Pepino's Mexican Grill
914 NW 23rd Ave
Portland, OR 97210 (503) 226-9600
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: No
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Lunch
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
19 Reviews for Pepino's Mexican Grill
I've heard people say Pepino-no-NO. I couldn't disagree more. I would call it Pepi-Yes if I could. In fact, I think I will.
Pepi-Yes' is the quintessential quick, casual burrito stop. Sometimes, you just want a cheap, tasty burrito that hasn't been sitting under a heat lamp for the last 3 hours. Just some good "straight from the truck" burritos that are the size of your head.
Pepi-Yes. It's a big deal in China.
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When it comes to Mexican food I don't really know what's authentic and what's not. And honestly I don't really care. What I do care about is that I can get a yummy burrito and a huge portion of chips for under $4. It's not the best burrito I've ever had, but it is the best burrito I've ever had for $3.50. Like Stanley said, it's not really 4 star food, but it's a super good deal, so that makes it a 4 star experience. And if you do get a burrito I suggest grabbing some extra salsa, I usually find them a little dry. But I think it's better that way cuz then you can try the different salsas and pick your favorite (I like the green).
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If I could make a list for all the vegans out there who want to eat out without paying a fortune, Pepnio's would be at the top of the list... err uhh, I just now remembered this site has a list function. Whatever, Pepino's is still #1 in that list.
There's at least 10 vegan options on the menu, and all of them aren't half-assed at all and are really quite filling. Although I do catch myself ordering the El Cheapo with a cup of Tofu Tortilla Soup. If you're vegetarian, be sure to enunciate the TOFU part, I'd say 3/5 I get the non-tofu tortilla soup by accident. It isn't vegan though, it's got cheese in it and they don't make different batches for that kind of stuff.
There is only one warning I can give, and I don't think anyone else has mentioned it, ALL OF THEIR TABLES ARE CROOKED. ALL OF THEM. I don't know how the hell it happened, but I assure you I tried sitting at each and every table when I used to frequent the place, and they're all a liiiiiiitle bit crooked. Might be the floor, but I'm pretty sure it's the table, they're like that on Hawthorne too. It's annoying, but the food is too good for anyone to care, really.
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Pepino's has some really good food, though not nearly as 'authentic' as I like. My standard order is usually an El Cheapo Burrito (beans, rice, cheese, salsa fresca) and while I enjoy it, the rice is barely seasoned and that makes for a somewhat bland, but still tasty burrito. Their offerings are plentiful and its a convenient restaurant for me as they have a good selection of vegetarian friendly dishes and they usually even have a veg-friendly special.
In my experience the staff is extremely friendly and willing to accommodate special orders. Outside seating is also a major plus and the neighboring sushi shop allows for mixed culinary preferences to enjoy two types of food in the same area.
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Had a really cheap, really tasty Baja Fish Taco Combo. The cabbage garnish was slightly sad - a bit dried out. The hot salsa from the condiment bar had lots of black flecks of burned chili skin - I like the concept but this was a bit overpowering. Liked the green. Definitely 4 stars for value and service - more like 3 for the food, but, at that price, 3 star food tastes pretty good.
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Yum yum yum yum yum.
I know there's some people that hold out for those little carts and those taco shops on Alberta, but I have no fear going on record and stating that Pepino's is my favorite Mexican Food in Portland.
Yes Yes Yes.
The people who work here are always so nice and patient, the food comes out fast, you can get such deliciousness as tofu tortilla soup (with avocados! YUM!) and a sweet tequila tofu burrito. I mean, really. There is nothing better.
For the meat eaters out there, I think they have whole chickens as meals (?) which I believe a lot of people order and like a lot.
They have horchata, soda, and beer. They have extremely delicious salsa (go for the medium!). They have a nice outdoor area in the summer. And you can get full (and probably have left-overs) for under five bucks.
The most delicious, convenient, tastiest & beautiful mexican food you will want to eat. Ever.
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I don't know how much you can complain over a dinner that cost less than $7 BUT, let me see if I can try anyway.
It was really bad. Really, really bad. I ordered chicken enchiladas - the same thing I order at EVERY Mexican restaurant I ever go to. The enchiladas had NO sauce on them, so they were basically chicken wrapped in flour tortillas. That's all. No cheese on top either. The rice was undercooked. The refried beans? Yeah, more like refried bean SOUP.
Can you say NASTY?
