Romo’s Latin Quarter

I’m sad to report Romo’s has closed for business. :-(

Romo’s Latin Quarter has closed due to «economic conditions».

I’ve been to this restaurant a number of times, dating back to the Hawthorne location. The food is typically very good, certainly not healthy, but a welcomed addition to the Montavilla neighborhood. The restaurant’s biggest problem is the inconsistent service and general feel of the dining room. The lights are always too bright. Tonight, I visited with two friends and they were severely understaffed, the food was hurried and awful, and the experience was not fun. However, I’ve given a 3 Star rating, allowing credit for the prior visits where everything was great.
Overall, I think this is a restaurant to try, especially if you like large portioned burritos with a bunch of sauce. But, don’t visit on a weekend night, because they might not be prepared.
I’ll keep visiting, and if the service improves, I’ll boost my rating.

It’s fantastic, but, but, but I just can’t give it the vaunted 5^th star. Maybe I’m jaded after scowering the city and ploughing through sub-​par Mexican fare for most of my life. First off, Romo’s isn’t all Mexican as the name implies, this isn’t Authentica. It isn’t trying to be and it doesn’t need to be, what Romo’s serves up is some of the best Tex-​Mex style Arizona blend of Mexican and Latin food in Portland. If that confused you then just forgive my limited vocab and take a peak at the menu. A good portion of it consists of red sauce enchiladas that are outstanding. Huge, with good quality meats, cheeses, beans and rice. Labeled in the form of Super Heroic eaters like Clark Kent, and Super Boy.
My wife nabs a pair of them every time we go, in fact it’s her destination enchilada of choice. We drive about an hour to sooth the palette and it doesn’t dissapoint. More traditional items dot the menu like the Machaca Mayota, the only item stamped on the menu with a «HOT» warning. I love it! You hear me Romo, it’s awesome! Shredded beef chopped into roasted potatoes and a variety of peppers. Never, ever, take it off the menu. Throw a couple of eggs on top of it and you’ll have to put up with me eating dinner in silence. The heat isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you constantly order your food «medium» at most mexican or thai places you’ll find a flavorful firework in the Machaca Mayota.
As your eye wanders the menu and you hear about the specials that’s when you’ll notice more eclectic selections. Linguine with shells, marinated steak with garlic mashed potatoes, and pork tenderloin find a home at Romo’s. Strangely enough, it all fits, and Romo’s is distinctly Latin with a big Mexican influence. If you’re the type who can just eat good food and accept it, Romo’s is the ticket. Far better than most of the Mexican outlets around town, it’s a step up and in the right direction.
So why not a five star if we eat there all the time? I’m not dinging it for it’s blend of food, so what’s up? Well it can be rough around the edges at Romo’s, and the food is soooo damn good that it’s the equalizer. 5 star means that it’s 5 stars for everyone on the planet, food perfection AND the whole package. Some people can be turned off at Romo’s because of the service. Romo knows his food is good and he isn’t afraid to tell you about it either. He can be a little rough if you’re new to the spot, but he’s harmless and quite the character when he gets to recognize you. In fact one time I saw him kick a chair over in front me, it was in humor and he wasn’t angry, but some newbies in the restaurant were caught off guard. Bottom line, it’s great 5 star food regardless of regional influence, but the service knocks it down just a touch.
Onto better things,! The margaritas are in my top two or three in the city, so be sure to order one or four when you go! Enjoy!

It saddens me that scanning the other reviews NOT ALL were 5 star, (though the majority, like mine, were). I would have to read each one, which I did not, before I could place blame on racism, my first suspicion, knowing this northwestern city in which I reside. I have partaken of the food and the drink here, which both were marvelous. I would never, ever decline to recommend this establishment to anyone interested in partaking of superb quality of Mexican comestibles this side of the border.

