La Calaca Comelona

I was introduced to La Calaca Comelona by a family member who has lived in the metro area for about 14 years. She and her husband (a relatively well known PDX food blogger and restaurateur think extramsg) have traveled several times to Mexico on "food trips" and they really have an eye for the best places in town.
Walking up to the place I was pleased by the murals and sculptures outsize and upon entering the interior was equally authentic and fun.
I don't drink alcohol so usually I'm disappointed at "Mexican" places because often the menu consists of the same old combo plates and the obligatory burritos the size of my arm along with tons alcoholic drinks. I was thrilled that they have decent collection of non-alcoholic liquados on the menu. Another thing that I loved about the menu was that is was different from many Mexican restaurants in that there are several different moles on the menu and no burritos. The other menu items are equally delicious owing to the ingredients and preparation. I am not a big meat-eater so I have not tried all of their meat items so I can't vouch for those. My family member brought me there but I've gone back for the food and the feeling that I'm in Mexico again.
One con I have though (which is a small con) is that it is sort of tucked away in SE instead of downtown. But a benefit of that is that the prices are reasonable (with the acceptation of the most expensive items on the menuPr

Pros: Love the food and the liquados

Cons: location

Posted 10/25/09

First of all went to try this place out for the best margaritas like city search keeps saying...and are surely not. They are below average (disappointed). This place seems to get a lot of hype but does not deliver. The food was different and unique I have to give them that but I have not had such salty food in a long time and was definitely overpriced. The waiter was very accommodating on special requests for changing something (food).-he should be for that price. The host guy seemed to have an attitude of some sort kinda like what are you doing here, or acted like he was better, and kinda annoyed we were there when he should not be since we are the one's paying his paycheck. This is the first mexican restaurant I've been to that they do not serve chips and salsa when you sit down. It feels a little empty when you sit down until the waiter shows up. Ok have to say the artwork was kinda freakin me out (creepy) with the same lady looking down on me and was not fond of all the skeletons. The seats were very uncomfortable too (tables with hard high chairs metal backs). They let you take your time with no pressure which is a change and nice, but when your ready for that next drink you may be waitin a little bit. Was really expecting an amazing experience with all the hype about this place. Don't expect margaritas to be on happy hour either like most places. I would give this place a C rating. Only go if you have extra money to spend and want to chance it-than have extra money to go to your favorite mexican restaurant the next night.....like try the Iron Horse is waaaaay better. They have better margaritas and better food!! Thanks!!

Pros: hmm different unique food. Don't feel pressured. Helpful to.

Cons: Why does this place keep coming up for best margaritas??

Posted 10/20/09

La Calaca Comelona has come a long way since it's little spot on 11th, but they still won't serve you a burrito (and this is a good thing).

So the crickets aren't for the faint of heart (even though they're tasty), but all of the grilled dishes are absolutely to-die-for and the blackberry-pear mole is inspired deliciousness (even if a bit over-priced, in my opinion). Most dishes are also served with fresh onion, cilantro, and lime - very tasty additions to the grilled dishes or tasty tacos. This place also makes one of the *best* mojitos I've ever had, if Kyle is working the bar.

To the woman upset that she wasn't allowed to sit on the patio: trust me, you weren't missing much. The seats out there are not particularly comfortable or solid and the patio itself is not very well leveled and maintained. Your little one could have easily ended up toppling into the pond after tripping on one of the poorly installed rocks in the patio. Sure, it's nice to be in the sunshine on a lovely Portland day, but it's not really worth the lack of comfort (or stability) in my opinion.

Pros: Tasty authentic ingredients

Cons: Rickety outdoor patio, some overpriced dishes

Posted 10/08/09

Went there after having read the blogs, was expecting a great meal, what we got was a messed up order with fixings we didn't want. They didn't do anything to compensate for the bad food prep. But I did take the time to taste the food as if I was a food critic..what I can tell you is that they take a bunch of vegetables to make it appear as if you are getting lots of food, then they disburse small amounts of dark chicken meat (cheap) and fatty beef. The taste is from canned sauces, saw the back kitchen open and tons of cans, not fresh sauces. In addition, the veggies are sour on this trip. Don't waste your hard earned money on cheap food, you will have the same for 25% the cost at Don Pedro's on 122nd, Portland or 10th St. Hillsboro.

