First, know that the service is excellent, Tono and team were so nice. Unfortunately, while this family-run establishment has a model that works, it's not for me. Gringas with permed gray hair seem to love it. These types of Mexican restaurants can be found along the coast, the Westside and in SE Portland. They are typified by Campbell's "Pace-like" salsa and dishes drowned in ranchero sauce and cheese. At least the chips were warm and decent. The Chile Relleno was an eggy crepe around parts of a chile, there was no stem. They don't offer carnitas (a bad sign), just cubed pork. One and definitely done. read more

La Isla Bonita - Nope - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

We were here because we were invited for a free lunch, to be here. The restaurant was clean and colorfully decorated. Wide selections of Mexican food in their menu. Meal also come with tortilla chips & salsa & bean dips. Hubby ordered his usual Chili Relleno, 1 Enchilada & 1 Taco. The food was authentic and tasted very good. I ordered the Steak Fajita, served with rice, beans, and tortilla along with bed of sauteed onions, bell peppers, sour cream & guacamole (which I didn't care). I was surprised, that I thought, maybe he had made a mistake on my order, but the rice & beans were part of my dish! Which was too much for lunch, but it was meant for another meal, another time. Which was fine with us. In the men's restroom, hubby said, one of the two sink basin, has a large ugly hole in it, that has not been repaired. In the ladies' restroom, the stall I was in, couldn't lock up. As I was done, I looked to where the toilet paper were, it was empty. I actually took a photo of it, UNTIL after I was done, there's another 2 large toilet paper holder. In other words, to the right, there's toilet paper. To the let, they're empty. (I had to use a toilet seat cover to wipe). The service was friendly, and prompt, when it was time to order or have our meals. read more

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Late afternoon lunch. Flavorful chili relleno's, well prepared, better than most places. Shredded beef tacos and enchiladas were above average. Place is spotless and the waiter very efficient! Drinks are way too expensive and that will move you down to 4 stars every time. Great chips and salsa and bean dip to start out, no complaints here. We'll probably go again, but no alcohol! read more

La Isla Bonita - Dining room - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

They didn't roll my burrito up it was like eating a quesadilla, but more spread out on the plate. I told the server but he didn't care he just laughed and said "that's how we roll them". Won't be going back read more

I tried their special chicken, and it was full of flavor! The plate it came on was very hot, so the food stayed warm for a while, I really enjoyed everything and their service very good, I will be looking forward to going back there again soon! read more

La Isla Bonita - Special chicken - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Food is always hot & fresh . Service makes you feel like you are family when you come here. Love the atmosphere. It's very inviting. read more

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Portland people you need to try this place we came from Los Angeles we were at the car dealer getting some work done and the guy recommended this Mexican restaurant. The food was good nice and hot service was excellent inside is very big lots of seating. They start you off with chips, salsa, and a side of pinto beans to dip your chips in. It was very good. The beans are very authentic Mexican, pinto beans. Our burritos came nice and hot the carna asada burrito had pinto beans rice with the meat topped with guacamole. Everything here on the burrito was fresh but it was a little on the salty side but I am not a salt person. The red chili burrito was very authentic more like a Mexican New Mexico experience. I'll make sure to put this in my favorites for next time I come to Portland read more

La Isla Bonita - Carne Asada burrito - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Our favorite Mexican restaurant now! We loved their large margaritas, their chips and salsa and beans, and their cheese sauce! Overall we will be back a bunch! Also the server was so sweet and amazing. He was so great!! read more

The service was great and restaurant is clean. The ceviche has good flavor, lots of shrimp, and a large portion. The bean dip and salsa are great start to the meal. read more

La Isla Bonita - Shrimp Ceviche - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Absolutely delicious!!! Drinks were just okay. But the food was amazing. The chicken great flavor and moist!! The bean dip was really good!! read more

La Isla Bonita - Absolutely delicious. Great flavor moist!! Drinks were okay! But the food was amazing!! The bean dip with the salsa super good! - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Delicious! The staff were friendly and the food was memorable. I order delivery now. The ambiance is fun and bright.

Great food, and lovely people own the restaurant. They are always gracious and charming, the service is wonderful. The food is excellent, always in large portions and served fresh and hot. The ambiance is a little noisy, but very cozy and welcoming. read more

Food was good our drinks were amazing.. staff was super nice. I had tacos, others in the party had a chicken burrito. And the other had soupas.. both said it was really good .. the rice was sooo good. read more

The food is always consistent here, and good. The ambiance is very special, the wait staff acts like they're welcoming you into their cozy home read more

The service and food are always consistent. I appreciate the feel that it seems to be run by a small family. I feel better each time I am spending money since I know it's going to support something more local then a conglomerate. Every dish is pretty safe to go with, I like the tacos, Al Carbone, the meat is extremely tender and well flavored. I like the third Chile Riano is made with Anaheim instead of poblano. Little touches like these make it more personal. I prefer to order my dish without cheese as it can be pretty overwhelming portions. My husband uses the Menudo as a medicinal remedy for hangovers so it's pretty common to see us there on Saturday or Sunday late morning. read more

La Isla Bonita - Molcajete - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Have driven by many times and finally stopped. So glad I did! The service was quick and friendly, warm chips and tasty food and the ambience was spot on. I'll definitely be back. read more

First time there and the food was so delicious! I also ordered flan and it was better than a lot of other places that serve flan. Everyone was super nice!! read more

La Isla Bonita - Camarones Agua Chile - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Love the family Mexican decor and atmosphere at La Isla Bonita! The service is always good and attentive! The food is always delicious and tasty. If you want a nice Mexican American restaurant where you can dine inside or out and enjoy a nice meal then check this place out! It's our go to when we want to dine in, sip a tasty Margarita, dip hot and crispy chips into a nice bowl of zesty salsa and ponder over the large selection on their menu! read more

In the front is Chili Chile Verde and in the back is Pollo a la Crema. Both are my daughter and my go to here. There is always extra to take home for lunch the next day!!! read more

La Isla Bonita - Front Chili Chile Verde. Back Pollo a la Crema - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Highly recommend!!! I wish I'd found this restaurant way sooner! They have friendly staff! Great food! I wanted to give 4.5 stars because - I wish they had space for babies- but it only lets you do 4 or 5. They have high chairs but no where to change the baby in the bathroom. So just keep that in mind when you visit. read more

I was getting my car repaired at an auto dealer nearby, and stopped by for some late lunch. Cons: No bar (only booth seating). Booth seats were a bit uncomfortable. Pros: Service was solid. The special (pollo crema) was tasty. Homemade chips were awesome, and served with salsa and beans which hit the spot. read more

We found our favorite authentic Mexican restaurant finally! Great service and the food has been delicious the times we've eaten there in the last 2 weeks. From shrimp, steak and chicken fajitas for $39 for 2 of us. Mole has a sweet and savory delicious flavor. Chips fresh and crispy! We love this place! Employees are all so friendly and attentive. Thank you. read more

I haven't been here for a couple years. Food was good. The atmosphere was very nice. And the service was good.

Still excellent. And not too costly, compared to similar places. But still no website.. in 2024. What is it with this place? At least, they oughta put up a current menu and prices. read more

Guysssss, they have MEXICAN PIZZAS - I repeat... THEY HAVE MEXICAN PIZZAS!!!! AND THEY ARE SO BOMB!!!! Okay, sorry for yelling y'all but I really like this place. Solid food with affordable prices. Plus right now they have a $10 special on a huge ass plate painted on the front window (I didn't get it but my friend did and I was jealous). Haha Chips and salsa with beans - 5/5 stars Mexican pizza with ground beef - 93726272929 out of 5 stars Shredded chicken quesadilla - 2.5/5 stars (to be fair I just don't like shredded chicken) Taco al carbon with steak - 5/5 stars - very tender meat, excellent seasoning too Rice & beans 5/5 stars House margarita - on ice - 4/5 stars (only because I'm a bartender and think the ones I make are better) hahaha Whatever, stop reading this review and go eat!! read more

I've been eating here since I was a child. This place has great service! All of the staff is extremely kind and FAMILY FRIENDLY! Feel free to bring your kids here and have a nice sit down dinner on a hot day when you don't feel like cooking. You won't be disappointed. The ceviche was delicious and refreshing. My kids had the cheese enchiladas kids meal! All for around $35. Definitely one of our spots. read more

