Best Outdoor Dining in Portland

The food is well-regarded for its authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and delicious preparation, with many dishes receiving specific commendations.

“Food was fresh with good flavors”

Service is frequently described as friendly, attentive, and first-rate, with several staff members, particularly Juan David, well-regarded. However, some diners note slow or inattentive service.

“Staff were very friendly and attentive”

The atmosphere is a major highlight, with diners consistently celebrating the beautiful decor, rooftop patio, and festive, vacation-like ambiance.

“A warm and homey vibe to it”

The value is generally considered good, with many diners finding the prices reasonable for the quality and portion sizes, though one diner found churros overpriced.

“Honestly was cheap for what you get”

Tacos are well-regarded for their delicious flavors and high-quality ingredients, with handmade tortillas being a particular highlight. The brisket and pork belly tacos are frequently mentioned as standouts.

“The texture of the tortillas was sooo good”

Service is generally friendly and efficient, especially from bartenders. However, some instances of rudeness or inattentiveness at the counter and from servers have been noted.

“Server ignored us until i got up”

The restaurant is frequently described as having a fun, chill, and inviting atmosphere, with a great patio and well-designed decor.

“The vibe is super chill”

While the food is generally well-regarded, several diners found the tacos to be small for their price point, leading to perceptions of poor value.

“Felt it was a bit of a rip off”

The food is well-regarded for its fresh ingredients, authentic flavors, and well-executed dishes, with many diners highlighting specific favorites like Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, and Mango Paradise.

“Food is fresh and delicious!”

Service is frequently described as friendly, attentive, kind, and accommodating, contributing to a welcoming dining experience.

“Service was superb, friendly and efficient.”

The restaurant boasts a highly appealing atmosphere, particularly its large, shaded patio with a prominent oak tree, creating a comfortable and inviting setting.

“The ambience is pleasant and the price is reasonable.”

While many find the prices reasonable and portions substantial, a few recent diners mention smaller portions and extra charges for rice or sauce, suggesting a slight decline in perceived value for some.

“Portions were great size enough to take home too.”

Authentic Lao and Thai cuisine with well-regarded flavor depth, fresh ingredients, and precise spicing. Specific dishes (Pad Kee Mao, Nam Khao, Pad Kra Pao, mango sticky rice) receive detailed, enthusiastic mentions across multiple visits and years.

“Incredible flavors. This is what Thai food is supposed to taste like!”

Owner-operator provides attentive, warm, and accommodating service. Known for friendliness, genuine interest in diner satisfaction, and willingness to customize orders (e. G. Substitutions, spice adjustments). Explicitly celebrated great service.

“Owner/chef is very kind, and provides great service”

Casual food truck atmosphere in Mississippi District pod with covered picnic seating. Outdoor dining described as pleasant. Intimate, approachable owner-operator presence creates welcoming, personal feeling. Not a destination for fine dining ambiance.

“Cute little food truck and some of the best food I've had from one”

Consistently described as reasonably priced, inexpensive, and generous with portions relative to quality. High-end ingredient sourcing (fresh herbs, real crab) at food cart pricing. Multiple reviews cite value as a standout feature.

“Generous portions for excellent prices”

The BBQ is frequently described as succulent, tender, and packed with flavor, with particular recognition for the brisket and ribs. Sauces are also a highlight, offering unique and complementary flavors.

“Phenomenal BBQ quality… unimaginably succulent”

Service is generally friendly and efficient, with staff noted for being accommodating and helpful, even when handling orders on the fly.

“The service was awesome.”

The restaurant is situated in a food truck pod with a fun, relaxed outdoor seating area, often with covered seating and heaters.

“It is a super fun area to sit and eat.”

Portions are generally considered generous, especially for combo orders, and prices are seen as reasonable for the quality, though one diner found it overpriced.

“A 10/10 for me, it was ALOT of food!”

The food is generally known for its fresh, tropical flavors and authentic Cuban taste, with many dishes like the Cuban sandwich, plantains, and various bowls receiving positive remarks. However, some diners found certain dishes to be bland or lacking in flavor.

“Amazing meat and vegan options.”

Service is often described as friendly and attentive, though some guests have noted issues with front-of-house hospitality and a lack of attentiveness from specific staff members.

“Associates were attentive and helpful!”

The atmosphere is consistently described as vibrant, festive, and lively, with colorful decor, Cuban jazz music, and a pleasant indoor and outdoor seating area.

“Awesome atmosphere, great music”

While many find the prices reasonable, particularly during happy hour, a recurring theme is that portion sizes, especially for meat, are small for the price, leading to a perception of poor value for some.

“Also surprisingly small portion size of carne.”

The food is well-regarded for its outstanding taste, quality ingredients, and generous portions, with specific highlights including tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.

“The food absolutely delivered”

Service is frequently described as friendly, attentive, and professional, with staff members like Ruth receiving particular commendation.

“First-rate service”

The atmosphere is noted as comfortable, clean, and modern, with a pleasant indoor dining area and a popular covered outdoor patio.

“Nice atmosphere”

Diners find the portions to be large and the prices reasonable, offering good value for the quality and quantity of food.

“Great price”

The ramen is well-regarded for its outstanding flavor, authenticity, and high-quality ingredients, with specific call-outs for the broth, noodles, chashu, and eggs. Vegan options are also highly regarded.

“The best ramen I’ve tried!!”

Service is generally described as good and friendly, though noted rudeness and a lack of accommodation.

“Service was good, nothing to complain about.”

The restaurant is located in a food cart pod, offering a casual, relaxed atmosphere with ample seating, often shaded.

“Really relaxed vibe”

Diners frequently highlight the first-rate price point for the quality and authenticity of the ramen, describing it as great value.

“Best bang for your buck bowl”

The food is well-regarded for its unique flavors, comforting qualities, and well-balanced spices, with several dishes highlighted as particularly craveable.

“Outstanding.”

Service is generally described as friendly, kind, and quick, contributing positively to the dining experience.

“Friendly, kind service too.”

The atmosphere is casual, with outdoor seating and covered areas available, suitable for a food cart pod setting.

“Outdoor tables and a covered area”

While most the reception is positive, one diner found the portions small for the price and lacked flavor.

“$10 not well spent”

The birria and related dishes are well-regarded for their flavor and tenderness, with many diners highlighting the wet burrito, quesatacos, and ramen birria as standouts. However, some recent signs suggest a decline in quality, with mentions of dry or flavorless meat and issues with preparation.

“Meat was cooked so tender and flavorful”

Service is generally described as friendly and accommodating, with staff often going above and beyond. However, there are recurring comments about inconsistency, with some experiences being hit-or-miss, and occasional instances of ignored modifications or impolite interactions.

“Service lately is hit or miss though”

The atmosphere is generally positive, with mentions of outdoor seating, heaters, and a welcoming environment. It's often described as a good spot for casual dining or a quick bite.

“The loud music an lights and outdoor seating was amazing”

Portions are often described as generous, particularly the burritos, which can serve as multiple meals. However, some diners find the price per taco to be high, and there are complaints about small portion sizes for items like nachos.

“Portions are big”