Que Pasa Cantina

Our waiter was snippy from the moment we walked in the door. We felt like he had better things to do then to, oh say, bring us menus..... The Margaritas were mostly ice, tasted horrible and were overpriced. The chips and salsa we were charged for, something that traditionally comes with most Mexican meals for free. In addition the chips were peppered. We both like pepper, but this was overbearing to the pallet. Adding chicken to the undersized shrimp enchiladas cost $3.00 for what was no more then a strip of chicken. I realize that it was a Friday night but a 20 minute wait for drinks is out of line. We were pointed to a seat while everyone else was escorted. Others were given instructions on how to use the heater above their tables,(we were outside) by the same waiter, while ours was not even mentioned to us. The only reason we are even ranking this horrible place is the fact that my burrito was large and good. However, the same quality and quantity can be found at Cha Cha Cha's for half the price. Please don't waste your time or hard earned money here. Pros: I now know not to eat there ever again. Cons: Everything. more

I have been going to Aqui since they opened, as the pizza/asian fare in Hawthorne can get old. My mom introduced me, and it has been our spot for catch up and a margarita ever since. It's affordable and delicious. The owner is a real sweetheart too! The fish tacos and ""wet"" burritos are the best, no doubt. I could eat here everyday! Pros: Great service, excellent food, outdoor patio Cons: not open for lunch more

I have been going to Aqui since they opened, as the pizza/asian fare in Hawthorne can get old. My mom introduced me, and it has been our spot for catch up and a margarita ever since. It's affordable and delicious. The owner is a real sweetheart too! The fish tacos and "wet" burritos are the best, no doubt. I could eat here everyday! Pros: Great service, excellent food, outdoor patio Cons: not open for lunch more

We've been regulars of this little hideaway in our neigborhood and the secret is getting out. Consistently, we have had great meals, and it's always a good value. Everything is homemade and fresh. Our fav's are the shrimp enchiladas and the fish tacos, and the nachos are piled with every topping possible. Margaritas are individually made, not like some restaurants that have them pre-mixed, and the perfect way to wash down the spicy homemade salsas. The servers are always attentive, and even though they can get busy, are always at our beck and call. We've told friends about our new favorite place, and they said, oh yeah, we love that place too!! Overall, we'll go back again and again and again ... more

We've been regulars of this little hideaway in our neigborhood and the secret is getting out. Consistently, we have had great meals, and it's always a good value. Everything is homemade and fresh. Our fav's are the shrimp enchiladas and the fish tacos, and the nachos are piled with every topping possible. Margaritas are individually made, not like some restaurants that have them pre-mixed, and the perfect way to wash down the spicy homemade salsas. The servers are always attentive, and even though they can get busy, are always at our beck and call. We've told friends about our new favorite place, and they said, oh yeah, we love that place too!! Overall, we'll go back again and again and again ... more

I really wanted to like this place. Having grown up in the Southwest, I judge Mexican restaurants by their salsa. When I had to pay for my chips and salsa, I thought it was strange, but not a big deal. They waited until they brought it out to tell me that they were OUT of salsa and that it would be another hour and half to make more. How does a Mexican place run out of salsa?! I ate my chips and pico anxiously anticipating my enchiladas. I was seriously disappointed when the sauce tasted like canned tomato paste, not a hint of spice to it. Not a value at 8.95. The margarita was weak and the waitress was rather rude and seemed irritated to wait on us. Only 2 parking spots in front of the restaurant and rest is street parking (a pain on Hawthorne). Overall, I have to be honest and say that I wasn't impressed at all by the quality of this establishment. Maybe I caught it on an off day, but I can't say I'd want to go back. I will end on a postive note - they did have a cool dimly lit room off to the back with pillow benches encircling a coffee table which would be fun with a couple of friends during happy hour. BYOB unless you like watery drinks. more

I really wanted to like this place. Having grown up in the Southwest, I judge Mexican restaurants by their salsa. When I had to pay for my chips and salsa, I thought it was strange, but not a big deal. They waited until they brought it out to tell me that they were OUT of salsa and that it would be another hour and half to make more. How does a Mexican place run out of salsa?! I ate my chips and pico anxiously anticipating my enchiladas. I was seriously disappointed when the sauce tasted like canned tomato paste, not a hint of spice to it. Not a value at 8.95. The margarita was weak and the waitress was rather rude and seemed irritated to wait on us. Only 2 parking spots in front of the restaurant and rest is street parking (a pain on Hawthorne). Overall, I have to be honest and say that I wasn't impressed at all by the quality of this establishment. Maybe I caught it on an off day, but I can't say I'd want to go back. I will end on a postive note - they did have a cool dimly lit room off to the back with pillow benches encircling a coffee table which would be fun with a couple of friends during happy hour. BYOB unless you like watery drinks. more

From service to food to atmosphere, this little joint on SE Hawthorne has everything. Food is simple, but deliciously prepared, the portions are more than ample, and the owners always greet you with a smile. I dine here often, and the food is consistently deliciious and the margaritas are always great. This is a must try spot if you are looking for a casual, fun dining experience. Pros: Great food for the right price more