La Isla Bonita - Family friendly - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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G-R-O-S-S. I knew this food wasn't going to be that good. How did I know? Because I've never seen one Mexican person dining there. My man wanted to try it , so I went with the flow. Thought it would just be davoid of any flavor, expected a pedestrian menu. But, what we hadwas way more terrible. I could only take two bites of my dish: the arroz con mercados. If I spelled it wrong, no disrespect, I just don't care to go back to the menu for a typo. This runny , funky, dish filled with soft seafood and oily sauce had torn tortillas in it , which gave an off putting texture. The shrimp tasted old, the texture of them made it seem as if they were frozen, defrosted, frozen again, then defrosted again. The essence left in my mouth, was only what I can aliken licking a freezer full of old seafood juice to taste like. I imagine a deep freezer with ice so thick that you can barely fit anything inside, and the smell of leaked seafood blood and liquids permeate the ice and someone dares you to take a spoon and scrape the sides of the freezer and eat it. Not only some of the worst Mexican food that I have had , but some of the worst food that I have ever tasted in my life. I put the lid back on, and plan to give it to a homeless person. However I am thinking that's a terrible thing to do, so I'll offer it to a homeless person's dog instead. Do not go here and hell, even if you drive down the street, don't even look at the place. Almost started a huge argument with me and my man, because he wanted to give it a 'try'. Had to cook dinner at 9 pm to avoid being hungry all night. I can't believe they get any returning customers whatsoever. Should be ashamed of what they are charging waaay too much for. My dish was $18.95. My guy had the seafood enchilada. None of the seafood was destinctive of each other. The shrimp, scallops, and crab was one dense , squishy, mixture. As if they either put it all together and blended it or bought a seafood 'mix' and let it ripen to freezer burn level, then defrosted and cooked it. Just simply.... Horrid! read more

La Isla Bonita - Arroz con mercados translation: GROSS - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I chose to eat Lunch at La Isla Bonita randomly as I was passing through the area, and it was a pleasant surprise. The food was amazing and I'm so disappointed that I don't live close by. At Mexican restaurants, I will always pick a menu item with shredded beef and I love to make it at home too, so I've become particular about how I like it. The shredded beef here was fantastic. There was lots of flavor, it wasn't too salty, and it was perfectly juicy. My new favorite. read more

Yum yummy yum is this Mexican place yummy love this place super good food underrated Mexican food spot

We have been coming here for a couple of years. Reliably fresh and friendly, we love this place

I'm from central California .. made a move to live with my wifey to family in Portland .. Most forms of Hispanic and/or Latin cuisine ,be it in restaurant or truck form ,really draw us .. this place was actually great.. why are they not busy..?? especially if they are proactively helping their customers .. like my diabetic wifey.. I experienced good hospitality.. I went in with the staff accommodating my personal needs well, I might say.. I bet their night style/vibe is par none which I've yet to experience..!! Now the food.... we had a tamale, chimichanga ,chile relleno, and enchilada., each very distinct and tasty .. the sauce was just authentic enough , without bring too heavy.. The knockout definitely was the bean Chile dip offered with chips and salsa at first... paired with tasty and not too powerful drinks.. I am m overall Delighted today ..!! read more

Super good food. I had the small plate. 1 Chicken Tamale, 1 Chicken Hard Shell Taco with Mexican Slaw, Re fried Beans and Spanish Rice. You also get a complimentary basket of Corn Chips with Salsa Roja and Bean Dip. Less than $10.00 They were a bit slow on a Sunday afternoon but still. I was seated fast. Order taken quickly and my meal arrived in a timely fashion. I was taken care of and enjoyed my food. As usual, I made animal noises and dripped beans on my shirt. I wasn't even that hungry, That's how I roll! The restaurant is decorated in pretty ceramics and paintings. Detail even flows to the seats. A good place for the family or Date Night. I noticed a Tortilla Making Station up front. It would be cool to watch it in action. I forgot to ask about it though. read more

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Compared to all other Family Mexican Restaurants, I will say La Isla Bonita does it best. Fresh beans and salsa, a huge variety of drinks and cocktails, and the carne asada/meats are delicious. I have gone to all of the "El Indio" "La Costita" and "El Tapatio". While those places are good, the selection and flavors at La Isla are honestly better. read more

Best real south of the border experience. Family place. No bar. But great drinks. At great prices because there is no bar. Fabulous beer selection. Consuelas even. The chips? Come with beans and salsa. Better than anywhere I go. Salsa is homemade and very tasty. Unique. I came in 2:30pm. Slow. Dude is sitting there teaching his daughter to read. Yet not once was anyone or anything neglected. read more

