Pambiche

Pambiche is my only experience with Cuban food, so I cannot attest to its authenticity. What I can say is that everything I’ve had so far is absolutely delicious! I’ve been a few times, but this is my first review. I’ve come back because I truly enjoy the food here. The service is excellent, and though small, the interior ambience is quite pleasant. You simply cannot beat there rum selection, too!
On this visit, my friend had the Plato Cubano, in which the pork in creole gravy was heavenly. I had the Pescado con Coco, with was excellent. The fish is Red Snapper and was cooked perfectly. The accompanying concur pepper and rum sauce was a great fit. Our sides included brown rice, beans & rice, yuca in garlic mojo sauce, and tostones. It was so good we kept eating even after noting we were both full! We took home Alfajores and Chocolate Cha-​Cha cookies to enjoy later
I highly recommend this place for any meal. Remember to try the banana ketchup and chipotle sauce! Oh, and have some RUM!
The single drawback is the small size. They do have table tables outside with individual heaters that are nicely covered, but if you want to eat inside, there can be a wait, especially on the weekends.

My wife and I had breakfast Jan 2016. What I had hoped, was to to find an ethnic style breakfast with unique flavors and atmosphere. And we were not disappointed. We will definitely return.
This is a very small restaurant and the morning we were there it was a bit cold inside. That said, the food was wonderful and the help was very friendly.

Gave it three stars so Unilocal wouldn’t flag my review but wow what a disappointment! I’m Cuban I’ve never met a croqueta I didn’t like and for the first time ever I returned them and couldn’t eat it. The ground beef in the empanada was ok but the dough was like burnt pot pie dough not empanada dough. Corn fritters I couldn’t eat because like another reviewer said they were just dense and fried in reused oil not light and fluffy how they are supposed to be. Ajiaco was the highlight of the meal, it had good chunks of meat and lots of lime which I love those were the good parts that’s it. Potatoes were really hard and they used butternut squash instead of pumpkin. Needless to say, call it something else but that is seriously NOT ajiaco. I’ll post a pic of what it’s supposed to look like and what I got (if Unilocal let’s me). To end my rant, I ordered «cafesito» which is a shot of Cuban espresso with an almost merengue like sugar froth so it’s typically really sweet. On the menu it says it’s served with sugar and if you want less ask for it. When I took what I thought was going to be my first heavenly sip it was sooooo bitter i couldn’t help but put the sour patch face. It had zero sugar this is so bad they give you a shot of club soda to wash it down. Wtf?! That defeats the purpose! To end it on a positive note… Service was great really sweet waitress… And I discovered a new potential business opportunity because that was bad. After all this maybe my expectations were too high but if I go to your restaurant and I see a San Lazaro when I walk in I’m gonna go ahead and assume you know what your doing. That was my bad for assuming.

First off, the food here is good enough to evoke emotion. The ropjas viejas is simply amazing, so well seasoned and prepared that it almost transports you out of dreary Portland to Cuba it’s self. Strongly encourage anyone interested in a full good experience to come here!

Delicious and flavorful Cuban food, friendly staff, generous portions and lively ambiance. We came on a Sunday night and it was packed! Street parking wasn’t too difficult to find. All the platters we ordered were rich in taste and melted right in your mouth. I highly recommend the Plato Cubano!

Very authentic, great tasting Cuban food! (Coming from and authentic Cuban) Amazing decoration and beautiful mural outside.

Ive been here a few times, mostly during happy hour. This is a nice little restaurant that offers a discount if you bike there. Tried the Café Bombon tonight, not for the faint of heart, Cuban coffee is no joke! High octane for sure. The food is tasty, although the yucca was a bit bland for my liking. I have and will continue to frequent this place, great location next to a laundromat. They have tons of outdoor seating which isn’t the best for winter, but come summer, its wonderful.