From service to food to atmosphere, this little joint on SE Hawthorne has everything. Food is simple, but deliciously prepared, the portions are more than ample, and the owners always greet you with a smile. I dine here often, and the food is consistently deliciious and the margaritas are always great. This is a must try spot if you are looking for a casual, fun dining experience. Pros: Great food for the right price more

I work around the corner we decided to try them for a new lunch spot ,having a limited lunch hour we decided to take it to go (bad choice) got back to work to find the tortillia shell that supposedly held a steak salad was actually a few strips under the the lettuce wich was considered the salad and burried the two 1 inch long 1/2 inch wide pieces of steak smothered in there house dressing wich was actually the best part of the meal all for a low price of around 14 bucks for sum lettuce . if they have better food on the menue i'll never find out I hate feeling ripped off after lunch more

I work around the corner we decided to try them for a new lunch spot ,having a limited lunch hour we decided to take it to go (bad choice) got back to work to find the tortillia shell that supposedly held a steak salad was actually a few strips under the the lettuce wich was considered the salad and burried the two 1 inch long 1/2 inch wide pieces of steak smothered in there house dressing wich was actually the best part of the meal all for a low price of around 14 bucks for sum lettuce . if they have better food on the menue i'll never find out I hate feeling ripped off after lunch more

One of my favorite mexican restaurants in Portland. The very best chille releno I have ever had. Also love the mango margheritas and the chicken soup. Pros: good food, good service, patio more

One of my favorite mexican restaurants in Portland. The very best chille releno I have ever had. Also love the mango margheritas and the chicken soup. Pros: good food, good service, patio more

I have now been to Aqui twice, and each time it gets better. With summer weather having arrived, it was especially enjoyable to sit outside in the patio area sipping margaritas -- though the inside is equally pleasant. The food ranges from typical mexican fare to more unique and original creations like their shrimp enchilada casserole. The burritos are very tastey as well, and the spicey jalepeno poppers will knock your socks off. It's great place to drop into for either lunch or dinner, but go early unless you don't mind a short wait. The prices are reasonable, if not below much of the local mexican restaurant scene. I can safely say that I will be returning for a third time, and fourth, and fifth... etc. Pros: Food, decor, drinks Cons: A short wait on popular nights. more

I have now been to Aqui twice, and each time it gets better. With summer weather having arrived, it was especially enjoyable to sit outside in the patio area sipping margaritas -- though the inside is equally pleasant. The food ranges from typical mexican fare to more unique and original creations like their shrimp enchilada casserole. The burritos are very tastey as well, and the spicey jalepeno poppers will knock your socks off. It's great place to drop into for either lunch or dinner, but go early unless you don't mind a short wait. The prices are reasonable, if not below much of the local mexican restaurant scene. I can safely say that I will be returning for a third time, and fourth, and fifth... etc. Pros: Food, decor, drinks Cons: A short wait on popular nights. more

We had heard so many great things about Aqui. We were excited to finally have the opportunity to check it out. We went on a Friday night about 8:00 - thinking the dinner crowd would've left by then and we'd have less hassles with a late meal. Although the food was okay and the 'ritas were tasty, I cannot recommend Aqui because of the waitresses. They made us feel unwanted and we had to ask for basic necessities - one member in our party got up to ask for napkins (our appetizers were served without silverware or napkinks!) and was told to get them out of the hutch himself! Amazing. The place wasn't that crowded, so I don't understand why we had such dismal service. Our waitress also got our meals wrong. I don't think we'll go back and I won't recommend it either. To be honest, this place does not deserve the raves. It's average at best. The wait staff needs to take a customer relations course 101 and learn to treat everyone equally. more

We had heard so many great things about Aqui. We were excited to finally have the opportunity to check it out. We went on a Friday night about 8:00 - thinking the dinner crowd would've left by then and we'd have less hassles with a late meal. Although the food was okay and the 'ritas were tasty, I cannot recommend Aqui because of the waitresses. They made us feel unwanted and we had to ask for basic necessities - one member in our party got up to ask for napkins (our appetizers were served without silverware or napkinks!) and was told to get them out of the hutch himself! Amazing. The place wasn't that crowded, so I don't understand why we had such dismal service. Our waitress also got our meals wrong. I don't think we'll go back and I won't recommend it either. To be honest, this place does not deserve the raves. It's average at best. The wait staff needs to take a customer relations course 101 and learn to treat everyone equally. more

My boyfriend and I decided to stop by one evening and get some take out and ordered the goat cheese quesidilla and the fish tacos they were great. the sangaria is awsome as well. the staff was friendly and very polite. we will be going back again and again. thanks for opening up in portland!! Pros: fthe food Cons: nothing more

My boyfriend and I decided to stop by one evening and get some take out and ordered the goat cheese quesidilla and the fish tacos they were great. the sangaria is awsome as well. the staff was friendly and very polite. we will be going back again and again. thanks for opening up in portland!! Pros: fthe food Cons: nothing more

We tried this place after reading good reviews on here. The food was awesome. Portions were great. Very Flavorful. Great little outdoor seating area. Pros: Everything Cons: None more