Maybe all those late nights, strong drinks and advancements in debauchery did take a toll. Could the afterschool specials and the Man’s public service announcements be right? Has the grey matter in my noggin been reduced to nothing more then an egg in a frying pan?
If the start of last night was any indication, any continued debase behavior will soon reduced me to nothing more then a drooling monkey boy, tucked away in the corner with a Nana’s blanket, happy just to look at bright shiny things and maybe an occasional stag film to ensure a proper flow of blood to my vital organs.
We had reservations at 7, so I’m wondering how their solid wood door could be locked. Wasn’t that my dear old Dad I drove by while trying to locate a parking spot? Is there another entrance? Is this the right place? Is this my beautiful wife? My God, how do I get in there?
And then the door opens. Standing there is my father. Waiting inside is Mom. And here I am, the gifted student helplessly pulling on the door to the school for the gifted, when the only requirement for entry was a simple PUSH.
Repeat after me, «I am sofa king wee Todd did».
Despite the mixed reviews here on Unilocal for Romo’s Latin Quarter, we were extremely happy with our entire experience. I guess the biggest gripe is about the prices, but I tend to not be overly cost conscious, and pass judgment based upon the quality and flavor of the food, as well as the overall dining experience. Our service was impeccable, there were no qualms with splitting the bill 3 ways for a party of five (no intended reference to the Fox drama from the 90’s, or my recent ménage a cinq with that lovely group of apotemnophiliacs) or that we sat at our table for close to two hours looking at old baby pictures with the parental units and the TLB’s Mom visiting from that state with all them lakes.
The food was flavorful and fresh, the atmosphere was inviting and we had a fantastic time visiting, catching up and spending some quality time with the soon to be grandparents. Add Romo’s to the list of quality establishments popping up in the revitalized neighborhood of Montavilla.
Now if I could only figure out how to get the hell out of this place…

Since as far back as I can remember my family has eaten at Romo’s. Even before I was born. We have followed this restaurant through all of its locations and loved every one of them.
Not only is the food amazing, but the homemade margaritas are to die for. Since my brother and I have been of drinking age we spend twice as much on margaritas as we do on our actual dinner.
Romo’s chips are handmade fresh to your table with the most outstanding salsa. I usually ask to bring a pint of it home with me I love it so much. But the new atmosphere on start is great, Romo usually comes out to greet you and he usually sits down at our table and hangs out for awhile really relating to his customers and making sure he is providing the highest of quality service ever.
You must try Romo’s it is the best mexican north of California!!!
Go go go it is amaazing!!!

Just stopped in at Romo’s for some lunch today, and was pleasantly surprised. The service was fantastic, the food reasonably priced and ever so tasty.
I highly recommend the chicken guacamole salad.
I wondered if this was an evolution of Romos on Hawthorne as I always loved that place when I lived in the neighborhood. I plan to go back to Romo’s Latin Quarter for dinner some night.

The recent addition of large posters touting Happy Hour and Bar Menu seems to indicate that the vultures have started their decent. It’s a tacky move to draw business unless you are some unassuming corner bar with a small makeshift kitchen. The crowds have faded, they always do when the food isn’t up to snuff. No one is willing to pay twice for mediocre.
In regards to the «No children under 6 policy» well apparently that’s now changed too. Sad choice initially in a neighborhood of young families. I told Romo this but he balked thinking he knew what the neighborhood needed and it wasn’t kids in his restaurant. The folks at Country Cat got it. I walk by there at least 3 times a week, the tables are packed and there are plenty of kids eating happily along side their parents.
Listen to the neighborhood Romo and the customers will come back around…

When a new restaurant opens up mere blocks from your house, you really want to like it, especially if you live in outer SE. The first time I went I thought, well, based on the prices, it’s probably some pretty good stuff.
Uh, no. It’s nothing terribly special. It’s run of the mill, really expect for the sauteed cabbage that comes with a couple of the entrees. I mean, really, if you’re gonna pay 15 bucks for Mexican food, it’s usually pretty interesting.
What really scathed me was that when they first opened, when we sat down they asked if we would like some chips and guacamole. Sure, we said. Not just free chips and salsa, but chips, and guac, I thought. And then when we got our bill, it turns out that our free chips and guac were six bucks.
We went in for lunch one day, and the waitress told us she wasn’t supposed to work that day, but earlier in the week the entire wait staff had either been fired, or had walked out in response to the mass firing, and she was the only one left. I can’t imagine there’s a whole lotta love going into the food with that kind of stuff going down.
For a few weeks they had breakfast hours, which I never tried, and all of a sudden, there’s a big sign in the window that says «breakfast by invitation only.» Uhhh me thinks not. This is Montavilla folks, we don’t put on airs like THAT.
So, I have to echo an earlier review that hopes that this place will eventually be replaced by a good old taqueria.
In the meantime, at least there’s tasty cheap burritos from the burrito truck in the Safeway parking lot on 82^nd avenue.

very mediocre Mexican food, for averagely high prices. And the fact that they specifically say no children under 6; well… that’s a «no go back» in my book. I’ll wait for this place to go under so a superior, low-​key taqueria can move in. I know; harsh… I want to be nice, really!

