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Name: Pambiche
Address: 2811 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR, 97232
Telephone: (503) 233-0511
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.24

Pambiche

2811 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR, 97232

(503) 233-0511
Store is closed

Pambiche Menu

Te - Herbal Insusions and Tisanes

Yerba Mate

Jamaica

Ja Mate

Guara-Mate

Yerba Mate

Jamaica

Ja Mate

Guara-Mate
Traditional Cuban Soft Drinks

Malta Hatuey

Materva

Coco Solo

Jupina

Iron Beer

Malta Hatuey

Materva

Coco Solo

Jupina

Iron Beer
Dinner Aperitivos

Picadillo Empanadas ala Carte

Picadillo Empanadas Plato

Maiz con Pollo Empanadas ala Carte

Maiz con Pollo Empanadas Plato

Espinaca con Queso Empanadas ala Carte Dinner

Espinaca con Queso Empanadas Plato Dinner

Pan Frito

Picadillo Empanadas ala Carte

Picadillo Empanadas Plato

Maiz con Pollo Empanadas ala Carte

Maiz con Pollo Empanadas Plato

Espinaca con Queso Empanadas ala Carte Dinner

Espinaca con Queso Empanadas Plato Dinner

Pan Frito
Dinner Ensaladas

Ensalada de Aguacat

Ensalada de Remolacha

Ensalada Caribena

Ensalada de Aguacat

Ensalada de Remolacha

Ensalada Caribena
Dinner Sandwiches

Sandwich Cubano

Pan con Pes

Pan con Lechon Dinner

Sandwich Cubano

Pan con Pes

Pan con Lechon Dinner
Dinner Potajes y Arroces

Potaje de Frijoles Negros

Congri

Arroz Amarillo

Integral Combo

Fritura y Frijol Combo

Arroz Blanco

Arroz Integral

Potaje de Frijoles Negros

Congri

Arroz Amarillo

Integral Combo

Fritura y Frijol Combo

Arroz Blanco

Arroz Integral
Dinner Platos

Plato Cubano

Plato Comunista

Rabo Encendido

Pescado con Coco

Camarones al Ajillo

Pollo Criollo

Arroz con Pollo

Ropa Vieja

Vaca Frita

Ajiaco

Plato Cubano

Plato Comunista

Rabo Encendido

Pescado con Coco

Camarones al Ajillo

Pollo Criollo

Arroz con Pollo

Ropa Vieja

Vaca Frita

Ajiaco
Lunch Aperitivos

Maiz con Pollo Empanadas ala Carte Lunch

Maiz con Pollo Empanadas Plato Lunch

Espinaca con Queso Empanadas ala Carte Lunch

Espinaca con Queso Empanadas Plato Lunch

Picadillo Empanadas ala Carte Lunch

Picadillo Empanadas Plato Lunch

Pan Frito Lunch

Maiz con Pollo Empanadas ala Carte Lunch

Maiz con Pollo Empanadas Plato Lunch

Espinaca con Queso Empanadas ala Carte Lunch

Espinaca con Queso Empanadas Plato Lunch

Picadillo Empanadas ala Carte Lunch

Picadillo Empanadas Plato Lunch

Pan Frito Lunch
Lunch Ensaladas

Ensalada de Aguacate Lunch

Ensalada de Remolacha Lunch

Ensalada Caribena Lunch

Ensalada de Aguacate Lunch

Ensalada de Remolacha Lunch

Ensalada Caribena Lunch
Lunch Sandwiches

Sandwich Cubano Lunch

Pan con Lechon Lunch

Pan con Pescado Lunch

Sandwich Cubano Lunch

Pan con Lechon Lunch

Pan con Pescado Lunch
Lunch Potajes y Arroces

Potaje de Frijoles Negros Lunch

Congri Lunch

Arroz Amarillo Lunch

Integral Combo Lunch

Fritura y Frijol Combo Lunch

Arroz Blanco Lunch

Arroz Integral Lunch

Potaje de Frijoles Negros Lunch

Congri Lunch

Arroz Amarillo Lunch

Integral Combo Lunch

Fritura y Frijol Combo Lunch

Arroz Blanco Lunch

Arroz Integral Lunch
Lunch Platos

Plato Cubano Lunch

Plato Comunista Lunch

Rabo Encendido Lunch

Pescado con Coco Luncn

Camarones al Ajillo Lunch

Pollo Criollo Lunch

Arroz con Pollo Lunch

Ropa Vieja Lunch

Vaca Frita Lunch

Ajiaco Lunch

Plato Cubano Lunch

Plato Comunista Lunch

Rabo Encendido Lunch

Pescado con Coco Luncn

Camarones al Ajillo Lunch

Pollo Criollo Lunch

Arroz con Pollo Lunch

Ropa Vieja Lunch

Vaca Frita Lunch

Ajiaco Lunch
Postres

Flan

Empanada de Guayava con queso

Brazo Gitano

Alfajores

Flan

Empanada de Guayava con queso

Brazo Gitano

Alfajores

Healthy Meal suggestions for Pambiche

Te - Herbal Insusions and Tisanes

Yerba Mate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jamaica [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ja Mate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Guara-Mate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Yerba Mate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jamaica [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ja Mate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Guara-Mate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Traditional Cuban Soft Drinks

Malta Hatuey [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Materva [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Coco Solo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jupina [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Iron Beer [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Malta Hatuey [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Materva [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Coco Solo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jupina [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Iron Beer [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Dinner Aperitivos

Picadillo Empanadas ala Carte [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Picadillo Empanadas Plato [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Maiz con Pollo Empanadas ala Carte [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Maiz con Pollo Empanadas Plato [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Espinaca con Queso Empanadas ala Carte Dinner [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Espinaca con Queso Empanadas Plato Dinner [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan Frito [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Picadillo Empanadas ala Carte [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Picadillo Empanadas Plato [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Maiz con Pollo Empanadas ala Carte [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Maiz con Pollo Empanadas Plato [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Espinaca con Queso Empanadas ala Carte Dinner [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Espinaca con Queso Empanadas Plato Dinner [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan Frito [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Dinner Ensaladas

Ensalada de Aguacat [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ensalada de Remolacha [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ensalada Caribena [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ensalada de Aguacat [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ensalada de Remolacha [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ensalada Caribena [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Dinner Sandwiches

Sandwich Cubano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan con Pes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan con Lechon Dinner [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sandwich Cubano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan con Pes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan con Lechon Dinner [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Dinner Potajes y Arroces

Potaje de Frijoles Negros [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Congri [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arroz Amarillo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Integral Combo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fritura y Frijol Combo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arroz Blanco [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arroz Integral [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Potaje de Frijoles Negros [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Congri [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arroz Amarillo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Integral Combo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fritura y Frijol Combo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arroz Blanco [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arroz Integral [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Dinner Platos

Plato Cubano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Plato Comunista [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rabo Encendido [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pescado con Coco [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Camarones al Ajillo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo Criollo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arroz con Pollo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ropa Vieja [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vaca Frita [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ajiaco [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Plato Cubano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Plato Comunista [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rabo Encendido [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pescado con Coco [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Camarones al Ajillo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo Criollo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arroz con Pollo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ropa Vieja [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vaca Frita [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ajiaco [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Lunch Aperitivos

Maiz con Pollo Empanadas ala Carte Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Maiz con Pollo Empanadas Plato Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Espinaca con Queso Empanadas ala Carte Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Espinaca con Queso Empanadas Plato Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Picadillo Empanadas ala Carte Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Picadillo Empanadas Plato Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan Frito Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Maiz con Pollo Empanadas ala Carte Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Maiz con Pollo Empanadas Plato Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Espinaca con Queso Empanadas ala Carte Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Espinaca con Queso Empanadas Plato Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Picadillo Empanadas ala Carte Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Picadillo Empanadas Plato Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan Frito Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Lunch Ensaladas

Ensalada de Aguacate Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ensalada de Remolacha Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ensalada Caribena Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ensalada de Aguacate Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ensalada de Remolacha Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ensalada Caribena Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Lunch Sandwiches

Sandwich Cubano Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan con Lechon Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan con Pescado Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sandwich Cubano Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan con Lechon Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan con Pescado Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Lunch Potajes y Arroces

Potaje de Frijoles Negros Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Congri Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arroz Amarillo Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Integral Combo Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fritura y Frijol Combo Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arroz Blanco Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arroz Integral Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Potaje de Frijoles Negros Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Congri Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arroz Amarillo Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Integral Combo Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fritura y Frijol Combo Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arroz Blanco Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arroz Integral Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Lunch Platos

Plato Cubano Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Plato Comunista Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rabo Encendido Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pescado con Coco Luncn [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Camarones al Ajillo Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo Criollo Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arroz con Pollo Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ropa Vieja Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vaca Frita Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ajiaco Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Plato Cubano Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Plato Comunista Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rabo Encendido Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pescado con Coco Luncn [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Camarones al Ajillo Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo Criollo Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arroz con Pollo Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ropa Vieja Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vaca Frita Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ajiaco Lunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Postres

Flan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Empanada de Guayava con queso [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brazo Gitano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Alfajores [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Flan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Empanada de Guayava con queso [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brazo Gitano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Alfajores [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Ryan C.

This place would SO be a five-star place if they cared a bit more, but you'll get the feeling that they know their food is good and are content just riding on that. For instance, the space is absolutely criminal. The inside decor is an amateurish attempt on Latin American eclectic. Some of it is decent but there's also lots of out-of-place and off-theme elements. The outside tables and chairs are of a variety one might find at an elementary school or max-security penitentiary. The inside is cramped, so cramped that our table was separated from the adjacent one by a non-exaggerated gap of two inches. I thought somebody had invited an unexpected guest when the hostess sat the table after us, so it goes without saying that yes, I was closer to other people than my friends sitting across from me. Elsewhere, the service was rude, condescending, and unaccommodating. We wanted to sit by the window as a party of three: "No". We wanted to modify an entrÃ©e to have an avocado salad: "Well you'll have to all order off the dinner menu then". We wanted service after our entrÃ©es had arrived: The servers were too busy conversing, kissing, and otherwise cavorting with regulars who were plainly more important than us. But, the food. First off, the fried apps should not intimidate you as they did me. Both the empanada and the croquetas were so masterfully done that they were airy as a cloud. So too with the corn fritter that came with the mains. The oxtails were something to write home about--tender and long-stewed yet still fatty and gelatinous. The accompanying sauce of liquified oxtail and peppers were an umami machine that paired so well with white rice. The shrimp al ajillo came with perfectly-cooked shrimp and sauce, while the pescado al coco was just simply scrumptious and went well with the absolutely genius avocado salad. Get treated like crap but come here for the food and decide for yourself. I would say something congratulatory towards the owners, but I get the feeling they wouldn't stoop so low as to care what people thought of them on yelp. Four stars anyway because when the food is this good the rest is graded on a curve.
(4)
Patrick L.

This place has a killer Happy Hour! In Portland, the land where every restaurant seems to have 4 stars, it takes a place like Pambiche that has 4 stars and 750+ reviews to stand out. We originally planned to just order entrees, but since we happened to stop in during their generous happy hour, we decided to go that route and get a huge variety of stuff. We ordered the Ropa Vieja, Arroz Amarillo, Croquettas, Empanadas, Maduros and Masitas. Everything was delicious and the prices and portions were very reasonable. Their kitched did a great job of timing the firing of all 6 of our dishes, as evidenced when they arrived at the table at the same time and none of them were lukewarm. The service was great as well with servers always nearby and refilling drinks but never in your way or interrupting. Obviously this place isn't a hidden gem, but it's still a gem!
(5)
Seema F.

I've made an unofficial tradition of going to a Latin American restaurant (particularly Cuban) on my birthday, so Pambiche seemed like an obvious pick. What a hugely disappointing birthday meal! We started off with the Primera Vuelta with picadillo empanada, jamon croquetas, and acelgas. The dish came with 2 of each plus cabbage slaw and beets. The cabbage was decent, but the beets were just simple with very little flavor. The empanadas were pretty good, but the jamon croquetas weren't very satisfying with it's mushy tuna-like filling. For entrees, I was very disappointed that they didn't have my favorite dish, lechon asado, so I opted for my second choice, ropa vieja with black beans and my husband ordered vaca frita with red beans. When they first arrived, we were also surprised to see how soupy the beans were. Odd, but the main focus was the meat. The vaca frita was well cooked with cripsy bits and came with a sour mystery sauce which is good because it had no flavor. The ropa vieja was even worse. I found it odd that it came with a pile of unincorporated and unflavored peas on top, but it got worse with my first bite--no seasoning or flavor at all. It simply tasted like boiled meat. Thank god they put salsas on the table, because without them, the whole meal would have been inedible. I still can't believe how crowded the place was on a Sunday afternoon and that people keep raving about the flavorful food. Cuban food should have strong, bold flavors, not middling, weak ones.
(2)
Chris G.

Very good service for Father's Day brunch. The creole sauce shrimp omelette was fabulous. Beet salad was good and I don't really like beets. Avocado salad was fresh and vibrant with sour orange. We tried some rum flights that were good as well. Overall a place not to be missed. Outside seating is best but know you are in a Portland neighborhood. Enjoy!
(4)
Kiara H.

I CANNOT EVEN PUT INTO WORDS HOW AMAZING PAMBICHE IS. lol So, if you're ever in Portland and really trying to eat the best Latin fried chicken and maduros, THIS is the place.
(5)
Tianyi S.

Guava cheesecake, Malta Hatuey with condensed milk, and an icy Iron Beer renders me speechless with smiles. To pile on top of that though, is a table spread with codfish and potato croquettes, arroz con pollo with golden saffron rice, hearty lengua en salsa, and a tender, savory and sticky wine braised oxtail. The prices are fair, the table is colorful, and the atmosphere is familial. I'm so happy, it pains me to think I can't come back every weekday for Happy Hour. I'd love nothing more than to sip through the entire drinks list-- sugarcane lemonade, lavender citrus toddies, mango and banana batidos, cortaditos, coconut sodas, sangria mojitos-- and roll away on a haze of croquettes & empanadas. I particularly enjoyed my introduction to Iron Beer (think a fruity, extra effervescent Dr. Pepper) and Malta Hatuey- a hoppy, rich cereal-like malt soda, dowsed with condensed milk; in essence, a cream soda! To think I once passed by these drinks with indifference at my local Mexican supermarket... never again.
(4)
Chris C.

Cuban food! Oh wait... I'm actually not that excited about this. I know, I know... It's Mother's Day. I know. You're busy. I know. Your shift is almost over. But you know what else I know? I come to restaurants to get decent service and try food I can't/don't want to make myself. The food was okay. I'll forgive the beers being terrible because the limes this month have been awful. I kinda need limes with Mexican beers. They taste like shit without them. The service was pretty ok. Kinda slow but I realize Mother's Day makes going out for brunch a total nightmare. My biggest complaint was that I heard good things about this place, but the portions were very VERY small. The fish enchiladas were tasty, but DAMN... The cut of fish was like 3-4 ozs. For 10 bucks? I'm not paying for the mountain of rice that's provided. I ordered fish, cuz I wanted fish. Not rice. Anyhow, it was ok. I'd give them another chance, but I'll definitely be hesitant to do so.
(3)
Geri J.

I would recommend this place in a heart beat! Everything was phenomenal. Like PHENOMENAL. I got the classic Cuban sandwich, and a pineapple mimosa. My friends and I ate outside and loved the setting. Our server was attentive and friendly. Prices were great! I'm thinking about going back to Portland just to stop by again. Gah mouth is watering just thinking about everything. GO HERE. YOU WONT REGRET IT
(5)
Flory W.

I had wanted to eat at Pambiche for a long time, and finally got to do so recently. Oh my goodness - it was fantastic! The dishes were unusual, the tastes incredible, the presentation creative, the service just attentive enough and not overbearing. I could go on and on. It was a truly wonderful dining experience. Our son have been there twice. He said: "Delicious!"
(5)
Addie B.

Salty Havana and their veggie fritters so yumm. Great outdoor seating. Great Happy hour prices. How long does this review have to be?
(5)
Michael G.

This is one of those few places where you basically can't go wrong. I have been there a few times and always try to order different menu items. I have never been disappointed. The coffee, cocktails and entrees have always been delicious, though slightly pricey. Check out their happy hour for some great bargains. The service is not particularly friendly, but it is efficient.
(5)
Stephanie W.

I've been here about 2-3 more times since my initial review. Each time is amazing. I've yet to make it to happy hour, but my favorite item is most definitely the Ropa Vieja.
(5)
Sarah H.

Friendly staff, fun atmosphere and most importantly... Amazing food! I can't wait to go back to this little slice of heaven!
(5)
Noah U.

Pambiche screams authenticity so loud that it can be heard on the other side of the Cascades. It is an adventure its own right. The clients are so diverse that they had lots of black people who might even be Cuban in heavily white Portland. They have outside tables where you can hear lots of music. I was seated within five minutes of arrival. The table was small and square shaped. It seemed as if there was a hundred things on the menu. Plates, sandwiches and all kinds of drinks were available. I ultimately opted for a barley soda called Malta. Then I had fried plantains as an appetizer. They impressed me by putting banana ketchup on the table. Dinner was a kind of fried cow. The plate also included fried bananas, Cuban beans and rice. Everything was good and the portion was moderate. There is lots of seating inside. It was a curious sight from the outside even though I never went in. Sometimes the forests of the Pacific Northwest need to really taste the heat.
(5)
Stefanie S.

My favorite thing about this place is the building. You won't miss it. Been here for happy hour and lunch. Love the outdoor seating on a summer day. The Cuban plate is a solid choice for newcomers. Also the appetizers can be just what you need - the Papa con queso is a stellar standout. Great for a group of people.
(4)
Caitlin W.

Ya, this place was delicious. I love Cuban food and this place did not disappoint. I had the "fried cow" which was a crispy beef and it was tasty. I will definitely be back.
(4)
Tiffany L.

Definitely one of the best Happy Hours in Portland for not only drinks, but delicious food. We started with two Pinosa's at $4.50 each. It's a mimosa with pineapple juice. The pineapple juice is ridiculously fresh, sweet and bright. No canned juice here! The drink gets served with your own individual mini bottle of sparkling wine. This is not only adorable, but ensures your wine is perfectly bubbly and never flat. The Happy Hour food menu is perfect for sharing and sampling various menu items. It's also much more affordable than having a full dinner here, so your wallet and tummy will happily thank you. We had the chicken empanadas ($3.50), which were savory and flaky and so delicious. The corn fritters ($3.25) had excellent texture and the beet salad ($5) was full of bright flavors. Ropa Vieja ($4.75) is a must--full of flavor and perfectly tender. The Moros and Cristianos were a little dry, although it was good when paired with the juicy ropa. Dessert was the Selva Negra, a chocolate cake filled with tangy passion fruit. It was very good. but our piece did taste like it was in the refrigerator for a day or two too long. Their Cuban cappuccinos are addictive. The decor is fun and colorful, and the service was good (although it wasn't busy when we were there). The inside space is very small and cramped. Outdoor area is much more spacious and perfect for warmer weather.
(4)
Sandra C.

I could not believe how friendly, prompt and attentive the staff was when we arrived on Mothers Day Brunch. We were doing our laundry next door and stopped in for s couple sandwiches. It was our first time eating here and we were impressed. The food was really good, not so much that I will be running back every weekend for more, but enough that I will think of it fondly and go if I am in the neighborhood. The prices were right on par with everything else these days. The Americano was wonderful, but it was the service that was above and beyond! Friendly, attentive and not overbearing. I wish all establishments knew how to pull this one off! Way to go Pambiche!
(4)
Adam G.

Best cuban sandwich hands down! OMG Had two cocktails, their version of the bloody mary(yum) and also a passionfruit / mango vodka drink(amazing) To top off the scrumptious lunch we got the ox tail, recommendation of our server! It was to die for. The meat fell right off the bone. Highly recommend for all!
(5)
Mario R.

Being a puertorrican living on the northwest isn't easy because there is only a handful Caribbean restaurant available to choose. We have been known to drive for hours out of our way to try either a puertorrican or cuban restaurant. I tell you what: THIS PLACE IS THE BEST CUBAN FOOD WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER!!! We had great service from 2 different waiters that's how long we stayed there. We ordered several drinks: 4 mojitos, a couple of croquetas, the malanga fritters, more drinks: about 4 cachanchara, a avocado salad, 2 cacanchara and 1 more mojito and then the rabo encendido (melt in your mouth ox-tail) and ropa vieja with arroz and frijoles negros with maduros. EVERY BITE TASTED LIKE HEAVEN ! This "Bori" will come back for more!
(5)
Brittany S.

Cuban. Plantains. Beans. Rice. With eggs on top? All the better. My Yelp search for a restaurant in Portland had a few facets: healthy options for my pops, somewhere I had never been, four stars or more and in an area that was not walkable from downtown (we were on our final hour with the rental car). In walks Pambiche. In true Cuban fashion, this cozy restaurant boasts an abundance of bright colors, a vibrant mural on the side of the building, art and an eye popping street appeal that is bound to lure you in from afar. The brunch menu was quite extensive with empanadas, Cuban sandwiches and a few dishes I had never encountered before. We rounded out our egg/bean/rice/plantain piles dulce de leche bread and coffee for dipping (after eyeing our neighbors pretty set up). All were delicious. My only regret is that I didn't opt for the healthier bean/rice version. Hindsight is 20/20, right? If you're looking to nab a breakfast/rum/fresh juice based cocktail, this is your place. You can eat at the bar, out on the sidewalk or at a standard table - all offer a colorful and fun experience.
(4)
Denise L.

Checking out Portland and came here for dinner. Fried cow was delicious! Tasty moist - "fried" just right accompanied by brown rice. Plantains and beans that came with it were good. Very comforting esp with original mojito. Inside was cramped so if you can sit outside do so. There are heaters. Would love to try more but I'm not local. It all looked fresh, good and reasonable. The hosts/hostess and servers were very friendly.
(5)
Nate W.

Plato Cubano was good stuff. Really large portion, super tender and flavorful pork. Hot salsa was great as well. We also ordered an empanada plate w/ fried plantains. Really crisp and dense, just what I would want from a fried plantain. The empanada was flaky and golden. Pulled chicken & corn inside were sweet and delicious. Overall, great meal.
(4)
Minnie M.

I've been here three times, but to be complete honest, I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon. Actually, maybe I'll go back for happy hour. The food was just average, but I'm giving this place four stars merely for the bommbbbb banana spice milkshake. It is pure heaven. But.. the wait.. just.. doesn't work for me. It literally took us over an hour to get my dang milkshake.. okay yes, it's worth it because it's just THAT good. Oh and the maduros!!! It was a perfect combination of crispy and chewy. The warm fried ripe plantains were absolutely delicious. So yeah, I'll definitely go back for the banana milkshake and maduros. I do want to try the avocado salad as well.
(4)
Jason A.

Hooked on plantains!!!!! Cuban food. It's one of those you always forget is so freaking good. Alas, thankfully we have Pambiche to revive our taste buds. I've been here three times now, and I'm so impressed with the consistency and the freshness of everything. So important with Cuban food. The freshly made sauces on the table are always a huge plus for me, and they don't hold back here. Happy hour is amazing. Great menu, pretty good value, and they offer amazing drinks to boot! My favorite is obviously the fried plantains. First time I ever had them in my life was here and I'm hooked. Great with those sauces too! The standard fare is all there with the black beans and rice, empenadas, etc. One nice thing about this place is the nice outdoor seating with heaters with make those chilly spring and fall days tolerable outside. Inside can be pretty cramped with seating, and only one small bathroom which is tricky when it's busy. Overall, a great value and lots of variety. For us Eastside folk, this place is one of those places where we tell tourists to go. Great quality, and you don't feel like you could have made any of it at home. It's worth going out for! Only down side I've found is service. Only been good 1 out of 3 times, which stinks because I would go more often otherwise. When it's busy servers can be a bit snippy with customers who aren't sure what they want, and don't take the time to explain things well. They should remember that Cuban food isn't something that many people on the West Coast are familiar with. Apart from that, this still gets 4 stars from me and I'll keep going back for now.
(4)
Matt F.

The ox tail falls off the bone! And both types of plantains here are so tasty. I need to come back soon.
(4)
Jen M.

We stopped here because we've always wanted to try a Cuban sandwich. We got the croqueta preparada sandwich, which was delicious (although at first it came out without croquetas and we had to ask for some and put them on the sandwich ourselves). We really enjoyed the sandwich. We also tried the corn and chicken empanada at the recommendation of our waiter (meh), the mango batido (surprisingly heavy but good) and the tostones (fried green plantains). I lived in Ecuador for a time and learned to fry green plantains, and I think I make them better at home. I'd go back for that sandwich though. Service was fine, not super speedy but acceptable. The restaurant was easy to find - it is so colorful it stands out from everything else on that street.
(4)
Sarah P.

I finally got to visit Pambiche to try their cubano sandwich. It was delicious! The bread was soft and delicious on the inside and the outside was nice and perfectly crispy. It could have used a slightly more generous amount of meat, but was otherwise a delight. I will definitely be back. Our waiter was busy and could have been a bit more friendly, but was not bad. We sat outside and even though it was sunny today, it looked like they have heaters for when it is colder out. Would definitely recommend!
(4)
Julia S.

AMAZING food & great atmosphere!!! Food was beautifully presented and servers were incredibly friendly! Great authentic Cuban food! Try the Americano made with Cuban coffee (no cream, 3 cubes of sugar)- best coffee drink you will find for coffee lovers!
(5)
Barbara D.

pambiche is a jewel box of a place. It's always delightfully crowded and loud, The music and conversation are sweet and rich as the baked goods, Flan is a gateway drug! For those who don't eat dessert first, The homey Plato Cubano is a cheap eat that satisfies on the salty to sweet to creamy to crunchy scales. When you're done your taste buds have been taken out for a gallop by the rich taste of beans, fried plantains, and beet Salad. Don't miss this corner of bliss!
(5)
Mary C.

This place gets busy, so be perpared to wait. Also since it's a small space they might have a harder time accommodating larger parties. That being said, our waitress was great and very helpful in answering all our questions! I think I tasted everyone's meal and enjoyed every bite! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Chiqui B.

Eating at Pambiche was like eating at your TÃa's house. They just insisted to "try this it's really good" and "are you ready for dessert? You know you want that tres leches cake." Ohmaigaaaaa! I DID want the tres leches cake so bad but I never got a chance to try it- I was so stuffed from the croquetas, and empanadas. As far as mixed drinks are concerned, their michelada was just as good as any I've had in Texas. The inside is super cramped so if you're not planning to sit at the bar, I suggest you get a table outside. Love the decor and all the colorful walls. For such a popular place you'd think they'd have more than one single restroom.
(4)
Christian K.

Dope and authentic. Environment is awesome and workers are great. Food is excellent. I love the Ropa Vieja and the coconut and pineapple sodas are so good. I have been several times and have greatly enjoyed it every time, great for birthdays and special dates.
(5)
MacKenzie E.

Ordered $30 worth of food but they had no diet soda options (I'm a type 1 diabetic). Went across the street to the Plaid Pantry to get a diet coke and they wouldn't let me drink it. I had already opened it and they said I had to leave. Seriously?! I ordered a significant amount of food! Get some options without sugar and that aren't water!
(1)
Brian B.

Amazing Cuban food. Definitely a must go and well worth the wait. Very friendly servers, and save room for coffee and desert.
(5)
Aaron W.

Wow. If I lived closer to this place, I probably would stop by for breakfast almost every day -- and then return for more food later in the day. I got the Torrejas con Frutas ($8.50), a.k.a. Cuban French Toast. Cuban bread drenched in creamy egg custard and grilled in sweet butter. While that already wins the Internet, it was served with a spiced sugar cane syrup and refreshing tropical fruit salad. I only wish I had a larger portion. Moros & Cristianos ($3) is a must-get. Black beans, white rice, bacon sofrito, ham masitas, and Creole herbs and spices. So flavorful and addicting. I would totally eat a salad bowl's worth of this. The place is a bit on the small side, so hopefully you arrive when it's not too crowded. Frankly, I was surprised that this place didn't have a line out the door at the time.
(5)
Brian G.

I was there over the Memorial Day Weekend (THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE SERVED) while on my biannual foodie crawl of the Pacific Northwest with my wife and favorite cousin. (I will be posting those awesome eateries shortly). Hit this place right after landing in Portland. Man o man was it a perfect start to our trip. Sat down outside on an overcast but slightly humid day which reminded me of my resort in Cancun and began perusing their menu. So many choices, the ladies differed to my palate. Drinks first: 1. Culto a la Vida: a delicious Dark Rum and Cranberry Happy Hour Special. Very refreshing. 2. Michelada: a fine representation of an Ojo Rojo/Red Eye/Red Beer. 3. Rum Flight: We ordered the Floridita. Three very tasty Rums. Food: 1. Masitas: Fried chunks of pork in a delicious mojo sauce. This was everything I hoped it would be. Especially that mojo sauce. 2. Lengua en Salsa: I knew this was going to be a winner right when I saw it. Tongue is friggin' awesome when done correctly and Pambiche is already known to do everything correctly. The lengua was tender without being mushy and completely full of flavor. the salsa just elevated it to perfection. 3. Medianoche: Got a thing for that classic porky, cheesy, pickley, mustardy, crunchy sandwich. Theirs does not disappoint. Just what I was lookin' for. We split this three ways and it was enjoyed by all. 4.Tostones: Fried green plantains. Rather light on flavor by themselves, very nice with the sauce that accompanies. 5. Fruta Bomba con Queso: We had this for dessert immediately after a rather entertaining discussion about how my cousin doesn't like empenadas at all. She wanted to order another. My Wife wanted to order another. Hell, I wanted to order another! I think this place might be added to our hit list whenever visiting the Pacific Northwest. Even their sauces on the table were great. A friendly server who afforded me the opportunity to use my Spanish speaking skills thereby impressing my lovely escorts a bit more really made for an experience rather than a lunch date. I also noticed quite a few Cubanos frequenting the restaurant while we were there, so I'm guessing their flavors are spot on. I shall return...
(4)
Vanessa M.

The mimosas made with any fresh juice you want are the size of your head...no really they are we measured! We ordered so many things and everything was just fabulous - Plato Cubano, Pescado con Coco, Sanwich Cubano, Frijoles Negros, and Ensalada de Aguacate. The Ensalada de Aguacate had to be my favorite. It is an avacado salad with an interesting vinaigrette that is amazing. I was pouring it over my rice and meat! The food is reasonably priced and super authentic. The waiters are really attentive as well. The only thing I wish I did was save room for some of their desserts which looked great, but we were so full...next time!
(5)
Mei W.

Yumm!! The oxtail is so good. Even the waiter said it is the best dish in the house. The meat falls off the bones. The beet salad and rice makes a complete meal for only $10. I also enjoy their beef empanadas. Flaky and saucy on the inside. Another favorite is the fresh squeezed pineapple juice. Delicious on a nice warm day. But you can't leave without trying their homemade desserts. So Delish!! The guava empanadas were so buttery and cookies so unique and tasty! One note, the oxtail isn't served until 2pm.
(5)
Tiffany M.

We had a couple of delicious drinks and the sample app. It was our first time here, and honestly I wish I could have tried everything on the menu. The drinks were perfect. The aceglas fritters excellent, the plantain rellenos croquetes delish! We also had the picadillo empanada, which weren't my favorite, but still good. We will most likely be back.
(4)
K F.

What wonderful food! I went on a business lunch there yesterday, and my goodness was it busy! That's a great sign, to be busy on a Wednesday. I ordered the Cuban sandwich and it was fantastic. The bread (I ordered whole wheat) was butter and lightly crispy; the pork melted in your mouth, and the pickles were sliced so thin that they didn't overpower the sandwich. I couldn't put it down. The side of fried plantains was so good. I've never had plantains before, and there were like buttery, lightly crunchy, sweet and salty bites of goodness. Better than a french fry. This was my first experience with Cuban food, and I seriously can't wait to go back and try more. The entire menu looked fantastic, and if I wasn't with an associate, I would have pigged the hell out. The desserts looked divine, too.
(4)
Rachel J.

Friendly service, great food, lots of gluten-free dairy-free friendly options, including smoothies. I've only eaten here once so far. The only downside is the wait-time; they were packed!
(4)
Sovathana L.

So you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. My husband always gets the cafe cubano (his little treat to himself) and I occasionally treat myself to the Tres Leches (it's what draws me here). Last night I decided to try a different entree than what I usually like to order. I got the Ropa Vieja which is shredded beef with crustini. Okay warning-lots and lots of shredded beef. This plate was enough protein to last me a few days. I could only eat half of it. Of course, I'm always feigning for the fried plantains. And of course I tend to forget to mention that I want the ripe friend plantains (I love my sweet food!). So, when they bring out the fried savory plantains my heart sinks a bit. I eat the savory ones none the less, but I have to smother it with the banana sauce. It adds that touch of sweetness that I like.
(5)
Mandarin Y.

A great place for authentic Cuban cuisine. Everything we ordered was delicious and tasted like someone's "abuela" made it. Portions are very generous and the staff was friendly. The restaurant itself is pretty tiny but they do offer outdoor seating as well. I recommend getting there early because it fills up fast and there isn't much parking so you will most likely have to look for street parking. During happy hour they have smaller portioned food options you can order if you are not a big eater. Thoroughly enjoyed our experience, will definitely be recommending to everyone.
(4)
Ben G.

Just the facts: What I ate: Aroz Con Pollo: I really liked this dish. Very colorful, mild dish and the flavors were pretty amazing. Loved the plantains rice etc. Had enough for leftovers the next day. What I drank: Iron Beer and I borrowed a sip of Coco Solo (then i borrowed another) = I like both these drinks so much that I looked up how i could get them in six or twelve packs. I found a nearby grocer that carries them and will be making a trip soon. Dessert: Cuban Lunch cookie for$ 1.25 which is like less than an average tasting cookie from a coffee shop. Very good if you like sweet and salty things. Wife Dessert; mango corn Brazo Gitano Gluten Free Dairy Free. for $2.00. Another ridiculously low priced dessert that was very sweet and tasted more like pineapple to me. It was very yellow. Shared by 2 people and was more than enough for me to have a couple bites. (Stolen not borrowed). Our waitress was very helpful and could tell we were new to cuban food. The place is very colorful. This is only my 2nd review on yelp that means i like this place and will come back
(5)
Sudeep B.

We ordered the canshashara and the corn fritters and the fried plantain..the food and drinks were great, the ambience was great (seat outside if you get a chance) and so was the music. Overall a great place for an evening snack or dinner
(4)
Mike F.

Always enjoy the food here, during the nice weather sitting outside is a joy. They do have heaters for cooler weather which is nice too. The Cubano sandwich is just awesome. They really put the flavors together right on this one. The service while friendly needs a bit of a bump to improve but the food makes up for it big time.
(4)
Selena N.

I went here last night for tapas before going to a music show. I love the food here. I had the Sidecar cocktail, which was very nice. I'd highly recommend this place and sharing tapas amongst a few of you. The Croquetas, Tostones, and the cabbage salad were awesome! :) It was overall pretty inexpensive as well. My friend and I left happy!
(5)
Aeric E.

Fantastic! This was my first endeavor into Cuban food and I was not disappointed. Our server was very helpful and friendly and his picks were very tasty. Also the Cuban martini is refreshing.
(4)
Noralis R.

Great place, one of my favorite restaurants in Portland. Tuesday night and the wait is only 20 minutes which really surprised me. Good rice and great meat! Service is great too.
(5)
Cheryl B.

This morning we had breakfast at Pambiche. Previously, we had visited for dinner. I think breakfast at Pambiche is my favorite. Everything was delicious, we had picadillo and eggs, steak (pallomilla) and eggs, French toast, and cafe con leche. The food was wonderful, portions large, prompt service, and fun atmosphere. I grew up in the Florida keys and Cuban food iss my favorite, Pambiche reminds me of Cuban food that I ate as a child.
(5)
Nick E.

Thoroughly impressed by this spot. Ok, first of all (and most impressive), the waiters and waitresses are all Cuban or Dominican or other Latin American ethnicities. Sooo, anyone going to tell me how the hell they ended up in Portland??? It's like when you're driving somewhere hours out into rural Nowhereville and you see an Indian restaurant, run by an Indian family. Am I the only one that wonders how an Indian family came about the decision to forego all semblance of civilization to capitalize on what is most likely still a pretty shitty market, albeit untapped? Like yo, there are no Cubans or Dominicans in Portland. Why would you do this to yourself? I just hope for their sake that this restaurant flourishes in the realest way possible and all of the staff hop on the first flights to NYC and Miami. I feel like they'd love their lives so much more. Anyways, the food reminded me so much of the food I ate in Panama. We went for Happy Hour and had pollo frito (fried chicken), ropa viejo (shredded beef), tostones (fried green plantains), and empanadas, and 2 drinks. Total cost was $22.50. Can't beat that. I'd pay $22.50 to experience that authentic Latin American vibe anytime. Good for them, man.
(4)
xusemoi x.

I have been here many times and the food is great, however today's experience really has me rethinking my loyalty. I ran into some friends and needed to pee...only to be met by a snotty little brat of a server or hostess that told me "are you eating our food?" Me: "no I just ran into some friends and I might order something." Her: then no, it's for customers only." Very rude on a easy breezy Sunday to a patron who just needed to simply pee. Boo.
(1)
Erin O.

Glad I tried it because I love trying new places. The food was good, just not great. I'm also realizing now that it may just be me and I don't fully appreciate Cuban food. I LOVE La Isla in Seattle, but I just realized that is Puerto Rican and not Cuban, so maybe that's the difference. They seem to have similar items like empanadas and plantains, and garlic shrimp, etc. but the taste is not the same. Super tiny place with equally tiny metal tables outside on a busy street. We waited a short time and then got one of the outdoor tables. It was a little chilly. The heat lamps helped, but not completely. Service was great. I really liked the staff, and I really wanted to love the food, but it just didn't quite do it for me. We shared some tostones and some empanadas. I'd pass on the tostones next time. The empandadas were good, but not great. For our main dish, two of us had the camarones al ajillo. The shrimp had an odd funky flavor to them and though I usually love anything avocado, I did not like the citrus avocado side salad on the plate. I would come back to try the Plato Cubano. It's clearly popular. There is a wait to get a table. And it's not that I won't go back. I just won't go far out of my way to come back.
(3)
Natalie S.

Amazing food. Full of flavor. Great coffee. Good rum. This is my second time enjoying brunch here. I absolutely love the cafe con leche, steak and eggs, and the meat empanadas. Food is impressive! Unfortunately our service this second time was poor. We had a great first experience so I know that the service this time around was an exception. The outside seating is nice but the indoor space is very small. This is great for couples but big groups might have a hard time finding seating. My final recommendation: this place is definitely worth a visit.
(4)
Andy N.

This was probably the best Cuban food I've ever eaten. The place was also very vibrant. It gets really busy so make sure to come early. We ordered a few items on the menu. We got the empanadas and the vaca frita. Both very large dishes. They also brought out side sauces like the banana ketchup and a hot sauce. The banana ketchup tasted amazing on everything. Empanadas were cooked well. The crust was okay. The shredded chicken went nice with the sauce. The vaca frita was really delicious. The plaintains were to die for! Oh my.. I enjoyed this meal. I was supposed to eat elsewhere and take it easy but I couldn't do it. I ate everything! Recommendation: Vaca frita
(5)
Tanja P.

I've tried many Cuban food around the world... Definitely would come back to eat in another visit to Portland... The food is just amazing... The attention of the guys, Carlos and Edgar was just mesmerizing! Thumbs up!!!
(5)
Teri S.

I would say this place "wins at brunch" Unique, romantic and what fun! Got there right around 11 am on a Saturday and no line. The place filled up behind us, but not too much, we were good. The menu is authentic and HUGE for brunch. Don't expect your " usual" options. try something different. Take your time, order a CafÃ© Cubano or fresh squeezed pineapple/orange juice and browse the massive menu. Along with the excellent coffee, we tried the croquettes and they were addictive. I got the plantain omelet, and my husband got the socialist soy hash. Both were excellent. The black beans were amazing and I could not stop eating them until gone.What a hangover cure. sets you straight.rethink eating morning beans. salty, rich, YUM. They had two homemade hot sauces they bring to your table, One is more hot, one more sweet/hot. both very good on everything. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and meat options. Fresh, delicious food and the plates were beautiful. morning cocktails. Lively Cuban music that you kind of groove to the more coffee you drink and a cozy, somewhat small family atmosphere. Lots of Cuban art all around. Patient wait staff. We took some of the amazing pastries home. It was just the right amount of sweet and savory for breakfast.
(4)
Tien D.

We stopped by after browsing some antique shops in the area. It was a warm day and what initially drew us to this restaurant was the colorful exterior. You can't miss it! Many people were seated outside the restaurant, enjoying the beautiful weather. We ordered the arroz con pollo, which was colorful and delicious. The service was great!
(4)
Vadim V.

Very nice and colorful place. Good mango milkshake. Descent food but I wasn't impressed. Great desserts.
(4)
Ryan Y.

I would give Pambiche five stars for atmosphere. The music, the colors and the decorations are all welcoming and exciting. The food? It's pretty good! But it doesn't blow me away. It's a little pricey for what you actually get, though it's a solid place to take groups. Unfortunately, I thought their tres leches cake was a little disappointing. Compared to others I've had, this one wasn't as flavorful.
(3)
Alberto S.

After coming from missing glad to find this spot that genuinely feels like my old cuban cafecitos.
(4)
Alison W.

We went there for happy hour and it was awesome. We both got empanadas, and cocktails. The cocktails were pretty good, but the empanadas were phenomenal! They are absolutely worth coming back for many many times.
(4)
Michael K.

Pambiche~ I will gladly be returning here and have already started recommending it :) I have been both intrigued and tentative about coming here. It can look so overcrowded at times. Nonetheless, the splash of fun, bold colors and solid reviews sure had me intrigued about what this place is all about. Coming here for a dinner was a fun, inspiring experience. For anyone who's gone for a tropical getaway in the Caribbean or elsewhere, the indoors decor was delightfully reminiscent of that excitement and beauty. The server, Jessica, shared her sweet and genuine smiles as I took in the ambiance and menu options. I found her to be a joy of a person representing the restaurant and food options. :) Also, it was clear that they take pride in keeping it clean throughout even though it can be a very busy place. I ordered something called "Primera ..." (appetizer sampler) just to gain a sense of multiple things made here. The Empanada Maz con Pollo was great - classic buttery flaky texture with this one! The amazing surprise came with the way beets are prepared here for their salads - something about them was essentially perfect! :) Just the right amount of a simple dressing (maybe a touch of oil and lime?) and the perfect amount of cooking for these beets makes me want to return for that itself :) This place is a wonderful setting for feeling refreshed, sharing laughs, and yummy plates of food. :)
(5)
Steve H.

Pambiche is solid! I've been coming here for years and I really appreciate how popular its become, save for the fact that it's packed all the time! This is really a tiny, tiny restaurant. There are not a lot of seats, and you have to squeeze by people to get to your seat when inside. To compensate, Pambiche has maximized and optimized the year round sidewalk seating experience. There is more seating outside than in. But what about the ubiquitous Portland rain? The sidewalk is covered. Lucky nice building architecture. But what about the cold chill? Well they have that covered too! Each table has an overhead gas fueled heater. You sit under a heatlamp, like a Quarter Pounder at McDonald's. Try the Ajiaco some time. The Vaca Frita is Also amazing. On a budget? Plata Communista (beans and rice). Portions are huge. You'll likely take leftovers home with you.
(5)
Kathleen D.

My new death row meal is their Cuban sandwich. With banana ketchup. Mind blowing. The atmosphere, decor, and service make it a must visit!!
(5)
Jackson L.

Get a Cuban, sit outside and enjoy the scenery! Just wish they had there own parking lot!
(5)
L Z.

I very rarely give a place 5 stars. This is one of my favorite restaurants in the Northwest. I love the options, I love the platos, I love being able to get gluten free things. The drinks are good, the late night happy hour is great. Sitting outside in summer is fun. Love it.
(5)
Annie T.

I've only gone here for happy hour and dessert. Grub is yummy in the tummy and not bad for the price. If you're starving, the regular menu items are HUGE! Very creative desserts and drinks! This place reminds me of lovely Miami (without the jerk-off people). ;]
(4)
Kiley W.

Mmmmm. This place is really good! I've only been there for breakfast, but would like to go for dinner sometime. They have excellent coffee and coffee drinks. The food is good and interesting. The staff is mostly pleasent and the atmosphere is pretty loud. Best to go before a rush.
(4)
Chad N.

Yum. I had the Plato Cubano, and it was delicious. The pork was cooked very nicely, and spiced terrifically. The yuca was great, and the Moros & Christianos was delicious. It's a little too spendy for me to enjoy often, but it's well worth an occasional visit.
(4)
Ashley G.

My girlfriend and I accidentally found out this place had a lot of vegan options (clearly marked with a "VN" on the menu) and decided to give it a try. Vegan Cuban food... who knew? Wow! This was one of the best meals that I've had in a long time. Be forewarned, the portions are huge and this is a place to eat while wearing your loose pants! We started with the Malanga (garlicky taro root fritters) with slaw, which were delicious with some banana-ketchup like sauce on them. She ordered the Integral Combo (brown rice, black beans, fried plantains) and I ordered the Picadillo Comunista ("Socialist soy hash" with fried plantains, avocado, fresh mango salsa). We always like to share when we go out and a little bit of her black beans with the hash was extremely tasty. I will definitely be back again and again. Just remember that this is the sort of place where you go when you're going to eat one meal for the day :)
(5)
Kari M.

Yum! The fried plantains pretty much own my soul. SO GOOD. The Happy Hour menu is huge. The dessert menu is huge. You know, they have a pretty extensive everything menu. What to choose... just look at the photos provided--everything looks and sounds and tastes DELICIOUS. I'll probably be back way more often than I should, especially since they are open starting at 7am every single day. you can do all 3 meals, happy hour and a late night snack. Oh My!
(4)
Rayne M.

The flavors were amazing. The staff very helpful. I had the Vaca Frita. The beef was cooked perfectly, with lots of onions, and an amazing garlic buttery sauce for it. The whole meal was amazing. Didn't have room for dessert, so I guess I have to go back! Damn good coffee too.
(5)
Ellie T.

The Best:) camerones Alla Ajilo. SO YUMMY...the shrimp with the sauce and avacado salad is to die for!
(5)
Adrienne F.

We ordered the el medico to drink and the Ropa Vieja and Plato Cubano for our dinner, for dessert we had a gf chocolate layer cake. The food was wonderful, the music and service were good. From the time that we put our names on the wait list to the time we were served was about an hour (slow when you're hungry), but this may be due to the fact that it was also the night of a big festival up the street so it may not always be so very busy. I would go back, but look for a less busy time and (if eating outside) wear a heavy coat since the outdoor heaters are iffy in some places.
(4)
Hannah J.

Delicious Cuban foods! I loved everything, especially the appetizer menu! Great happy hour, try the plantains! I prefer the sweet, but both are great!
(5)
Debra B.

This place is fantastic, with friendly service, flavorful Cuban & Caribbean foods, beers, coffees and desserts. The dining area is pretty cozy, so you get elbow-to-elbow with your neighbors. Fortunately Pambiche patrons are a sociable & friendly group. In warmer weather the crowd can spill over to the patio area. Seating is first-come, first serve so be prepared to wait during peak dining hours.
(5)
Roberto L.

Very good comida Cubana! This is a small place with outside seating and good service. Very good food and cocktails.
(4)
Scott R.

I rarely give out 5 stars, but every time I've been to this place, it's been magical. Great atmosphere and prices, wait staff has always been perfect and I recommend this place to anyone looking for Cuban in Portland.
(5)
Kristen M.

Pambiche - Cocina & Reposteria Cubano is acclaimed to be the "Best Cuban Food in Portland". But I don't know about that since this is the only Cuban restaurant that I know in the area. I came for HH (M-TH 2-6pm and F-Sat 10-12am) with a couple of buddies. Bebidas (Drinks): SANGRIA = NOT IMPRESSIVE. It tasted like juice since it was very diluted. (Sorry that did not do HH justice). Merienda (Snacks): [My favorites were the following:] ROPA VIEJA (shredded beef which was simmered in a tomato broth) which kinda reminded me of a Filipino dish I used to have growing up. This was very delicious in it's savory sauce as well. LENGUA EN SALSA (pork stew in a red salsa sauce) which was quite delightful and the meat came out very tender. The other HH dishes I had were decent. But nothing over-the-moon. I also did have a dessert as well (some chocolate cake that is not on their menu but can be seen on this display). It did hit the spot for something sugary after a meal, but did not leave me OMG about. Overall, I'm not too sure if this is the "Best PDX has for Cuban food", but I will give it another shot (probably for dinner) after I'm done checking out the other places Portland has (I think there are several?). I do like that they have Latin-influenced dishes and a bit of Caribbean flavors going on. But alas, I have to give this place another try because I wasn't impressed as much as my fellow colleagues have been.
(3)
Benjamin P.

Pambiche is doing something right here. Really delicious Cuban food with high quality ingredients and a great atmosphere. We stopped by for their daily happy hour (2-6 PM? YESSS!) and left very satisfied. We ordered a table full of food and 3 drinks for only $38. Pretty good pricing for the amount and quality of food/drinks we received. The atmosphere is great, a really quaint little place with lots of outdoor seating. Colorful, vibrant decor, and good music playing. The service here is friendly and attentive, but slow. However, it's not slow in a bad way. I think that's just sort of the spirit of the place. They want you to sit down, stay awhile, and enjoy some Cuban hospitality. Just be prepared for a longer visit when you come down. The food was mostly excellent. Some minor complaints were the morros y cristianos were a tad bit dry, and I would've liked a hot sauce with a bit more kick. However, the fried plantains were the best I've had in Portland, and the lengua en salsa (pork tongue en salsa roja) was succulent and delicious. This place is a must for happy hour, and I'm sure their lunch/dinner services are good too. We will definitely be back.
(4)
C Y.

My first time at Pambiche and I thought it was outstanding. We started with the Ham croquetas as an appetizer, tasty but a little mushy for my liking. Maybe too many similar tapas in Spain influenced my palette. The chicken dish pollo criollo was delicious! Great food at a nice price. A generous portion of chicken cooked in Cuban seasonings. The Cuban espresso with the sugar base was the perfect ending to our meal. I can see why this place is popular.
(4)
Mike B.

Authentic Cuban? I don't know because I have never been to Cuba. BUT Pambiche's food is definitely creole. I have dined here twice now. Once for lunch and once for dinner. Both times the food was delicious. On my visit on December 12, 2010, the place was crowded. it is always crowded. The tables they have set up outside are nice too, and even in the winter these tables afford a warm place to sit thanks to their very warm heaters over the tables. My dining party was able to secure a table inside. I would have almost rathered sitting outside due to the cramped quarters, but all was well. Our waitress arrived with menus and took our drink orders. My partner ordered a hot chocolate, I had a coffee milkshake, and our companion went for the Sangria. All were brought promptly and were delicious. For our main course I opted for the Vaca Frita (translated Fried Cow) Although when it arrived, it tasted more like Pork, but still good. It arrived with their signature beets, a small garnish of coleslaw, and their rice/bean mix. All perfectly cooked and spiced. My partner went for the Ropa Vieja (translated Old Clothes). I am not sure how Old Clothes could be appetizing, but he was in heaven when his meal arrived. Our companion for the evening opted for the Plato Cubano (or Cuban Plate). As with all our meals we all tasted a little from each of our plates, and we were not disappointed. My meal came with 4 fried plantains. These were little bites of heaven! For dessert, my partner and I opted to split a slice of their La Selva Negra, a 6 layered cake cuban chocolate cake laced with rum, with mango and passion fruit filling. Decadent. Our companion went for the traditional flan. We left the restaurant over fed and very satisfied. This small shop has HUGE tastes and IMMENSE offerings. If you are in the area, it is well worth the trip and the visit. Price point seems a bit high for the offerings, but the flavor is worth it.
(4)
Jen T.

I LOOOOOVE that Pambiche has such looooong Happy Hours. That's 2pm-6pm Monday through Friday and from 10pm-close on Fridays and Saturdays. That's like, totally late lunch-able / early dinner-able / my mega meal of the day on the cheap! HOW COULD YOU GO WRONG WITH THAT!? That's right you can't, so that's why you gotta check out Pambiche. Foodies that I likey (and I'm sorry, but the list will grow as soon as I stop eating the same stuff everytime I go there and start trying new foooooodies): Lengua en salsa (pork tongue in a tomato stew)! Pollo frito! MASITAS FUCK YEAH! Empanadas! Mango tart! Maduros! Batidos! 'Specially the spiced banana. ALL OF THE CHOCOLATE DRINKS. Seriously, so good. Mocha whatever, if it says Oaxacan Chocolate, DO IT. Pambiche has a really great atmosphere and attitude that just makes you wanna relax and drink and eat and hang out with your friends. Service is never rushed, yet prompt and friendly. It's even what I may consider...dare I say...CHILL?! Yeah. Definitely cuban cool.
(5)
Hilary M.

This is one of my favorite restaurants! I was here last night and enjoyed their happy hour which I've never done. I thought I had tried every dish but last night I discovered I was incorrect. On their happy hour menu they have something called Masitas and in one word AMAZING! It's pieces of fried pork and it is in the most complimentary sauce. My friend and I couldn't stop "ummm-ing" and "ahhh-ing" - it felt like we were beginning to play out the scene in When Harry Meet Sally". I always recommend Pambiche so if you haven't gone you need to.
(5)
Wolf L.

We dropped off the Family Truckster at Les Schwab for a new set of rubber and had a couple of hours to kill. We wandered around the corner and ended up in front of Pambiche. Funny how you discover places when you're on foot that you never even noticed driving by. How did we miss this place? The bright, multi-color paint job can probably be seen from the Space Shuttle. Cuban breakfast? We checked out the menu in the window and everything sounded great. There were only a couple of other families in the dining room when we walked inside. That is a one big breakfast menu. It took a while to decide what to order. I settled on the Cuban Hash and Eggs. My wife got the Beef Empanada Plate. We also ordered espresso drinks: a Cafe Mocha and a Cappuccino. Those were some tasty hot beverages and very expertly prepared. My mocha came with a sprig of mint and some toasted coffee beans on top. Lots of delicious foam. The drinks went perfectly with the little basket of pastries that came with our meal. The hash was delicious. My wife has made the same dish at home and Pambiche's was just as good. The eggs came over-medium, just as I ordered them, and the fried plantains were delicious. My wife's empanada looked flaky and tasty. I'll have to take her word that it was good because she finished it before I could beg a bite from her. The server was very friendly and attentive. She was as bright and welcoming as the restaurant's colorful decor. I really like this place. So many other things to try, too! This is going on my short list of favorite Portland breakfast spots.
(5)
Betsy T.

I'm finally ready to review Pambiche. The last time I was in Portland - a month ago - I was there for two days and went to Pambiche BOTH days. That's how much I was craving Cuban food. Let's get the decor and stuff out of the way first. The place is adorable. I love the impressive mural on the side of the building and the festive red metal seating outside. Even though the interior is a bit small, I like all the saints in the corners and the revolutionary paintings. Service is just okay - the waitresses basically get their job done, but they lack the swish and swagger of the wait staff at 90 Mile in Chicago. Now the food. If I were just reviewing the food it would only get three stars - the extra star is for how happy I get when I come here. The problem is that I want so badly for it to be just a little better. The black beans and rice lacked richness in flavor. The flavors in the plato cubano were just okay. The cuban sandwich is also good, but not out of this world. I like the arroz con pollo, but the only stand-out ingredient in the dish is saffron. All that said, I would probably still end up here almost every time I visit Portland, due to the complete lack of Cuban cuisine in the PNW!
(4)
Andrew H.

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!
(5)
Rachael M.

Pambiche has always been one of my favorite places for dinner in Portland. Their food is fresh, authentic and just crazy delicious. Breakfast, however, is UNbelievable! There was zero wait on a Sunday at 10am- which is prime brunch time. Everything we got was damn near perfect: fritters, eggs on rice with beans, grilled Cuban bread, soy hash, Cuban French toast.... Oh my god! I crave it every weekend now. Also, the fresh pineapple juice mimosa is the best breakfast cocktail I've ever had. Ever. You will not regret going! For dinner or brunch!
(5)
Emily C.

Went on a Sunday afternoon. It was really busy, but we didn't have to wait very long before we were seated. We opted to order a bunch of small plates and share family style. Everything was delicious, and we scarfed down all the food within minutes of it arriving. I was very surprised how muscular our waiter was. His biceps were huge! Haha. It was a pleasant addition to the overall experience.
(5)
Mark B.

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.)
(4)
Devon B.

I loved every bite and the price was so reasonable. I ordered the Plato Cubano. It was so tasty. The side order of maduros (sweet plantains) was perfectly caramelized. The service was pretty good, but the food was really good.
(5)
Logan B.

This was my first experience with Cuban food was amazing. I was here only for happy hour and got the Malsita which are big fried chunks of pork. SoX10^8 good! If all Cuban food is like this then I need to hit up Cuba now! Thanks Pambiche, I'll be back :)
(5)
Amiee H.

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 decor 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 yelp and you rode your bike there (show your helmet), you get 5% off!!
(5)
Karthik R.

The wait was ~90 mins for a party of 9 people. Friendly staff, good food, large portions and reasonably priced. We tried the empanadas and they were awesome. We will definitely go back.
(4)
V Z.