I love this colorful place. Bright and cheery decor make me feel good and the food makes my tummy smile. The staff here is friendly and efficient - they treat customers like special guests. Tonight we stopped by for food to go. I got the Tijuana taco salad and the hubby got a monster style burrito. My taco salad was excellent. Crispy shell, crisp lettuce, nummy beans, rice and beef, just the right hint of onion, avocado, and sour cream. I tossed a little of the tasty salsa they provided with the complimentary chips. The hubby loved his burrito too! This is the type of restaurant we will return to again and again - bright and clean place, friendly people, and consistently fresh well-prepared food. read more

La Isla Bonita - Number 9 - deluxe tostada - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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If I could give them more than 5 stars I would. Excellent food, huge portions, inexpensive and great service! The booth we sat in wasn't very comfortable, but booths and tables were clean and the service was A++ This was our first time here and we'll definitely be back. read more

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The worker or server with the glasses gets.my order correct every time. I ordered a burrito. It has rice in it. There was guacamole on top. It's the first burrito listed. I think it's called Express or something similar. It's too big for me to finish while I'm inside. I get a To Go box. Schmoopie ordered Chicken Mole. It has rice (with tomato sauce) and refried beans. Schmoopie said the salsa wasn't spicy. It was. I ate a lot of chips with the bean dip before my order was brought to the table. Schmoopie and I sat in the middle of the dining area. There was a game on the television. Schmoopie also got a To Go box. Schmoopie requested flour tortillas. I gave Schmoopie some of the guacamole that was on my burrito to put on his rice. Schmoopie likes La Isla Bonita. Schmoopie also likes that there are lots of parking spots. I didn't order any alcohol. I ordered a glass of apple juice. I practiced my Spanish with the server. Schmoopie ordered something that he likes. He said his food was tasty. My Express burrito was tasty as well. I recommend the Express burrito. read more

Great Mexican dishes . Very well decorated . Excellent service !

This is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in the area. It's family friendly, hot and quick food. Always consistent and always delicious. The inside is what you'd expect of a family run restaurant ... the furniture is in good shape and clean too. I highly recommend this place! read more

I spotted this colorful place out of the corner of my eye and decided it might be worth a try. The interior is colorful and warm as was the greeting I received from the hostess. Exiting right to use the little boy's room to freshen up after a long day on the golf course, a basket of chips, salsa, and a small bowl of chili con carne was waiting for me when I returned to the table. In accordance with my M.O., I ordered the basics on my first visit because, once again, if they cannot get tacos, enchiladas, and guacamole right, I will not be going back. I also ordered a margarita even though the prices are not listed on the menu (a pet peeve) and my server had no idea how much they cost ($6.75 it turns out). The margarita was of a decent size and tasty, but without much punch if you catch my drift. The chips were made in house as was the salsa, a good sign over the store bought variety you see at many places. The chili dip was a nice touch and reminded me of my days stationed in San Antonio where Tex-Mex is king and nearly everything is smothered in chili con carne (tamales, enchiladas, etc.). Maybe the reviewers who claimed this is a Tex-Mex restaurant were actually right this time! The $10 special advertised on the front window would tell the tale with a cheese and onion enchilada, two shredded beef tacos, rice and beans. Upo arrival, I was deeply disappointed when I saw pet peeve #2 - pre-fab taco shells - a non-starter for any decent Mexican restaurant. If they cannot take the time to fry their own taco shells, it is usually game over in my book. The shredded beef was not drained properly, so the shells quickly became soggy and impossible to eat if I waited much longer, so I scooped some of the ample guacamole inside, which was pretty good by the way and a great value at just $3.95. The enchilada was not smothered in chili as I expected, but their was plenty of cheese and diced onion inside and the red chili sauce was well done. The refried beans were flavorful, but the rice was nondescript and a bit dry. Once again, a business without a website, which appeared to be the case here, is beyond comprehension in 2017. There is no website link on Yelp and their business card was also void of one, but when I searched Facebook, I found not just a Facebook page but their unadvertised website as well. The service was excellent, the ambiance pleasing, and the food actually very good except for the soggy pre-fab taco shells, a fact which prohibits me from assigning more than 6 Bombs (3 Stars) ... CombatCritic Gives La Isla Bonita 6 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better! Six Bombs Equates To: G2G ... Translation for Civilians: G2G = "Good To Go" read more

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