Pros: Nice paintings and "Los Muertos" figures

Cons: Poor Quality Food, not fresh, cheap cuts of meat

Posted 09/01/09

We decided to go there w/my husbands mom who was visiting from Denver. We took our three-year old son with us and asked to sit on the patio. The hostess told us we could not sit on the patio. When we asked why she said that children can't run around on the patio. I then asked, do you not allow children at all or is it that he can't run around? And she rudely replied that they absolutely just do not want chilren on the patio. So, we sat inside on a beautiful, sunny, high 80's day. There is also nothing on the menu for kids, I had to ask for a cheese quesadilla. I am not fond of out of control children either, but the rudeness was not necessary and the food wasn't good enough to make me go back.

Pros: Good, interesting food

Cons: Patio isn't kid-friendly; pricey; rude staff

Posted 08/25/09

really cool setting, nice servers, interesting drinks - something snake with avocado? who woulda thunk.

Pros: food, happy hour, drinks

Cons: you can't sit outside to get happy hour food.

Posted 07/02/09

Great food, wonderful atmosphere. Love coming to eat here. I absolutely love the margaritas, cadillac is my favorite-the house mix is not too sweet or sticky. Highly recommend this place.

Pros: margaritas, food awesome patio

Cons: can get pretty packed

Posted 05/20/09

Me, my girlfriend, and her friend went there to grab a bite before a movie. We were in a hurry so the staff was friendly and able to accommodate us. The Latin music was nice but loud enough that we had trouble carrying a conversation. I loved the artwork and the punchy colors in this place. We decided to go with the veggie quesidillas which was basically one item, cheese, and only one tortilla folded in half (which we didn't learn until after our dish arrived). It was $7 each for this tiny portion. I thought it was pricey and was expecting a two full size tortillas. While they had some neat options to put in your quesidilla, they were not evenly distributed in my girlfriends. She ordered the chipotle chili ones and there were very few in there. I got the cactus one and that was better proportioned Their drinks were very tasty. I got something called the green snake which was mint, gin, lime, sugar, and some other stuff in there. My gf got a fruity drink that reminded me of an Orange Julius. We had asked the waitress for extra sauce since they brought out a tiny portion to share among the 3 of us and she forgot it. We were in a hurry so we didn't ask again.

This was my first experience but I thought the staff was friendly, the ambiance was something I would expect to see in Mexico so it was appropriate. They could turn down the music a little and their food was boring tasting and sorta bland. I've had better Mexican food in PDX, so I probably won't go back there again unless it's for drinks.

Pros: Punchy colors, nice artwork on the walls, friendly staff

Cons: Pricey food for the small portions, loud, ok service

Posted 04/11/09

I read about this is a happy hour guide book that gave it a 10/10 and invited my coworkers and friends along. Turns out happy hour is only in the bar, which is a very tiny space in the back. The food was good and the atmosphere was fun, but the drinks were pretty watered-down and my coworkers had to sit in the front room and pay full-price for dinner at 8:30pm. It seems pretty silly to me to have an appetizer cost $8 in one section of the restaurant and then, a few feet back, have it cost $5. I mean, it was Friday night and the place was pretty empty by around 9pm. You'd think they'd want to get rid of their grasshoppers at that point, right?

Pros: Tasty food, good ambience

Cons: Watered-down drinks, no space for happy hour

Posted 01/16/09

I have mixed feelings about La Calaca, because I love the food but I hate the service. Been here several times and have experienced rude servers who run around frantically like chickens with their heads cut off, even when it's not busy. Literally RUNNING through the bar and acting too busy to serve you. We were actually told that we could not stand in the bar--we had to be sitting down while we waited for our table. Our margaritas and mojito were terrible--totally watered down. Another couple returned their drinks while we were sitting there. If you can stand the service and avoid the cocktails, the food is great! The most authentic I've found so far in P-town. Be sure to try the pork in black sauce, puerco negro, I think it's called. Absolutely fantastic. The patio is wonderful, too.