My boyfriend and I loved this place. It surprises me that there's not more Cuban restaurants in Portland but I'm glad this one is so good. The vibe is casual with a pastry display case and vibrant Cuban style decor. We ordered : The mojito- really refreshing. Not too sweet and it was garnished with a long stalk of sugar cane . The drink was strong and I would definitely order it again Banana spice milkshake- amazing! Not thick and just generally addicting Ropa vieja-the tomato broth was very strong and zesty. The meat was cooked perfectly and the Moros and cristianos as the side was the perfect hearty addition Sandwich cubano- the best Cuban sandwich I've had in a long time. Plenty of meat and the bread was nice and buttery and toasty. The service is fast and the staff is really friendly. Will definitely come here often!
(5)
Leslie C.

Good Plato cubano & pescato plate was lovely however avoid the arroz con pollo it's got a lot of fat and cooked so the bones fall off which can be challenging with the mixed plate & end up being eaten.
(3)
Debbie B.

I was hesitant about this place for some reason, but boy was I wrong! It's small and cozy and colorful on the inside. There are more tables outside than inside for those who like al-fresco dining. We parked on the street and arrived around 11:15 a.m. on a Monday. No wait and we were seated immediately by a handsome guy. All of the staff were friendly, helpful, and efficient. I ordered a Yerba mate tea with mint and lime. They sweeten it for you so let them know if you don't want the special sugar. I'm a sweet-lover so it was perfect for me. The fresh mint gave it a heavenly aroma and it tasted refreshing. It took us a while to decide on our lunch fare because they have a good-sized menu full of tasty appetizers, entrees, drinks (Cuban coffees, shakes made with exotic fruits, and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks), side dishes and salads. I settled on the arroz con pollo based on a picture posted on Yelp. It tasted as good as it looked, which is terrific! Mom and the hubby got the traditional dish at the top of the menu - can't remember the name but it featured melt-in-your-mouth pork, rice, beans (red or black) and a small potion of cole slaw done Cuban style. All of the food was perfectly seasoned, delicious, and attractively plated. I want to go back for more! Fresh and nicely spiced foods in a colorful and friendly environment = YES! I don't think it would be a great place for indoor dining with very active small children because seating is a bit tight, but maybe it would be good if you were outside with the little ones. By the way, they have delicious-looking desserts too. We got some cookies to bring home with us. Yummmm.
(5)
Jake D.

Loved this place - will be back for sure! Compared to the only other Cuban restaurant I had been to before, Pambiche is 10x better.
(4)
Katie R.

Hit up Pambiche for a dinner Saturday. There was a wait and the service was slow, but it was worth it simply for the pleasure of dining on this impeccable food. We sat out front at a table for two in the sun. The colors are bright, the music is beguiling, and we started with the Cuban Cocktail and Pinerito. Both were cold and tasty and got the meal going in a wonderfully festive way. He had Arroz con Pollo which you bet your behind I sampled. The chicken was flavorful and unbelievably moist. I stole more of the cabbage and peas off his plate than I care to admit to. His verdict? A tasty meal that I should have kept my grubby mitts off of. I had the Pan con Pescado and I can't say I've ever had a tastier marinade on a fish. The snapper was delicious. It was perfectly flaky and housed inside a nice, crusty bread. Also inside were onions and a ton of avocado. I topped it with the house-made hot sauce which made it the perfect sandwich. Yum. The deserts looked delicious but I was in a rush to make it to Blick's for a much needed art marker before they closed. Absolutely unfortunate that I didn't get to sample that goodness, but I am choosing to see it as a solid excuse to return. Tip: 5% off the entire menu (drinks included) if you bike there and show your helmet.
(4)
Brittany F.

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 entree. 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.
(5)
Michael C.

Pro tip: They don't really have a host or hostess to seat you so when you walk up, put your name on the clipboard to get in line for a table. We tried going here once and it was BUSY so we tried again last night and got seated quickly. The service was great and the food came out fast. We sat outside and it was nice and warm but a little windy. We got the Maduros (fried plantains) for an appetizer. They were really good. Some crispy some soft and super good. For an entree we got the sanwich cubano and it was unreal. If I went back that's all I would get. Everything was really good but the cubano stole the show. We also go the Plato Cubano and the meat was so good and had a nice bright flavor. The rice was excellent and the fried yuca on the side was a nice added starch to the meal. Beans were not bad, but added a nice flavor to the rice when mixed together. I wanted to try the jupiÃ±a soda, looked like it would be great. We will be back again!
(4)
Seiko I.

Got here for happy hour (10pm - midnight ) on Fridays and Saturdays. This is a foodie/ people who love exotic drinks's heaven! These are some of the things we got to try and liked: Drink I liked: Toronjosa: fresh squeezed grapefruit and sparkling wine and crushed pomegranate. - Fruity! It was perfect for a hot night. Sacco: sugar cane brandy, coconut water and lime. Food I liked: Guava empanadas - was the best I've ever had! Fresh. Bonus: Two kind of complementary dipping sauce, nice settings outside! It is really cute place. Perfect for hot summer nights.
(5)
Christian H.

Met some friends here for happy hour the other day. The prices were great and the food was amazing. We also had very good service while we were here. The server took the time to explain certain items on the menu and also made several suggestions. We ordered almost everything off of the menu (there was a few of us there) and were not disappointed by any of it. I didn't get a chance to look at the prices on the dinner menu, but felt that the happy hour prices were a pretty good bargain. Will be back for sure,
(5)
A S.

I love this place, best Cuban food in Portland. It's almost as good as Miami Cuban food. It is a great relaxed atmosphere also.
(5)
Matt E.

My hate for theme restaurants glows a fiery red. From the on-the-nose decor to the cutesy-named dishes, it just pisses me off to give them my money and help finance their mediocrity. So when a friend said "let's go eat at Pambiche, a Cuban-themed restaurant", I almost said no. Dang, I'm glad I didn't. This is no Cuban-themed restaurant. It's a Cuban restaurant, and that my friends is a very important distinction. Pambiche is the real deal, and it's also really delicious. You should eat here. We started with croquetas, lightly fried fritters with your choice of fillings. I preferred the jamÃ³n with creole bÃ©chamel and peppercorn, while my lunch date preferred the pulled chicken with chorizo. But really, we were just splitting hairs, as each was delicious. An order comes with 4, which was more than we had expected. For lunch I had Ropa Vieja: adobo shredded beef with yellow onions, green peppers, a tomato broth and peas. It's served on a bed of your choice between black or red beans and rice or Moros y Chrisianos. I went with the latter, which is still just black beans and rice, but is somehow different? I don't know. Anyhow, it was crazy tasty, though heavier than I had anticipated. At only $8.75, it was a filling lunch at a beyond reasonable price. In the name of trying out more of the menu, I'd probably get something different on my next visit. That being said, I'd easily recommend this dish to anybody. I was super impressed with the aesthetic of the space. The artwork and colors definitely reference their Cuban roots, but it's not so "HEY WE ARE CUBAN!" It is bright, festive and while I've never been to Cuba, it certainly reminds me of the places I have visited throughout the Caribbean. There's ample outside seating, which further adds to the authentic feel of the restaurant. This is especially true on balls-hot days, like the one on which I visited. I really, really like the feel of this space. A few other quick notes: * So. Many. Rum drinks. * Happy Hour is from 2-6, M-F. There's also an extra-special late-night HH on Fridays and Saturdays from 10-midnight. This is a rare thing in Portland, indeed! * Cuban coffee: yes, please!
(4)
Priya C.

Out of this world delicious! First, the atmosphere was great, very lively, bright colors, music - fun place to be! Second, our server was awesome - huge character with a great personality that added to the charm of the restaurant. Third, food was out of this world good. Really flavorful Cuban food - I tried a few fish dishes and all were exceptional. Even the basics like the plantains and beans/rice were scrumptious. The enchilado de pescado had the best sauce, unlike anything I've tried before (the menu specifically calls out that it's not the typical enchilada dish you think of, but the traditional Cuban dish with a red creole sauce - get it!). Lastly, the drinks were also fantastic. Everything from the sugar cane lemonade, to the cuban espresso, yerba mate, and soda (they had malta hatuey) was so unique and tasty.
(5)
Victor S.

Was they best place i ate at. Highly recommend the oxtail. So so so delicious. They have this chipotle sauce, i yonestly finished half of it. Theyre flan is threw the roof. I ate at el cabo de cuba on Hawthorne and gosh it was aweful. I feel embarrassed to have not gone back to pambiche and for their chipotle sauce. Will come back!!!
(5)
Evelyn S.

Holy Frijoles!! "I want some more PLEASE!" My husband and I just left this place... And already, we are looking forward to our next visit! We got a recommendation for this place from an interpreter who is from Cuba. He said this place was THE BEST in Portland. We have been looking for a good (if not GREAT) Cuban restaurant to eat at since we moved here 2 years ago. So we took a chance and are so glad we did!!! We arrived during the early Happy Hour. We shared our plates and by plates, I mean 7 plates!!! We got the small Happy Hour servings - which was completely OK, as we wanted to sample many different things on our first visit to Pambiche. Our Server was: Lis. She was awesome. Super nice and helpful We ordered: Picadillo, Maduros, Remolacha, Masitas, Ropa Vieja, Lengua en Salsa and the Ajiaco Criollo. Had we not had 2 beers, our bill would have been $31. So the place is completely budget-friendly, too! The empanada THE BEST we have had and was so delicious, light, flaky and filled will all the goodness you could ever want! The beet salad was really good - except they could leave out the parsley. My husband isn't a fan of red beets, so I got to eat the entire bowl! The pork stew was flavorful - I would have liked more, but it came in a small soup cup size and there wasn't any leftover. The deep fried pork chunks in mojo sauce was the bomb! Nothing super on the presentation - but the flavor was outstanding!!! The lengua was super tasty (my husband thought the flavor wasn't as good as it SHOULD and COULD be!?!?!) The Ropa Vieja was standard and traditional. All the flavors were spot-on. The plantains were caramelized to perfection and were Heaven on a plate! The server brought us 2 bottles of sauce (one sweet and one spicy/savory) as additions to our meal(s)...Even though the 2 sauce were tasty in their own rite, Everything single dish we had was SO GREAT that nothing needed sauce! I did try some of the sweet sauce on the plantains, it was good - but certainly didn't enhance the flavor of the dish. Neither did the other sauce. Per my husband (who is Cuban and Puerto Rican) the traditional Puerto Rican/Cuban doesn't add extra sauces to dishes. Pambiche is a fun, vibrant, clean place! The music really transports you to Cuba. The dÃ©cor is bright and really adds to the experience. I wanted to try the desserts, but didn't leave room. I will definitely try one (2 or 3) on our next visit!!! I highly recommend.
(5)
Lisa B.

During our visit to Portland we found this restaurant. The place was packed and our wait was long, but once we were seated the food made up for the wait. There were seven in our party and we each ordered a different dish. When they arrived they were all amazing and so delicious. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants to eat great food. Also, had great atmosphere. It's very big, but it's a colorful restaurant, great music and waiting staff was great.
(5)
Vy T.

Came here for their happy hour, and their happy hour menu is pretty extensive. My bf and I ordered a couple items to try, and at the prices it was a steal. Arroz Amarillo: yellow rice stewed in chicken stock, very moist Pollo frito: a piece of chicken covered in garlic, very flavorful. My favorite dish we tried Ropa vieja: shredded beef in a tomato sauce, and served with a side of white rice. Lengua en salsa: flavorful pork tongue, served with a side of white rice I loved everything we tried, and wish I ordered more food to try. Our server explained the menu, and gave us some recommendations. Definately chekc out their happy hour for amazing deals.
(5)
Katie P.

Pambiche is very alluring. The building really stands out when you drive past it on NE Glisan. This very Yelp 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 cafe 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.
(4)
Rena J.

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 cafe con leche instead. They know better! I love condensed milk and was happy to get the cafe 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 Yelp to check-in, bike here and get a discount!
(5)
Michael K.

The Vaca Frita is no joke one of the best dinners I have ever eaten. The beef is ridiculously tender and flavorful. The beans blow my mind. The sweet plantains are perfect. The quantities are enormous. And the breakfast sandwich is one of the best breakfasts I have ever eaten. This is one of my favorite Portland restaurants.
(5)
Tiffany C.

Me and my sister took my mom here for Mothers day. She loves ethnic food and we had never had Cuban food before and this place had the most reviews so 800 people couldn't be wrong. The outside is so colorful and the murals so picturesque. The wait was about 20 minutes which wasn't too bad and we got to see what the food was looking like before we ordered. We were seated at the counter which is next to the bathroom with a view of the kitchen. Our waiter Jusafat, cutie pie by the way, was on us the minute we sat down offering up the menus favorites drinks. I had the mango milkshake which is dessert in a glass! Flavor.com . We ordered from everyone's recommendations on Yelp and the waiters help. Oxtails were falling off the bone tender. Shrimp Creole was not spicy but good. Fish dish( can't remember the name) was packing a flavor punch. We were not ready! The manager swung by and spoke with us about our meal quality(2 thumbs up) and to give out some Cuban history. We left satisfied and planning our next dinner there. Note to self: Its pretty tight in there so if you're claustrophobic sit outside .
(5)
Ashley M.

This food is amazing! They have several vegan entree options, and they will all blow your socks off! I am giving them 4 stars and not 5 just due to the fact that I ordered to go and and on 2 separate occasions I only got half off my food and had to go back to get the rest. The first time they were very kind and apologetic and gave me 2 free vegan salads on the house. The second time, they were not so nice.
(4)
Eva L.

Always a treat to come to Pambiche. Why?! The food is flavorful and delicious, and it's unique place in Portland. If you like spice, they have a special hot sauce you can add to your food. I went this past Sunday for brunch, and had the Picadillo Cua Cua. You get your choice of how you want your eggs; they usually come sunnyside up. I usually get their guava cheesecake for dessert because it's to die for. Also, they're cafe mocha is delicious as well. This place doesn't disappoint and it's a place I look forward to going to whenever I am in Portland! Give it a try if you haven't been. :) If you ride your bike there and show your helmet you also get 5% off!!!
(5)
Liz I.

I only wish I lived closer so I could sample the amazing dishes at this place more often. Alas, we were visiting from out of state so were only able to enjoy a small (but absolutely delicious) sampling of the food here. My husband had the Pollo Criollo, kids the Vaca Frita, and I had the Ajiaco. I'll start off with mine because in my biased opinion it was the best dish of the four. Wow -- really lovely stew with root vegetables, tender chunks of meat, and loaded with spices and flavor. I had a taste of all the other dishes and they were so good, everyone really enjoyed their meals. And the mojito! How could I forget that?! So delicious! The ambiance here is just so lively, colorful, and, well....Cubanismo. The staff were friendly and attentive. You really should check this place out, it's a real gem.
(5)
Mike M.

How on Earth was last night our first visit to Pambiche?? Lucky us, we had planned on an early dinner, so no waiting. The seating capacity doubles though, when the weather is good and outside is an option. Last night was not one of those occasions. The second stroke of luck was the young family that was seated next to us. I never got your name, but PLEASE friend me on here....I know you Yelp. You know who you are....you're heading to Maui tomorrow, daughter just lost a tooth, etc. Find me....you guys were AMAZING dinner company!! Anywhoozle, after we choose some delicious Cuban cocktails to start (I'd drink Ron Collins all day, if someone would let me), we ordered the white fish croquetas. Crazy good. Also, unsure how many calories are in the banana sauce that gets put on the table, but pretty sure I'd drink it like a bottle of Coke! Ok, I wanted the Cubano sammich. Because a) I like sammiches and b) I LOVE Cubano sammiches. Wife was already getting oxtail....and our new friend told me I HAD to get the Lengua en Salsa. As our server, Carlos (great kid, by the way) came to take dinner orders, I had flipped and found my self ordering Porky's Licker. What an outstanding choice!! So meaty, so tender, so flavorful.......just so......good! We ordered the Tres Leches for dessert. Again, something I hadn't had before.....and that was great as well! I wanted to stay, linger, have another cocktail.....but such a small place and people waiting, you feel the need to be courteous and let them turn the table to others. You may have escaped me this long, Pambiche.....but there's no hiding from me now!!!
(5)
Angela P.

When dining with my mother, I often struggle a bit choosing a restaurant as she is not quite as adventuresome as my husband and I. I am pleased to report this place was a winner for us all. The ambiance is whimsical and fun. We went during happy hour. They have a very extensive happy hour menu which leaves your taste buds smiling and your belly full. The presentation of the food was not great, but it was all surprising delicious. The dish that stood out the most was the Croquettes, they were warm, gooey and delicious. Make sure you save room for dessert as the Cuban Cigar is worth the calories.
(4)
Varun B.

I particularly enjoy cuban food. There often aren't very many places to choose from where I come from, so when I visited Portland, this place came up on my list. We started weigh the platanos rellenos croquets. I liked these croquettes stuffed with plantains. For dinner, I got the Arroz con Pollo. The chicken was very well cooked and moist on the inside; and the rice was aromatic and flavorful. The plantains that came with my dish were excellent (added bonus because I love these). My wife got the Plato Cubano, which was also delicious. The sauces that they set on the table are very good at complementing your meal. One is a spicy sauce, for a nice added kick to the meal, and the second is a banana ketchup, which is interestingly flavorful but more savory.
(4)
Vinnie B.

When I come here, I get 3 things every time. * The Camarones Al Ajillo * The Banana Daiquiri * The Banana Daiquiri.
(4)
Annaliza S.

I have lived in this neighborhood for years and today I finally got to really sit down and enjoy a meal here. I had the Vaca Frite (Fried Cow) - and it was amazing. It was nice and crunchy on the outside and tender and moist on the inside - it came with a side of rice and a kind of bean soup that was totally on par. It was amazingly done and no flavors over powered the other. The flavors just really blended well together, and it wasn't a very heavy meal, but you felt really satisfied after. I also had dessert - the Selva Negra which was amazing. It wasn't super sweet - it was absolutely perfect. Their Cafe Cubano is a must. Inside seating seemed a little cramped to me. We ended up eating outside, which was perfect - they do have outdoor heaters for those cooler / colder days. T This place is a must try!
(5)
Scott C.

I've never been to Cuba, but I now love the food! Panbiche for lunch was fantastic, has the Platos Cubanos and the Pollo Criollo and overwhelmed with flavor and well cooked meat. Friendly staff and great prices. Water was straight tap and unfiltered but overall a great restaurant!
(4)
Sara W.

This place is amazing in every way. i came here on a Sunday for my birthday dinner. My mom and I arrived at about 6:20. We took a seat at the bar for dinner, otherwise the wait was going to be about 20 minutes. NOTE: this place is tiny!! So expect a wait, also it's probably not ideal for more than 4 people in a group. Moving on... I had heard great things about their fried plantains so we ordered some. Delicious! Definitely lived up to the hype. I also ordered their sangria. Again, very good. Then it came time to decide on my entree for dinner... I could not make a decision!! Everything looked so delicious. After much debate, and discussing with our waitress, Nikki (who was AWESOME about my indecisiveness, she was kind and understanding, and did not fuss at the fact that it took me forever to decide), I settled on the Cubano Plato. The Cubano Plato came with rice, red beans, pork, gravy, and plantains. It was so scrumptious and HUGE! Definitely enough for two people to share, or for two meals (as mine was). So flavorful and has many flavors that complemented quite nicely. My mom ordered the dish that came with prawns. It was amazing as well! Especially the avocado salad it came with. She too had enough for another meal left over. Always let them know it is your birthday because you get any dessert you want on the house. And they are delicious! Two of the owners were pastry chefs at Papa Haydn I found out. I chose the domino and shared it with my mom. Amazing! I highly recommend. Food: amazing! Service: above and beyond Price: average ($12-18 for an entree) Pambiche definitely has a new regular customer in me. I will be back indefinitely :)
(5)
Rob A.

Great food, great atmosphere. Highly recommend the Plato Cubano. Staff is fantastic. No reservations and is usually very busy so try to hit it during off times.
(4)
Aloysius A.

Ate here yesterday and it was really good. The staff was knowledgable and the food was delicious. Noise level is a bit high and it can get seriously crowded, but hey, that's says a lot for the food/experience. If you want to try some good Cuban food go here.
(4)
Tom J.

Hadn't been to this place in several years, so I wanted to re-visit it before reviewing. Pambiche is like a lovely trip to Cuba, but we don't go too often, because they are always packed. But since we said we would take either indoors or outdoors, we got seated pretty quickly. We decided they must only hire models as their staff is quite attractive. The ambiance is nice, but the inside is very small. I ordered the fish sandwich, which was delicious and even better with the hot sauce, though it didn't pack much heat. The sandwich is red snapper with avocado, it was paired with tostones, which are fried plantain slices. Try them, you'll love them. My friend got the Comunista platter which is yuca, rice and beans, and a salad. I tasted his yuca and it was delicious, like a spiced, sauteed potato. For dessert, we opted for the tres leches cake, which is a popular dessert in Texas, where I came here from, but which people in this area don't seem to be very familiar with. It was quite tasty, though not the best I've ever had. My dining companion described it perfectly, it's like a tiramisu without the chocolate or coffee. Speaking of the coffee, we ended with two perfect Americanos. In the past, I've also tried their beef stew, which is quite good, and a sandwich with turkey and jam, that I don't believe they have on the menu anymore. This is an excellent dining spot, one visit and you'll know why it's always so crowded.
(5)
Luis A.

Delicious Cuban food you have to come out and try it, the fried plantains are amazing, the Bistec also incredible! The customer service is great, I am definitely going to Pambiche again.
(5)
Amber N.

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.
(5)
Lyza R.

Holy mother of all things delicious, what the hell did I just walk into?! Being VERY new to Portland, I was immediately recommended to go to Pambiche and I'm so glad I did. My friend wasn't lying when he said this place has bomb Cuban food! We ordered the Cubano sandwich, lengua, and empanadas as a variety to stir up our palates. The Cubano was perfect - nice and toasty on the outside, orgasmic perfection of meat and cheese on the inside (If I could come back for any dish, it would definitely be this!). The lengua was just as delicious. I've had lengua dishes in other restaurants, both Cuban and non-Cuban, but Pambiche hit the spot. Neither under or over-cooked, just perfect - it didn't have that weird rubbery after taste, and the rice and platanos were very complementing. Last but not least, the empanadas! If you're not too hungry, you can't go wrong with this. It's the perfect "snack" size that jam packs tons of flavor and can be easily enjoyed with a can of tecate. I can't wait to come back to this city, I'll be making Pambiche my priority stop!
(5)
Ken A.

Back here for the second week in a row. Wanted my other coworkers to try it out. I ordered the Vaca Frita (Fried Cow) with black beans and rice this week. Solid. Really liked the Rabo Encendido (Oxtail on Fire) last week. The Maduros (fried ripe plantains) are super tasty too, sweet with a little char...so good.
(4)
Jason P.

Portland has a full platter of excellent exotic and ethnic foods, and Pambiche is certainly on it! You won't miss this place driving down the street. Its the most colorful place on the block, with excellent food, great staff, and mouth-watering desserts (I have yet to try) We started out with 'primera vuelta' (a sampler of empanadas, croquetas, frituras), an excellenct way to try everything. The empanadas was my fave. Our entrees were also excellent! - Picadillo cua-cua (Cuban beef hash and egg), huevos ala cubana (eggs Cuban style), and croqueta preparada (Miami cuban sandwich) We wish we had room for dessert because they have a wide selection of pastries and desserts. I was eyeing out the mango and corn custard dessert. I'll be coming back soon!
(4)
Paul D.

Great Food!!!!!! The Staff is SO nice and no their stuff. You have to try this food - Just amazing.
(5)
Brian L.

Hands down best Cuban food I've eaten, ever! I went here as often as possible.
(5)
Erin M.

I have been to Pambiche a handful of times now, for both breakfast and dinner. It remains a 5-star choice. - Colorful atmosphere (decoration), but a small and cramped restaurant. I have to say, ambiance is not 5 stars here, simply because the place is too small and loud. - Sitting outside isn't all that much better, because it is located at a busy intersection - Food is consistently flavorful, excellent, love it - I think I prefer dinner, but no matter when you go there will be incredible entrees available - Staff is always friendly and helpful - Wait will not usually be too long (not like, say, screen door), but don't expect to get in immediately If you haven't been to Pambiche, put it on your to-do list now!
(5)
Tri H.

Had to wait. Extremely busy on sat nite but it was well worth the wait. The atmosphere is nice and well the food is fantistic. I had the chicken and sangria and wow never knew you could make chicken taste so good.
(5)
E G.

I would give 5 stars to the sangria but I really didn't care for the Arroz con Pollo. I wish I had ordered something different as I think it tasted strange. I will return but I will get something else.
(4)
Sasha R.

Yeah! My friend just swooped me over to Pambiche for HH and it was a great experience. We were able to eat out on the street because the super friendly staff made sure the heat lamps were on and it was the perfect way to spend a fall evening. The HH drinks and selection of food was great. We ordered the beans, rice and pork, plantains, yummy beet salad and empanadas. Everything was tasty, and not too salty or flavorless. I enjoyed HH and am excited to return for a full meal some time soon. Great find!!!
(4)
Eggland B.

Rude guy was our server. He was disrespectful to us, which I can tolerate, but he was also rude to the other lady who was working with him and that's not cool either. He had a brief conversation with her in Spanish right in front of us and you could tell from the tone, his facial expression, her facial expression, and the way that he mimed brushing her away that it was not a friendly chat. Even if it was friendly, I don't think it's polite to have a conversation in Spanish in front of customers who know that both of the people speaking Spanish also know English, because it's obvious you just don't want us to know what you're saying. If you want to have a private conversation go somewhere else. Don't use my ignorance of Spanish to have a private conversation right in front of me. But what really made me mad was that they wanted to charge me a fee to use my credit card just because two other people at my table had already used credit cards. They tell you this is because the bank charges so much money to use it. That may be true, but if I hadn't seen a Visa logo on their door I wouldn't even have ordered food. And even if there are big fees, that doesn't mean it doesn't help the restaurant in the long run. I worked at a fast-food restaurant as a teenager, and the credit card representative told us that studies show that people spend about 50% more per meal when they use a credit card instead of cash. (Like, they'll buy a meal and an alcohol drink and a dessert if they use a credit card, but if they actually have to think about the cash in their wallet they just get a meal and a glass of water.) Credit cards also have the benefit of getting all the money into the restaurant's bank, with less error in change making or waiters pocketing cash. It's a convenience for the company as much as it is for the consumer. Never going back. I don't like to pay to be treated rudely and then ripped off even for good food, but this was really just blah. One of the dishes was okay but their empanada was just a fried shell of nondescript pastry "stuffed" with about a thimble-full of the chicken filling.
(1)
Katie S.

I guess I should have known better that to try and eat here early on a Saturday evening. The wait was really long. The food was ok-ish but I ended up getting rather sick from a fish dish I ate here and spent all of last night curled up next to my toilet. At least the waiter was cute.
(1)
Brandon Y.

Love this place. Great food, love the neighbourhood. We did the spinach and cheese empanadas, Croqueta Preparada and Arroz con Pollo. Everything was great. No need to elaborate more. It's an awesome place.
(5)
Koichi M.

I love this place's happy hour. My favorite is empanada with Spinach and cheese and pollo frito. So far, the only menu that I didn't like that much is Ensalada de Chayote.
(5)
Harry G.

My favorite Cuban restaurant in Portland OR. Great service, kids and hippie friendly. Breakfast during the weekends is awesome, please be prepare to wait because it is busy.
(5)
Cherice R.

The food is fantastic, the service is friendly, but they're almost too good for their own good. The overcrowded atmosphere is a turnoff, and has kept me from returning numerous times. Their avocado salad and beet salad are fantastic. The desserts and 'hora de amigos' menu are hard to beat. Overall- great place with the curse of being too popular. Very worth the wait, and HIGHLY recommended.
(5)
El K.

Pretty good...not fantastic. Doesn't touch the Cuban food I have had in SF. But it's not bad. I might have been inclined to add a half-star, but besides the fact that one cannot do that on yelp...but then again, probably would not ... only because on a relatively calm Wednesday night they were OUT of a number of what I consider sorta mainstay menu items...including most of their fritters and a few empenadas. Not like there was a rush or they were getting slammed or anything, and it was only around 7:30 PM. So, the stuff we had was pretty good. Fun atmosphere, outside tables are nice on a warm day except the 2-seaters are lousy, sorta generic red metal which look more at home a Jack in the Box than a Cuban eatery...while the 4-seaters are nice, comfy wood benches. The Palm Beach sangria is a good concoction; far better than their standard red sangria, which was really pretty boring (lacking in both spice and fruitiness) and I wouldn't suggest it. As a matter of fact, both sangria alternatives are kinda overpriced..but at least the PB was GOOD. The only fritter available (taro) was pretty yummy...fresh and cooked just right. A Cuban restaurant quite fairly should be judged by how it does Platanos...and here it was a split-decision, The ripe, sweet Platanos were fantastic...perfect. The fried green Platanos were absolutely terrible and no amount of table salsa or sauce dosing could save 'em. The Ensalada Caribena was very good...cabbage gets a bad rap because few places know how to actually prepare it, but this salad was excellent..nice and refreshing while being slightly sweet and piquant at the same time. Note: this salad comes as a small accompaniment to the fritters, if you don't wanna order the whole salad. Moving on. We aren't meat-eaters, but their seafood choices were done very well (Pescado con Coco and Camarones Enchilados). The latter was excellent; the former got lost in its own sea of veggies and sauce as can often happen with Latin-Carribean fare; but the dish was still pretty tasty. The sides accompanying them were only so-so...the refired beans and rice nothing special at all. I also will echo what was noted by others: the bill really shouldn't quite come out as high as it does for the fare you are served. Would I come again ? Mmmm....yyyyes. It was a fun place and the waitstaff was nice enough, if a bit rushed. But I would just suggest you temper your expectations a bit. As a whole "scene" ~ atmosphere, drinks, decor, eats ~ it's a pretty good time...but the cooking doesn't quite hold its own if you know Cuban food.
(3)
Cindy I.

Warning this place is small but worth the wait. Be prepared to sit outside to get a seat faster but they do have heaters and they can also turn them off if your hair is frying. We tried the traditional Cuban pork, pork w/ almonds and the prawns in creole sauce. All were excellent! Very taste Sangria! But the house white wine was peppery so make sure that's really what you want. Service was great they gave you menu's early so you could figure out your meal and order a drink while you waited. Don't forget the desserts they are creative and very well done. (most had a fruit base to them)
(5)
Ron T.

The quaint restaurant that offers a lot and uses Banana Ketchup from the Philippines. Now, all the while I thought Cubans have their own banana ketchup. A ketchup is a ketchup, this banana ketchup is not much different from your usual table tomato ketchup. There's less vinegar flavor into it, it's more spicy. The food are not too greasy and presented well. Being seated could turn into a nightmare during warm summer nights (yes, we have weird weather here in pdx. it could rain even when its summer)
(4)
Ben F.

Wife and another couple stumbled in on this past Friday for what ended up being a taste bud explosion and all around "Great Stumptown" experience! First off, as your learning by the other posts....this is a "Cuban" joint. Celebrating their 10th year in business, so they must be doing something right. Waitress was cool to the "Cuban Rookie" and took her time talking in the sexy accent and "es-plaining" things to the Gringo. Atmosphere was very "NE meets SE PDX, which means lively, hipster cool. Close quarters meant getting a chance to "look in" on what others were having and ask them questions about what they were liking and disliking. We all had the sampler for starters and then I got the Vaca Fritta (AKA friend beef with onions) for main course. Wife got the "pork" version and loved it. One thing...get the rice with the pork in it...best thing. Also thought their salsa was out of this world, truly some of the best I have ever had in my life. I finished my meal, with what could easily be called a "top 5 desert" on my life. "Tres Leche" apparently means three milks and by the time I was done with it, I wanted to bathe in it! That said, the desert case blew me away, all house made, beautiful concoctions and I can't wait to come back just for the "next guilty pleasure" in the cold case of deserts!
(4)
AaRoN G.

Pambiche will definitely be a regular stop for me whenever I visit Portland! Delicious, flavor-packed and just awesome! I couldn't really pin-point one specific positive thing to highlight here. So I'm going to keep this short and simple folks, go visit Pambiche now and afterwards decide for yourself if my 5 star rating was too liberal or did I serve them justice. You'll find that with my short and simple act of compassion, justice was served today ...on a hot steaming plate with a side of sweet plantains and an ice cold Iron beer.
(5)
Tom C.

Being a Miami native, I was a little skeptical about getting Cuban food in Portland, but Pambiche was awesome. It would fit right in on Calle Ocho. There was so much good authentic Cuban food on the menu that I didn't know where to start. We started out with the Ensalada de Remolacha, a fresh beet and watercress salad tossed with diced red onion and aliÃ±o criollo ~ extra-virgin olive oil and sour orange vinaigrette. My wife was happy because she finally found a beet dish that I liked and I have to admit, it was great. My wife got the Pescado con Coco, red snapper simmered in a coconut pepper sauce. It was muy delicioso! I had the special, which was a classic bistec with the shoestring fries and everything! I couldn't have been happier. It was a little slice of the Caribbean in the Northwest. I ended the meal with a cortadito, and when she asks if you want sugar, say yes. That truly makes it the authentic Cuban.
(4)
Stefanie M.

Loved! We arrived early for dinner, which was GREAT! I've heard it gets super crowded but we were seated almost immediately. The group I went with [including myself] had never had Cuban food before, so it was a very interesting experience. In fact, we felt a little dumb since we didn't really understand the menu. Thankfully the server was patient enough for all of our questions! The desserts are pretty incredible. The four of us shared the Coconut Lime cake and the Tres Leches. I may even suggest going JUST for the dessert - it was so hard to choose! Next time we will try breakfast. Maybe we will Google the menu before we go so we aren't taking up too much of the server's time...
(4)
lucia j.

Oh my, I used to really like Pambiche didn't I. Maybe my opinion is spoiled from coming here so much, but now that the glitter and bright blue paint has faded I have to say Pambiche isn't all that after all. Breakfast here is too expensive for what you really get. Does $10 justify two eggs, dry beans, and rice? No? I agree. The French Toast comes with 1/2 pound of fruit cocktail. Why do I want to eat that much fruit cocktail? It's better to just not fill the plate rather than fill it with subpar afterthoughts just to make it look like it's worth $10. Have you ever thought about pairing plantain with sour red onion? No? Why do I want a dollop of this on everything I get? Their fufu here is just so, so, so....incorrect. So what is an Elena Ruz? An Elena Ruz is white sandwich bread, slathered in ONLY strawberry jam and cream cheese and packed with sliced turkey. So what the hell is this cheese and parsley on Pambiche's Elena Ruz? What is this bread? Is this another improvisation from whoever came up with the fufu? More burning considerations: No matter which kind of croqueta you order, they all taste the same, except the fish which is subtly fish scented. The tostones are dry little starch patties and I feel sorry for the people I see ordering them during la hora. Why do the rice and beans have that "sitting on heat all day" dryness in the morning? It feels like fried rice in my mouth. I like the pollo frito, but it's not really Cuban. I also like the Tres Leches cake, and that's also not really Cuban. The happy hour is the only reason to come here. Nice drinks and a la carte plates. Let me just put it this way, you can pay cheap for something during the happy hour or you can pay twice as much for the same thing with dismal sides that are only there to justify the higher price during regular hours. Four star restaurant at happy hour, two star restaurant otherwise.
(3)
Douglas C.

This is the next best thing to hanging out with Che, Fidel and the boys in the Sierra Maestra mountains. I love Caribbean food, and since the untimely demise of Sweetwater's Jam House, I've become a regular at Pambiche. Pambiche makes wonderful and authentic Cuban food. The restaurant is about the size of the little glass booth that TSA puts you in when you've been selected for additional security screening. They actually have more tables outside on the sidewalk than they do Inside, but sit on the building side of the sidewalk and not the curbside, otherwise you'll get tailpipe emissions periodically through your meal. They have a huge menu for such a small place, and I haven't tried nearly everything, but what I have tried has all been great. My favorite is their Plato Communista which is beans, rice, and fried yuca with a sweet garlic and lime sauce. It is served with a beet ensalada - Yum!
(4)
Nita G.

I love this place! I wish they were bigger so I could take more people with me when I go. But if they were bigger the quality might suffer and I really appreciate the quality. This is some of the most flavorful food I've ever had. The service is excellent and the servers have always been very patient about explaining the menu options to folks who are new to Cuban food. I would especially recommend going during their afternoon happy hour, when you can get a large variety of small plates for pretty cheap usually without the long wait.
(5)
Danna G.

This is my absolutely favorite restaurant in the state of Oregon. The food is great and very similar to Puerto Rican food. The ropa vieja is my favorite dish and of course I always have to order yuca frita and tostones. TO DIE FOR!!!!! Yes, it's crowded, but that's because it's one of Portland's best restaurants, in my opinion. NOM NOM NOM!
(5)
Jacob M.

I LOVE this place. The coffee is great, the food is wonderful, staff always very helpful and on top of things. It's a must try!
(5)
Joe H.

Oh Pambiche...how you've always rumba'd your way into mi corazon. I've gone here on & off ever since I've moved to Portland. ATMOSPHERE: Colorful, charming, hella cute. The prime seating is on the sidewalk area along Glisan, which is perfect on a warm summer day/night but be prepared to wait. Interior seating can get a bit cramped as there is very little. Cuban decor/murals permeates the walls. I love looking at the glass dessert case to see what has been prepared for the day. Casual enough to bring your kids, or a nice little unpretentious date spot. FOOD: Bueno. From the Sandwiches, to the Appetizers, to the Desserts...I've never been disappointed. Some Favs: Pan Con Lechon (A braised Cuban Pork Sandwich, or the Cuban Sandwich is also a classic) & the Plato Cubano. Usually you are served some fried Plantains with whatever you order, along with your choice of red or black beans, prepared slightly different...& rice. They have some good drink specials A & Non-A (Cuban Lemonade, Coconut Soda) Spanish Wines, Beer, & fresh-squeezed fruit juices. Snag a slice of their Tres Leches cake or Coconut-Lime Cake if they have it. SERVICE: Probably my one gripe...service here can be spotty at times. Not mean or obnoxious...just a little slow & unattentive. CURVE: Give it a TRY. So far, beats out all of the other joints for most Authentic Cuban Food in Portland, granted purists will find things that aren't...but it is delicious nevertheless.
(4)
Tiffany T.

The coffee here was really great, I could have drowned a smurf in that mug it was so big. I liked the colorful decor too. The desserts were top of the line, the tres leche cake was the best I've had. I've never had Cuban food before but the chicken seemed a bit bland next time I would ask for it to be more spicy. They have banana ketchup and hotsauce on the tables.
(4)
Hannah E.

Good good food. Too crowded. Which I have become increasingly impatient and annoyed about long waits. However, if you choose a good time to go, in between the normal meal hours, it isn't bad. Breakfast 7 days a week- weekdays are the only option without an hour wait. Lunch weekdays isn't too bad either. They have good big outdoor tables. Inside can be a bit cramped. They have a ton of delicious drinks- cuban coffee, smoothies, alcohol beverages- all from wine or beer. Sangria is the perfect summer beverage to enjoy outside. The cuban sandwiches are delicious- But a bit expensive for a cuban sammy. Traditionally supposed to be like 2-3 dollar sandwich! The plates are delicious. The shrimp with avocado plate thing is my fave. Black bean soup is super good too. Appetizers are almost all good. Pastries are SOOO good- get a sampler basket! Brunch with cuban coffee, pineapple mimosa, pastry basket and the hash thingy is perfect! Cons: Crowded, small. Expensive for cuban food.
(3)
Caleb C.

Went for happy hour with my family. The food was amazing, Happy hours prices were great and for dessert I got the Cuban cigar, it was a chocolate truffle like cake rolled into the shape of a cigar. Really fun.
(5)
C T.

Love their Cuban breakfast. To avoid a long wait, get there ahead of the brunch rush at 11. Table turnover is SLOW -- folks like to linger here over their coffee -- so if you don't snag a spot, you'll be staring through the picture window at other patrons' plates. Not a lot of standing (or sitting) room in the waiting area just inside the door. Order the entremes -- an overflowing basket of little pastries -- to start. After that, you can't go wrong with a tortilla (an omelette, not a taco shell), the picadillo cua-cua (beef hash and eggs), or the pisto manchego (an enormous egg scramble with shrimp, potatoes, and other goodies). Plates are generous, often loaded with heavy sides like fried plaintains and rice and beans, so be ready to take some home or share with a friend! Or just don't plan on eating for the rest of the day ...
(5)
Carianne C.

I will always make time to come here when I am in Portland. The meal was magical and totally worth the hour wait. Nice cocktails, lovely staff, the food was divine.
(5)
Ben F.

I thought it was good, not great. The fried plantains were pretty tough and dry and the ropa vieja was pretty dry as well but the flavors were good.
(4)
Tommy K.

We stumbled upon this place only because the original place we wanted to go to was packed and had a two-hour wait. Lucky us. As a Seattle resident, I've always complained about the lack of good Cuban food (and yes, Paseo's does make great sandwiches but that's it) in the emerald city and I was quite envious to discover that our sister city to the south had a wonderful little joint like Pambiche. We waited about half an hour for a table which wasn't too bad. Although we didn't drink while waiting, that was definitely an option -- to sit around outside with a beer (always a nice thing). The waitress was awesome as she patiently answered all our questions and explained the menu items. She also had this great wine recommendation. I would have expected such an unassuming little place to have such a wonderful treasure of wine. Everything we ate was so delicious. In fact, when the food arrived we all dug in so heartily that ten minutes later we realized that all conversation had stopped because we were so busy eating -- that's always a good sign. I look forward to returning to Pambiche the next time I'm in Portland.
(4)
Christy T.

This place is a rip off. $15 for a plate of rice, beans, yuca and pork, and $7 for a slice of Tres Leche cake, seriously? Not only that, they don't even prepare it well and the portions are small and the service sucks. I've eaten at real Cuban restaurants many times, and the food is always reasonably priced and delicious. Yeah, Pambiche you just keep ripping off Portlanders with your overpriced, crappy Cuban food. There's no soul in your food and honestly, you should be ashamed of yourselves.
(1)
Stephanie F.

The tostones were good, especially with lots of salt. I sort of liked the little purple flowers sprinkled all over, too. I made sure each one had a dose of flowery goodness (not that I could really taste it, but it's the idea of eating flowers!). The ropa vieja was alright. Not sure I'd order again, but it was a good eat. Had to get the brown rice due to health reasons, and that wasn't bad with a combo bite of ropa vieja or beans. Not a huge fan of the red beans, they were mushier than I like; I can make better at home (recipe from my Peurto Rican side of family). I will go back again to try the Coconut Pescado, just because I'm obsessed with coconut flavored things... Oh, and the tostones. It is a bit cramped; tables really small, but that's how it goes I guess in Portlandia...
(4)
Kelly C.

Nothing warms a cold Portland night like a beautiful, delicious cup of Oaxacan hot chocolate from Pambiche. When we visit during La Hora de Amigo I love the Picadillo Empanada, and when we're there for lunch or dinner you can't go wrong with any one of their sandwiches or the Arroz con Pollo. Top off the meal with a Torta Domino (cake, coffee, Kahlua, and chocolate!) and you've got a fun, festive meal with friends. The colorful decor and Cuban music create a great, authentic ambiance. All of the servers we've ever had (and that's quite a few) have been friendly and accomodating. A couple of warnings: Pambiche is packed all the time (probably because it's tiny). I've never had a wait less than 30 minutes for a table, so if you're going hungry I'd eat a granola bar in the car on the way. Also, they only take 2 credit/debit cards per table, and based on the size and number of tables I wouldn't go with more than 6 people.
(4)
Anna N.

I love cuban food! I discover Cuban food through my brother-in-law, who happens to be Cuban. He makes THE BEST cuban food i've ever eaten and he has converted me into eating pretty much everything w/bananas. As a surprise for my brother i took him to Pambiche to eat Cuban food and he enjoyed himself a lot. We both like the setting and the ambiance there, it made it feel very Cubanish with the background music and colors. We ordered several of their dishes and the best part that even though they don't have bananas for you, they definitely have avocado for you to eat it with...so delicious! They make the best sangrias! The only con about the food is that the portions are small so you constantly have to order appetitizers or another entree to fill you up. It would be nice to not have to spend so much just to get full, but at least the food is delicious!
(4)
Christian P.

I am half cuban. Does this make me an aficionado in Cuban cuisine? A little bit, yeah. So I went here with some good friends from out of town for the first time. I always wanted to check this place out. El pescado con pan es esquesito (exquisite). The decor and service (they're always busy) is great.
(5)
Michael E.

I've been here a couple times. I don't know anything about Cuban food, but this place is pretty good. My only complaint would be that the prices are high compared to serving sizes. I don't mind eating small portions, I just don't want to pay a premium for them.
(3)
jim t.

Let's be honest. I feel cool going to Pambiche. It's a street cred thing. I know NOTHING about Cuban food so I leave it up to the wait staff for direction. I would NEVER order anything remotely sounding like Ox tail. However, upon a blind recommendation from my server (I did say, "surprise me"), I must confess - it was GREAT! I have always enjoyed my meals there and need to get by for a brunch..
(4)
Tinna H.

I could not for the life of me remember the name of this place. And then it came back to me all at once. I had tried to create some sort of method to trigger the memory of the name of this place. What did I come up with? "Pam is a b*tch!" Yes, folks, that is how I remember the name of this place. I'm sure the pronunciation is something completely different, but if it helps me remember the place to review it, then I will use whatever means necessary! I ordered a dish which translated into "Old Clothing." It sure did not taste old nor like clothing. It was DELICIOUS! We must have been starving though because our large dishes disappeared in a flash. Michelle ordered the snapper in chile verde - looked so delicious, but I had my own plate to finish! Prior to our meals arriving and filling our tummies, we played musical chairs for a bit. It was too warm under the heat lamps and then too cold by the street. We finally settled for the heat lamped tables - our bodies angled away to avoid giving ourselves horrible burns. I'd definitely love to check this place out again. Perhaps when it will be warmer, and sitting outside would be fantastic then. They have a happy hour special that looks not to be missed! PS: Don't get the flan.
(4)
Matthew S.

First time here and realized all other reviewers are spot on. V friendly service, wonderful food, great cocktails. Not 5 stars as there was queue and I think it could have gone quicker BUT a price worth paying. Heartily recommend this place.
(4)
Samantha O.

Well, my boyfriend and I came here on a weekend afternoon hoping to try a plato or two. I was hoping to see how it measured up to my family cooking. See, my father's side of the family is Cuban and I've been lucky enough to grow up and have my abuela and mother (who was taught all the tricks by my abuela) cooking all sorts of yumminess for me. My sister and I also do a bit of Cuban cooking, but we're more Vegan/Veggie friendly when we do it! No ham hocks here! Now, I didn't come here with the expectations to be blown away. My dad had been here before and told me it's not exactly really "authentic" Cuban. I've also heard it from other Cuban friends that live up here; it's more a mix of different Caribbean style and Cuban food . And I'll agree, there are lots of things on the menu that you would never find in a Cuban kitchen or restaurant in Miami. But aside from the tostones being a bit dry and lacking in salt, everything was ok. I was disappointed we were limited to ordering either breakfast or sandwiches at the time we dined. They only serve from those menus on weekends until 2pm. Meaning no platos for me. I wound up ordering the Elena Ruz sandwich and a papas con queso empanada to split with my boyfriend. I would give them another star alone for having Ironbeer on the Menu, but it's kind of spendy being $2 for a 12 oz can. It looks like they've got a pretty good Happy Hour menu, and the brightly colored building would be enough to cheer up anyone suffering from SAD. It might not be what I've known growing up, but I think it's worth a trip when I've got a craving and not necessarily in the mood to stretch my tiny kitchen beyond it's limits for some garbanzo frito or arroz amarillo.
(3)
Klaus O.

I only went there a couple of times on Sunday mornings for breakfast. If you come in early when they open you get the early bird special a free bread basket which is a basket with their baked goods. I chose the vegetarian tortillas which are so humangous that they are expected to share and was very pleased with my meals. The coffee they serve is outstanding as well. I don't think you can get a better bang for your buck anywhere here on a breakfast in town if you are looking for it.
(4)
T V.

Let's preface this by saying that I'm not a connoisseur of Cuban food and acknowledge that everyone I know who loves Cuban food loves this place. The desserts were really good. It gets a little expensive, but a 3 course meal and drinks at Pambiche is definitely worth it. The best time to come is for their happy hour. They have plates that are about the same as their entrees but slightly smaller and waay cheaper. I cannot say enough about their happy hour! The other awesome thing about Pambiche is their service. The servers are always nice and attentive, without hovering you. And despite being a very busy place, they don't rush you. There is usually a wait though, but you can order some drinks while perusing the menus. Parking sucks, to be frank. And when it's cold out, waiting is so not fun. But once you're inside (or outside with heatlamps over the tables) it's a fun and lively little place.
(4)
Tom A.

This will be the 140th review of Pambiche, so why bother? Only because with every visit to this garish mecca of cusina Cubano something new delights me. Last night it was Camarones Enchilados, perfectly sauteed prawns, served in a rich red creole sauce, with a refreshing sangria or two to wash it down. Beyond the food and beverages, there is a sense here that something special is going down. Ms A. and the stepdude and I had a fun meal out in the warm air and everything we tasted was phenomenal. Sure, a warm evening in May is special in Portland anyway, and we waited a little longer for a table so we could dine al fresco, but the smiles on the faces of the servers and customers alike and the festive CaÃ±a Son music floating through the evening air made it seem like a fiesta was underway on this little corner in NE Pdx. Recently i had an amazing and generous breakfast of Tortiilla la Romana, a vast disc of fluffy eggs, filled with, among other things, bacon and shrimp, topped with fresh sliced avocado. Are you listening? I said bacon AND shrimp AND avocado... and as good as that sounds - it was better than that. And provided two full meals, to boot! On a chilly February night some years ago, Ms A. and I had our very first date at Pambiche, sitting at an outside table, the gas brazier rippling with blue flames overhead. And like the woman herself, I think Pambiche has only improved.
(4)
Sam K.

I really, really enjoy Pambiche, and have for several years now. The food is great and the physical appearance definitely takes you away from Portland, if just for a short while. Everything I have tried is good, but I really enjoy the basics: tostones (fried plantains), black beans and rice and their cabbage salad. Also, they have a pretty amazing selection of Caribbean desserts.
(4)
Jesse B.

Oh my! Everything was so delicious! I came here a little over a month ago, but I just stopped in to shout in all caps "ORDER A PIÃ‘OSA!"
(5)
Don B.

This food is downright delicious, and dining here is an escapist treat for me. Breakfast (aside from the Portland streetside location) takes me back to eating breakfast at a little open-air joint in a Latin-influenced spot on the Caribbean. Fried plantains, sugar cane, lime, cilantro, and similar flavors dominate the menu. Desserts like Tres Leches cake beam from the dessert case, a litany of small plates calls to you for happy your fun. Cuban music lilts from the speakers. And friendly staff take care of your orders with much haste. Every meal I have enjoyed at Pambiche, whether breakfast or dinner, has been fantastic. Creative and complex flavors adorn each dish. The food is cooked with skill. I have no idea whether it's the most authentic Cuban food in Portland, but having eaten in and around the Caribbean and all over the world, I can say without a doubt that the food is delicious and has that great tangy, spicy zing that comes along with sub-tropical cuisine. I dig it. The empanadas are tasty, the chicken dish with a cilantro lime sauce is fantastic, and, well, I've been a fan of everything I have tried. The only downside is that the place is tiny and often can be packed. That's the main reason I don't drop in more often, because the food and drinks are top notch. Plus, the happy hour is a great deal. Definitely worth a try.
(4)
Kendra P.

My husband took me here on our first date and we make it a priority to come whenever we can. Sharing a steaming bowl of oxtail soup is just about as romantic as it gets for us. The plantains- ah the plantains- I still haven't figured how to get them to cook like this at home! Your visit would not be complete without a plate. The wait, not much of a fan. I wish they would kick out the laundromat next door for some more table space (sorry, I know it is awesome with big machines and conveniently located- but my appetite has more authority than my dirty clothes). It is great to have a fantastic, authentic Cuban place in town.
(4)
Laura P.

BEST. CUBAN. FOOD. EVER. Service was pretty crappy - they had a long wait - meanwhile 10 tables sat open, but they wouldn't seat anyone there. They got orders mixed up, got groups mixed up, waitresses acted like it was their first day on the job (it wasn't). But the food was pretty amazing. We were also happy with our drinks, desserts, and waitress' recommendations. Large portions.
(5)
Jessica L.

Mmmm, fried cow. I'm no expert when it come to Cuban food, but I know what's good- and let me tell you, this place is good. Let's start with the building: Great colors inside and out, fun atmosphere, teeny tiny space. We showed up at 5:30 and got seated immediately (we were a group of six), which was awesome. Less than ten minutes after we were seated, there was a line out the door. When it comes to this place, you either come early or come expecting to wait awhile, so plan accordingly. Pinyosa= pineapple juice and champagne. I'm not a big drinker (I can enjoy a meal fully without alcohol in front of me), but some days are just "I need a drink" days and this was one of them. Pambiche delivered beautifully. The flavors complimented each other nicely, and the booze helped me settle happily into the meal and environment. Fair warning: pour the champagne into the pineapple juice SLOWLY. Let me repeat that: SLOW POURING, PEOPLE!!! The champagne will fizz like crazy and enthusiastically vacate the confines of its glass prison if you pour too quickly. Trust me, I speak from experience. The Ensalada de Aguacate is worth skipping the rest of your meal for- I could have happily eaten 5 or 6 of these and had no regrets whatsoever. Giant avocado chunks with diced red onion in a citrus vinaigrette dressing....love at first bite. Do yourself a favor and order this salad, then make a point of not sharing with anyone. I enjoyed my Vacas Fritas (literally: Fried Cow) very much. Tender shredded beef cooked with a citrus sauce and served with beans (your choice of black or red), rice and fried plantains. Delicious, tangy, and oh so filling. My boyfriend had the Camarones Enchilados and absolutely loved the mildly spiced shrimp in their Cuban tomato creole sauce. Many other dishes were ordered around the table (Plato Cubano and Lengua en salsa among them, both delicious) and everyone was delighted with their meal. For dessert we shared a "Lime in the Coconut" cake which was supremely lime-y and very good, along with a guava empanada (not my favorite) and some chocolatey situation that had an edible domino on top which was great too. A final tip: order the coconut soda. It's unexpectedly tastetastic and not to be missed.
(4)
John M.

Excellent veg food... when we told them that we were vegetarians, the waitress told us that sometimes the oil is used to fry meat items... I like that they are thoughtful and considerate. We had char-grilled fritters and crustini-avocado, both were great and sufficient in quantity. The food was cooked well. The accompanying banana sauce was too good (they sell bottles of it, they didn't have stock to sell). They said the recipe is a trade secret - how cool is that ?? :P The dinner was complete with a cuban cigar --- a chocolate cuban cigar with coconut flakes for ash and some strawberry sauce, all A-perfect. Will come back again for more !!
(5)
Ben S.

I'm surprised I've never reviewed this place. Authentic Cuban food. It's all really good. I've tried almost everything on the menu by now and nothing has disappointed. Pollo criollo, ropa vieja, the plato cubano of adobo pork, the tostones, yucas fritas, lengua en salsa... all good. And the dessert case is beautiful, and I'd enjoy it all if I wasn't a lactard. Good service, too. One day I'll make it to brunch.
(4)
Amy B.

The only reason I did not give this place 5 stars is the amount of wait time. The food comes fast once you finally get in to order, but several times I have waited over an hour just to get a table because they are that busy. The food is so good!
(4)
Nina E.

Authentic Cuban food! The oxtail dish was delicious! Mouth watering flavorful and savory. Paired with a nice crista pilsner on a hot spring day, you couldn't ask for anything more. The Plato Cubano was really good too. Not a fan of beets but it was delicious.
(5)
Jennifer W.

This might be the start of one of many good food adventures that i'm looking forward to. Great food and dessert selections. I haven't tried the desserts yet but this would be a great place to visit just for the dessert/bakeries. Maybe a girl's night out is on the horizon really soon :) I came here with 2 friends and we started out with primera vuelta (a sampler of empanadas, croquettes, and frituras). I got myself a cuban beef hash and egg for my breakfast. Excellent! I love the dish. My friend got a cuban sandwich and I forgot what the other one got (combination of 2 eggs, banana hash, croquettes and rice and beans). I'll be back soon for the desserts and trying out different food on their menu.
(4)
Ariel E.

