I've eaten at La Costita on Barbur Boulevard (when it was still La Costa) off and on for close to twenty years and have a real fondness for that restaurant, but I've only been to this location twice in the same amount of time, mostly because it's in Clackamas, but also because the original La Costita on Barbur just has never quite translated well in this location for me. The service is always friendly and quite kind, and when a patron requests something, that request is granted to the letter.. The decor is pretty close to the original restaurant. La Costita salsa is my absolute favorite of any salsa in Portland - it always tastes so fresh, and they still serve it up in the cute little clear carafes with plenty of warm chips and this is still complimentary. The margaritas are excellent here as well. My main complaint is with the main dishes. They taste somewhat blander here. I can't argue about price - prices are up all over, and people have to make a living. I just wish the food here didn't taste quite so like they came off a production line, and that's it, there is a loss of the more personal touch regarding the food than at the original restaurant on Barbur. So, I would return here if in the neighborhood and wanting a comfortable place to get my Mexican food fix, but I hope they take some time and work on cranking the flavor back up and add back in the personal touch.
(3)
Cheri M.
Visited this location last night for the first time and the food was pretty good. Be prepared if you order a large margarita! It was a patron big gulp! The lighting in the restaurant was a little bright but better than being dark.
(3)
Evelyn S.
Mi Amigo's...LISTEN UP!!! This is a public service announcement: EAT! SOME! WHERE! ELSE! Seriously?? Who gives this place 4 & 5 stars??? Clearly the owners relatives or very close (loyal) friends! Here are the top 5 things you need to know about La Costita: 1. Service is SLOW & TERRIBLE. It took 40 minutes from the time we were seated to get our food ordered and served. OK, I know it's not FAST FOOD but I expect my food in a timely manner - especially since my 2 year old isn't big on patience! While we were waiting (and waiting AND WAITING) for our food, our waitress gave 2 other tables the wrong food AND another waitress gave 2 tables the wrong tabs! 2. The prices are SUPER EXPENSIVE for the amount and quality of food you get. I wanted 3 things on the menu - NONE of the 3 items I wanted were available. I ordered a combo plate with 2 items. I asked for carne asada and was charge an extra $3 for the substitution. Really??? $3 for a taco that is stuffed with lettuce and very little meat? The tamale was filled with very little meat, too. The part that did have meat was super dry, too! 3. Everything cost extra. Black beans: Extra. Meat substitution: Extra. 4. It's not REAL Mexican. Here's a helpful hint: Don't smother everything in cheese and sauces. If your food is good, it should be able to stand on it's own and has no need for all the extra crap on top!!! 5. Find one of Portland's great Taqueria's and eat there. The best part of my meal was my beer! Thankfully, it wasn't made at La Costita AND it was actually served in a timely manner. Again, this was a public service announcement and YOU'RE WELCOME!
(1)
kim v.
came in on a tuesday afternoon. only 1 other table in the whole restaurant and the waitress seemed pissed we showed up! my hubby and i are both in the restaurant biz so it's really disappointing when we can see someone NOT EVEN TRYING. she was a total waste! (the busser was great! refilled our drinks, cleared our dishes, did her job for her!) chips and salsa were awesome! the costita sauce i got on my enchiladas was good. the caesar salad was drenched in what tasted like mayo! yuck! tacos were crappy! and if anyone tells you this is close to authentic, they must have burned their tastebuds on the refried beans because this stuff is NOWHERE near real mexican food! good for some margies and chips but not much else!!
(2)
Ellen M.
The service at this location was really egregiously bad. Millie was our waitress and, although she apologized for the slow service (~15 minutes to take our drink order and ~40 minutes for food) , just getting a to- go box took quite a while. Won't be returning.
(2)
Richard H.
As Southern California transplants, this is the most authentic Mexican restaurant we have found in Portland. They get five stars for service, drinks, salsa, chips, and the menu. The location may cause you to pause, but don't hesitate to go inside right away and order a margarita. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
CRAIG N.
The food here is consistent and amazing! Always come back to an excellent meal and drinks! The Cadillac Margarita is the best and the chili Relleno is one of the best in town!
(4)
Rondi V.
Went here to have lunch with a friend over the weekend, and checked out their website & online menu before hand (which looked good). Other reviewers raved about the chips & salsa, however I don't think ours were fresh (tasted stale), the salsa was good. My burrito was bland, but the salsa that accompanied the chips helped it a little. Not sure if our visit was lackluster because we came on a Sunday afternoon between lunch & dinner services, but I won't be back.
(2)
Sarah C.
The complimentary chips & salsa was the only thing good here! I shared the Tacos Tijuana plate & it most definitely wasn't worth $14. Five mini, white corn tortillas (double layered) each filled with a few slices of steak (couldn't taste unless eaten separately), a slice of avocado (fresh) & a chunk of mexican cheese. Shouldn't it be shredded cheese rather than chunk cheese for tacos? The side that comes with this is a cup of red beans sitting in its own juice. Not something I enjoyed. The double layered tortillas made the bite tough & chewy. I don't understand the reasoning for the double layering because the one was already thick. Their salsa helped make the tacos not terrible. This place is overpriced & I didn't care for my meal. The service at least was fast, friendly & helpful.
(2)
Eric R.
I would give this place one star but the food tasted better than some places I've been. This does make my list of never to return restaurants. The service was horrible. 15 minutes to get our order and 53 minutes from order to delivery. Never received a refill on chips or drinks during that time. Not a single smile or thank you from any of the staff. When we asked to speak with a manager we found out our server was the assistant manager on duty. If that is how you lead by example that explains why the food took so long. Fajitas were bland, only green peppers and onions in the fry pan. All in all horrible service and below average food. When we received our bill the server said she hoped our next visit would be a better experience. Ha ha ha, she actually thought we would return after that performance.
(2)
D L.
What a great place! You would never think going into a strip mall that your going to get that kind of quality Mexican food! You can't go wrong! Tacos, burritos, quesadilla, salads you can't go wrong! I would recommend this place to anyone and will go back as I always do!
(5)
Nicole G.
I have been here most likely about 5-9 times. Every time it has been just okay, I get much better Mexican food in Corvallis. My in laws and I went in over thanksgiving weekend and it was the worst experience I have ever had. The water boy had to get us our waiter to begin with. Once we ordered we went through 3 baskets of chips because it took so long to get the food, about 45 minutes yet there was barley anyone in the place. Once we finally got the food it was COLD! I had nachos. My chips had degraded so badly they were no longer chips. The cheese had hardened back to its normal state. I also asked for no onion or jalapeño and yet they still put it on them. I had to use the chips from the basket to hold my toppings. It was horrible! I could have made better nachos in my microwave! Worst Mexican food I've ever had!!!!
(1)
Dona L.
Mmmmm fish tacos! The fish tacos were soooo yummy. Even the baby munched away and pieces of the fish:) the customer service was some of the best we've ever had. I don't get why everyone loves the chips and salsa though. They were okay I guess. The salsa tasted more like cocktail sauce. On another note, I also ordered tamales from here on Christmas Eve all super last minute and they were very accommodating. They whipped 'em up no problem and even carried them out to my car fore because the container was really hot still. Overall the food is really good, a teensy bit over priced, but we will definitely be back
(4)
Tim M.
Went here in search of the perfect Chili Relleno and came away still looking for one. Don't get me wrong, food here is good, the wife and I both had combo plates so we could get a sampling of various items. They were the usual suspects, enchiladas, chimichanga's, etc., they were all good, just like the bazillion other Mexican restaurants around here. One thing of particular note, I had their extra Large Cadillac Margarita (Hey it was Saturday night), it comes out in a glass about the size of Lake Michigan, with a stem so high I needed a booster seat to get my mouth to the top of it, but it was good, if not a bit spendy, $15, but I enjoyed it and my wife helped me finish it. We'll most likely be back, this place isn't far from home.
(3)
Darrel S.
Priced too, too high for very bland food. Ordered a chalupa on a combo plate. It was placed on top of the refried beans and was so soggy I couldn't pick it up. Chips were stale even though the second basket were heated. Just no flavor to anything, nothing to make you say, "Wow, that was really good." Can't recommend it and won't be back.
(2)
Kristin S.
Way too expensive for the quality of food. Atmosphere lacks anything special and booths are very uncomfortable. Unfortunately, this is the only Mexican restaurant in the area.
(3)
Amy D.
My boyfriend and I eat at La Costita at least twice a week! Their food is absolutely delicious as are the margaritas! Our favorite dishes are: Tortilla Soup (best I have ever consumed), Tacos Tijuana, Pollo al La Costita, and their enchiladas! Sersiously the best mexican food in town - we have suggested this restaurant to a number of our friends and our family - who are all now hooked!
(5)
Frances L.
I have never had a bad meal here. It's our favorite Mexican restaurant. We always get great service. The chips & salsa are great. I usually get the Fundidos Especial, but there's also a shrimp dish (it's wrapped in bacon) that is to die for. I love their refried beans, too. Yummmmmmm!!
(5)
Kevin B.
used to visit L/C a lot, but too many bad experiences and we have not been back. Expensive, poor service and inconstant food quality. Sorry, used to really love this place....
(2)
Alex A.
Horrible! My wife and I decided to try this place out, and the staff sandservice was the worst I've seen in a long time. The bad reviews you read about this place are 100% true. The staff act as though you are troubling them, when you ask for a table. The service once you get there is slow, and bad. If I were the owner, I would fire all of the staff and start over...... Pathetic
(1)
Dominique B.
Good food, drinks, and service. What more could you ask for? Nothing fancy but a typical good Mexican restaurant. I particularly enjoyed the vegetarian options. A lot of restaurants let me down in that area so bravo!
(4)
Kenneth C.
I got the cheese enchiladas with the house sauce, and thought they were excellent. The service was entirely acceptable as well! For what it is, it's great, and a fantastic value to boot.
(4)
Lisa E.
Average Mexican food. Nothing authentic or exceptional about it. It was just as good as any chain Mexican restaurant. The chips were fresh and the salsa was outstanding. The service was okay. We bought the Living Social "groupon" for this restaurant and they had NO IDEA what to do. It took us over 20 minutes to settle the bill and get out of there. Twice the waiter disappeared without a word and I had to finally hunt somebody down. That part was not fun. If they are going to buy into the daily deals programs they all need to know what to do!
(2)
Jess O.
This is definitely one of our favorite local places. The food is excellent, especially their enchiladas with their La Costita sauce. They also have the best rice in comparison with other Mexican restaurants in the area. Prices are a little higher but the food makes up for that. The only down side is their service. Hostesses are normally not the friendliest and the wait staff are polite but not overly friendly either.
(4)
A. Z.
The service was the real problem, but the food was not very good. I felt my dish was mediocre, at best, and my wife gave her dish to our dog. The staff was really unfriendly when we arrived and it seemed to irritate them to get us a table. It took too long to be greeted and then to get any service at all throughout the meal. The soda water was flat, too. It seems they were either having a terrible day, or their standard of quality and service was non-existent. Normally, I'd write in to a restaurant and give them feedback so they can fix an issue. Then, if they respond kindly, I'll give them another chance. Not this time, however. It was just too poor all around.
(2)
Jason G.
My daughter and I came here tonight because she wanted Mexican. They have a wide range of items to choose from. It's pretty much your average Mexican Fare. My burrito was huge and I could not eat it all! Chips and salsa were very good!
(4)
Robert G.
What to say about La Costita Mexican Restaurant in the Sunnyside/Clackamas/Happy Valley area? This is a tough review to write. I learned about this place because a neighbor, a B.A.T. (Bay Area Transplant), said "it's reeeaaallly goood." Well, her bar is not very high because she can't cook so, to her, most food is "reeeaaallly goood." I still went along and the party numbered six people. First and foremost, I will say that the service is very good, toward the tune of 4.5 stars, because they are friendly and polite. They are also patient with kids, some of which are noisy, as many families live in this bucolic part of the metro area. Food arrives promptly and items are priced right in the ball park for Mexican food of this genre. However, and it's a big however, their food is among the blandest Mexican food I've tasted, from the rice and beans, right on up to the more conventional enchilada and taco main items. Now, I don't like spicy food, so I don't go do Thai or Indian when asked (and people can be jerks in that they don't want to accept that your taste palette is blander), but Mexican food, however, can be delicious, and it's usually because of interesting seasonings more so than pungent spices. The Mexican food at La Costita had less kick than what I can handle or expect, and needed a defibrillator. The food is about a 2.5, and this carries more weight. I think they have a captive audience, being the only sit-down full service Mexican restaurant east of the 205 freeway that I can think of. Also, the area is probably not very demanding of their Mexican food. I'm not either. However, it falls short of the balance that the major chains such as El Torito or Chevy's can hit in terms of being tasty, flavorful, and not requiring that you guzzle water to no end to cool the jets. I like the people at La Costita. I really do. I just wish they'd reevaluate their recipes and presentation to provide more interesting and flavorful Mexican food, because I'm sure they can.
(3)
Brad M.
Fantastic staff at this location! The food is great! The drinks are good. The food is to brag about. Went in tonight and was impressed with the quickness of the meal. It was very busy, but they move quick and seating opens up quick. Don't worry about waiting 10 minutes....it's worth it.
(5)
Yhunsil C.
The food here is amazing!! Best mexican food I have ever had. That's all I have to say...
(5)
Heidi C.
5 stars! We are always super impressed with the awesome wait staff, and their food is always right on point. They have a true "large" margarita, as my mother in law found out! The glass bowl was as big as a human face! Their beans and rice are excellent, which for me is always an indicator of how good the food is going to be. Their salsa is always a big hit with us, it is just about the best salsa I've tasted at Mexican restaurants. We frequent this establishment thanks to the great food and happy staff.
(5)
Tony D.
I will keep this short and to the point. This place has amazing food and drinks but it is very expensive compared to other Mexican restaurants.
(3)
Nathan Z.
Wish there was a zero. I walked in with my family tonight. We were greeted by 3 waitresses/hostesses at the counter. They were clearly ticked that we had come in. Not a hi, welcome, nothing. Just ticked off employees. My small kids even noticed they were upset. I said we have seven. The main hostess looked ticked off and another walked off shaking her head. What the heck????!!!!? It was the rudest strangest thing I've ever witnessed at a restaurant. Pretty unfriendly at this place. To make matters worse after the main hostess walks off she comes back and says in a witchy way, "10-15 minutes". And there were empty tables all over the place. We left after I told them how rotten that experience was. The guy I was talking to just smiled and said, " I'm sorry ". Wouldn't recommend this place to anyone in Happy Valley area and they've lost our business forever. Adios not amigos!
(1)
Ethan H.
Definitely a treat for people who haven't tried delicious, authentic Mexican food. The service here is great, and the food is even better. It's a bit pricy, but what you're paying for is worth it. There's a bunch of scrumptious dishes to choose from, and as simple as a tortilla with beans and rice, will surely fill you up quickly. Absolutely terrific food.
(5)
Mitchell F.
Service: Despite a line and waiting customers they were slow to clear tables and seat. Food: Ordered the fish taco plate. Tacos were over-fried with one taco only having the skin inside. Nothing smelled or tasted fresh, especially the beans which tasted metallic. Overheard another customer complaining about hair in their food. Would not return. Created this account specifically to review this restaurant.
(1)
Kyndre L.
I wish this place had a higher Yelp rating because it deserves it. I read a couple reviewers who were complaining about the lack of authenticity - yeah this is American Mexican food - lots of cheddar cheese, etc. But it is definitely yummy. The salsa is made on-site and the chips are always warm and served in abundance. The rice is delicious, as are the beans - even the whole beans are good. I also saw some people complaining about the price - not sure what they ordered but we can easily eat for under $30 including drinks. We live about a 6-minute walk from here and eat here at least once a month. The staff recognize us and are always friendly. During our most recent visit my one-year-old daughter was dipping her chip into the salsa and it was too hot for her. One of the staff noticed she was struggling a bit and brought us a very mild salsa that my daughter ate the rest of the evening. Very thoughtful and observant. I don't drink and I am vegetarian so I cannot comment on the quality of the meat or drinks but my husband and I frequent here because we love it, not just because it is close to our house. We almost always get one of the combination items - usually an enchilada (their la costita sauce is amazing!) and a chile relleno. Their nachos are also good, as are their quesadillas. The only complaint I have is that their guacamole could be better. Personally if I was them I would steal the Chipotle recipe off the internet and make that. The guac here is just not that fresh. And, finally, I would not go on Cinco do Mayo because they get CRAZY busy. But that's it!
(5)
Teisha M.
This place is better than the reviews give credit for. The service is great and the food is a huge step above most Mexican places in the neighborhood. The thick accents you will hear from the staff are a sign that you are getting something closer to the real thing. Down with Tex Mex!
(5)
Monica B.
We've eaten here quite a few times and it has been very good every time. They have a good selection on their menu and great margaritas. My favorite is the chili relleno but the tacos, burritos, and tamales are also great.
(4)
Kari L.
La Costita is the Mexican restaurant I go to when I want chips and salsa with my meal. The prices are according to the location (happy Valley) and the type of service. The restaurant is clean, friendly staff, and good consistent food. The burritos and enchiladas are favorites. There nachos are a good size as well. They accommodate allergies and make note on the order.
(4)
Patrick S.
As the 3* rating says, it's A-OK. The wait staff have always been friendly, and the food is decent. The grande margarita (while expensive) is quite good (and definitely LARGE). Just try to avoid going here during rush-hour, they can have quite a long line.
(3)
Andrea M.
Great food. Great service. Here for a staff meeting. Booths were tall so we could hear each other easily. Kept things a little more private. Restaurant was clean and decor was nice. I'll be back with my family. I thought it was a nice place. I had the Pollo tropical salad. It was big and lots of fruit and chicken. Salad dressing was a simple cilantro and oil mix. Tasty.
(5)
Jeff S.
Ugh. This place is terrible. My wife and I gave it three tries because it is close by the house and we hoped maybe the first two times were flukes. They were not. Food does come quick. Too quick. The microwaves are obviously the most used appliance in the restaurant. Terrible and bland food. I've had frozen burritos that were more authentic. Three strikes your out. Don't waste your money.
(1)
Scott D.
I am a local and have been coming here for years. It seems like every time I come the menu changes. It us really going downhill lately. The service was painfully slow, the food bland, and our glasses were always empty. Next time I need Mexican Food, I will drive on down the road and dine elsewhere.
(1)
Ryan B.
Servers are great, food comes out quick, menu should change more I have had everything. Margarita's could be a little stronger
(3)
Amanda C.
My Favorite Mexican restaurant in Clackamas! I love the staff they are so friendly and kind. They are good with groups, and very patient with you. They even sang happy birthday to my sister in law! Great food, and a great time! Only criticism is that I had was that they could have topped off my water more! Thanks!
(5)
Brandy S.
This place is by far the best Mexican restaurant I've ever been to. The food was outstanding! The wait staff were extremely friendly and attentive! I'm from Texas so we have lots of Tex-Mex and authentic Mexican food, but once again this place has the best Mexican food! I would definitely recommend this place to everyone! Finding good Mexican food in the Portland area is very difficult, but La Costita is the best around!! This will be my family's go to Mexican restaurant here in Happy Valley!
(5)
Teresa H.
Went here with two of my friends and my hubs. 3 of us had serious intestinal issues the next day. Service isn't great. Food isn't great. I wont go back.
(1)
Katherine C.
Came here for the first time on the Fourth of July and received quick service. I ordered the steak fajitas, which were accompanied with the typical sides of rice, beans and tortillas. In my opinion, the food here is lackluster and a tad overpriced. While I more than likely will not return for the food, I will for the margaritas! I shared a large blackberry margarita with my friend. They served the drink in a large fishbowl style glass and to my surprise it was quite strong.
(3)
Rachelle R.
We went here this evening and ate in the bar. Food was really good, although on the spendy side. I had a Margarita and it was REALLY good. :)
(5)
David H.
I will preface this review by saying that I am from Southern California, and was weened on Mexican food. It's my favorite of all the culinary genres, and thus my standards are way, way above normal, or even rational. And don't get me started on Tex-Mex - that's not real Mexican food... That being said, La Costita is solid. It's not Old-Town San Diego solid, but it does in a pinch - ie. in Clackamas, Oregon. The chips and salsa are very good and usually fresh (although I've had a couple stale baskets over the years), and the margaritas are definitely worthy of note. The Tacos Tijuana is one of the better, and more authentic dishes, and it comes in a lunch special that is worth the price. The enchiladas are flavorful and always a winner. I can't say that the fish is especially good, nor can I jump up and down about the standard tacos or chili relleno's, but most everything else that I have ordered has rated as descent to really good. The real standout here is the service. Very solid crew that remembers you, takes care of you, and is genuinely interested in giving you a great experience. So, while I can't say that it's the best Mexican food I have ever had in my life, it is a place I frequent and really enjoy.
(4)
Marques G.
My favorite Mexican restaurant anywhere! This place is absolutely outstanding. The salsa is amazing - a little spicy and always fresh. My favorite dish is the Burrito Costeño, which is the best burrito I've ever found. The wait staff is very friendly and quite attentive. I'm ready for my next visit!
(5)
Arthur L.
Very tasty. A little different.than typical Mexican restaurants.
(4)
Steve B.
My wife and I have visited many times, the place is less than a mile from our house. The food is really pretty good, love the Carne Asada! But... service in the main restaurant can be really slow. If we are by ourselves we generally sit in the bar, somewhat better service. My main complaint is the drinks - specifically the margaritas. You know, a Mexican restaurant should have this down. We always ask if they can make the drink using real fruit and not a mix. The answer is always yes, but what we get is always done with a mix. It's a pretty simple drink: FRESH lime juice, cointreau and a 100% agave tequila, ice. Done. Last nights drink was especially bad. We asked, as usual for real fruit and got mix. My wife's drink actually did have a slice of lime in it, mine had none. And we are both pretty sure, no tequila. We ordered two extra shots which we added and it helped. I just don't understand why this is such a difficut thing to get right. So... nice place overall, but the experience can be pretty variable.
(3)
Jeremiah B.
MUch like others when writing my review, I ill preface this by saying that I was raised in Southern California, so Mexican food is as American to me as Apple pie and I do have a bit of expectations for it. My roommate and I thought we'd give it a try. They had an all day special for a chimichaunga with rice and beans for $5.99. Not bad on the price but no price is right when the quality is terrible. Typical Mexican restaurant experience, seated , brought chips and a salsa. I use the term salsa lightly because it was very watery, very little sustenance. I will say that they refilled the chips promptly when we ran out. Very little sense of humor was available in here. On the first refill of the chips the young man asked if we needed anything else. I asked if the salsa might be toward the end of the batch and if there was some with the vegetables available that would be nice. We were ignored as he walked away. Finally saw a server, she was unaware of the special on the food. I had to show her on my phone. More time and more chips... The food arrived and the chimi looked pale and under-cooked. Fortunately the meat used inside was pre-cooked so the undercooked tortilla didn't matter as much. It was served with a rather generous portion of (imitation) sour cream and (pre-packaged) guacamole. Each of us made it through about half of our chimi, a few bites of rice and beans and decided we were done. During the course of this the waitress came back to ask if we needed anything additional, good decision to omit the question, "How is your food?" Perhaps we went on the only night that the short bus brings the employees for equal opportunity night. Maybe it was just a one time thing, Too bad that life only presents an opportunity for a first impression one time. Needless to say, I do not recommend La Costita to even those who I wish ill. We won't talk about the evening of indigestion...
(1)
Pamela A.
La Costita is an average AMERICAN Mexican restaurant. It satisfies the average person looking for an average Mexican meal.
(3)
Linda W.
I have eaten here often since they opened and have never been a fan of the food...but others liked it so I went along. We decided to try this location last Thursday and what a mistake! The hostess was unfriendly, we waited too long for our waitress to appear, she never asked what we would like to drink (have you ever been to Mexican and they don't push margaritas?) and the chips were horrid! Dinner wasn't much better. I'm done with these guys for good.
(1)
Minh N.
Their food was decent, I ordered the tacos, carne asada to be exact. I asked for extra cheese (queso fresco). I've never been here before so I had no idea what to expect. My plate came out with three tacos, with three pieces of queso fresco atop each taco. I thought they had forgot my extra cheese, so I asked again if I could get extra cheese. He said that I did receive extra cheese, that this dish originally comes with 1 piece of quesco fresco. What the f*ck!? How can you share one stick of queso fresch (as big as a baby carrot) amongst 3 tacos? Nickel and dime? Never again. I had to order extra quesco fresco on the side. Ugh. By the way, service was horrible. Our waiter was so slow, and everything took forever in terms of taking our order, receiving our food, and receiving additional help throughout our meal. Never again.
(1)
Heather S.
Great food! Full of flavor ... kid friendly too...Yummy salsa.. Big portions...
(5)
Liz S.
My meal was ok, but my husband could not stop talking about his steak enchiladas for days. The staff was really accommodating. We wanted to watch the world cup and so they turned all the channels to our fav network and didn't mind at all that we lingered for the whole 90 min game. We will be going back.
(3)
Rebecca H.
It's in the Albertson's plaza, on the right. Service is slow but earnest. It's not the best Mexican food, but for Oregon, it's on the better side. The shredded beef is tasty and the carne asada is downright yummy and tender. The usual stuff, rice and beans, are bland. The plates are HUGE, which makes you think you are getting a lot of food, but it is really the rice and beans making up the majority of your meal. I would prefer smaller plates and less R&B, but I think I'm in the minority. It's a little pricey. I liked some of the little touches, like getting a small decanter of salsa, rather than just the little black bowl, and you can refill your own bowl if needed. The chips were served warm. I will probably eat there again.
(3)
Teri A.
A really great place if you like hair in your food. Not once but twice!
(1)
Jacob M.
Worst Mexican food ever. Taco meat tasted like what I'm assuming canned dog food would taste like, and had a green tinge to it. Avoid like the plague.
(1)
Dan H.
Not sure about the full dinner menu, but this is a really great hour hour spot.
(4)
Amy C.
We had an absolutely wonderful dinner here with family and grandson. Service was fantastic. Food was hot, flavorful and of perfect portion size. Blackberry margaritas are great! Prices are reasonable. Can't wait to be back in the area! Will definately be back!
(4)
Heather B.
They have the BEST Spicy Chicken Tortilla soup that I have EVER tasted! It has just the right amount of "kick" to warm you up inside... and yet is super tasty! The avacado they put on it just Tops it to the moon! I'm sure all the other things on their menu are wonderful, but all I want when I go is a basket of chips and salsa and my Spicy Chicken Tortilla soup! :D
(4)
Nicky W.
This is our favorite restaurant in the whole wide world! My wife Judy and I have been coming here since it first opened which was around 1995 I think. The staff is the friendliest of any restaurant we have visited. They go out of their way to make us feel welcome. They all drop by our table to say hi, and will often stay and chat for a while. We actually prefer this family to our own! The margaritas are amazing, and quite strong! The chips that go with the amzing salsa are made by Francesca at the Powell restaurant and are always delicious. We love most of the items on the menu, but are quite addicted to the Carne Asasda, which they always bring out with extra guacamole. Every week they have some unique dish that Jaime Jr, (owner's son) had created especially for the specials menu. We come to this restaurant often, but not as much as our friends Kyle and Julie who probably are here 5 days a week. Really!
(5)
Anthony F.
I live in California and this is by far my favorite mexican restaurant. I travel to Portland about six times a year and every time i have to visit La Costita. Try the fundido especial. its incredible
(5)
Breanna L.
I really liked this place and disagree with the poor reviews. The chips and salsa were fresh and delicious, the margaritas were excellent (a little overpriced, but were very tasty) and the food was good as well. My husband got the shrimp fajitas, which was HUGE, came with tons of veggies, shrimp and a very large plate of "fixin's" and I got a cheese enchilada (boring, I know) and ended with a flan. Both entrees were very, very good and the flan was definetly the icing on the cake. We purchased a Living Social to try the place out and we left wishing we had purchased more. We already can't wait to go back.
(4)
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Address :14626 SE Sunnyside Rd
Clackamas, OR, 97015
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Kerri L.
I've eaten at La Costita on Barbur Boulevard (when it was still La Costa) off and on for close to twenty years and have a real fondness for that restaurant, but I've only been to this location twice in the same amount of time, mostly because it's in Clackamas, but also because the original La Costita on Barbur just has never quite translated well in this location for me. The service is always friendly and quite kind, and when a patron requests something, that request is granted to the letter.. The decor is pretty close to the original restaurant. La Costita salsa is my absolute favorite of any salsa in Portland - it always tastes so fresh, and they still serve it up in the cute little clear carafes with plenty of warm chips and this is still complimentary. The margaritas are excellent here as well. My main complaint is with the main dishes. They taste somewhat blander here. I can't argue about price - prices are up all over, and people have to make a living. I just wish the food here didn't taste quite so like they came off a production line, and that's it, there is a loss of the more personal touch regarding the food than at the original restaurant on Barbur. So, I would return here if in the neighborhood and wanting a comfortable place to get my Mexican food fix, but I hope they take some time and work on cranking the flavor back up and add back in the personal touch.
(3)Cheri M.
Visited this location last night for the first time and the food was pretty good. Be prepared if you order a large margarita! It was a patron big gulp! The lighting in the restaurant was a little bright but better than being dark.
(3)Evelyn S.
Mi Amigo's...LISTEN UP!!! This is a public service announcement: EAT! SOME! WHERE! ELSE! Seriously?? Who gives this place 4 & 5 stars??? Clearly the owners relatives or very close (loyal) friends! Here are the top 5 things you need to know about La Costita: 1. Service is SLOW & TERRIBLE. It took 40 minutes from the time we were seated to get our food ordered and served. OK, I know it's not FAST FOOD but I expect my food in a timely manner - especially since my 2 year old isn't big on patience! While we were waiting (and waiting AND WAITING) for our food, our waitress gave 2 other tables the wrong food AND another waitress gave 2 tables the wrong tabs! 2. The prices are SUPER EXPENSIVE for the amount and quality of food you get. I wanted 3 things on the menu - NONE of the 3 items I wanted were available. I ordered a combo plate with 2 items. I asked for carne asada and was charge an extra $3 for the substitution. Really??? $3 for a taco that is stuffed with lettuce and very little meat? The tamale was filled with very little meat, too. The part that did have meat was super dry, too! 3. Everything cost extra. Black beans: Extra. Meat substitution: Extra. 4. It's not REAL Mexican. Here's a helpful hint: Don't smother everything in cheese and sauces. If your food is good, it should be able to stand on it's own and has no need for all the extra crap on top!!! 5. Find one of Portland's great Taqueria's and eat there. The best part of my meal was my beer! Thankfully, it wasn't made at La Costita AND it was actually served in a timely manner. Again, this was a public service announcement and YOU'RE WELCOME!
(1)kim v.
came in on a tuesday afternoon. only 1 other table in the whole restaurant and the waitress seemed pissed we showed up! my hubby and i are both in the restaurant biz so it's really disappointing when we can see someone NOT EVEN TRYING. she was a total waste! (the busser was great! refilled our drinks, cleared our dishes, did her job for her!) chips and salsa were awesome! the costita sauce i got on my enchiladas was good. the caesar salad was drenched in what tasted like mayo! yuck! tacos were crappy! and if anyone tells you this is close to authentic, they must have burned their tastebuds on the refried beans because this stuff is NOWHERE near real mexican food! good for some margies and chips but not much else!!
(2)Ellen M.
The service at this location was really egregiously bad. Millie was our waitress and, although she apologized for the slow service (~15 minutes to take our drink order and ~40 minutes for food) , just getting a to- go box took quite a while. Won't be returning.
(2)Richard H.
As Southern California transplants, this is the most authentic Mexican restaurant we have found in Portland. They get five stars for service, drinks, salsa, chips, and the menu. The location may cause you to pause, but don't hesitate to go inside right away and order a margarita. You won't be disappointed!
(5)CRAIG N.
The food here is consistent and amazing! Always come back to an excellent meal and drinks! The Cadillac Margarita is the best and the chili Relleno is one of the best in town!
(4)Rondi V.
Went here to have lunch with a friend over the weekend, and checked out their website & online menu before hand (which looked good). Other reviewers raved about the chips & salsa, however I don't think ours were fresh (tasted stale), the salsa was good. My burrito was bland, but the salsa that accompanied the chips helped it a little. Not sure if our visit was lackluster because we came on a Sunday afternoon between lunch & dinner services, but I won't be back.
(2)Sarah C.
The complimentary chips & salsa was the only thing good here! I shared the Tacos Tijuana plate & it most definitely wasn't worth $14. Five mini, white corn tortillas (double layered) each filled with a few slices of steak (couldn't taste unless eaten separately), a slice of avocado (fresh) & a chunk of mexican cheese. Shouldn't it be shredded cheese rather than chunk cheese for tacos? The side that comes with this is a cup of red beans sitting in its own juice. Not something I enjoyed. The double layered tortillas made the bite tough & chewy. I don't understand the reasoning for the double layering because the one was already thick. Their salsa helped make the tacos not terrible. This place is overpriced & I didn't care for my meal. The service at least was fast, friendly & helpful.
(2)Eric R.
I would give this place one star but the food tasted better than some places I've been. This does make my list of never to return restaurants. The service was horrible. 15 minutes to get our order and 53 minutes from order to delivery. Never received a refill on chips or drinks during that time. Not a single smile or thank you from any of the staff. When we asked to speak with a manager we found out our server was the assistant manager on duty. If that is how you lead by example that explains why the food took so long. Fajitas were bland, only green peppers and onions in the fry pan. All in all horrible service and below average food. When we received our bill the server said she hoped our next visit would be a better experience. Ha ha ha, she actually thought we would return after that performance.
(2)D L.
What a great place! You would never think going into a strip mall that your going to get that kind of quality Mexican food! You can't go wrong! Tacos, burritos, quesadilla, salads you can't go wrong! I would recommend this place to anyone and will go back as I always do!
(5)Nicole G.
I have been here most likely about 5-9 times. Every time it has been just okay, I get much better Mexican food in Corvallis. My in laws and I went in over thanksgiving weekend and it was the worst experience I have ever had. The water boy had to get us our waiter to begin with. Once we ordered we went through 3 baskets of chips because it took so long to get the food, about 45 minutes yet there was barley anyone in the place. Once we finally got the food it was COLD! I had nachos. My chips had degraded so badly they were no longer chips. The cheese had hardened back to its normal state. I also asked for no onion or jalapeño and yet they still put it on them. I had to use the chips from the basket to hold my toppings. It was horrible! I could have made better nachos in my microwave! Worst Mexican food I've ever had!!!!
(1)Dona L.
Mmmmm fish tacos! The fish tacos were soooo yummy. Even the baby munched away and pieces of the fish:) the customer service was some of the best we've ever had. I don't get why everyone loves the chips and salsa though. They were okay I guess. The salsa tasted more like cocktail sauce. On another note, I also ordered tamales from here on Christmas Eve all super last minute and they were very accommodating. They whipped 'em up no problem and even carried them out to my car fore because the container was really hot still. Overall the food is really good, a teensy bit over priced, but we will definitely be back
(4)Tim M.
Went here in search of the perfect Chili Relleno and came away still looking for one. Don't get me wrong, food here is good, the wife and I both had combo plates so we could get a sampling of various items. They were the usual suspects, enchiladas, chimichanga's, etc., they were all good, just like the bazillion other Mexican restaurants around here. One thing of particular note, I had their extra Large Cadillac Margarita (Hey it was Saturday night), it comes out in a glass about the size of Lake Michigan, with a stem so high I needed a booster seat to get my mouth to the top of it, but it was good, if not a bit spendy, $15, but I enjoyed it and my wife helped me finish it. We'll most likely be back, this place isn't far from home.
(3)Darrel S.
Priced too, too high for very bland food. Ordered a chalupa on a combo plate. It was placed on top of the refried beans and was so soggy I couldn't pick it up. Chips were stale even though the second basket were heated. Just no flavor to anything, nothing to make you say, "Wow, that was really good." Can't recommend it and won't be back.
(2)Kristin S.
Way too expensive for the quality of food. Atmosphere lacks anything special and booths are very uncomfortable. Unfortunately, this is the only Mexican restaurant in the area.
(3)Amy D.
My boyfriend and I eat at La Costita at least twice a week! Their food is absolutely delicious as are the margaritas! Our favorite dishes are: Tortilla Soup (best I have ever consumed), Tacos Tijuana, Pollo al La Costita, and their enchiladas! Sersiously the best mexican food in town - we have suggested this restaurant to a number of our friends and our family - who are all now hooked!
(5)Frances L.
I have never had a bad meal here. It's our favorite Mexican restaurant. We always get great service. The chips & salsa are great. I usually get the Fundidos Especial, but there's also a shrimp dish (it's wrapped in bacon) that is to die for. I love their refried beans, too. Yummmmmmm!!
(5)Kevin B.
used to visit L/C a lot, but too many bad experiences and we have not been back. Expensive, poor service and inconstant food quality. Sorry, used to really love this place....
(2)Alex A.
Horrible! My wife and I decided to try this place out, and the staff sandservice was the worst I've seen in a long time. The bad reviews you read about this place are 100% true. The staff act as though you are troubling them, when you ask for a table. The service once you get there is slow, and bad. If I were the owner, I would fire all of the staff and start over...... Pathetic
(1)Dominique B.
Good food, drinks, and service. What more could you ask for? Nothing fancy but a typical good Mexican restaurant. I particularly enjoyed the vegetarian options. A lot of restaurants let me down in that area so bravo!
(4)Kenneth C.
I got the cheese enchiladas with the house sauce, and thought they were excellent. The service was entirely acceptable as well! For what it is, it's great, and a fantastic value to boot.
(4)Lisa E.
Average Mexican food. Nothing authentic or exceptional about it. It was just as good as any chain Mexican restaurant. The chips were fresh and the salsa was outstanding. The service was okay. We bought the Living Social "groupon" for this restaurant and they had NO IDEA what to do. It took us over 20 minutes to settle the bill and get out of there. Twice the waiter disappeared without a word and I had to finally hunt somebody down. That part was not fun. If they are going to buy into the daily deals programs they all need to know what to do!
(2)Jess O.
This is definitely one of our favorite local places. The food is excellent, especially their enchiladas with their La Costita sauce. They also have the best rice in comparison with other Mexican restaurants in the area. Prices are a little higher but the food makes up for that. The only down side is their service. Hostesses are normally not the friendliest and the wait staff are polite but not overly friendly either.
(4)A. Z.
The service was the real problem, but the food was not very good. I felt my dish was mediocre, at best, and my wife gave her dish to our dog. The staff was really unfriendly when we arrived and it seemed to irritate them to get us a table. It took too long to be greeted and then to get any service at all throughout the meal. The soda water was flat, too. It seems they were either having a terrible day, or their standard of quality and service was non-existent. Normally, I'd write in to a restaurant and give them feedback so they can fix an issue. Then, if they respond kindly, I'll give them another chance. Not this time, however. It was just too poor all around.
(2)Jason G.
My daughter and I came here tonight because she wanted Mexican. They have a wide range of items to choose from. It's pretty much your average Mexican Fare. My burrito was huge and I could not eat it all! Chips and salsa were very good!
(4)Robert G.
What to say about La Costita Mexican Restaurant in the Sunnyside/Clackamas/Happy Valley area? This is a tough review to write. I learned about this place because a neighbor, a B.A.T. (Bay Area Transplant), said "it's reeeaaallly goood." Well, her bar is not very high because she can't cook so, to her, most food is "reeeaaallly goood." I still went along and the party numbered six people. First and foremost, I will say that the service is very good, toward the tune of 4.5 stars, because they are friendly and polite. They are also patient with kids, some of which are noisy, as many families live in this bucolic part of the metro area. Food arrives promptly and items are priced right in the ball park for Mexican food of this genre. However, and it's a big however, their food is among the blandest Mexican food I've tasted, from the rice and beans, right on up to the more conventional enchilada and taco main items. Now, I don't like spicy food, so I don't go do Thai or Indian when asked (and people can be jerks in that they don't want to accept that your taste palette is blander), but Mexican food, however, can be delicious, and it's usually because of interesting seasonings more so than pungent spices. The Mexican food at La Costita had less kick than what I can handle or expect, and needed a defibrillator. The food is about a 2.5, and this carries more weight. I think they have a captive audience, being the only sit-down full service Mexican restaurant east of the 205 freeway that I can think of. Also, the area is probably not very demanding of their Mexican food. I'm not either. However, it falls short of the balance that the major chains such as El Torito or Chevy's can hit in terms of being tasty, flavorful, and not requiring that you guzzle water to no end to cool the jets. I like the people at La Costita. I really do. I just wish they'd reevaluate their recipes and presentation to provide more interesting and flavorful Mexican food, because I'm sure they can.
(3)Brad M.
Fantastic staff at this location! The food is great! The drinks are good. The food is to brag about. Went in tonight and was impressed with the quickness of the meal. It was very busy, but they move quick and seating opens up quick. Don't worry about waiting 10 minutes....it's worth it.
(5)Yhunsil C.
The food here is amazing!! Best mexican food I have ever had. That's all I have to say...
(5)Heidi C.
5 stars! We are always super impressed with the awesome wait staff, and their food is always right on point. They have a true "large" margarita, as my mother in law found out! The glass bowl was as big as a human face! Their beans and rice are excellent, which for me is always an indicator of how good the food is going to be. Their salsa is always a big hit with us, it is just about the best salsa I've tasted at Mexican restaurants. We frequent this establishment thanks to the great food and happy staff.
(5)Tony D.
I will keep this short and to the point. This place has amazing food and drinks but it is very expensive compared to other Mexican restaurants.
(3)Nathan Z.
Wish there was a zero. I walked in with my family tonight. We were greeted by 3 waitresses/hostesses at the counter. They were clearly ticked that we had come in. Not a hi, welcome, nothing. Just ticked off employees. My small kids even noticed they were upset. I said we have seven. The main hostess looked ticked off and another walked off shaking her head. What the heck????!!!!? It was the rudest strangest thing I've ever witnessed at a restaurant. Pretty unfriendly at this place. To make matters worse after the main hostess walks off she comes back and says in a witchy way, "10-15 minutes". And there were empty tables all over the place. We left after I told them how rotten that experience was. The guy I was talking to just smiled and said, " I'm sorry ". Wouldn't recommend this place to anyone in Happy Valley area and they've lost our business forever. Adios not amigos!
(1)Ethan H.
Definitely a treat for people who haven't tried delicious, authentic Mexican food. The service here is great, and the food is even better. It's a bit pricy, but what you're paying for is worth it. There's a bunch of scrumptious dishes to choose from, and as simple as a tortilla with beans and rice, will surely fill you up quickly. Absolutely terrific food.
(5)Mitchell F.
Service: Despite a line and waiting customers they were slow to clear tables and seat. Food: Ordered the fish taco plate. Tacos were over-fried with one taco only having the skin inside. Nothing smelled or tasted fresh, especially the beans which tasted metallic. Overheard another customer complaining about hair in their food. Would not return. Created this account specifically to review this restaurant.
(1)Kyndre L.
I wish this place had a higher Yelp rating because it deserves it. I read a couple reviewers who were complaining about the lack of authenticity - yeah this is American Mexican food - lots of cheddar cheese, etc. But it is definitely yummy. The salsa is made on-site and the chips are always warm and served in abundance. The rice is delicious, as are the beans - even the whole beans are good. I also saw some people complaining about the price - not sure what they ordered but we can easily eat for under $30 including drinks. We live about a 6-minute walk from here and eat here at least once a month. The staff recognize us and are always friendly. During our most recent visit my one-year-old daughter was dipping her chip into the salsa and it was too hot for her. One of the staff noticed she was struggling a bit and brought us a very mild salsa that my daughter ate the rest of the evening. Very thoughtful and observant. I don't drink and I am vegetarian so I cannot comment on the quality of the meat or drinks but my husband and I frequent here because we love it, not just because it is close to our house. We almost always get one of the combination items - usually an enchilada (their la costita sauce is amazing!) and a chile relleno. Their nachos are also good, as are their quesadillas. The only complaint I have is that their guacamole could be better. Personally if I was them I would steal the Chipotle recipe off the internet and make that. The guac here is just not that fresh. And, finally, I would not go on Cinco do Mayo because they get CRAZY busy. But that's it!
(5)Teisha M.
This place is better than the reviews give credit for. The service is great and the food is a huge step above most Mexican places in the neighborhood. The thick accents you will hear from the staff are a sign that you are getting something closer to the real thing. Down with Tex Mex!
(5)Monica B.
We've eaten here quite a few times and it has been very good every time. They have a good selection on their menu and great margaritas. My favorite is the chili relleno but the tacos, burritos, and tamales are also great.
(4)Kari L.
La Costita is the Mexican restaurant I go to when I want chips and salsa with my meal. The prices are according to the location (happy Valley) and the type of service. The restaurant is clean, friendly staff, and good consistent food. The burritos and enchiladas are favorites. There nachos are a good size as well. They accommodate allergies and make note on the order.
(4)Patrick S.
As the 3* rating says, it's A-OK. The wait staff have always been friendly, and the food is decent. The grande margarita (while expensive) is quite good (and definitely LARGE). Just try to avoid going here during rush-hour, they can have quite a long line.
(3)Andrea M.
Great food. Great service. Here for a staff meeting. Booths were tall so we could hear each other easily. Kept things a little more private. Restaurant was clean and decor was nice. I'll be back with my family. I thought it was a nice place. I had the Pollo tropical salad. It was big and lots of fruit and chicken. Salad dressing was a simple cilantro and oil mix. Tasty.
(5)Jeff S.
Ugh. This place is terrible. My wife and I gave it three tries because it is close by the house and we hoped maybe the first two times were flukes. They were not. Food does come quick. Too quick. The microwaves are obviously the most used appliance in the restaurant. Terrible and bland food. I've had frozen burritos that were more authentic. Three strikes your out. Don't waste your money.
(1)Scott D.
I am a local and have been coming here for years. It seems like every time I come the menu changes. It us really going downhill lately. The service was painfully slow, the food bland, and our glasses were always empty. Next time I need Mexican Food, I will drive on down the road and dine elsewhere.
(1)Ryan B.
Servers are great, food comes out quick, menu should change more I have had everything. Margarita's could be a little stronger
(3)Amanda C.
My Favorite Mexican restaurant in Clackamas! I love the staff they are so friendly and kind. They are good with groups, and very patient with you. They even sang happy birthday to my sister in law! Great food, and a great time! Only criticism is that I had was that they could have topped off my water more! Thanks!
(5)Brandy S.
This place is by far the best Mexican restaurant I've ever been to. The food was outstanding! The wait staff were extremely friendly and attentive! I'm from Texas so we have lots of Tex-Mex and authentic Mexican food, but once again this place has the best Mexican food! I would definitely recommend this place to everyone! Finding good Mexican food in the Portland area is very difficult, but La Costita is the best around!! This will be my family's go to Mexican restaurant here in Happy Valley!
(5)Teresa H.
Went here with two of my friends and my hubs. 3 of us had serious intestinal issues the next day. Service isn't great. Food isn't great. I wont go back.
(1)Katherine C.
Came here for the first time on the Fourth of July and received quick service. I ordered the steak fajitas, which were accompanied with the typical sides of rice, beans and tortillas. In my opinion, the food here is lackluster and a tad overpriced. While I more than likely will not return for the food, I will for the margaritas! I shared a large blackberry margarita with my friend. They served the drink in a large fishbowl style glass and to my surprise it was quite strong.
(3)Rachelle R.
We went here this evening and ate in the bar. Food was really good, although on the spendy side. I had a Margarita and it was REALLY good. :)
(5)David H.
I will preface this review by saying that I am from Southern California, and was weened on Mexican food. It's my favorite of all the culinary genres, and thus my standards are way, way above normal, or even rational. And don't get me started on Tex-Mex - that's not real Mexican food... That being said, La Costita is solid. It's not Old-Town San Diego solid, but it does in a pinch - ie. in Clackamas, Oregon. The chips and salsa are very good and usually fresh (although I've had a couple stale baskets over the years), and the margaritas are definitely worthy of note. The Tacos Tijuana is one of the better, and more authentic dishes, and it comes in a lunch special that is worth the price. The enchiladas are flavorful and always a winner. I can't say that the fish is especially good, nor can I jump up and down about the standard tacos or chili relleno's, but most everything else that I have ordered has rated as descent to really good. The real standout here is the service. Very solid crew that remembers you, takes care of you, and is genuinely interested in giving you a great experience. So, while I can't say that it's the best Mexican food I have ever had in my life, it is a place I frequent and really enjoy.
(4)Marques G.
My favorite Mexican restaurant anywhere! This place is absolutely outstanding. The salsa is amazing - a little spicy and always fresh. My favorite dish is the Burrito Costeño, which is the best burrito I've ever found. The wait staff is very friendly and quite attentive. I'm ready for my next visit!