Posted 08/12/08

If you are looking for increadible mexican food at a decent price try this 23rd and belmont favorite. Weekends can be a little packed and sevice can be a little better earlier in the week. Waitstaff is friendly and efficiant and the portions are good sized for the dinners "try the sarape ". The cadilac margarita Is choice and the chi can is one of the most interesting drinks that I have ever tried. p.s. they dont have chips and salsa or burritos

Pros: exelent food

Cons: a bit of a wait

Posted 06/26/08

I love this place. Not the best Mexican I've ever had, but the whole experience has been pleasurable every time I've visited. The service is friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is just plain cool -- including the wonderful outdoor utopian patio. I've had tacos and sopes, as well as their fantastic ceviche and hearty meat skillets. Everything I've eaten is wonderful, but probably my favorite item on the menu is the spinach tortilla appetizer. They give you fresh onion, red and green hot sauce, and cilantro making this simple handmade fresh tortilla perfectly tasty. The crickets are worth trying just for the hell of it, but I certainly wouldn't get it every time. I did learn one very important lesson from the crickets: anything with chili and lime can taste good, even if it has small scratchy legs. Not too impressed by the drinks, but the smoothies and fresh horchata are totally awesome! It's a total experience.

Pros: patio, variety, service

Cons: drinks and happy hour

Posted 02/27/08

Despite all of the negative reviews on here, my friends and I tried this place for a birthday celebration. We made a reservation for a party of 12 the day prior. When I got there, the host/waiter said that there was no reservation for us and further, that they could not accomodate a party of 12. He said that he was the only person that had been there the day before so we could not have possibly made a reservation.

Even though there was only one other party there at the time (another large party that was told they had no reservation either - hmmm), we were told there was no room for us. He pretty much told me to come back some other time, but they could not get us in that night. Once they realized that we were not leaving, they put some tables together for us. Once we were done with dinner, a few people in the party wanted to stay and have a drink in their (small) bar area and were told that we could not fit in there so we should go somewhere else.

The service was horrible and slow.

The food was really good though, and authentic. If they would focus a bit on their customer service and not turn customers away they might have a chance. But if they continue with they way things are now, I am afraid that they will never be successful. Such a shame.

Pros: Good food

Cons: Everything else

Posted 02/12/08

The food was very fresh and the prices were reasonable. Don't go there if you are looking for Tex-Mex, this is very good "Mexican" food!

Pros: Excellent food for a reasonable price, nice atmosphere

Cons: Small, so it can get crowded

Posted 11/28/07

Bitchen food. So-so mixed drinks. Margaritas should be waaaaaaaaaayyyyyyy better. Better margaritas at many other non-Mexican joints. Some excellent lighter-fare dishes. Had a very nice red-snapper empenada thing. Like a giant fish fritter. Cool outdoor patio seating.

Pros: Authentic food, interesting, non-traditional menu, environs

Cons: Drinks could be far better

Posted 09/27/07

As self-proclaimed connoisseurs of authentic Mexican cuisine, my husband and I decided to favor the good reviews of this restaurant and give it a try. We're so glad we did!! It was positively excellent. Although the prices were high, the service, atmosphere, drinks and food made up for it completely. I would definitely go there again. (There are choices on the menu that will not break your bank as well.) However, when we were there, the menu said that happy hour started at 8pm, and there was no pond on the patio. Not having expected these things, nothing dissappointed us on our visit.
Try it, unless you like taco bell, in which case your untrained palate would not appreciate the authenticity of this fabulous restaurant.

Pros: Food, drinks, service, atmosphere

Cons: ? prices are a little steep, but worth it

Posted 08/25/07

After reading a really nasty review, I decided to write one of my own, because my experience was quite unlike theirs, although I do agree with a couple of things. I love the decor, the bar is quite cozy and pleasant, with my table near the fireplace. Service was prompt and friendly, even though we had several late arrivals, and ordered things one at a time, which I know, as a former service industry employee, makes the table " high maintenance". I love the avocado salad, and the pork tacos were so good, I ordered more, they are highly addictive. I do agree with some reviews that this place is overpriced on some items, and the ceviche was very fishy tasting. I tried the grasshopper appetizer, thinking what the heck, and it was gross. I felt like I had a mouth full of, you guessed it, insects!
I really like this restaurant because it is unusual, and the food is generally very authentic, in a mexican revolutionary kind of way. My other fave mexican place is very similar, with food that is not covered in cheese, and very fresh ingredients. Not everything is the best ever, but the nasty reviewer seems like he has a personal ax to grind, and his hyperbolic description was by definition, way over the top.