I’d rate this place a 4.
If you’re around for happy hour, this is the time to go. Great prices on dishes from $ 3-​$ 7 (Ropa Vieja, empanadas, etc). I like to order a bunch of things tapas style and share. My favorites:
— Pollo Frito (Well executed and the sauce pairs perfectly with it)
— Ropa Vieja (Nice portion size and price)
The space inside space is very small, so if it’s not nice outside, you’ll want to choose a time when it’s not busy. They have plenty of outdoor seating, but this is not a space for big groups.
Would visit occasionally especially for happy hour or if you live in the area.

@Kevin W.
I don’t mean to direspect you, but you and your group of people you were with that day, are such a big lier. I saw when that friendly guy that is always smiling asked some of you to step outside while you were waiting because you all were blocking the entrance. You were just upset because the young lady told you that lunch start at 2 and according to you no one told you that, when that is absolutely clear that they have brunch Sat-​Sun 9am-​2pm. Your comment is totally unfair and customer like you shouldn’t visit such as great place, atmosphere, food, and staff.
I’ve been coming to this place for years and I’ve seen this guy working at Pambiche for a quiet a bit, and I have never seen anyone enjoying what he’s doing, and being so happy about it!

Lifechanging!
Two words: Banana ketchup
Colorful atmosphere, colorful food that is even more delicious than it looks.
This place continues to be an old favorite of mine.

I have always loved Cuban food! Coming from NYC, we have an array of food from all different cultures around the 5 boroughs! Having a Cuban uncle and I just loved going to family gatherings that serve up Cuban food.
We stumbled upon this place one night looking for dessert one night, particularly flan. And as I searched Unilocal suggested Pambiche! Even on a weekday night as we were only just ordering dessert, the tables next to us had huge plates of delicious Cuban sandwiches and dinner entrees that we must come here for dinner one day.
So one hungry summer evening; we decided to eat here; and boy under this beautiful colorful building was a huge waiting list long line! Having both outdoor and indoor seating. We loved sitting outside in the summer. It was only about 15 – 20 minutes wait; wasn’t too bad. But let me tell you! The food was really worth the wait. We ordered the arroz con pollo $ 16? and the ox tail entrée $ 20; with an appetizer of the croquetas. Everything was so delicious. The ox tail was very filling and so buttery melt in your mouth. My arroz con pollo was fall off the bone chicken. Flavorful rice with olives and carrots and peas! The croquettes were delicious as well!
Besides dinner; we came here for brunch too! On a rainy Portland weekend which is like every weekend in the late fall and into winter. Whether you are looking for a hearty brunch place or a dinner spot; Pambiche is a great choice!

There are a few Cuban restaurants in Seattle that are good, but nothing quite like Pambiche.
All the dishes I’ve tried are delicious, the fried plaintains are not over fried to almost burnt, and the service is good. The spice levels are just right and the meat is also not over cooked. I made the mistake of eating an order myself and one plate is enough to fill two people. If you want to try different items, either order a platter or go with more people.
The desserts were a little too sweet for me, but I love guava desserts, so that doesn’t bother me. Try the guava carrot cake or the flan. The ingredients they use are different, so brace yourself for a new taste!
The restaurant itself is vibrant and filled with Cuban culture from the painting on the wall, to the photos, to the decorative items. I love the way it looks and feels. It’s simple to find, especially since the building it’s in is also just as colorful.

I’m from Miami, which has more Cuban restaurants than Cuba.
Pambiche does Cuban food right. Although their food is not the same as what you’d find in a more traditional Cuban place in Miami, I actually prefer most of the menu at Pambiche; it’s just a little more vibrant and a touch lighter. To be fair, I don’t eat meat, so it’s hard to compare the classics, like ropa vieja. I do really appreciate the cabbage & beet salad, which you would never find at a Miami Cuban restaurant and the vegan-​friendly plátanos rellenos.
However, sometimes I really miss pastelitos de guayaba y queso. Pambiche has an empanada de guayaba con queso – close, but no (Cuban) cigar. Overall, the desserts are quite luxurious and tropical.

