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

See all

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

See all

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

See all

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

See all

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

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

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

See all

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

See all

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

See all

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

See all

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

See all

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

First time at this Cuban place I ordered the frita Cubana which is the cuban version of hamburger. A pork and beef burger basted in beef tallow on a bed of minced red onion, then piled with crisp shoestring potato sticks and served on a toasted Cuban bun slathered in a smokey Mojo Ketchup and garlicky Mojo Mustard I added cheese and a fried egg which made the burger come to $15 at time of the review (08/2025) I would have love that the patty would have been a bit tougher in density it was very soft. But that said the overall composition was excellent. The crispy potatoes strings gave it the crunch it needs. The sunny side egg was perfect cooked and the yolk got all over the burger when you cut into it. The cheese was also well melted. Overall a good and perfect executed burger. Tastewise I would have loved that the fresh onions would come more through but that god a bit into the background overplayed by the Smokey ketchup. I honestly would have love to go with a regular ketchup then the Smokey. The light garlic in the back was a good after taste. Burger made 5/5 Taste wise for me a 4/5 The atmosphere is great like you make a lotto escape into Cuba for a break and the service was friendly, fast and efficient:) read more

Pambiche - Cuban Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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

See all

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

See all

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

See all

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

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

See all

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

See all

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

See all

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

See all

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

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

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

See all

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

See all

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

See all

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

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

See all

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

See all

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

See all

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

Outstanding food. Such a nice change enjoying the Caribbean -- NOLA inspired deliciousness and great Cuban music. The vibes are exciting and fun. We shared a shrimp appetizer and had wonderful cocktails. I had the Pescado con Coco entree/platter; absolutely mouthwatering. Service was friendly but slow--only one server for everyone in the restaurant; he was working hard but it really slowed and threw off the timing and temperature of the food served. read more

If you go for brunch get the Piñosa! Champagne and fresh pineapple juice! SO refreshing! Their food is incredible. Love sitting outside during nicer weather. read more

My family and I recently visited Pambiche for the first time. We googled this Cuban restaurant with a feel for a taste of the Caribbean. We were very impressed with the dish we ordered.. It was a smothered chicken with beans and brown rice and side of a savory sauce mixed salad which wasn't on the plate very long. It was delicious and we will be returning there.. I would gladly recommend this restaurant to anyone interested in good eating.. read more

Food quality great. Location was great. Staff was on point, and the vibe was great. Food choices were delicious as I went with the shredded beef, wifey went with creole chicken, and we had the empanadas and plantains. Everything was delicious and this might be my new go to for plantains. Definitely will be returning. read more

See all

Pan con lechon is nice and buttery, nice tender pork. Their Cubanos are great and have a classic flavor along with very flavorful black beans. Their drinks are pretty good but some of the cocktails have a strange refrigerator flavor, but their beer is always great. Love their sauces, some of the dishes just need a bit of improvement such as ropa vieja which can be somewhat dry and bland. read more

A "4.2" rating for Pambiche is not a travesty, nor is it a tragedy. This score so grossly underrepresents this restaurant of restaurants that I am officially labeling it as a "tragesty". It's not uncommon for my reviews on Yelp to be on the lengthy side. But for Pambiche, I can sum it up rather succinctly. You ever see the movie What About Bob? There's a part of the film where client Bob Wiley is invited to the family's vacation home by Dr. Leo Marvin's wife Fay, very obviously against Dr. Marvin's wishes. Fay whips up an apparently uber-delicious dinner for everyone, and after every single bite he takes, Bob makes an over-the-top "mmmm" sound to express just how immensely he's enjoying the meal. The rest of the family finds this to be amusing and endearing. But Dr. Marvin, on the other hand, grows noticeably more irritated with each "mmmm" until he finally loses it and shouts, "Will you STOP that please?!" When we're at Pambiche, I am Bob and my wife is Dr. Marvin. Don't miss out on their exquisite dishes yes, but also on their expertly refined cocktails and desserts- because if you do, you'll regret it for the rest of your life. Enough side. Mic drop. read more

Pambiche - Cuban Near Me - Portland, Oregon