Aqui Mexican Cafe

07/02/2008 Posted by atticusfinch2

Great food, cozy ambiance, kickin' Cazadores margaritas....and the service is fabulous! What more could you ask for? The owners Angie & Sarah have done a great job with the place and we would go at least once a week if my partner had her way. .... They definately have the midas touch! Be patient if you get there between 6-8pm as there is usually a line out the door. But, isn't that usually the case at any of the tried and true favorite spots in town? And if Luis' (server) is working try to sit in his area....his smile and service attitude top off a great dining experience.

06/20/2008 Posted by ladyelle

Great chips and salsa, tamales, and burritos…at a great price. One of my favorite places to eat! The new staff seems to be a little bit challenged but they still do make a good margarita.

Pros: good food

Cons: hours

05/25/2008 Posted by lucia_fortune

We used to frequent Aqui about once a week, often on sundays until they decided not to open on sundays. We used to go for lunch until they decided not to open until 5(happy hour is "3- 6"). Food's not super, but we are easy to please. The last time I went in it was in early may for my birthday. After one round of drinks and chips we waited 15min+ with empty glasses. When the waiter- a young white guy in his early 30's-finally came back to take our food orders, he apologized to the four of us for the delay but then continued to blame it on some "really annoying customers" inside. One of my friends had not decided yet and as soon as he picked up the menu, the waiter dropped his hands at his sides, exasperated, and complained, "THIS is what put me behind in the first place!" My friend, turned off, said he'd stick with beer and the waiter didn't bat an eye, skipping to my other friend who ordered soup, and then actually turned and WALKED AWAY to the next table without even waiting for my boyfriend and I to order! Seriously, he was at our table for all of 30 seconds this time, which put him at a TOTAL of about one minute. We were not rude, nor were we taking up too much time. I waited until he finished talking to the next table and tried to catch him before he went back in, "Excuse me, we'd like to order something to eat." He actually rolled his eyes before he came over, and put on a fake, annoyed smile and asked through his teeth what we wanted! Ugh. Ok, bad waiter, fine. But we have tried to go back twice since and never got in. The hours are listed incorrectly on the internet and even their voicemail, and they often change their hours on the fly by simply putting a note on the door. The last note said that they were going to be closed through the entire three day memorial day weekend. The inconsistency of the hours says that they don't value their customers. The average food says I can easily find a new haunt. And with my last experience, maybe I shouldn't go back.

Pros: Great neighborhood, patio

Cons: Inconsistency with hours and service

05/16/2008 Posted by rin25

My boyfriend and I LOVE this place!! Wonderful & friendly service, comfy & romantic environment, everything on the menu is delicious - must try the Azteca soup. The guacamole, salsa & chips are the best! Top it off with a couple of Cadillac Ritas and you can't go wrong! Hands down my favorite dining spot in Portland.

Pros: Friendly service, great food & atmosphere

Cons: Limited hours of operation

04/19/2008 Posted by kebi

My boyfriend and I are usually less than impressed with the slow and unaccomodating attitudes of the average Portland server...however the service at Aqui is better than good, it's outstanding. From the very first time we decided to try out their (FANTASTIC) margarita's we could tell that this wasn't your average Portland restaurant and we were thrilled!!! The vibe is warm and friendly...the kind of place I want to take my best girlfirends and sit in the back room with pitchers of Cadillac Margies or slip in on a quiet Friday night date with my boyfriend. The nachos are huge there isn't a bad thing on the menu!!! Lots of variety and non-meat options!

Pros: service, drinks, price

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

04/12/2008 Posted by plasticorange

WE just got back from Aqui and really enjoyed ourselves. The guacamole was very good and only cost $5. The dinner was very good, the service was good as well. We sat in the little enclosed patio and it was very nice. Cost for two, with margaritas and appetizer and entrees was $37. Not bad. Go enjoy yourself at Aqui.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

03/26/2008 Posted by tommy7

Mexican is generally not my favorite cuisine because it seems like a big pile of starch on your plate and nothing else, but it was new to all in the group. The restaurant is very small but seemed to be doing a healthy business, even at 7:30pm. It took awhile to be seated only because we made a special request and had to wait for the table to clear. The waiter was pretty attentive and service seemed to be ok, though it was obvious they were lacking in the server department. This is a good departure from chain restaurant Mexican, the least authentic of all Mexican food. I have never been to a Mexican restaurant that charged for the chips and salsa so that is a minus. I had the Portabella and Avocado salad which would have been great had they not drowned it in the vinaigrette. Nothing ruins a salad more than too much dressing. Didn't even come with any tortillas. They also did not offer any bottled water of any kind, such as Perrier, and only served tap water. Yuk. It was OK for a one time visit but not likely to go back.

Pros: Can't really think of any

Cons: Too small, not enough servers

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

02/28/2008 Posted by mbucky

The margarita got me drunk, but everything else was just so-so. None of the people I went with have wanted to return despite the friendly service and capacity for large groups. The food is just not that good, and teeters between bland and non-authentic. Totally, eh.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

01/04/2008 Posted by aurora_00

Great location. Atmosphere is very cozy and rustic. Outstanding patio (with blessed heat lamps). Unless you snag the patio or one offset section I would not recommend this place for larger groups, or children for that matter. The venue is rather small and quick to feel cramp. Food was good. Very flavorful and fresh tasting. The service would most likely be better (faster and more personable) if they were properly staffed. The margaritas were awesome except for one minor detail: skimpy shots. We watched the bar tender poor partial shots the entire time we were there. Oh, and what's the deal with charging for chips and salsa? I felt offended. And P.S. "Parking Lot" means two spaces and a handicap spot.

Pros: Good food, great atmosphere, little pieces of gum with your check

Cons: Weak drinks, non-complimentary chips and salsa, mediocore service

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

12/08/2007 Posted by kerrilyn

I love this little restaurant. I love how pleasant the owner is and how great the food tastes. I always order a drink which comes right away, and soon after your food arrives. Very tasty.

Pros: Great deal and great service

Cons: Sometimes you have to wait for a table because this place is great!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful