Don Jalapeño: The Last Honest Mexican Standing in a Sketchy Little Food Cart Circus (5 stars for Don Jalapeño) (3 stars for the rest of this pod, and that's being generous) Alright Portland, gather 'round the questionable picnic tables. I'm wrapping up my downtown food cart series with the undisputed champion of the South Harvey Milk pod (yeah, the original park where it all started before everything shuffled a few blocks like a drunk guy trying to find his Uber). This spot used to be called Lot 88 or whatever, but most of those carts have migrated over to the beer garden. The ones that stayed? Half of them look like they only wake up after the sun goes down, when the party people and strip club refugees stumble in looking for regret fuel. During daylight hours, it's like a ghost town with tacos. You gotta be a special kind of weirdo to trust some of these operations. I'm talking "I wonder what that mystery meat dreamed about last night" level commitment. But then there's Don Jalapeño. This guy is single-handedly holding the entire pod together like a duct-taped burrito in a windstorm. While the others are playing "which cart will mysteriously vanish next," Don's been parked here grinding for four straight years. Four years! In food cart years that's like 47 in dog years. The man is a legend. The food? Straight-up excellent. Big portions, solid value, fresh flavors that actually taste like someone cares. It's not fancy fusion nonsense just honest Mexican food done right. Burritos, tacos, the works. My daughter and I keep coming back even though the pod itself looks like it lost a fight with 1997. From the outside it screams "maybe don't," but one bite and you're like, "Okay, universe, I was wrong again." Pro tip: You can usually pull right up and park in front like it's your personal driveway. Or better yet, stroll up from the waterfront (it's literally a block or two away) after pretending you're gonna be one of those "active Portland" people. Grab your food, then wander across the street to Hoover's Cafe for one of those legendary Spanish coffees they set on fire. Warning: That thing is so strong it'll make your ancestors cough. I took one sip and my liver filed a complaint. Holy moly. What really seals it though? The people. Don and his son are the kind of hard-working, salt-of-the-earth folks who make you feel like you're running into an old friend every time you show up. No attitude, just good vibes and good grub. So yeah three stars for the rest of this ragtag collection of questionable carts. But five big, beautiful, extra guac stars for Don Jalapeño. If the pod ever collapses into a black hole of bad decisions, his cart will still be floating there, serving burritos and saving downtown one happy customer at a time. Go see the man. Tell him the comedy guy sent you. Just don't blame me when you can't finish that Spanish coffee. read more

Don Jalapeño - The best Mexican food cart down town Don Jalapeno. - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Great customer service, friendly staff, the food looks and tastes delicious, and it had an overhang to keep out of the rain. Real pictures of their food added to the ambience and got my sale. Great Mexican food cart! read more

Don Jalapeño - Huevos Rancheros - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

My boyfriend and I love regularly getting burritos from Don Jalapeño's! They have never disappointed us. The crew is kind and consistent. Couldn't recommend going here more! read more

Don Jalapeño - Shrimp Fajita Burrito Chicken Fajita Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I called to place a big order for my office and they were super helpful in making sure my order was correct and delivered on time. Everyone loved what they ordered. The chips and salsa & guac were divine! Highly recommend and appreciate them for going above and beyond for my office's lunch hour! read more

Best burrito food truck in downtown. Can always count on them. Really great homemade guacamole sauce!

We grabbed a quick bite on the way to the Blazers game and had some of the best tacos in the PNW to date. The asada, pollo, and chorizo tacos were soooo delicious. The tortillas were perfect. The salsa verde was exactly what we wanted. And the chips and guac were fresh and flavorful. The service was kind and fast. Our only regret is not going when we were hungrier and getting one of each taco! We didn't see many places to sit, so we just set up at a nearby booth that was closed, but I think there was some seating around back. We will definitely be back when visiting Portland! And by the way, everything pictured was $18 total. read more

Don Jalapeño - Chorizo taco Pollo taco Asada taco Chips and guacamole - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

The food is Amazing. I'm a huge fan of tacos and this place has the best tacos in Portland. Every time I go to downtown Portland, I'll purposely make a detour to get some tacos. The quality and taste are consistent!! Service is great too, the owner is super friendly. Highly recommend read more

Don Jalapeño - Chicken tacos - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I ordered tacos al pastor it comes with onions, cilantro, jalapeños, radish, and carrot. The habanero salsa is decently spicy, but not too hot if you're used to spicy. The corn tortillas were nice and soft, but bigger than I expected. Good jamaica refresco, not too sweet, just sweet enough. Overall, good Taqueria food that didn't cost an arm and a leg. Nice folks. read more

I was here yesterday, good food and good service a place if you want some goods burritos.

This cart is right around the corner from my office, so it's one that I return to often. The taco, burritos and service is always great.

It was off the hook, yo! The kicker was the beans, oh my goodness, they have to be homemade or I will marry the can they came from. The beans are so perfectly cooked, they look like pinto but are so smooth and rich like a flor de Mayo....you didn't know I had such an affinity for beans? It is good we are still learning about each other. The Hurache had perfect grill marks, not greasy or undercooked, pico de Gallo has had time to meld flavors, the cheese was very fresh, salsas are flavorful with some heat but not enough to hurt you AND even though it was made with dark meat chicken....I ate the whole thing. I definitely recommend their food with or without meat, great vegetarian options and with their flavors you won't be missing anything. read more

Don Jalapeño - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

It's hard to put my finger on why, since Don Jalapeno's offers mostly the same dishes at the same price point, but this cart is a slight step above the plethora of other Mexican carts downtown. Could be their clean, attractive (i.e. easy to read) menu and signage, could be the seemingly higher level of freshness of their food and nice presentation, or perhaps the friendly woman always working the front window. Whatever it is, DJ's is my new go-to Mexican food truck downtown. I've had and would recommend the tacos, tortas, and burritos. Located at the 3rd Ave cart pod. Now offering guac sauce!! read more

Hands down the most flavorful burrito I have ever had, EVER. The sauces are a total dream. Thank God I'm only visiting Portland. Otherwise I'd stuff myself silly with food from this truck and gain 300lbs. read more

Here's the text I sent to my boyfriend: Wow babe I'm impressed! This is the best Mexican food that I've had in a LONG time. Can we add them to the rotation? I feel like nothing has been too salty or greasy, and I can taste the quality of the ingredients Nice n' fresh read more

The wet burrito was supposed to come with meat, beans, rice, pico de gallo, cheese and guacamole. Instead, it had rice and meat. A little cheese and sauce on top. More of a damp burrito, then a wet burrito. I was wondering why the Box felt so light. Never a good sign. It tasted fine, but it wasn't what I thought I was ordering, or wanted. The guy running the place was super nice, and he had a lot of orders, so maybe he just overlooked mine. I might come back for a taco, but given how many Mexican carts there are in the area, probably not. read more

Really good quality tacos for a good price. The tamales are really good as well, not spicy at all. They give you the side of salsa in case do you like spicy. I recommend the carnitas tacos, they are juicy and a good amount of meat to tortilla. Very friendly service as well. read more

Don Jalapeño - Tamale - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Like I posted previously, this place is the truth!! Good service and great food! Ordered and received my food in like 5 minutes super quick and convenient since I work in downtown and 30 minute lunches aren't long enough, happy to be served quickly and efficiently read more

Don Jalapeño - Asada mulita and 2 tacos de asada - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Food was okay. Not bad. My only complaint is that the asada had some hard pieces in there. Not sure why. But overall it was not bad.

My absolute favorite place for a quick lunch. I am never disappointed in the breakfast burrito - perfect size and perfect temperature (which is often times the real testament to a good burrito). 10/10 the best comfort food!! Worth the cost 100% read more

New managment/ownership. They used to have the best burritos. It was 5 stars. But now it's just ok.They've changed the recipe for so many things, sadly. read more

with as many mexican food carts there are downtown, it's hard to find one that is five stars. I got a couple tacos today for lunch and they were great. one asada and one chicken. the asada was particularly good, great seasoning and flavor. the chicken was dark meat(i prefer light) but still tasty. The people running the cart were really nice and their avocado salsa was a highlight, especially since i never opt for green salsa. out of the 3-4 mexican carts on this block, i'd say this is easily one of the best. read more

The burrito was big for the size. They're nice and ask what sauce I wanted when I picked up the burrito but too bad they only gave one sauce for the huge burrito. I got the carne asada burrito and it was great. I would definitely come here again for the value of the burrito. read more

Don Jalapeño - Meat burrito - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I had the torta and it was delicious. The meet is well seasoned and cooked. Will definitely eat here again

Placed a large order over the phone for pick-up for my office. The guys were very accommodating and friendly (thank you whoever you are)! Ordered a variety pack of tacos, and every single one was exceptional in taste, even though they were pretty basic. They packaged them in aluminum trays with a lid, and provided sauces and napkins. I'll definitely be back! read more

This burrito is amazing! It's a decent price for the amount of toppings that come with it. Very good flavor in the asada and guacamole! read more

Don Jalapeño - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

One of the better Chile Relleno burritos that I have had! The owner toasted the burrito, so it was nice and toasty! It was only $7 and worth every dollar! read more

Don Jalapeño - Chile Relleno Burrito with all the works...Pinto beans, rice, Pico de Gallo, sour cream and guacamole! - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Amazing Tacos! Quick service, friendly staff. I would give it a 5/5 rating if their salsa verde was freshly made- or if the color was a bit more vibrant. Highly recommended for lunch. The line seems to move pretty quickly- this is specially important for those typical Oregon rainy days. read more

Here's the deal!!! "Mother's Bistro" is around the corner and we went there first. Not my deal, but was trying to make points with my wife. The line was way long and the place is a bit "foofy" for me, but whatever. Anyway we left and walked a block or so up the street and happened upon Don Jalapeño!!! What a find!!!! $5.50 for a breakfast burrito, great salsa (Habanero), and $1.00 for a Diet Coke!! Frigging Terrific!!!! Even my wife loved the place!!! It's a food cart, but I'd take it any day over Mother's!! We'll be back tomorrow!!! read more

Don Jalapeño - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Went here for lunch as we were staying at the AC hotel for business and the food was delicious. I got a chicken fajita burrito with no beans and their red hot sauce to put on it. It was soooo good! Basically this is a upgrade from Chipotle's burritos so if you like Chipotle you will love this place! read more

Five stars for the super flavorful chicken mole burrito (and for only $6!). The chicken was juicy and moist and together with the rice were saturated with the wonderful mole poblano sauce. The flour tortilla was nicely crisped and blistered (but not burned) so it was crispy yet soft and chewy. Very filling even hours later. I visited on a rainy Monday around noon, and they had quite a number of orders ahead of mine (they seem popular), but I got my food pretty quick. Will come back again -- hope to try their California (i.e. San Diego) style burrito next. read more

Stopped by at around 2:30, very hungry, and ordered a burrito with pinto beans, rice, and guac for only $3.50. It was so good I practically inhaled it. You know a place is good when they can do the simple things really well. My only wish was that the guac was thicker. It was similar to a sauce. Other than that, perfect. read more

Best bang for your buck when it comes to food cart food. Came here just to get a little snack to hold us over for the next meal and ordered 2 pastor tacos for 1.50 each. I don't like cilantro so the man running the truck asked if I'd like lettuce instead--sure! The tacos came packed with meat (more than what is in pictured) and was really flavorful. I will definitely be back for a meal sometime. Great spot to get full for less than $10! read more

To echo the other yelpers....this is my favorite Mexican cart! The tacos have so much meat and they are the classic with onion & cilantro. The nachos are good and the taco salad is great...they make their own shell and it is NOT greasy at all. The food is fresh and one of the biggest thing is that they are so nice! I work downtown and so we have gone to pretty much every food cart in our area and I can't believe how many food cart operators are just not that nice...lol. I used to go between 2 others and now I only go to this one! BTW...if you want to tip and you use a card...TELL HER before she finishes processing the charge. They have to pull up a different screen otherwise you just sign and can't leave a tip...and I think they deserve a tip every time! read more

These folks are so friendly, so sweet, and pretty dang quick, too. The food is also great -- including the variety of salsa available to accompany your meal. The prices are right, too. I have had the tamales, and a variety of tacos -- carnitas, pastor, fish, chicken, etc. No complaints. We come fairly often for lunch. The line is never insane. Make sure to try all the salsa options. If you pay by CC, they charge a .50 fee -- worth it. read more

Wow! My new favorite Mexican food truck! Sorry, not sorry, former favorite Mexican food cart! The food is delicious and fresh! I loved my tofu burrito! My co-workers loved their tacos! My other co-worker got the cheese quesadilla plate....generous portions for only $8! The service great! Super friendly family! We will definitely be back for more! read more

Two words: asada tacos! My husband and I each ordered one asada taco so we could try a few different trucks in the area. After finishing what we ordered we decided to go back for more because they were so good. The meat was full of flavor and really juicy. My husband loved the red sauce and the guacamole sauce. I just squeezed the lime on my tacos and they were perfect! read more

I'm originally from LA so my diet consisted of a lot of tacos. I brake for taco trucks!! I moved to Hawaii 3 years ago and this week I flew to Portland for some meetings and at the hotel the receptionist recommended this food truck or "food cart" as they call it. So off I went to find it and it was not too far a walk from my hotel to this spot. I spoke to the owner in Spanish and he responded so already I know this is probably gonna be legit. I order my magic number of 5 asada tacos with cilantro, onions, green sauce and lime and a coke in the Mexican coke bottles. I mention this bottle for a reason...just wait. The only negative moment I had at no fault to Don Japeño or any other carts there was this crackhead bum came to beg for money, I'm on a budget and so I apologized and said sorry no, he moved on and was walking to himself, long story short he decided to demand I give him my money and was ready to swing on me, I just want my tacos. So he's threatening me and in my face, when my tacos are done I'm debating whether I should use that coke bottle to him over the head should he attack me. This is where the bottle comes in handy, that bottle is so thick it won't break, but it'll break skulls so word to the wise, in this area you may want to choose the Mexican soda bottles instead of the cans. The guys followed me all over the place until I went into a bar and he paced back and forth for a while until he finally moved on. By the time I got back to the hotel the tacos were cold and I was too tired and hungry to heat them up so I ate them cold and FUCK!!! Even cold they were good, I haven't had a good taco in years!! Nothing and no one was stopping me the next day for going back for more tacos and this time I ate them hot and shit yea...so happy I went back because they were what I was missing in my life! I don't want to take away stars for the experience with that guy but I do want to bring it to your attention that he does frequent that area and if you don't give him money he will threaten you and try to intimidate you so just keep an eye out for the crazies roaming those areas. I'll be back in the summer! read more

Stopped by and got a breakfast burrito. It was solid but not 5 stars. I will have to try some other shit that they have and see if it is any better. Overall very good read more

Would've given them five stars but they didn't include onions or avocados in my sausage breakfast burrito like I ordered. I even asked when they handed it to me if they remembered to put avocados and grilled onions in and she said yes but I'm halfway through my burrito right now and no onions or avocados it's still really good tho. read more

I love this place so much! Probably my favorite Mexican food in Portland! The food is delicious! I've tried multiple burritos and tacos, and I've enjoyed them all. We even have had catering at my work and they are always on time - somehow the food is always fresh and warm, even for big orders! The owners are always so friendly! :) read more