It's difficult for me to have many nice to things to say about Pambiche since I am a daughter of Cuban-born parents. I know many people enjoy the food, but for me it was mediocre. Overall the dishes fell short of authenticity, and were disappointing. I found the rock-hard tostones particularly disappointing as they were not fried to order, and were not served with the obligatory mojo criollo. The friojoles were a far cry from what I would deem to be Cuban black beans. One thing which I do thank Pambiche for is my beverage. They offer a little-known carbonated drink called Materva, which is very common in traditional Cuban restaurants. Like I said I am biased, but if you are searching for authentic Cuban food this is not the place. My gold standard is Versailles in Miami, where the food only comes second to my grandmother's.
(3)
Jennifer W.

three words: HEARTY and PULPY CILANTRO It was a rainy day so it made for quite the trek here, so had to make this trip worth it, meaning eating until we could eat no more. We started out with the codfish croquettes and a beef empanada. Both were good, but it was nothing amazing. Still, we were off to a good start. I even got the Iron Beer soda which I'm glad I tried even though I was full of liquids. As for the main dish, I had the grilled red snapper and my friend had the pulled beef. The red snapper was nicely pink. The pulled beef was pretty tender too, but the downfall was the overload of uncooked herbs! We should have known they used an excessive amount of parsley as garnishes on the appetizers, but now it was overpowering my entire dish! The salsa verde that came with my fish was dominated by the pulpy cilantro, but my red snapper was too dry to eat by itself without any sauce. We followed up with a dessert, which we picked from an entire spread. However, many of the desserts were unavailable so we ended up with the bread pudding, which made for a nice finish. In hindsight, I regret not ordering a hot cocoa, mocha, or spiced banana shake, but I probably wouldn't have been able to finish it anyway. I also wish I hadn't ordered something with their salsa verde and I wish I had the grilled shrimp with jambalaya instead. I do like the festive decor and bright colors of this restaurant. We were seated outside, which was freezing had there been no heat lamp. Try to get a table right under them if you are eating outside! The wait is long on a busy day, but it's worth the experience.
(3)
Janice F.

Got here at about 9 pm on a Saturday and waited in line for probably about 20 minutes. Which was fine, as this was my second meal for the evening. But I was too full to order much, so I only tried the jamon croquettes - ham and herbs, it was sort of citric - really different from what I was expecting. They were out of the Tres Leches and none of the other desserts really appealed to me, but I wouldn't mind swinging by here again to try out their offerings. I did try their pineapple soda, which came with a slice of lime. Without the lime, the soda is good on its own and gives you a pineapple Jell-o flashback taste. With the lime, it's surprisingly even better - makes the soda less sweet, who knew?
(3)
Kris H.

I've had alot of great luck with my gastronomic adventures in the PDX with the help of Yelp. However, I was quite disappointed with my experience at Pambiche. It looked really hip and happenin' on a nice summer day in the PDX. It had a nice vibe with an eclectic crowd. The wait was not too long. I loved the seating in the patio area where you can watch people meander. The EPIC disappointment came when I tried to cut into the fried plantanes and I couldn't because they were hard as rocks. The rice and beans were a bit dry for my taste. My fish was really really bland even though it was cooked with coconut sauce. It was odd to see a bottle of lumpia sauce on the table at a Cuban place. Maybe I've been spoiled by really good Cuban eateries in CA and NYC, but the flavors just didn't jive at Pambiche. Bottomline, good sangria but bland, mediocre food.
(2)
sarah y.

stumbled upon this place while craving unique brunch food one sunday. you wonder how you could have ever simply driven past a place this wonderfully colorful. the latte i ordered was HUGE and rich in flavor. but the really memorable part of my meal was the main course -- omg. in my world, avocado makes anything taste better; but avocado topping the cuban hash and eggs with a side of fried plantains... i'm salivating while reminiscing.
(5)
Stephanie D.

We were really looking forward to taking my dad here for his birthday, as he was visiting from out of town and we had heard great things about Pambiche. Unfortunately we never had the chance to truly experience it, as it seems a party of five people is incredibly difficult to seat here, even on a Monday night. The woman who was serving dual duty a hostess and server never informed us of such, never apologized for our HOUR-LONG WAIT, and seemed to indicate it was our fault for being five people instead of a much easier-to-facilitate number of four. We were patient and enjoyed catching up outdoors on a nice summer evening, but after being told with no sense of empathy that our wait would continue for another 20 minutes at least, we left in disgust. Many people that arrived after us had already finished their meals by the time we left. I'd love to try Pambiche someday, but am too put off by the lack of service and consideration we received last night. Another restaurant in the neighborhood welcomed us as customers instead, and we tipped them gratefully and gratuitously.
(1)
Matthew N.

Great breakfast choice (if you like latin food) as there is generally less of a line here. We love the platanos and soy Chorizo that comes with many of the plates, cafe con leche is amazing too! Visited for dinner a few times and I am impressed with the quality and rich flavors in each dish. Its tight inside but if its nice out you can sit outside under heat lamps, cozy.
(4)
Tony S.

Get the happy hour appetizers with as a couple or in a group. It let me try a little but of everything and it was all amazing. A little over priced but it was a nice dinner.
(4)
Derya A.

I love Pambiche. I crave it, oh, weekly. The music, food, drinks, and service are top-notch. The avocado salad is to die for and is a staple when I go there, as well as the plantains. I always say I'm going to try something new there but I can't help but order my favorites over and over again. The sangria is pretty good and the tres leches is amazing.
(5)
Mark B.

Great spices and flavor. Go for one if the signature dishes
(4)
Megan C.

Love, love, love Pambiche! I don't think I've ever tasted anything here that I didn't like. Great for brunch, lunch, dinner or late night drinks and desserts. Personal favorites are the camarones al ajillo with their awesome avocado salad and selva negra for dessert.
(5)
Annie M.

Pambiche's food and drinks are outstanding. It's small and crowded during peak hours, but well worth the wait. The sandwiches are tasty, the plantains are okay, the beef tongue is definitely my favorite. The ambiance is warm, colorful and inviting. I'd give it five stars, but I always feel too full afterwards.
(4)
Alyssa A.

It's hard to write a review about a place that does so many things so well. Do I focus on how delicious their lunch and dinner menu is? I don't want to give short shrift to breakfast though. And how about their catering services? Guess I"ll just have to comment on all of it. Lunch/Dinner: There is nowhere else in Portland that you'll find these incredible, authentic and affordable Cuban entrees. The list of options is overwhelming and the amount of food you get for your dollar is awesome. Breakfast: Hands down one of the best deals in the city!! If you eat between 7-8am they offer a 2 for 1 on their breakfast entrees. I just had breakfast with a friend which included french toast (not very Cuban but still very good), the Cuban continental (full basket of yummy pastries and mocha), plus a latte and a side of tropical fruit for $10. Yes, that's right. Plus, the restaurant is pretty much empty on a week-day morning at 7am. Making it a great place to have a quiet conversation with a friend over food. Atmosphere: They score lots of points here as well. It's like walking into another world when you dine here. The walls are brightly painted and the decor helps you imagine that rather than suffering through another rainy PDX day, you might just be on a Caribbean island. Catering: I used Pambiche for an office event where I wanted to feed between 30-45 people. After hunting all over town for some place that wouldn't require me to drop $500 on a minimum order, I landed here. We ordered empanadas (3 different kinds), croquetas and frituras as well as the Ensalada de Aguate and enough pan frito to feed a small nation. All for the tune of less than $300.
(5)
Stephanie J.

4.5 stars in my book. Almost 5 stars... The reason I give them 4.5 stars is because I dunno... Have anyone have cuban food before? Is all their food that light in taste? Or maybe my personal perferrence.. I thought all the food we ordered need it little bit more salt. But I gotta love the place. It's so pretty... The building is very colorful and get this very artistic vibe... Very much Cuban! I went w the yelpers perferrence and ordered tostones, Plato cubano and two other dishes from the lunch menu...o and a milkshake. They gave us juran(the banana sauce that look like catsup) and this salsa looking sauce. Man... that salsa suace was great. That is what I added to my plato cubano to make it more favorful. Love it!! It was my first time having a tostones... Very interesting...unlike the fried banana dessert Viet and filipino ppl have... Their is not sweet... I think it's because it's plantain. This is something I can skip... I am really a fired banana type of person. But I can tell y ppp like it so much... It's probably very authentic. Its condense and not greasy... So u make feel guilty keep eating it. Overall everyone has enjoy their dishes. Very good=) for all that much food... It a very reason price. Awesome!!! I am going to miss this cute little place.
(4)
Kristina R.

Sooooo good. I could drink the Cuban Mochas everyday, for the rest of my life. The empanadas are awesome, and the happy hour prices are great, for a cheap date.
(5)
monique r.

Great Cuban food and ambiance. My husband who is the most picky eater loves this place. Also their mojitos are to die for!
(4)
T. E. H.

Celebrated my oldest son's 26th birthday here on Saturday. Could not believe this wonderful restaurant has been around from 12 years and I had not visited. Absolutely fantastic food enjoyed by the 6 of us. Beautifully prepared Cuban food...generous portions, outstanding service and a very festive atmosphere. Not a single complaint from our somewhat particular group of discerning diners! They do not take reservations so on weekend nights it is a good idea to get there early. We waited about 20 minutes but sipped favorite beverages including some authentic Cuban/rum type drinks. Would go back in a heartbeat!
(5)
Emily W.

One word: Amazing! I would definitely recommend dinner over lunch. I think the plates with the rice and plantains are much more authentic compared to the sandwiches. One of the best meals I have had in Portland thus far. Can't wait to go back and try some desserts!
(5)
Melissa H.

This is my favorite restaurant in Portland. Great breakfast, lunch and dinner! drinks are amazing, and so are the desserts. Great happy hour too! Don't miss it!
(5)
Mike S.

My only gripe is the amount of space; it appears the main room can cram 20-25 people inside and perhaps another 15-20 outside. I will admit though, the tight quarters adds to the charm and my enjoyment of the place. It's very colorful and warm during a rainy, cold PDX day. Locals may have done laundry next door a few times as well so you may enjoy a hot beverage or snack while waiting! I have stopped in for a tasty Oaxacan mocha and various empanadas. I have also enjoyed a tasty pulled pork sandwich from these folks. Their food is well-made and beautifully presented.
(4)
Justin E.

This place is quite small, you will probably have to wait to be seated. It is a unique dining expierance, a very colorful and fun restruant. Very loud and crowded, not good for large groups or a date. The food is good though, the menu is quite extensive and i have only been here once. I would like to try it a few more times and compare a few diffrent items. Their desserts are authentic and tasty, if you are looking for something that is not mexican a little more authentic to cuban this is the place to go. Good Food, Small but Colorful Venue, Crowded
(5)
Sylvia C.

I think Pambiche and I need to start over. The two times I've been here, what I've ended up with has been not good, but not bad, either. The best thing about my meal tonight was my mojito :-/ I feel like I may be shooting myself in the foot though. I haven't ordered a plato yet, just drinks and appetizers both times. The appetizers the frituras and croquetas) were both so-so, and the salad I got was pretty much just a big heap of soggy cabbage. I think I'm missing out on not getting an entree, because the Man has gotten a plato each time and been very happy with his choice. The service is great though, and the decor and music are also good. Third time may be the charm for me this time.
(3)
Ricky M.

Pambiche is good, flavors didn't explode in my mouth as I expected, but still good. We sat inside on a rainy evening. I never realized how small this place was on the inside. I would definitely rather eat here on a warm summer evening. The best part about this place are the desserts, they are excellent.
(3)
Susan B.

Went to Pambiche for the first time yesterday, after a woman at the Chinese Gardens recommended it. Was easy to find, though parking was limited to around the block. The servers were all friendly and super busy keeping up with customer orders. Our order was taken in a timely manner and food came out hot and fresh. The food was very flavorful and well cooked. The sauces they provided on our table were a great addition to the complexity of the flavor. The 4 of us each ordered different plates but were equally satisfied. Their Dessert case was full of fresh, vibrant items. We all ordered dessert and were blown away at the favors. Will be going back to Pambiche!
(5)
Jennifer R.

I've hesitated to post a review for this place, simply because there are already so many. But Pambiche continues to be one of my favorite restaurants, so I wanted to give it the recognition it deserves. The service is friendly, the food is consistently delicious (try the ajiaco and the oxtail on fire), and the restaurant could not be more charming. It's a little too close for comfort, and you're always bumping into folks on your way to the bathroom, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
(5)
Liang L.

live the colorful world and cuban cousine goodness. This is a summer must have for me. Sit outside with friends order a whole table of different dishes and plentiful of thirst quenching beverages. the summer breeze makes everything seem soo good. Even the music in the joint makes me happy tho. It's like a mini vacation i suppose.
(5)
Gary H.

I was visiting Portland from the Hampton Roads, VA area (we have a lot of Latin American restaurants) and was surprised to find that Portland didn't have that great of a selection of Latin American restaurants that aren't Mexican. Nothing against Mexican food at all, in fact, I love Mexican food! However, the rest of Latin America does it a little different. When I heard of Pambiche, I was immediately drawn to it and definitely wanted to give it a shot to see if it is the real deal. I arrived at about 6:30 on a Friday evening. To say the place was busy would be an understatement. The indoor seating area itself isn't very large to begin with--but cram a line of hungry people waiting in line to get a table in to their even smaller waiting area and you've got an ordeal. I wasn't expecting to get a table very quickly, so I huddled up in the cold outside at one of their outdoor tables with my name on the list (for 6 people). One of the people that worked there was kind enough to come outside and fire up one of their gas heaters that are strewn about the outdoor seating area for evenings such as this one. My wait ended up being about 40 minutes. We (myself, my Panamanian girlfriend, my Columbian friend, her Columbian husband, and their two kids). I was excited to see what the people who grew up on this Latin American food thought about this food. Turns out, Pambiche delivers. The food was excellent (I got the Miami version of the Cuban Sandwich) and I think everyone at the table loved it. My girlfriend found the food to be very authentic and enjoyed it just as I did. Definitely check this place out for authentic Cuban food in Portland.
(4)
Katie W.

I had really been looking forward to coming here for a while. I really love Cuban food, but sadly, my favorite Cuban place is 1000 miles away, in Los Angeles. One of my friends pointed me in Pambiche's direction, and so I finally got a chance to check it out. The first thing I noticed is that the prices seemed a bit steep. $8 for a small plate of maduros is really quite unacceptable, I've never paid more than $4. On top of that, they were overcooked, which was quite tragic. The ropa vieja had a good texture to it, but the flavor wasn't quite right. There wasn't enough sauce, and the little bit of sauce that it did have was kind of watery. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't very good either. The beans and rice were a-okay, but honestly, you have to go out of your way to not do black beans and white rice well. All in all, the meal was pretty mediocre and overpriced - I'd have been a lot happier if my meal came out to $10 less for the quality. The ambiance was nice though, and the heaters over the outdoor seating kept me nice and cozy. The service was a little lackluster. We weren't ignored, but out waitress didn't really seem interested in making sure we were all set. It seems like it'd be a decent lunch option if you're in the area, but I won't be returning for dinner.
(2)
Michael H.

My partner and I went to this restauarant to try something new and I was very amazed at the experience. First off we were seated quickly and brough drinks and menus. Looking through the menu I felt that the prices were a bit high but we happened to arrive during happy hour and there was some great chicken and pork dishes that really were yummy. The wait staff was excellent and very professional and not too bothersome but just right ...
(4)
MrMeowgi I.

I love this place! I had a chicken dish that just fell off the bone into the most amazing sauce ever! Paired with the rice and beans it was an excellent meal!
(5)
Alfredo M.

Stumbled across Pambiche one night exploring NE PDX and had an awesome dinner. I haven't had too much experience with Cuban food aside from the occasional sandwich and moros y christianos, but my girlfriend and I loved our meals here. You can look up the menu specifics, but there were a lot of options and it was hard to choose one. We both had variations of slow cooked beef and were very pleased with how well the dishes were cooked and flavored. The service was excellent too despite a pretty good crowd of diners. More than the cuisine though, the place had a great vibe and energy. The Cuban music, the bright tropical decor of the interior and exterior of the building, the people coming to eat or just passing by on the streets - this was a fun, lively dining experience. Definitely will come back again!
(4)
Martijn S.

Found this place through Yelp after looking for a brewery - all of them were closed on Jan 1st - so a latin restaurant it was. I'm not latin myself, but went here with my wife and her brother who are both from Brazil and Argentina, and they know good latin - and Cuban - food when they taste it. Well, 5 stars from them as well it is! This is such a nice homey gem hidden in the outskirts (I think?) of Portland. The deep friend Yuca(sp?) was - and I quote - prepared to perfection. We ate way too much food here - 4pm lunch - and didn't end up having dinner. There are so many good food places here in Portland, makes me sad about Vancouver (Canada).
(5)
Brian S.

Only the trimmings of Castro's beard onto my sandwich would have made this meal any more Cubany (yes, I said Cubany). We come to Pambiche for breakfast and lunch, but usually in good weather given the limited seating. The vibrancy of the interior is bested only by the colors of the exterior: it's as if Richard Simmons was given a magic paintbrush and told to "go crazy!" The prices are fair and the staff is super friendly. You could wait until US/Cuban relations improve to the point of travelling to Havanna for your brunch, or just go to Pambiche. Besides, once we get our mitts on that country it will all be Starbucks.
(4)
Lily S.

Arroz con Pollo - yummmm Pambiche is a tiny, tucked away, hole-in-the-wall (sorta) Cuban joint down the street from my former 'hood in P-town. MAN ALIVE. I wish Seattle had a place like this b/c their food is damn good. The service, on the other hand, not so good, but that won't stop me from going again when I'm in town.
(4)
Laura W.

We came to Pambiche late and arrived happily at Happy Hour where we ate really delightful food served with bright flavors and nice drinks. I loved the Frituras, the beans and rice, the beet salad and whatever my husband got.... maybe the vaca frita. It was all good. The only slight disapointment was the platanos (plantains), which is a food I adore. In this case they come deep fried and a little hard and tasteless vs the way I learned to enjoy them in Puerto Rico. There they are pan fried, taken out and smashed a bit and then pan fried again to leave them with a crunch and some softness inside. The salads were just delightful, the service was great and the Sangria enjoyable. I will return for sure. We got sooo much food at such a great price, making it worth the small wait.
(4)
Corinna K.

A friend and I drove down to Portland the other day to catch a show at the Wonder Ballroom and found ourselves with a surfeit of both time and hunger, so scanning the options in that general quadrant led us to Pambiche. And not a moment too soon, since pretty much as soon as we got there it started pouring and thundering like Portland had somehow personally offended the sky. Never mind, though, because their outdoor seating is covered and the overhead heaters kept us toasty throughout the meal! We started off with a round of cocktails, me opting for the canchÃ¡nchara since I have a minor infatuation with cachaÃ§a (/aguardiente). It came in short order, a nice blend of honey sweetness and tart with lime, stung with liquor and garnished with a chunk of sugar cane. Nice touch. Then it was just a matter of ordering the vaca frita with maduros and moros y cristianos and waiting. Hungrily. Luckily the food arrived quickly; I needed a moment just to take in the plate. A huge heaping tangle of shredded and grilled beef with onions, a mound of moros y cristianos fat with ham, four generous and golden brown maduros, a delicate nest of lightly pickled red cabbage. Heaven. Everything tasted exactly as good as it looked, especially with a couple splashes of the house chipotle hot sauce thrown in for kicks. And I was not able to finish my plate. That is an extremely rare occurrence, especially with food as delicious as theirs. But I was not willing to roll myself to the venue and fall into a food-induced narcoleptic fit, so unfortunately the leftovers had to stay on the plate. And as I sit here, starving, at my work desk, I wish those leftovers were in my mouth right now.
(4)
Heather S.

I have to say that I have been looking for a good Cuban Restaurant and what I found was a GREAT one.. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu here... The atmosphere is friendly and cozy.. The service was perfect! The coffee is to die for... This place is a "must", you will love it..
(5)
Jesse B.

Started my Sunday lunch with a mango milkshake. Ordered the sandwich cubano, had to look up croquetas de jamon and decided not to add that, despite the yummyness of fried fritter. Sandwich was cheezy hammy goodness, with a nice bit of spicy kick added from one of the sauces on the table.
(5)
Jonathan L.

Excellent Cuban food on the left coast! Pembiche produces flavorful Cuban standards. The food is well seasoned with a nod toward helthy choices (option for brown rice). A minimum of fried food, the ox-tail and ropa vieja were excellent.
(5)
Nick M.

We went for breakfast on a Saturday morning at peak brunching-hour, expecting it to be crazily busy, but were pleasantly surprised. We'd heard great things about the breads, but, while the breads were a good starter, it was the omelets that will bring us back here. Really outstanding. The coffee was good, and the service was ok, and, while the decor inside is fun, the place does have a bit of a cramped vibe - the outdoor seating saves it (at least in clement weather). I do have to say though that they don't seem to have got the memo from Al Gore yet - using those ridiculous outdoor planetary heaters to try to simulate a Caribbean climate in Portland.
(4)
Moos B.

I've been coming here for about 5 years now and am still absolutely in love!! Breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and happy hour are all amazing!
(5)
Andy S.

"What is a Cuban restaurant doing in the middle of Oregon?" With it's brightly colorful facade on a Victorian building, Pambiche had mostly non-Hispanic clientele coming in and out, one after the other. Apparently a hip spot in Portland, I was about to get an authentic taste of home! For starters, in my opinion, there is nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day than sangria. The sangria at Pambiche had the consistency of a smoothie with oranges, lemons and strawberries adding flavor and color to the dark wine. If I didn't have a show, just hours later, I probably would have had two more! The croquettas were excellent! They were longer and thinner than I'm used to and definitely creamier, with fresh herbs and ham pieces, giving them a deliciously rich smoothness and taste. I love that they make their own unlike most restaurants that serve frozen, mass produced croquettas that all taste the same. Now, don't get me wrong, there are some frozen brands like "Caserita." Those are so good, you don't even care that they're frozen! Just thinking of them makes me salivate....mmmm.....so good! Cuban corn fritters...we had them every so often growing up, usually on special occasions. I would be so excited that I'd wait right by the pappy fryer so I could I watch my grandfather make them. If I was lucky he would let me sprinkle the sugar on top of them when they were done. These were crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. In every bite you'd find sweet nibbles of plump corn scattered throughout with hints of anis seed. Absolutely satisfying! Arroz con Pollo! Ropa Vieja! What am I to order? Both? Yes, maybe... to share. I felt like I had to take advantage of this opportunity! So much food for such a great price! Even though the arroz con pollo was a bit intimidating in its presentation, it resembled a Cuban "comparza" or street festival with all the color and unnecessary garnishes it came with, it was still quite good. However, I am very critical of other people's arroz con pollo...see, no one has ever been able to out do my mom's, and that is the recipe I live by! On the other hand, the ropa vieja was excellent...shredded to perfection with the best of company, white rice and black beans. I almost forget that I'm on the other side of the US in the middle of the mountains! If I close my eyes, I'm home....but to make it really authentic I'd have to hear the blaring sound of over exaggerated drama from my mom's telenovela coming from the living room. And finally, really bringing it home, moist and creamy Tres Leches! My favorite, when it's done right, which it was! Oh, my homesickness, was cured. Mission accomplished!
(4)
myrtle m.

I have only been here for the happy hour and it is amazing!! I was expecting very small plates since it was happy hour, but i was pleasantly surprised by large (for happy hour) plates. The food it spectacular and the service is great too. One of my favorite dishes is the lengua en salsa which melts in your mouth and the milkshakes are a must try as well!!! When me and my husband go for happy hour we walk out stuffed and only spending about $25, it doesn't get much better than that!
(5)
Eva B.

I love Pambiche! The food is rich with flavor and texture, from the sangria to the Ropa Vieja to the chocolate cigar. By far, this is one of my most favorite restaurants in the city. I always bring out of town guests here. Best part: the happy hour menu!
(5)
Singto K.

Pambiche tastes almost as good as all the pictures posted on Yelp looks! I wanted to expand my culinary intake and step outside my usual go to spots in Portland. Never ate at a Cuban joint before and the only semblance of the cuisine I've ever had were "Paseo's" interpretations of the sandwiches. Sitting down, I told myself I am going abstain from ordering a Cuban sandwich and try something more homely and authentic, their menu is quite extensive. I had to cross reference the items on the menu with the pictures posted on Yelp to narrow down my choice. I finally settled on a beef empanada and Ropa Vieja, both were solid choices, the empanada had a good crust and was generously filled. The Ropa Vieja looked spectacular, but was lukewarm at best which kinda took away from the meal. The meat was very tender, it wasn't all that flavorful though, there was steam water, or condensation dripping on the plate, which taste like nothing. The red beans and rice, veggies, peas, and crusty bread rounded out the meal. Overall, I enjoyed dinning here, the atmosphere was lively, the service was solid, and the food was good.
(4)
Loan L.

*****THE FIFTH STAR IS FOR DESSERTS***** I feel that so often you go somewhere with great dinner, and mediocre desserts. Or that I only go to certain places for dessert. For me, Pambiche has it all. Sexy Cuban food with soulful desserts to end it all. I've had a lot of great things here notably beef empanadas, avocado salad, yucca fries, and camarones ajillo(sp?) There's something about an avocado, rich, silky, creamy goodness that mother nature has gifted unto us. Add in a sour orange vinaigrette and eating healthy never felt so good. I'm a sucker for fried things. Equally I'm a sucker for stuffed things. Then you have an empanada. Crispy tender dough, enveloping a variety of savory fillings have me wanting to have one in each hand and alternating bites. The beef one was my favorite, and where the potato and cheese one was good, the smell of cheese was somewhat overwhelming. I would take yucca fries with my burger over french fries any day. 'nuff said. So crunchy on the outside with an almost creamy interior that you wouldn't think to be possible with yucca. All the entrees I've had have been great. But the shrimp ajillo stands out. call it preference. Brunch there has also been great. I had a dish with beef, and spanish pimento stuffed olives over white rice. I never thought I would enjoy those olives anywhere other than my martinis, but alas, proven wrong. Thank you Pambiche On to Dessert. Ahhhh tres leches cake. I always thought one milk was enough but apparently I was wrong. I could be filled to the gills and still be able to devour an entire piece by myself. I love the trace amounts of dried coconuts in the frosting also, it gives that moist cake a bit of bite texture wise that it needs. All along having refreshing cocktails, and a coffee drink to finish it off and you might as well roll me out the door.
(5)
Colin L.

Very good Cuban cuisine, smaller establishment, with outside seating and heaters.
(4)
Forrest S.

Pambiche was my introduction to Cuban food that has left me wondering "Why the hell aren't there more Cuban places around?". I can't speak for the breakfast, but if dinner was any indicator, I'm sure that the breakfast here is amazing as well. The atmosphere is very warm and inviting in spite of the tight space, and the Latin music really adds to the mood to help you forget you are in the city of eternal rain. Most importantly, the food is fantastic. Unable to decide what to get, there was a lot of sharing at our table so I sampled the sweet and tangy vaca frita (citrus marinated shredded beef with onion and garlic) camarones enchilados (jumbo shrimp in a tomato wine sauce) and empanadas. The empanadas were the some of the best I have had, and the vaca frita is definitely something I would order again, however the camarones enchilados were marginal. I thought the sauce could have used a little more kick and although the shrimp were very well cooked, they were a bit fishy and could have been fresher. My favorite part of the meal was actually the sides. My new love is moros and christianos. Never have black beans and rice tasted so good. Smoky, savory, porky heaven. Just try them and you will understand. The maduros (fried ripe plantains), tostones (fried green plantains) and yuca frita (fried yuca pronounced Yoo-ka) are all a great alternative to fries and I found myself eating mine, as well as my neighbors (what? She offered them to me. You get a lot of food here). Last but certainly not least are the desserts. I would come here for dessert and coffee alone. The lime in the coconut was lighter than some of the other options and very refreshing (for a cake) with the citrus and coconut flavors. The service was very friendly and fast in spite of the place being completely packed and our wait for food was fairly short too. Sure it does get a bit crowded, but the food and atmosphere is well worth it. A delicious escape to the Caribbean that will have me coming back again and again.
(4)
Pete E.

Pambiche catered our Holiday party this week. They took our order over the phone helping us with quantities and selection of entries, sides and deserts. We would have ordered far too much without their help. The food was amazing, and our guests all stated they wanted to go try them out in person. Cost was very affordable. Could not ask for a better solution to catering an event.
(5)
Ben P.

Pambiche is an excellent, if costly, Cuban diner. The Ajiaco is possibly the best stew I've had in Portland, and the Rabo Encendido will convert you--in a heartbeat--to the wonder that is oxtail! If you're on a budget, you shouldn't write Pambiche off! Just drop in for dessert, as the flan is to die for!
(4)
Leslie B.

I had a pina-mosa. What else would you call fresh squeezed pineapple juice and sparking wine, other than yummy and almost heaven. Went threre with a friend and had two of these wonderful drinks while we were munching on an appetizer plate. We asked them to make a mix of things, but to substitiute whatever they had for the meat and chicken pieces. Spinach and cheese epanadas, corn and taro frittatas, and great coleslaw. If my mama made beets like thse folks, we wouldn't have had as many fights. I got a bit over-zealous on the champagne and thought my lips were faster than the foams and overflowing, but no. The wait staff was funny and gave me napkins. If it had been at home, would i have wasted the champagne in a napkin? I just ordered a gallon of fresh pineapple juice from their catering section and can't wait to savor this tomorrow.
(4)
Joshua C.

Pambiche, a splash of many colors in a sometimes overcast world. Blue - perfect "tropical" november day. 45 degrees and sunny. outdoor seating. cuban flag. Orange - heat against my face, overhead lamps burn like the sun. close my eyes, pretend to be in havana then remember my feet are cold and numb. Red - it all begins with sangria. my drink of choice even on a cool day. fruity, flavorful, without over sweetness. refreshing. perfect. Brown - better half's mocha. surprisingly good. cute presentation with little sprig growing from the whip cream Yellow - corn falling out of the 'maize con pollo" empanada. nothing special. nothing bad. crisp pastry shell with sparse filling. expected more flavor, but a good appetizer none the less. Purple - petals strewn across our entrees. "sandwich cubano" roast pork and smoked ham fused by melted swiss in a perfectly toasted bread shell. maybe offensive, but really good dipped in banana sauce table salsa mixture. "picadillo cua-cua" cuban beef hash with egg and avocado...what's not to like there. Green - lunch prices are reasonable, even more so when taken care of by generous friends. :) White - not really a color but all of them at once. brightness. service with a smile. friendly, unobtrusive, there when needed. Black - absence of color, according to additive color theory. here the absence of "rabo encendido" from the weekend lunch menu, which is actually the breakfast menu. tender braised oxtail, my favorite cuban dish and the reason for the missing star (will hopefully be changing this soon). Pambiche. Colorful. Fun. Delicious. Authentic? I have no idea, but with great service, a dynamic atmosphere, sublime Sangria and some savory Rabo Encendido to look forward to I'm definitely down for going back. Click here for visual version of this review: yelp.com/biz_photos/gXPeâ€¦
(3)
Nikie R.

Yummu Cuban food served here. This little piece of heaven is cutely decorated with bright colors, with outside and inside seating. My best friend took me here for dinner, and since the weather was nice out we decided to sit outside. The dishes here are a little on the pricey side. My friend and I split the appetizer (empanadas, croquetas, frituras...I posted a picture) The dish came with about 3-4 of each, you pick what type you want, and it cost $14. The croquetas and frituras were AHHMAZING. The empanadas were amazing too, but I love my empanadas stuffed, and these were barely stuffed. My friend and I then shared the Plato Cubano as our main course, which is basically pork, which is slow roasted and therefore tender and so delicious. It was served with yuca, beans, and rice. Let's just say my friend and I demolished the damn thing. Cuban food cherry: popped!
(4)
Lelay P.

My favorite restaurant now since I have moved here in Portland. The food is just divine and authentic. Cuban flavors served side by side with Puerto Rican cuisine is just genius. Vibe is down to earth and staff are friendly, efficient and helpful. The drinks are perfect, not too much liquor and never too sweet. Maduros are my must have whenever I'm here, they are fried ripe bananas and you have got to try them. I can't wait to bring my mom and my mother in law here. I don't think I will ever impress her with my cooking, but at least I can impress her with my choices for great, affordable places to eat. :-)
(5)
T C.

I didn't really enjoy the entire experience. The waiter was nice but would make ANY menu exceptions. I was dining with a 3 year old and I had a simple request for a plate of plain, raw avocados and they couldn't accommodate me.
(1)
Kevin C.

After having had some pretty stellar Cuban food in the city of angels (aka LA...just in case...), this place was sort of a let down. The yuccas fritas was more like puke-a frequently-a...it not only looked like someone's sick, but it had this bizarre sour taste that was not pleasant. I ordered a chicken and rice dish, and again, nothing fantastic. The chef was generous with the saffron, which I appreciated. But the chef was also generous with the PARSLEY. There was literally parsley EVERYWHERE. It was like it had snowed, but except snowflakes, it was that wretched herb. Someone please tell the chef or the sous chef that sprinkling parsley on everything doesn't make it 'classy.' It just makes it annoying when every after taste of the night was of grass. The only reasons this place isn't two stars is a) the tres leches is muy excelente and b) the vibe of the place is actually pretty cool, without trying too hard, like some places (or people...). Save yourself the time/$ and go to Esparzas Tex Mex grill, which is nearby and much better.
(2)
David Z.

I hardly need to provide an overview of Pambiche, the 100+ reviews prior to mine do that well enough. Instead, I'll simply focus on my specific experience and order. We got there at about 8pm on a Saturday night with a group of 4. We probably had to wait about 15 minutes for a seat, but we didn't care as it gave us some time to look at the menu. Once seated inside, we settled in to our cozy table. The place is quite small and quite popular, and while it was cozy, I never felt cramped or encroached on. The atmosphere is fun and warm, with bright colors and great decor. I decided to go with the traditional Plato Cubano. It was quite good - the pork was seasoned very nicely, the beans were delicious, even the white rice was well done! The others in my party had the chicken and rice, the red snapper in coconut sauce, and the oxtail. Everyone really loved their food. As far as drinks go, I just tried a sugar cane limeade. It was ok, but I don't think I'd get it again. I'd probably go for the fresh orange/pineapple juice or check out the cocktails. Overall, our service was great, the portions just right, the prices not bad, and the experience quite fun! They even gave us a small bag of baked goodies with our check - pretty cool (and tasty!). I'll be back to Pambiche for sure.
(4)
Joshua M.

Warning- Pambiche is tiny. Not a great idea to try and bring more than 4 people here unless you are down to wait a long time. After all the hype of the place I'd have to say I was a bit underwhelmed. On recommendation I had the Plato Cubano. While the pork had an excellent flavor to it, it also had a ton of fat in it, and one thing I can't stand are super fatty meats. The yuca I think must be an acquired taste, and the rice was okay. The real standout on the plate were the red beans colorados which was more like a bean stew or soup than an actual pile of beans. I could have eaten a giant bowl of those and been happy. The decor was lively and festive, and our service from Amy was great. But I'm not sure the dish made a big enough impact for me to quest for a return.
(3)
Sandra W.

Not really "comida cubana autentica"...but what I would call, "Cuban or Puerto Rican inspired." I grew up on Puerto Rican and Cuban food and I know. I ordered the maiz frituras as an appetizer to start. 4 of them showed up on a plate with coleslaw. The fritters were tasty and done well, but missing the few whole kernels of corn that I come to expect in a fritter. I also ordered the picadillo empanada. With one bite of the beef hash inside the flaky hot crust, I was transported back to my favorite snack as a child of the islands. But my second bite discovered a small piece of a green olive. I had been warned about the presence of the Mediterranean vegetables in the hash, but that is the difference between authentic and "inspired" cuisine. Now all of a sudden I was eating a fusion of Greek and Cuban. It wasn't bad...but it wasn't the perfect empanada either. My husband ordered one of the Cuban sandwiches; again, not authentic, but good nonetheless. The pork was excellent. For dessert, we tried the Volteada de Pina, which is their version of the pineapple upside-down cake, and this was the highlight of our meal. For a semi-slow Sunday night, the service was okay but could have been a little more on the ball. The smallness of the dining room and the tables cramped together definitely slows everything down. All in all, very tasty. We were looking for a light supper and decent dessert, and Pambiche delivered.
(4)
Al M.

So two lovely ladies dragged me out on a Tuesday night to this place. They were both warning me about the wait. I scoffed "seriously, how many people will be waiting on a Tuesday night in December, in the pouring rain?" Guess who looked like an ass? We sat outside(!) under gas-fired heaters to have our meal since neither woman wanted to wait 45 min for a table inside, and frankly, it was COLD. Eating outside in December is something I'd rather do in Aruba than in PDX, but it was totally worth it. I got their "flaming oxtail" which was well cooked, well spiced, and the absolute worst I can say about it is that it might have used the barest pinch of salt. I have no complaints, in other words. I'll be back for sure, next time with a thicker coat.
(5)
Cindy L.

I've never had Cuban food before and this is my first time! We came for happy hour so all we had were the mini plates of food =). Everything was good aside from the rice and beans, cause I'm not a fan of beans. Good experience!
(4)
Stuart P.

I had a hankering for cuban food, but, inexplicably, did not order the Cubano sandwich, my go-to gold standard. Instead, I had a soup I can't pronounce (a-something), that was very tasty, even if it had three somewhat superfluous corn fritters floating in it. Putting those aside, I dumped my brown rice in, stirred, added some banana sauce, and enjoyed. Seating is not conducive for groups unless you call ahead. Also, they have a liquor license pending, so you will soon be able to get soused while being fed. Lively decor, reasonable prices, and individual heaters for the outside tables make this a nice stop. I promise to try the Cubano next time, though.
(4)
Andrew A.

Experience with Cuban says that appetizers and specialty drinks are the way to go, as entrees tend to be overpriced and heavy on the black beans and plantains. The croquets were good, but the empanadas didn't taste very authentic. The fruit shakes are excellent, and the coconut/chocolate torte thing was very tasty. The Oxtail is the star of the show!
(4)
Toni C.

Came back for lunch on a Monday and was not disappointed. Extra points: it was just late enough in the afternoon for us to enjoy their Happy Hour menu. I got the beef empanada and beet salad, and then the Enchilado Pescado (fish in Enchilado sauce, which is a tomato and spice sauce--and no, it's NOT anything akin to Mexican enchiladas) from the lunch menu. The empanada was freshly fried and steaming hot inside. The dough was thin and crispy, just the way I like it. The beet salad was self-explanatory, since I love beets in any form. :) My cousin got the Enchilado Camarones (shrimp in Enchilado sauce), and even though I normally *love* fish and do not eat shrimp very often, I have to say I enjoyed her dish more than mine. There wasn't anything wrong with the preparation of the fish, just the kind of fish wasn't my thing. When my cousin's dish came out, the shrimp were a bit undercooked. We motioned our waitress over, who immediately offered to remake the dish. Then another waitress came over who must have been one of the owners, because she assured us that the dish would be out pronto. It was, and it was cooked to perfection the second time. To top it off, as soon as we were done eating, the waitress offered to comp us dessert. We told her it was unnecessary, given that our meal was so delicious. She insisted, and we finally gave in. Since we were too full to eat any more, she sent us home with a slice of their chocolate cake with passionfruit cream. (I found out at home that the cake was DELICIOUS. They use real, legit dark chocolate for the curls on the sides, and the passionfruit cream made my tongue dance in happiness.) Once again, the servers at Pambiche struck that perfect combination of fast, attentive, and friendly service without being overbearing or intrusive in any way. I don't know how they do it but their service has been memorably impressive both times. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Selwyn Z.

Feel good food! Pambiche is the place to go to chill out on a sunny or cloudy day, sit on the sidewalk tables and enjoy some hearty, colorful, tasteful food. If that idea doesn't appeal to you, just sign in on the table request sheet and they'll get you a table inside. "La Hora del Amigo" Pambiche's happy hour is a great way to get to know this place if you haven't been there before or if you haven't had Cuban food before or if you just want to have a great meal at an affordable price. Be aware of crowds during weekends, specially during the night hours. Sometimes the wait to get a table can be lengthy but it is completely worth it. Don't forget to try their insanely deliciously moist desserts.
(5)
Robin H.

This tiny little place is just bursting with personality and yummy flavors. I can't wait to go back and try more things. This was our first time there, and after ordering both an appetizer and several minutes later an entree to share, they brought both at the same time. That was frustrating. I would have liked them more in course order. If not for that I probably would have given 5 stars. Will definitely try it again though.
(4)
Clare S.

My family took my fantastic boyfriend to Pambiche for his B-Day dinner because he was craving the red snapper sandwhich (a favorite of both of ours to be honest) and because we hadn't been there since the summer time. I wanted to badly to come back and yelp them 5 stars but in all honesty, we just didn't get the Pambiche that we were used to. Now I've had bad service here before (I won't get into the previous instances, but they've been bad), but our server kept forgetting things because she chose to not write them down. We ordered our first round of drinks which came promptly and then when they were gone she asked if we wanted another (which was great), but then they never came. Our food came our but no second round of drinks. I asked again for them when she came back out, and still no second round of drinks. The Sangria is what gives them two of the three stars I gave them, and with mom buying, I wanted more, but I just couldn't seem to get it. When a different server came by to clear our plates, we asked her and she had them to us in a jiffy, but at that point we were getting angry glares from people waiting for our table. No fun... The happy hour food for wonderful, but it was pretty chilly out (we had an outside table) and had to ask for the heat lamps to be turned on as our food was basically cold 60 seconds after it hit the table. It didn't effect the avacodo salad (which was spectacular), but my cold beef just didn't taste as good cold as it would of hot. We also were not able to get change for our cash, so we had to pay with a card, not a big deal, but who doesn't have change? I'll go back for sure, most likely in the summer as it is great to sit outside in the Portland summer evenings, but I just left feeling so lackluster about the whole experience.
(3)
Susie Q.

I have visited Pambiche 3x and loved the Cubano Sandwich with it's flavor explosion and then I went with my Cuban friend... the amazing flavor just didn't stop! Wow! Started with Primera Vuelta: Empanada - Espinaca con Queso ~ Sooo good, can't go wrong with cheese and spinach! Croquetas -Bacalao con Papa ~ Crisp, light and tasty. Frituras - Maiz ~ My favorite! Sweet and crispy! As well as the both types of Plantains the Tostones (green) salty and the Maduros (ripe) sweet. I loved the sweet Maduros the most. Okay so onto the actual main courses: Ropa Vieja - heaven for garlic lovers & Vaca Frita garlic and citrus. I have to be honest, we shared plates and I don't know which was which and I really didn't care as they complimented each other perfectly. The only reason there are only 4 stars are the tables... yes, they need the space and it was packed but we couldn't fit all our food on our tiny table. We warned the waitress that we needed more room and when we ordered all that food she looked at us in disbelief that 2 tiny women would order that much food. We eventually decided to quit asking for more room and just called in reinforcements to help us finish our amazing meals which he gladly did. We will be back again and again!
(4)
Jon T.

I can't remember what I've had for entres at Pambiche, but I do remember their guava cheesecake, which together with the great service merited five stars :-).
(5)
Orian I.

mouth won't stop salivating. I've been coming here for years. are the lines long? yes if you come at dinner time the lines are ridik long. but once inside it's like you're sitting in your Cuban aunties kitchen. it's cramped and crowded and noisy and vibrant and alive. my favorite thing ever is is the vaca frita "fried cow" it's all tender and crispy shredded beef with garlic onions, this "simple" dish is absolutely fantastic. one of my favorite of all times. I usually always get this for dinner. Pro tip: if you're not veggie or have some weird aversion to pork, the red beans are fantastically good. the black beans are good too, but the red are far superior in taste. If you do not want to wait in the long lines I have 3 suggestions - * you can sit outside, which can be pleasant especially with the heaters in the winter or during the summer, however it is a smoking outside so if that bothers you i would not suggest it. so even though there is outside seating, you may still have to wait. or *you can come to hh. which is conveniently from 2 to 6. I think it's meant as snacks but if you're getting a late start to lunch or an early start to dinner this is absolutely perfect. This is one of those rare hh where you don't actually have to have a alcoholic beverage. their non alcohol options are so numerous and all fantastic you really can do without the hooch. although I've had a pinasa, which is pineapple juice and champagne which is far far better than orange juice. i now have become spoiled and will not accept orange juice only pineapple juice. they have an awesome selection of fantastic coffee drinks, shakes, and fresh juices. They have a "smaller" menu for la hora del amigo but actually substantial portions. Yesterday we had: Fried chicken - holy mojo..soooo good. this chicken is unreal. it's perfectly whole when it comes to your table as soon as your fork hits it it falls apart. it has this amazing mojo on it oh god drool. and at $3.50 i challenge you to find a better deal. empanads -mmm yum. my favorite is still the spinach and cheese, the beef is pretty good but the best ever is the desert one with guava and cream cheese. omg i could have a truck full so incredible. ropa viejas -old clothes- it's a stewed beef served with crusty bread so delicious. red beans and rice - true the beans are not thick i don't think their supposed to be. the flavor is fantastic and comforting. We skipped desert this time even though their special was guava cheesecake. and did i mention we got out of there for $21? well less tip so almost 30 but still. impressive considering the amount of deliciousness plus desert. mmm * oh right the third option if you don't want to wait. you can get food to go.tada!
(5)
Jonas T.

If you don't know what to order, get the Plato Cubano. You just can't go wrong with Pambiche's roasted pork. JONASAPPROVED!
(4)
Willow W.

An all time favorite. I discovered that the best time of day to go here is between three and four in the afternoon, if you are looking for less of a wait. Of course, this is a place where the wait is worth every minute. Things I love: Ajiaco: a Taino indian dish with large hunks of everything Ropa Vieja: shredded meat twisted to look like old clothes Plato Cubano: lots of standards, with pork Tostones: sweet fried plantains Yuca con Mojo: Yuca root with sauce Empanadas: with great sauce Ensalada Aguacate: avocado salad with deliciousness Breakfast Dessert Cuban coffee Sangria, Palm Beach Cooler Outdoor heating lamps over the tables Awesome service with (always?) bilingual servers Neighborhood atmosphere
(5)
Kevvy K.

Pretty good for a Cuban (plus other Carib fare) place. The flavors are a bit held back from more authentic boldness, but done well enough in a restrained, flavorful way. The wine list is great, some great descriptions of sherry (Pedro Ximenez for dessert is a MUST) and the diversity of the menu is also something to behold! Had the lengua pork dish, and was good, although a little lacking in acidity for me, and some herbaceous notes, to balance with the fatty richness of the dish and overall menu. This is a place for eating without much care for your figure or fried food quota for the month! The interior is just a little packed. Yeah, that's the appeal, but expect long waits on a weekend night. They have nice heaters for the cold, however, and cool benches for waiting. The decor is bright, eclectic, and pleasing.
(4)
Jesus A.

Latin-Caribbean food is very delicious, it is authentic Cuban food. I tend to have chicken dishes. I enjoy the ropa vieja which is like a stew of shreaded beef and vetables. The dish has a great flavor as you dig in.
(4)
Paul N.

If only the people in Cuba ate as well.
(4)
Art V. B.

Friendly environment and tasty food. You should definitely share your meal with someone else since portions are quite big. They have a good selection of vegetarian and vegan options.
(4)
Mark C.

I was born and raised in Miami and this is a poor excuse for a Cuban restaurant, even for Portland. When I came here I had high hopes and expectations of good cuban food. What I stumbled into is a restaurant with bad service with attitude on top of bad tasting food. I will never return.
(1)
TC W.

Authentic cuban? eh... Best food ever... YES indeed! This place has some of the best food EVER. Cuban or whatever. It is some tasty delight seriously. You will wait awhile on a popular day, but its worth it totally. Kinda pricey, so it's not an everyday type of thing. I have ate here maybe three times and have never had a bad meal. Ever. the company I have went with have all went back with out me and have told me great things. CLIFFNOTES: If you're in Portland and like Cuban GO HERE!
(4)
Amanda S.

Wow!! This place is sooo good. I love when I come to Portland to go to this place for lunch. I want to eat pretty much anything off the menu. I decided to order breakfast on this so I ordered the Pan con tortilla sandwich, which was a yummy egg with avocado, mixed with onions on a Cuban Bun. It was served with tostones and this mango chutney that will blow your mind. The tostones weren't all that great since it lacked flavor and the sauces were not thick enough to stand on the sandwich with eggs, but overall this colorful place never disappoints me. I cannot wait to come back and just try the desserts. Everytime I come here, I get filled up on the main course, my stomach cannot hold anything else!
(4)
Shekinah S.

Giving Pambiche 4 Stars sorta against my will. I wanna do 3, but that would rank it with lesser establishments and I don't want to do that. If the glorious reviews hadn't led me to expect so much, I wouldn't have walked away a tad disappointed so I probably would have been comfortable with 4. Let's say 3.5 Stars. First and foremost, the place is tiny, in an annoying not cozy way. If the place is packed, which I'm assuming it always is, there's a sign-up sheet outside (in a not so obvious spot, nor does it tell you that you are supposed to sign up yourself and not wait for a hostess, which goes against my inclinations), and you basically just wait. As a two - top we got lucky and it was "only" about 15 mins, but I saw more than one group give up and leave. Part of this was because some people decided it would be appropriate to have a 15 person dinner in a place that maybe seats 30. It's pretty rude to take up half the tables in a restaurant, IMO. There is outdoor seating with heat lamps and all, but we were there when it was raining and not so warm, not so appealing. Also, there is one bathroom for the entire establishment, men, women, employees and all. I will say that the decorations are lovely and perhaps if I had been to Pambiche on a sunny day when it wasn't so busy, I would have left with a better impression. If Pambiche is doing as well as I suspect they are, perhaps they should look into expanding. Service was OK, not great, not bad. The food was good, but did not exceed my expectations and in fact my comparable meal at La Isla was definitely superior. Dinner for two with tip was about $45, same as Rogue Alehouse and Doug Fir, so I guess pretty average. I had Pollo Criollo -- marinated chicken breast, "dirty rice", and tostones. The chicken was OK, I've had better, not such a fan of the rice, mi novio's plain rice was better, and the tostones were good. My boyfriend had Pescado en Salsa Verde -- red snapper in salsa verde with white rice, avocado salad, and pan frito (little toasted bread things). He thought the fish was OK but it was his first time with red snapper so maybe he's just not a fan. The rice and bread were delicious, but just filler ya know, and the avocado salad was alot of avocado, coulda used a little somethin else. Overall, everything was satisfactory, but I was really hoping to be blown away. I might recommend this place as it is so popular, but I can't say I'd go back next time I'm in Portland.
(4)
Mike C.

This is my hands-down favorite place to eat in Portland. I'veordered mutliple items off the menu, and have never been close to disappointed - in fact every item every time makes me squeal in joy and giggle with happiness. The must have dish to me is the Empenada Puero (leeks in custard) close behind that are the ajiaco and the ropa vieja. In reality you can't go wrong - you just can't Others may complain about the wait, but its' so worth it. I mean there are sheeple that wait much longer to eat at Olive Garden or Cheesecake Factory for cripes sake :) Final tip - if you've never been - check out their happy hours. All the food is offered on small plates for about $3.00 a pop. A great way to sample and savor.
(5)
Justin H.

Pambiche has struck a great balance between supply and demand. Given their small size, a mildly busy night makes the place appear packed and bustling. Even on a cold night in February, you are putting your name on the list for a short wait, gathering anticipation watching plates being delivered, making the eventual seating at a cramped table seem like a reward unto itself. And during the warmer times of the year, people line up to sit outside and enjoy the scenic view of traffic rumble along Glisan. Of course this business model would be a FAIL if it wasn't for the great food they serve up. On a recent visit, I enjoyed the Lengua en Salsa, a well balanced pork dish with a mildly spicy creole sauce accented with sweet raisins and almonds while my partner devoured the always delicious Plato Cubano. I always get a Michelada as, like a good bloody mary, it can be hard to find one exactly how you like it and Pambiche serves up a great version. The desserts are also decent, flan is velvety smooth with a mild flavor. The Tres Leches is okay but a little too cake like, not as soaked as I've traditionally had and a bit overpowered with by the coconut frosting. Overall Pambiche is a great little place with attentive service and great food. Worth a first try and many a return visit.
(4)
Dyey L.

Every now and then my wife and I would just crave to go here in Pambiche, I'm not really sure why. Maybe it's the fried bananas (maduros)? Or the ironbeer? Or the croquetas? Well, whatever it is, we keep going there. We probably tried almost all of their entrees and I must say it we were satisfied. The oxtail is good and tender. The spices they use in their dishes really adds kick. The sandwiches are also tasty and big, good for two people. I was also surprised that they use banana ketchup, the one we also use in the Philippines, even the same brand, jufran. The drinks are also something. Ironbeer, which I mentioned earlier, is actually Cuba's national cola (according to the can). The Malta Hatuey is a cereal drink and goes well with condensed milk. My wife's favorite drink is the piÃ±osa, a mix of pineapple juice and champagne. They give you a glass of the juice and a small bottle of the bubbly and then you pour it in, you can also ask for more juice. The cafe jerez is also another of my favorite, coffee and alcohol, what else could be better? Let's also not forget the dessert. They have a lot of pastries; mango cakes, tarts, tres leches, and mi favorito, the cuban cigar. It's not really a pastry but a chocolate truffle disguised as a cigar, with coconut shreddings as the burnt tips and then you dip it in the ashtray with some sweet fruit sauce, it was fantastic.
(4)
Eli L.

Awesome food, great atmosphere, kind of pricey but worth it. Pretty small space, especially in winter so don't be surprised if you have to wait. Several tables open up outside when the weather get's warmer. Been there a couple times and haven't been disappointed. Got the lengue the first time which was awesome. Got some sort of stew, don't remember what it was called, but also great. Tried many of the appetizers and they have all been fantastic. Can't recommend this place highly enough.
(5)
Yasmien H.

So good. I had the Arroz Con Pollo, it was fantastic. My husband got the Ajiaco (a stew of all sorts of goodness) We were both very satisfied with our choices. We also gad an appetizer the Frituras Malanga. So yum. The place is really small so expect to wait a bit, but it's worth it. We didn't wait very long maybe 10 minutes.
(5)
Darlene P.

When we drove by, there seemed to be a lot of people waiting, so we weren't sure if we were in the mood. So glad we stopped. We did end up waiting about 30-40 minutes, but that's to be expected Friday evening. We were seated outside, which was fine because there are heat lamps above each table. Didn't eliminate the cold, but lessened it enough so we could enjoy eating al fresco (with jackets on) in early March. The traffic wasn't too distracting, only when the bus came by. We started with cocktails. I highly recommend the ponche and chacharkara (sp?). Ponche is pineapple based and the other very lime-citrusy. Both were way to easy to drink. For food, I had the plato cubano, which was tender pork (like carnitas without the crispiness), fried plantains, beans and rice. So delicious. My friend did the "value" plate where she could choose an appetizer from each category (empanadas, croquettes, fritters). All the appetizers on the menu appeared to be fried, but they weren't greasy and came with pickles, beet salad and a vinegary red cabbage slaw that cut through the heaviness. Very delicious as well. Lastly, the service was good. Our waiter was friendly and efficient. The head waiter appeared to be a bit stressed, but again, Friday night with a horde of impatient diners could do that to anyone.
(4)
Suzanne F.

I'm torn here...I am not an expert at Cuban food. That department belongs to The Big Man who grew up in Miami, eating plenty of cocina cubano, but I know if he'd been with the 3 Musk-A-Teers & I last night, he would have been outraged at what Pambiche charges for the food the poorest-of-the-poor eat. It is outrageous. That being said, we ate here anyway because we were here & seated quickly, underneath a heat lamp, which the boys thought was Manna from Heaven. Daniella, our server, was prompt, friendly, and gracious. The food was delivered PDQ, and the boys found it tasty. The plate of Morros y Cristianos was small, small, small. They are used to their Dad's home-style versions which are served with much more te amo. The platanos were fried to the point, where for my $$, the flavor had been evaporated. The salsa worked wonders, as did the banana ketchup (a tasty condiment, tho' I am sure, not available in all of Cuba). I had Plato Communista which was black beans, white rice, fried yucca, and some beet salad. This, as opposed to the Plato Cubano, which comes with fried pork. So...is there some not-so-subtle commentary going on here regarding the role of meat in the average contemporary Cuban's meal plan?? Despite the boys' pleading, I opted out of dessert. To see the version of Tres Leches at the next table was more than enough for me to know better. I am pretty certain a piece of cake this size could feed an entire (large) Cuban family. It was obscene. We paid our bill & were rewarded with Desayuno Dollars, which are supposed to lure us back for breakfast. If there is some pressing need to eat something before 9:00 a.m. and we are in the neighborhood, perhaps these will be used. I just think Portland is starved for some Latin culture & this hit the spot, but I would never imagine this to be authentic, and it just made me long for some great (inexpensive) Latino food from CA. In the spirit of PDX & the DIY attitudes, I will get out my cookbooks & make some myself. And beans & rice won't cost my week's allowance. Viva Cuba! Viva Che! Viva La Revolucion! But as for Pambiche, I can take it or leave it.
(3)
Chris M.

killer cuban breakfast. Get there early, its small and you'll wait otherwise.
(5)
Chris B.

Very good and authentic Cuban food.
(4)
Anthony L.

I've never knowingly had "authentic" cuban food, so i can't vouch for pambiche as far as that goes. fortunately, my tastes buds only care about deliciousness anyway, and pambiche has won them over in this regard. my experience is only with their happy hour menu, but i imagine if they get the happy hour food right, the rest of their food can only be equally, if not more delicious. i was really happy to see that they have fried green plantains, fried ripe plantains, and fried yuca on the menu (note: fried green plantains are not supposed to be sweet! they are savory, and if your only experience of plantains is sweet and banana-tasting, you will be disappointed). the plantains are very good, but i have yet to try the yuca. they also have incredible croquetas and masitas (kind of like a cuban version of carnitas) that unbelievably tasty. and cafe cubano! or if you like macchiatos, go for a cortadita. so, so tasty! the service was also prompt (no experience during dinner though) and servers were very friendly. the only reason they get 4 stars is because you can't take happy hour food home. so if you can't finish all of your food, presumably it gets thrown away. this is ridiculous and i don't really understand why they do this. so be prepared; perhaps err on the side of ordering less than more (2 happy hour plates will most likely fill you up).
(4)
Ash. A.

