staff. Tasty hand muddled margaritas. -
Review from M. J.
Portland, OR
5/8/2011
This is our FAVORITE mexican restaurant in Portland! The abiance and decor is NOTHING to write home about, but the food is consistantly great (especially the nachos!) and they have the best margaritas by the pitcher we've come across. My husband & I split an appitizer, small order of nachos and margaritas; and the tab is only $21..and we're stuffed! The staff is all pretty goth or pdx hipster, but all very friendly (aside from the lady with the red frizzy hair..she comes off as quite a b*tch) Otherwise, we love this place:)
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Review from kerry g.
Portland, OR
3/12/2010
this place is awesome! been a favorite of mine for years and years. the margueritas pack a whollop! and the food & service is always great.
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Review from Kimberly B.
Portland, OR
1/24/2011
man, i hate giving 'bad' reviews. the food here is super good. a great blend of tex mex. super yummy nachos. BUT, my husband and i have both gotten sick here. twice. the first time we just figured it was bad luck. but the second time was pretty icky. it's good goin' in...and super bad comin' back out (or up). there are just too many amazing Mexican restaurants in town to risk it again...too bad :(