My husband and I moved to Portland from New Mexico. The only thing we miss is good Southwestern/​Mexican food. We are so happy to have found Romo’s. The food is delicious… green chile chicken enchiladas, sopapillas, and the best chips and salsa in town! Not to mention the margaritas are tasty. The red chile is smoky, spicy and rich. The green chile tastes fresh with just the right amount of heat. My only wish is that they would let me order green/​red chile on the side. I like to drench my food with chile!

My husband and his fam have been long-​time Romo’s La Jarra customers, and I’m glad to report that some of the best dishes live on at the new location.
We arrived at 5:00 sharp on a Sat. (opening time, I’m guessing, since we were the first ones in the joint.) If we’d arrived 30 minutes later, we might have been in trouble, because I saw many tables with «reserved» signs on them.
The «no kids under age 6» policy is an interesting one, and I have not seen it so explicitly stated anywhere else in this town. I don’t have any kids, so it was just fine with me, but it would certainly make for an uncomfortable situation if you were unaware.
Great dishes: green chile chicken chimichanga is my favorite. Husband can’t ever order anything besides the chorizo-​stuffed-​pork. It sounds like a gutbuster, and it is. But a tasty gutbuster, apparently.
They were accommodating with our dinner companion’s very specific «no onions, no olives, sour cream on the side» requests. They got a gold star for niceness on that account.
I agree the prices are higher than other places, but I think you’re paying for quality. This would not be my go-​to weeknight need-​a-​burrito-​and-​make-​it-​quick choice, but that’s not what the owner’s going for, either.

And yet another reminder to CHECK Unilocal before trying new restaurants.
I like to be spontaneous… sometimes to a fault. Last night I was driving down Stark and saw a restaurant I had not been into, and decided «I should check this place out.»
Clue #1 — no menu in the window. Always beware of a fancy-​looking restaurant with no menu in the window.
Clue #2 — A sum total of 4 customers at 6 pm on a Wednesday evening.
Clue #3 — I was jumped at the door by an over-​eager server.
I decided to blow off the otherwise telling trepidation that was raised by the three above-​mentioned clues and grab a seat at the bar for some food. When you jump off the pier, there’s no jumping back on, right?
Romo’s has that clean, crisp, open kitchen setup. It’s small, yet does not really feel cozy because it is fairly open inside. The bar is made with burgundy-​colored hardwood, and there’s a mix of Don Quixote and Toreador art on the walls. «Oooh…» I think to myself. «Spanish food on Stark? Near my house? What a find!».
Next I was brought a menu, and that’s when I came to the realization that the water under the pier was about 3 feet deep. Ouch. The prices on the menu ranged from $ 8 to $ 20… for MEXICAN FOOD. There is no question that this is not Spanish food. The Spanish wine on the bar, the burgundy walls, the crisp, clean, European looking layout, the print of Don Quixote tilting at a windmill… they all lied to me. This isn’t Spanish food at all. Ugh.
«Well, hey!» my optimism shouts… «maybe it’s DELICIOUS Mexican food!» Ok, fine. I peruse the menu. Chimichangas in the $ 7 to $ 9 range. Burritos in the $ 10+ range. A decent array of other standards such as arroz con pollo, machacas, etc. all in the $ 12 to $ 20 range. Ok.
«Well, there is still a possibility in my mind that I am not going to get ripped off tonight.», my quickly retreating optimism suggests. «Maybe this is some seriously gourmet Mexican food.»
No, no it’s not. I ordered the Machacas (spicy shredded beef in a red chile sauce with peppers, potatoes, onions, an egg on top, and rice/​beans), and they were tasty, but not worth the $ 14.
We live in Portland OREGON… west coast… 1 day up I-​5 from MEXICO. This town is full of fantastic carts and little hole-​in-​the-​wall joints that sell great food at ridiculously cheap prices. I am not sure how it’s ok to charge between $ 10 and $ 20 for Mexican food in this town unless its seriously gourmet.
Maybe I am missing the point. Maybe Romo has the «Lauro Kitchen» thing going on, and his purpose is to serve decent food at high prices to yuppies who lack taste in a yuppie atmosphere. There’s nothing super gourmet on the menu. If you’re going to charge lots of money for food that can be obtained somewhere else, you either have to put a gourmet twist on it or you have to make the best damn version of that dish available. Just taking the same old food and putting it in a nice storefront is not enough… for me, at least.
The funny thing is, I had an opposite experience to the others on this list. The service was great. The owner (I think he was the owner), came over and praised my choice of dinner. I felt very welcome, and everyone was very friendly. The physical plant was very promising.
I feel bad writing this review. As always, when I see that someone has put their heart and soul into something, and they welcome me in with open arms, I want so badly to enjoy the food I ate there. I want to tell my friends and their friends to go.
If the food prices were $ 5 less at this place, this would be a 4 star review. Until then, it’s the Mexican Lauro Kitchen in my book.