Yes, Yes Yes....This place is what I have been looking for all of my foodie life. Who cares about the wait, cause it is worth it. The portions are huge and not to mention carefully prepared, perfectly seasoned, and super delicious. They have great options for your animal loving friends too. If you go there I suggest you get the Pescado con Coco. It might well be the best fish dish I've had in my whole life. Honest... Also, if you are super hungry try the Maduros, which are the ripe plantains. You will want to lick your fingers and the plate. Best Cuban food, hands down!
(5)
Regina I.

Another place that I have yet to write a review for and is so called for since I have learned all the names of the servers and understand that my favorite dish will never be on any regular menu expect the happy hour menu. If you want a great late night, mid afternoon or early weekend spot to grab something to eat or drink this is the SPOT...love the pineapple juice and they have the best Cafe con leche in the WORLD...also the cheesecake they serve is off the chain too. I love the happy hour menu but I think my favorite creation of Johns would be the snapper in the coconut red sauce....yummy~
(5)
Neill P.

This is a fun place with a very good vibe going for it. It feels very lively and has some nice outdoor seating. As lame as it sounds, my favorite items on their menus are just the big ol' bowls of beans. They have a delicious black one and a red one. Their cuban sandwiches were somewhat tasty, but nothing to write home about. I've had one or two entrees that were also good, but again nothing to write home about. They do have a nice selection of desserts that I have not been disappointed in.
(4)
Ashley C.

If you want festivity without the big presentations, lively music, and fresh healthy food, this is your place. Love everything about it, even the fast pace of the servers. While we were waiting for our seats, they gave us menus; ordered our drinks, and by the time we were seated the waitress took our orders. They were committed to getting us served and it was much appreciated. The three plates of appetizers came and I don't think any pieces or crumbs were left on the plates. Wait, we did leave a piece of yuma, which was quickly consumed before the plates were removed. The food was simply delicious. Seriously, you can't go wrong with any of the selections. The Cuban music blaring in and outside the restaurant really gives it a Cuban feel. I highly recommend ,but do give yourself two to three hours to sit, enjoy, absorb the surround and the mouth-watering food.
(5)
Neal W.

I had to have much of the menu explained to me because I am monolingual. It's sad, I know, but it's true. That's a good thing, by the way, because this place ROCKED. I am a vegetarian, which isn't ideal for Cuban cuisine. It's no fault of theirs! Plus, the vegetarian meal I had was incredible! Not one of those, "let's just put this on the menu in case a vegetarian comes in", but a full-on ass-kicking in your mouth. The appetizer I had was a little meh, but still good. All-in-all it was one of the more delicious meals I've had because of the entree, but there was only one vegetarian entree and the appetizer hurt the experience a little bit. I'd love some more delicious vegetarian entrees please! Yes, I know it's Cuban food and it's not exactly known for its vegetarian dishes, but we're in Portland, man. The place is decorated very well. I expected a party to erupt around every corner. It didn't, but I mean I think that's expecting a lot from a restaurant.
(4)
Sarah J.

I've been hearing about Pambiche for a long time and finally had an opportunity to go... worth the wait! The restaurant is very small, not well ventilated (you'll go home smelling like fried foods) and a little noisy, but the delicious shared plates made it all okay. Happy hour seems to be the best time to go... we tried one of everything on the menu and paid around $20 a person. I can't even pick a favorite... red beans and rice, chicken and corn empanadas, lime tres leches cake... all amazing!
(4)
James O.

Ambiance was great but the food was just ok. The service was really good!!!!!
(2)
Alex E.

This is not a place to go when you're already hungry...you go an hour before you anticipate you'll be hungry. That way your low blood sugar is kept under control. This all being said... The avocado salad is awesome. The fish (snapper?) was fantastic. The Vaca Frita (my personal favorite) was alright, but if you like it crispy, just tell the waiter "well done". The Ropa Vieja is also delicious. And finally, the batidos (we ordered the mango), was like heaven in your mouth. All in all, a wonderful spot...just expect to wait!!!
(4)
Helen Y.

Though I have never had a real Cuban experience in Cuba before, but hey, Pambiche gave me a very good impression... I love going to Pambiche for any occasion. I have been their on Valentine's Day, Sunday brunch, weekday happy hour, dinner and lunch. The people, the decoration, the food, the friendly staff, the music... I just love it there. I was never disappointed... They have indoor and outdoor seats... I LOVE their lemonade with sugar cane... yum yum yum... and their appetizers.. the food... oh oh oh and the dessert... flan, cake, and delicious baked goods!!!! I could go on and on about how much I love eating there =) The only down-side about eating there is the wait for the seats sometime... The outdoor seating aren't bad at all, they have heaters (heat lamps?) on top of/ next to every table... This place is so beautiful and colorful... very Cuban? =) I'm happy and satisfied every time I am here. I have brought friends who are visiting Portland to this restaurant, they all loved the experience! Thank you, Pambiche!
(5)
Krista T.

I will admit to being on a post drinking-PBR-with-Yeeps high while dining (wait, is there any other way to dine?) at this fine Cuban establishment, but I will stand my ground when I say it was the best meal I've had all week (sorry Ma). The portions are big, unless you're hungry (or me) and then they are just right. The menu consists of fried plantains and pulled pork and shrimp and beans and rice and basically everything sounds amazing. Everything that I've ever tried has been amazing. It could be said that it's on the expensive side for Portland, but how many Cuban restaurants with great service and excellent food do you know around here? That are painted bright pink and blue and yellow? Ya, that's what I thought.
(5)
Brittany N.

Pambiche...I wish I could take you everywhere with me. Well, I wish I could take your food with me. The service can stay behind... I got a banana shake and tried my friend's avocado salad. They were both so tasty I wished that we hadn't already eaten lunch so that we could order more food. Everything on the menu looked so delectable and the plates I saw being delivered to other patrons were very colorful and tasty looking. The service was painfully slow although the servers were friendly enough. I'll be back next time in Portland!
(4)
Sofi M.

Pambiche is to authentic Cuban food as Taco Bell is to authentic Mexican food. With the added disadvantage of even being overpriced. Abominable fusion of who knows what non-Cuban chef/owner, and you just need to look around to see the patrons to understand that no self-respecting Latino from any country would be eating this fad. It is overcrowded, with huge, vulgar plates as badly presented as unflavorful. The desserts are pretty, but nothing outstanding as they claim to be. Cuban? They ought to re-name it "Planet Eat Whatever my Imagination Scrambled". Yuck. Portland foodies, shame on you. I cannot believe the hype of this subpar dive.
(1)
Ixchel H.

Excellent food, right portions and not spicy. The desserts delicious and tasty like homemade. We will come back soon to try more Cuban food we love it.
(4)
Frances O.

My husband and I just had an amazing meal here!! I had an incredible entre with chicken on rice with green olives, cabbage and peas. The flavors were savory and the chicken fell off the bone. My dish was so huge I have leftovers (yay!). We also had fruit drinks. Mine was the the lemonade and my husband had the pineapple and they were both amazing refreshing and delicious. We finished the meal with iced americanos (it's 93 degrees) a cheesecake and an empanada. Both were delicious! The atmosphere is mellow and fun and the servers were delightful. Highly recommend this place! :)
(5)
Yaz H.

PAMBICHE, WHAT HAPPEND? Mind you its been 10 years since I've eaten at my once beloved Pambiche but its clear that something major has changed for the worst. Either the original chefs are gone or the restaurant is under new ownership/management but this is not the place I once knew. The quality of the food is poor and the atmosphere is strained. We had 2 different servers that both complained they were tired and wanted to go home. The entrees are not the same as they used to be, old descriptions are being used but the actual dishes are not the same. I guess all things must change. :(
(1)
Elise R.

It's been a few years since I've been to this wonderful gem, I wandered in on a hot day for The Best Banana Milkshake in Portland. I added a shot of espresso to the shake and although I wasn't very hungry before walking into the restaurant, I ended up walking out with a Croquta preparada sandwich with tostones. Everything exceeded my expectations and was delicious!
(5)
Gmo C.

I have been here many times and it has always been great. I was there last night and the service was great considering it was near closing time. The food was delicious as usual and I look forward to Pambiche every time I'm in the Portland area.
(4)
Josue V.

One of the best Cuban restaurant I've been to on this side of the U.S. I would totally recommend this place to anyone wanting to try new an amazing food. Also their pastries are to die for!
(5)
Frank F.

I was there recently with my girlfriend to try the Cuban sandwich. I have been on a mission to find the best Cuban sandwich in Portland. So far this place wins. I've been here once before and had a kind of stew that was full of different kinds of roots and I think oxtail. It was pretty good. If you feel like you're getting a home cooked food. Couldn't find anything spicy enough for me. The fried plantains are bland. The free frijoles Colorado was pretty good I just wish it was spicier. They didn't have any options for hot sauce except for one and that one wasn't very hot at all. Our never came back to refill our water. Which I was kind of disappointed about because we are eating a Cuban sandwich that has three types of pork, mustard, pickles.... Get my point? A lot of salt and I was thirsty. Maybe they were hoping we would buy one of those expensive alcoholic beverages they make. The servers are friendly for the most part after all mean servers don't make tips. But the service needs improvement. The Cuban sandwich is the best I've had in Portland so far. And the food is fair / good. I'll try it again. After all I didn't have a bad experience. But bring your own bottle of water, because there's a good chance you might not be able to get a refill.
(3)
Alba M.

Pambiche would be perfect if they took reservations. I just hate the wait. The plato cubano is to die for, so are the beets and avocado salads. My problem there is that I have to get so many things that I can never get out of there without paying a lot of money. ...And then I have to get dessert (best carrot cake I have ever had!).
(5)
Shannon K.

Food is amazing. Our server gave some great recommendations. Really a gem in Portland!
(5)
Vanessa J.

Holy. Moly. If you're vegan- get the Avocado Salad (Ensalada de Aguacate). Trust me. A little pricey, but that can be fixed by coming during happy hour. Service can be a little slow sometimes but it's soooo worth it.
(5)
Chris B.

The line in front of the establishment until midnight is a good indication of what you get at Pambiche. Astonished at the four star review but I guess with 830 reviews there is bound to be some impossible to please people. These guys used to have their front door covered with prestigious awards but recently removed them. They don't need them any longer... you are lucky enough if you happen to stumble across this little slice of heaven. Only complaint I have is they don't have a dolly to wheel me to my car when I'm done!
(5)
Bec E.

Food was good and dessert was amazing but the service at Pambiche was very disappointing.
(3)
Shauna M.

LOVE this place! Coming here for years. Usually always a wait, unless you catch it at the right time, but worth the wait. Great tasting dishes and good portions, prices are still fairly reasonable and great drinks. Fun place, wish it were a bit bigger. Indoor/outdoor seating. Definitely gotta try this place if you are in the mood for Cuban!
(4)
Wella A.

My friend and I shared the following and were in heaven: Camarones al ajillo - delightful and delicious Pescado con coco - wonderful sauce and fresh Tres leche - moist and inviting Flan - creamy and luscious I also had a Capuchino to keep me up late for dancing, which succeeded. The wait for tables took 45 minutes on a busy Saturday evening and was worth the wait.
(4)
Thomas M.

If you don't eat here while you're in Portland, please don't come back. This is a Portland must. Amazing food and great pricing.
(5)
teresa m.

we wanted lunch after the portland sunday parkways s.e. event...we took a table outside...i began with a tecate, and my partner had a rum cocktail...both were fine...next we shared the yuca frita, i had the cubana egg, with codfish and rice/beans, and my partner had the tortilla de la romana...all were excellent....the server was very friendly and quick...we love pambiche...thx
(5)
Moriah W.

I lived in Florida for 15 years and have been on a tear for Cuban food ever since I moved away. Unfortunately Pambiche did not hit the spot. Would it be so difficult to bake some sweet bread? Anyone? Please? That being said, the food isn't bad, it's just not what my fellow Floridian expats and I are looking for. The happy hour is decent
(3)
michael b.

I have been here no less than 10 times but had a very unpleasant experience last weekend. I wanted to go for lunch on Sunday and my first choice was screen door. After driving by and seeing the 30 plus people still waiting at 1pm, we decided to go elsewhere. Hello Pambiche. We arrived and there was no line or anyone waiting. It was a beautiful day so half the tables outside had diners and the inside was barely half full. Mind you we had just come from screen door which had minimum of a 45 minute wait. This is where the unpleasantries began. As noted, nobody was waiting and restaurant was half full. We went inside and sat for at least 5 minutes and not a peep from an employee. Several different servers walked past us but no hello, hi, be with you in a minute or anything close to welcoming hospitality. After at least 5 minutes an employee stopped and asked if we had put our name on the list. I said no as I didn't see a list and as noted there was NOBODY WAITING AND RESTAURANT WAS HALF EMPTY. I questioned why we need to do that and was met with return attitude and rudeness. She (I think) said you have to put your name on the list. I said why? No one is here and it's very apparent we were waiting for a table. I was shocked we weren't told hello as we arrived and sat or told to sit anywhere we'd like. That's how empty it was. After very rude, unwelcoming service we quickly departed and went to the brewery across the street. Never before have I seen a place so stuck to their precious little list that they couldn't help us and would rather us leave. I will never spend a penny in this poor restaurant again and almost feel compelled to communicate their rudeness and poor service to everyone I know. Thanks for the horrible service though Pambiche as the brewery across the street had great beer and better food than I've ever had at your place. Sincerely, Very dissatisfied excustomer
(1)
K P.

I had bacalao croquetas and vaca frita. The croquetas were great, crispy and tasty. The vaca frita was more like ropa vieja. I was expecting a filet of steak fried and marinated with lime juice but instead I got shredded beef. It was soft and tasty but it's not what I consider vaca frita. Beans were ok, not as tasty as my moms and the plantains were good.
(4)
Bachtuyet L.

This review is only for their desserts. I am a self proclaimed sugar monster. I looooooove sugar, but it must be sugar done right! Try to serve me up some crap from you friendly neighborhood market bakery (unless it's Lambs!!) and I will be one sad monkey. Pambiche makes me a happy monkey @( '_' )@ well, that looks like a confused monkey, but trust me, he's happy. a. Guava Cheesecake - yum! Not too sweet and you can taste the guava. It was kind of hard and dense, but the flavor totally makes up for it. b. Caramel tres leche - my favorite dessert of the night! Again, it was not too sweet. The cake was moist, sweet and creamy. Yum yum yum c. Flan - nothing out of the ordinary, but still very delicious. Custardy and caramel flavor. Does not taste like it was made from box powder so that's a plus! I wouldn't expect it to be though ;) I need to come back to try the guava and cream cheese pastry. I've had it at Porto's bakery on SoCal and I'm so glad I found a place here that makes it! Hopefully it will taste as good.
(4)
Lorrie M.

I think that this place is probably, by far, the best Latin American cuisine I've had ... yet. I came here because the alternative spot I wanted to do brunch at was packed full and was not going to be available for a while. The group was hungry, and there was almost no wait at Pambiche. This place is small, so don't bring a large party. Even our party of 4 felt like a little bit too big for the place. The dishes come out at a reasonable pace so it's easy to over-order. We wanted to order everything! The Cocina was amazing, we definitely got the Ropa Vieja and empanadas and other fried goodies I can't remember. They also had flans that looked amazing but we were too full to have room for those. Their juices are delicious, and fresh, and the whole experience felt awesome, authentic and warm. I recommend this place for breakfast, lunch, dinner, any time of the day really. Amazing!
(5)
Aubrey A.

Spent hours here, and left very full and very happy. Their Freshly squeezed pineapple juice version of a mimosa is unreal. I was happy with our fried yuca and the Lime In the Coconut cake was heaven. The Alfjores cookie was perfect.
(5)
Daisy C.

It is rare that I go somewhere that is not all vegetarian or vegan, but I make an exception for Pambiche. Their black beans and rice is real deal and the best around. Some of the nicest people running the place. Tables are a little close though. I don't like feeling like I am sitting on strangers.
(4)
Farath A.

I am from Santiago de Cuba, Cuba and honestly the food in Pambiche is NOTHING like the real cuban food from Cuba. The rice and beans were bad made as well as their meats. The service and atmosphere was good, but the food was really bad. Very disappointed and I don't recommended at all!
(1)
Selina S.

I especially love to go during happy hour because their menu options and value are fabulous. In addition to the typical M-F 3-6 Happy Hour, Pambiche also offers a late Happy Hour Friday and Saturday from 10pm to midnight. My favorites options are the Masitas and the Pollo Frito. All I have to say is if you see "garlic mojo" in the description of the menu item, get it! If you saved room for dessert, you can't go wrong! Each offering is quite enjoyable. My personal favorite is the cheesecake. I would recommend Pambiche for a smaller group (4 and under) as it is not abundant with space. However, I did go once with a party size of 8 on a Sunday afternoon and was able to be seated inside without much wait. If, however, you find yourself unable to obtain seating inside, their patio in front is heated. Which is awesome if it's chilly out. The servers are consistently courteous and attentive anytime we have come in. Worth mentioning: You get a discount of 5% when you pay in cash.
(4)
Jorge D.

This place is just awesome! I can't believe the prices for such tasteful, and enjoyable food. The Tongue dish is out of this world, try it! The Rabo Encendido (Oxtail) was my number one until I tasted the tongue. The desserts are even better! The Tres Leches is a must for the traditional flare, but I just had the Guava Carrot Cake and my goodness!!!! If you happen to be in Portland come to Pambiche for lunch or dinner, it is an experience you owe yourself while here.
(5)
Lynne S.

There are evidently a lot of opinions about Pambiche, but here are a few of mine (and some tips): They should probably put a sign up to this effect, but when you get there, there's a list hanging on a clipboard outside--put your name down, then grab some menus and wait your turn. Blustering in just annoys the host. Unless this place is empty, that just-cleaned table ain't for you. Go early. If you do brave normal dinner times, just go with one other person, and be nice to the hosts--they'll squeeze you in more promptly than if you were in a larger party. If you are a smart cookie and go early, enjoy the glares of all the hungry people outside. I got the oxtail, or Rabo Encendido, which, while I'm not sure how accurately "Cuban" it is, certainly was delicious. I'll have to try the chicken dishes to report back, since I've had more experience with authentic Cuban pollo, but for now, know that I--a 5'4" female--ate absolutely everything on my entire plate, even though I was completely full. Sending back anything on that plate seemed like it would be insulting...it was that yummy. The red-wine based sauce reminded me of an Italian ossobuco. One thing that I do wish is that it was a little spicier, but that's a very small complaint. It came with the loveliest cornmeal fritters and fluffy white rice. I was way too full to brave dessert, but the BF said that the Tres Leches was up to par, and my cafe cubano was accurately sweet and delicious, and even was served with mineral water. No coffee breath worries! While eating here means you'll be practically rubbing elbows with your neighbors, it's worth sucking it up for the food, 'cause it's pretty darn fabulous!
(4)
Carmen M.

Food, service, drinks all amazing! $90 for 4 people for food and drinks not too bad... Food prices reasonable drinks a little spendy $9 for a mojito..but overall defiantly going back.
(5)
Jo C.

The meats were fully marinated and moist. Delicious! Lucked here and got a table with only a 15 mins wait! Shew! They are awesome! They even threw us some extra ripe plantains, which were fabulous! Little bombs of flavor! If you are an omnivore, you really can't go wrong with their meat dishes here! I got some polo with paella style rice and my husband got the shredded beef... Vieja! My hubby wanted to finish both dishes! Hehe!
(5)
Veronica A.

I looove me some cuban food! I had the vaca frita. I can still taste the flavors! If anyone is familiar with Filipino sisig...it kind of taste like this. The kids had a cuban sandwich and plato cubano. They are picky and they finished all their food! So that is a huge plus for this place! We went on a Saturday mid afternoon and it was crowded. I couldn't imagine during regular lunch and dinner times how busy it could be. Great place. I'd come back here if I'm ever in Oregon.
(5)
Maya I.

Colorful, fun atmosphere. Open late. I always get the Ajiaco, which is friggin delicious! I've never had something like it anywhere else. Yum!
(5)
Renee R.

Wonderful wonderful wonderful meal to start off my first night in Portland. Nice and casual atmosphere, easy outdoor seating for us and my dog, but there is NOTHING causal about the food here! Get the Cachenchara (sp?) Cocktail. Our waiter Carlos was so sweet, helped us navigate the menu, and did not hesitate to give his own (good) recommends. It is worth getting the "sampler appetizer" - the maiz y pollo empanada was to die for, and it also comes with a sample of the beet salad on top of the three appetizer choices you get to make. Enter: We had the Camarones Al Ajillo, which was PLENTY of food for two people. So perfectly cooked, so delicious, and that avocado salad was not small in any way. I would come here again and again.
(5)
Joe D.

I always start with the beet salad while my wife and daughter start with desert. Tres leches! My wife loves it here. Then I normally get ox tail on fire. This time I got frijoles colorados. Red beans, brown rice a little potato and bacon. My wife followed the cake with empanadas and corn fritters. All very tasty!!
(4)
Saba A.

Amazing food and service. I have been going for 4 years at least once every two months and I STILL order the same thing! The Arroz Con Pollo is amazing! So flavorful and so much more than chicken and rice. Their Cuban desserts are amazing. Try the Alfahor cookie which is dreamy. Their Cuban coffee is amazing. All in all one of Portland's best!
(5)
Shannon L.

Contrary to popular belief, you should get the Rabo Endendido (oxtail) over the Ropa Vieja (shredded beef). Our waiter was really pushing us to get either the oxtail, fried cow, snapper, or shrimp dishes for good reason I'm sure. While priced a little higher than others at $17, you get two big pieces of oxtail along with rice, corn fritters, beets, and a little veggie salad that comes with most dishes. The wine sauce that the oxtail is cooked in is really great to mix with rice. I wouldn't say it blew my mind out of the water but it was good. The Ropa Vieja was disappointing because the shredded beef was so dry. It tasted better as leftovers later in the night only because it was lucky enough to soak in my oxtail sauce. Most of the alcoholic drinks are fruity and girly but if you don't mind that, they're very refreshing. If you're not into alcohol, they have freshly made juices along with Coco Solo (coconut soda in a can) which tastes like suntan lotion but in a good way. Seating is not too plentiful inside but there are a lot of outdoor tables and it's fun for a warm night. Unfortunately, lots of loud cars and motorcycles like to zoom down this street.
(3)
Grant C.

Went their on Saturday night. Placed name on wait list. Told would be 45 minutes. Totally fine with that. Asked if they would take phone number and call when table ready and we would cross street and get a beer at migration brewery. No where to wait except in parking lot otherwise. Were told no problem. After 30 minutes one of our party crossed street to check, and was told they gave our table away. No phone call as promised. Told would be a 2 hour wait, so we went somewhere else. Really bullshit, since they told us they would call. NEVER go back to someplace that is so up themselves that they don't value the customers.
(1)
Joe M.

I have been frequenting this fine Cuban flare restaurant for many years now. Only recently I have rediscovered its happy hour which takes place daily and even late night on Friday and Saturday. I usually come here when I am with a group so that we can all try the various dishes Pambiche has to offer. As a great starter, the fried plantains are a guilty pleasure. Sure it's not the healthiest option, but the sweet and soft texture with each bite is an addicting snack. The Cuban sammich is usually my preferred main dish choice if happy hour is not an option. It comes with regular plantains which I'm not a huge fan, but that is just my personal preference. The sandwich arrives piping hot with the cheese and meat melted perfectly. I think I learned when the best time to arrive for happy hour when its Friday or Saturday. I probably shouldn't say otherwise it would make the happy hour crowd even more since its a popular venue hehe. The menu is huge and extensive: 1 page for food and 1 page for drink specials. Definitely get the sweet plantains, the fried chicken, and the fried pork. I get the right amount of portions and feel just full enough for dessert after wards. The chicken ($3.50) and pork ($5.00) doesn't have the greasy after taste like other places. It's fried just right while maintaining the juicy flavor an seasonings with each dish. You get a good size chicken piece for the price you are paying for. The rice dish ($2.00) is a big steal and is seasoned with meat and spices that can pair well with the meat plates. The restaurant itself is small and can get crowded very fast. I recommend groups no more than 6 due to the space size. They have outdoor seating but can only seat a max of 4 people. They have heated lamps so if you want to eat outside and it's cold, you will be OK for the most part. The service is friendly and the plate arrive in a timely matter. The desserts on display are simply divine ranging from the simple flan to Dulce creme cake. If you want to wow someone with exotic and delicious flare, visit Pambiche!
(4)
Tina C.

Good Cuban food. Different than what I'm used to in LA & Florida. Avocado salad & beet salad were really tasty. Service was good. Wait in a Saturday night, not so good.
(4)
Sarah M.

Pambiche is the restaurant I always love, but usually forget about. I've been several times over the years. The space is cramped, but the outdoor seating does help in the summer. The waitresses are always busy, but always attentive. The food is simple, but delicious. The avocado salad is just ridiculous. The Cuban sandwich is amazing. Try the oxtail please. The shrimp-- fantastic! The cocktails are tasty, but I usually get a beer or Michelada. Try the Michelada!
(5)
Darik D.

This is my favorite restaurant in Portland! I had been looking for a decent Cuban restaurant since living in LA in 2001. I've had the plato cubano every visit, I get the sweet plantains. The wife and guests we've taken have gotten the small side dishes that are a great price during happy hour. It is a very small location, seating is often on the same table as fellow customers, but the service is quick and efficient and the food is amazing.
(5)
Rachel I.

Happy hour here will spoil you rotten. $4 Yucca fries are out of this world... Mango milkshake for $3... Espresso for $1.50.. $3 Chard fritters... $4 PORK TONGUE STEW. This is enough food for 2 people to get stuffed with for under $16! The rest of the menu is great, but is MUCH pricier during regular hours. They have happy hour every day. DO IT.
(5)
Sudipto G.

amazing cuban food, lovely and lively atmosphere and decor.. loved every bit of it. Had the croquetas (with cod and potato) which were crispy and piping hot with their banana ketchup! For dnner had the Enchilado des pescado with the red snapper, red beans and the plantains.. that was one complete meal! Wish I had room for desserts, well there's always next time!
(5)
Mark M.

Drove by Pambiche today (Sunday) mid-afternoon and saw there was no line, which is a rare sighting for this place. So, a friend I made a u-turn to give it a try. Nice, small divey place with vibrant colors. I ordered a mango mylkshake to start since I only had a small green smoothie since the AM. It was very good, and now I just think of adding a pinch of cayenne. We ordered the mixed appetizer plate and each ordered an entrÃ©e. Although I wanted to order a Cuban sandwich, but they were more than an entrÃ©e that comes with beans and rice vs. bread; baffled by this. Anyway. The food came. The appetizer and entrÃ©e were both good, not great, not amazing. The best was the red beans and their hot sauce (mild). What was great about Pambiche was their 4-star value, for a plate of food for $8.50 to $9.50 during lunch hours. The food 3-stars; good food. 4-stars is very good, 5-stars is amazing!
(3)
Swapna P.

Pambiche has a good vibe and ambiance that compliments the delicious food. I tried the plantains(upon a friend's recommendation) and found them to be OK. I preferred the sweet kind over the savory (you can order half-and-half). The chicken in Pollo Criollo was perfectly cooked. Wrap up your meal with their 'Guava Cheesecake'.
(4)
Angela C.

Went here for dinner on a Saturday night. Waited a while to be seated, but expected the wait, since it was a weekend. Ordered a few different dishes to share and everything was delicious. Our waiter was very attentive for how busy the place was. Definitely save room for dessert and must try the Cuban coffee.
(5)
Nikki L.

Happy hour is the best! Everything tastes super! Avocado shrimp salad is a must. Must try mojito and coffee. Price is reasonable!
(5)
Nywrka R.

Great atmosphere, great service, great food. Being puertorrican, any restaurant that serves malta is boss and deserves nothing less than an excellent review. The amarillos that came with the Vaca Frita were to die for, just like grandma's. The bread that came with the Ropa Vieja took me back to a beautiful place in my childhood. Tostones, yuca frita were very yummy. Portions were very generous. Loved the place, I wish we live closer. Next time we go to Portland we definitely stopping by.
(5)
Liwen C.

Love their ox tail!!! Every time I go there I wanna order everything! Save room for dessert they are good. Lunch has good price. Outside sitting has heater. Good for winter!
(5)
Ruins ..

I went to Pambiche with great expectations. A friend and I had walked around the neighborhood and, of course, the building caught my eye. We both thought it was apartments at first. As we got closer, we could smell the yummy cooking smells wafting down the street. Going to the restaurant at/around happy hour mid-week seems to be a great time to visit as the crowds tend to gather a couple hours later. Ordered several empanadas to start so they'd be ready by the time my friend ordered and then we ordered several things off the happy hour menu. I have to say that despite excellent, attentive service the food was kind of underwhelming. Don't get me wrong, everything tasted good and the food was not homogenous - each item had a distinct flavor and texture. Textures were very good on the food items. We had the potato empanada the spinach empanada the chicken empanada black beans and rice corn fritters pollo frito (my friend had that - beware, they don't tell you it's on the bone) and the ropa vieja. I think my favorite of the two were the potato empanada and the ropa vieja. One would think the potato empanada would be the most bland of the empanadas, I thought it was more flavorful than the others. The spinach empanada was so-so and the chicken empanada was good but needed salt- it skewed to the sweet side for me. The black beans and rice (frijoles negros) smelled quite smokey but didn't have that cooked with ham/bacon that so many bean dished get when they are smokey. I find the ham/bacon flavoured beans to be overpowered by that flavor and was very pleased that this was just an all around pleasant dish. It would be something I could eat all the time except it seems like a spoon dish rather than a fork dish. The corn fritters were interesting. I expected something more like an arrepa. These were more like hush puppies that had been flattened out yet not as dry. They were cakey, moist with a crunch from the whole corn meal. Despite being deep fried (I'm fairly positive on that.), they were not greasy and were very light. I caught a hint of licorice/anise and I don't know if that was something weird with my taste buds or an actuality. I didn't end up asking out waitress for more information. It wasn't off-putting despite my dislike of that flavoring. The ropa vieja was quite savory and tasted a lot like pot roast which goes back to that underwhelming quality to some of the food. I love pot roast and I really liked this dish but it wasn't a flavor I was expecting. The toast is like what I would think a melba toast is (not having had it) or think along the lines of a big crouton. Tasty but don't expect it to bend! I had a bread explosion thinking it was toasted bread. My friend enjoyed the pollo frito. I would have liked to try it but I have a thing about food on bones and that really was a deal breaker for me. The happy hour prices are extraordinarily good and we were stuffed by the time we finished. The atmosphere is a tad too casual for my liking but it's pleasant. I think I would like it more in the fall when they have the outdoor heaters on outside on the patio. That just seems more cozy as the seating is quite utilitarian, almost bus-stop style seating except with a table. I love this little neighborhood and it's a great place to spend a few hours walking around in after a nice meal. Pambiche hits the right notes on a lot of levels so we'll definitely be back.
(3)
Ben C.

I work nearby and have tried a few things on the menu at this point. My highlights have been: #1 the Croqueta Preparada, which is their own unique twist on the classic Cuban. Their Cuban was good, but adding the croquette before pressing it ties it all together. #2 I also enjoy their Plato Comunista, a mix of sides that can be vegetarian if you don't get the beans with pork in them (don't know why you would do that, the beans are delicious!!) And finally #3 I had a cold recently and came here for the AjiÃ¡co stew, it restored me to life. Added bonus, the people that work here are all really friendly and the atmosphere puts me in a good mood every time. Want to come back for brunch some time..
(5)
Ophelia Y.

I went to Pambiche with a friend to celebrate his birthday. It was around 7:30 on a Monday, and no wait at all. We were seated directly next to a group of three, and luckily are rather shameless, so no conversation was too private for us. The place is colorful, a bit drafty in the winter, and cozy. We ordered the Plato Cubano and the Ropa Veija, both with Moros & Cristianos. Tasty! I liked the Plato Cubano better since the meat was fatty and delicious, but the Ropa Veija was tasty--well made meat! We ordered the Papaya Empanada and the Tres Leches for dessert...yum! Definitely worth getting dessert here. The prices for dinner are steep, so maybe try happy hour--I think that'll make a huge difference.
(4)
Alex S.

step into salsa rhythms and slow down the time. order a classic Cubano shaken and served up while you wait for your tropical yam frituras topped with caramelized onion and goat cheese. pambiche is an all time favorite not be missed when considering an authentic Cuban meal. straight outta Havana!
(5)
Tom D.

It's hard to find anything bad to say about Pambiche. I've been here twice and loved both experiences. The cuisines from the Caribbean are possibly my favorite of all I've had in the world, with Puerto Rican and Cuban at the top of that group. The particular mix of spices, the mouth watering pork dishes, and the rice are the things can keep drawing me back. Pambiche specifically has a terrific bartender. Their drinks, which often come out foofy and overly sweet in some places, all have a perfect blend of sweet and tart. The food is delicious. Every single dish I've tried is good. Just order whatever looks best to you, you'll like it. If your dish comes with rice, get the "Moros y Cristianos," you'll be glad you did.
(5)
Lisa M.

Avacodo salad is heaven. I love rope vieja and pork and black beans and rice. Its real good cuban food right here in Portland! The coffee is served as you would drink it in a cuban restaurant in Miami. Never been to Cuba, can't wait to go someday until then Pambiche is my go to.
(5)
Jess M.

Never had a bad experience here, love the Maduros, Empanadas and Oxtails. The staff is always nice and friendly. No complaints here.
(5)
Greg G.

Stopped by for lunch but found out they were only serving brunch (until 2pm), so that was a little disappointing since we had certain dishes in mind. But overall we were pretty happy with what we ordered. I recommend the empenadas which have a very flaky crust which reminded me of the kind of crust on pot pie.
(4)
Troy W.

I was very much looking forward to dinner and visiting with great friends, this turned out to be a disappointing experience. The place was packed... We put our name on the list and waited near a heated outdoor table. We were quickly approached by the host. To which he quickly said "You're not sitting there, are you!" We said not we're just waiting by the heater. So not to prolong the review too much. The guy (owner perhaps?) was really being a D#ck to just about everyone. We eventually were seated at the bar. As we sat watching the cooks and servers do their thing I quickly realized I couldn't hear 1/2 the conversation. So much for catching up with Great friends! The food was really well prepared! We tried a couple different Empanadas and split the Ox tail (It was out of this world!) Sad to say the whole experience was over shadowed by slow service and poor attitude that the Host just couldn't keep to himself. Will I go back, maybe... But I'm not in any big hurry.
(3)
Abbie P.

I don't have too much to compare to when it comes to Cuban food, but I can tell you, this is the best Cuban food I have ever had. I found Pambiche, because I had an obsession with cortaditos and it was the only place anywhere remotely near me that served them. It was a beautiful hungover Sunday and I needed some good cure coffee and food, and Pambiche did not let me down. The fried plantains and papa con queso empanada is TO. DIE. FOR. Get a cortadito and you'll be energized for the next week, no joke; cuban coffee will seriously wire you. The place is a little small, but its very comfortable and friendly. Kind of a far travel for me, but it is well worth the drive, especially after a rough night/morning.
(5)
Robert G.

Happy hour is from 10pm to 12 midnight and has plenty of Celia Cruz. I love the Santeria all over the sidewalk. The Ham croquetas are delicious. I did not enjoy the bacalao (Cod) version. The empanadas are greasy and the crust is thick with a lardy texture. I enjoyed the ropa vieja but not the small portion. The yucca frita made it to the table cold and over fried. The mojo is creamy when it should not be. I will go back and give it another shot. I want to try the vaca frita, pescado con coco, camarones al ajillo and sandwich Cubano. We had a dulce the leche cookie that was incredible. The flan looks amazing. I hope they make natilla and torejas one day. Born in Cuba, I grew up eating Cuban food, so I was expecting much more specially after the good reviews.
(3)
Joni W.

This is absolutely one of my favorite places in Portland to have brunch or late night happy hour. They have a killer happy hour! Bright, happy colors to fix your winter blues during the long rainy season. I am always impressed by the quality of food, diversity of drinks, and overall attention to details. Delicious, authentic Cuban food. Be prepared for a bit of a wait if you come with a group. My only suggestions for improvement would be to hire new staff as I have had a few poor customer service experiences.
(4)
Kimberly R.

Just had father's day breakfast and it was great! The cafÃ© con leche was super good and all the food we ordered was wonderful. The waitress was nice and accommodating and helpful when we asked for suggestions. A big bonus (after our 3 year old had a meltdown) is that there is a park just a block away. I loved the building and the outdoor seating. I wish we had room for the yummy looking desserts, but we were just too stuffed!
(5)
Drew H.

Another place we happened upon while walking SE Portland. First thing you'll notice is the bright colored building of Pambiche that acts like a beacon to draw you in. The outside seating allows for a pleasant escape the hot summer sun. The food is clean and light. Recommend Arroz con Pollo, which we shared for a more than reasonable price of $8-9. Although this may not be enough food to share for other couples, it offers a light meal to keep you going during your Portland adventures.
(4)
Megan L.

The food is amazing, however, the service is lacking. My friends and I went in a few weeks ago, upon greeting us our server was super short with us and impatient as our interactions grew he was visibly irritated and condescending. My friend asked for more coffee and said "whenever you have the chance," in return he said "I have to brew some more, can you wait?!" We started to reference the Soup Nazi off of Seinfield, as we begin to only say "yes, please," and "no, thank you" and were afraid to say or ask for anything else. It really ruined our experience and made the excitement of our outing turn very miserable. We were afraid to ask him for anything else because he would be snappy and look annoyed, we decided to cut it short and leave. Since the food is so good, I decided to go back with some different friends a couple days ago, this time one of my friends order a beer and a shot at the beginning of his meal (a beer and shot being a pretty common thing to order) the waitress said "you can only have the beer, why don't you eat first before you order two drinks." The situation made him feel very uncomfortable and slightly like he was being judged. We were all reluctant to order any more drinks. I do understand that there are OLCC rules and guidelines to follow and servers are held responsible when someone is over served but this just seemed a bit ridiculous. We closed out after one round of drinks and some appetizers. Id love to go back but the bad experiences are going to make me hesitate.
(2)
Jeremy L.

Very popular place, and for good reason. The food here is really great, and fairly unique for the Portland area. I've been in twice and really enjoyed the food both times. I've heard the drinks are really good, too. The downside? Aside from often having to wait for a table, the prices are higher than average but the portions are really small. Especially with things like beans and rice, you don't get very much. I left hungry. Great food, but expect to wait for a table, spend a lot, and leave hungry.
(3)
Rob B.

In amongst all of the fancy foodie, earth-friendly, lizard lip and cow tail flambe do-dad restaurants in Portland, Pambiche is palate-freshingly original. Great outdoor seating (even in bad weather), tasty pork variations, awesome mango shakes and fried plantains. The staff is always friendly and the place is clean. While they don't serve alligator scale soup, they do serve up a revolutionary blend of great Cuban dishes.
(5)
KJ Evie D.

Love this place great breakfast, friendly staff, and best coffee and espresso ever!
(5)
Wade R.

Wow! The Platano shake is out of this world! I have been here several times and order the Indian Pepper Pot each time. My coworkers always order the Cubano sandwiches. I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu.
(4)
Brody L.

I continue to love this place! The food always tastes fresh and amazing! The workers are so friendly and helpful. I love it when people working are knowledgable and passionate about what they serve. The drinks are great, the food is great, and always get a dessert to go, because that's great too.
(5)
Andrea R.

It was my first time here and I love it! I l was visiting from seattle. I used to leave in Miami and it reminded me of the cuban food there. The waiter was very nice and patient. I will definitely be back for more in my next trip to Portland.
(5)
Jessika P.

Amazing food desserts sweet great customer service love it highly recommend it and their drinks are fabulous
(5)
Seiji N.

Thank you pambiche, you saved us from a terrible dessert outing. We started off wanting dessert the other night, and decided to go out for crepes. Upon reaching our destination I was met with a terrible wait, and even worse customer service. Luckily I left, and decided to come to pambiche instead. At first I was a bit iffy about staying because of the wait, but it turned out to be a great success. We ended up waiting a good 10-15 minutes, but the lady who seated us was kind enough to apologize and even give us a free dessert! So not only was dessert amazing, but was cheap as well. To start we had the guava cheesecake, which was very rich and full of flavor. If you have a sweet tooth and are a big fan of guava, I highly recommend it. Next we had a papaya cheese pie, which was both unique and delicious. It sounds like a pie but tastes like a cheesecake. To drink I tried their homemade hot chocolate which paired wonderfully with their sweet desserts. The chocolate was not too sweet and balanced out the desserts. I highly recommend it with whatever you get. I will definitely be back soon to try the real food, especially those fried plantains!
(5)
Mandy R.

First time having Cuban food, although I'm from the Caribbean and make similar food. Husband loved the ropa vieja and their desserts. My food was good too, I got the Cubano plate, and service worked hard and was friendly and attentive. My first complaint is the awkward seating, especially since it's so tight and we got sat in the corner. Normally that wouldn't matter but we had just come from the opera and I was in a dress so it was awkward trying to fit in that tight area. Last complaint is the Sangria was the worst I ever had but my husband loved his mojito.
(5)
Jim B.

The food was average if anything. Drinks were expensive and my party of six was assessed a %28 percent automatic gratuity. Never in my adult life have I experienced anything like this form or extortion.
(1)
Amber R.

Heavenly. Just Heavenly. The 1 hour wait was well worth it! We sipped our fresh pressed drinks on the patio while we waited for our table. The food was zesty and fresh. We left no trace of the desert that we devoured. I crave fried plantain daily now, thank you Pambiche!
(5)
Jenny M.

BACKGROUND - Admit it, if you are from Oregon and have ventured up to Seattle's Paseo, you have tried to find close substitutes closer to home. Well, I certainly have and this may be it. PROS - For first timers, this building is so colorful that it is impossible to miss. Menu is diverse with accurate descriptions of what you're getting. I got the Plato Cubano with Moros&Cristianos. Amazing flavors, pork was so tender and slightly crispy on the outside. Reminded me of Chinese BBQ pork with the crispy pig skin. I wanted to order one of each of their seasonal desserts (What can I say, I have sweet TEETH) -- however, they were out of the Sweet Potato Cheesecake and Apple Empanadas. I did get the last piece of a...Gypsy Arm. Sounds macabre but it's actually baked cornmeal with mango chunks type of goodness. I probably would try something else next time, but the Gypsy Arm is pretty darn good. CONS - Place is waaaay too cramped. Thank goodness for the last peek of good weather and we were able to sit outside... POINTERS - My co-worker is a big fan of all their chicken dishes (especially their pollo criollo) and all their desserts. As you read these Yelp reviews, you will find that everyone has liked everything they have ever ordered -- and chances are, you will too.
(5)
Jess M.

Went here in June for my birthday dinner. The service was very friendly and attentive. The food was amazing. We also really enjoyed the decor. We tried a few appetizers and split an entree, which was perfect. Dessert was decadent and delicious.
(5)
Paul M.

Best cuban in Portland. Fuck that, best Cuban in the west!
(5)
K S.

For food I have had in the past I give 4 stars. It's yummy. For service today I give 1. We went today and put our name on list with "either" for our preference on outside or inside. As it cooled down we decided we would prefer to sit inside. We went and asked to change it to inside and the woman said for that reason we would be put to the bottom of the list. She then crossed our name off and wrote it at bottom. That makes no sense! Shame on you grouchy lady! My friend was very bummed as it was part of his bday tradition to go there....
(1)
Elysian F.

This place has THE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE. They serve frequent customers over newer customers, they're rude as hell, and they just don't care about their customer, period. My partner and I have been there 2-3 times and each time, we have had the exact same experience, and even with different waitresses. They cater to all of the frequent customers before everyone else. They never actually check on you or smile or ask how your food was or fill up your water. If you like spending your money on terrible service and rude women, then this is the place for you! :)
(1)
Christina B.

This restaurant was so good at every aspect. Great food (I had the sanwich cubano, platanos and batido de mango), Great Service and great atmosphere. I would definitely go back. Delicious flavor, very fresh... exactly what you want with Cuban food.
(5)
Sarah N.

After eating nothing but breakfast foods, donuts, and ice cream in Portland we were more than happy to try something different with Pambiche. The ambiance and decor is true to the Cuban culture, full of rich colors and an overall fun atmosphere. My bf and I shared the shredded chicken empanadas and the Vaca Frita. The empanada dough was too thick for my taste. I prefer a lighter and crispier texture. This was a little too dense and oily for me. The chicken was extremely flavorful and it almost made me think of a pot pie as I was biting into it. The Vaca Frita was shredded beef with a citrus sauce. Without the sauce it would've been too dry to eat. The rice was a blend of beans and other delicious flavors. What I loved were there plantains. The best ones I have ever eaten. My bf enjoyed their homemade banana sauce. Supposedly they're looking to bottle it soon!
(4)
High S.

Always awesome. Large plates. Spicy plates. Nice staff. It's great to see certain restaurants holding court as PDX has changed in the last decade, dramatically. Good for groups, dates, parents, kids, coworkers, etc.. Reliably delicious.
(5)
Yvette M.

Cuban food in Portland! This place is right on the money with a little bit of twist. I walked around all day till I was so hungry I could have passed out, in order to afford to have croquetas and a Cuban sandwich, the bread and everything were right on. A good testament to a Cuban restaurant is their Cuban sandwich how it's made and the bread used. Is it authentic Cuban bread? Pretty darn spot on. I haven't had a Cuban sandwich that good in a long time, and it was worth it. It was very affordable for everything I ordered. I would definitely recommend and come back.
(5)
A E.

I have been there multiple times for breakfast and lunch. Food was always good and delicious. I will go back. I had different dishes and sandwiches. Dessert is also very good
(4)
Jacky S.

Have been here a few times, my most recent experience was excellent as each time I patronage Pambiche. This time I enjoyed their red wine sangria, and had each of the appetizer empanadas (spinach and cheese, beef, potato and cheese, and chicken), a cubano sandwich, and their papaya and cheese dessert empanada. Our waitress even treated us to extra empanadas on the house. Though the wait is long to sit inside as its a small seating area, we ate outside under the heat lamps. I would not recommend large groups, easiest to get a table for two, and best to come early, it was most busy around 7.30 on a Friday.
(5)
Lilia L.

Delicius food! I'm also giving 5 stars because we finished our meal 15 minutes before they closed and they happily offered a dessert menu (while I'm mortified for being there that late). We didn't have dessert, but I didn't feel rushed at all like some other restaurants who stare at you and try to force you out. I'll definitely be back!
(5)
Ben M.

Small privately owned eateries are what I enjoy most. If they have a clear idea of what they are good at, even better. Pambiche is an absolute favorite for my wife and I, when visiting Portland. Born and raised in the area but now transplanted to the east coast...every time we return, Pambiche is a must! Anyone who was disappointed here did not understand how to interpret the menu to match their personal taste. It's all in how you order.
(4)
Nicole B.

I felt a welcoming vibe to the colorful building. I definitely wanted to try this restaurant. We went on a Sunday. There was a wait, but were told that we were more than welcome to sit outside on the heated patio. I was reluctant at first, but we had out of town guests, and didn't feel like waiting. I ordered the vaca frita, and I loved it. My meal came with black beans and white rice. What an excellent combination. The mojo sauce could have had a little more zing. I really liked the peppered vinegar. The mojitos are divine, but on the small side. I can't wait to go back, to try something else!
(4)
Harmony G.

I love this restaurant, I have a good experience every time I'm here. The staff has been great dealing with me and my toddler, definitely kid friendly. Lovely food and delicious cocktails.
(5)
Benjamin G.

I don't how many Cuban's actually live in Portland, Oregon, but I have to admit... it feels like somebody plucked this place right out of Little Havana and decided to stash it in East Portland. Unassuming neighborhood with a building that glows with vibrant Latin colors and a mural that takes your breathe away. Once you get past the gawking of the building, get yourself ready for a trip to flavor country. The food here is amazing... I could rattle off dishes, but there's no need... everything is ridiculously good. You really need to bring an appetite though... besides the food, you have to have their cocktails, coffee drinks, and the most decadent list of desserts from here to Miami... I'm salivating just writing this! This place is a must for anyone, whether you like Cuban food or not. You'll love the atmosphere, wait staff is great, and best of all... you don't have to spend the money to travel to Florida.
(5)
Sarit W.

Eh. If you eat here one time it seems like it's mind glowingly good, but come back a few more times and you realize it's just aight. I've lived in Miami which to me is the closest we could get to cuban food so Pambiche does the job when you really crave a little taste of home. I'm giving it 3 stars because the service is alright. They're not the friendliest.
(3)
Lee M.

Pambiche was a great choice for a small restaurant. I read the Yelp reviews and looked at the pictures as the decision point to check it out. It's a small, casual close seating restaurant with Cuban decor. There is also outdoor, sidewalk seating in front of the restaurant. We only had a short wait even though it was very busy. Pambiche did not disappoint! I had two Cuban 'classics.' The first, as an appetizer, an empanada. Their empanadas are good - the perfect mix of a crispy yet flaky crust. I also ordered the Sandwich Cubano on white. Instead of the tostones, I paid extra to substitute with Arroz Amarillo. A lot of food and Yummmmmm so great. The sandwich is large enough to share and it was really good - as I expected. My favorite was actually the rice. O-M-G it was soooooooooo sooooo soooooo good. It was perfect - fluffy but not too light, moist but not wet /mushy, and perfectly seasoned. Ohhhh man, I might just order a plate of rice the next time I go. It was so good I didn't want to leave the part I could not eat. The next morning I had my leftover rice and the other half of my sandwich at room temperature - it was still soooooooooo good. I am a fan and would definitely go back just to get the yellow rice (Arroz Amarillo) again.
(4)
Kelley H.

For my first time eating Cuban food ... this place was yum. Fun atmosphere and a revolving door of patrons.
(4)
Caroline N.

Came to Happy Hour for my birthday, and I was treated so well! The outdoor seating is great, and the food was so delicious and CHEAP! The food took a little longer to come out than usual, but it's ok because I was happily distracted by my delicious drink. Maduros: the fried ripe plantains were fabulous! Crispy and chewy on the outside, soft and warm banana on the inside. It was a nice sweet side to go with our other dishes. Croquetas de Bacalao con Papa: codfish croquetas, just alright compared to the other dishes. Ropa Vieja: shredded beef served with white rice, pretty standard shredded beef but it was executed well and was nice and juicy. Empanadas: TO DIE FOR! The picadillo (beef) ones were my favorite, well-seasoned with bacon, sofrito, olives, capers, raisins, and oregano. The espinaca con queso (spinach & cheese) empanadas were also yummy, reminded me of spanakopitas but with a richer crust. Didn't get a chance to try the papa con queso (potato & cheese) ones that we ordered, but my friends thought they were good. Masitas: Probably my least favorite dish that we ordered, the pork was meh. Las Tunas Tea: tropical iced tea with honey and rum on the rocks, a gorgeous purple color and the right amount of sweetness! Tres Leche for dessert: complimentary! Very moist and light. Came with a candle and got sung Happy birthday to in Spanish :) Overall, great food, ambiance, and service!
(5)
Benjamin T.

Love this place. I always look forward to coming here when I visit Portland. I have yet to have anything Cuban come close to this place.
(5)
L B.

Other than the crowded seating this place is great! The food is fresh, delicious, and often made with flavors I've never had before. I'll go here again.
(4)
Dan H.

A quick update to my review. I love me some Cuban food. Can't get enough of it and Pambiche does Cuban well. Very well. I finally made it for brunch. No lines at this place at 10:30 on a Saturday morning. I don't get it. The food here is amazing. The prices are cheap. There are no lines. What else do you want out of your brunch? Apparently you want to wait in 2 hour lines at places no too far away. You can take your wait. I don't have that much time on my hands. First they start you out with house made pastries for free. A nice assortment of scones and muffins and such. Beautiful. I could have been happy ordering anything off of this menu. Everything sounded so good, but since I don't have endless reserves of money (actually a friend was treating me to this meal) I decided on the Picadillo Cua-Cua (Cuban Hash and Eggs) ($9.50). Abuelita Ninfa's Cuban beef hash made with Cascade Natural beef and seasoned with Mediterranean herbs and vegetables sauteed in a Spanish olive oil and sherry wine sofrito; served with 2 eggs any style, fresh avocado, white rice and ripe plantains. I think the description should be sufficient enough. This is a great dish. Just look at all of the other reviews here. This is really good food. Pambiche brings it each and every time.
(5)
Chee K.

I am sad...I'm sad I didn't try this place earlier! I live fairly close and said "oh, what's that bright colored building" thinking it's just a laundry place. No, it's a delicious Cuban restaurant next to it. We just went for lunch and after I finished my plate I said "I wish I could eat that again". I had the Plato Cubano, delicious succulent pork. I tried the rice, bean with pork mixture for the side. It had some pickled beets and a little marinated veggies. Everything was fresh but the pork was outstanding. My husband had the Cubano sandwich. I never tasted a sandwich so crispy, juicy and hot. The bread was spot on, and I said next time we have to do halfsies cause I want to eat both! They also provide three types of hot sauce and I had to try them all. The decor is funky and colorful, warm and bright. The service is perfect...I would not change a thing about this place. Ok, it could be a little bit bigger but it has a real feel to it. You can close your eyes and imagine sitting in Havana drinking a Coco Solo and watching the people walk by. I'm coming back to try other dishes.
(5)
Steffi R.

Delicious and authentic. As a Cuban who grew up eating home-cooked Cuban food made by my grandmother, I can confirm that this place does it right! Brought back wonderful memories. The empanadas and croquetas were delectable, and the dessert cabinet was stock full of Cuban favorites. My only complaint was that the drinks from the bar were pretty below-average. The happy hour has some great deals, but I suggest just getting a Materva soda instead! I promise you won't regret it!
(4)
Amarillo G.

oh heart of my heart, oh sweet refuge! I love LOVE Pambiche. the food, the atmosphere, the drinks, the dessert. I love this place. it is my go to feel good spot.
(5)
Emma E.

After an unhappy experience with Cuban food in Miami and a recommendation to try this restaurant, we decided to give the cuisine another chance. We liked the food and this restaurant and have been back once. The drinks are phenomenal, especially the fresh pineapple juice. The main courses are good but not fantastic. Don't order the shrimp entrÃ©e or the avocado salad; neither is very flavorful or interesting. The meat courses are overall decent, though. The deserts are hands down the best thing this restaurant has to offer. We come and pickup these little confections, especially the DominÃ³, for takeout. In summary, the food is solid, the service okay, and the ambience alright.
(4)
Barbara A.

What a treat our experience was at Pambiche! Delicious food and amazing service. Both truly outstanding.
(5)
Nicole D.

I should have written two separate reviews so the three stars is an average of two visits. Our dinner experience was worth 4 stars for the quality of the food and service. Drinks were delicious but disappeared quickly in such small glasses. Breakfast was well prepared and offered a delicious alternative to the typical breakfast choices. The side of fruit was amusingly small. The attitude of our server was not. His disdain for the job was palpable and ruined an otherwise nice meal. 2 stars.
(3)
Edward B.

ATMOSPHERE: Harsh lighting, cold, crowded. As much as I hate sidewalk seating, this is one place where I think you might as well just sit outside, even though it is on busy Glisan Street, right next to a laundromat. It's festive and fun outside, and somewhat protected from the elements. Bottom line: this place is at the north end of the 28th Ave restaurant row, but it lacks that atmosphere/charm. SERVICE: Competent. I've never had a complaint. They're always patient with guests who don't know how to pronounce stuff. Don't be embarrassed if you have to point to the menu item you want, or if you have to ask for descriptions of words on the menu. FOOD: Everything is great. However, in spite of their reputation for desserts, everybody I've eaten with here has said their dessert was just good, not phenomenal. PRESENTATION: Lovely! My first time here I was taken aback when my lunch was served. It was as colorful as the building (the building is so colorful, it's almost garish). PRICE/VALUE: Fair and reasonable. Portion sizes are substantial, but not gluttonous.
(3)
Angelique L.

In Portland for a weekend, I Yelped restaurants for dinner. There isn't a lot of great ethnic food where I live so I wanted to find something exotic. When I said Pambiche to my friend, a Latina, she said "yes!" It's a large building, on the corner of a lively intersection, painted in bright pastels as if it was really in Palm Beach. We easily parked on the street and made our way over but the place was packed. As the weather was nice, the list for outside seating was very long and for inside seating only slightly shorter. We probably waited 15-20 minutes and took a table inside. Though they look out on the patio, the inside seating just doesn't have quite the same appeal. But the service was quick and within minutes, we were sharing a mojito and snacks. The waitress was not terribly good with recommendations but we each found something good to order. My friend got a fish with a coconut sauce and I got a Cuban stew. Moments after getting our food, our neighbors got theirs -- a delectable looking garlic shrimp and avocado number that made us both gawk and say aloud with envy, "What's THAT?" Needless to say, our food paled in comparison to what we could only imagine the shrimp and avocado dish was. Maybe it's because it was a hot night and I needed something more summery but the sweetish stew with root vegetables wasn't doing it for me. My friend wasn't knocked out by the fish either though it was moist and well-prepared. We made a decision on the spot to return for the shrimp. Next day, we came back for lunch. The shrimp dish is different at lunch. Not as many shrimp and you have to order the avocado on the side. It ends up being a bit spendy for lunch -- better to get this dish at dinner. But it did not disappoint, it was quite spectacular. Even more spectacular, however, were the happy hour dishes. Small portions of appetizers like cheese and spinach empanadas for $2-3. I got three dishes including a beet and citrus salad for less than $10. It was a great way to sample Cuban food. I highly recommend it!
(4)
Robert R.