And the stale tortilla chips they tossed on top of the whole thing? Came out of a big plastic bin which was sitting on the DIRTY floor behind the counter. There were little winged bugs crawling around on the counters and I was AFRAID of the salsa bar.
And yet, against my better judgement, I ate the food anyway. I'm almost certain that I'm going to regret that tomorrow.
Stay away! Go to the Mexican place across the street - it's a thousand times better and cleaner.
In one word: GROSS.
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They have a 3 dollar burrito and horchata, yes! And it's a real burrito, no I did not say excellent (or even great for that matter) but a for reals burrito. Not a vegan burrito, a burrito that's been destroyed by absurd "healthy" bicycling people. This burrito is greasy and probably larger than your stomach, but have I mentioned that it's 3 dollars! Actually their food isn't terrible, or as bad as I've seen what some Portlander's call Mexican food. I grew up with Mexican food, I know what a taco, relleno or enchilda is supposed to taste like; Pepino's does not taste like any of those. But you will leave satisfied. 3 dollars.
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Neil Diamond isn't going to say Peppino's is el mejor.
But when Neil Diamond is pinching pennies this place is El Dorado.
Also, it is so much bigger than you think, just keep on walking back.
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Ok, my 3 words are these....steak potato burrito. A combination you may or may not have had before but is my absolute favorite. Their steak is always lean and well cooked, and the combination of flavors in this burrito are surprisingly (or not) delicious.
It's not necessarily a wonderful atmosphere but the folks are nice, helpful and outdoor seating in the summer is great for 23rd ave people watching.
Oh and I almost forgot: $1.95 import beer!!!!
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This is the perfect place to grab a honkin' huge burrito to go. The menu is filled with all sorts of creative fillings from shrimp in bbq sauce to a hearty combo of chicken and potatoes in a flavored flour tortilla of your choice (original, spinach, or roasted red pepper).
But the best part is the homemade tortilla chips. You get a giant scoop of chips with your order and you can choose from several flavorful salsas for dipping. Those babies are greasy, but at least you will be in food heaven as you boost your cholesterol into the double digits.
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EL CHEAPO.
I agree, best $3 burrito you'll find in this town.
I've found it's best enjoyed cut down the center and split with a friend.. and when shared it's definitely the best $1.50 you'll spend.
If you really want your mind blown, order the large nachos (the small tends to get a bit soggy with the salsa fresce). Onlookers will be jealous.
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So, I'm pretty convinved that Portland doesn't have good Mexican food. Fortunately, I can subsist on chips, salsa and margaritas if I had too. Pepino's is at least cheap and fast. My favorite (outside of the chips) is this teguila chicken burrito. It is sometimes spicier than other times, but its always delicious.
I like that its super casual and counter service, but I don't like that its way up on 23rd where its a pain to park!
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I had walked by this place about a dozen times before finally getting some time to stop in. The smell alone is enough to lure anyone. It's a great little place. It was so hard to actually choose one thing from the menu; it all looked so good! I ended up with the Senor Veggie burrito. I love the healthy options. I love the freshness of preparation. I love that it's so cheap. I left very full and very satisfied. This will definitely be a frequent stop of mine.
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Three words: El Cheapo Burrito
The best $3 you'll spend in Portland.
If you can't deal with the parking on NW 23rd, try the Pepino's over on SE Hawthorne. Their salsas are fantastic!
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I have absolutely no complaints about this place. The food is absolutely delicious and fresh, many things to choose from, portions are large and very filling, and prices are great. I have tried the chicken and potato burrito and the senor veggie burrito. Both are huge and have great flavors so I recommend them to anyone. This is a must eat place when you go to 23rd!
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I lived right down the street from this place for about half a year and this isn't good mexican food. I grew up in Los Angeles and I know mexican food.
I have never found good mexican food in Portland.
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I too must second the chicken tortilla soup as the best damn chicken tortilla soup I've ever had. Damn Gina, damn. Just thinking about it makes me sad, because I live so far away from it. So far away. And its ridiculous to fly hundreds of miles for soup. Right...? Right?
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They sell the best chicken tortilla soup I've ever had. I recommend this soup to anyone and everyone I know who lives in Portland or who is going there on vacation. Now that the weather is cold, I'm craving a big tub of the spicy, flavorful soup with tons of chicken chunks, melted cheese, fresh avocado and a side plate of tortilla chips to crumble into the broth. It's less than $4 and oh-so-filling. This place also has other great items, but I adore the soup and a cup of horchata. That really hits the spot.
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