Pros: Decor, service, tacos

Cons: parking

Posted 02/05/07

I read a review in Portland Monthly about this restaurant and was excited to try this restaurant. Upon reviewing the menu I felt a huge urge to leave before even sampling the fare. Instead of using my best judgement I stuck around to endure a complete dissappointment. I now know that Portland Monthly can not be trusted. The ceviche was the worst that I have ever had and tasted like it was fished out of the willamette river and left in the sun for a few days. I could have opened a can of chicken of the sea added some cilantro and thrown some lime on it and it would have been better than the fish served here. My stepdad who had a brain anurism and can no longer taste or smell would not even be able to stomach this cusine. The drinks here are so watered down that I would feel comfortable giving them to my two year old son. The prices here are not only outrageous but down right offensive, I literally fell off of my chair after I received the bill for food that I could have made in my kitchen and called authentic.I wouldn't recommend this place even I was starving for six days and it was the only place left to feed my hunger. If you are looking to get ripped off and enjoy food that tastes like it was pulled out of a dumpster and thrown on a plate with some salsa then I highly recommend it. Otherwise anyone with a tastey palate be extremely aware. They should spend less time lighting the food 4 less candle and more time preparing the food.

Pros: The bathroom was cute

Cons: Price,Ceviche, Margaritas, kid friendly, guacamole salad

Posted 02/01/07

What a great find on Belmont! Good food and good service amongst a bunch of funky skeletons. The super-size veggie quesadilla was bursting with flavor, the taquitos were served hot and cripsy, and the papitas with the coriander sauce on it was simply delicious! The strawberry margarita was good, but small in size. But this eatery has great menu to please both the meat-eaters and the meat-freers alike. During the warmer months, you can take advantage their outside patio, which I think is one of the best outdoor spots in Portland. The regular prices are a little expensive, but their portions are big. Even the Hispanic friend I had gone with, agreed that this was truly reminiscent of her days back home.

Pros: Great food, great service, great atmosphere

Cons: Small drinks

Posted 11/17/06

Food was very good....chicken was tender and delicious. Service was ok but they weren't busy at the time. Margaritas were very small. You can get a regular one servied in a small wine glass or the Cadillac Margarita for a $1 more in a wiskey glass. Don't expect the big margarita glasses or 2 for 1 deals like you get in Mexico. Fun atmosphere..... back patio is awesome but no dogs aloud:( Check it out for yourself at least. Kind of pricey.

Pros: Fun atmosphere, good food, lots of interesting decor

Cons: Margaritas are tiny and it's a bit pricey

Posted 09/10/06

La Calaca has great food, but the service is subpar at best. We've put up with it in the past as a mild irritation worth the experience of great authentic Mexican food.

Multiple times we've been served by the same gentleman (who I've come to understand is the owner's son) who has a surly attitude, is bothered by simple requests (like splitting checks) and certainly doesn't pride himself on prompt service.

My last experience was the worst, when I went with a group of friends not too long ago and had one of the most frustrating experiences I've ever had at a restaurant. A couple of us walked in and told them there would be a group of eight. They asked if we'd called ahead, and when we told them no, they said they would not be able to seat us. And that was it, just wouldn't be able to serve us.

I was a bit amazed at first, then tried bargaining with them. After a while, they told us they could sit us in two groups of four, but we could not sit together (they made it clear we could not push two adjacent four tops together, and had to keep them separate). There was plenty of open space in the restaurant and on the patio, and because we were a larger group we told them we were fine with long wait times for food and drinks. But they had a problem taking care of what they considered a large group. They were in no way apologetic and even made us feel like idiots for suggesting the idea that a group of eight could walk in and get service. We were told multiple times that there were plenty of other places to go that will accomodate a group like ours.