A busy, unusually sunny Saturday afternoon in March. There are quite a few tables, but then again there are a few empty ones. We wait in an out of the way spot for ten minutes while they determine we can sit at one of the empty tables. Eventually we're seated at the table we wanted anyway. Water comes, service ware is dropped... we wait and wait and wait, then grab a server who tells us they no longer sell bottles of wine, but we can buy it by the glass. We wait, eventually the beverages come. With menus closed we wait another ten minutes, nothing. We grab a server who tells us we may not place our order until 2:07 PM. What a random time we think; we wait... At 2:20 PM we finally grab a server and ask to have our order taken. He seems flustered and frustrated. Says he's the only server, yet there are two other people working the floor as well. We order, the food comes. The food is good, but not remarkable by any means. If you've been to Versailles in Los Angeles, you know what good Cuban food tastes like. In any case, we asked for another round of drinks, we wait and wait, then ask for the check. The drinks come, the meal is served. Everyone is disappointed. Time to try something better.
(3)
Kimberli C.

This was our first time here - just for takeout - and we vow to return for a sit-down meal as soon as possible. SO fresh and delicious. I can't remember the last time I heard my sweetheart exclaim out loud about his food. Those plantains... I'm guessing our next visit - dining there - will yield 5-stars. Hard to judge all the awesomeness from takeout only.
(4)
Marco D.

I wrote this email to Pambiche because of my experience there: ~~Dear Pambiche, An American friend highly recommended this place to us. I, being Cuban had my reservations about the restaurant but I decided to give it the benefit of the doubt. My wife and I went tonight, and our reservations were proven correct. I will hardly call it Cuban food, the vaca frita was basically a wet, mushy ropa vieja, the corn fritters were dense and not fluffy, tasting like a sweet cornbread mix (maiz tierno should have been used for those). I remember eating more than 20 of those at one sitting when my grandmother made them. I could barely eat two of Pambichae's. I am not even going to comment about the tostones or your sauces. I cook some Cuban food at home and I am not ashamed to serve vaca frita to fellow Cubans or non Cuban guests. My wife is not Cuban but she has tasted several Cuban dishes at home and in other Cuban restaurants and she found Pambichae barely edible. Needless to say we didn't finish our food and left extremely disappointed. We didn't want to make a scene and complain, as it is a very small restaurant but we felt so strongly that we had to write and send this email. Personally we cannot recommend this restaurant to anybody we know. Shame on you for passing this off as Cuban cuisine to people who may not know better. Disappointed customers.~~ Their reply was a real disapointment. The person who replied to the email is Joel Bechtolt whom I think is their marketing person. This is what he wrote: ~~ I, being Cuban had my reservations about the restaurant That sentence should make you lose all interest in further sentences. He wanted not to like it, he got what he wanted. F**k him.~~
(1)
Matthew W.

Pambiche delivers great Cuban food in the heart of the East side. Get there early and put your party on the waiting list if there are no tables, as there are only a few seats inside and a limited number outside. It's worth the wait, though, as just about anything on their menu is unique, tasty and spicy. My favorite dish is the Enchilados de Pescado (red snapper) with a side of Moros & Christianos instead of the red beans or rice. The Plato Cubano and Plato Communista are some of my other faves. Look for the bright colors of the building on the corner of NE 28th and Glisan and find parking anywhere you can, as it can be hard to park in this popular part of town.
(4)
Bryan A.

I've been here twice - once for brunch and once for dinner. Excellent service, unique (to me) food, and impressive decor. One of my favorites in Portland.
(5)
Elle W.

The food is good. I prefer spicy and Cuban food is not spicy. Overall the experience was ok. I liked my food on both occasions but the service was just average. One terrible experience and one Ok experience.
(3)
Wade H.

We went here for a friend's birthday. I was very shocked on how small the place was. It was definitely crowded between us and the the other people that were there. I ordered the oxtail. Wow it was amazing. I would for sure get it again. The waitstaff was very friendly and was working very hard to keep up with everyone. They did a great job
(4)
Julian R.

Terrible place. Used to be nice. Service is lack-luster. Waited forever for any table service, for our food, for any water/drink refills. Folks who came in 1/2 an hour after us got food way before they even took our order. Do not go here.
(1)
Shayne T.

Crazy good food. Would definitely be five stars if it wasn't for the insane hour and a half wait we did.
(4)
Hannah J.

Extremely interesting meals for adventurous palates. The oxtail was delicious and strange all at the same time. Also, they have some amazing empanadas. The restaurant is a little cramped, but waiting outside is okay because they have heaters on in the winter. The only thing I didn't like was the plantains.
(5)
Rebecca C.

One of the best restaurants in Portland if you ask me. Every dish we got was outstanding, from the appetizer to the desserts. It was recommended to check this place out and I am so glad we did. The Empanadas are amazing, although not traditional like you'd find on the streets of a south american country. I got the shrimp in white wine sauce and my colleague got the pork plate. We both got a cookie for dessert and I also brought a piece of cake back for my roommate. None of it was bad, or even mediocre. The portions are big, so you get what you pay for, and the service was spot-on. It is not a place for large groups, so just be aware of that. Otherwise, I highly, highly recommend and I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Vama H.

Pretty good Cuban food with a quaint and authentic looking/feel location. We ordered a few appetizers which were good. Their maduros and fried yuca tasted great but were a bit greasy. Their ropa vieja was outstanding! Their pineapple juice was great too. We will definitely be back
(4)
John K.

Best Cuban restaurant in the Northwest. l tried most items on the menu except for Cuban sandwiches. Arroz Con Pollo, Ox Tail, Ropa Vieja are my favorites. Seasoning and spices are spot on. Weekend waits can be very long.
(5)
Archie R.

Having never tried Cuban food, we thought this would be a great place to start. For vegetarians, the appetizers have loads of options. The platter of fritters was yummy. This was served with avocado salad and black beans. The beans were seasoned beautifully with cumin. The crustini was delicious. It was served with avocado salad. They have a great selection of drinks and juices. I really like the fact that they don't dump sugar in them. You can actually taste the flavor. For the desserts: the Chocolate cigar. ...a winner ! The ambiance has a lot of Cuban motifs and is pretty eclectic. The service is amazing and attentive. Another thing worth mentioning is their banana sauce. This was finger licking good. You can buy that for $5. this place gets really crowded and they tend to close their list after 9pm, even though the place closes at 10.
(4)
David Y.

7 p.m. on a Monday night and the place was packed. I had the shrimp dish which came with brown rice and some black beans, some fried plantains, and a slaw of some sort. Serving size was just right for me. My wife had the traditional Cuban dish and was pleased with it as well. The main reason for the 4 stars is that is took a little long for the food to come out as well as to actually check out. We waited for about 5 minutes after we were clearly done with the food for the bill to arrive and then another 5 to 10 minutes after that for it to be processed. Considering how busy they were, it would have seemed that they would be more anxious to help move customers along and keep customers eating. Food was great thought.
(4)
Jolene B.

Rob loved the ox tail and the chicken was amazing. The saffron rice was over cooked. great coffee and dessert. the happy hour menu looked amazing. we will be back. Fun drink menu!!!
(4)
Momi B.

The Good: +The building is colorful and vibrant! +The plantain fries are crazy. I can't believe it's not potato! A bit too greasy though. The Bad: -The seating area is ridiculously small and the tables are VERY close together and uncomfortable. We were there for breakfast and if you sat by the window, you had the sun blaring into your eyes. Instead we sat at a table next to a wall in front of the door and every time someone came in or out a gust of cold wind greeted us. -The tables are rickety and broken. -Our drink was bland and boring. -Their "avocado salad" is literally just 3 slices of avocado. -It's annoyingly loud. The food in general seems sloppy and not very flavorful. It tasted like cafeteria food. It wasn't BAD per se, it just doesn't seem like they put much effort into it. It was terribly one dimensional. It costs too much for the quality. We ordered 1 breakfast entree, 2 appetizers, and 1 drink====$26.00. Although I enjoyed a different experience, I won't come back for the food. I might bring visitors here for the seemingly authentic experience but that's about it. P.S. The service is like the food...just meh. Not bad, not good. I'm actually debating on whether to give this place 2 stars or 3...
(3)
Sherry S.

They closed up for a week to add a small bar for 4 extra seats, front row view for the fabulous cooks in the kitchen. I have to tell you those seats are roomy! They also have a new swanky fridge that shows their desserts in technicolor. Big looking cakes, some with mousse, some with ganache, some with mango, some with chantilly lace on top. We started with a couple of pinosas (champagne complete with their own freshly made pineapple juice). Dinner was phenomenal - garlic shrimp (and lots of them), avocado salad, big cup of rice, small cabbage salad, crunchy french bread. The shrimp were just smoking with garlic so I could not stop eating the whole plato. This means I did not save any room for those magnificient baker dreams displayed so wonderfully. I did get one of their chocolate/coconut macaroon cookies though.
(4)
Dirk D.

Stopped by Pambiche a a few weeks ago when we were down from Vancouver Island and I must say this place rocked! Excellent down home Cuban food in a funky atmosphere. Very busy for a Sunday night, get there early as we waited for 30 minutes.
(5)
Leah H.

If I could share only one tip about Pambiche it would be this: order the vaca frita. Or you could order two...or three...? This dish is seriously delish. The meat is crispy, the onions are caramelized, and the crack sauce served with it might actually contain crack. The only thing tough to swallow is the price. $17 for this plate always feels a bit steep yet I continue to order it time and time again. The dinner portions are large while the lunch portions (at a lower price) being more manageable for my appetite. I would also recommend the pan frito for an appetizer although it much more appropriate if you have at least 4 people at your table because the portion is HUGE. You essentially get 2 whole avocados marinated in citrus to eat over toasted garlic breads. Pambiche has a great selection of beverages including Cuban classics like Iron Beer to fresh juices and milkshakes. I won't leave a meal there without at least one Cuban coffee (espresso + lots of sugar). The only things NOT great about Pambiche is their inability to make a Cuban sandwich without mustard (apparently they make these ahead of time so I will never ever get to order one here) and that most of their desserts have either banana or coconut (or both!). Of course, this is all related for my personal distaste for mustard, bananas, and coconut but I still can't get over the disappointment that they cannot make me a sando sans mustard. Oh, and the wait. There will always be a wait.
(4)
Abi L.

Seriously. One of my favorite restaurants in Portland. I can't get enough Pambiche in my life! We come for breakfast or dinner, either way, it's super. The Cuban french toast and the huevos ala cubano are both to die for. And there is really no way to go wrong at dinner. Definitely worth ordering a cafe mocha or a cuban espresso and some dessert! You will not be disappointed. The service has always been spot on and we have never had a bad time! Only downside is that if you end up sitting inside...it can be pretty cramped for personal space (so request outside! They have heaters) oh! And they give a discount for bikers, which adds to the awesome! We love Pambiche!!
(5)
Carlos C.

*cue latin clave intro* 1-2-123 OK, I could say that there are many "authentic" eateries in Portland but how many are so authentic that you feel you walked back in time when everything was black and white except the food, eh? The entrees are portioned just right with flavors that POP and smells so spicy you feel you walked into little Havana in the 50's Juanito Maribona and his excellent staff have turned this place into a must see for out of towners AND locals. I only wish this place could fit more comfortably. From the drinks to the desserts and from service to the music, it's all out of Hemmingway's dreams.
(5)
Dee A.

This place is very overrated. I've been to some real delicious Cuban restaurants in Southern California, like PORTOS bakery and restaurant..so I guess I had high expectations when visiting pambiche. The only good thing I've had here was potato empanadas, and a tres leches cake, which you can find at any Hispanic market..nothing special. I wish they had more Cuban variety in portland. Never the less, i do recommend they're desserts and empanadas. I hope to have a better experience the next time I visit this restaurant.
(2)
Tim B.

This is a great place for dinner. The food is great and the service is always good. The best part is dessert. So many amazing voices! I can never pick just one.
(4)
Taylor T.

So delicious! The service was wonderful and the food was incredible. The restaurant was very clean and colorfully decorated.
(5)
Paxton P.

Pambiche is a pretty good cuban restaurant by west coast standards. What makes them stand out is their ambiance and collective decor. The staff is friendly and the food is relatively good. Here's the thing though I'm Cuban and the only menu item i care about is how they make their beans, and if you can't make beans then you better shine through with other dishes like Ropa Vieja or Arroz con Pollo. Maduros i dont really judge on because they will always be delicious. But for me Black Beans and Rice are forever sacred. The beans sadly did not live up to my standards not because they were vegetarian, not that snobby, but because they lacked flavor. But i'm Cuban so i have different standards but for Portland i was just grateful they had a place. Their other food like croquettes and yuka was okay, but like i said the ambiance more than made up for what the food lacked in flavor.
(4)
Laura P.

We've been here a few times and had an hankerin' that day. It also helped that we were in the neighborhood. It's always busy, which I don't mind. Popular is good. We started off with the Primera Vuelta, the first round. You get to pick one empanada, one croqueta and one frituras. We chose the Picadillo empanada, the Jamon croquet and the Name Fritura. They are awesome especially shared with the BF and with a Brazilian beer, Xingu. This was perfect for a mid-afternoon snack. On other occasions we've had the desserts. They are amazing! Don't miss out on looking at the case where they sit. You'll drool and want to start with Dessert! A great spot!
(4)
Jeph J.

I have been here several times and never can remember what I tasted that tasted so good. Then I remember, EVERYTHING I ever order is amazing! Our waitress was very patient and explained everything on the menu I had questions about. Of course I didn't take notes, so some of this review is going to lack specifics. I hate hot/spicy foods, yet want my palate challenged with flavor. This place does exactly that. One staple of Cuban culture is a diet of plantains, which are essentially versatile bananas. Hey someone should name their band that! I can see it now, ladies and gentlemen, live from Havana Cuba we welcome to the stage Versatile Bananas! Plantains are prepared to be both sweet, savory and starchy. One menu item tastes like a syrupy sweet dish almost like a nibble of Bananas Foster. Another is similar to a salty french fry. The flavors of every item are as if you had been watching a black and white television for most of your life and then one day Dad brings home a color television. Or for the younger crowd, playing a Pong game on your television and then given a PlayStation. One happy hour item was so amazing that our waitress brought us over a Radio Cab note with the name on it. "Masitas" were marinated pork bites that are so juicy. I am not entirely sure how the marinade works, but the texture tastes like they may have been lightly deep fried or something. The desserts are wonderfully tasty and creative: Cookies. A chocolate cigar (which for some reason no one considers un-PC). I enjoyed a cake that sported the interesting flavor combination of dark chocolate with passion fruit. The passion fruit bursts through the moist cake and dark chocolate leaving your pallet wondering what the heck just happened. Yes indeed, Pambiche is a place worthy of coming back to again and again. It is great to take a date before a movie at the Laurelhurst Theater, about a block away. One drawback is the seating is in very close quarters, so it is not very date friendly. The menu will impress your date but the close quarters with the other patrons give you intimacy with everyone else besides your date! Sometimes the wait takes a while too, and you find yourself on the street outside for ten to fifteen minutes. Good things are worth the wait, however. For the more adventurous, they also have outdoor seating with heaters. Those seats are assigned also, so it doesn't necessarily speed the check in process. I don't believe they take phone reservations so you need to put your name on a sign up sheet when you arrive. I have also enjoyed breakfast there, and the highlight of that visit was the assorted sweet breads. Pambiche is located on the corner of N.E. 28th and Glisan.
(5)
fused g.

This is a fun place and you can feel transported to Cuba (even before cocktails) ... great ambience...three of us ordered a bunch of tasty stuff and i really liked the flavor and moistness of their saffron rice (yum yum). We had some serious cocktails which were very good, too. Cool waitstaff....only thing was that a lot of people waiting for tables ended up milling around ours (last table in an outside row) and they were constantly looking at our dishes so i felt we couldn't linger...so i recommend not sitting at the very end!
(4)
Amy B.

So glad we stumbled upon this. We had all wanted to go, but it was not our actual destination on this day. But we quickly changed our plan and went in right before the lunch crowd. The menu at this place is rather large and I was not prepared. I asked the server several questions and he gave us great direction. As he left the couple next to us asked if it was our first time. When we told them it was they began to give us some direction as well. OUr meal was fantastic. We had a fish dish, a beef dish and a pork sandwich. I think we got a great sampling of what they have to offer. We were all pleased with what we got and agreed it is a place we would return to. Great little place.
(4)
Hilary W.

I just don't understand. Sure, some of the items on the menu are pretty good. But to be treated the way that you're treated here, it's just not worth it to me. And the food is just okay. One time I attempted to make a substitution for something and was told that I'd have to purchase two whole entrees to get what I wanted because they wouldn't allow substitutions. But a different time (the time before this one) they didn't even question this exact same substitution. So that's confusing. The last (and final) time I attempted to eat here, I was told that I'd have to sit and wait for 20 minutes before I could order from the lunch menu. Our server wouldn't even write it down -- she said we could just sit and wait and she'd take our order at the specified time. So bizarre.
(2)
James A.

Its one of those Gems on the East Side that never goes out of style. Great service and even better food. I love how quint the restaurant is, you really get that hometown family owned vibe. The menu has a large variety of options that allows you to satisfy any desire, lots of Gluten Free options and an array of Cuban drinks. An amazing mural is on the side of the building that really livens up the neighborhood and the colors of the building really completes the vibe for Pambiche. Come through, you wont be disappointed.
(5)
Oscar M.

First time having Cuban, I'm Hispanic of Mexican heritage and although similar staples it most definitely had its own spin on dishes. Rice was white which surprised me as I would have thought it would be Spanish in influence, but this played well off my Plato Cubano that was very rich. I had one of their traditional sodas and I realized it was polluted with High Fructose Corn Syrup rather than pure cane sugar like all the Coca cola or Pepsi made in Mexico in the glass bottles, even so I didnt like the flavor. I did appreciate the Organic options because if you don't know GMO's are Bad! The empanadas weren't bad but nor we're they exceptional. All in all I'd give them a 3 and half star, which is enough to bring me to return and try the rest and maybe try something that at a later date might upgrade them to four star. If you really want a Hispanic treat the best in town is well known spot Downtown, A____a!
(3)
Laura M.

Freakin' fabulous. Group of us went for dinner on a Saturday night, and had a great experience. Everything on the menu looked so good that we just kept ordering, and ordering, and ordering. Well, fast forward to when our food was brought to the table, and it was embarrassing. Plates everywhere, and not enough table to accommodate the gluttony. The server kind of gave me a reassuring nod as if to say, "Yeah, I know. This stuff's that delicious". The avocado appetizer was crazy good. The sweet plantains were off the charts. Beet salad? Perfection. Black beans, rice, fritters....you name it, we tried it. Put on your fat pants. Go to Pambiche. Order a drink. Then, close your eyes, spin your finger over the menu items, and pick whatever your finger lands on. It will be delicious, trust me. Or.....you can do what we did, and spin your finger over the menu so many times that you get carpal tunnel. I am doing it again when we go back. Don't care.
(5)
Grissette V.

My brother found this place while hanging out in Portland. I'm not much into Cuban food but the food was actually pretty good. It's a we bit similar to Puerto Rican food but different. We did have to wait a while to get seated but it was because it is a small restaurant and overcrowded but the service was good and got to try something different.
(4)
Kristie G.

One of my favorite places. Their "oxtail on fire" is amazing! Very flavorful without being really spicy. They come in this sauce that is to die for. I also love their corn fritters, which you can order separately or they come along with the oxtails. My husband and I usually order a beet salad to start, which is fantastic. It is plenty big to share as an appetizer. I have had a few other things on the menu, but I always come back to the oxtails. The only drawback is that the place is small. Indoor seating is very limited and you are very close to other diners, so don't head there for a quiet romantic dinner. They do have covered outdoor seating with heaters.
(5)
Becca J.

I came here for brunch, and it was different, but very tasty! I don't think I had Cuban food before this experience. I tried the Huevos a la Cubano (Cuban Style Eggs) with the ham croquetas. The croquetas were kind of like mozzarella sticks with some ham on the inside. This also came with some mushed of plantains (they were just ok) and Moros & Christianos (rice and beans mixed with some pork). I had the non-alcoholic Guarapina beverage, which was essentially fresh pineapple juice + sugar cane; this drink was DELICIOUS, and on its own makes me want to come back again. This place seems like it is pretty popular, but I'm an early-bird, so at 9:30 AM there was a lot of seating available, and I didn't have to wait at all. The menu is expansive, so I was happy that I had a long time to figure out what I wanted to try since I showed up a little earlier than the people I was meeting. I'm not sure the food was good enough that I would stand around for a long time if there was a wait, so it's definitely 4 stars.
(4)
Jessica H.

The food at Pambiche is great! I went for a business dinner with colleagues. The ambiance is not the greatest; I definitely recommend sitting outside, but there aren't a ton of tables. The ox tail and snapper dishes were amazing! I'd also highly recommend getting the avocado salad. It was huge chucks of avocado with a ceviche type treatment which made them extra fresh and delicious. Most dinner plates are under $15 each. I would definitely do a repeat here.
(4)
Jingwen Y.

This place feels so festive because the inside is decorated with so many bright colors and fun decors. The seating is a bit small but the food was wonderful. Too bad I did not have a chance to try their drinks. We ordered several small appetizers and I especially enjoyed their croquetas. After our meal, we asked our hostess if there were any good salsa clubs nearby with lots of cute boys. Her response was, "There are no cute guys in Portland, and I am married." Ouch and I thought Seattle had it rough. Is that a bonus? I think so.
(4)
Monica S.

Yum!!! Really fun place eat. This place was hopp'n and busy on a late Sunday night.
(4)
Brittany H.

Yummy food, but I wasn't blown away. Definitely nothing wrong with this place but nothing exceptional either
(3)
Mr. W.

Damn! This is about as good as food gets. The only negative thing I can say about this place is there's generally a wait. But it's only because the food is so good. There's definitely love put into this food. My gf's cocktail was made with fresh lime juice and muddled pomegranate seeds and the hot food was clearly freshly prepared. Another plus: you won't leave this place hungry. In fact, you'll probably leave with tomorrow's lunch. I'm sold on Cuban food. I'll be back, perhaps every time I visit Portland.
(5)
Don W.

I lived in Miami for a few years and feel in love with the Cuban culture and food. I was a little skeptical that I would find authentic Cuban food when we moved here. Pambiche is essentially straight out of Miami, which is add good as saying straight or of Cuba. The place is small and fills quickly. But it is worth any wait. Staff is great. Between my wife and I we have had about everything on the menu. All good. No complaints. Prices are great. The music is great. I think the only drawback is size of restaurant but it also gives it a certain feel to the place. I highly recommend it, even for kids. We are from Salem and every time we head to Portland we stop here. There is a community park a block or so behind it. Good place to take a dessert and the kids to relax after a great meal.
(5)
Sam V.

Everything was absolutely tasty! Empanadas were sooo good.
(5)
Bliss D.

A handful of people I work with are obsessed with this place so I thought I'd give it a go. Clearly from the 3 stars I give it you can see that for me it's just alright. The ambiance is really hip, the food was bland and in terms of all the Cuban food I've had in my life, I would say it was definitely in the bottom half. I would stop in again for happy hour and grab some sangria, but that's about the extent of it.
(3)
Shannon C.

Good food. The tostones were a bit disappointing. I had the ropa veija, the meat was good but nothing compared to a Cuban grandmother. Definitely get the Moros & Christianos for the side.
(4)
Aaron R.

This place is tasty, reasonably priced, AND offers some unusual items without forcing everyone to leave their comfort zone. It gets busy for sure -- if you don't believe me, just check out the signs outside admonishing patrons to not block the public sidewalk. We usually go for breakfast, and we've had good luck if we go as soon as they open -- immediate seating and the food still comes out pretty quick. While you're waiting, have a cup of their good coffee and sample the sweet breads they put on the table. There's a mango marionberry bread that is spectacular. And be sure to taste everything on your plate -- I liked their plantains, and I usually don't care for them. If you can get in, it's a terrific breakfast. By the way, 5% discount if paying by cash or if you bike to the place. You just have to show your bike helmet.
(4)
Reba M.

I love this restaurant. The inside is small but they have outdoor seating. They have heaters over head. We always come early or else we will have to wait. The food is so amazing so its always packed. They do have happy hour. Great desserts.
(4)
Girl W.

Came here many years ago with a friend when I visited Portland. I am not familiar with any of this type of food, but I tried it and loved it! Its very unique. The location is so authentic and colorful. I dont think I would have ever found this kind of place on my own! WANT MORE!
(4)
Jim C.

My friend recommended me this place since she knew I love flan! And we decided to do the whole three course meal at this place and it was AMAZING! place is beautifully decorated and the food was amazing. Totally recommend this place
(5)
Johanna L.

I have been here many a time over the years for brunch, dinner, and happy hour. I most recently visited for happy hour so that is what I will review here: Pros: SUPER cheap!! Holy crap. Full sized options for $3, $4! Empanadas, plantains, etc. Great service. Complimentary cookies that were super-yum (thanks Amy!) The empanadas' crusts were delicious and flakey - important to note they are made with lard so not truly vegetarian or vegan if that is your thing. Croquettas and fritters are super delish, crisp, and fresh Cons: They were out of the maduros (sweet plantains), and the tostones I got were very dry. The chayote salad was a bit... odd? I don't know. I've had chayote grilled before which was a better preparation than how it was served... it was a bit cold and wet, and the viniagrette wasn't all that to me. No alcohol-soaked fruit in the sangria (it was good tho, and boozey). Where oh where can I get a proper sangria in this town??? For the money, it's a great deal. The empanadas were great, but the rest was nothing to write home about except they were cheap and good with our cocktails. For what it's worth, I think brunch is what Pambiche does best, but it's been years since i had it, so I couldn't give you a proper review... perhaps a good reason to return soon?
(3)
Chels J.

Do yourself a favor and go here immediately for the avocado salad! It was to die for, I wanted to lick my bowl clean. It is just a bunch of perfectly ripe avocado pieces with bits of onion with a lime dressing that highlights the avocado and onion superbly. It's definitely big enough for 2-3 people - especially if you all order a regular entree. I personally wish I had the salad to myself and ordered an appetizer as my meal to save room for dessert. The tres leches cake looked great but I had zero room. I ordered the red snapper enchiladas (not at all similar to mexican enchiladas - no tortillas involved, fyi) and it was pretty good. Not nearly as good as the avocado salad - that is a pretty tough act to follow. We got here around 5:30 on a saturday and there was already a wait. The indoor seating is pretty small and cramped as they try to fit as many tables as possible in there. We took the bar over a table which was somewhat more spacious with more privacy. They also have a lot of outdoor seating with heaters that work pretty well.
(4)
Haroun K.

Pambiche is featured in my 13 year old Portland guidebook, which is impressive. We came one rainy night (which is every night now), for a late dinner. It was crowded and the atmosphere was very homey, and the background music was phenomenal. We ordered the communista plate, the avocado salad, and the yucca fries. I think there was a server-foul in not reminding us that the communista itself has a ton of yucca fries. So, we were yucca overloaded. The avocado salad was, well, avocado, which was too much avocado for either of us. The communista also included black beans and rice (the best part of the dish) and cabbage cole slaw. We also shared a mocha dessert from the cooler, which was tasty, but a bit chilled (unsurprisingly) for my liking. I'm sure I'll be back sometime, but it won't be at the top of my list.
(3)
Julia M.

This spot is fantastic! I've been here twice now, and was impressed with the food both times. As a vegetarian, I'm always concerned that a menu will only have one item or less that I can eat, but that hasn't been the case here. Technically there is only one veggie-friendly entree, but there are enough other vegetarian options that its fun to mix and match smaller plates. Also, they serve one of the best hot chocolates I've ever had! My only complaint is that the service can be a little spotty. The first time out waitress was very attentive, but our server during my second trip would leave our table unattended for long periods of time and forgot to order 2 of our plates. I went early on a weekday both times and seemed to miss the crowds other reviewers encountered. Overall, the atmosphere is really fun and the food is great. I highly recommend Pambiche!
(5)
Kristina L.

This cute little, colorful restaurant seems to always be crowded, but the wait usually isn't too terrible. Excellent Cuban food! Great happy hour! Looks, tastes, smells, & feels very authentic! My favorite dish is the Rabo Encendido: ox tail braised in a spicy red wine sauce served with rice! My other favorites include: The Sanwich Cubano: a pork &smoked ham with swiss cheese and dill pickle pressed together inside a fresh Cuban roll, The Plato Cubano: adobo marinated roast pork served with your choice of Cuban beans and rice, & the Pollo Croquetas: creole chicken seasoned with Spanish chorizo sausage. Also, be sure to try the pineapple soda & their variety of desserts!
(5)
ReviewInHaik u.

Â¡Ay, madre mia! Â¡Plato cubano y flan! Â¡Bueno y lleno!
(5)
kathy m.

This was one of the charmingist restaurants in a way too charming neighborhood. True, I'm from a pretty un-charming place (Salem) and pretty easily impressed by neighborhoods with personality, but on a warm spring evening a great meal was enhanced by a very happening setting. The restaurant itself was bright and kitchy with colorful plates and decor, and the clientele was casual and classy just like me. We started out with a sampler platter of appetizers with an corn fritters and empanadas. My coworker is a pescetarian, so we ordered a vegetarian selection. Quite tasty. I ordered one of the shrimp platters. It was bold and flavorful, but the shrimp was somewhat overcooked. My plate came with an avocado salad with an orange vinaigrette dressing which was a refreshing contrast to the spicy food on my plate and the plates of my companions from which I was jabbing my fork into at every opportunity. Coworker #1 ordered the plata Cubano. I had bites of the pork and the yucca. Coworker #2 (the pescetarian) ordered the red snapper which came with plantain chips which were kinda tough. The fish, however, was perfect. Overall everything was bursting with flavor and there was tons! I took half of my dinner and about a quarter of coworker #2's home for lunch and dinner the second day. Finally I ordered the tres leches cake for dessert. Everything was very good.
(4)
Kaela D.

I'm not a fan of the one popular Cuban place in Denver so I was unsure if I should try Pambiche on my visit to Portland. I am so glad I did. I went in late at night by myself and the service was terrific. Sergio, Erin, Sylvia, and the cooks were so nice. Part of the reason I don't like the Cuban place back in CO is because they have rice as the only vegetarian option. Pambiche is another story. It's all reasonably priced but if you go during a happy hour you can try lots of stuff. I had empanadas, plantains, yuka, the cabbage salad, and some passion fruit chocolate dessert. Good lord. I literally was saying "'mmm" every time I took a bite. Their food makes you wanna close your eyes and savor the flavors. I can't wait to come back to visit this new favorite. :)
(5)
Nikki K.

One of the only (if not the only?) Cuban joints in Portland and worthy of the title. I was little perplexed by something labeled the "Miami Cuban Sandwich" considering thats where the cuban sandwich comes from. If it was from Cuba it would just be the sandwich. But semantics aside, I had the Cubano Preparada (basically the same as a cuban but with a ham croquette in it) and it was gooood. Bread is more media noche style (which also happened in Seattle), but Im not complaining.
(4)
Erin M.

Holy Mother! I have found the Holy Grail. It is called a PiÃ±osa. Fresh Pineapple Juice + Sparkling Wine = me going up on the "down" escalator at the mall after I had one of these concoctions...awkward! I had the good sense to polish off a plate of the corn fritters and a shared slice of the Lime in the Coconut cake with my girlfriends during happy hour. It was love at first bite.
(5)
Joan D.

This place was recommended to me by one of my co-workers and one of my customers (who visited while in Portland from out of town) - so we headed over to enjoy - NOT! First of all I hate parking in downtown Portland - no one ever plans for parking for customers and they don't all come by foot, bicycle or TriMet. However, we licked the parking issue and headed over. We figured out that we had to put our name on a clipboard hanging by the door for guest queue, however, that was not signed or intuitive. We did and then asked a waitress outside about the wait. She rudely told us about the list and said it would be at least 20 minutes. OH so SORRY - we're potential customers! We didn't say that, just calmly waited. When people arriving after us crowded in the door and seated themselves in the tiny entrance way, we squeezed in and were promptly and rudely (again) told to get outside and put our name on the list. Now my spouse is angry and says "Our name is on the list and first up for the next seating." We're glared at and ignored and so we walked with our feet. That's right ,...after all this effort and time spent getting here and gas money spent and parking problem addressed - we LEFT - didn't even get to try the food. The low rating is not for food - we didn't eat here - it's for rude service and people who obviously have too much success to try to maintain or try for more. Restaurant business is about repeat business, folks! We will not be making the effort to come back; we got the message loud and clear, that we're not welcome.
(1)
Andy W.

To those reviewers before me who have bemoaned the integrity of Pambiche's Cubanness, I get it. It's not like the real thing, and the imperialist US government is responsible. I appreciate their struggle: these continuing complaints are the foodie's main contribution to the Cuba Libre cause, and it's an effective strategy. It's like a very selective hunger strike -- as much of a hunger strike as you could hope to get out of a foodie. They will constantly criticize the cultural competency of Cuban cuisine to anyone who will listen, and their efforts will not cease until Cuban food is truly free to be authentic, from sea to shining sea. So in support of the foodies fighting to change the US' Cuba policy, I make the following plea: for the love of all that is holy, Barack Obama, please lift the embargo against Cuba; it's the only way to make the whining stop. Now, until victory is achieved, we'll need to find a way to go on living, with or without authenticity. And practically speaking, I love Pambiche. It's everything I could possibly want in a neighborhood restaurant -- it's within walking distance, it's cozy, there's tons of comfortable outdoor seating (even in the winter), the decor is bright and happifying even on the most dismal Portland winter day, and the staff is friendly (though a tiny bit slow) and not the least bit pretentious. Oh yeah, and the food is wonderful and fully accessible to a public admittedly unfamiliar with genuine Cuban food. Grumble all you want, Cubanophilic foodies: I love it, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.
(5)
Brittney G.

This place is great! It is a little pricey for what it is, but worth it. Also worth the wait.
(4)
Kelsey M.

I can't wait to come back to this restaurant! Yes, it's crowded, but for a good reason. Get the jumbo prawns for dinner, they are absolutely delectable. It was my first time eating Cuban food, but it will not be the last now that I know about this place! I'm planning on trying the fried cow next, because there's no way you could go wrong with that.
(5)
Erica M.

Hands down my favorite PDX restaurant. I love this place so much! My favorite is Pescado con coco (snapper with coconut milk). The privacy sucks cause your sitting so close together, but you get used to it. The waitstaff are always so nice as well. If you go on a weekend day plan to wait-but it's worth it.
(5)
Murrieta S.

Pambiche warms my heart with that Latin Flavor and reminds me of Hot Florida Nights spent in my youth. Love the food here and I've been several times and have yet to hit a bad or off meal. The staff is very friendly and work hard. The kitchen is hoping and the food quickly arrives at your table. Muy Bueno Plato Cubano
(5)
Milli Q.

A totally lively place with indoor and outdoor seating. Although indoor seating is small. Went here for lunch with a friend and wished I had gone here sooner. It was really good and they have a big menu. Was hard to decide. Ordered: Starter: Maiz con Pollo Empanadas Pretty good, but small size appetizer. Not really enough to share. Felt like a teaser after sharing. Next time maybe will order 2. My dish: Ropa Vieja Very flavorable and good portion. Had a choice of white long grain rice or beans and rice (definately go for the beans and rice.) Beef was had great seasoning and not dry. Had a light sauce which jsut melts in your mouth. Was very tasteful over the rice. Friend's dish: Sanwich Cubano She loved the sandwich and it came with a side of plaintains. I can't wait to go back an try the rest of the menu.
(5)
Leo W.

This place can get a little crowded as the seating area is quite small - but it's more than made up for by friendly staff and great food. They have great pork, and definitely get a beef empanada as a side.
(4)
Beth G.

Brunch at Pambiche is GREAT! I have been enjoying Pambiche for years--love their desserts, some sangria, some empanadas, and a nice plato cubano. But recently we decided to stop in for breakfast, and it was Delicious! They provide you with a basket of tiny tropical-themed breakfast pastries, and they were very tasty. And I absolutely loved my Pisto Manchego. Best breakfast I have had in a long while--and I eat a lot of good breakfasts. Yesterday I had the tortilla a la Romana, which was also very good--but not as good as the Pisto Manchego. Service is good, and speedy. Plus, both times we have visited, there hasn't been a wait for a table--which is a rarity for Portland breakfast stops (note: There usually IS a wait for a dinner table). I do wish they had more space--tables are very close together.
(5)
John P.

A place in Portland I always have to visit whenever I am there. The best Cuban food in Portland if not on the West Coast or this side of Havana or Miami. Try the Sanwich Cubano and of course the tostones (fried green plantains) and black beans and rice! Before you go, either call in for reservations or arrive early. It gets crowded during the dinner time. It is that popular and THAT worth it!
(5)
J P.

Yes, the indoor seating area is small, but my husband and I never felt rushed. We aren't Cuban food connoisseurs, so we can't vouch for authenticity, but what I can say is the brunch was amazing and incredibly well priced! Perfectly cooked eggs and delicious coffee. Friendly, helpful wait staff and seriously yummy empanadas. We can't wait to go back and try the lunch and dinner menus!
(5)
Miss RenÃ©e D.

Ohhhh Pambiche. I am so happy to have found you! My bestie moved to Portland in November right before her birthday. I had her peruse restaurants online to pick the one she wanted to go to for her birthday. She picked Pambiche. Unfortunately instead of getting delicious Cuban food, she, myself and my fiance all caught the worst flu ever. Fast forward to last Saturday when we finally took the opportunity to cash in on that belated birthday dinner. SO WORTH THE WAIT. Speaking of waits, we didnt! At 8:30 on a Saturday night we were seated in the last spot available within seconds. Me likey. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable and above all patient because, being an absolute virgin to authentic Cuban fare, I had NO idea what anything on the menu was. In a city not known for its good service (understatement) Jordana was a jewel. The food....good lord...the food. There is something that happens to me when I am experiencing a quality meal. My eyes get bright and shiny as if Ive had about 2 stiff cocktails. I get a stoner's perma-grin. (I know many of you know first hand exactly what that is, dont front!) If there is music playing -and there was; delicious, foot-tapping Cuban music - I dance in my seat a little. If there is no music playing, I dance in my seat a little. I get chatty with whomever looks my way. I am contagious in my unabashed joyful sensuality. This happened to me as I slowly and with much relish, savored my meal: Appetizers: Chicken Croquets Main dish: Plato Cubano Dessert: Bread Pudding and Cafe con Leche By the time I left I knew the busser's name, how long he'd been there and how long it took for him to FINALLY want to eat anywhere else. That the gentlemen next to me were father and son and father was visiting from Arizona and that my server was friends with my fiancÃ©s cousin and is probably going to schedule a tarot card reading from me when she can afford it. My only complaint is not about the food, nor the service; its about the postage stamp size of the dinning room. What IS IT with this city and and its obsession with cramming people into tiny little matchbox rooms? I'm a big girl honey, me and my aura need some room please. Other than that, SCORE Pambiche. Even the pervert cabbie that tried to hit on me and my bestie with his tired game (making a human sandwich? Really dude?) couldn't dampen the high I had when I left. I will be back. Me likey a LOT
(4)
James M.

Amazing resturant. Wonderfully tasty cuban food and awesome ambiance. Everything on the menu just looks so amazing. Great service too! Try the Sugar Cane lemonade!
(5)
Rachelle S.

Drink menu sucks; happy hour appetizers were ok, nothing too fantastic. The pot stew was good but the garlic pork was overcooked and the empanada was overcooked. The fried plaintains were sweet and charcoal coated (overcooked as well). Maybe Tuesday at 4:30pm is not a good time for happy hour. I might bring a friend back for dinner, Cuban coffee and dessert (it looked promising)
(3)
Smar T.

I had a really bad service experience about a month ago at Pambiche. Up until then, I'd tolerated their mediocre "cuban" food because it was close to my house and my wife likes their maduros. Pambiche is a summer place for sure....but they are open in the winter. We arrived on a Saturday where their little dining room was packed. We had a party of four, and so we signed up to wait (out in the cold). About 5 minutes after we'd arrived, a group of 5 middle aged ladies showed up. We were really cold and were waiting outside. 4 two-person tables opened up, and they promptly sat the 5 ladies down at a 6-person table. The hostess then came up to us and said (con attitude) "Yeah, it's gonna be a WHILE for your table." I asked her why she sat a party that had arrived after us, and she copped an attitude. We then decided to leave, heading to Dove VI VI next door...I asked the hostess to speak to the manager before we did. She said she was, and I told her we were there first - and that she could have set both parties at the tables that had opened (had she put a 5th person on a 4 table)...she gave me some "sir, this is a small restaurant" speech...and I told her we won't be coming back. and that's the truth. The food is totally middle of the road...and they all wear Puerto-Rican flags? Puerto-Rican food is very different than Cuban food, which probably explains Pambiche's blandness. Diner beware! Attitude abounds here!
(2)
OJ M.

The whole experience here was very good. The service was great and the food was very flavorful. If you are not familiar with cuban food like I was, the server would be more than happy to help you with the selection of your food. Overall check this place out... it's pretty decent and it will open your mind up to trying something new.
(3)
Ross S.

My Cuban in-laws eat here every visit, no exceptions allowed. To begin with, the ham croquetas are, in my opinion, evidence of the existence of a higher power. My personal favorites for entres are the Plato Cubano, Vaca Frita, and Ropa Vieja. Their Yuca con Mojo is outstanding (almost as good as my aunt Margarita's). I'm partial to their red beans over the black, but they're both good. For desert, I like the Torta Domino. The cuban sandwiches are a take-out favorite. The happy hour is 2-6 with a great menu (particularly for sampling portions of the entres) and doubles as a great late-night menu on the weekends.
(5)
Glenn C.

Stopped here for dinner on the way back into Portland after a Sunday afternoon of sightseeing. The wait was a little long, but it was well worth it! The Lengua en Salso was outstanding - the meat was tender and cooked to perfection. Also had my first taste of Coco Solo.
(5)
Donna S.

It's been a while since I was at Pambiche but it was pretty good. The reason I'm writing this review is for a cake that was served at a bridal shower from the bakery at Pambiche.. It was a Tres Leches (three milks cake) OMG It was heaven on a plate.. Very moist of coarse soaked with Leche very flavorful and perfect with strong coffee... I tell you it made my eyes roll to the back of my head... It was that good! I have a b-day coming ... guess I know what I'll be ordering this year!! Thanks for the delight:o)
(4)
Elena M.

Avocado Salad, Maduros & a drink of your choice. It brings me back again and again. Try it you'll be happy Oh and the coffee, that brings me back too.
(5)
Susanne K.

My first experience at Pambiche was awesomely good. It was crowded, but I don't mind crowds. The service staff was friendly, on top of their game. The atmosphere was cozy, colorful, and cultural. The food was amazing! The appetizers: croquettes, which something gooey and special inside. It was creamy, eye bulging, and mouth watering. The Cuban pork entree was so delicious. So much flavor in the sweet meat and so tender. It was delightful. There were no overwhelming flavors added to the dish. The sides were simple and good: beets tasted sweet and fresh, and the beans weren't overly salty. The Cuban sandwich was amazing. There were croquettes inside, with sauce that was unique, zesty, and refreshing, the meat was soft and flavorful. No flavors were too outstanding or overwhelming. The overall experience was well worth moderate price, good value for great taste.
(4)
Ankit A.

I'll have to admit when given the choice to go to a Cuban place or Sushi place, I was at first hesitant to come here because I was afraid it would be Cuban Sandwiches with nothing more. Boy was I wrong! This place had some GREAT food. One diner in our party went with the Ox Tails and I went with the Vacas Fritas (fried beef)... both amazing dishes. The meat on the ox tails fell off the bone and was spiced perfectly. The outside of the vacas fritas were perfectly crisp yet the inside remained moist and tender, and, along with the garlic-lemon sauce was absolutley melt-in-you-mouth nirvana. Don't miss the sugar-cane lemonade, which has a slight saltiness that balances the sweetness of the fresh sugar-cane perfectly. This is the PERFECT warm-weather lemonade. My visit to Pambiche completely changed my perception of Cuban food, and if you haven't had much else besides rice and beans or Cuban sandwiches, visit Pambiche and you'll be pleasantly surprised at the variety and complexity of the Cuban flavors offered here.
(4)
James F.

Been here several times for lunch, last week was my first visit for dinner with my out of town friend. I have to say it was fantastic. Great service and an amazing meal.
(5)
Jessyka O.

DELICIOUS DELICIOUS DELICIOUS!!!! I just moved to Portland from Seattle and the food is what I miss most. This place is the first place I've found that is 100% up to my standards. I will absolutely go back.
(5)
Joel N.

Solid Cuban food in the land of Port. Who knew?
(4)
Ashlee H.

I keep meaning to actually try something other than their Sanwich Cubano ... but I just keep coming back to it. I had a variation of it once (the Elena Ruz), which was delightful, but I still kind of regretted not getting the original as I was eating it. The sandwich is beautifully toasted and all the ingredients taste fresh and delicious. The tostones in the side are fantastic -- especially when dipped in their hot sauce. After coming here twice, I was too full to order something off their extensive dessert menu. The third time, I wised up and decided to order to-go. I got La Selva Negra (coconut chocolate cake with some tropical fruit filling), and my SO got the Tres Leches. Both were exceptional -- the strawberry daiquiri salsa that came with the Tres Leches was particularly delicious. I won't make the mistake of not ordering dessert again!
(5)
Duane C.

Maybe if I had ordered dessert first there'd be an extra star up there. Then again I don't think it would have mattered, but ultimately dessert kept me from ordering a blockade of Pambiche. The night started well enough. We ordered a couple sangrias which were very tasty. I can imagine having a few of these seated outside when the heat and humidity of summer arrives. We'll be going back for happy hour sometime. Sorry, back on task. We decided to order an appetizer and had ordered the croquetas the first time we were there. I remember them being pretty good, but instead of getting the jamon like the first time we chose to go with the pollo. Well, the pollo croquetas had me wishing someone had invented a portable "FAIL" button that would alert other unsuspecting diners discretely to not order this. I say discretely because I'd hate to tip off the kitchen and wait staff for fear of retaliation. Anyone seen the movie, "Waiting"? I didn't want anything special on my entree thank you. So anyway, I recall the ham croquetas being a bit more firm in consistency, but the chicken ones were very mushy. I kept sipping my sangria to take my mind off of it. Moving on. I ordered the pollo criollo for dinner and I have to say that it was a good start to putting Pambiche back in the good graces of my taste buds. The chicken was falling off the bone, very moist and flavorful. I had the red beans and ham instead of the black beans and I think I like the black beans better. However, just as I was starting to feel good about the place again they sucker punched me with the tostones that were served with my dinner. Tostones are basically deep fried green plantain chips. I love plantains...RIPE plantains and I love all things deep fried, but this had me asking WTF!?! I'm lucky I didn't break a tooth trying to bite into one. I quickly began thinking about dessert. La Banana Borracha! The Drunken Banana...is by far one of my most favorite banana desserts to date. It's a layer cake made with bananas and rum. I took one bite of this sinful dessert and it was like Calgon taking me away. All the bad from earlier in the meal was absolved by this amazingly sweet slice of bliss. So as you can see I like this joint inspite of the few "fails". The atmosphere is great, the staff is very friendly and helpful especially when it comes to answering questions about the food. The sangria is good and at least one dessert is awesome, but for dinner I would recommend the Rabo Encendido which Sarah likes a lot or the Plato Cubano which I had on our first visit there. Get the black beans...usually I like it when ham or any other pork product is introduced to the mix but in the case of the red beans...it doesn't make me weak in the knees. Stay away from the pollo croquetas unless you like your baby food lightly deep fried. Lastly, order dessert. Although the Banana Borracha is the only one we've had there, I hear the mango tart is delicious. Next time, I'm going to try the Aleman...a Cuban spin on German chocolate cake. Pambiche...I'm looking forward to the next time. Perhaps you will win me over with more than just dessert and alcohol then. A hui hou!
(3)
Jon M.

Oh god. When you can get in, do. I love Cuban food, and this place does it up. Succulent pork sandwiches and sweet, buttery tostones. Actually, I've had better tostones, but the sandwich was mind-blowing. It's a little overpriced, though, probably because they know they can get away with it.
(4)
Corrie H.

This is my happy hour update. Our dinner experience (seated inside) warranted a 3 star review. Happy hour, however, was much better--I would, in fact, give it 4 stars. For one thing, we sat outside, and sitting on Glisan was actually much quieter than sitting inside the restaurant. The food was tastier, too. There are a million (well, 20+) options, and I am going to list them all here, because, frankly, this is the most impressive happy hour menu I have ever seen, especially for vegetarians. --Empanada (beef, corn and chicken, leek, spinach and cheese, potato and cheese, or sweet guava) --Croquetas --Frituras (black-eyed pea or taro root) --Tostones (fried green plantains) --Maduros (fried ripe plantains) --Yuca con Mojo (fried cassava root) --Moros & Cristianos (black beans and rice) --Arroz Amarillo (saffron rice) --Ensalada CaribeÃ±a (cole slaw) --Ensalada de AjÃ (roasted pepper salad) --Ensalada de Remolacha (beet and watercress salad) --Ensalada de Frutas (tropical fruit salad) --Frijoles Negros (black beans and white rice) --Frijoles Colorados (red beans and pork with white rice) --Pollo Frito (fried chicken) --Masitas (fried pork) --Ropa Vieja (the famous shredded beef) --Lengua en Salsa (stewed pork with white rice) --Ajiaco Criollo (pepper pot stew with white rice) --Desserts Everything was good or great, and everything was priced under $4.50. Many items were $3.00. Drinks-wise, we did not do so well. Two of us had the Michelada Cubana ("Cuban Red Beer"), which was disgusting, but was fun in the sense that it was weird. The person who ordered the sangria was much happier. So, if you go to Pambiche, go for happy hour, and stick with beer or sangria. You'll end your evening full and happy.
(4)
Brook W.

Great food, great atmosphere. The menu is extensive and has all the traditional Cuban favorites. I had the Sanwich Cubano, which was great. And, when you think it's all over, there's the dessert menu.
(4)
Garrett V.

Having never eaten Cuban food before in my life, I am now pleasantly surprised. The ambience at Pambiche was great, and the wait wasn't too long. The waitress was very friendly and quite helpful. We ordered the Bacalao con Papa Croquetas (codfish and potatoes) as an appetizer. They were outstanding and got gobbled up. I ordered the Camarones al Ajillo. Not bad if you like shrimp. The Arroz con Pollo definitely looked like a feast of chicken. I can't speak from experience, but the restaurant felt legit and authentic. I would come back here to try their happy hour and dessert - and certainly at least to get more croquettes.
(4)
Connie C.

Absolutely LOVE this restaurant! I've come to eat here maybe 4 or 5 times now, and I always leave feeling satisfied. A few recommendations: For Appetizers: Maiz con pollo empanadas and the 'Maiz" Corn fritters are a must! For Entrees: Picadillo Cua-Cua (for breakfast/brunch) and Ropa Vieja (for dinner) For Drinks: If you want something nice and refreshing, try their Naran-Pina. Fresh Pineapple and orange juice... SO good! For something warm, mocha is the way to go. One of the best mocha's I've ever had... and I love mochas! They're usually pretty busy (which to me is always a good sign) so try to plan ahead. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Andrea L.

I adore Cuban food, and found Pambiche to be very satisfying. Like most Portland restaurants, this place is small, one could say even cramped and not suited for groups larger than 4. However, like most Portland restaurants, every part of its design is thoughtful, here in a colorful kitschy kind of way. We ate Yuca con Mojo, (Yuca in Garlic Sauce), this was just awesome. The garlic sauce was not overpoweringly garlicky, and so tasty over the fried yuca. We also had the Ropa Vieja, which was one of the better versions I've eaten since I always find Ropa Vieja to be a bit dry. It came with beans, rice, slices of toasted cuban bread and some pickled slaw. Finally a mango batido (shake). Don't miss out! The shakes are AWESOME. No artificial mango syrup here and actual whipped cream. Pretty delicious. We tipped generously, and the damage came out to about $15 each. Our service was friendly and attentive in the right kind of way, though we came about a half hour before closing, and the restaurant was fairly empty. This is another place in Portland, I'd love to visit again and again.
(4)
Trudy E.

This place rocks!!! The Cuban food is the best! We try and go here at least twice a year...worth any wait in line they may have that night!!! .they serve the best Empanadas and fried Yukon Root with "special hot sauce" ! Also the prices are affordable! They do not have a lot of room inside.....so there is seating outside...which is nice and they have "heated poles" in case you are cold. I would not brings kids as it can be "cramped seating".
(5)
Meaghan B.

This place has so many amazing reviews - what could I possibly add? How about another over-exclamative set of statements?! The mocha here is amazing - I'm not sure why it's not mentioned a few times a review. I was just going to stick with regular coffee and then four of the eight people at my table ordered them. Then two more of us caved after trying those. So good! The variety of things available for special dietary needs are great - my only complaint is that they only have real-dairy milk for the coffee. I ordered a beef hash that came with avocado salad (so tangy and fresh!,) fried plantains (so crunch-sweet!,) two eggs - perfectly over-easy, and mango-pineapple salsa. Everyone at the table sampled everyone else's food - there wasn't a thing on the table I wouldn't order again in a heartbeat. I'm not sure what was going on but I saw a family with kids turned away as they said something about "only outside" - so if you have kids, you might want to check first what the situation with that is. I was flying solo that weekend and was suddenly glad over my mocha that I hadn't been turned away at the door.
(4)
Jim P.

This place is a known quantity. Every time you eat here, your guaranteed a great meal. It's a top 10 place to eat in pdx. The Vaca Frita is awesome, and the Cuban sandwich is better than any I've had in Miami. I dream about their michalada's. Your almost guaranteed to wait in line, but it's worth it
(5)
Colleen D.

Food: Awesome Cost Per Person: $15-$30 What we got: Taro Fritters, Arroz con Pollo, Rabo Encendido (Braised Tender Oxtail), Coco Solo (Cuban Coconut Soda), Limonada de Guarapo (Sugar Cane Limeade) Meal: Dinner Pay & Stay or Grab & Go: Pay & Stay Dress Code: Casual Bring: Anyone Good to Know: Come hungry - Large portions
(5)
Jacqueline T.

Best sandwich I've ever had. Now, this was the first time I've ever had Cuban food - but I'm experienced with sandwiches and but the quality of the bread, fish and avocado was superb. And it was overall delicious! I guess I should have expected it being Portland - but it was truly outstanding. Atmosphere was laid back and was nice, but understated the quality of the food. Five stars - I may not have grown up eating this - but it was outstanding compared to nicer restaurants I've been too!
(5)
James O.

Worth every minute (hour(s)) you wait. Ropa vieja is excellent. And they make a mean mojito. Good place, with nice authentic atmosphere. Also, if you have to wait, migration brewery is right across the street
(5)
Brandi M.

Every time I leave this place my clothes smell of fried deliciousness...yummy. Being a vegetarian I don't feel like I have tons of options here but the options I do have are pretty damn good so I wouldn't dare complain. I lean towards the black bean soup and a salad. I would go more in depth but my words won't do justice...just go and if there is a line by all means wait and maybe do a little dancing.
(5)
Rick H.

How the heck have I missed this place? I lived only blocks away for the first two years it was in business and have driven by a million times. Even arriving fifteen minutes after opening, we were still lucky to get a seat. Which ended up being at the "bar," where we could watch work going on in the kitchen. The staff all seemed to be well trained and competent. They all answered any questions we had about the food with no problem and seemed knowledgeable. I'm fairly familiar with Cuban food having spent a bit of time in Miami and visiting some of the best places there. Pambiche in my opinion beats all of them hands down. Not only in the diversity of items available, but in over all quality. We started out with an beef empanada. I think Andina's are slightly better, but these were pretty solid and worth getting a to go order by themselves. The hot sauce was pretty week - in fact almost tasteless to me, but I also like my sauce REALLY hot. Dinner was the Ensalada de Aguacate from the Alternatives menu and the Plato Cubano. The enslada is a bit of a let down at first, just chunks of avocado in extra-virgin olive oil and sour orange vinaigrette with diced onions served with pieces of crisp bread. You're wondering where the actual food is, and how this can actually taste good. But wow, the taste ends up surprising you. There was enough there that it ended up being an entire second meal. These were served with some potato fritattas that were quite excellent in themselves. The Plato Cubano was something else though. Familiar flavors were combined into somewhat unexpected ways for a meal that is worth taking your time to savor. The pork adobo was cooked perfectly and extremely tender. Yuca is rarely my favorite, ever, but every bite of the yuca con mojo disappeared. It was perfectly cooked and the creole pork gravy on them and the pork pieces was excelente! And lastly, but by far not least, the Cuban Beans (I got the colorados version.) Are awesome. When I want bean stew this is what it should be like. Just enough pork to give it some flavor, but not too filling. Pambiche is going to warrant another dozen visits easily, as I feel compelled to sample the entire menu from one end to the other.
(5)
Laura G.

