La Carreta Mexican Restaurant
| Address: | 4534 SE McLoughlin Blvd, Portland, OR 97202, USA |
| Phone: | +1 503-236-8089 |
| Site: | lacarretaportland.com |
| Rating: | 3.8 |
| Working: | 11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM 11AM–2AM 11AM–2AM 11AM–12AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 8
C.
C.T. Sorrentino
Our realtor told us that this is his favorite Mexican restaurant despite the outward appearance. You would think it is an abandoned building as you drive by except for the lights of the sign and inside the restaurant. A group of Latinas celebrating a birthday occupied the table next to us, always a good sign when people indigenous to the cuisine frequent a place. The food was decent by Left Coast standards, exceptional by Midwest standards, and reasonably priced. We tried the chili con queso ($5.95) and guacamole ($3.50) for starters. The queso has an odd consistency, similar to ricotta cheese, but was good with big chunks of green chili. The guacamole was cut with something because it neither had the texture of mashed avocado nor the taste. My wife had the quesadilla and taquitos appetizer (Menu price = $9.95, we paid $10.95) as an entree and it was disappointing. Coming with guacamole, pico de gallo , and sour cream, the quesadilla had hardly any cheese and the taquitos were a bit burnt and dry inside. I went with the chile relleno, taco, and enchilada combo ($11.95) with, as my dad used to say, "refired" beans. I asked for a cheese and onion enchilada and shredded beef taco, but got a shredded beef enchilada instead. The taco was good, but came in a pre-fab shell (deal breaker). The enchilada was also good, but not what I ordered. When I told the waiter that I got the wrong enchilada, he scurried off before I could tell him to forget it. He brought a cheese and onion enchilada a few minutes later, but I barely touched it because I was stuffed by that time. What I did eat was very good though. I could not even see the relleno because it was covered with shredded lettuce and tomato. I think it was pretty good, but the taste was masked by the unusual toppings. The "Cadillac Margarita" ($5.95) was rather tasteless and weak, so I did not bother ordering a second. In conclusion, the service was excellent and the decor cheesy, just as it should be. CombatCritic Gives La Carreta 5 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better!
BR
Brandy Wilson
Went with husband tonight around 6:45pm, on a rare occasion without the kiddos. It was pretty busy, but we were seated immediately. A server brought us chips and salsa, and the waitress soon followed after, bringing us water and taking our food order. She wasnt especially friendly, but she wasnt rude either. A few large party tables began to clear around us, our salsa ran out so we put it at the edge of the table, then my husbands water (which wasnt cold and only had two ice cubes in it) ran out so we put that at the edge of the table, then my water was out and we placed the cup at the edge of the table too. All the while we had multiple waiters, servers and waitresses walk by our table, look directly at the empty items and kept on walking. Then we watched our waitress tend to three new groups of people right next to us, but completely ignoring us. After being there for over 30 minutes without a water refill or even an " well be right with you " we left and told the person at the front door why we were leaving. Customer service is poor quality here, we wont be back. Spend your money at a place that values excellence in their work.
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Jac Conde
Simply the worst Mexican restaurant Ive ever been to. Ive came 6 times for the ice cream, besides the ice cream, every single time our meal was wrong, every single time we had a waitress to where the language barrier was to much, and it wasnt I couldnt understand them, they couldnt understand me, or anyone they served while I was there. Im no complainer and Ive never wrote a review, but dont come here for food, just ice cream and drinks, thats it, I had to ask several times for my water to be filled every time, our food was wrong or simply didnt come with the whole meal, like I got a quesadilla I asked for steak and cheese only that comes with a side of beans and rice, she came back with a beef and bell pepper quesadilla that didnt have the beans and rice. This is lucky two with the quesadilla
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Ben Dover
There is only one word to describe this "Mexican" restaurant: terrible. When walking in the door, youre visually assaulted by completely out of place decorations everywhere. We stood up for 5 minutes before being noticed by one of the servers that didnt seem to actually have anything else keeping them busy. In a fairly empty restaurant, we were sat right next to a large and very loud party. We got fajitas and enchiladas to eat. The chicken for the fajitas looked disgusting and the enchiladas had huge chunks of what Im assuming was potato in it. Overall, it all seemed weirdly untraditional and tasted horrible. I dont know how this place has a packed parking lot as often as it does...besides because of the bar.
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Angela R
My husband and I absolutely love this place. Its never crowded and the staff is very friendly. The music is like a fiesta or Mexican wedding. When they see you they bring you a basket full of authentic tortilla chips and salsa. They pour strong drinks. The bar can be popular with the younger crowd. The food is absolutely delicious. Its exactly what you expect from an authentic Mexican restaurant. Very affordable prices. My husband and I had a 2 enchilada and chili Riano platter, a taco salad and an enchilada +2 alcoholic beverages in the entire thing was $34. The portion sizes were very plentiful neither of us finished our meals. Much better than the appearance from the outside. :-)
LA
Larry Reid
Just returned from lunch a La Carrita. Was recommended to us by a friend. We were seated promptly by a friendly gentleman. The atmosphere reminded us of some of the fun restaurants we have eaten in in Mexico; service with a smile and families enjoying a meal out. The host, along with another server attended to us during the meal. The service was friendly and our meals arrived in a reasonable amount of time. The food was tasty in ample portions. We decided not to have dessert but when the news leaked out that we were celebrating a delayed birthday, we each received an ice cream dish accompanied by the customary candle, sombrero and brief song. We left with a smile. Well be back.
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Leah V. H.
Stopped by late night on a Saturday after work was very hungry. Jose the bartender was very nice and greeted me w a smile. Even though it was late and I knew they were closing soon. The Pollo Enchilada was great and chicken was tender. The Carne taco was not my favorite as I wish meat was more tender and had but more cilantro, but the complimentary chips & salsa was fresh and homemade. I didnt get a chance to enjoy a margarita, but Jose informed me of the great happy hour they offer for the margaritas along with other specials. Glad this place is in my neighborhood and is true authentic Mexican style. Looking forward to going back for drinks and more chips and salsa.
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Robin Wright
Dont Patronize this business they are irresponsible and Dangerous! We stopped off here on Sunday July 14th for a quick dinner. Because normally they are nice and kid friendly. There was broken glass in the salsa! I broke a tooth on a glass chip in the food. I didnt know my tooth was broken when I alerted them to the problem but they didnt take it seriously, they just comped my meal. I have been calling the staff for weeks asking to speak to the business manager or an owner and every time I call they send me to someone else. I have 2k in dental bills because I have had to have a molar root canaled and capped. And whats worst their tacos were bland and terrible.