So, I really wanted to fall in love with this joint (it’s just down the street for lunches) but every time I try to open the front door its locked!
And during business hours! Doh!
Maybe I should take a hint. Turns out it was just to keep the wind out– but it felt sort of personal. I walk in, I’m the only customer. Apparently word has not gotten out that they now serve lunch– or maybe it has.
The menu is completely nondescript. Heard the chips were great so after asking how much the chips and salsa cost ($ 2) I ordered some. By far the best part of my meal. As for the rest, all I can really say is, meh.
Ordered the lunch special ($ 6) with the beef ranchero burrito. It’s supposed to come with «rice, beans, & some greens». Apparently some greens literally translates into 7 shreds of romaine atop your crusty rice. But that’s what I get for ass-​u-​ming, right?
Beans were pretty good, burrito was okay, but I don’t see where anyone gets the idea that this places food is fantastic. Plenty of better choices in this town– I’m stickin to the carts.

I can’t begin to tell you how much I wanted this to be a fantastic dining experience. I used to frequent Romo’s down on Hawthorne probably 5 to 6 times a month. The shaved ice in the margaritas is heaven in the mouth. I’m a texture girl…
We had service issues, but that was partly our fault. We were unaware that they take reservations, so we did not have one. We were a party of 4 adults and one child (he’s 5). We were immediately told that, while we didn’t have reservations, they could seat us, but they would need our table in an hour. Um, okay…
The hostess also told us that they generally do not serve children younger than 6 in the restaurant. What?! Is that even legal?! I realize it was a Saturday night, but we were there at 6 pm, well before any self-​described hipsters would consider arriving for expensive Mexican food. I immediately offered to leave if the boy’s mere presence was so offensive, but the «hostess» told us it was up to us. We stayed. What can I say? I like to push boundaries. I would also like to point out that throughout our meal, many more children arrived, younger than our little guest and way more vocal and rambunctious. C’mon, you know the type.
The food is as delicious as I remember. Their flautas are a perfect mix of crunchy, meaty, guacamole goodness. Their chips are still the best in town. I hadn’t expected to pay so dearly for them (we also fell for the «Could I bring you some chips and guac?» question). I hate to admit it, but they were worth the money.
I can only assume that their new location is way, way more expensive than their previous location, as reflected in their new prices. The ambiance is certainly more elegant, the bar ware improved, the art lighting beautiful. But there was this nagging voice in the back of my head that couldn’t shake the fact that I had to drive there rather than walk there, fight for parking (I won!), eat the same food I remember and adore, but the whole experience was vastly more expensive than I want a Mexican food experience to be.
The final straw came with the bill, however. There was an 18% gratuity added to our bill. 4 adults. 1 child. He ate a cheese quesadilla. Are you flippin’ kidding me? I have never had gratuity added to a bill for such a small party. And I can’t remember the last time I only left an 18% gratuity, but if they were so concerned with being stiffed by us, they can consider themselves so-​stiffed. I doubt I’ll go back.

I really really wanted to give this place 5 stars. Rating the food and drinks, it would have been a 5, hands down. I was a huge fan of their Romo’s La Jara place on Hawthorne. I was very excited to see that they opened up again (just in time for my birthday!), so we headed out there for my bday/​v-​day celebration.
I had heard the place is smaller, but they do take reservations. We were seated right away and everyone was really friendly. Here’s a tip though: they come up to your table and ask if you’d like chips and guacamole. I didn’t really think twice about it, since most places (including their prior location) offer chips and salsa at no charge. Well, the chips and guac were $ 6. Be aware.
Food came out quickly and they even brought out some chocolate cake for us ladies for a valentines day treat. Romo was making the rounds in the dining room, making everyone feel welcome. The food was AMAZING.
Service was the low point of the meal, much like it always was at La Jara. With only ten tables in the restaurant, and two servers, it shouldn’t be an issue. No drink list was brought, we had to ask for it as no beverages are listed on the menu. They kept bringing salsa dish after salsa dish (3 total), and never cleared any empty plates or glasses. The table was VERY crowded. They dropped the check, still without taking any of the dishes away. The two servers on tonight also seemed a little nervous throughout the meal, as if they were uncomfortable at the tables. I’ll give them a month or so to get in their comfort zone.
The food is great, and with time, the service will catch up. We chatted a bit with Romo before we left, and sounds like they’re opening up for lunch soon, and possibly weekend brunch. I, for one, am so glad they are back in business. I can’t wait to give them that 5^th star :)