This restaurant is in my top 3 favorite places to eat in my native Portland. I have never tasted something here that I didn't like. My favorites are the Ropa Vieja and Vaca Frita. Although these dishes are some of the more expensive items on the menu they are worth it mostly because of the explosion of flavors that are created in the beef (Vaca Frita) and pork (Ropa Vieja). The cheese and potato empanadas are great as an appetizer or a small meal. The naran-piÃ±a juice is DELICIOUS, so much so that I have dreams about it. Lastly the desserts here are phenomenal. The pasty chef is very talented, she or he deserves eternal kudos for the sweet magic that takes place here. The only thing I'm not crazy about is how long the wait always is! Although it's permissible considering how good the food is.
(5)
Phuong B.

I've never been able to have dinner here as it is always jam packed! But their desserts are to die for!! Best desserts in town, hands down. Huge selection of dessert with my favorite being their tres leches cake. Cute atmosphere as well.
(5)
Megan S.

Great atmosphere, check! Wonderful lemonade with fresh sugar cane, check! Yucca root, which they pronounce yooka, check! I really really enjoyed myself at Pambiche. The colorful tones of the restaurant (there's no way you'll accidentally miss it!), the cute wooden tables, and some nice lighting really give this place nice atmosphere. I tried the Lemonada de (something). It was wonderful. Although, now looking at other Yelp pictures, I'm wondering if I should have tried the banana shake? For food, I had the sandwich cubano and upgraded the side to yucca root. Delicious sandwich! It's been a while since I've had yucca, so that was a very welcome flavor to re-experience. I will definitely be back. Patio is heated, but the inside looks cute too, so weather won't keep me away (except a tornado, monsoon, or blizzard).
(4)
Kevin L.

I wasn't impressed. Thought the rice and meat were both lacking in flavor.
(2)
David M.

This is my cousin's favorite spot in Portland. After eating there twice, I understand what he likes about the restaurant. However, it is not a place where I would eat again, not because of a bad experience, but because Cuban food isn't a type of food I prefer. The ingredients are fresh and well balanced with every item we have eaten and the prices are very good. The only drawback is that the food seems to be bland. I have eaten Cuban food at other restaurants and bland seems to be the theme. Maybe it has to do with living in a totalitarian state that quashes innovation and ingenuity. Maybe once they are free, we will see some outstanding foods come out of Cuba. If you are looking for Cuban food, I can highly recommend Pambiche, but if you are looking for flavor, find another restaurant.
(4)
Margaret A.

Read the many great reviews. They are true. The food is great. The servers are great. The area is true NE. Pambiche is an adventure. There are 3 menus. Breakfast lunch and Dinner. The food is all wonderful but for true experience try the late lunch around 2? If you are from another area take some time after lunch and experience why Portlanders enjoy their NE and walk down a couple of blocks and visit some fun shops or have a special coffee and chocolate.
(4)
William H.

On my first visit, I had Picadillo Cua-Cua--Cuban Hash and Eggs. Excellent! My two eggs over-easy were perfectly prepared with a bit of olive oil glistening on the surface. On the plate, too, were slice avocado, rice, a small container of fresh fruit salad, and the hash. My coffee was tasty, also. I tasted my wives beet salad and friends' sandwiches and eggs with plantains. All were very good. We will certainly return.
(5)
Tara S.

Food, amazing! Service, great! There was a long wait and no place stand except outside in the cold so we went across the street to a brewery for 30 min. I recommend the calamari and cod croquettes for apps. The fish sandwich was yummy, my husband had the oxtail and loved it. Their mango cocktail wasn't what I expected, it said chunks of mango which leads me to believe it would be muddled but instead it was a purÃ©e so it was really thick.
(4)
Patricia C.

My husband and I went here together and we both loved it. We enjoyed the authentic food as well as the music, decor and service. I'm so thankful for the friend that referred us. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Ame P.

Growing up in Florida, Cuban food was my favorite, so when I moved to Portland, hearing about Pambiche I knew I had to try it. Although their Cuban sandwich isn't as authentic as the ones I've had before, everything else on the menu is fabulous. The drinks are delicious and desserts, to die for. I'm definitely one of those diners that hone in on my favorite dish and stick to it, but I've tried a variety of things on the menu. I usually start with the sweet plantains and then get my favorite dish, "old clothes." Then I always follow up with a tasty plate of tres leche. Follow this meal plan and you will not be disappointed! One con is that it can get packed like sardines, inside and out, but once you get in, you feel like you're in an exclusive club of the privileged palate. I've been going to this place for years and will continue to do so!!
(5)
Katie C.

Small place, lovely decorations, service and kitchen staff are wonderful. Food is just delightful, flavorful and there's alot of it - consider sharing an entree because they're just huge. This place deserves a solid 4 stars, it's not overly fancy but It's adorable and amazing. Had chorizo croquettes, camarones enchiladas, ropas viejas, he had a mojito and I had a lemonade and we split a mocha while we waited - all were sublime. Brought the flan and coconut chocolate cake home - LOVED the flan but the cake was too lime-laden for me. Summertime will be especially nice because there's lots of great outdoor seating. This is going to be one of our regular places from now on. LOVE IT!!! UPDATE 5/2/2014: Have been here maybe 10 times now and have always loved the experience. Have tried nearly all entrees between the two of us and have loved them all. Summertime is excellent. Happy Hour food is from 2-6...easier to get a table. Now, waitstaff has males, too!! The servers are adorable and great. Food is amazing and well-priced. Eyesore across the street is finally gone!! Cute walk around the block if you have time.
(4)
Colleen W.

Pambiche is small. It's a Starbucks-sized space with too many tables. It's cramped and you feel rushed to get in and get out. While the food is pretty delicious, I won't go back unless it's a lovely summer day where I can sit at one of the outdoor tables lining the exterior. I shared a garlic shrimp entree and sampled a few pork dishes. The flavors really brightened up our rainy Portland evening. The fried plantains were a little tough and dense but we still ate them. The desserts are fabulous - especially the ones with passion fruit.
(3)
Hayden N.

I haven't been to this place in awhile that I forgot how delicious it is! I appreciate that they have a really good happy hour, vegan/vegetarian menu and heated outdoor seating. I had the Camarones al Ajillo, which is an age-old Spanish-Cuban peasant dish of jumbo prawns rubbed with fresh garlic and olive oil and sautÃ©ed in a sour orange mojo then served with arroz blanco, pan frito, and ensalada de aguacate. Yum-o! Loved the avocado salad :) The last time I was here, I believe I had the Empanadas and Arroz con Pollo--just as good! A little disappointed that they ran out of sugarcane juice, maybe next time. Definitely not a place for private conversation because it's a small restaurant and you get cozy with the neighboring tables.
(4)
Carlos G.

Food is great here, the price is great, and your the experience won't be disappointing. The staff is nice and super friendly. One thing that I didn't care for was how small the place was:/ I went on a Saturday night and it was busy and pact. I over heard a couple complaining how it wasn't very private ( they were sharing a table with another party). Overall great food and atmosphere. One thing to note if you haven't been there in a while their pambiche cooler is no longer on their menu;(
(4)
Carmel M.

Went to Pambiche for our anniversary dinner last night and both the food and service were excellent. We each had one of their chicken dishes and shared a piece of coconut lime cake for dessert. We went around 8:30 and waited only about 10 minutes for a table. Love this place! Looking forward to returning and trying some more delicious food.
(5)
Alane U.

Amazing drinks, appetizers, main dishes, desserts, atmosphere, music....haven't tried a single thing I don't like. Sometimes you have to wait for a table, but if you go early/later you usually get a table right away.
(5)
Samuel M.

Oh the flavors of Cuban food. Pambiche has lived to its reputation for a long time. Food quality is excellent, prepared as traditional as it can be. portions are very generous, (wish they had half size on some of the entres). To leave room for some of the amazing desserts. Oh the wait as with any good and popular restaurant be prepared to wait. If you are lucky to have the afternoon off go for a cup of coffee and dessert, you will thank me for this.
(4)
Libby L.

When I moved to PDX for the first time, I would tell people where we moved and their response was always the same: "Oh! you moved by Pambiche!!" Eventually, I just HAD to know why this colorful cuban restaurant was so great, that everyone I knew, used it as a reference point for the area. HOLY $FSKAJGD&*%!!! It only took one visit there for me to consider moving away from Pambiche... it's incredibly dangerous being neighbors with this place. I'm a vegetarian so I can only speak for the meat-free plates.. but I've yet to try something I didn't absolutely drool over. My Carnivorous boyfriend however, agrees that if we could afford to eat there every night, we would. So it's safe to say no matter what you prefer, it's a yummy taste of cuban heaven. This place is not cheap, but worth every penny. Plus, they're family owned so I don't mind paying a little bit more to support them. Here's a few of my favorites: First Round : (sampling appetizer including croquettas, fritas and empanadas) Platanos Rellenos ( yellow plantain croquetas stuffed with soy picadillo) Yuca Fritas (Yucca root fries with garlic sauce) Plato Comunista (black beans, white rice, yuca fries, your choice of salad- I always pick the cabbage salad) For dessert, I love love love the Selva Negra (Coconut chocolate cake with Alize & passionfruit mousse). YUM!!!!
(5)
Tommy T.

Pambiche has some damn good cuban food. As someone who hasn't had much experience with it they certainly entertain my mouth. For the vegans the comunsita plato is the entree option that works so well. The ripe plantains are vegan and one of the best things I have eaten there. I was impressed by thy sugar cane lemonade, which is super sweet and comes with a piece of sugar cane.
(4)
Jens J.

Today seemed like an excellent time to try one of my bookmarks, so that's how we ended up at Cuban-fare Pambiche. We arrived at 9:00am and we were warmly greeted and seated immediately. If it had been ten minutes later, we would have had to wait. We had wondered if there was going to be a wait because as we drove by Screen Door on the way to Pambiche, we were flabbergasted by the long line snaking out of Screen Door into the raw, windy and cold morning. I felt sorry for those poor people on the sidewalk, quite possibly hungover and suffering from low blood sugar. Decorated with lively tropical colors and paintings that reminded me of Diego Rivera, the Pambiche interior was very inviting. While the breakfast menu was extensive, it seemed the dishes were essentially variations of the same scramble/omelet - most containing chorizo, ham, bacon or shrimp. Some contained rice and some contained russet potato. Notably different was their Cuban-style French Toast, served with fruit. Both JP's and my scrambles were delicious and filling. Good seasonings. Oh, and the complimentary miniature muffins they served in a basket were exceptionally tasty! My coffee was excellent, but JP's hot chocolate (served with two mint leaves) was even better. Outstanding! I'll order that next time. I loved the banana catsup. It doesn't really taste like banana, but with little chunks of fruit, its tart flavor is much better than your standard Hunt's or Del Monte. One very slight offnote - the toast (a baguette kind of bread) served with pieces of red and yellow bell pepper was overgarlicked. We were a bit surprised at the presumptuousness of the waiter to just start speaking in Spanish to us. Of course that works both ways. I remember when we were someplace a few years back and JP asked the Mexican waiter for "agua" and he caustically responded "you mean water?" Service was very good, except for a bit of a no-no when our waiter took our signed tab from the table before we left.
(4)
Kali O.

Pambiche is a fun Caribbean oasis in one Portland's many interesting neighborhoods. The building is painted in bright colors with a busy mural on one side, making it hard to miss. The food is wonderful, perfectly cooked and delightfully flavorful. We started with a "first round" plate that included a sampling of croquettas, fritas and empanadas. The fritters with unremarkable but the empanadas were wrapped in the most tender, perfectly moist/flaky ratio pie crust I have ever encountered (and I make pretty dang good pie crust). The croquettes were light crispy outside and bursting with flavorful filling. The fiery oxtails were cooked in a delightfully savory and flavorful gravy that made eating the sauce soaked rice a true pleasure. The saffron rice in the arroz con pollo tasted like an orchid field. The sandwiches are crunchy and hammy. Service was fine. I get slightly annoyed by being asked to keep my dirty silverware in between courses, but that is just one of my weird pet peeves. The server was very enthusiastic about the food (for good reason), but we had to work for his attention once or twice. I would definitely eat here again. I recommend the beets, the oxtails, the lemonade and the empanadas whole-heartedly. I am interested in coming back for coffee and dessert.
(4)
Christina D.

LOVE this place! Ordered the "Ropa Vieja" (shredded natual beef laden with yellow onions and green peppers, stewed in an herbed tomato broth and garnished with green peas. Served with black beans and white rice). The beef was so moist and delicious. Also ordered the beef empanada and fried plantains. Delicious! They have a great dessert menu as well. Highly recommend this place.
(5)
Ryo K.

Food and service are excellent. Perfect for big eaters. Some people may find their food too heavy and filling. You need to go early, otherwise you will end up waiting a long time. It's not a big restaurant. Unless you don't mind sitting outside, you may feel a bit cramped when eating. If you like sweets, try tres leches cake. It is my favorite.
(4)
Jenisa W.

My friend and I were across the street celebrating the 2 year anniversary of Migration Brewing Co., and we decided to jay walk and check out this cute Cuban restaurant. It was chilly out, Feb/12, but they had heaters outside which was VERY necessary and nice to have. I would not have waited outside without them. We had to wait a good 45 minutes outside, it was that busy. But we kind of took that as a good sign that the food must be that good. About 20 Min's into our wait a server came out and took an order for some cocktails. I started with the Sangria, it was pretty good. BUT the Mojito's were probably the best I've ever had. I had 2. When we finally got in, it was loud and boisterous, but in that close familia, neighborhood style! I ordered the Croqueta Preparada, and it was WONDERFUL!! Simple tasty! I would go back there for that. My friend, was not so lucky, and ordered the Ropa Vieja, which translates to "Old Clothes". He ate all of it, but very soon after started feeling a bit poorly. We ended up back at the hotel quite early as he was very sick for the remainder of the night. That part is the only reason I did not give them 4 stars. I genuinely enjoyed going there and would go back! Especially for more mojito's!
(3)
Jen D.

Pambiche will blow your mind on several levels: 1) Their menu is incredible. Pages long and a really reasonable and expansive happy hour list will make your options seem endless. 2) The wait staff is friendly, quick, and glad to help. We weren't sure what to choose, so we asked our server to choose 5 items from the happy hour menu that she thought we'd like. It was all delicious! 3) The food is authentic, flavorful and not too spicy. 4) I wanted to steal a bottle of their hot sauce... it was like heaven in a bottle 5) The dessert menu is huge, well crafted and delicious! 6) Lots of drink options, alcoholic and non - depending on your style This is a must-stop on the Portland food scene.
(4)
Patrick B.

If you're a fan of Cuban food, this place satisfies. This is the 2nd time I've visited. First time I was pretty drunk and vaguely recall being there, so I couldn't tell you what I ate or drank. Went with 2 friends on a Saturday night. They don't accept reservations and we had to wait to be seated. Worth the wait. Two of us had the arroz con pollo and the other had the oxtails. The chicken fell right off the bone. Was cooked to perfection. Came with ripe plaintains and rice base. Perfectly spiced. The oxtails were delicious and spiced to perfection as well. We shared 2 appetizers - the beef and chicken empanadas. Very good also. I had a mojito. Made well. The staff are friendly and helpful if you need some guidance on what to order. Place is small but always busy. I highly recommend this Cuban restaurant and will be back for sure.
(4)
Lezley L.

In search of that infamous Portland food scene, I set out to try this place since I had a craving for some Cuban. Once you're at Pambiche, you're taken back to your momma's kitchen as the restaurant is cozy and feels like home. Service was mediocre at best, nothing too spectacular so why write a drawn out summary when we really just want to know about the food! As always I like to provide a fair review and in order to do that you have to sample a few dishes before you can state that this was just A-ok. We started off with the chicken empanadas..the empanada was perfectly cooked and crispy on the outside just like it should be. The chicken was perfectly cooked but had an excellent flavor...mmm garlic. Thei next dish was the traditional arroz con pollo. Definitely not their best dish, the chicken was overcooked and dry whle the rice was mushy. To top it off, the traditional Cuban flavors were nonexistent. Normally you expect to experience that O-moment when those Cuban flavors hit your palate. Alas I did not have the moment. However, their Plato Comunista was decent. The yuca was excellent. Overall, the food was just ok but I expected much more. Maybe I'm just a hard girl to please.
(3)
Mary H.

So, when I looked up Pambiche on Wikipedia I found this sentence: Pambiche is also the name of a Cuban restaurant located in N.E. Portland, Oregon. ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paâ€¦ ). See, even Wikipedia knows of Pambiche's sweet servers, fair prices, and bomb food. I often come here with friends for happy hour, or La Hora Del Amigo. We get a ton of delicious food at a really great price. I am a fan of the empanadas, and the croquettas, and their arroz amarillo is really flavorful. For dessert sometimes I get the chocolate cigar. It's so cute, served with raspberry sauce, and decorated with coconut and sugar on the end to make it look like a lit cigar. There is also a nice wine and beer list, and authentic Cuban soft drinks, juices, and teas. The decor is colorful and the wall hangings and souvenirs tell an artistic history of Cuba. And all the servers are very cheery, exuding a family energy. Everyone is always smiling and laughing here, so the good vibes get passed around. I always leave feeling full and happy with a smile on my face.
(5)
Alexandra N.

Being from Miami, it is great to find any kind of Cuban joint out here. We've eaten here breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I definitely recommend you skipping it as a dinner option, though, as the prices are way too high. Yes, it's a sort of "fancy" Cuban or fusion if you will, but the prices would be laughable back home. So, why the four stars? Well, the food is really good. I love the vaca frita, for example. Simply delicious! Word of warning: don't order the tostones. They are as hard and flavorless as hockey pucks. Sorry, but it's true. I can make them better. No joke, I do.
(4)
Justin R.

Really good! The fried yuca was a good start - lightly battered, delicate and not too greasy with a good dipping sauce. The empanadas were also yummy and crispy. I had the spicy ox tail (Rabo encendido) and it was delicious! The meat was fall-off-the-bone tender and perfectly cooked with an awesome sauce. Service was good. We were lucky that on the Fourth of July it was not too busy... I'll definitely come back and bring others.
(4)
Jenny S.

been dying to try this place and soo glad we finally did! this is only for the hh tho, which i might say is amazing! we tried not to over order buy soo glad that we did. everything was delicious and perfect hh protions. my friend ordered their avocado salad, best thing ever, although its not on the hh menu (its reg priced)! its soo creamy and yet refreshing! best part about hh.....kids are welcomed!! its soo hard to find a decent hh place where i can enjoy good food and have my kid with me. pambiche, i'm counting down the days until we meet again!
(4)
Andrew C.

Yum! Very fun place to eat.
(5)
liz d.

Worth the wait. Delicious! Empanadas out of this world. Super friendly for kids, too, especially when eating outside. Busy so long wait but great service once seated. Love this place!
(5)
Nai S.

I love this place! It is an experience to eat here. The food, the workers, and the atmosphere all blend together to give you an eating experience. I usually get the snapper here and the banana cake dessert ^_^. Place is a little cramped but all that is forgotten when you sit down. The only bad things about this place would be the price. Somewhat spendy for what you get portion wise.
(4)
Laura W.

We went for dinner. Ambiance was great. Perfect for a casual date night - small spot, colorful walls and you can hear your own conversation. Cuban food was really good, but not exactly the "true cuban experience" type. Portions are perfect. You could slightly overstuff or leave a bit on the plate (or take it home). Drinks: Sangria was high on the melon and not very strong on the wine/brandy taste. Rum selection was excellent! The flight was a great deal and made it fun to taste test. They give a description of the rums and tell you what you're tasting in the flight. Food: We got Ropa Vieja and Plato Cubano. The ropa vieja was incredibly tasty but the meat was a little tough. The Plato Cubano pork was delicious. It came with an interesting gravy that tasted like some kind of pineapple garlic sauce. It was interesting, but I didn't care for it poured over the fried yucca. The moros y cristianos was good, but a little dry. I would hope for a bit more pork lard to make it a true cuban side. I would definitely go back. Probably for brunch and definitely for a happy hour.
(3)
Ryan C.

Pretty nice ambiance here. I ordered the vegetarian Cuban plate and it was quite tasty. Some companions got the "pepper stew" which I thought was only all right. The chicken dish was pretty good I thought. I really liked the carrot cupcake dessert, and the strawberry one wasn't bad either.
(4)
Kale J.

Delicious! That's the only way to describe it. Go outside of your comfort zone and explore the menu. Everything is great!
(5)
Alysia A.

i have been hearing little whispers on the wind about this place since moving to portland in july and last night i finally got to hit up sweet sweet pambiche. when i first entered i was very excited to see my hot friends so i was doing a lot of hugging and some random ass dude as he was leaving was like "hey where's my hug? HEH HEH" and so i just grabbed him and hugged him. he was so startled that he became wood in my arms and sort of uhhhh back patted me. i imagine him having sex that way and i have only a frowny face for his pretty date. yikes. this place is good, small but not overwhelming with a bright and cheerful decor. the staff is so sweet and helpful without being in your face with a can of mace. they have a pretty substantial happy hour menu and since i was with a birthday girl and her hot date i decided to flirt outrageously with both of them sending them into a tizzy and to at my food like a lady wolverine. you know. classy. the usual. we ordered many things. so many that the table was filled with them. so many things that i realized we might be fat. #1 croquetas: fabulous especially liberally covered in the ensalada de frutas #2 tostones: good flavor but way too dry for my liking. i like my plantains a little on the softer side of sears #3 beef empanada BAM so so aces. it came out steaming and was hard to photograph but damn that fucker was so flaky and fine. i got flakes of it all over my boobs. i told myself it was charming. #4 pollo frito: hello falling off the bone meat in a lovely sauce. get in my mouth now. this instant. for dessert we got flan, some kind of banana cake that i am misremembering the name of and a mango cheese empanada. they were good, dude.
(3)
Opal D.

Absolutely delicious! Great spot for a casual dinner. Colourfully decorated, outside seating available for those warm summer nights, great menu and friendly wait staff. Pambiche has become one of my Portland favourites!
(5)
C M.

Expensive beans and rice! Expensive beans and rice! Kind of bland Not my bag, prob a good thing I don't live in Cuba.
(2)
Christopher C.

I have been here several times, most recently with my sweetheart Jessica; the experience has consistently been exceptional ~ the food is very tasty, the service is very good, and literally everything I have had here is great. Occasionally there is a bit of a wait, but still, it's absolutely worth it.
(5)
Erik P.

Amazing food for a really good price. Plus their Cuban coffee comes from Stumptown, which is nuts, it probably makes it the best Cuban coffee in the world.
(5)
Professor X.

Love this place! Took a friend here for her first taste of Cuban food... she loved it too! Although she was expecting it to taste like Mexican food. :P
(5)
Joe J.

Close your eyes and point at the menu. Everything is good. And do not skip dessert! Big mistake...
(5)
Julie E.

Hands down one of my fave places to get lunch in Portland. I don't know what I love better the pork plate or the vaca frites. Always needs some pineapple soda to wash it down. Super yum!!
(5)
Dan P.

Need to find Pambiche? Just follow the rainbow, because it threw up all over the building's exterior. The brightly colored and festive theme continues into the dining room as well. The space is small maybe seating 25 but there are also picnic tables outside. We went for brunch which is served until 2pm and within 30 minutes of getting there it had completely filled . To start things off I ordered some Stumptown rocket fuel or Cuban espresso as some call it. The waiter then brought us a small basket of complimentary bite-sized pastries while we looked over the menu. I thought this was a nice and unique gesture, almost like an amuse bouche before the meal. If I find myself eating Cuban I know it's going to be pork or something with chorizo. Luckily I found something to satisfy both cravings, the chorizo scramble. A mix of eggs, chorizo, potatoes and my new found love affair ... bacon sofrito! It was an ample portion, also coming with a side of garlic toast and roasted peppers. The flavors were wonderful, I never gave a second thought about my next bite, the sofrito kept pulling me in like a tractor beam - "Once it hits your lips its sooo good". Even with potatoes I was amazed at how light and fluffy it was and the eggs were cooked perfectly. Just about the time I thought of giving up the stage two booster of espresso hit me and I wiped my plate clean. Even with a full dining room our service was good and if it wasn't I was too focused to care. I can't wait to go back and try another menu; I encourage you to do the same. Bacon sofrito is going to be my new Frank's Red Hot because I'm going to put that shit on everything!
(5)
Andrew Y.

For good cuban fare in a festive environment, certainly a place to try. I grew up around Cuban food, and have tasted some great options, and usually you can separate out the authenticity. With its bright colors, friendly staff, and flavor combos, I felt a little Miami - a nice feeling. Ordered something called the "Palm Beach Cooler" to start off our meal - a simple wine/juice combo (almost a white sangria, but lighter). Good flavor, a little on the sweet side, and a sugar cane added in (yes we asked if we could eat it) if you want it a bit sweeter. Never heard of this before, so wasn't sure if it was a restaurant-created choice. My friend ordered an appetizer plate with empanadas, tostones, and a few side salads. I ordered their stew, or ajiaco, which tasted like an abuelita dish (for sure). The tostones were good here, not too heavy, and the empanadas were crisp (so many cultures have variations of this dish - in LA, argentine seem to make my favorites). The stew was a bit lighter than I expected, almost needed to put in the rice to thicken it up. Not too spicy, not too strong, not too much meat. I wouldn't order it again, but I'm glad I tried it - if I were sick, I'd consider this alternative to the chicken soup. The crowd/wait issue here is no joke here - don't make the mistake of going inside and asking to be written on the list (you'll lose your position this way). It's usually posted outside by the door and you write on it yourself. There are heaters outside, although on this night, they weren't really needed. The interior is cozy or tight...tables are close and it can be somewhat difficult to move around. I sat at the bar for the best mobility, but I can see it being an issue for larger groups. I'd say max out your table to 5, and plan on sitting outside if it's a nicer day. If I do come back here on my next trip, I'll try the happy hour and brunch options - seems like those were recommendations I missed out on.
(3)
Fred F.

Seven years ago, when I first moved to Portland, and was getting my teaching license, my first teacher planning day was spent having "adult lunch" at Pambiche. This place goes beyond my personal sentimental value though, it is amazing. I have not had a single bad item on the menu. I've never had bad service. The cocktails are great (I usually prefer my cocktails to be booze forward, but there is something so right about a banana daiquiri while enjoying fantastic Cuban food.) The desserts are really rich, but worth the gut ache. The only thing I would complain about is the size of the space. It is tiny, and at prime hours there can be a long wait, and one time (of the dozens of times I've been) we were seated next to "that guy"---there was just no avoiding his "sage advice" for his friends. But in a way, that was be a bit fun too.
(5)
Frank R.

Epic Awesomeness!!!! My wife and I came here to curb her pregnancy craving for fried plantains and Caribbean chicken. Sadly, they had run out of the fried plantains, she asked our server, Anna if there was anyway the cooks could put something together. She came back with freshly prepared fried bananas. Coupled with a very tasty Cuban fried chicken, we left a happy pregnant wife and relieved husband. Overall, we very pleased with both the service and the quality of the food. The place is usually packed, but they still manage to treat us right every time we've gone.
(5)
Jack C.

OK, so you already know it's good, but here are a few pointers you may otherwise have missed (we've been eating here for at least 10 years now): - Empanadas are stellar. The pastry is so light, so flaky and the fillings always so strong, so flavorful. YUM. - Really good espresso-based and Cuban coffee drinks, along with a full case of their very own and unique pastries make this an excellent stop just for dessert and coffee. - Don't forget to ask for the free basket of entremes at breakfast (I think they are on request only now). All the little pastries are nice, but that one lovely piece of cake with orange rind, soaked in rum, hiding inside every basket... YUM. - This is a great place for drinks, including some wonderful Cuban specialties and an excellent selection of rums. Add to that a large heated outdoor seating area and you have summertime perfection.
(4)
Huong T.

We came here on one of the hottest days of the year, and the first thing I had to have was a cold, refreshing drink. The waitress suggested we try the freshly squeezed pineapple juice. Sure, why not? Refreshing it was! I downed my drink in a matter of seconds! We had the Picadillo empanada to start with. For our entres we had each of the camorones plates. Everything was so good, flavorly and the plates looked so colorful. This was our first time experiencing Cuban food, and they had us coming back for more!
(4)
Tet W.

What a great place to grab a nice lunch. Located in NE, this place offered great Cuban food. I ordered the cheese and potato empanadas which were a great and small appetizer. To be honest, it is too small to share so each person should order their own if they want it. I ordered the Plato cubano which is a traditional Cuban dish with pork smother with Cuban gravy with rice and a cup of beans. It got the red beans with ham and it was excellent. They also offer three sauces that you can try with your dish. The first one is a mild hot sauce, the other was vinegar with assortment of chilies, and the other was a mild hot sauce with a bit of sweet. All the sauces were great. The price for lunch was around $8-$10 for a lunch plate. The empanadas were $4.50 a la carte. Overall, I had a great lunch and with prices this cheap I'm bound to return for more!
(4)
Ruby L.

We were visiting from Texas and friends recommended the place. oh no.... First - it took me over a week to get the fried food smell out of my clothes. Our plantains were over fried. I did like my overcooked shrimp with bitter orange sauce, but i had been reading about this recipe for some time now and was wanting to make it or eat it somewhere. My husband ordered a pork stew that came with little to no pork, but lots of potatoes. It was kinda tasteless too:-( The friend we were with ordered the black beans and rice....again tasteless. Mojitos were great and i really enjoyed sipping my aged rum...but that could be any great bar. i was so disappointed in the food. i wouldn't go back except for a drink. The decor was really nice though and the staff friendly.
(3)
Lisa L.

Came here on a Friday night a little bit if a wait but once seated the food came out fast. Can't say I liked the mojito but the empanadas were very good. Next time id ask for a spicier creole shrimp it was too mild for my taste.
(3)
Chris M.

YUMMY! We stopped in here for lunch and really enjoyed it. The server was very friendly and humorous and each of us enjoyed the meals that we ordered. The servers were also very attentive and prompt with filling water glasses. There is outdoor seating and we enjoyed the mid-day sun. Price wise it was not too bad and the meal portions are generous. Thumbs up to the "Fried beef" and "Ox tail". I recommend this place.
(4)
Aimee L.

I can't believe I've never written a review of this place. I adore Pambiche's food and easy livin' environment. Never a dinner entree I've disliked and anything they do with plantains is like manna, baby. And I *love* their breakfast - the menu is ridiculously long but the cafe con leche and some sweet nibbles to start, followed by the huevos cubanos with the mashed plantains? Happiness. I only wish the bike ride there was a bit shorter but hey, it's worth it. (PS - great bike parking in front, thank you!!) And happy to have a breakfast spot without a crazy ass line.
(5)
Jed W.

Pambiche is awesome, hands down the best Cuban food I've had outside of Florida. This place is very busy, even well after dinner hour. The plates are reasonable at an average of $14 each and they have a whole page of traditional non-alcoholic cuban drinks and another page full of rum. The fried plantains were perfect. The Vica Frita was perfect. My friends said the Plato Cubano and the Arroz con Pollo were both delicious. We all left fat and happy. I have no complaints.
(5)
Nate C.

Before I was introduced to Pambiche, I ignorantly believed that Mexican food was the same as Cuban food. A HUGE mistake, I know. I was a fool...I was your typical American diner who lumped an entire continent's cuisine into one stereotype. My apologies to all Yelpers. But now I see, I tasted it for myself, and I LOVE it. Cuban cuisine runs so deep. With an expansive Happy Hour menu, Pambiche is a must eat. The plates are inexpensive but don't think for a minute that you will be left feeling hungry. Our group of four ended up ordering WAY too much...so much that the waitress offered to move us to a bigger table to accomodate all of our plates! Braised, fried, sauteed, seared, sweet, salty, acidic, spicy, vegetarian, carnivore-ish, fruity - there was something to satisfy all corners of eating pleasure. If you have any questions, the patient wait staff is well informed and have a true love for the food. Do yourself a favor and go now. Get the yucca fries and the lengua en salsa from the happy hour menu, and the vaca frita from the dinner menu.
(5)
Junior T.

A friend of mine picked me and my gf up for Brunch whilst hanging in Portland for an extended vacation. He told us we were going to Palm Beach. I was thoroughly confused until we reached this jam. This place is awesome. I am not a fan of cuban food. I don't know much about it and the places I've been to in NYC are meat heavy. However, this place was off the hook! First off, they had AMAZING coffee. It was strong and heavy and certainly perked up my day. Secondly, they started brunch off with small breakfast pastries, consisting of sugared breads and muffins. I had the Socialist Soy Hash. This was an aptly named dish, for it could be eaten by the masses regardless of social class. I also tend to eat meals that are in favor of my political leanings, so this was certainly the food for me. It was the probably most veggie friendly item on the menu and it was delightful. It came with a heaping of pan fried TVP, with fruit, potatoes, and a generous helping of sweet plantains. I would highly recommend Pambiche. The service was excellent and the food amazing!
(5)
Amy L.

Never tried the food here but tried the desserts. They have a pretty impressive dessert selection and they open late. I love the carrot cupcake. I must try brunch there sometime.
(5)
Jen C.

Excellent Cuban cuisine, a must try! Cuban is my favorite food so perhaps I am a little jaded, but I loved this place. The Avocado salad is a MUST! I saw it on other people's tables and knew I had to have it (see uploaded photo). This was actually my favorite thing -- although the Ropa Vieja that I had as an entree was pretty good too. They make it with the classic oil and garlic sauce, not the more traditional/ethnic tomato-y stewed sauce that I don't really like, so that was two thumbs up! Only downside is that they don't serve liquor drinks, only beer and sangria, and the sangria was okay; I wasn't jumping for a 2nd glass. But other than that, great food and great atmosphere. Would love to have gone back for breaky but that didn't happen during my visit, maybe next trip out.
(4)
Ron B.

Great food and Atmosphere.
(5)
Chandrika G.

Yummy salads
(5)
Sarah B.

It's... so... bright... I was expecting the food to reflect the bright, exciting motif of the building. But instead I had bland food, bland service, and an overall bland experience. I've been twice and both times I was severely underwhelmed. I *may* give it another chance, but if Cuban food is anything like Pambiche, I'm afraid I'm going to have to change my plans to single-handedly end the US travel embargo.
(2)
Albert P.

I love this place. Every time I am back in Portland I stop by and over eat. I never knew how much I loved Cuban food until I get there. Its a little small for the amount of people that it cranks out but I love it.
(5)
Allen T.

Awesome. They are very popular and there will most likely be a wait for a table but do not despair. The wait is totally worth it. Jump on your vintage Italian moped and come on down!
(5)
Brian H.

Great Cuban food! Great selection of apps, sandwiches and breakfast plates. Also, pastries and desserts. Food quality is superb, quantity left me feeling completely satisfied + a to-go box for later. Not much seating, so show up 30 minutes before you want to be seated. Seriously. I give it 10 out of 10 satisfied fat guys.
(5)
W C.

I like this place, been here three or four times and it's consistent. It's not pretentious and the service is good. Just good flavorful food with a comfortable home cooked feel and taste.
(4)
Rebecca R.

Stopped in for dessert. It is one of the few restaurants near our house that has a huge dessert selection. We went on a Wednesday night and it was packed! I didn't think it would be a huge wait on a weekday night but that must be a good sign. The dessert menu is moderately priced and there is something for everyone. Hopefully we can stop in for dinner soon.
(4)
Olga V.

Four stars for the yuca frita. Excellent. I would come here just to eat those. The food is three stars. It needed more. caribbean flavors and sofrito. More garlic, oregano, and salt is needed to get to the caribbean. The ingredients were fresh and good quality. One star for The tostones they were not twice fried and didn't taste garlicky like they should. They were mealy, actually. Now the pepper sauce and the vinegar pepper sauce were to die for. The avocado salad was nice. But again more naranja agria, salt and onions were needed. Would've been nice to get some garlic bread as appetizer like in the caribbean. The place is really pretty.
(4)
Leslie W.

Good beer. Good service. Good food. Great dessert. Have I missed anything? Oh, yeah, it's affordable! The vegie dishes are delicious and the citrus dressings are perfect on a summer day. I love the spiciness and depth of the sauces. Great beans and rice. The Selva Negra passionfruit and chocolate dessert is outstanding. I've eaten Cuban meals in Florida and France and California, but I can't really speak to authenticity, only to flavor, and Pambiche is about as tasty a Cuban restaurant as any I've visited. 5 stars and then some.
(5)
Sara F.

This is one of my favorite restaurants of all time. You know it's good when people are willing to line up in the pouring rain, snow, whatever... just to wait for a seat. Plus, patrons are willing to eat outside no matter how cold it is (they have heaters). The food is great and reasonably priced. You can share a dinner with someone and still be full. Ropa vieja is great, the plato cubano is a favorite. Try the desserts--they are amazing!
(5)
Julika I.

A very unique experience. Great Happy Hour, delicious food, friendly and knowledgable staff.
(5)
Vlad G.

average and overrated cuban food. very nice atmosphere and sidewalk seating. very friendly service.
(3)
Leonardo H.

The one place I always visit when I go down to Portland (from Seattle). GOOD SOLID happy hour with a large selection. The appetizers are good portion, drinks are delicious. But I always look forward to dessert the most...yum yum. Love the atmosphere, too: colorful, makes me happy. And the staff is always super cool and nice, makes me happy too.
(5)
Rebekah V.

This place is amazing if you are willing to wait for a place to sit!
(5)
Michael B.

This place is awesome. The food is amazing and the staff is very friendly. The only reason it got 4 stars is the lack of seating and the amount of waiting I have to do when I go here. I kind of drool when ever I think about it. YUM.
(4)
Amanda P.

I have to say after perusing some (not all 80 plus) reviews that I think most the people who rave about this place have not experienced real Cuban food. This is not Cuban food. Its a watered down imitation. I don't feel the need to express my credentials when it comes to Cuban food. Its one of my favorites and I've had it all over the country. I've given this place two visits. Visit number one, new to Portland. Excited there's a Cuban place! Arroz con Pollo, my favorite! Jupina, yes please. Lets just say the Jupina was satisfactory. The bill? Yikes, for that little amount? Visit number two, some months later, craving a Cuban sandwich after a trip to LA and having some very yummy authentic Cuban food, its in my system. I look on Yelp for ANY other Cuban place to try. Nothing really. So I say, what the hell, a Cuban sandwich is a good test to see if this place really sucks or if it was just a fluke. It was ok. I wouldnt rave. Ive had better, bigger and cheaper. So in the end, it gets two stars. I wont make this place a favorite but I might end up there if the craving gets the best of me.
(2)
Z Z.

Pambiche is the type of place that my husband loves but I just think it OK. They don't have a ton of vegetarian options so I found their menu to be a bit limited for me but my husband loves the abundance of meat dishes and the bold flavors of Cuban food. I got the Papa con Queso empanada which had Cotija and Oaxacan cheese and it was delicious! The potato pie shell had a nice sweetness to it and it meshed together quite nicely with the two different cheeses. I also tried the tostones which both of us disliked. I guess I was expecting chunks of warm plantains but instead it was just a flat piece of fried food. I couldn't actually taste the plantain. I was also on the fence about black eyed pea frituras that I got. At first my husband and I were laughing saying that I found the Cuban version of falafel but it was missing something. It needed some type of sweet sauce to dip it in, maybe a mango salsa type spread. It tasted a bit bland. My husband got the Ropa Vieja, a shredded beef dish with peppers and onions which he loved. He said it was easily five stars. The dessert was the best part of the meal for me. My husband got the Arroz con Leche which was a rice pudding that had such an amazing flavor to it and it came in an almond shell. It was great. Mine was even more delicious though! I got a slice of the AlemÃ¡n cake which was a coconut chocolate cake that had syrup, caramel peanut filling, some type of delicious chocolate ganache, and other amazing stuff. It was quite crowded in there, we ended up getting take out rather than waiting for a table. The folks that work there were all incredibly friendly, which was nice. My husband loved it and although my food was just OK, the dessert was amazing. I am sure we will be back there!
(4)
Rachel B.

I went here once for happy hour and I've been obsessed with it ever since. Everything I had was wonderful. I had the Pollo Frito (in a word...perfect) and the Ropa Vieja as well as some Croquettes. Their drink specials are nice as well.
(4)
Sandy H.

Wow your portions are huge and the food is awesome. It was my first time trying Cuban. I loved their orange and mango shake too, not to mention the free rum cakes. "I think I love you. So what am I so afraid of?"
(4)
Rick K.

Went here a couple weeks ago w/ family, this was my first time eating Cuban food...and it was excellent. Of course, I had to try the cuban sandwhich and it was perfect! We also ordered the Plato Cubano, tostones, yuca frita and tres leche cake and everything was excellent! I can't wait until we have the opportunity to eat here again...I recommend this place to everyone I know.
(4)
Jedd C.

Muy Freakin Bein! This restaurant has the total package and what I believe Portland Cuisine is all about.... From start to finish, every course and part of the meal experience was so enjoyable that you literally couldn't help but be overwhelmed with joy. It reminded me of the rush you feel when you fall in love, when you are amazed by something so beautiful, or a deep satisfaction that this is truly something special. I guess I kind of like this restaurant... How can you not? From the white and red sangrias, to the appetizers (croquettas, sampler platter), to my main course of citrus marinated beef, plantains, to the amazing desserts...I'm not Cuban but I'd go there just for the food... The staff is great as well. Attentive, service was quick, and extremely helpful. I know nothing about Cuban food and their suggestions were wonderful. Sigh.....Back to the real world. Muchos Gracias Pambiche, Muchos Freakin Gracias
(5)
Diane K.

I love this place! I go here when my own cooking needs a shot of inspiration and always go home happy and full of new ideas. The meat dishes are what really shine here. They work some magic with fish and especially pork. I would love to see them expand or open another location because it is always a wait to get inside. The heated outdoor tables help, but I am not crazy about having a $25 dinner on the sidewalk unless the weather is great. I have gone just for desserts and coffee before. Sitting outside under the heater when it is cold out is actually kind of fun for that!
(4)
Chris E.

Fantastic Banana Boracha dessert and Cafe con Leche. Wonderful ambiance. Quick and attentive service. A very popular place. Be prepared for a wait on the weekend. Great outdoor, sidewalk seating. Thumbs up, all around!
(5)
Paul C.

Great food, can't wait to go back!
(5)
Lorena G.

Great service, great atmosphere - loved it. I had the chicken croquetas for happy hour and it hit the spot. My only qualm was with the happy hour prices for wine - $5 for a house wine? the food prices were way better than drink prices, but i'll be back for sure.
(4)
Devon D.

Besides the fried plantains and delicious meats etc, I highly recommend the superior Sangria for a cool summertime sipper. Pambiche is excellent for happy hour, lunch AND breakfast (for which you may leave far too full even with taking leftovers home)! Enjoy the taste of Cuba at comfortable and festive heated picnic tables!!
(4)
Nickolaus S.

Visited Pambiche on a rainy Saturday evening in Fall. We had to wait for about ten minutes, as we expected, because the restaurant only has about ten tables or so. There is not indoor waiting area, you have to wait outside under the heat lamps if its a cold evening. Upon seating we were immediately greeted and put in a drink order. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable, and seemed genuinely passionate about the food at the restaurant. We started with Sangria, as we were told that this was the house specialty. They were just the right amount of sweetness, it was an easy refreshing drink, but still had enough flavor to be distinguishable as a wine, and not a fruit drink. Our starters were interesting, as we got a garlicky taro root croquette. It was deep fried, and the taro provided an excellent palette to serve the house banana hot sauce. Our entrees were apparently Cuban staples. The Rojas Viejas was a little too dry, but the other dish which included Oxtail was perfect. Service was prompt and the timing between dishes was good. Enough time to enjoy each part. The ambiance is nice, it blends a fun casual eating environment with a bit of Portland flair. I feel like i discovered a spot that would be on the Travel Channel as a place where locals go to eat off the beaten path. For four drinks, two starters, and two entrees I spent about $60.00.
(4)
Adrienne I.

My stomach is not very adventurous which is probably the only reason I am giving Pambiche 3 stars. I was taken to Pambiche by a much more adventurous friend fully expecting to spend the rest of my day paying for my food sins. I was totally surprised that I felt no pain. The service was great! The waiter was patient and helped us pick out foods. I loved the food. However, because my stomach likes to stick with familiar comfort foods this wont be a regular haunt. BUT, I would totally tell my friends to try it. Great atmosphere and sidewalk seating.
(3)
Amber R.

I love a place that makes me feel like I'm on vacation and Pambiche does just that from the uniquely-colored builiding, decor, and music. Fast, friendly service made the experience even better. I had Vaca Frita--fried beef (not-deepfried) with flavorful black beans and rice. The beef came with a wonderful citrus sauce on the side that went perfectly with the meal. I also tried the ripe fried plantains--pretty good, but a few were approaching charred black.
(4)
Lyle M.

Pambiche = Partay! I haven't found an establishment that can top their happy hour selection. Rockin' cubano food made fast fast fast. Try the Maduros if they are not all out. The spicy banana milkshake is pretty good too. Service is great, really laid back, no akward snide jokes for tips, fake compliments, straight up service with a (genuine) smile. I know its hard to work in a restaurant sometimes, trust me I've been there, I understand when things are slammed, and your manager is a douche, but don't take that shit out on me bro bro, never never got that vibe here. They straight up family, just mad nice, i love it here. Anytime someone comes to town I make sure to bring them here. Ample bike racks.
(5)
Jeremy W.

My family and I got take-out from here last night. It was the first time for me and my dad, but the third time for my mom and my brother. We phoned our order in and then went to pick it up. There was a healthy crowd of hipsters waiting outside for a table and we had to wait about ten minutes for our order. They have quite a bit of outside seating, but the inside seating looked a little cramped. There were about fifteen people waiting which was considered light by the waitress we asked. For those who don't know Portland, 28th and Glisan is not in a bad part of Portland. Thanks to the urban growth boundary, the bad parts of Portland packed up and moved to Gresham. Anyhow, parking looked tight since the restaurant does not have its own lot. The food is good. I've had authentic Cuban food in Miami before and Pambiche's food is comparable. Their menu is extensive with good descriptions of the dishes and the portions are large. I got the plato Cubano and was not disappointed. The pork was tender and tasty. We got an order of tostones which are fried green plantains. They were pretty dry so I would pass on them next time. I also got tres leches which was passable. The big negative about this place is the price. Dinner entrees will run you $10-15 which seems a bit much for rice, beans and meat no matter how long you simmer it. I don't think Portland has a huge Cuban population so I don't know if there is much pressure to serve authentic food. It's definitely worth a try though.
(4)
Michelle H.

Even though I loved the atmosphere more than the food, I give Pambiche four stars, and I will return again. This is a lively, colorful, and vibrant establishment. The dining room is rather small, and due to the popularity of the place...very crowded during the Winter, but there are tables outside for non-rainy days. I went with hubby and a group of friends, and everyone had a good time. The menu selections sounded mouth-wateringly good...with everything homemade from scratch, just like Grandma used to make. We started off with assorted empanadas, and I ordered the Plato Cubano for dinner, along with a Sangria. My Sangria was lovely. The food, as simmered and tender as the meats were, and as lovely as the freshly-made empanadas looked, was ever-so-slightly lacking in flavor. Perhaps I am just used to over-seasoned food, as Kosher salt is an important staple in my pantry... Because I loved the unique, authentic quality of the food, the slow-simmered meats, and the lovely cocktails, I will surely head back to Pamiche to sample some other items on the menu. Given the popularity of the place, and all the great reviews, I am sure I just went there on an off-day.
(4)
Dave J.

Wow. This place is good. The oxtail stew, the empanadas and the beets were fantastic. Unfortunately, the menu is a little bit hit or miss. The red snapper and chicken were only so-so. Still best oxtail ever and if I'm in the area again, more oxtail for me!
(5)
Len S.

Viva la revolutzion!! The Cuban food revolution that is! The food here is really good. The Jammon appetizers are awesome as are the Taro root fritters. The main courses are generous portion wise and filled with flavor. The Ropa Viejas is fantastic and different than i've had in the past, this variety was more of a shredded beef in a thick sauce rather than thin medallions lightly cooked. It's a fun place and is bright and inviting. Seating inside is limited but there are a good many tables outside. However the line here can be an hour or more to get one of the coveted outdoor tables under the heating lamp along the street. We three muskateers arrived to find a long brutal line. It wasn't terribly cold, well let me rephrase, Oregonians thought it was almost summer, Californians wondered where the hell their ski coats were. We asked the waiter why the three tables out from under the overhang of the 2nd floor were not being seated. He said, no heat lamps, we said, we'll take 'em. So we sat and ate and froze our bits and pieces off. If you're in a pinch and don't mind the local weather then by all means sit at the non heated tables, it'll cut down on the ravenous look you give other diners and the drooling that will happen as the plates come out the door. Major plus for the sangria, zesty and fruity and all that red wine goodness over ice. True it wasn't hot enough for the cold stuff, but when in Havana, er um, Portland or something...
(4)
Jess A.

I had never had Cuban food before my boyfriend took me here, and let me tell ya, it blew my mind! Everything from the drinks, appetizers, entrees to the desserts were unique, flavorful, and down right goooooooood! A little on the pricier side, but the huge portions make it worth it.
(5)
Sabrina C.

The mix of sweet and spice made my mouth water. Worth the wait!
(4)
Chelsea A.

Delicious. Yeah. Great Service. Yeah Nice atmosphere. Yeah Amazing Cafe Con Leche. Yeah Two pages of desert, one of which is dedicated to flan. Yeah What do all those Yeah's Equal? Happy me.
(5)
Alex T.

I love this place. A great atmosphere, the staff is friendly and it's an overall good experience. Anything you order I assume would be pretty good. The desserts are delicious too. I would certainly recommend this place 100x.
(5)
Cody W.

What's the big deal with Pambiche!? I went there for lunch today after hearing great things about it, and was thoroughly unimpressed by the food. The portions were too small for the price, and I actually went to the convenience store across the street to buy more food after we left. My dining partner ate fish that had what tasted like grass on top of it. I had the fried cow, which wasn't half bad, but not entirely filling. After hearing such great things about it, I was fairly underwhelmed. Good things about it were the service and the fact that we didn't have to wait. There was a lot less seating than I thought there would be.
(3)
Michael S.

Amazing food amazing service need more seating had to wait to long but we will be back!!
(4)
Cheryl H.

I met some friends here for dinner and was very impressed with the food. I had the Papa con Queso Empanada, which was really delicious. It came with tostones (fried plantains) and a surprisingly good cabbage salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette. Delicious meal! And the portions weren't so huge that I felt I had overeaten afterwards, which I really liked. For dessert I got a slice of Tres Leches, a light sponge cake with chantilly cream. YUM! There were lots of other yummy-looking desserts in the dessert case too. This place has an awesome ambiance. Very lively and cool, with fun decor. There's not a lot of seating inside, so it feels slightly cramped, but there were tables outside as well. Service was friendly, prompt, and helpful. I will definitely be coming back here.
(5)
Hailey R.

Oh. My. Definitely one of my new favorites! I took my roommate here for her birthday because she is already a fan and wanted me to try it! Everything I tried (mine and hers, of course) was awesome. I had the Plato Cubano... everything was perfect, very flavorful and a great combination of textures on the plate. I could not have asked for anything more (except for cheaper prices, but when quality goes up so does the price). The atmosphere was great... and the place was packed. I always take that as a good sign. I think that if you are up for something a little different, something perhaps intriguing, but not over-the-top with ingredients you have never even heard of, try Pambiche. I don't think you'll be disappointed!
(5)
Scoob W.

You either love this place or you hate it. I've been told that this is not real cuban food. But sometimes ignorance is bliss. I love the flavors. I love the ambience. I love the breakfast here and the happy hour. Prepare for a long wait for dinners.
(4)
Sarah B.

Wow, what a disappointment. Overpriced and under-spiced. The food appeared to be of good quality, it just didn't have any flavor. Me gusta sabor!! The highlights of the meal were the pineapple juice (I would almost give the place 4 stars just for this fresh-pressed glass of sunshine), and the service. Our server was sweet, mellow and helpful. The dessert we chose (Island Carrot Cake) kind of had flavor, but the guava infused cream cheese frosting I was so looking forward to tasted bland and sour. I think I would give this place a try for happy hour, I bet their drinks are tasty and the lower price on the food could allow for some wiggle room on flavor expectations.
(2)
Bryan A.

Food was great here. Went on lunch and had camarones enchilades. I generally go with black beans, but decided to have the Colorado beans instead. They were a perfect mixture between whole bean and re-fried. Shrimp were cooked perfectly and there was some nice aromatic rice served with it.
(4)
David M.

This place obviously does not need my humble review, but I'll try anyway. In a nutshell, it's spicy, fruity, and good for the soul. The menu is rather on the pricy side, unless you go for lunch, in which case you get a little bit less than you were expecting. But that's okay, it's made with love, and it's definitely flavorful. The decor is absolutely adorable - bold orange plates, bright green espresso cups, etc. The coffee by the way is fabulous, and I don't use that word lightly. I had the enchilados plate with black beans. Honestly the food was great and all, I don't have many complaints. I guess I was expecting a completely different fusion of tastes, when in reality it was just a fruitier mexican entre - which is just great don't get me wrong. I think what irked me was the price, but then again I ordered the most expensive item. I ended up throwing the rice, shrimp, and black beans into one big goopy pile and shoveling it down my gullet. I wanted to quickly get to the desest menu, which, was the seller for me. I almost came in my panties! The desert menu is TWO PAGES LONG. I can't remember the name of what we got, but there were bananas, fried chocolate, and mango salsa involved a.k.a. mother's sweet milk. Definitely a place to sip on espresso, smoke your ciggies, and nibble on delicious cuban postres.
(4)
Danielle K.

Cuba: Home of overrated cigars, Santeria and spiritual trances, dear Uncle Fidel, and vibrant food and art. While you might not find smoke, religion, or communism within the boundaries of Pambiche, you'll most definitely find scrumptious food and colorful art in abundance. Our party waited a good 40 minutes before being seated in the no-reservations restaurant. At about a half hour, my tummy was a-grumblin', and the amount of stars I was planning on giving was slowly depleting on my mental scale. The atmosphere is incredibly welcoming, though, from the brightly colored walls and outdoors, to the eccentric Latin art adorning the walls. Finally, we were seated after some twerpy high-school girls decided to take their Blackberries elsewhere. From there on out...it's all history. The service was awesome. Even when we were waiting, the waitresses asked us a few times if we wanted drinks. I happened to get the most non-waiting-friendly drink (and quite possibly the tastiest): the Pinosa. FRESH pineapple juice in a champagne flute, and a personal-sized bottle of brut sparkling wine to mix at your own pace. DE-LICIOUS. And perfect. Only, it was hard to pull some double-fisting action while sitting on a cramped bench, wearing a pea coat, and holding a menu. I've been to Pambiche twice, and both times I got empanadas. The empanadas con papa y queso is extremely tasty, and the empanadas con maiz y pollo was divine with some of their hot sauce. Ohhh...garlicky goodness. And the tostones (fried green plantains) were perfectly crisp and salty and fantastic with their special ketchupy red sauce. And the potaje de frijoles negros...holy crap...can I just say, "FOOD COMA," and call it good? They've also got a pretty damn extensive postres menu. I've never made it that far, but I hear they make some mean desserts. Maybe next time I'll do take-out. Oh, oh! And if you're a brave (or not-so-brave) Portlander, you can sit out front on picnic tables year-'round. They have heating lamps above each table, so you'll stay warm, even if the wind and rain are tempestuous.
(5)
Robin H.

The only downside to this place is that they are so good they are usually busy, but if you time your visit right you can avoid that issue. Been coming here since their sister restaurant downtown was still open, so like 2002? Love the ambience, (check out their website for a musical preview of what to expect for your ears-your eyes will love the bright colors of the decor). For dinner I usually get the ropa vieja and my husband the plato cubano or the plato comunista but we have tried most of the entrees and enjoyed them. If you have to choose between an appetizer and a dessert (like if there are only two in your party), I would go with the latter. Favorite is probably the rice pudding, not the most exciting looking but sooooo good. Nothing wrong with the appetizers, I just love the sweet stuff. Breakfast is very tasty too and during the week very quiet. The coffee ROCKS! Now that there is bike parking only in front, it's a lot nicer to sit outside. Never had bad service and I tell my friends they have some of the best looking (male and female) staff in Portland! Check them out!
(5)
J K.

Great breakfast selections. The tostones were rather plain, but the juices are great. Do not order French toast unless you like sweets. So sweet it does not need the syrup. It's a overall ok place to grab breakfast.
(3)
Cambria C.

One of my favorite spots when I lived in portland was pambiche. I miss you so much pambiche! Even though many of the times I ate there I was vegetarian they had a lot to offer me. The avocado salad is one of the best things I've had as well as both the black and red beans. Oh my god pambiche you make my heart sing and I want to eat you every day.
(5)
Josie V.

