We were visiting Portland and wanted to have a nice casual dinner with the family. We came across Pambiche and don't regret our decision. Upon entering the restaurant I really enjoyed the decor and atmosphere. Although it was small and busy it felt very comfortable and laid back. I ordered the Canchánchara cocktail and was very impressed with the taste of the drink. Along with that I ordered the Vaca Frita with plantanos. The shredded beef was so delicious and the salad was probably my favorite part of the dish. Combine the salad with the beef and it was the perfect combination. Unfortunately they were out of empanadas so next time I'm in the area I would love to give those a try! read more

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We aren't from the area and we're looking online for a restaurant and finally settled for Pambiche, and we are glad we did. They have both indoor and outdoor seating and we arrived around 9 pm and were sat down immediately even though the restaurant seemed busy. Luckily we were there during happy hour. Waitress was polite even though they were super busy! I would also say prices were average. We ordered a bacan de pollo, camarones al ajillo con setas, ropa vieja, chocolate, canchanchara, passion fruit limonade, flan and pudin. I absolutely loved the avocado salad in the camarones of ajillo. My boyfriend said the ropa vieja plate was solid. I wasn't the biggest fan of the bacan. I just feel the flavors weren't there compared to the other plates. The highlight of the night for me personally were chocolate drink and pudin. I cannot speak on the flan as I did not taste it. Pudin was absolutely yummy, not too sweet and the chantilly was sweet and creamy. The hot chocolate was absolutely delicious and I loved the mint twist in it. I don't know when we will be in Portland again but I can't wait to try their empanadas and their other desserts! read more

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Up to the next burger this time from a not typical burger place the Cuban pambiche of course they put their own spin on it making a House-made pork & beef chorizo, hand-formed and grilled in beef tallow. Then served in a toasted corn kaiser roll with sharp white cheddar cheese, green pepper corn relish, avocado cheese mojo, pimiento mayo, and diced red onion. Sounds spicy? Yes but also delicious! When you bite into the juicy burger you will know the difference. First, the sweet corn taste hits you and then it is followed by the special patty where the chorizo taste takes over. Not too much but it is there. Making it a very unique taste. If I'll wanna criticize one thing I would love some texture some crispy items - the sweet corn gives it some pop but it's missing just a little bit for a perfect texture - maybe some fried crispy onions. But all in all it is a good burger. Also pambiche is always a great destination for some of their family's sweets to take home or enjoy at their place with a good strong coffee. read more

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A haiku review: How lucky are we Accidental happy hour Nacho week returns Me gusta mucho Carne delicioso Bebidas frescas Plantain chips, go off Queso? I barely know her! Empanadas yum Tres leches so moist It should be called quad leches Love you Pambiche read more

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After a long walk across Portland we finally found Pambiche which we tried based on Yelp reviews. The place had a great vibe and our water glasses were never empty. We tried the Plato Cubano and the ropa viejas. The Cubano was solid, but the ropa viejas was the better dish. The real winner however may have actually have been the cabbage salad. I'm not a big vegetable person, I'm not a big coleslaw person, but for some reason this cabbage salad just hit me in the right place. Overall the food is good, and you won't leave hungry. read more

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I went here with my mom for lunch and it has been years since I last visited this fine establishment. Festive Cuban motif in a nice space with clean and welcoming design. Our server was very friendly and knowledgeable. He recommended the burger that they had crafted for burger week. My mom ordered it and was blown away. She said it was the best burger she ever had. It was a beef and pork mix with specialty Cuban seasoning. I ordered the fish bowl that was quite savory, tangy, and nicely seasoned. This place is a great place to take someone you care about on a special date or just a casual lunch with friends. For those who are looking for good Cuban cuisine, you must check this place out. read more

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We have now eaten at Pambiche for dinner twice. The food is delicious, staff is friendly and attentive, and the environment is welcoming. There are also many dairy free items on the menu for me to choose from, including an amazing rice pudding dessert! We will definitely be eating there again! read more

First time back after a luke-warm experience. Pambiche's entry in the Portland Mercury Wiener Week was one of the more visually appetizing. It seemed like the menu changed for the better from two years ago. The lunch fish bowl was a good value. As for the wiener: fairly excellent, but it's the kind you eat with a knife and fork. I appreciate the attention to detail as the excellent Cubano Coffee was complemented with a sugar cane slice and glass of sparking water. Service was great and so was the vibe. read more

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Came in on a cold Sunday, we arrived before they open, fortunately their patio heater was already turned on so it wasn't too terrible to be waiting outside. The owner did let us in a few minutes earlier as they continued to set up the tables. The interior felt like we were in Cuba, not that I've been but I imagined the decor would be like this . The owner is very friendly, took the time to explain any questions we had as we are not familiar with Cuban cuisine, this included how to properly enjoy some of the dishes. Everything we had tasted fantastic, full of flavors, fresh, just delicious. The empanadas were definitely our favorite, we saw a Cuban lady coming in and taking two big boxes of them, we almost wanted to ask her where the party is at. I'm thinking about those empanadas while writing this review, I think I need to go back again soon. read more

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We decided to give this place a try after reading some recommendations online. This place is conveniently located at the corner of a street so picking up our to-go order was very easy, otherwise we'd have to find street parking. The interior of the space was cozy and I appreciated the decorations. It was like I walked into Cuba. We only got the Plato Cubano since they were out of the oxtail. The Plato Cubano was okay. The meat was soft and good, but the rice didn't taste as good as it looked. The pickled vegetables was a nice touch to break up the heaviness of the plate. read more

Pambiche - Plato Cubano - Cuban Near Me - Portland, Oregon

A very intimate dining experience paired with great food! The empanadas with the plantains were definitely my standouts and I absolutely would go back and order them again. I also loved their coffee (not pictured). Service was attentive and the ambience was amazing! read more

Pambiche - Empanadas - Cuban Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I haven't been to many Cuban restaurants but I like the food here better than Cubo. The ropa vieja was tasty and the red beans mixed w/ the rice were surprisingly amazing and savory, definitely elevated the meal. We also ordered an empanada (forgot the filling) that was delicious and served w/ a little slaw. Would love to come back and try more of their dishes. read more

Pambiche - Empanada - Cuban Near Me - Portland, Oregon

This place has been a Portland staple for longer than I can remember... so I asked and one of the employees told that this place has been in business for 25 years! The longevity alone conveys its exceptional nature as a legit restaurant in a sea of amazing choices around this area. This is truly one not to be missed! The desserts are spectacular! I recall that the tres leches is my favorite... but the Cuban cigar shaped cakes are irrefutably appealing. They have phenomenal coffee, tea and drinking chocolate options on the menu. The outdoor patio is the defining aspect of this place! Indoor seating is quaint and cute with about ten tables... but there is nothing that feels more authentic about eating Cuban food than sitting on a nice porch beneath the Portland sun. Check it out anytime... but a summer visit feels like the quintessential Pambiche experience. read more

Pambiche - Painting on wall - Cuban Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Tried this place for the first time yesterday and really enjoyed it! Their menu has a nice variety of choices and provides helpful descriptions of the dishes. I tried the pollo bacanes plato and really enjoyed the taste and softness of the filling. The avocado salsa and black beans paired nicely with it. I was thrilled to see drinking chocolate on the menu, as I tried it for the first time in Santa Fe and loved it! The Chocolate was rich, and I enjoyed the chantilly cream and cute mint garnish. Staff were friendly and kind, and I enjoyed the interior. The outdoor setup looked nice for warmer weather! I look forward to coming back and exploring more of the menu. read more

Pambiche - Pollo Bacanes Plato - Cuban Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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What a cute little restaurant! It was a 5 minute walk from my hotel at Tiny Digs. Super nice staff. They have a small dining room and some tables outside. It was busy at 330 on a Thursday! We ordered the Plato Cubano and an empanada de Piccadillo. Delicious. I had a small bone fragment in the meat on the Cubano. The empanada looked overdone at the edges but honestly it was crispy and yummy. Highly recommend! I'd love to come back here if only I didn't live 1300 miles away read more

There were so many choices of where to eat within easy walking distance from where we were staying that it was difficult to choose but we decided to try something different. The menu is extensive and in addition, there were many happy hour specials. I've had yucca fries before but here it was prepared differently: boiled with a flavorful savory sauce (this made the dish). Dinner for me was a potato and cheese empanada with a side of rice and black beans. Two sauces were brought to the table; I generally like spicy but the "milder" one had plenty of kick for me. Hubby had the Arroz con pollo. The chicken was very tender. He didn't realize the side slaw had cilantro (which he doesn't like) so I gladly ate it. This is a small place with about 10-12 tables inside and a few more outside. My seat put me in direct view of the yummy looking dessert case but we were meeting friends at a different restaurant for dessert later, otherwise I would have indulged in the guava cheesecake or the tres leches cake. Our server was attentive and patiently explained menu items we were not familiar with. read more

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Love this amazing little cuban place! It definitely made our trip to Portland. Definitely will come back for all the homecooked food

Pambiche is a Cuban restaurant located in the northeast area or Portland. There is a small lot by the restaurant, but we weren't aware of that since we decided to do street parking and walk over. There wasn't a wait for our group of five. We had the option to sit inside or outside. We opted to sit outside since it was nice and in the shade! We ordered Maduros (ripe plantains) to share as a group. Then, I ordered the Vaca Frita Plate (citrus and herb marinated beef simmered low and slow, then shredded and tossed in their Cuban vinaigrette and pan charred in beef tallow with garlic and onions). The plate is served with your choice of black beans and white rice or red beans and rice, as well as a cabbage salad. My sister ordered the Guava Cheesecake, so we could all try a bite of it. It has been awhile since I last ate Cuban food. It was delicious. It wasn't too heavy on my stomach. I really liked the combination of the meat with the cabbage salad. The rice and beans weren't my favorite, but I happily ate it. I think the rice was a little to soft for my preference. All the staff we interacted with during our time were friendly and easy to talk to. The restaurant is quite colorful inside. The outdoor seating is bigger than the inside, so sit outside if it's nice out! read more

Pambiche - Cuban Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Pambiche in Portland, OR was a surprise delight for two Manhattanites who also frequent Miami and Tampa and know what good Cuban food should taste like. In the furthest northwest corner of the USA, we walked into an authentic experience that made us smile. We ordered an à la carte mix of maduros, saffron rice, and empanadas, followed by an outstanding café Cubano and coffee tres leches. My soulmate also tried the alfajores, which were excellent. Everything was fresh and authentic in flavor, while it's not Little Havana in Miami, it's about as remarkable as you could hope for in the Pacific Northwest. The atmosphere had a great neighborhood feel, with a nice crowd and a typical eclectic Portland cultural vibe. The space was adorned with authentic Cuban décor, relaxed, and filled with the sound of conversations. It would have been fine for kids, though it generally skewed toward an older crowd. Service was excellent, notably respectful of the relaxed pace we wanted, without pushiness or the Manhattan habit of rushing guests out to turn tables. My soulmate and I left impressed and content. Absolutely worth visiting if you're in the area, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. This is the kind of place that blends quality food with a genuine atmosphere, making it a memorable stop. If you know Cuban food, definitely try, you won't be sorry! read more

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We had a nice dinner with some drinks and amazing desserts. Pambiche is a nice Cuban food spot in the NE, It has been 15 years or so since we have stopped by. Love the outdoor expansion and the large variety of food options. We had some great traditional dishes like the yuca con mojo, very dense, but worth a try, we also tried the Cuban sandwich, it did not disappoint, love the ham and roasted pork on a toasted Cuban roll. The drinks are amazing, I had the President. It's like an old fashioned, nice and strong. The Mojito was nice and refreshing. We also had a glass of the home made Sangria, well worth the try. The main indoor seating area is very compact, be sure to come early if you have a large party. The food service is quick and friendly. Plan ahead for a parking spot around the side streets. read more

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soooo good! i happened to come during happy hour so everything was super cheap. i really liked the ropa vieja and also this sandwich we had (forgot which one). this place is super affordable and beautifully decorated. i definitely want to come back here someday! read more

Pambiche - Cuban Near Me - Portland, Oregon

What a gem of a place. I tried it for the first time and was excited by the number of pescatarian options on the menu and the cocktail selection. I started with a guava sour and my husband ordered the rum flight. The sour was so refreshing and dangerously smooth. I love guava and it was perfect. The flight was cool because it had an 8 year, a 10 year and a 21 year aged rum and I enjoyed the comparison. The 10 year was a good balance. I had the garlic fish & shrimp entree and was blown away by the flavor. The avocado salad side was really fresh. I only ate about half of my food, though, because I knew I had to save room for dessert and drinking chocolate. The flan was second only to flan I've eaten in Mexico and the drinking chocolate was divine. I came back just a couple days later to pick some up to go so I could drink it at Zoo Lights. They even asked when I'd be arriving so they could make it fresh and hot instead of letting it get cold before I arrived. Overall, loved the vibes, the service, the drinks, and the food. read more

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Excellent service, quintessential old Portland restaurant style decor. Loved seeing all the family photos in the wall and calls to Cuban life. The food likewise did not disappoint! You can tell time, effort, and love is put into each dish with how the flavors pop. I especially appreciated the texture and acidity that the cabbage salad brought to contrast the slow roasted pork shoulder. Definitely get an empanada (or two) and a handcrafted drink! read more

Pambiche - Cuban Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Great vibe when you get good service. It is hit or miss with the server's attitude of the night. Food is pricey but there is no competition so they can command it. Used to really enjoy it back in the day. read more

Pambiche - Pescado con Coco $25 - Cuban Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Sat on the patio here for a nice meal. Not a fan of their metal tables...awkward to straddle and not super comfortable, but not a huge deal. Cocktails were solid. The garlic shrimp and mushrooms gravy app was maybe my favorite part of the meal. Super satisfying with the tasty garlic bread. Boyfriend said the cuban was "decent," expected more from a Cuban restaurant. My Vaca Frita was delicious, especially the black beans which carried a bit of heat. Loved the bright sauce that comes with the dish, and the slaw is nice, too, to cut through the rich fried meat. Overall a good meal! Nice staff and quick service. read more

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Delicious! Went there with a local who knew exactly where to go for good Cuban food, and a couple of us are from FL, so so do we! From the Tamarind Sour to the empanada with fried platanos with their salad, this did not disappoint! Friendly service and decor that just won't quit round out the mix!! read more

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7/4/2020 - In Portland for the holiday weekend. I just wanted a Cubano sandwich. My wife found this place. The Cubano was great! Not too overcomplicated with the next chef taking their "take" on what is a great sandwich without messing with it. The kid had a nice Cubano plate which gave him his meat not touching anything...gravy on the side...sometimes I don't know, I just don't know... The wife had the avocado salad and the kid's rice. Great meal that had something for each of us! 8/8/25 - we are back in Portland and I do love a Cubano sandwich. They changed the sandwich to have mojo mustard instead of plain mustard. It was good, but the mojo tended to take away from the tartness of the mustard and mellow out the balance of flavors from a good Cubano. I still enjoyed the sandwich and will definitely come back. Hopefully sooner than 5 years... The kid, now 14, had the Pollo Adobo and really liked it after he scraped off the onions in the marinade... My wife had the bowl of meat over rice and beans. She can't remember what it is called and I was too focused on getting the cubano. read more

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Stopped in for happy hour. Love the area. Super cute restaurant. It's really small inside but I loved the decor. There's outside seating. The Camarones Al Ajillo con Setas (Garlic Shrimp with Mushrooms) was so good. It was my favorite dish. I also ordered the chicken empanada but received the beef. I quickly informed the staff & she brought me the chicken. It was really good too & I loved the hot & mild sauce. The mocha was really good & not too sweet. Flan was super creamy and delicious as well. Staff were very friendly. We had a few items left over & another staff took the time to bring a bag to put everything in without even asking. Very attentive. I will definitely be back next time I'm in town. read more

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I came here with 6 friends and not one person had anything negative to say about anything. All the way down to the flavorful black beans, everything was absolutely delicious. I had the Pan Con Lenchón and it did not disappoint...juicy and tender. Dipped in the gravy and topped with their salsa, each bite was an experience. I had a piece of the Espinaca con Queso empanada and that was delicious too. Great ratio of filling to crust. I did not try to plantains (not my thing), however, everyone else was raving about them, so I do suggest you try those. The cocktails were refreshing too...I had the Passion Fruit Mojito. Will I be back before my stay in Portland ends in several days? I wouldn't bet against it. read more

Absolutely a MUST stop anytime visiting Portland. I've been going here over 10 years. Always the nicest staff, the most delicious food and I am so happy this gem is still going strong. read more

10 out of 10. Very impressed with this cuban joint! Also love the location because it's a little bit out of downtown so there's much less chaos. We got two drinks - a Mango Daquiri which I thought couldve been a little bigger and stronger and also got a passionfruit lemonade which had the perfect amount of sweetness. Foodwise we got the vaca frita and a veggie empanada with potatoes(forgot the exact name) and both dishes were spectacular. The meat was so crispy and cooked to perfection! Black beans and coleslaw were a great addition to the meal. Servers were friendly and the atmosphere was great! Definitely worth a stop if you are in Portland :) read more

