¿Por Que No?
Por Que No was my first taste of Mexican cuisine up in Portland, Oregon. It came recommended by friends also from California, so I knew it must have authentic flavor. Portland isn’t super well-known for amazing Mexican food, but Por Que No definitely delivers! Now, this is not greasy spoon Mexican with massive enchiladas, wet burritos, and chili rellenos cooked in lard, but more of a fresh Mex type spot for solid tacos, bowls, salads, margaritas, and more! About the greasiest thing I sometimes indulge in here are their flautas.
Even though I order from here or visit frequently, I never get bored with the food as there are so many different types of tacos, bowls, and salads I can eat. Por Que No doesn’t label the menu items specifically gluten free, but they publish some very helpful, detailed information on their website here about gluten free items and their protocols.
All regular menu tacos at Por Que No are gluten free. The breaded fish uses cornmeal (and is delicious!) Their fryer also does not normally get gluten exposure unless they have a special menu item that day with wheat that’s fried, so they do recommend asking if you are extra sensitive. Every time I have been, the fryer was wheat free, which is good as their chips and flautas are incredible!
The primary things you will want to be careful of if you are sensitive to cross-contamination is ordering something like a quesadilla with a corn tortilla as those are prepped on the same surface as flour tortillas.
One of my favorite things at Por Que No is the shrimp taco as they have such a deliciously spicy serrano based sauce - I’m a spice fiend! I also regularly get their barbacoa and carne asada which are both loaded with juicy meat. When I’m in the mood for something cheesy and spicy, their vegetarian queso asado taco also can’t be beat - honestly this is one of the tastiest things on the menu!
Por Que No is a great spot for accommodating various dietary restrictions in a very fun, funky welcoming space. The Mississippi Ave location has so many great shops, bars and other restaurants nearby, and they also have a second location on bustling SE Hawthorne.