I love this place, but hate the wait sometimes. It's a great place to drop in for their happy hour when it isn't as busy. The service is friendly and fast. I love their maduros and tostones! My favorite dish is their lengua en salsa (not sure about the spelling). It's unfortunate they do not have a bar, but I do love their sangria and other drinks. So yummy! And if you can make room for their desserts, I would so endulge. Their cakes are yummy!
(5)
Jessica T.

My boyfriend has officially grounded me from Pambiche.... I usually try to mix up my restaurant trips as much as possible, but I can never seem to get enough of Pambiche! I have to make a conscious effort to not go there as often as my bank account will allow... The service is always friendly and attentive, the food comes out pretty quickly (once you get through the masses for your turn at a table, that is) and once its there, it never fails on flavor or quality. Try to save room for one of the fifty million desserts, or at least the hot chocolate...its amazing!
(5)
Red G.

Very, very solid pick, especially for happy hour (after 10PM). The happy hour menu not only has more choices than most happy hour menus, almost every item is something you'd be hard to find elsewhere in PDX. Low happy hours places mean sharing lots of dishes (all I've had so far were great, low on the grease-scale). Meat, seafood, veg, fruit (plantains!), rice, beans -- something for everyone, nicely washed down with a beer or sangria. Haven't tried the desserts yet, but they looked very tempting...
(4)
Natalie B.

Pambiche is delicious! I love the colorful art on the walls and the friendly service and the banana ketchup and the fact that they have like 20 different desserts to satisfy my sweet tooth. Things to order: 1. A Palm Beach Cooler. It will not disappoint. 2. The avocado salad. The world needs more avocados. 3. Plato Comunista for lunch, it is a little of everything, simple and warm and flavorful and belly filling. Also, the Camarones al Ajillo is also pretty tasty. 4. Dessert and a cafe con leche. Every dessert I've tried has been incredible, from the tres leches cake, the lime in the coconut, the aleman to the selva cake. Not to mention the fact that the cakes are beautiful and you feel a little bad for devouring this little piece of art with a fork. But then you taste it and you don't feel bad at all... Double triple quadruple yum! My mom lives out of town and every time she comes to Portland for lunch I give her a few options for where we should go and it always comes back to good ol' Pambiche. Three cheers for Pambiche!
(5)
noell b.

i would give this place 10 stars if i could! this is the most amazing cuban food i have ever eaten! i had the vaca frita and i never wanted to stop eating. i didn't even want to swallow it because then i wouldn't be tasting it anymore. it was a delicious beef dish marinated in citrus and with citrus sauce to pour over the top. i had it with the moros & cristianos, which is made with bacon and ridiculously delicious. it was perfect for a 100 degree day, outside in the shade, sipping the house pineapple juice. it should also be noted that the shakes there are unbelievable, though i though the tres leches cake was mediocre.
(5)
Chris E.

There's nothing really BAD about Pambiche - it's just that if it was in a neighborhood full of Cuban-y goodness, it would probably rate in the middle. Since it's the only game in town for Cubano, it'll do. They keep the spice to a minimum for the locals I'm a fan of the oxtail and the lengua (tongue), but I like that weird shit. There's plenty of chicken, pork and beef and some tasty fishes. The sandwiches kick ass! I've yet to try breakfast, but I hear good things that might even add a star.
(3)
Thomas M.

I went here, I ate here. Not to much else to say positive or negative. Maybe it was the choices me and the GF made or maybe I am not really into Cuban food. Nothing to brag about
(3)
Helen H.

YUMMY! I'm no expert on Cuban food, (I've heard it's not "completely authentic") but I know good food when I taste it. I had a great champagne/pineapple cocktail, and the empanadas were great. The people here were friendly, and there was outdoor seating for days with nice weather.
(5)
Dan K.

What a ridiculously delicious place to eat late on a weekend night. I would think of it less as a bakery than as a Cuban cafe. Hearty, delicious dishes and comfortably hip decor
(5)
Becky L.

One of my top 5 favorite restaurants in Portland! There's not one dish I do not like and I've tried almost all :) One of my favorite dishes there is the Camarones Enchilados and Lengua en Salsa.
(5)
Chris G.

Pambiche is a fairly unique Portland dining experience. I have been several times and seem to discover something delicious every time I go. My favorites are empanadas, the root stews, and the tostones. The sugar cane lemonade is an acquired taste, but definitely worth a try. It can be tough to get in during busy hours in the winter (the outdoor seating is a more viable option during the summer), but it's worth the wait. I'm fairly... cost-conscious and prefer to hit up Pambiche during the lunch or happy hour ("La Hora del Amigos") windows. Happy hour has some great deals and the smaller dishes provide an opportunity to sample a variety of Cuban goodness.
(5)
J M.

Nice Breakfast. Good Atmosphere. Outdoor seating looks great in nice weather.
(3)
David A.

Small place, can be crowded. Food is amazing, and unique. They have lots of variety. The dessert menu is fabulous!
(4)
Annelise K.

I LOVE this place. A vivid taste of latin america with its lively colors and genial waitstaff. The mariscos empanada is a miracle of culinary engineering. A light and crispy shell as thin as a leaf encloses a succulent savory tangle of seafood--tiny shrimp, miniscule squid and morsels of fish--suspended in a delectable sauce. Wow! I talked about it for days after I first had it & haven't tried any other empanada cuz it's so damn good. The white sangria is fantastic--a sort of white wine mojito, it goes down way too easy. The yuca with garlic sauce is a revelation, their beet salad is great--It's all good. The portions are generous, even at happy hour, with the exception of the sandwiches--just tried them once, didn't think they were as good a value as the platters. And don't forget breakfast! It's a great place to depart from the usual choices for something more exotic--plantains for breakfast??? yes please!
(5)
Rowena D.

Based on the reviews on Yelp, my husband and I decided to try Pambiche. We were not disappointed. We came in on a Thursday evening around 7pm and were seated right away. We started out by ordering the beef and cheese & potato empanadas for appetizers. The cheese & potato empanadas were delicious! For entrees I tried the Arroz con Pollo and my husband ordered the Cubano sandwich. Both dishes were very good. My dish came with Maduros which I love. The chicken was very tender and the saffron rice was a good compliment to the dish. To top the meal off I also ordered Banana Spice batido. It was very filling. In the end I was too full to try one of the delicious looking desserts on display in the case towards the front of the restaurant. I love the decor of the restaurant. It definitely stands out in the neighborhood. It's nice to see a place painted with vibrant colors in the Northwest. The wait staff was also very friendly. Our waitress was very nice and answered all the questions I had about the menu.
(4)
mya j.

I love the maduros and hot chocolate here. SO GOOD !
(5)
Uyen D.

Definitely one of my favorite places to eat in Portland! And I've successfully introduced it to my boyfriend who is a picky food eater transplant from SF. :) I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu. I love the pollo croquetas and the name frituras. My favorite is the plato cubano because it comes with everything I crave.. the tender pork, and the to-die-for rice and beans. If only it also came with the beet salad... nevermind, I will order a beet salad as well! SO YUM. There is a wait, but it's usually pretty quick. Fun warm atmosphere, friendly wait staff. And prices that are good on the pocketbook.
(5)
Alessandro M.

love it! open till late, actually and unfortunately not easy to find in the pdx's restaurant scene, simple and tasty. the happy hour is an occasion to taste different plates and i strongly suggest croquetas jamÃ³n, ropa vieja, empanadas picadillo and moros y cristianos! riquÃsimo! great choice also for breakfast and dessert
(4)
Christine S.

Love, Love, LOVE this restaurant/bakery.! want to buy a house and move to the NE Portland area just so I can be close enough to Pambiche to try the 600 menu items that are calling my name. On Saturdays and Sundays they serve a Cuban breakfast from 7am to 2pm that includes Cuban pastries and juices and coffee and a Cuban entree. They had to have three different menus to list all their offerings and the third was five pages long. We just went for dessert which was deliciouso! I will have to be back for dinner and a fried plantain!
(5)
Susan C.

Tasty Cuban food. Tiny and always packed, but love the atmosphere, feels tropical and lots of fun! Be prepared to smell your neighbor (or at least their food)
(5)
Sangorama s.

I don't know what kind of freaky drug mix they put in that Tres-Leches cake but I can't get enough. That bad boy is like $50 special order (and weighs more than my bowling ball) but it's more than worth it in my book. It's this, rich, coconutty, milky, lush, mound of deliciousness. By the way, I would pass on getting slices of it though, unless you can confirm that it's fresh. Sometimes the ones for sale in slices can be dry. I must admit, I haven't eaten there much but we get a cake here for every special occasion. The restaurant itself is pretty darn small.
(5)
William H.

Never been to a Cuban restaurant before so I wasn't really sure what to expect. Cuban coffee was excellent. The breakfast was very big and you must use the homemade hot sauce. The side of platanos that came with the breakfast was excellent. I almost used the whole bottle with my food. Sat outside at a table to enjoy the weather. The decor was very bright and fun, great atmosphere. Only one bathroom so be patient.
(4)
Rafael L.

First of all I will start off by saying that I am Cuban and when it comes to Cuban Food with me everyone is going up against number 1. That's Mom and Dad. If I don't like your Cuban cooking as much or better as what Mom and Dad make at home, I don't think it's good Cuban Food. Both my parents grew up in Cuba and my Grandfather owned a restaurant which my dad worked at until Castro took over. They know how to cook Cuban food and I grew up on it. Hmmmm, maybe I should stay out of this one? Anyway....... that said, I was really, really excited about going here when I ran across it on the internet and read some positive reviews about them in the Oregonian. Unfortunately I was very, very disappointed when I finally ate there. Sorry guys, everyone was great and the place has great appeal, but this isn't anything like the Cuban Food I grew up eating or even know of other than in name. I had the Croquetas to start and they were very runny. The outer texture was great, but once I bit into them I was disappointed. Besides being runny, they lacked flavor and tasted very bland. A little more spices and flour or something to thicken up the filling would go a long way. The Yucca was not cooked the traditional way that I am accustomed to; it had a sauce with onions and sweet flavoring in it. They call the sauce Mojo, but Mojo is not sweet, nor does it have onions in it. Traditional ingredients in Mojo are garlic, sour orange or lime juice, olive oil, and spices. The pork in the Plato Cubano was not something I would call part of "The typical Cuban Plate" as they call it. Although it wasn't bad, this isn't the way Pork in a "Typical Cuban Plate" is cooked. It had a sauce over it and it looked like it was boiled. If you go on the website lacajachina.com , which was featured on Bobby Flay's Throw Down, you'll see what traditional Cuban pork looks like and how it's cooked. It's roasted. Pambiche's is completely different. I got my dad a Caja China and he loves it, Pambiche should get one too. Cuban food is very simple; a lot of the ingredients are the same in a variety of dishes. Mojo for example is used on both the Yucca and Roasted Pork, nothing fancy, just great taste. I think the food at Pambiche is trying to be something it's not. It may be Cuban food, but it's not traditional, it's a Cuban-American variation of it if anything. The "Plato Cubano" which included the pork and yucca, also included black beans and white rice. The one positive thing that I can say about my order is that the black beans were cooked like Cuban Food I know. In addition to my disappointment with the food I ordered, I also tried ordering Malanga and Guava Cheesecake both of which are on the menu, but they didn't have either one. Malanga and Guava are very traditional in Cuba and they didn't have them. If you have them on the menu, then you should have them when someone orders them. Maybe they are just trying to do too many things. Their menu seems to have every possible Cuban dish there is. Maybe they should simplify it and be really good at a few things, instead of trying to do so much and either not getting it right or not being able to have everything available on a regular basis. I feel bad slamming them like this, but I am just being honest. To be fair though, I do plan on going back next time I'm in Oregon and trying some other items on the menu. Maybe I will think differently about them......... I hope I do.
(2)
Stacy M.

We went last night for dinner and had great service and even better food. I'm a sucker for good service, our server kindly suggested his favorites on the menu from appetizers to beer. Food came out FAST and the heaters outside rawk! I am already looking forward to my next visit-I plan on coming back for the breakfast. The desert menu alone is top notch.
(5)
Carolyn T.

San Francisco foodie on a road trip; through Portland, a few days in Seattle and Vancouver, and back through Portland. On the way up, a great meal at South Park. On the way home, I had been heartily recommended to Pambiche. I used to eat a lot of Cuban in Los Angeles and there isn't very good Cuban in San Francisco so I was greatly looking forward to my meal. When I arrived, there were only a few empty seats available and those were by the door; it was cold and rainy and understandably, everyone in the restaurant wants to sit as far as away from the cold drafts which occur when someone new comes in or leaves. Upon my arrival, I took one of the remaining tables as far away from the door as possible. I ordered a glass of sangria while I perused the menu and a couple walked in, taking the table next to me, near the door. The couple next to me ordered drinks but it became apparent that another table, away from the cold draft was opening up and they were able to move. Dining alone, I am always anxious to try and order in such a way to get the most tastes for my dollar and I was asking the waitress about their Frituras; there were four flavors available and she indicated that *sometimes* they will give you half-and-half with two flavors, but not one of each to get all four flavors. Apparently I was asking too much for I also had several questions about Ajiaco and Ropa Vieja. I had a lot of questions about their menu and it was obvious the waitress did not have all the answers and was growing impatient with me, but in mid-sentence and just as I took a breath to place my order, she abruptly excused herself, walked to the other guests who had come in after me, and proceeded to take their order. There was a brief moment she could have salvaged her rudeness by coming back to me, but instead she proceeded to the kitchen to complete submitting the other guests' orders, leaving me sitting there with no order having been given at all. Even the other guests sitting on the other side of me couldn't believe I had been so abandoned with such atrocious lack of service. I would like to chalk it up to a bad night for the waitress and I have had many friends recommend the restaurant. But I'll be hard-pressed to want to return since my visits to Portland are so few and far between. After walking out, I headed to Clyde Commons and had a great time and perfect service, despite being a solo diner with lots of questions.
(1)
Joe S.

Good food with an amazing salsa. The food is generally good though there are a couple of weak spots on the menu. The real star is the salsa that comes with the food and enhances/add flavor to everything. We always get a pint to go since it can be added to pretty much any meat to make a tasty meal.
(4)
Marki V.

Since I've been here a few times I didn't wanna end up in hell for not writing a review. Being 31st to review it's not easy not to repeat the other reviewers, so I came up with my 5* justification chart based what I've sampled. part of not very last ok bad good good meal Cod fish |-------|---------|-----------|-----X-----|-------Â------------------| croquetas Smoked ham |-------|---------|----X-----|------------|-------Â------------------| croquetas Tostones |-------|---------|-----------|------------X------Â------------------| Plato cubano |-------|---------|-----------|-X----------|------Â-------------------| Ropa vieja |-------|---------|-----------|------------|-X----Â-------------------| Tres leches |-------|---------|-----------|------------|------Â-------------------X Torta domino |-------|---------|-----------|------------|------Â---X--------------| I dare you to pass on the desserts after looking at the display case!
(5)
Harper F.

Pambiche has been a beloved spot of mine since 2003 when I used to frequent it as a high school student who wanted a late-night hangout that wasn't 21 and over. Eight years later and it is still a favorite! My dish of choice is the avocado salad, but there are lots of other great choices for those of you who are not as enthusiastic about avocado as me. They always have a great selection of desserts--the domino cake in to die. The atmosphere of the joint is what really sends it over the edge from good to great. I love that when I go I feel as if I've stepped out of grey Portland and into a colorful, tropical restaurant.
(5)
Heather W.

My FAVORITE restaurant in Portland!
(5)
T R.

Great happy hour! Food is great. Like the building and being able to sit outside.
(5)
Rachel P.

An old friend and I met up at Pambiche yesterday for HH. It was AMAZING!! We ordered the Maduros (fried plantains) the Ensalada De Chayote (a cold squash and grated carrot salad) and my favorite the Ropa Vieja. Wonderful food and the tables outside were nice and clean. Our waiter was attentive and helpful. I will return again!!
(5)
Sara B.

I really like this spot; I have eaten here a few times both inside and outside and have enjoyed it very much! I have had a wait each time I've gone, but I feel it's worth it. It seems a little spendy but I haven't been to a restaurant that serves similar food to compare. Their sangria is wonderful as well. It's a colorful, smaller restaurant that's well worth a try!
(4)
Jessica L.

One of my favorite places!
(4)
Melissa P.

I love Pambiche so much that, I've purchased a Cuban cookbook and started attemping Cuban cooking at home. This has largely resulted my in boyfriend splattering the kitchen in oil while frying plantains, and me trying my hand at ceviche. In all honestly, I would much rather go out to Cuban than make it at home. The empanadas are killer as are all of the tapas type items. The beef is always so super scrumptious, ditto chicken. The weekend morning breakfasts, que bueno! If you get there early enough you have the place to yourself. Even in the winter the heat lamps make outside seating bearable.. but this place is perfecto in the spring and summer.. relaxing with your Coco Solo and tostones. And they have the miraculous and difficult to find Jufran banana sauce, lovelove it.
(5)
Ben L.

Enjoyed one of the best meals I've had in a while here. We split two dishes: one prawns in a tomato and wine sauce, the other red snapper in coconut. Awesome, both. Good black beans, tasty tres leches (I think there's a ceiling on how good tres leches can be). The waiter was a lovely man. No complaints means five stars for me.
(5)
Es M.

The first time i drove by Pambiche i knew i was in love. I give it two thumbs up. The staff is always friendly. Anything you order will be delicious, I can always pick something different all the time and be happy with it. Save room for tres leche cake it's the best in town.
(5)
Nando M.

Good food and service. It is slightly overpriced for the food considering you can get the same quality in a cart in Florida. Excellent happy hour but only during the summer otherwise you're stuck outside in the rain under a heat lamp.
(4)
Alia L.

Made me love Cuban food. Ropa viejia sp? Is my favorite!!
(5)
Sweet P.

WOW! We actually heard about this restaurant from Yelp, looking for vegetarian possibilities. We actually planned to go to a different restaurant, that luckily ended up being closed that night. With vibrant colors and rich cuban culture all around, this bright and intimate restaurant has an enddddless menu. With mostly meat platters and several fish and shrimp options, Pambiche can please all palates. Their empanadas were golden and crisp and my shrimp dish was packed with flavors. My friend's chicken MELTED in his mouth. Also, try the banana hot sauce-- amazing. From start to finish, a perfect experience. Great prices too. Oh! By the way. I just went back & you can purchase the Banana Hot Sauce for 3.50ish! I got myself 2 bottles!
(5)
J C.

Since I am not a worldly person but am always up for trying new cuisine, my coworker recommended Pambiche when my partner and I were playing a tax free shopping trip to Portland. It did not disappoint, there was a wait but the staff was nice and when we did get to chow down, it was delicious. It is not a place for quiet, intimate conversation, rather if you are looking for fun and good Cuban food, this is the place.
(4)
Christine R.

The best! I really love going for breakfast. Great staff and the best cafe con leche. Go with a few friends and each order something different and you will have a great time!
(5)
Lisa T.

Wonderful authentic Cuban food in fun atmosphere.
(5)
Hilary F.

Te amo Pambiche! I was so happy to discover you. I've used you to introduce people to Cuban food.They all walk away saying ' Wow ! I love Cuban food!'. No my dears, you love Pambiche! The sangria and ambiance are awesome too!
(5)
Kine F.

Pambiche's Plato Cubano with Tres Leches for dessert was my ultimate pregnancy food craving!!! I NEEDED it and my husband was so awesome to make the after work run to bring it home. Since then we have had the brunch with our kids and that was the fantastic as well. I do not like the LOOOOONG wait and I wish they were better about serving drinks to those of us strewn all over the street waiting for our chance to eat. BUT, the food is worth it. Do not recommend taking hungry children or in laws to wait for a seat .
(5)
Bob S.

I just noticed that I hadn't thrown my 2 cents in about this particular Portland Gem. What is it about NE 28th st.? While it's a bit north of the Burnside intersection (OK it's on Glison) I still consider it in that dream zone of East PDX food. This isn't just a weird Cuban dive out in some neighborhood. This is as good as Cuban food gets and you don't have to fly 7 hours to Miami to get it! If you can get there for their Happy Hour, it's actually cheap, otherwise worth every penny. I used to make my own "old rags" dish, now i just go there. The mixed drinks rock and I know folks who eat elsewhere for dinner and then come here for knock-out desserts and coffee. One last thing. Pay attention. The owner (John) fronts a Cuban band (CaÃ±a Son) so look for notices of their upcoming gigs. Wow, what a jewel.
(5)
M W.

I stopped in here once when I was in the area visiting a buddy. I wish I could remember what I ate (fire grilled steak somethings) but I'll be damned if the food didn't sate my soul. The waitress was very attentive and the coffee was surprisingly good.
(4)
Shane K.

Delicious food and drinks and a good atmosphere. It's hard to beat the outdoor seating here on a nice night.
(5)
Greg D.

I'll start off with the positive points: - Adorable decor and great music playing inside - Decent prices (for the lunch menu, anyway) - Sweet, courteous and attentive service - Good-size portions - Delicious variety of appetizers (the one I tried was good) And now, the negatives: - Somewhat bland food (I had the ropa vieja and it bore little resemblance to the great versions I've had elsewhere. (sorry). The meat itself, though bathed in liquid, wasn't tender and fall-apart done, but rather a bit stringy and didn't have the complex, beefy taste I like. I suspect they trimmed off too much of the fat or simply didn't slow-cook it long enough. Also, I like it when it's served with a few pieces of sliced french bread on the side, but this is a minor quibble. - Though the appetizer of Name (pronounced "nya-meh," the n taking a tilde) was delicious, my enjoyment of it was cut short by my main entree arriving after I'd barely taken one bite of my appetizer. I really hate that, and it was all the more galling since everyone around me got their appetizer and entree in well-timed succession, not all at once. grrrr (Incidentally this appetizer is like little fried hashbrown cakes or Jewish latkes, but are in fact made from the white yam that often goes into Africa fufu along with cassava, or yuca.) Pambiche's food is not bad, mind you, but it didn't leave me much desire to return. I suppose one bright point is it's probably very healthy, which might explain the blandness and toughness of the meat, so it might be a good bet for the health-conscious. But I go out for Cuban so seldom that I guess I prefer it to taste good rather than be healthy.
(2)
James J.

Very cozy restaurant. The service was great, with incredibly friendly and helpful staff. The food was awesome. Had the traditional Cuban plate and there wasn't a single thing I would ask to change. If you want good food for a great price, come here!
(5)
Danny n.

I met the owner of this place long time ago in the Caribbean. Since I moved to Portland I ate there every Sunday after my salsa radio show at KBOO. It is a great place, with great ambiance, there is not reservations so if you go on a busy night you might have to wait. It is the best Cuban food in PDX. The staff would make you feel at home
(5)
Maggie Y.

I love this place..and I've been here over 20x. But I don't like the favorite dish the plato cubano. I think that the pork and the sauce it's stewed in just isn't flavorful enough. But it's good. I find the Oxtail in spicy red wine sauce to be excellent. The empanadas are very tasty and spiced perfectly. The corn fritters...get them. They blow hushpuppies out of the water. Sangria is excellent. Deserts are to die for, but honestly you can't save room for it because the food is so good.
(4)
brittney j.

I brag to all my friends and family about this place! Best happy hour! Awesome environment! Friendly staff and fast service. Good variety on menu, good prices! The food is so great, you will leave with a stuffed belly and smiling face!
(5)
John E.

Ordered huevos cubanas, probably should have gotten something off the lunch menu instead. The salsa was good, as were the black beans and rice, but mashed plantains were kind of sour and really didn't compliment the eggs. The beef filled fritter was ok, but a little bland.
(3)
Sheila Y.

So Pambiche is one of those places you want to just load with accolades. I actually thought my drink here was AWESOME and the food was just eh. I got the Plato Cubano for lunch and I was disappointed with the way the pork came out. I like my pork more along the lines of a Carnitas, so this could be entirely my own fault. I can't remember what the name of the drink is, but it definitely has rum and citrus and comes with a sugar cane piece. I think the next time I will try something with seafood. This place definitely deserves a second chance, even if it is to just get my drink on!
(3)
Kenna H.

I miss Cuban food so much since leaving Detroit. Pambiche is the shiznit. I love it so, the Caffe con Leche was fabulous and always, Always, ALWAYS order the Fritters! Yum!
(5)
Loren F.

Awesome food, great ambiance and interesting menu. A must go in the PDX area! Gets crowded near dinner and no reservations though but it's worth the wait! Also, their deserts are great. Just picked up a few for a late mohers day dinner party
(4)
Brandy S.

I had heard a lot about Pambiche (some good, some bad). I must admit that the vegetarian selection was slim, but the corn fritters more than made up for that. (They were so incredibly delicious, I could eat just a couple orders and be satisfied for dinner). Desserts are good too, but rely heavily on coconut and rum (two things that I don't like). Overall: worth a visit, at least to say you've tried it. Plan for a wait, since it is always crowded and save room for dessert.
(4)
Michael H.

Another neighborhood place for us. Love it. Consistent for 10 solid years. Always great service and great food. I won't repeat all of the details that you can see in the previous reviews. Yes, the lines are very long on Friday and Saturday nights. Put your name on the list and head across the street to Migration for a local beer while you wait your turn. Worth the wait or plan your visit on a weeknight.
(5)
Christine S.

I've only been once, but the food was delicious! It's a small restaurant, so you'll likely have to wait a bit. But, good things come to those who wait.
(4)
Peace S.

Super good even if you are a vegetarian, there aren't a lot of options, but the food was all outstanding. Definitely get a mojito!
(4)
wes y.

Oh how I wish Seattle had a Cuban restaurant like this. Pambiche serves up really tasty food food in a nice, cool location. Portland, I'm jealous.
(4)
Rachel H.

This was my favorite meal of my latest visit to the Rose City. Went for brunch, the coffee wowed, the sampler of pastries was lovely and almost worth the breakout, and our breakfasts were delicious. My tortilla espana kept me full all day, but I still couldn't resist finishing it three hours later. The staff we encountered were totally sweet. And we didn't even have to wait for a table on a Sunday at noon! Based on other reviews, it appears we were somewhat lucky. I'm happy - I'll be back with more of my posse, sure enough.
(4)
Coral C.

Absolute perfection. The food came out quickly and the service was impeccable. There was a long wait list when we arrived, but were actually seated within 5 minutes since we were only a 2 top. Started off with a glass of Malbec and red sangria..yum! Also had the codfish fritters and maduros (sweet plaintains) as an app. My only complaint is I wish there was more of them! For dinner, I had a citrus chicken, while my husband opted for one of the pork dishes. Finished things off with flan and a rich chocolate cake-they have a large dessert list, but not everything is available everyday. Both were our first choices, so we lucked out! I have to say, it's our new favorite restaurant here in Portland. YUM.
(5)
Stayshuhh G.

After living in Portland for a year, Pambiche was absolutely our favorite. This food defies description; it's totally unique and even more delicious. Tiny restaurant, so it's hard to get a table if you have more than 2 people (unless it's nice out and then you can sit outside next to the space heaters). Beautiful, colorful interior and exterior. One of the only restaurants where everything on the menu is good. If there's only one restaurant you visit in Portland, let it be Pambiche.
(5)
Eve A.

My favorite place in portland! I've lost count how many times i've come here, and i'm never disappointed! You should be prepared to wait for a while, but the food is definitely worth it. I know you should try multiple dishes at a place, but i can never get over the pollo criollo. I've gotten almost every time i come here. They've changed it slightly since I've started visiting, by changing the rice option to a yellow spanish rice with lots of yummy olives! Make sure to get the plantains as well. Most people love the maduros, and I cant blame them, but my favorite version is actually the tostones. It comes down to if you prefer it really sweet or more like french fries. Both are good and you won't go wrong with either. Also, IF you have room left, try some of their desserts. Perfect way to end the meal, but you may have to roll yourself out of there!
(5)
Melissa M.

Hubby and I decided to try this place since it got such good reviews on here. Glad we did! We split the Arroz con Pollo. Now I don't like to try new food, but this was delicious. The chicken just fell off the bone and the rice was very flavorful.
(4)
Wendy C.

Everyone who has been hunkered indoors all winter, subsisting on starch and cheese like I have, needs to go immediately to get a little dose of Vitamin Pambiche. The walls are bright. The food is bright. The sidewalk patio heaters are cranked to swelter. Love it! Everything - even the lowly cabbage salad and black beans and rice - is just amazing here. Plus, you'd be hard-pressed to spend over $15 on your entree. I forget about Pambiche for years at a time - when I remember it, I need to go back like 3 - 4 times in a row to work it out of my system. Truly, this is happy food!
(5)
Meghan C.

My favorite in town. To-die-for happy hour. The best enselada de aguacate ever. Sweet heart wait staff. Its crowded because its that good people
(5)
Erica S.

I was impressed by this place. I am not a Cuban food expert, but it tasted very good to me. My husband and I went for breakfast on a Sunday. The place was full, but service was still fast and attentive. I got the plantain omelet, which was okay. It was just a little too sweet for my taste. But, the black beans it came with were amazing. My husband got an egg scramble with chorizo, which I could not stop stealing bites from. Overall, I would definitely come back. There were still about 6 or 7 items just from the breakfast menu that I want to try. The only thing that keeps me from giving this place 5 stars is the price. It is good food, but I would be happier if everything was about 2 dollars less.
(4)
Claudia Q.

Love the communist plate and the coconut cake. Hard with kids. Limited seating. Plantains are a must!!!
(4)
Sam A.

Cuban Steak and Eggs: who knew it could taste this good. Amazing breakfasts.
(5)
Jacob G.

My girlfriend and I went here one Saturday for lunch. She's part Cuban so she's had plenty of authentic Cuban food- but I was clueless other than knowing that Cubans eat a lot of pork. Turns out this place is more of a fusion of Cuban and other Caribbean food, but the thing is that the Cubano sandwich I ate was awesome. I recommend this sandwich for a taste of Cuba- porky goodness. My my girlfriend's instance, I had a Ironbeer. It's basically an orange creme soft drink but is a Cuban favorite. Good stuff. And the friend plantains on the side were a good touch; though they forgot to give me all of my plaintains, they made up for it by giving us a few extra.
(5)
A F.

I love Pambiche. The food has always been flavorful and well prepared. I often take people who are in from out of town here and its always a big hit. I love their desserts and try to save room every time I go but its difficult to do considering the entrees are large and delicious. The only downfall is the sometimes long wait for a table and the dining room can be very loud.
(4)
Paul A.

Whenever I'm visiting family in Portland I cannot wait to get to this place. FLEET FOXES! Outdoor seating is great. Service has always been perfect. Drinks and food are innovative - one of the best Cuban places I have been to in the country.
(5)
Shannon M.

I wanted Versaile but what I got was a bone in chicken that had barely any flavor. Cuban is all about the sauce. The chicken is cooked in sauce which renders it full of flavor and nice and tender. This was not the case. The beans lacked garlic, onion goodness. It was just so-so and I was disappointed.
(3)
Abe I.

It's hard to miss this colorful little gem on the corner. But it not just the bright colors that remind me of my younger days in South Florida in my speed boat when I used to run... never mind. Anyway, this is Cuban done right, delicious plantains, yummy empanadas, and the desserts are divine. This place makes a fun date with all the colors and cheesy decorations, and above the patio tables (joint is small, and you might not have a choice) are heat lamps to keep you warm. If you haven't eaten here yet, you really should.
(4)
Michael K.

Great food, service, and ambiance
(5)
Joseph H.

Pambiche will treat you right, if you know how to court her sweet graces. Not everything on the menu is a rockstar of their Cuban entourage. The Pescado Ajillo was some of the best snapper I've ever had, with stellar sauce flying right beside. The ripe plantains remind me of my honeymoon in Puerto Rico, and for a moment all is right with the world. Don't make too many hasty decisions, the menu is tough to navigate for the unitiated. It all looks appealing, but there's things the house of Pambiche can be proud of and others that just fill out the menu. Regardless, it's a fresh vibe for as long as its been around, indoor or outdoor, Pambiche is a good deviant path when you feel like wandering from all the standard fare around town. Now, does anyone know of any other decent Cuban food in stumptown?
(4)
Jayne T.

Cuban food...let me count the ways that I love your ability to satisfy! Pambiche is wonderful in every aspect, from their great location on NE 28th/Glisan, to their large outdoor seating selection, to their undoubtedly authentic food. You can't miss this place when you find it - it is the bright, multi-colored building on the corner. It should be noted that they DO NOT take reservations, and if it is too cold to sit at the outside tables (they do have heat lamps above each table, although I couldn't enjoy my meal that way) you should plan to wait a while. The extremely small interior matches the vibrancy of the exterior, with colorful walls/tables/artwork, and fits only around 8 tables. We were a party of 4 on a Friday night, and I believe we waited about an hour by the time we were seated. On the upside, you can order drinks outside and huddle under the heat lamp towers, so we started with Sangria (very fruity, with pears being the dominant flavor, too sweet for more than one) and XX (light and drinkable, great compliment to the heavy dishes). By the time we sat down we all had plenty of time to review the fabulous menu of starters, entrees, deserts and of course, coffee! Here are our selections with feedback: Rabo Encendido - this ox tail dish tasted almost like pot roast, and the meat fell right off the bone, phenomenal seasoning Vaca Frita - shredded beef served with all the fixings plus maduros (fried plantains) - need I say more? Plato Cubano - pork was cooked to perfection, tender and moist, served with yuca con mojo - amazing! Ropa vieja - another shredded beef dish, but with a deep garlic flare Also noteworthy is that you can substitute brown rice for white rice for only $1, for me this was greatly appreciated. Desert/coffee gets its own section because it is that delicious. The decadent desert choices are visible through their display case in the dining room, so while you are reviewing the menu you can see all of your options. My boyfriend recommended the Tres Leche cake...I knew there was a reason I liked him! This is a little slice of heaven, I kid you not. We paired it with the CafÃ© Cubano (note: choose the NON-sweetened version, the sweetened version tastes too much like syrup and is too heavy with the sweets). Every item we ordered was amazing and loved by the group. They all arrived with the freshest ingredients and were authentically prepared. The portions are huge, and this place is probably one of the best values on the Portland food scene. A must-visit for any true foodie - now go enjoy!
(5)
I S.

It is a must destination if you are visiting portland. Only about 5 minutes driving from downtown. Good price......excellent food and excellent service.......yes you get all three...... Located more on a neighborhood location....clean place and on summer time you can seat outside. If you get there between 7 AM to 8 Am , you'll receive two for one entree. Don't forget to try their: Cuban hash and egg Basket of assorted cuban pastries and coffee....
(5)
Todd M.

Excellent food. The tres leches cake is so good, and the fried bananas grew on me. The only downside is their very small dining room. Their lack of seating can make for a long wait, so get there early (5 or 6) if you don't want to wait as long.
(5)
A. B. C.

i really really REALLY want to visit cuba. like, really. there was a short period of time when my mom wanted to go really badly also, and was seriously considering flying us in via mexico (not so "legal") i'm really not sure why she gave up on that plan... maybe if i take her to pambiche it'll rekindle that fuego... i came here for my birthday dinner and we had a group of 5. their space is pretty small, but with the outdoor picnic tables i didn't think it would be a problem, especially because my birthday's in august. well of course my birthday happened to be on one of the few rainy summer days portland saw in 2008... so sitting outside was, while not awful, not the most awesome. they had heaters though, it really wan't that bad- it was my birthday!! i had one of their platos del dia- it was a breaded tilapia and it was amazing. served with black beans and maduros (fried plantains). QUE RICOS! ...and because it was my cumpleanos we indulged in some postres tambien. they were all so good, we played a little game i like to call "musical cakes". i don't think you can go wrong in that department. RIQUISIMO! i hear they have a really fabulous happy hour, too (or, la hora de amigos) which goes from 2pm-6pm mon-fri and 10-midnight fri + sat, if i'm not mistaken. must try.
(4)
Walter S.

I don't need to say anything because you already know. This place is amazing. I'd eat here everyday if I could.
(5)
Jeff H.

I like the diversity of the menu - authentic/creative. The atmosphere - FANTASTIC. Sitting inside is small - outside seating is almost equal to inside. I would go for the DRINKS anytime - great variation of cocktails - I had a friend that ordered the banana shake - it was incredible with some cinammon in it. Not sure what else but YUM.... Sangria is some of the best I"ve ever had. I would go here any day of the week for drinks. Empanadas - not soggy - great flavor. Baked to perfection from what I could tell - I always thought they were fried. I want to go back for the Desayuno Cubano - breakfast 7A-2P Sat and Sun - this will be my next trip there....sounds awesome. The pastry selection if really large - I would go anytime for Cafe Cubano and a pastry. The diversity of pastres was nice to see. Hora Del Amigo - happy hour kind of menu - 11P-12M?
(4)
Allison S.

I had no idea what to expect, but it was delicious. Pretty tight space, but the food, service, and price were all great.
(4)
Rita W.

I can have their beet salad everyday, in fact, I often dream about it at night! Cute little restaurant, not suitable for a date, but nevertheless fun.
(5)
Andy O.

Everything we had was delicious. Notably, the avocado salad was fresh and velvety. The camarones were super-duper tasty. The fried cow was kinda "pulled", and really tasty. The Ajiaco is a hearty, but not heavy stew, and it was total comfort food. There were about 6 other things on the menu that I wanted to try. I'll be back.
(4)
Foodie B.

The avocado salad is delicious. Its so fresh and yummy. The tres leche cake is also very good. Its slightly pricey but well worth it. This restaurant is small, however the food and service is excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed my shrimp meal. Just be wary of a long wait on a busy Friday or Saturday night.
(5)
Erin K.

The entrees are the only things that don't stand out. Next time I go, I am going to give up on getting a main dish and just get lots of appetizers, sangria, and one of their desserts that are as beautiful as they are delicious. It can be pretty crowded and they cram you in there. There is some outdoor seating in the summer.
(3)
Maarit P.

I wish I had an option to leave 3.5 stars...but as it is, Pambiche gets only three stars from me. My in-laws were in town last weekend and they took us to Pambiche for dinner on a hot Sunday night. We were all eager to try Cuban food since none of us had had it before. We were promptly seated inside (it was nice and cool in the 99F weather) and the server brought us menus and a highchair for our littlest one. By the way, the waitstaff deserves five stars, they were friendly, attentive and nice, making sure that were we got everything we needed and beyond. I had a mango milkshake, which was almost too mango-y (I can't believe I just said that since I do love mangoes) and Plato Comunista for main course. While the plato was ok (I opted for the black beans which were surprisingly bland), I was really disappointed in the vegetarian options on the dinner menu - they were practically non-existent. My husband and in-laws all ordered meat courses and were quite happy with them. We also ordered a fruit slad for the kids and it just was not right, too sweet almost. That said, the dessert selection looked amazing, so many yummy looking cakes and tarts etc. I will be back to try them, but as for dinner, I will not give it another try.
(3)
Miss T.

My oh my oh my!.... I absolutely LOVE this place.... So, I was up in Portland on oh so official business (gettin my back tatted!) and only had a day in town. I asked the lovely front desk gal at my hotel where we might go to get the most scrum-diddlie-umscious breakfast in town and she directed us to Pambiche. When you go to there for breakfast (YOU MUST) I would HIGHLY recommend that you begin your meal with a nice cafe con leche and a basket of assorted pastries. You will receive a lil basket of goodies sent from the heavens. Eight different ones to try for FIVE BUCKS! Hey now! There are many breakfast plates to satisfy all you poak (pork) lovin folks. I myself prefer to go without so I ordered a plate that consisted of the following: scrambled eggs (with homemade hot sauce of course) shrimp croquettes (try em with banana sauce [tastes like ketchup]) vegetarian black beans white rice plantain mash with pickled onions (soooooo yummy) a little cup of tropical style (fresh) fruit salad I washed it all down with homemade pineapple orange juice and was in la la land.... Some might think Im crazy but we spent more on the cab ride to and fro Pambiche then we even did on our meal. It was worth it. Im heading back up north next month to get some more work done on my tattoo. Please believe I will be having breakfast at Pambiche again....
(5)
kathleen d.

On a dreary rain-soaked day, the day-glo colors of this building warm the cockles of my heart from a block away. A little closer and you hear the music... open the door and your mouth waters before you even know what you're smelling. Can you tell this is my favorite place in Portland? The best food, cheapest wine ($4 at happy hour...and it ain't merlot), and best happy hour in town. $3-4 bucks a plate! Oh, Masitas, Yucca, Ropa Vieja... the garlic sauce is so good it's a direct cause of my obsession with finding sour orange seeds so I grow a tree and make it myself. But why would I do that, when the food is so cheap? Because I'm crazy. Crazy for Pambiche.
(5)
Michelle H.

I love, love, LOVE this place. We headed down Glisan in a specific mission to try Pambiche. We had just came from the Beer and Wine Festival down at the convention center, so alcohol wasn't on the menu. It wasn't supremely crowded for a Saturday night, but there were no tables available inside. The plus side though, is that the outdoor seating is not only covered, it has heaters above each individual table to keep you toasty warm. The only downside to that, is you need to sit at a certain angle to keep your forehead from frying. We bounced around from a big table against the building, but it got warm, so we moved to a smaller table without a heater directly above, but then the wind would blow, completely negating whatever heat we had felt. So we moved back. Many thanks to the staff for putting up with our musical tables! Now onto the food. The glorious delicious food. I'd wait in line for yummy food like this. I had the grilled snapper in chile verde, my friend the ropa vieja which was a yummy shredded beef. Both were fabulous. Perfect portions, amazing taste. I seriously had no complaints. The avocado and lime salad (whose name I can't remember) was such a light and summery addition to my meal. It was all so good. We ended the night with an order of flan to split, but it wasn't anything special. We should have went for the pastries. I'll definitely have to take a look the next time I stop. I also flipped through their breakfast menu, and I'm ready to stop by again. The prices are reasonable, the staff was friendly and helpful, and there is really no reason why you should stop by unless you're intimidated by a little bit of a wait. This place is definitely a must try!
(5)
Beanpod H.

I keep ending up at Pambiche with friends. After each I get mad and promise myself that next time I'll just stay home. The food I've tasted (and I have tried, I really have) has been over-fried and/or bland. The cocktails are either super strong or super weak - I'm talking about the same drink on two different visits. My suggestion is to save your money, or spend it somewhere that deserves your business.
(2)
Ken A.

I love this place. The Cuban food is pretty good (I've had Cuban in Miami and this compares favorably to anything I've had there). The atmosphere is great - it is very lively and attracts a great mix of people. The price is right. Desserts are good too - especially the Pastel de Tres Leches. For an appetizer, try the croquetas. The place is fairly small so you may have to wait a while if you go during prime time. It can be loud, which sometimes bothers me, but at Pambiche it's just part of the atmosphere. Whenever I go, I feel like I've stumbled into a party.
(4)
kristen p.

AMAZING! All the offerings are so super delicious for vegetarians and meat eaters both. Go for happy hour, when all is cheaper, sample it all I tell you! The Palm Beach Cooler, Empanadas and Caribian Cole Slaw are some of my top pics on the menu. The atmosphere is always fun and friendly, all the staff is bi-lingual. The space is very limited, especially when the weather doesn't permit outside seating. The wait can be long here for dinner, another reason to drop by happy hour (they have a late night happy hour too). Deserts are great too!
(5)
Via H.

Service was all around quick and friendly, and our meal was outstanding. Daniella, our server was wonderful and very helpful when it came time to tackle the menu of tasty Cuban plates. We had the avocado salad (highly, HIGHLY recommend it) with a chicken dish and a red snapper dish. You can't go wrong at this place. I'd go for the house red over the sangria though - it was sweeter than I would've liked. All in all, a very memorable experience. Oh, and don't be scared if there's a long line outside - people are there for a reason, and the line goes quick!
(4)
Leanne M.

I love avocados. I love cake. I always order the avocado salad thing (don't remember the real name, but it's a shitload of avocado in lime juice and onion.) Yummmm! The cake is to DIE for here. I always get the Aleman. I'm only giving it 4 stars, because my first time here, I had a very very bitchy waitress. (The older lady) I nearly canceled my order after she snapped at me with attitude that I ordered something I didn't. But I'm glad I didn't cancel my order of cake. I just make sure she isn't working or that I don't get her when I go here. Lady, if you're reading this: Sorry, but you are one bitchy bitch!
(4)
Megan M.

This place was great. The servers were very friendly and the food was a solid 4 stars. The empanada was delicious. The desserts were very good... we had the cuban cigars - basically a chocolate truffle shaped and decorated like a cigar, and the carrot cake which was a bit sweet for my taste but aesthetically pleasing. Fun ambience. I'd like to go back for HH.
(4)
Carissa W.

An island of bright colors and flavors in the middle of the Eastside, the dcor and food here make everyday feel sunny and warm. Inside there are paper maiche parrots hanging from the ceiling, and bright wooden tables squeezed into the tiny terra cotta tiled floor. This is a great lunch or dinner spot, and fun for dates or friends, though probably not good for groups bigger than six. During the summer the outdoor tables (painted a variety of blinding colors) are excellent, and make for a relaxing after work spot. The tapas are yummy, but it's the bigger dishes, like the "old clothes" or the plantains (with banana sauce!) that are really worth it. Go in for drinks too. Oh, and did I mention the flan? Desserts galore. They have a small bar inside which I've never seen anyone eat at, but it looks like an excellent spot to sit with a paper and chow down.
(5)
Sara A.

Wow! I was driving through Portland at lunch time and drove by here looking for another place. The colorful exterior and outdoor seating lured me in. I was greatly rewarded! The food was so delicious and there were so many choices. I had a spinach and cheese empanada with tostones (savory fried banana) and some kind of a slaw/salad. I also had some very strong drip coffee. Everything tasted great and it was a refreshing change from the usual lunchtime fare. My companion had the Plato Cuban which came with pork, beans, rice and salad/slaw. He raved about everything! The prices were reasonable and the service was so helpful. I asked my waitress what she suggested for a vegetarian and she went through the menu describing all the vegetarian dishes and her personal favorites. This is what service is about! I would go back to Portland just to try breakfast & dessert here (ooh, that means 2 trips)!
(5)
Josh O.

Wow wow wow wow wow. This is Cuban food? End the embargo!! Their Saturday brunch was incredible. Huge spreads - each dish comes with a handful of sides. And the pinosa! Everything from my gf's "Desayuno Tpico" (a light breakfast of fruit and pastries) to my "Butifarras del Congo" (a hardy meal of Cuban sausage, mashed plantains, and "Moros y Cristianos" - AKA rice and beans) was awesome, and each definitely left enough food for some tasty leftovers. We WILL be back! Thank you again, Northeast!!
(5)
Ken N.

Yes, I'm a big fan of Pambiche. I don't make it there enough. Every time I do I leave so happy. The food is so good and the atmosphere so cool. It is really busy and pretty packed but its worth the wait and the lack of space.
(4)
Kimberly V.

New identity, in the event that capitalism, first-world comfort, and a few years slaving away for The Man fail me: A jinetera named Estella. By day, kind of a scrappy, down-to-earth gal who ekes out a living while keeping her parents content and sneaking in a mojito at 2 every afternoon in view of the sun. By night, a romantic hustler. Estella navigates the controversial terrain with the knowledge that in Havana, a law degree will earn you maybe $30 a month but the business of charming tourists out of their pants will pay your family's medical expenses for a week. Call it whoredom. Call it the oldest tradition in the world. Estella calls it food. So as Estella, I sit under the heated lamp at a painted sidewalk table at Pambiche. I sip at my Sangria while playfully stealing swigs from the Cristal bottle on the other side of the table. I try to make witty, abrasive observations about the other diners and the Portlanders crossing 28th, but I'm in just too damn good a mood. The jinetera is no mere hooker. She provides informed and sophisticated conversation. But even the most seasoned know better than to interrupt while eating. The food appears, each plate colorful and heaping. Pollo criollo, plato cubano (or plato communisto, if you're so inclined), arroz con pollo that shuts up all other attempts, followed by flan and a Sangria refill. I arch my back, stuffed, and take in the artificial heat and the bright paint on the walls and the smells of other patrons' dishes and the sound of the 19 cutting a right on Glisan. I think I live in the best place in the world, right now. Some imagined lives are better left imaginary. This review comes with a reading recommendation (I'm a big nerd)! For more information about the jineteras of Cuba, read Dirty-Blonde and Half Cuban by Lisa Wixon. Awesome sauce.
(5)
Mickey D.

Missed breakfast but enjoyed lunch.
(4)
Meliza L.

When visiting a friend in Portland we stopped by this Cuban restaurant for lunch. Let's just say this restaurant isn't in the nicest part of Portland. BUT, the food was good. I ordered their sangria...yummmmmy!! It tasted like a strawberry. I also had the "fried cow" which was beef marinated in citrus spices served with rice and beans. The meat was tender, but lacking the citrus infused flavor. Their red beans were served in a little bowl and had pieces of meat in it. Overall, I give this place 3 stars....-2 stars for location.
(3)
Tiffany P.

Pambiche is a place that we read about in a Portland magazine over a year ago and just got around to going there today....I wish we would have went when we first read about them. First, great service and great recommendations from staff. The best Cafe Con Leche ever!! The food was unbelievable, I highly recommend the basket of treats(8 bite size versions of their baked goods), not one crumb left and the taste was amazing. Great outdoor seating and a very festive vibe.....A place we will definately visit again and again.....
(5)
Shane S.

Very yummy, love good Cuban food. I was surprised how expensive it was though. The place is packed on a Monday night, that's got to say something.
(4)
Edward J.

Yeah. I'm impressed. A good Cuban restaurant in Portland. Very delicious food! I'm a vegetarian, and with no fear I had options. There's a really good vegetarian dish that's plantain based with white rice, salsa, beet salad (really really tasty), and beans. Its very simple and peasant styled... that's why it is the best! Don't forget to order the sangria! Please oh please, don't forget to order the alcoholic beverages! AND, let's not forget the dessert. Very tasty guava or mango pastries. One of the best flan I've had in a while. I also found out they have a breakfast and brunch weekend specials. That sounds good with sangria and mimosa. The atmosphere is nice too. Very small and cozy, high ceiling. Really good attentive friendly service. All of this for a fair price.
(5)
Dusty T.

Wonderful food, great atmosphere, and the best cafe con leche in town. Save room for dessert.
(4)
annie c.

I was visiting my friend and I suggested Mexican, she said lets do Cuban..even better. This place was great. The drinks were great, we had empanadas that were awesome..first time I've ever seen a leek empanada. But what really brought it home were these chocolate coconut cookies she grabbed for us for a late night treat, shit those are good!! and you gotta love how cheap it is to eat out in Portland!
(5)
Emee P.

I love Pambiche. I go all the time, with groups and even by myself (it's a great way to pass the time while you do your wash at the laundromat next door). Happy hour has great prices on appetizers and drinks. Coffee drinks and desserts and fun with little Cuban twists and very good. I recommend the Selva Negra cake -- chocolate with mango and pineapple -- and the Cuban Mocha. Space is tight though, but in the spring and summer it's nice to sit on their patio. Staff are very accommodating of kids although other diners may frown on them in such a small space.
(5)
anita c.

As we drive up Glisan, it's not difficult to find Pambiche. Even from blocks away, we spot the brightly-colored building and row of umbrellas covering the patio tables. Inside, the colorful chaos continues, with art and artifacts verging on kitsch covering nearly every surface. It smells impossibly good in here, and already I'm verging on sensory overload. We scan the menu and find many familiar tastes: Ropa vieja, various plantains, beans of many colors. We need a little coaching through ordering a sampler appetizer plate called the Primera Vuelta --- neither the menu nor our server does a very good job explaining how we choose which aperitivos and in what quantity. Everything we order is delicious, but we both agree the empanada is the standout item, with the earthy beet salad a close runner-up. We dab on a bit of a house-made smoky chile sauce, brought to the table in a plastic squeeze bottle. It's not even 5pm yet, and the place is filling up, with guests putting their names on a sign-in sheet and retreating to a set of benches along the sidewalk. While we wait for the rest of our food, we sip a pair of Limonadas de Guarapo, a cool concoction of fresh-squeeed lime and sugar-cane juices, served with a chunk of the cane to nibble. it's an acquired taste, but it grows on you... and works well with the food., Our entrees arrive hot on the heels of the appetizers, but we're not bothered. My Cuban Sandwich looks amazing: Pressed between a perfectly crunchy-soft roll, there's plenty of ham, roast pork and Swiss cheese, slathered with a mustardy spread and a tart pickle. It's served with a pile of tostones, a barely-sweet version of banana chips. Mr. C's Plato Cubano features roast pork, white rice, and a cup of the best vegetarian black beans I've ever tasted. How do they get them so flavorful without meat? Man. Seeing an order of red beans go by on their way to another table, Mr. C flags down our waitress and asks if he can have a cup of them, too. And what a grand idea! They're even more amazing than the black ones, redolent with herbs, bacon, and other porky bits. We've been ogling an impressive display of traditional Cuban cakes and pastries all through our meal, but we haven't saved room. Their descriptions take up two whole pages of the menu, and they're glorious to behold but ... next time.
(5)
Sara C.

They've got a great happy hour. Pretty wide variety of tasty cheap foods. It'd be a little better though if it weren't so incredibly cramped inside.
(4)
Jenna F.

This is one of my favorites. During the cold season I find myself day dreaming about an outdoor table and a good mojito. I constantly crave ethnic foods that put me in another place and this fits the bill. All fish dishes are perfect. The plantains are yummy. Every dessert is original and good - especially the fruity ones. The one draw back is the limited seating indoors and outdoors, so you will be waiting for a table.
(5)
Jill M.

When I heard Pambiche serves breakfast (and on weekdays!), I knew I had to give it a try. They did NOT disappoint! Simply amazing. Crowded as always, but so worth it.
(5)
S P.

Food for average. Seating was too compact - felt like we were dining on shared tables. No decent waiting area. Seems like an overrated restaurant - not worth the drive from the suburbs and the parking hassle.
(3)
Eva W.

PAMBICHE is incredible. It is located on the corner of Glisan and 28th. It is a colorful, bright blue and pink and red building, reminiscent of Sesame Street (circa the late 70s) and it's located next to a Lavanderia, in the middle of the city, so it feels all urban tropical. I arrived at sunset. There was an empty building next door with an electric sign with a huge heart cut out of the sign, I took that as a good omen. My companero and I stepped inside Pambiche and were greeted by their super friendly staff. We took a seat and perused the menu. They serve a beer called Cristal, which is imported from Peru, and makes you feel fancy because of its name. The walls are decorated with paintings of voluptuous Cubana lovers, mangos and pineapples, papier mache marionettes, cats, fruits, maracas, drums. The music has an inviting Caribbean beat. THE FOOD IS DELICIOUS! I had camarones with arroz and frijoles and maduros with red banana sauce-----soooo good. But, let me tell you the most amazing part, DESSERT. They have two pages of desserts! I had the guava cheesecake, which tasted heavenly, and I also tried the pineapple coconut bread pudding. It was so unbelievably riquisima. I love Pambiche. Until I swim from Key Largo to Cuba.
(5)
Miriam M.

Unlike many I didn't like Pambiche my first time there, but because all my friends adore it I keep returning . . . and it has grown on me. Maybe my taste buds are finally leaving third grade but I swear I didn't like some of these unusual combinations just a few years ago. Banana sauce? The name makes me say No No, but the actual sweet tang has me singing Yes Yes! If you're willing to get out of your American-food comfort zone, this is a great place to try it.
(4)
N. C.

I'm stingy with the stars, so I gave up the 4 grudgingly. There are reviews here complaining "this is not like the Cuban food I grew up with". So what? Authentic schmauthentic. Just go give this a try. It's in the upper echelon of little unpretentious joints in PDX. Personally I'd recommend the pollo criollo or pescado con coco. Get them with the frijoles colorados. Split a piece of the tres leches cake for dessert. If that doesn't work for you then you have my permission to deduce that I suck.
(4)
Ajia T.

I love this place!! When we were in Florida recently, we had some spectacular Cuban food and service at a family-owned restaurant, so upon our return to Portland, we were determined to find the same fare in our fair city. Turns out, we found an even better place in Pambiche! The service was impeccable, food was nicely presented and very tasty...and the yucca was cooked just right. Very casual place to hang out, too. We will definitely be back here, at least to attempt to try every item on their menu! p.s. If you're craving a mojito, try the Palm Springs cocktail...better than the best mojito I've had!
(5)
Jo Ann V.

Mahalo plenty, Kim, for taking us here for our first dinner in your most charming city. The food was so very tasty and the atmosphere vibrant. Definitely worth a return trip.
(5)
P G.

Pambiche is delicious! I love the vibe of the place and the food is great! To me, it's simple food, but with lots of flavor!
(4)
Kylie S.

I like this place a lot, with some reservations. It's colorful and fun and very cozy inside. The waitresses are all gorgeous and really nice. The desserts are good. They have great appetizers and wine. Most of the dinner entrees are meat or fish and are more expensive then I like to pay (11$ to $17 with most items at the higher range) and the food is good but not great. Couples can split a plate though. In cold or rainy weather, waiting outside for a table is not so fun even with the heat lamps. My favorite way to experience Pambiche is to come in the summer and sit outside and drink wine, split an appetizer tray and a couple of desserts.
(4)
Marina K.