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I grew up on Cuban/Puerto Rican food, and I'm understanding of the pressures of running a restaurant. Service is everything and can make a mediocre experience salvagable. The restaurant was not busy when we dined Sunday evening and the hostess/waitress was completely uninterested that we were there. This happens and people have bad days, but there's a limit. We waited for 20+ minutes just for our appetizer (maduros) which were very good. When dinner arrived the arroz con pollo was rather bland on a sour tasting bed of grains that are unlike the idiom; vaca frita was interesting but after a few bites I had lost interest. I tasted my wife's mojito and it was really a glorified 7UP. Interesting note: our waitress left and another handed me our tab - she didn't notice that I hardly touched my food and quickly went to to the kitchen. We really wanted to like the restaurant and support small business, but when there are just a few customers, uncaring staff, small portions it makes it hard to return. read more

Great ambiance and everything we ordered was amazing! They have a really diverse menu with chicken, pork, beef, fish and vegetarian options as well as empanadas, bacanes, Cuban sandwiches, tapas, etc. Nice cocktails with Caribbean flavors as well as several coffee drinks, and the desserts are beautiful. We will definitely be back--there were so many menu items that we still want to try. read more

Really great dining experience. The food was delicious and the staff were super attentive. I loved having the opportunity to eat some Cuban cuisine. read more

Pambiche - Cuban Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I love Cuban food, and Pambiche was a divine experience. Drink: -The seasonal grape and rum slushie was super limey and refreshing--just what we needed! Food: -The Chicken and Rice Empanada Plate ($17.50) was huge and packed with filling--definitely a meal in itself. The plantains were perfectly sweet and delicious. -The Ropa Vieja Plate ($22) was bursting with flavor and really tasty, just what you want from Cuban cuisine. The staff was welcoming and genuinely sweet. The venue offers an inviting indoor outdoor seating, making it an ideal spot to savor a delightful meal. read more

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Such a cool find in the Portland area. Arrived at happy hour and had a wonderful meal. Servers were amazing and attentive. A popular place for sure. Would absolutely go back. read more

Pambiche - Chocolate cigar - Cuban Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Havana Happy Hour Wed-Fri 2-6pm, Sun 8-10pm. So glad we caught the tail end of it on a weeknight. I miss the Cuban food from when I lived in LA. Once seated, it takes a bit to go through the menu. So much to choose from. And then, there's the decor. My eyes were drawn to every corner of the place. The music draws you in and all you want to do is dance. Finally settled on picadillo empanada and Pan Con Lechon. Empanada was good, very flavorful. The sando was even better. Packed with pork, moist and delicious. Cabbage salad was good. The flan was rich and decadent. Will be back! read more

Pambiche - Luscious dessert case - Cuban Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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What a gem! This place is so cool. Street parking, of course, but wasn't difficult to find a spot on a Sunday afternoon. The interior of this place is super small! But, the ambiance is amazing and they have ample warmed seating outside for the weather. The inside is decorated with beautiful artwork and pictures around the restaurant and a display case of postres and other desserts. I perused the menu before going, so I knew I wanted to try- the Pollo Criollo con arroz blanco y frijoles negros. Chicken- fall off the bone tender! Sauce, rice, beans, and slaw salad were impeccable! It put me in a food coma and I had to take the rest with me as a doggy bag. Not only will I be back, I sent my Panamanian father a picture and he said it looked delicious and he's looking forward to trying the food! read more

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Pan con lechón had a crisp and buttery bun with juicy & tender pork and a flavorful gravy to dip it in. The cubano was cheesy, mustardy, and had the acidic crunch of the pickle. The beans were rich and tasty with some garlic, cumin, and oregano notes. The guava sour was super good- loved the thickness of the guava nectar with the lime kick. The passion fruit mojito even better- super refreshing tart and sweet. The sangria tasted like fridge and wouldn't order again. We sat outside. It was chill and very casual seating. read more

All I have to say is get the Vaca Frita! I ate here three times for my weekend in Portland. That's how good it is. My first time eating here was in 2019 and I'm late on my review. But Vaca Frita, Vaca Frita and the Vaca Frita! I'm sure everything else is good because it looked good and smelled good as I saw it coming out of the kitchen but the Vaca Frita is perfection. Tasted exactly the same 6 years after having it the first time. All their deserts are amazing as well but my favorite was the rice pudding. read more

Pambiche - Vaca Frita - Cuban Near Me - Portland, Oregon