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Portland › Portland › La Sirenita
La SirenitaBWorth Trying
2817 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211
· Mexican restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (808 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Old-school Alberta taqueria serving hefty, fast, and affordable Mexican plates with standout burritos and salsas; expect counter service, big portions, and occasional inconsistency.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
La Sirenita delivers solid neighborhood taqueria quality with strong food quality in signature items like burritos and pastor, backed by exceptional speed and friendly counter service. However, inconsistent execution during peak times and modest dining space prevent grade A territory. A beloved local staple with generous portions and fair pricing that rewards repeat visits and simple orders.
Restaurant Summary
A longtime Alberta staple, this counter-service spot feels casual and lived-in with colorful art and a steady flow of regulars. Diners rave about the hefty burritos and quick turnarounds, noting that the salsa bar heat levels can be a thrill. One fan put it simply: "Big, fast, and exactly what I wanted." The cooking leans classic taqueria—straightforward and satisfying—with pastor, lengua, menudo, and chilaquiles alongside California and breakfast burritos. Portions are generous and prices friendly for the neighborhood, though a few guests report inconsistent execution on busier nights. Best bets are burritos, pastor, and the breakfast options; expect speed over polish. Families do well here thanks to simple kid-friendly picks like cheese quesadillas, plain tacos, fries, and even a burger. Portions are easy to share, but allergy-specific customizations can be hit-or-miss, so proceed with clear requests or keep orders simple for kids.
At a Glance
- Massive burritos and generous portions at fair prices
- Fast counter service with friendly staff
- Longstanding neighborhood favorite with loyal regulars
- Inconsistency reported on event nights and occasional dry meats
- Custom orders for allergies sometimes mishandled
What Sets It Apart
- decades-long neighborhood staple
- massive_shareable_burritos
- broad_tripe_to_veggie_range
What People Love
- Hefty, shareable burritos
- Flavorful pastor and salsas
- Breakfast burrito comfort factor
- Old-school neighborhood vibe
Points of Concern
- Order accuracy and refunds can falter during neighborhood events like Last Thursday
- Occasional reports of dry or cold items, especially chicken and steak
- Allergy modifications are inconsistently executed; simple orders fare better
- Pricing online may lag behind in-store increases
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$16-$24 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Pair a $8-$8.75 burrito with a $1.90 chips side for a filling low-cost meal
- Value hack: two $2.70 tacos plus a quesadilla for variety under $10
- Try traditional soups (menudo, caldo de res) for comforting, hearty meals
Perfect For
- Quick burrito fix before a show at Alberta Rose
- Late-night casual bite
- Budget-friendly family meal to share
- Solo lunch with fast turnaround
Location Insights
Area: Creative, walkable arts district with indie shops and murals; casual neighborhood hangout vibe.
Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked; typical urban conditions with night crowds during events.
Nearby: Near Alberta Rose Theatre and boutiques; draws locals and visitors for casual eats.
Alberta Arts DistrictThe Alberta Arts District is a lively, culturally rich neighborhood famous for its street art, independent shops, galleries, and a wide variety of casual and upscale dining venues. It attracts a hip, community-oriented crowd that enjoys a relaxed yet vibrant social atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:00–21:00
Tuesday10:00–21:00
Wednesday10:00–21:00
Thursday10:00–21:00
Friday10:00–21:00
Saturday10:00–21:00
Sunday10:00–17:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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