(5)Arthur L.
Very tasty. A little different.than typical Mexican restaurants.
(4)Steve B.
My wife and I have visited many times, the place is less than a mile from our house. The food is really pretty good, love the Carne Asada! But... service in the main restaurant can be really slow. If we are by ourselves we generally sit in the bar, somewhat better service. My main complaint is the drinks - specifically the margaritas. You know, a Mexican restaurant should have this down. We always ask if they can make the drink using real fruit and not a mix. The answer is always yes, but what we get is always done with a mix. It's a pretty simple drink: FRESH lime juice, cointreau and a 100% agave tequila, ice. Done. Last nights drink was especially bad. We asked, as usual for real fruit and got mix. My wife's drink actually did have a slice of lime in it, mine had none. And we are both pretty sure, no tequila. We ordered two extra shots which we added and it helped. I just don't understand why this is such a difficut thing to get right. So... nice place overall, but the experience can be pretty variable.
(3)Jeremiah B.
MUch like others when writing my review, I ill preface this by saying that I was raised in Southern California, so Mexican food is as American to me as Apple pie and I do have a bit of expectations for it. My roommate and I thought we'd give it a try. They had an all day special for a chimichaunga with rice and beans for $5.99. Not bad on the price but no price is right when the quality is terrible. Typical Mexican restaurant experience, seated , brought chips and a salsa. I use the term salsa lightly because it was very watery, very little sustenance. I will say that they refilled the chips promptly when we ran out. Very little sense of humor was available in here. On the first refill of the chips the young man asked if we needed anything else. I asked if the salsa might be toward the end of the batch and if there was some with the vegetables available that would be nice. We were ignored as he walked away. Finally saw a server, she was unaware of the special on the food. I had to show her on my phone. More time and more chips... The food arrived and the chimi looked pale and under-cooked. Fortunately the meat used inside was pre-cooked so the undercooked tortilla didn't matter as much. It was served with a rather generous portion of (imitation) sour cream and (pre-packaged) guacamole. Each of us made it through about half of our chimi, a few bites of rice and beans and decided we were done. During the course of this the waitress came back to ask if we needed anything additional, good decision to omit the question, "How is your food?" Perhaps we went on the only night that the short bus brings the employees for equal opportunity night. Maybe it was just a one time thing, Too bad that life only presents an opportunity for a first impression one time. Needless to say, I do not recommend La Costita to even those who I wish ill. We won't talk about the evening of indigestion...
(1)Pamela A.
La Costita is an average AMERICAN Mexican restaurant. It satisfies the average person looking for an average Mexican meal.
(3)Linda W.
I have eaten here often since they opened and have never been a fan of the food...but others liked it so I went along. We decided to try this location last Thursday and what a mistake! The hostess was unfriendly, we waited too long for our waitress to appear, she never asked what we would like to drink (have you ever been to Mexican and they don't push margaritas?) and the chips were horrid! Dinner wasn't much better. I'm done with these guys for good.
(1)Minh N.
Their food was decent, I ordered the tacos, carne asada to be exact. I asked for extra cheese (queso fresco). I've never been here before so I had no idea what to expect. My plate came out with three tacos, with three pieces of queso fresco atop each taco. I thought they had forgot my extra cheese, so I asked again if I could get extra cheese. He said that I did receive extra cheese, that this dish originally comes with 1 piece of quesco fresco. What the f*ck!? How can you share one stick of queso fresch (as big as a baby carrot) amongst 3 tacos? Nickel and dime? Never again. I had to order extra quesco fresco on the side. Ugh. By the way, service was horrible. Our waiter was so slow, and everything took forever in terms of taking our order, receiving our food, and receiving additional help throughout our meal. Never again.
(1)Heather S.
Great food! Full of flavor ... kid friendly too...Yummy salsa.. Big portions...
(5)Liz S.
My meal was ok, but my husband could not stop talking about his steak enchiladas for days. The staff was really accommodating. We wanted to watch the world cup and so they turned all the channels to our fav network and didn't mind at all that we lingered for the whole 90 min game. We will be going back.
(3)Rebecca H.
It's in the Albertson's plaza, on the right. Service is slow but earnest. It's not the best Mexican food, but for Oregon, it's on the better side. The shredded beef is tasty and the carne asada is downright yummy and tender. The usual stuff, rice and beans, are bland. The plates are HUGE, which makes you think you are getting a lot of food, but it is really the rice and beans making up the majority of your meal. I would prefer smaller plates and less R&B, but I think I'm in the minority. It's a little pricey. I liked some of the little touches, like getting a small decanter of salsa, rather than just the little black bowl, and you can refill your own bowl if needed. The chips were served warm. I will probably eat there again.
(3)Teri A.
A really great place if you like hair in your food. Not once but twice!
(1)Jacob M.
Worst Mexican food ever. Taco meat tasted like what I'm assuming canned dog food would taste like, and had a green tinge to it. Avoid like the plague.
(1)Dan H.
Not sure about the full dinner menu, but this is a really great hour hour spot.
(4)Amy C.
We had an absolutely wonderful dinner here with family and grandson. Service was fantastic. Food was hot, flavorful and of perfect portion size. Blackberry margaritas are great! Prices are reasonable. Can't wait to be back in the area! Will definately be back!
(4)Heather B.
They have the BEST Spicy Chicken Tortilla soup that I have EVER tasted! It has just the right amount of "kick" to warm you up inside... and yet is super tasty! The avacado they put on it just Tops it to the moon! I'm sure all the other things on their menu are wonderful, but all I want when I go is a basket of chips and salsa and my Spicy Chicken Tortilla soup! :D
(4)Nicky W.
This is our favorite restaurant in the whole wide world! My wife Judy and I have been coming here since it first opened which was around 1995 I think. The staff is the friendliest of any restaurant we have visited. They go out of their way to make us feel welcome. They all drop by our table to say hi, and will often stay and chat for a while. We actually prefer this family to our own! The margaritas are amazing, and quite strong! The chips that go with the amzing salsa are made by Francesca at the Powell restaurant and are always delicious. We love most of the items on the menu, but are quite addicted to the Carne Asasda, which they always bring out with extra guacamole. Every week they have some unique dish that Jaime Jr, (owner's son) had created especially for the specials menu. We come to this restaurant often, but not as much as our friends Kyle and Julie who probably are here 5 days a week. Really!
(5)Anthony F.
I live in California and this is by far my favorite mexican restaurant. I travel to Portland about six times a year and every time i have to visit La Costita. Try the fundido especial. its incredible
(5)Breanna L.
I really liked this place and disagree with the poor reviews. The chips and salsa were fresh and delicious, the margaritas were excellent (a little overpriced, but were very tasty) and the food was good as well. My husband got the shrimp fajitas, which was HUGE, came with tons of veggies, shrimp and a very large plate of "fixin's" and I got a cheese enchilada (boring, I know) and ended with a flan. Both entrees were very, very good and the flan was definetly the icing on the cake. We purchased a Living Social to try the place out and we left wishing we had purchased more. We already can't wait to go back.
(4)