Perhaps it is a conflict of interest, my reviewing Romo’s Latin Quarter. After all, I worked for Romo back in the days of Romo’s Jazz Club downtown on 13^th and Washington (or thereabouts), when he still had the original Romo’s on Sandy Boulevard. To this day when I hear an off-​kilter jazz melody, I have to fight off the urge to mix a margarita or ask anyone if they need more chips.
But I’m not one to avoid conflict. So review, I shall.
Is it Mexican food? Is it Latin American food? Come on, if you’re looking for «authentic» — get out your passport and leave the country. Romo’s Latin Quarter is the evolution of Romo’s La Jara, formerly on 50^th and Hawthorne. This rendition of Romo’s is a little more grown up, a little more refined.
So where to begin? Where any Latin/​Mexican meal should begin — with the chips.
Wait, hold up. My mistake. First, order a margarita — his tangy house mix is a well-​kept secret. I like mine rocks with salt. Lick your lips and enjoy. If booze ain’t your thang, try a Negro Modelo or a micro on tap, or pull from the extensive wine list.
Okay now, oh sweetjesusonatortilla THE CHIPS! Hot (ouch! blowblowblow!) and perfectly salted, served with Romo’s housemade salsa, which ranks about a medium on the heat scale. It’s a rich, flavorful cooked tomato salsa (as opposed to a fresh pico di gallo), redolent of garlic, onion and chiles. Order a side of cool guacamole — his is thick and chunky, spiked with sweet onion and tomato.
Okay, now with drink in hand and hot chips on the table, let’s move on to the menu.
His new menu is pared down slightly from the offerings of Romo’s La Jara, but the superstars remain. The choices includes old favorites like his crisp, giant chimichangas, the overstuffed perfection of the Super Boy enchilada, the mountainous Tostada Compuesta and the savory chilaquiles. Oh, and the Machaca Moyhota… best enjoyed with juicy fried eggs atop.
My usual at any Romo’s outpost over the last 15 years has been the Super Boy. I simply will not ever tire of this enchilada, and it is the first item I recommend to Romo virgins. It is one giant pillow of a flour tortilla, stuffed with Romo’s housemade refritos and your choice of meat — chicken or shredded beef. The shredded beef is my weakness, so meltingly tender and sweet. I dream of this beef. The Boy is doused with a healthy amount of smoky, spicy enchilada sauce and topped with melted cheese. Romo swears his enchilada sauce induces labor in overdue pregnant women. For me, it induces something else entirely. But this is a family site, not to mention a food review — so I’ll just leave it at that.
On my first visit to the Quarter, I pulled myself away from the siren’s song of The Boy (which, I’m pretty sure is «Baby Got Back»), and perused Romo’s Wild Hare Specials. He has some new options here, including a couple nice looking steaks. I opted for the swordfish, but was told they weren’t offering it that night (note to staff — this would have been nice to know up front).
My second choice was the pork loin, described on the menu as being «so tender you can cut it with a sharp look.» But why would one look askance at such beautifully cooked pork? The juicy little medallions shared the plate with a simple sauté of crunchy cabbage, spinach and onion and a generous dollop of roasted garlic mashers topped with a sweet and spicy jalapeño spiked sauce. Next time I might try pairing them with the roasted corn side or perhaps the smoky-​sweet black beans.
My companion ordered the 16oz rib-​eye, planning ahead to have leftovers for the next day. It was a lovely piece of beef, rubbed spicy and seared on the outside and perfectly rare within — outstanding for a relatively thin steak (compared to the thicker filet). The aforementioned stellar black beans and mashed potatoes rounded out the meal.
(Both entrée’s, by the by, were under $ 20, and we both got two meals out of them. And that about tops the prices — great deals to be had all over the menu. Oh, and there were green salads involved. While the mixed greens were fresh, the dressing appeared to be some kind of non-​fat raspberry vinigiarette weirdness. This was the only miss in the meal.)
For dessert, we shared a ramekin of crème brûlée — recommended by Romo. It was cool and creamy, heavy with vanilla with a crackling burnt sugar top.
Romo’s Latin Quarter is just getting underway, so best to call ahead to confirm hours and/​or make reservations (particularly if you are a party over 4). As of February 11, 2008 they are advertising being open for lunch.
****PARENTS PLEASE NOTE — ROMO’S DOES NOT ALLOW CHILDREN UNDER 6 YEARS OF AGE IN THE RESTAURANT****