05/16/08

closed - forget it

by binmech

while i always enjoyed this place - it seems they have closed their doors with no notice to their patrons. I can only hope that the staff was given some kind of warning because they were great and deserve the best.. not sure why they closed but i'm very sad..

• Pros: great people, great food
• Cons: they are closed

04/28/08

Great Bar Great Service Great Kitchen

by tedja

We're always impressed and inspired whenever we visit Taqueria Nueve. From the friendly Hostesses, patient waitstaff, and the welcoming kitchen staff we always feel comfortable whenever we visit this little gem of a restaurant. The bartenders are always well humored and friendly. The waitstaff and the hostesses are accomodating. The Kitchen staff is always eager to answer questions about the menu and they even share some of their secrets. The decor is spot on and the food is unique and delicious! A perfect spot for a laid-back Sunday Dinner.

04/03/08

THE REAL SCOOP ON TAQUERIA NUEVE

by mscocinero

Hmmm...When does being a nurse make someone a food expert? Oh, and growing up on Taco Bell doesn't make you a Mexican food expert either. I have eaten at Taqueria Nueve a million times, and I have to say, the guys at Taqueria Nueve know what they are doing in that kitchen. If you go out to dinner and expect to have your culo kissed like a spoiled princess, don't bother going to Taqueria Nueve. The average American palate would be disapointed with these authentic Oaxacan dishes -but mostly due to ignorance. It's without spicy red sauces, everything smothered in cheese, and sour cream on everything....Guess what? News Flash! That's NOT athentic! If you show up looking for chips and salsa, you won't like this place. If you want quality, authentic Mexican cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients - and authentic recipes that don't need correction by ignorant diners that know nothing about food, go to Taqueria Nueve. The drinks are great, the tacos are to die for, the empanadas (changed daily) are always perfect! Barbacoa is melt-in-your mouth slow braised lamb shank in chile broth...and the octopus cocktail is addictive for any seafood lover. This is only one of the vast array of real Mexican dishes there. Tres Leches cake is a hallmark dessert. I've had most everthing on that menu and never get tired of it. I'm a foodie, I'm a chef, and oh, by the way, I'm Mexican, too. So, don't let ignorant palates and narcissistic diners discourage you from this Taqueria, my friends....If you don't like authentic, fresh, tasty dishes from Mexico, made with the best quality ingredients, excellent drinks, and friendly (not perfect, but totally kick-butt servers) I'd advise you to stick to Taco Bell.

• Pros: Everything's great...no complaints
• Cons: Can be busy, but most quality restaurants have a wait

04/03/08

Fabulous Service Tonight

by tanomi2

I've always had great service at this fabulous place but tonight was exceptional--I ordered the steak enchiladas not knowing it was tortillas stacked with red sauce with a steak on the side. The server could totally tell I was somewhat surprised and not particularly happy, and it's not like I was scowling or something--she was just observant and intent but in a very subtle way. She asked, "So how are your enchiladas, really?" Being someone who never ever complains about the food, I thought about saying they were fine but I actually said they weren't great and not what I expected. She was so gracious and normal about it and delicious fish tacos were delivered in five minutes. I have lived in this city for 12 years, have waited tables and have experienced many of Portland's pretentious dining establishments. This is not one of them. It was such a refreshing experience.

04/03/08

Snobbish service, where's the chips?

by momfox1992

I would agree with the review on 3/07. I also had a bad service experience. When there was a confusion over the degree of spice in a dish, rather than offering to correct it right off, the server said "I've been here since it opened at it's always been this way", in a very rude tone. We were just getting together to have a great night out, spending a lot of money. Customer service is the server's job. It's not optional. I'm a nurse, and placed in far tougher service situations. You just aren't rude to people when your'e working for them. Obviously your authenticity rating is based on one trip to Mexico. If you want authentic, go eat at a taco stand, or that Mexican cantina on Alberta. The taco's were good, but not great-like you can buy on the side of the road. This was decked out tex-mex like most non South of the border run places in town. It was fine. I'd never go back, but it was fine. This isn't even a question of authenticity. Cha, Cha, Cha's is more authentic and far cheaper. This is a question of "no chips". I mean, come on. What are we trying to prove here? That we can eat salsa and guac with a spoon. I didn't realize that they don't serve chips in authentic Mexico. This is a policy just as snobbish as the service.

• Pros: decor, tacos were good
• Cons: no chips, service

04/02/08

also shocked by 3/07 review

by lifeasana

I Think it must be important to keep in mind the size of Mexico when considering authenticity- it's a BIG country. While Esparza's may serve something like Tex-Mex, which many American's are use to, coastal regions and the interior serve food close to Nueve Taqueria's style, which often is not loaded with spice, but has a more delicate palate. This is one of my favorite resturant's and only occasionally we get a server on an off day, but I beleive they are human, also authentically.

03/19/08

best ceviche and margarita in town

by rjw101

I eat here often and was a bit annoyed by the last review. The boar tacos, ceviche and margharitas couldn't be more authentic. While some things are a little more cutting edge they are still not far off from what you would find in restaurants in mexico today. The ceviche with octopuss is outstanding, couldnt be better unless you got it fressh from a mexican seaside town. The margarita is made perfect with fresh lime juice. The tacos are always good particularly the boar and fish.

• Pros: margaritas, ceviche
• Cons: sometimes there can be a bit of a wait

03/07/08

All show, NO GO...lackluster flavor is far from authentic

by AjaJoy

I am shocked and dismayed that this restaurant has a 5 star rating! I went here for a girls night out and the service was substandard. They didn't have chips, instead subsituting tostada shells but only upon request. The food was NOTHING like authentic mexican and it was on the verge of flavorless. The only item worth while was the fish taco, which still wasn't the best I've had. The most revolting thing was they used a wadd of mushy cut up corn tortillas in the place of polenta. It was ugly, inedible and looked more like a science project than food. I wish I would have gone to Esparzas instead!

02/29/08

Good drinks. Fresh food!

by havinfuninptown

Love it here. I go here a lot! Often there's a line to get in but I always wait it out! And I am always happy I did! It took me a few tries to figure out what I like but I like almost everything.

We usually get a caesar salad topped with ceviche, a few tacos (at least one fish), and a guacamole tostada. That is more than enough for 2 people to share and it feels light, not greasy like a lot of "Mexican" food. You can eat here even if you're watching your weight because citrus juices are the primary flavoring in alot of their food.

And the margaritas are wonderfully yummy, just like at their sister restaurant, D.F. in the Pearl. The guac and chips are waaaaay better at D.F., though!

02/28/08

Total gem

by mbucky

I had not expected this restaurant to be as good as it is. The mojitos are fabulous, the carne asada enchiladas are totally badass, and the surroundings are super cool. The service has been consistently friendly and helpful. For example, after an unexpectedly long wait, they treated my party of three to a complimentary sope. The food tastes fresh and hearty. I dig it and you probably will, too.

• Pros: atmosphere, service, enchiladas
• Cons: can get crowded