Cuban music is about the beat of the drums, the blaring of the horns and that Latin rhythm. I have a Cuban music channel set up on my Pandora so I can listen to some Tito Puente and Celia Cruz. Like the Cuban music, Cuban food shares one very similar quality. They are both full of life.
The food is far from bland, but it isn’t overly spicy either. Tostones, Cubano sandwiches, and the Ropa Vieja that I ate are all items that I have enjoyed over the years. This was my first time at Pambiche, not my first time eating Cuban food.
The first thing that hits you is that music. It puts you in a good mood for great food. Me gusta la comida Cubano muy mucho. There’s a great selection of sandwiches, traditional plates, beverages and Rum. I got a limonata that came with a nice piece of sugar cane to chew on and I got one of my favorite dishes, Ropa Vieja. Shredded beef with peppers and onions that cooked down until it is melt in your mouth tender. My side was some really well done rice and beans that were cooked with bacon and they put some pickled red slaw and some beets on the plate as well. Quite a bit of food for only $ 8.75. I was brought some banana sauce and hot sauce. The banana sauce was on the sweet side while the hot sauce didn’t have a big kick in spice, it had huge amounts of flavor and I think I used at least a quarter of the bottle. I’d drink it if I was allowed to.
The service was great, and if you ride a bike, you can get an extra 5% off your bill. Every little bit counts. Pambiche is festive, and that’s just the building itself. The bright colors want you to come in, the music draws you and the food keeps you. Do come and enjoy this amazing Cuban food. I’ll be back soon!

I really like coming to this tiny hole in the wall restaurant. It is brightly colored, inside and out. Filled with Cuban art and energy. OH! and the food! the food is delicious! It’s a winning combination.
Check out the happy hour or La Hora Del Amigo as they call it. It is 2 – 6 weekdays and 10-​midnight Fridays and Saturdays. They have great food and drink specials. The early weekday one is your chance to see this place without a line. late night packs people in.
Regular meals are great here to. they do brunch on weekends.
Some of my favorite things here:
Fresh pineapple juice, I had decided I wasn’t a fan of pineapple juice before I had it here. It is fresh squeezed so none of the can taste you get elsewhere.
Empanadas– Chicken and corn. It is so good but eat carefully it arrives very hot inside. I miss the leek and cheese which was my favorite now I get the spinach also good but not as good as the leek was. Sweet Empanadas filled with fruits for dessert… need I say more?
Rice pudding– lots of cinnamon It is my favorite rice pudding I have had.
Really I have liked most everything I have tried here. It is a great restaurant with a great staff that try’s hard. I’ve come here for years and have never left upset with service, even the time the waiter poured a bunch of water on me (it was an accident. He was so embarrassed.)

Food:
I LOVE THE LENGUA EN SALSA! FOOD AT ITS FINEST!!! This is seriously the best tasting dish I’ve had in a VERY LONG time!!! I wasn’t aware that food can taste this good! The pork tongue was so tender and so flavorful and SO DELICIOUS! All the textures, sauces, flavors just came together and exploded in my mouth! I highly recommend this dish!
I’ve also tried some of their empanadas, croquetas, and mango/​pineapple smoothie. I’ve never been a big fan of fried things so the empanadas and croquetas weren’t my favorite. The mango/​pineapple smoothie tasted so fresh and thick. It really tasted like blended mango and pineapple with a little bit of ice. Really tasty!
The desserts are very aesthetically pleasing to the eyes and equally pleasing to the taste buds. I haven’t tried a dessert that I didn’t like here yet. Just pick any dessert at random, you won’t be disappointed!
The ox tail was also a very notable and delicious dish. The meat is really flavorful and tender, falling off the bone! But my favorite dish is still lengua en salsa!
Service:
Super friendly and nice! All the waiters are fast, efficient, and attentive. Although the restaurant is really busy, they don’t ever make you feel like they forgot about you or don’t have time to serve you.
Ambiance:
It’s super small, fast pace, and noisy restaurant. There’s always a huge line outside and inside it’s a mad rush to get everyone seated and served. They make this small space very cozy and welcoming. The décor is colorful and very Cuban-​esque. Makes the walls look very busy but vibrant.
Price:
The dishes are reasonably priced for the quality and quantity of the food you are getting. There are a few things that are priced a little more, like the ox tail, but given how much work is put into making these dishes, I think its still pretty reasonable.
Overall:
I love this place! It’s quickly becoming one of my top places to eat at in Portland! It’s definitely worth a try, don’t let the long line outside deter you from trying some really good food! If you check in with Unilocal and you rode your bike there (show your helmet), you get 5% off!