So, when our entire group showed up, that's exactly what we did, we went somewhere else and had a great time. Portland restaurants have never been known for their great service, but this was just ridiculous.

Pros: Outdoor Dining, Great Food and Drinks

Cons: Service

Posted 08/28/06

Uh, this place has gone WAAAAAAAY downhill. Worst service I have EVER had. Last night was my birthday and we had a party of 7 for dinner. I don't even know where to begin....was it the waiter's complete disgust when we asked for a highchair? The 2 hour wait for our food? The fact that when it arrived it was ice cold? The fact that they brought the food back 30 seconds later after a turn in the microwave? The disgusting clogged toilet in the bathroom? I could go on...it was just terrible. I have never in my life been made to feel that I was putting the wait staff out by ordering a second cocktail, but last night when my husband requested a second drink, he was told, "okay, but its gonna be a while, I'm really busy". When we tried to order our original drinks, we were answered with, "do you want a highchair or do you want drinks?"....unbelievable.
Two different parties actually got up and left within the course of our evening due to this guy's attitude. And it wasn't that busy. Come on, it was Tuesday night! If he gets that surly on a Tuesday night, I'd hate to see him a weekend. Perhaps he should think about another career choice, because customer service is not his forte.

The food was lousy, the service was lousy.....and the tip was lousy. NEVER AGAIN!!!!!

Pros: decent patio

Cons: everything else

Posted 07/25/06

I went here with a group of people and, although we did miss happy hour, still had a great time. The food was fantastic and I really enjoyed the atmosphere. I've been looking for an opportunity to go back there and enjoy the eclectic, authentic dishes.

Pros: Great Food

Cons: Missed Happy Hour

Posted 07/16/06

This is a great Portland restaurant that does not get enough recognition. I usually get their tacos just because they are so delicious and affordable as well. Their sangria is to die for...with an extra kick of vodka in it not found elsewhere. The patio is very relaxing and interesting to look at with all of the unique art and sculptures.

Pros: cool atmosphere, fresh ingredients, authentic

Cons: entrees are a bit pricey

Posted 06/20/06

I went to this place off a recommendation from extramsg and the pambaso was all it could be. The bread got a little too soft from the chile oil it was dipped in but it was delicious. If you can sit outdoors, they have a weird look to the outside and with the outdoor bar, this place can't be beat on hot days with a pambaso and a pabst. There is a bit of a price disparity though between the pambaso for $6.95 to the $20 moles which was a bit strange. They should have probably had more in between. The tacos were very average. Friendly service, just wish there were more stuff to look at across the street.

Pros: pambaso

Cons: tacos, price jumps

Posted 06/05/06

The owner and chef of La Calaca knows truly authentic mexican - fabulous food!!! Everything is fresh, executeley prepared and the service is wonderlul.... as a person who was raised around excellent and authentic mexcian food - I find everyone who is whinging about it to just to go to TACO BELL - it's cheap, since that is what want, it 's obviouly what you expect, and honestly it what you deserve!!

Posted 04/22/06

Small, cute chairs add to the patio ambience but not the most comfortable place. Great drinks, ok service tho certainly not friendly. Food was not great, altho some other people's fare looked better than mine. Maybe I just don't like authentic Mexican, but I guarantee that it's too expensive for most. (Especially since it's located in less than special South East Portland.) I like to see restaurants do well and it seems that if they lowered the pricing and gave more food, it would be much more popular?

Pros: Patio, Drinks

Cons: Food prices, Food choices

Posted 09/03/05

La Calaca is a beautiful space with a wonderful patio and very fun drinks- the comidas/small appetizers are great- everything is homemade. HOWEVER- main entrees are extremely over priced for what you get. I recommend for drinks and appetizers only.

Pros: Fun space

Posted 06/30/04

I was so excited to eat here. What a let down. nothing at all to munch on while waiting. A serious lack of hospitallity. My empanada was cold and the fish inside it was raw. Portions were way too small for the price. In this town of so many great places to eat, there is no excuse for overpriced, underserved and undercooked food.