I went to Pambiche with my Cuban friend for the first time tonight and I cannot wait to come back!
I loved how their outdoor seating had individual heaters above every table! It’s a chilly night and I wasn’t cold at all. And I love the option of being able to sit outside when it’s not raining.
The food was great! I got the pineapple juice which was fresh squeezed and delicious. Then we shared the avocado salad– so fresh and refreshing. It really hit the spot and will be a summer favorite.
I had the vaca frita for my entrée. Yummmm. The beef was so tasty and I love their house hot sauce they bring! The plantains are delicious as well! Love that they put a few on the plate with the vaca frita.
We then had the tres leches cake for dessert. It was good but I’ve had better and probably won’t order that again.
Can’t wait to return! The service was excellent as well.

Fun, brightly colored atmosphere. The servers were very welcoming and excited to have us as the first customers of the day so they had time to explain the menu and offer suggestions. They were assertive about their recommendations which I appreciated.
The COFFEE. My partner tried to order a regular coffee and the server basically denied him, suggesting that he have a café con leche instead. They know better! I love condensed milk and was happy to get the café bomba. The coffee is outstanding and I have absolutely no reason to order black coffee there ever.
The food was really tasty. I loved the moros y christianos: black, bean, bacon rice. Don’t deny yourself, get the moros y christianos, not regular black beans and rice. The fried plantains were awesome, the outside was crispy caramelized and the inside was warm and creamy. *drool* Best fried plantains! Soy beef croquettas were really good with an interesting new flavor. They were surprisingly sweet from the plantain filling.
They recommended a lot of beef dishes to us but I don’t like giant chunks of meat so we got cuban steak and eggs and and cuban style eggs. It was delish. They can be a little more bold with their flavors but I’m not complaining!
Great place for large groups of 6 – 8. Lots of outdoor seating for 2 – 4 and soaking up the bright sun!
Use Unilocal to check-​in, bike here and get a discount!

Yum! We shared one of the plantain appetizers and I got the Plato Comunista with black beans and the cabbage salad. Both were delicious.
I love the atmosphere here as well. Both times I’ve been I’ve sat outside. It’s fun to people watch as you eat. The building itself stands out with it’s beautifully coloured paint job.

Pambiche is very alluring. The building really stands out when you drive past it on NE Glisan. This very Unilocal page offers up some proper food porn as well.
Looking at their menu, Pambiche offers the same menu for lunch & dinner, except the lunch menu is $ 2-​$ 4 cheaper. So, first off, go for lunch. They do not have a waiting room, which means you will have to wait outside. Even for lunch, my mom and I waited outside for about 15 minutes. This is Portland, so bundle up. They seem to have problems with routing waiting traffic outside, as there are a bunch of signs asking you not to block the sidewalk. But you can only wait on the sidewalk. Hey, Pambiche, you should probably figure this out. An disgruntled employee kept shouting for people to get out of his way. To summarize the wait: it’s cold and grumpy.
Pambiche is a tiny and cute café inside. The waiters were very friendly. We tried the croquetas and Cuban micheladas to start, which were both really good. The Cuban michelada has soda water and more lime in it than your traditional michelada. It tasted like a cocktail and not a beer with tomato juice– it was awesome. The arroz con pollo ($ 14) is one of the most filling lunch entrees you’ll find at a sit-​down restaurant in Portland. It’s a perfect comfort food meal. The chicken falls right off the bone and they give you a ton of saffron rice with veggies.
The plates are super filling, but try to save room for dessert if you can. They are famous for their pastries, which all looked amazing.
Pambiche is the ultimate lunch spot. It’s probably best to go in the summer though– you can wait in pleasant weather or even sit outside.

The best Cuban food!!! Continuando con la aventura de probar nueva comida y este Lugar tiene exelente servicing y comida tradicional