Pros: authentic food

Cons: poorly prepared food

Posted 11/30/03

I grew up in California, all places with a heavy Hispanic population. Thus I was spoiled when it came to Mexican food. My fiancee lived in Austin for years and hence knows good Mexican too.
Portland lacks sorely in this deparment. FOr some reason most places are horrible.
With a few exceptions like La Calaca. Very authentic, not changed for the gringo palate at all.
We do enjoy eating here, but agree the prices are a bit high.
Worth it when you need a fix of great Mexican food.

Posted 02/06/03

No Comparison if you are looking for a meal that has a sense identity, surroundings that are compatable, service without pretension and value, this would be the spot. No Burritos but be not a Frida.

Pros: easy parking, great value, ambient-not flashy

Posted 01/31/03

Being of Mexican descent, I find myself being very picky with Mexican food (especially with the lack of authenticity in the Northwest). However I was very pleased with my visit to La Calaca. Some prices were a bit high.. but worth it for the food and the enviroment. It is for those who will appreciate the artistic value of the mexican culture... which is a contrast to people who seem to think that to be mexican all you need is sombreros and / or Aztec interior decorations.

Pros: Food, Interior Design, cozy

Cons: price

Posted 10/23/02

This is the best Mexican restaurant in Portland and probably the west coast. The food is clean, creative, and always fresh. No heavy refried beans and no burritos. The owner is a treasure.

Posted 09/17/02

WHAT IS UP with a small plate of meat costing 14 freakin bucks?! There wasn't even a sprig of cilantro to compliment it, much less rice and beans (a four dollar addition)! Although it was served cold, it was tasty with homemade tortillas. I'll give it one more try, but for that kinda money, it better be served PERFECTLY.

Proprietors: consider throwing on a small portion of rice/beans for that price... you'll get more repeat customers. Psychologically, nobody wants a stark plate with meat and nothing else.

Pros: tasty food, nice staff, good tortillas

Cons: overpriced, stark presentation, overpriced

Posted 09/07/02

The food here is the closest you can get to Mexico, and best of all the atmosphere cant be beat! Try the superquesadilla for a mouth-watering treat!

Pros: Good prices, great food, friendly people

Posted 08/05/02

Not sure how anyone can say it is cheap - three of us spent nearly $50 on 4 tacos, a quesadilla and 3 beers and the portions ARE small. The pork taco was as close to authentic as I have tasted in Portland (when compared to the food I have eaten from small stands in the CA and NE run by migrant workers). Slow roasted, tender, full of flavor...but it was the tiniest taco I have ever seen and it is the only reason the food didn't get a 2. The chicken was nothing to write home about - bland, bland, bland. The 'mexican sausage' filling tasted like the logs of cheap breakfast sausage you get at Safeway. I am more than willing to spend $50 on dinner but only if I get more than an appetizer size portion.

Cons: expensive, small portions

Posted 07/01/02

My boyfriend and I came here for the first time last night and enjoyed everything about it. The server was nice when I aked if it wasn't a 'chips-n-salsa' type of place. The mixture of flavors was incredible. I had to force myself to stop shoveling the food down my throat. I can't believe the people who complain about 'not leaving stuffed' for the money they spent. The money spent is on the quality of the food and as for 'not leaving stuffed', I was perfectly satisfied with my portions. I left pleasantly full, not wanting to expel what I had just so much enjoyed. There is something to be said for not overloading a plate!

Pros: Authenic, Reasonably priced, Tasty

Posted 06/19/02

Excellent, excellent. This is one of the best, very fresh ingredients and flavorful tender meat. The tortillas are the best, I've never tasted better. Nice cozy interior, but the chairs are not made for lounging. Don't for get to get one of the fruit smoohties.

Pros: fresh ingredients, attentive

Cons: close quarters, uncomfortable chairs

Posted 05/14/02

Nope. No burritos here...and thats just fine with me. The tacos are cheap and fantastic, served on freshly cooked tortillas. Everything comes a la cartebut practice a little restraint and youll get a cheap, authentic meal. Not the kind of place youd likely linger over a meal (the chairs arent particularly comfortable), but this place is great for a quick stop.

Pros: great tortillas, low prices

Cons: a la carte

Posted 05/13/02