Hey they make a pretty tasty bite ... i really enjoyed my cuban shredded pork sandwich. Plus it was one of the last warm days over the summer, so we soaked up some sun sitting outside. Can't wait to go back and try the pastries... Maybe next time if I don't fill up on the sandwich first... hard not to though. The plantain fries/chips were a little bit tough, but I think that's just how they are.
(4)
ray e.

i won points from my family for suggesting this place for Sunday brunch one time. Yup, it was a risk I was taking since my clan has particular affinity for dimsum or chinese buffet or Thien Hong on the weekends. I figured, dude, I'm ready to bring y'all to the enlightened world of eating non-Asian food, mmmk? Off we went to Pambiche. My dad was delighted to find Jufran on the tables (we grew up with Jufran, it's a banana based catsup made in the Philippines that apparently is also popular in Cuba, I presume). Not only were they able to accommodate my peeps (we took up half the restaurant), but they were super nice and patient with all the questions and inquiries that came out of my relatives (Cuban food is very much unlike dimsum or chinese food or vietnamese food). It was a successful foray into the world of unknown for my family - and a proud and delicious moment for me.
(4)
Dana J.

delicious! go early and order the croquettas to start and the cuban sandwich. desserts are a must and all outstanding.
(4)
Katie E.

Home town pride! I love this place. It's my favorite restaurant. I crave the Plato Cubano in the night. The banana cake is also incredible. My favorite thing here is the yucca. So delicious! Downsides are that it's very tiny and often times you get stuck sitting outside, which, let's be honest native Portlanders, the weather in P-town sucks, and it sucks to sit outside here to eat. I say show up early with one honey and get your snack on.
(5)
A C.

I'd give it a five but I can't order anything other than the oxtail. It's fantastic. Others I've gone with also say great things about their food. They really need to expand.
(4)
Tim B.

A great way to try this restaurant, whether you've been there before or not is hit it up during happy hour and order a bunch of the small plates. The pollo frito was fantastic, and the pulled pork was good too. The empanadas ... eh. Go there with some friends (not too many, small place) and order away so you get a taste of everything.
(4)
Clover Dan ..

that is some damn tasty brunch. and that banana sauce on the table is wonderful. the decor was cuban-fun. yum yum yum.
(5)
Andy M.

I know everyone loves this place, it's super popular, there's always a line at dinner time, and it's most Portlanders' introduction to Cuban food. And sure enough, this is the best Cuban restaurant in town. However, I will take the time now to explain why this breaks my heart. My credentials: I was born in Miami from Cuban parents and spent the first 25 years of my life there. I don't expect any restaurant outside of Miami to taste as authentic, but I do base my judgment on that scale. The ambience: The restaurant itself looks like something out of that 1940s Donald Duck cartoon "The Three Caballeros". Bright colors, overly exaggerated tropical themes, it's like someone's acid trippy version of Cuba, or what they assume Americans believe Cuba must be like. This is a tiny restaurant, it doesn't fit very many people inside bumping elbows with each other on tiny tables. If you come, do so before 5 pm when it starts to get crowded and a line forms to get in. Menu: This is by far my biggest gripe about this place. I'm looking at the menu right now and there are 13 items on it, that's it. There are sandwiches and a ton of dessert options, but when it comes to actual food you're pretty limited. I am well and truly surprised at some of the things NOT on the menu. There is no steak at Pambiche for lunch or dinner. None. It's a staple of the Cuban diet, how can you not have Bistec a la Palomilla, Bistec Empanizado, or Bistec a la Milanesa, and call yourself a Cuban restaurant? I have no idea why they don't serve steak for lunch or dinner, since they do serve it for breakfast. Food: Now we get to the actual food, which ranges from mediocre to not that bad. As mentioned by others, the oxtail is pretty good, the ropa vieja is decent, and they make black beans ok. Most of their meals however are maybe a 4 or 5 on the authenticity scale, and I cry when I think people consider this "good" Cuban food. A perfect example of this came one time at Pambiche, sitting at the counter eating some platanos maduros. A man came up to me, possibly the manager, and after some conversation it came up that I was Cuban. He looked a bit uneasy, as if he knew the food wasn't really up to snuff, and looked at my maduros, noticed they were overcooked and offered me a new plate for free. It was a nice gesture, but the second plate wasn't any better. They simply can't make a lot of the food taste like it's supposed to, for whatever reason. Portions: this place reminds me of the old joke, "The food here is terrible." "I know, and in such small portions." The food here isn't terrible, but is in really small portions. I've spent $30 here and left hungry. I've tried both lunch and dinner, and per usual the dinner provides a few more things but still well below average for a Cuban restaurant. I've found the best deal to be coming during Happy Hour and ordering several small plates, but even that racks up a $20 bill without eating all that much. Price: No meal will costs under $15. It's pretty expensive considering what you get, and most "platos" don't come with many of the basic necessities to enjoy a meal. I usually have to make several side orders for things you would get with a meal at other Cuban restaurants. This will inflate your tab to $20-25, and with tip about $30 for one meal, not including drinks. Again, for what you get it doesn't feel like you ate $30 worth of food, not in quantity or quality. Service: The service is not bad, and I have nothing bad to say about it. I've always been seated promptly, rarely have to wait long for food, and as I've mentioned I've been properly compensated for any past transgressions. My problems with this restaurant are not with the service, but with the price, quality, and quantity of the food.
(2)
Emily W.

one of my favorite places in town. the dinner is delicious. the "hora del amigos" means you can sample all sorts of delicious things for very little $. i recently had a desert (___ de pina, can't remember what!) that was along the lines of a pineapple upside down cake and it was unbelievable. AND, also, wow.... have you guys tried the breakfast?!
(5)
Stephen C.

Pambiche. Yeah, okay, I get it. It's in a fun, brightly colored building, it's always got a lively atmosphere, and it's supposedly the best Cuban food in town. So why is it that I'm never impressed when I go there? Every dish I've ordered is so mushy. All the items are mushy. The beef dishes, the chicken dishes, the plantains, the avocado salad. MUSH! And it's too bad because it has so much potential. The offerings seem healthier than the average restaurant, and the flavors can be great [but aren't always]. So why is it they can never seem to cook things right?
(3)
Jenny C.

This is my favorite place to eat in P-town. The food is delicious! They have recently doubled their portions during happy hour, but not the price. I luv the plantains and yuca- not a big meat eater so this place fits well into my palate. The service is the best here. They do their best at serving you quickly. I highly reccomend this place.
(5)
Drew G.

Go. Eat. Tonight. This place has really gown in popularity in the years since opening, and for good reason: it's damn good. The Plato Cubano is my personal favorite, though the Oxtail is excellent, as are the chicken platters. Fried plantains, if not included with your meal, are worth ordering to begin. And always -- always -- order dessert.
(5)
Katie S.

Happy Hour and breakfast and the best times to go. I had a dish that was kind of boring during dinner service, hence the 4 star rating. There can be a long wait, but its worth it. And the color inside will make you forget that its (most likely) raining outside. The hot chocolate is worth a try.
(4)
Janessa C.

I love the food here! I try to get over to Pambiche everytime I visit. The food has great flavor, the restaurant is fun and vibrant, and the servers are always incredibly friendl. Always a great experience.
(4)
Randy D.

i'm always torn when i come to this place. i can never have a meal and dessert at the same sitting cuz the food is so rich and filling. so it's either/or, and there in lies my quandary. it's all good. you can't go wrong. just keep coming back and try something different every visit. although, one thing i always have room for is a mango shake. deelish....
(4)
Adele H.

This was good, the service was good, but personally, I like Cafe Cubano in No. Portland much better. See for yourselves... : )
(3)
Anthony R.

Come here for the "Hora de Amigos," the Cuban happy hour that runs every day from 2-6 pm. The small plates here are actually pretty good sized, easily serving two people in appetizer portions, at 2-3 dollars each. This is dirt cheap, gourmet-quality grub. Lots of sangria and beer options as well. Cubans like pork. That's the most important thing. Pork. And beef too. And chicken. No vegans. But! The plantains, tostones and maduros are fantastic. Perhaps my favorite thing here is the yucca w/mojo sauce. These are like garlicky, lemony potatoes with a fucking PhD in dank flavor. I'm getting really hungry right now. In addition to the aforementioned treats, delicious Cuban sandwiches and more traditional entree plates abound. A must-visit NE destination.
(5)
Brenna S.

A surprisingly good Cuban restaurant oddly located on NE Glisan Street. Pambiche is a brightly painted room harboring some of the brightest and most festive dishes Portland has to offer. Amazing soups, salads, and seafood along with an amazing wine selection make this a fun spot to enjoy a delicious meal.
(5)
Nam H.

TRES LECHES!!! Stopped here for some amazing dessert. Unfortunately I just had dinner down the street, but I'll have to stop by here again sometime soon cause I was salivating at the great cuban food mang!
(5)
Suzanne A.

one of my first visits to pdx to visit some new friends was hmmmm, about 6 years ago. it was friday night, about 9pm when i got in, my friends kurt and andrea picked me up at the airport, said "are ya hungry"? "hell ya", i said. and they took me to Pambiche. oh boy, was it mmmmm good. their menu is so huge and everything looked good it was hard to pick, but i remember everything being delicious. and we had some leftovers so i got to experience it again the next day! and i seem to recall a yummy sangria. and tres leches cake! oh god, evil weakness of mine. AND we parked my friend's HUGE Galaxie 500 RIGHT IN FRONT! that just doesn't happen in San Francisco!
(5)
Justin C.

I've been here twice. The food is good, the drinks are good. It loses 2 stars because 1) it's always flippin cold in there and 2) the service was mediocre.
(3)
Katie M.

my favorite place to bring out-of-towners because it is delicious ! Love love love it
(5)
K. X.

I've only been here once, but that's no reflection on my opinion of the place. The one thing I definately remember vividly is: YUM! It was in the dead hot heat of the summer when I went, so we opted for outdoor seating of course, while we waited, I sipped on some sort of delicious drink with sugarcane, sorry I really have a bad memory haha. And then we shared a variety of dishes that were all incredibly and equally flavorful. I really have no reason as to why I havent been back other than being busy and not always being around that neighborhood.
(4)
Nick B.

This place is "de puta madre." My white guy taste buds were doing the friggin cha cha.
(5)
Zak F.

hot-diggity-dam i love cuban food. the place is packed to the gills most of the time, and it was retarded with tight jeans and bad haircuts, but as far as food and service everything was perfect. the croquettas are about my favorite thing in the world. i could eat a thousand of em and not even slow down. oh yeah and try the weekend breakfast. this place has everything!
(5)
Jack S.

Stopped by after many recommendations, and man, was it worth it. Little bit of a wait to get a table, but nothing a walk around the block didn't take care of. Started out with cocktails and tostones, sangria for me (excellent), palm beach cooler for my companion (even better, think white sangria crossed with mojito, then stick a piece of sugar cane in it). The entrees were stellar. Flavor! Nothing subtle or timid here. Bold takes the day. I had the "ox-tail on fire." Ox tail braised in red wine, peppers, served with corn bread fritters and rice. The presentation was gorgeous, and it tasted so good, I was literally scraping my plate with my fork to get the last bits. My companion had snapper with salsa verde, served with the avocado salad, also great flavor. Dessert was an awesome peanut-y, chocolate-y, cake-y, coconut-y something with vanilla ice cream that we could barely finish. I already want to go back, but there are just so many F-ing great places to eat in Portland!
(5)
V.C. F.

Busy little place, I only had coffee and dessert but wow the desserts case is to die for and especially with a strong Cuban coffee.
(5)
Kimberly D.

Amo amo ! I love this place. Happy hour is after 10pm on weekends which is hard to find. There will therefore likely be a line but it's worth it. Seating inside is a little crowded for my taste but then you get your food and it's all worth it. There is also plenty of space outside with heaters. Staff is super upbeat by the way and the music. The food is very flavorful, I recommend the ajiaco and empanadas, for dessert the pastel de tres leches is to die for ! The drinks are equally amazing but not included in the happy hour.
(5)
Robert G.

I was talking to this Mexican lady (you know, that means she's from Mexico and an immigrant to the U.S.) and was asking her if she knew of any Cuban restaurants in Portland. I figured that, in talking with people from other Spanish speaking countries, she may know where the foods of her Hispanic compadres might be served up. She mentioned Pambiche. At first, I thought this was "Spanglish" for Palm Beach and that A = B = C. Palm Beach is close to Miami. Miami is heavily Cuban. Therefore, Palm Beach could be construed as being Cuban enough by osmosis. I filed this information away in my head. Then, I find out it's a real place and that pambiche is its real name and which rhymes with the word "ceviche." I gave a friend of mine some shit (neither grief nor marijuana - I do the former but not the latter). I'm referring to personal possessions. Karma came around. I was unexpectedly offered to be taken to lunch. This friend, who hails from the Bronx and its adjacent communities, lives "in town" and not in "the Clack." I was thinking a gyro joint in S.E. would have sufficed. Pambiche was tossed out as an option. I noted that I could go with that! First, the building it occupies is bizarre, but in a good way. It has these colorful murals which depict the jovial side of Cuban life and culture in addition to being painted in crazy colors and the building facade overhangs the sidewalk, making for an arcade over the sidewalk where there is some outdoor seating. The restaurant itself is small. However, it is filled with all sorts of interesting paraphernalia, paintings, and photos referencing Cuba. The service is very friendly and the employees seem genuinely happy to be working there and making sure you like your meal. The food is very good. I had my usual ropa vieja entree with rice and beans and didn't try the "moros and cristianos." My friend had the "sanwiche Cubano." After trying each other's entrees, I'd probably go with the more flavorful "sanwiche Cubano" next time, where the ingredients came together perfectly. Prior to the meal, we had croquetas. They offer several versions and they were good, but I'd be interested in trying the ones stuffed with bacalau (cod). This whole time, the dessert case was sitting behind us ... and calling. My friend had a pastry with a coconut exterior and I had a slice of "selva negra." The "selva negra" is a tall slice of dessert with alternating layers of chocolate cake and passion fruit frosting. You will be orbiting after trying this cake. It was excellent and I salivate when I think of it. What's not to like? Pambiche offers a funky locale, good food, fair prices, friendly employees who will happily speak Spanish to you if you go down that road, and, in our case, unfiltered conversation between a New Yorker and an Angeleno. Pambiche earns its 4 stars with ease!
(4)
Olivia T.

I've heard so many praises and raves about Pambiche. I've been wanting to go there for a while. Finally, got a chance to try this supposedly "best Cuban food" in Portland. My sister wanted to celebrate her birthday there. So we've waited for seats for 9 people. It took almost more than one hour since their inside seats area is tiny and we couldn't sit outside just because they couldn't combine tables for nine people. Finally, we got in and browse the menu. Price for dinner was so so. In the range between $11 - $17 for platters. They also have Cuban style sandiwches and tapas. I ordered the Fried Cow. It was delicious. Shredded beef was perfect, plantains were yummy, and the portion was just right. However, the service was not good. It took forever to get everything. She seemed like she didn't want to be there. To make this place lose another star, after I ate here I got a pretty bad stomach problem. It might be the black beans since when it got to our table, the beans wasn't hot (in temperature). Those beans, they might be delicious, but they are pretty risky.
(3)
Jeffrey T.

One of the great Portland Restaurants.Great drinks.The food is outstanding.Our server was charming and extremely helpful in suggesting food items.All I all, we are going to make tis one of go to spots.
(5)
Mac M.

Hmm....I really don't understand some segments of the Yelp community. Either it's them or it's me, and usually I tend to think it's me - but I just can't understand what is the big deal with this place! I tried the Comunista - a not-so-lively dish of fried yams (tasteless), a small bit of white rice, and a modest cup of black beans (too watery). The meal was not near worth the ridiculous 1 hr wait. I advise going only as a couple if you wish to get any kind of timely seating. The colors and vibe of the place said to me that it would be a good experience, but the results were not reflective of that feeling. Too bad, I say - it was not to be.
(2)
Sara C.

This was the best Cuban food that I have tasted since my family left my hometown of Miami, FL. What a surprise to find this gem on my first excursion to the northwest. I ordered a Cafe con Leche and the corn and chicken empanada plate with tostones, which included a salad with beets and watercress. Incredible. The decor inside and out was lovely and festive. It was just like being back in Miami... minus the hurricanes and humid heat.
(5)
Rob C.

I can't believe I have never reviewed Pambiche before! This tiny little Cuban gem has become one of my favorite places to grab breakfast or dinner once in a while. As mentioned in other reviews, they do have very limited seating, especially inside, so you need to be strategic when you go... unless you like waiting for over an hour. We generally are earlybirds, so not a biggie for us. Dinners are really good and range from sandwiches (pulled pork!) to extravagant multi-course meals with Cuban steak, moros & chrisitanos (rice and beans with pork - one of my faves), and the ubiquitous maduros (fried plantains). Breakfast is my preferred meal here, as you get 2 for 1 pricing if you make the sweet window between 7 and 8 am. Their tortillas (omelets) are amazing and huge, but I love the huevos cubana - sort of a sampler platter that includes mashed plantains, croquetas, moros & christianos, tropical fruit, and eggs. Also, I recommend trying the mini-muffin basket with an assortment of sweet and sometimes unusual baked treats. Also, coffee and hot chocolate offerings are amazing. In all, Pambiche is an awesome place to try something different from the usual fare but defintiely be aware of its size limitation when planning. And feel free to tell the servers "gracias," you might even get a "de nada" in return.
(5)
Marina C.

Oh damnit, this is one of those reviews where I'm left wishing for half stars and I can't really figure out if I should break up or down on the 3 versus 4. The cuban coffee is delightfully authentic, the food is also, well, I've never had Cuban food before to be honest, just a fair bit of cuban coffee. So the food was really good, well prepared, and reasonably quickly delivered to the table even in dinnertime. We did not wait very long at all to get seated indoors, which is good, though for summer they do have a large amount of outdoor seating, but that gets all claimed very rapidly, I garned from the way it was packed and had taken over the entire sidewalk (is that even legal?) around the restaurant. Anyway, excel.lent menu selection, good drink selection, superb coffee, and, well, it's Cuban food. But let's consider a couple of other things. First; the restaurant is always packed so we had to wait even to sit indoors on a hot day when most people wanted the outdoors tables; two, the service is rather slow, then again, it's not the worst service experience ever, either. Main thing is that it's loud enough I could not really effectively communicate with the waitress. Other than that: EXILE POLITICS. This is always special, and you can read it in the choices of the paintings, the snide comments about the embargo in the menu, etc. Now my father's family were military emigres from Russia a century ago, so I have some faint idea of the silliness involved in this sort of thing. But basically, this restaurant, like everything in an exile community, has political overtones, in this case, at least somewhat reconciliationist or outright pro-Castroist. Eh, I don't care, I'll break and give 'em four stars anyway. My grandfather would kill me for it, buuuut let's not go there!
(4)
Richard R.

8 a.m. on a semi-dreary Saturday morning and Pambiche had plenty of indoor and outdoor tables available. Bottom line: Loved it, will be back many times. Here's the details: Started out with a selection of delicious house made Cuban breakfast pastries ($5): Coconetes ~ Fresh grated coconut biscuit enhanced with fresh ginger, Lime Papaya Scones ~ Papaya Scone scented with fresh lime zest, Pastelitos de PiÃ±a ~ Mini Cuban pastries filled with fresh ripe pineapple, Pastelitos de Fruta Bomba ~ Mini Cuban pastries filled with papaya & cheese, Rum Raisin Cakes ~ Old fashioned buttery pound cake with rum soaked raisins, Toronja Pound Cakes ~ Pink grapefruit and coconut milk cakes, Banana Bran Muffins ~ Bran cakes sweetened with ripe bananas, & Chocolate Passion Muffins ~ Passion fruit muffin with bittersweet chocolate bits. Then came the wide-eyed breakfast for two (ya know that look that comes over your face when you see the size of what is placed on your table): Pisto Manchego ($11) ~ Cuban egg dish of Spanish origin. Chorizo sausage, smoked ham, Gulf shrimp, potatoes, asparagus, pimientos and petit pois in a peppered egg scramble with a Spanish olive oil sofrito. Served with pan frito and arroz blanco with your choice of frituras (corn, taro root, yam or black-eyed pea). Bistec de Palomilla (Cuban Steak & Eggs) ($12.50) ~ Cuban steak. Thin cut top sirloin steaks, tenderized and marinated in creole herbs and spices then pan fried with red onions. Served with eggs (over easy in my case), fufÃº de plÃ¡tano and Moros & Cristianos. The entire breakfast experience from the food to the atmosphere was stellar. The hot chocolate and mocha were also among the best I can remember having in my decaying memory. Plus, you gotta love the new bike corral outside of their front door!
(5)
Deborah M.

Pambiche has been one of our favorites, but based on our experience July 19th I think we'll take a break. The food is still awesome (except for the over cooked flan) but the service was terrible. Our drinks ran dry with no refill of water let alone an inquiry if we wanted another round. The only time our waitress gave us any attention was when she brought the check.
(3)
Jason L.

Pambiche. You're super great. Awesome Cuban food. Tons of options, unique flavors, lots of small plates, great sangria - you're everything I'm looking for on a long summer day. You do fry a lot of your food. But sometimes, I'm in the mood for that. And if not, you have plenty of other things I'm looking for. A lot of it is fried but there are a lot of things that aren't. My vegan friends want you to have more options. Your inside is a bit small but the outside is really cool and fun, especially in the summer.
(4)
Giggly C.

Excellent happy hour! Empanadas are amazing... I think it's still pricy on happy hour menu, but oh so good... desserts delicious. I am not a fan of the cuban lemonade (but my hubby likes it), nor the croquetas, frituras, plantains or garlic chicken. But that's ok, the menu is so extensive that i have so many more dishes to try before I find my go-to. I saw things on other people's tables, next time i'll have to ask what they are because it looked amazing!
(4)
LaSha G.

It hurts me to do this, because a friend of mine was REALLY excited about me traveling to Portland last weekend and getting an opportunity to go here. But this place was no good. It was cute, had great decor and beautiful art hanging on the wall. The servers were nice and dessert showcase looked quite enticing, but the food was just no good. It tasted like nobody back in the kitchen was Cuban, nor did they have a Cuban relative or friend to speak of. We ordered the red beans as they came highly recommended by our waitress. They were soupy and there seemed to be a lot of stuff in the beans but the flavor was lacking. The black beans and rice dish was my favorite -- I'd order it again. The coconut fish dish was hella fishy tasting (definitely not fresh) and the fried plantains were over battered, bland and non-sweet. I mean how do you ruin plantains? My BF commented that they tasted like they had been cooked the day before and fried the next day. Yuck. The empanadas filled with picadillo were also pretty lame, the batter was bland, and they had been fried too long. To top it all off, after consuming half a bowl of red beans, I experienced the worst gas ever all night long. I won't elaborate more than that, but it definitely ensured I won't go back here again. Side note: Best Cuban food I ever ate was at Versailles in Miami, FL. Restaurant owned and run by Cubans and my Cuban girlfriend took me there because that were her family likes to eat. It was fabulous. Pambiche was not.
(2)
Amanda L.

On a dreary, wet Portland day, there are few things that brighten the soul more than a trip to Pambiche. With its bright and cheery atmosphere punctuated by the joyful tunes of Cuban music floating overhead, it seems near-impossible to be unhappy at Pambiche. My favorite time to go here is for their desayuno (breakfast), for a tortilla (Cuban omelet) plate, a sampling of their sweet breads and several pourings of good cafe Cubano. The tortilla plantano is an especially delicious egg-based dish featuring diced plantains throughout for a nice juxtaposition of sweet and savory. Lunch and happy hour are also great times to go and I've really enjoyed their beet salad, fried plantain chips and sweet potato empenadas.
(4)
Brigitte W.

Amazing food! The "yuca" is to die for! The desserts are also amazing! Not expensive and great quality! Love Cuba and Pambiche!
(5)
Jessi H.

My husband and I wanted to try the Screen Door yesterday for breakfast but the waitlist was well over an hour so we headed down the road to Pambiche instead. I have eaten at this place several times but always for dinner and never for breakfast. The dinner menu is amazing and always a favorite of mine but breakfast at this place is unbelievable. We started with the assorted pastries, hands down this is a MUST! I had the Cuban steak and eggs and my husband had the chorizo egg plate both items were scrumptious and very LARGE. My vote is breakfast at this place is a MUST!
(4)
Khaden J.

Great cafe con leche. Delicious tres leche cake and flan! they can Pam my Biche any time!!!
(4)
Lesley S.

This is my favorite restaurant in Portland! I have been going there for years, and though there are days when the food is not as over the top, outstanding as others, it is always delicious. I love all of the appetizers and salads- it is hard to choose just one or two! My all time favorite main dish, when I have the money, is the pescado con coco, but everything on the entree menu is wonderful- I have never ordered anything I didn't love! I also cannot go to this place without ordering dessert! Seasonally, they have guava cheescake, which is to die for! When they don't have that, any of the other desserts are amazing...and the cafe cubano is deliciously sweet and creamy! I never leave without a cup of it! The only down side to Pambiche is that there is often a long wait, especially if you go with more that 2 people- really it is not a great place to go with a group unless you are willing to wait a long time. It is a small place and they do not take reservations. Most of the wait staff is quite nice, but there is one woman who I run into regularly who is quite snooty.The food is worth it, though!
(5)
CaLiLu H.

In the mood to spice things up for the monthly dinner my husband and I share with two other couples, we chose to eat at Pambiche on a chilly Saturday night. Although we arrived at 8 thinking that the crowd will have thinned out by then, we were surprised to find there was a waiting list. This actually turned out to be a good thing because it gave the chance for our friends who haven't dined there to peruse the menu under the comforting heat lamps. Although the wait was close to half an hour, the eclectic crowd and the interesting dishes we saw being served fueled the excitement for what was to come. And we were not disappointed! I started out with the pineapple sugar cane juice which was perfectly tart, sweet and refreshing. We ended up sharing the appetizers which included savory empanadas (spinach and cheese, Cuban beef), delicious croquetas (ham and chicken), and fabulous frituras (corn and taro). Although it seemed that most of these app's were fried (which went perfectly with the ketchup-like banana sauce), they were balanced by the fresh slaw and beet salad. They were actually so good that we almost ordered up another plate before being reminded by our server that the entrees were going to be large. The best thing about dining with a large group is that we get to try everyone else' plates and each and every one was delicious! I ordered the "Fried Cow" which was shredded beef served with ripe plantains and rice with bacon. I enjoyed the citrus sauce served on the side which I drizzled over my dish. My husband had the Arroz Con Pollo which came with a whole chicken thigh and leg served over saffron infused rice. Our friends had the Pescado Con Coco (fish with coconut sauce), Lenguas en Salsa (pork tongue), Pollo Criollo (tartly marinated chicken), and Plate Cubano (pork). The portions were all very large and even our most picky friend thoroughly enjoyed his meal. For dessert, we had the flan, the Lime in the Coconut cake, and the pineapple tart that's similar to pineapple upside down cake served with ice cream. The desserts were delicious and we ended up staying at Pambiche for about three and a half hours! The service was helpful and friendly and although the dining room itself is pretty small, they do offer outdoor seating with heat lamps. At one point during our meal, someone commented "I don't know if I'm hungry or if this place is really good?" the rest of us promptly answered (with our mouths full) "It's the good food!"
(4)
Karen A.

Ate here last night, i didn't know what to expect I've never had Cuban food. But i was very impressed everything tasted great, had beef empanadas and their Plato Cubano, everything was a new/weird/great taste! very good service and if you sit outside like we did for a moment you forget that you're in Portland it was very nice. Altho i liked the atmosphere and the dinner when it came down to desserts i expected more, still good i had their Pudin but next time ill ask for no pineapple sauce on top it was a little too much, and their tres leches cake tasted like it had been sitting in the fridge for more than a few days. However i will go back and try the rest of their dishes, i know need more Cuban food in my life!
(4)
Linda F.

Wow. There are 231 reviews already. I can't add more but just wanted to say what a gem Pambiche is. I've been there 3 times for lunch and each time have been more than pleased. Try it! The meals are great and the desserts are fantastic. p.s. I just went there for dinner and was surprised at the alcohol license. They have some wine drinks but nothing else. But like always the food was great and the service was very good.
(4)
Catherine G.

I get the proletariat no reservations policy of restaurants but this place is so tiny it makes for very long waits on the sidewalk with nowhere to sit. and too much street life to deal with. Just not cool. As for the food I was expecting a lot of flavor and did not get it. Not that it was bad but my Fried Cow beef tasted like grilled shredded brisket. With white rice and beans. very boring. Where's all the flavor everyone has been raving about? The fried sweet plaintains were nice but the cabbage salad was another blah. The Pam Beach Cooler is a refreshing treat but I need more than a good drink to go back. For me PamBiche has more cons than pros.
(2)
Das K.

Came in on a cold Sunday, I had been here before on a warm weekday afternoon for happy hour, but this was many many years ago. We were seated quickly, but the entrance was quite chaotic with the crowd fighting for the small space in order to not have to bear the freezin cold. The place is definitely vibrant and makes you feel embellished with Cuban vibes through the booming colors and music gear above the kitchen. The service is attentive but a bit confused, we were asked for our first drink order twice, for suggestions and questions twice, for more wine by three different people, and our check and card went in different directions. The night before we were at another well rated restaurant in town, and somehow with all of the chaos they still manage to keep the multiple people running the floor (plus your waitress) in perfect synchronization. Pambiche was a bit confused on this front. The food... alas, was nothing too amazing. It felt like the flavors wanted to burst but they were held back too much so they never really jumped out. We tried an empanada, salad, the arroz pollo, and the pescado salsa verde. Chicken was thigh and drumstick, with saffron rice, olives, and fried plantains.. the concept was actually good, but really felt like more flavor could have been there, and more chicken meat. I have read numerous reviews here and have wanted to come back again for more than the happy hour, however it just didn't jump out at me enough to warrant another visit - not bad, but not great. I still am intrigued though with Cuban food (other food I have had in larger cities were more flavorful) and will look further for more experiences with Cuba.
(3)
Mike W.

It is unfortunate that my first review must be negative.... But that's how it worked out. I moved here from Miami 5 years ago and have been dying for some authentic cuban food for a while. Well, since there is only one supposedly cuban place near downtown, I tried this joint Pambiche. First thing you notice is that the tables and chairs are so small and so close together that you're literally touching other diners on both sides and your back while hunched over. C'mon, I know most cubans are generally smallish people but this is absurd in the northwest. This arrangement is complicated by the fact that they serve each tiny item on its own plate requiring that awkward diner-waitress dance of rearranging everything on the table each time something comes out. Second thing, I ordered without even looking at the menu since there is one staple, and I mean staple with a capital "STAPLE", of Cuban cuisine which I wanted after 5 years and that is the Palomilla Steak. They don't have it. What, I asked, "how can you not have Palomilla Steak?" She replies, "Yeah, all the Cuban guys that come in here ask for that." You know, you might want to take that into freakin consideration when designing a Cuban Menu, Lady !! So I ordered some bland pork thing that came out looking like a little piÃ±ata sculpture with purple cabbage shredded all over it. Let me assure you, there is no purple cabbage or purple anything involved in Cuban food. In fact, there is no presentation and definitely no decoration involved at all. It is simple poor people's refugee deliciousness and this place has missed the mark by over 3000 miles.
(1)
Nicole N.

I am a suuuh-cka for outdoor seating. Something about the al fresco makes me very happy. Throw in some lively, passionate Cuban food and you've got a hit! This popular, colorful place is open late too. Great on a warm summer night! The menu offers a great selection albeit completely overwhelming list. I'm not saying I want less options but there has to be a few ways to streamline it so that I don't feel like I can't make a good choice. I asked for recommendations, as I often do when I first try a place, but in this case it was a little more due to the fact that the menu was all over the place. At any rate, the food was great! Greg and I shared a maiz con pollo empanada that came with a beet salad and tostones. The tostones, fried plantains, were delicious dipped in the spicy banana sauce! We also shared the Vaca Frita which was a plate of shredded beef char-grilled with onions and garlic. The citrus and crispity beef shreds was a nice combination, especially on top of the white rice and black beans. I'm salivating at the thought of it! Great place, good service - next time I hope to have room for dessert!
(4)
Jason G.

I lived in Miami for 4 years. This is Cuban food. The arroz con pollo is amazing, and the platanos are cooked correctly. That was enough to convince me. This place offers specialty dishes, and not basic Cuban menu items. However, I can assure you that someone has exceptional skills in that kitchen, and knows exactly what they're doing. The staff is nice, there's a patio, the area has a lot going on, and the food is incredible. Cuban food is the type that just settles with you well, and is satisfying. They also have some badass desserts. You've probably heard about it. If you haven't, don't be afraid...it's a true gem of Portland.
(5)
Reenie S.

One of my very favorite restaurants in Portland. Well worth the wait.
(5)
O D.

I lived in Cuba AKA Miami for about a year, so I know really good AUTHENTIC cuban food. So when a restaurant such as Pambiche calls its self cuban I think hmmm......let me try it out because I really like cuban food. I went for dinner with a friend. We waited maybe 15minutes tops. Once seated I checked out the menu. I was really exited and so looked forward to the deliciousness that I know is cuban food. To my surprise, and dismay this place doesn't know the half of cuban food. A staple cuban dish is a flattened chicken breast served with white/yellow rice black/red beans and plantains. THIS essential staple was NOT even on the menue. Cuban, I think not!!! I say if you really want cuban, short of actually going to Cuba just hop on a plane and fly over to Miami. I promise you will NOT be disappointed, and you will not be for want of really good authentic Cuban cuisine.
(2)
kristen m.

On our latest trip to Portland, we wanted to try as many different food/drink places as possible, but Pambiche was so good we couldn't help coming back for more. The food was great (my gf's beans had a whole piece of pork rib in them, which was very exciting for her) and, when sitting amongst their colorful sidewalk tables on a balmy night sippin' on Palm Beach Coolers, it's a fun & somewhat sexy atmosphere. I was so full after my meal but couldn't pass on dessert, so my gf got me a Cuban Cigar to take back to the hotel. The smooth & rich chocolate filling was sprinkled with flecks of coconut and served with a berry puree...the absolutely perfect treat to eat while lying in bed later that night.
(5)
Danielle F.

Had lunch here a few weeks ago on a Sunday. It's cute and colorful. The actual restaurant is very small and has maybe 10 tables or so at most. There is additional seating outside at picknik tables. We waited about 5 minutes for a table inside and considered ourselves lucky. My party had the Pan con Bistec, the Sanwich Cubano, Tostones, black beans, rice, an empanada and some croquettes. The Cubano was the better of the two sandwiches and our favorite thing was the croquettes ( we had two kinds) can't find them on the menu now though. Tostones were good as well but I wish they had a creamy garlic type sauce to serve with them. They came plain and I believe there was something called banana sauce on the table ( almost like a sweeter slightly different version of ketchup) to have with them. Great place to try out.!
(4)
Sarah T.

The food is great. The seating is a little cramped but other than that no complaints. Nice staff, nice atmosphere. Been here several times - never disappointed.
(4)
Heather F.

I absolutely loved the Ropa Vieja. I even managed to save some leftover, which is very unlike me (tells you something about the portions!) I also snagged a few fried plantains off my date's plate - SO YUMMY! I'm definitely going back ASAP, especially since I just noticed they're highlighted for dessert on yelp, and we didn't have room last time...
(5)
Brittanie M.

This place is full of picture perfect desserts you dream about on Instragram. They are generally always packed and it's very small and intimate communal style seating, so bringing a large group is not recommended. Just show up flexible and prepared to wait and you may get lucky. In the winter you can usually get right in if you're willing to sit outside, it's minimally heated, so dress warm!
(5)
Nader A.

This month President Obama took steps (long overdue in my book) to relax US relations with Cuba, the most notable of which is to allow Cuban-Americans easier and more frequent travel to their homeland. That's great, but considering I'm NOT Cuban a visit to Pambiche is about as close as I'm gonna get until the ridiculous travel embargo is finally ended. Well, considering how awesome Pambiche is, I guess that's not so bad. The place has a bright, lively atmosphere - I can't imagine not being in good spirits after dining here! Well, maybe if we visited when the tiny little spot is crowded (during typical dinner hours, almost every night of the week) and had to wait ages for a table our happy mood might have some dampers on it. But we've always managed to visit before or after the biggest crowds - and their kitchen is open 'til midnight Friday & Saturday, so it's a good spot for a late-ish dinner or just cafe con leche and dessert! It's a little tough to eat "cheap" here - the Cuban Pressed Sandwiches (avg price $8-10) only save you a few bucks from the price of the dinner plates. As far as the entrees go (most seem to run $10-15), I've thoroughly enjoyed each one I've tried! The Pollo Criollo is basically a quarter of a chicken, in tasty spices. The Vaca Frita is like a Cuban beef version of pulled pork - all juicy and shreddy with lots of salty-garlicky good flavor. They have a variety of sides that are all pretty tasty - my favorite is the borderline un-PC Moros y Christianos (black beans & white rice - with chunks of bacon). The cabbage slaw is fresh and compliments most dishes well - and it's the non-creamy kind, which makes me and My Lady very happy! The tostones (fried plantains) are nice, but they seem to be fried a little too hard and almost always turn out crunchier than I'd prefer. On the other hand, the Maduros (sweet, sticky fried plantains) were tender and tasty, but more of a desert. If they could prepare the tostones to the same texture as the Maduros I'd be in heaven! Pambiche is also a great place for dessert - lots of delicious pastries and cakes, oh so tempting! I've only been here a handful of times, and have never tried the empanadas, but they're on my list! It's also a worthy breakfast destination (7-days a week), and from 7-8am it's 2-for-1 breakfast entrees! All in all a fun, lively spot! If you're passing by and you see a table open grab it. If it's crowded it's worth the wait - just put your name on the list, sprint down to the Laurelthirst (or the divey Lucky Bar across the street) for a drink while you wait!
(4)
Clifton B.

Never really had Cuban food, but if people are loving this place then I really don't care for Cuban food. We had two items on the menu that the waitress recommended and they were okay. Take into consideration that we were wanting to go to Pok Pok, but they didn't open till 5pm. So we could have been wanting Thai, and had to settle. I don't know if we would go back, we don't live in Portland so when we go we want to try new items. The setting was cool, outside with cars racing by, vibrant colors, the desert section looked great but we didn't try any. This will be a pass for me, the only reason that I gave it a 2 star is because I learned about Banana Ketchup, don't recall the name of it but it was great. Enjoy if you like Cuban food.
(2)
JS U.

I love Cuban food, music, art, etc. I try to dine at Cuban restaurants anywhere I can find them around the country. Pambiche has not only been superior to all other Cuban restaurants I have blessed with my culinary dollars, they rank very, very high against other restaurants in general. Even though they are always busy, service is quick and friendly. It's a great place for a first date or to even take a large family and seating is offered both inside and out of doors (they do have heat lamps outside, when the whether turns chilly). The food is authentically traditional and being that the business is owned and operated by a Cuban family, this should be expected. While seating may be slightly limited, any wait is worth it. My biggest problem is I love everything on the menu, ranging from their various empanada choices to the ropa vieja, which is a shredded flank steak, slowly cooked to perfection in a tomato based sauce. You really won't go wrong with the beans & rice and I'm still amazed that I love their pickled beats (I LOATHE pickled beats, as a rule). I tend to crave medianoches, so will do a little rave dance right now over Pambiche's (-So glad you can't see me with my white man overbite actually do the rave dance!). Just to get you drooling though, medianoche is thinly sliced ham, on top of thinly sliced (often smoked) pork with a layer of melted Swiss cheese topped off with yellow mustard and dill pickles on a Cuban-style roll. It is then grilled like a panini. Medianoche literally translates to "Midnight" sandwich, as this was often the tide-me-over after a hard night of dancing in Cuba. Did I mention how exceptional they are with traditional and nontraditional Cuban desserts? -Very fancy-schmancy too! So go out, do a little dance, do a little drink and then get your ass over to Pambiche and call it a perfect night!
(5)
Celia H.

bright and colorful i haven't' been for breakfast yet but I hear its fantastic.
(4)
Chrys R.

Pambiche is one of my favorite restaurants in Portland and never disappoints. The staff here are friendly and knowledgeable and the atmosphere certainly reflects the heritage of the owners and their menu. I absolutely LOVE the camarones enchilados. Though not the mexican style "enchiladas" that you may think of (as the menu notes) this dish is richly flavorful and the shrimp are tender and perfectly cooked. The beans and rice as well as the tostones are also well done and all the pieces of this plate work well together. Though I almost always order this dish, everything else I have sampled on the menu is delicious and my dining companions have always been impressed with their food here as well. The empanadas are a great way to start the meal and no one can ever agree on which one is the best. As has been noted by others, this restaurant is small and the wait can be long. It is not a great place to go with a large party, but I have done it and been accommodated. However, the wait is always worth the reward of their food. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(4)
Rebecca L.

My parents were here for three nights, and we sandwiched Pambiche in between Wildwood and Malay Satay Hut. Pambiche was, as Goldilocks would have it, just right. Rarefied air but very cozy. The kind of place where you immediately feel good and know that you will feel even better after a couple of drinks-- you know what I mean, don't you? The kind of place that encourages a good drunk. Not that I got smashed with my parents, but heck, maybe I should have. I bet there would have been a moment where everyone totally understood where everyone else was coming from, and even though the empathy would be gone in the morning, the memory of it would be cherished for weeks to come. Oh well. Even with the inevitable questions about my future ("Oh yeah? That's...interesting...that's an interesting idea...but...") we all thoroughly enjoyed the meal. Plantains comforting, taro fritters scrumptious, camarones al ajillo quite tasty indeed. The mango tart was fine but the dominÃ³ cake was a surprise-- it looks like your average (albeit it cute) glop but inside the cake is spicy and moist. Smartaleck jaded twentysomethings-- bring your parents here, it'll sweeten you all up. Everyone else-- simplemente vengan.
(5)
vicarious c.

Delicious Cuban food! On our table: empanadas filled with potatoes and Oaxacan cheese, grilled red snapper in chile verde, parsley and red beet salad, taro root frituras, and frijoles. Yummy! The interior (and exterior for that matter) is brightly painted and fittingly decorated with fake fruits, instruments and other tschotskes all shellacked within a hair of their own existence. It was the perfect dinner stop for a rainy, spring night. A must try.
(4)
Daniela A.

This is one of my favorite restaurants of all time- it's quaint, it's fun, the food is amazing. I had a Cuban fish/avocado sandwich, with yucca and back bean soup and the entire mean wasn't just good, it was perfect. The desserts there are really good too. They ahve pretty much all of the best dessers Latin America has to offer. They have a good selection of wines, beers, and south american sodas and juices. It isn't the most vegetarian friendly restaurant, but I'm sure it has some options. I remember they had a lot of salads and vegetable side dishes.
(5)
Melanie L.

This is the second time I've tried Pambiche. The first time I left feeling like it was a little bit too greasy and heavy, but I was game enough last night to give it another try, especially with all the good reviews. The second time around wasn't really any better. We had the croquetas as appetizers, which are fried, and the inside filling was really heavy and actually kind of grossed us out. I got the Pollo Criollo as my main dish and my husband tried a shredded beef dish - neither were overly impressive. It seems like Pambiche would be a great place to go if you're hungover or needing massive amounts of food, but the food seems to mesh together in one big, heavy, salty mass. Our water also was served in old plastic cups with no ice - it appeared kind of dirty. Sometimes I get the feeling that Cuban food is a novelty, so people will flock here (which they do), but the novelty isn't enough to get me back a 3rd time! I do have some high points: All the servers are super nice and all four appeared to speak Spanish.
(3)
Liliana G.

the food was amazing and the drinks were pretty good. my mom got the communista plate which is a combo of lots of sides and i got the vaca frita. it was soooo delish! the side of beans had more flavor than any i've had elsewhere and were more like a soup than side. the same can be said for the salad of shredded cabbage and carrots. the only bummer was when we got there. the place is so small they have almost no waiting area inside and it was cold and rainy that night. they do have heaters over the outside tables but it wasn't quite warm enough. we wanted to sit at the bar, have drinks, and wait but were told that the bar was reserved for people who were eating there due to space requirements. as if we would somehow be less in the servers' way if we were eating dinner instead of just drinking. normally we wouldn't be upset by them asking us to move but the girl who did it was kinda rude. lucky for her, she wasn't our server. he was very knowledgeable and was a great help in choosing our dishes. thumbs up! btw- we didn't have dessert which seems to have been a mistake after reading everyone's reviews. they did give us some complimentary cookies with our check that were very yummy.
(4)
Vanessa G.

Oh good lord this place was good. And reasonably priced as well. We came in a group of three and left stuffed, buzzed, and happy. I started (and ended) with a Xingu black beer. Like a stout but with a smoother finish, like a nitrogenized beer. I ordered the appetizer plate, which comes with your choice of empanada, fritura, some other kind of app. that I forget the name of, and salads. The empanadas I had were so creamy and leeky I just melted right along with them. The corn fritters were so amazing. The other app. choice I had was something with shrimp and was just okay. The beet salad was nice and fresh with tons of parsley. The other cabbage salad was simple and nicely dressed. Since I am an idiot and decided to become a vegetarian (or pescatarian for all you sticklers) for a few months upon moving to Portland, I couldn't try anyone else's dish. The pork stew looked heavenly. Oh yes, we all split an appetizer of the tostones. They were perfectly fried and served with a medium spicy red sauce and "banana sauce" in the bottle. Which is basically just ketchup, but sweeter, both in taste and name. Deciding what to split for dessert was agonizing because everything looked so good. We ended up with the banana cake and it was divine. The service here was good and terribly good looking. The space was a tad small on the inside but very festive in decoration and livelihood. They have plenty of spaces outside as well but on Monday night this place was packed so I can only imagine what it must be like on the weekends considering the quality.
(5)
rose m.

even though i only put three stars i should state i am a fan of this colorful spot. the food is good yet the desserts disappointed me last time i was there. i felt the tres leches cake was not as great as it could have been and a small piece for the price. i will give it another shot of course just will probably skip dessert next time around.. oh and the happy hour is a great value.
(3)
Bay Area F.

AMAZING!!! I love this place. We started with the assorted pastry basket. There were about seven different types of mini pastries. My favorite was the lemon bread that tasted like a lemon bar in bread form. The lemon flavor was not overpowering and it had raw sugar on top that balanced the moist tart bread with a lovely sugary crunch. Perfecto! A close second was the bread soaked with rum with currants. The pastry basket is fun to get and share. The tostones (fried green plantains) were a tad dry, but still very yummy and the maduros (fried ripe plantains) are a must order. The primera vuelta is MASSIVE. No one would share with me, but I was undeterred. You get two empanadas, two croquetas, two frituras, and three kinds of salad. I picked the espinaca con queso (spinach, cheese) empanadas, bacalao con papa (codfish and potato) croquetas, and maiz (corn) frituras. All very good. The frituras were delicious - sweet like cream of corn soup. I also snagged a black-eyed pea fritter off my friend's plate, which was also delicious. The three ensaladas were de aji (roasted red peppers), de remolacha (beet and watercress), and de caribena (red and green cabbage). My favorites were de remolacha and de carbena. They were so fresh and delicious with the perfect level of acidity, and balanced my plate of fried magic well. I really liked the fufu de platano (plantain mash with red onion mojo) that came with my friend's dish and my other friend loved his picadillo cua-cua (cuban hash and eggs). You have to go here!
(5)
Kelly M.

Ensalada de aguacate, that is, avocado salad a la Pambiche, stands among my absolute favorite foods in Portland. I could eat that hefty helping of ripe avocado garnished with garlic, lime, red onion, and cilantro daily. Something about that magical and simple combination is perfect for my palate and keeps me from adventuring into the many other amazing things Pambiche offers. I do, however, know that the yuca con mojo, the empanadas, and the fritters are all wonderful accompaniaments to the avocado salad and that meat-eaters will be impressed by the vast array of cuban delights. Save room for dessert because Pambiche is not just a restaurante but a pasteleria and offers up amazing cuban cakes and desserts on any given night. For a bargain, come during the hora del amigo, (Cuban Happy Hour!) between 2-6 and 10-12. Oh! And they've recently started servicing breakfast and the menu matches the high standard set by their lunch and dinner fare. I'll close this by reminding you to eat the avocado salad.
(5)
Sabrina S.

Great authentic Cuban food! The staff are very friendly and the desserts are wonderful.
(4)
Richard L.

I read somewhere in these reviews that a person was offended by Pambiche. I guess I can sort of see where they are coming from. No, I do love Pambiche. I love the mango shakes, the oxtail, the bacalao con papas, and I especially love the tres leche. I also love the breakfasts, and I love the happy hour. But I do get what the dude is saying about taking some offense. I am Chinese, and I don't really know any better except that this is some good tasty stuff that makes me happy. In my eyes, the outdoor seating amidst the bright colors and festive atmosphere in the summer, harkens a Cuba I have only seen in pictures and movies. But, I can relate cause some of the food that I do know, like say, Chinese food, is usually done so bad in this town that I should take offense. But offend is a strong word. If someone else who doesn't know any better really enjoys it, then who am I to say that their taste is akin to offending?
(4)
Jenniflava R.

This is a brightly painted and decorated Cuban restaurant. The dining room is fairly small and your neighbors are pretty close to you. Their is a small bar area with about 4 stools that you could sit at and have a meal. It is also pretty loud in there during dinner. Their popular dish is the adobo pork and it was quite tasty. There was one unidentifable item (if you don't have the menu to reference) that came with the dish ( I can't remember what it was) but it was not palatable. The papas con queso empanada was wonderful. It was a flaky shell with what resembled airy whipped mashed potatoes with cheese on the inside. Deelish! The beet salad that accompanied it could use a presentation makeover. It literally looked like beets plopped out of a can and layed on its side and sliced thinly and placed on the plate. It probably would have been more appealing if it didn't look like it just came out of a can. The fried plaintains were lacking a lil something. The tropical iced tea was not as refreshing as it sounded on the menu. It was a red cloudy drink that was not sweet at all. The desserts all looked scrumptious. The chocolate cake was quite the treat. The sleeper hit of the night was my mocha at the end of the meal. I was sold when I read it was made with mexican chocolate and it was so pleasing. I woke up craving it and I'm NOT a coffee drinker. The waitress was concerned enough to come back to our table several times to confirm our orders since it was loud and she didn't want to get our order wrong..which I thought was nice of her..but here's a helpful tip: WRITE IT DOWN! so you don't have to come back 3 times to confirm. I'll try this place again when I come back to see if it gets more stars. Aside from the main entrees, the accompaniments lacked something to be desired.
(3)
Aaron C.

This was a great place to go for great Cuban food! The service was excellent, cocktails were excellent, and so was the atmosphere in the outside dining area. I will be back!
(5)
Kirsten H.

Great for happy hour! Food and drinks were excellent. Service was a little slow but they were also busy. I loved the decorations and appreciated the bright colors. I have also heard their brunch is good, can't wait to go back!
(4)
Natascha C.

If I am spending the night in Portland, for whatever reason, I make sure to have breakfast at Pambiche. So, delicious, and some of the best fried plantains in Oregon!
(5)
Bill K.

Both the food and cocktails were really inspired. This time we had the "fried cow" and the oxtail, and both entrees were delicious. Service was a little slow, but in this case the food definitely made up for that. Highly recommend this spot.
(4)
Kelley V.

Excellent customer service. The yucca fries are amazing, and my friends rave about the cafe con leche. I went here with two others and we were there for two hours. The staff didn't make us leave or pressure us. Sit outside if you can! Thank you, Pambiche!
(4)
Eric S.

Had a very good meal and good service here. So why only 3 stars? It has to do with the comparison to other Portland restaurants. You can get better food and a better value at other great Portland restaurants. But that doesn't mean this isn't worth a visit. I had some really good dishes, just not quite up to the level of what I want for a night out in Portland.
(3)
Cheryl D.

Wow, not sure where to start on this review. Hubsters and I have been eying the menu for quite some time, decided to drive into Portland to give it a whirl today. We sat outside and enjoyed the weather. We ordered the Tostones for an appetizer, I am not a huge fan, somewhat tasteless and last time I had them they were way crisper. I had the Arroz con Pollo and it was good but not overly tasty, somewhat lacking in flavors. I enjoyed the green olives in the rice, but the chicken was oddly bland. Hubby ordered the Vaca Frita with rice and beans. It was good, but we both agree my hubby's is much better. The service for 2:00 on a Wednesday was oddly SLOW, really SLOW. It was nice to try something different but I don't think we will have any need to return. I am not sure what all the rave reviews are about, perhaps the folks who think it is so awesome don't cook much at home and not ethnic foods?
(3)
Diana G.

It's official: Living in Miami makes you a Cuban food snob, whether you like it or not. My Cuban uncle came here and said "Que es esto chica? Esto no es comida cubana". Translation: "What is this girl? This is NOT Cuban food". He was in such dismay, that he even asked the server where the cooks were from. That being said, their attempt at Cuban food is quite commendable and their food quite tasty. We tried the spinach empanadas, the ham croquetas , pan con lechon, and also tried their mojito and Cuban cocktail. All pretty good, but not quite Cuban enough. I still give it 4 stars because the place is still great! Good customer service, lovely picturesque place, relaxing ambiance, and probably the Cuban-est food one could find in the northwest! Enough said.
(4)
Gerrad A.

My beautiful wife and I just left Pambiche. With full stomachs? No. No food in our stomachs at all. We waited for an hour. Patiently and eagerly awaiting the food and drink yelpers rave about. We were two spots away from being seated, but the only seat left was a just vacated table that a couple of other hungry people waiting chose to rest for a few minutes. The server/hostess comes out almost immediately after the "still on the waiting list" group sits down and asks them if they want a cocktail and a look at the menu. What? Wait a minute. We have been waiting, friggin' patiently with no cocktail offered, and these newbies to the wait list get offered a cocktail before us? No. NO! So I ask the server/hostess if they are not seating groups outside anymore, because we were the next on the list and there was an available table. She tells me, "No, because there are people that are sitting down there now." Oh, ok. Well thanks, but no thanks. We'll be headed on our way now to the restaurant down the street with fabulous food, cocktails and service. Won't be going back to Pambiche. Peace.
(1)
Natasha J.

Only the best restaurant in town! Yes, you might have to wait to get a table and they do not take reservations but the food is delicious and it's totally worth the wait. I've gone here many times and have never been disappointed. Everything on the menu is good. But, I tend to get "vaca frita" or "ajiaco" or the "maduros." Those are my favorites. Also, their cocktails are super yummy. Service can be a bit slow but the staff is friendly.
(5)
Rachael S.

Vegans and kosher folks steer clear! This place is a pork-a-palooza! I don't eat pork. I've also never had "Cuban" food before. I can't speak to it's authenticity, but I can speak to this... it's sooooo good! I've been three times now. Once alone for lunch, once with co-workers for lunch, and once with a buddy for supper. Never have I been let down. I ordered differently every time. Get the beets. I thought I didn't like beets, I do. Vacca Fritta. Fried cow. Yes, it looks terrible. But try it. The crispy flat top crust with that sauce (no, i can't describe it other than citrusy and have no idea what's in it!) is amazing. The arroz con pollo is NOT your typical mexican type fare. It's got this rich white wine flavor and WOW. WOW. It was just as good leftover the next day for lunch. So here's the best part.... dessert. Gluten free even! Try the Lime in the Coconut cake. Made with coconut flour. So GOOD. even good drinks. I had the purple tea, I don't remember what it's called. But it's PURPLE. If you want to sit inside at supper, you're gonna wait. If it's nice outside, you're gonna wait. Put your name on the clipboard and chill. They will get to you. You will not go hungry, the portions are generous. The prices may be a bit more than you are expecting from a laundry (next door) but when you get your food, it's completely worth every penny.
(5)
John W.

I have been looking for good Cuban since I left So Cal a year ago. I went here with a buddy and we ordered a ton of food and split it. We had fried yucca and an empanadas to start. Both were tasty and a great way to sample the various sauces they have on the table My friend had the Ox Tail, which was freaking amazing. It was a generous portion of perfectly cooked meat that feel off the bone. I had the vaca frita, which was very good but I was expecting more of a steak than a bunch if shredded beef cooked together making a steak. Nevertheless it was good with a side of red beans. I will certainly come back with my wife so can revel in the familiar flavors we have been missing.
(4)
Alan S.

Absolutely delicious food and very friendly service. The dining quarters were slightly cramped but the ambience was lovely. I had the Rabo Encendido (braised tender oxtail) and it was the most tender and flavorful meal I've ever had. Think of a tender fall off the bone toast smothered with delicious spices and served with rice and veggies. I've never had anything like it before and it was incredible! I highly recommend that and a Havannah Sidecar Cocktail to start off your meal.
(5)
Marsha D.

Great food. We ate the cubano platter and ajiaco and both were really incredible. Also the sweet fried plantains were a wonderful accompaniment to the meal. Small place and popular so come early or late if u are averse to waiting. So worth the wait, if you do have to wait.
(5)
Shaunee F.

I have never been happier with a new (to me) restaurant and despite a ridiculous line on Father's Day and having to wait outside in the rain for my takeout order, they still get 5 stars. Pambiche is a tiny little Cuban restaurant on Glisan. Parking is scarce and you might have to circle the block to find a spot on the street. Their food is amazing though and it will probably become a regular lunch spot. My boyfriend is from the south and really, really wanted oxtails. He was complaining that there weren't any in Portland so I set out to prove him wrong. The Oxtails on Fire (can't remember the name they use but they know) is AMAZING! We also ordered the Vaca Frita and it was equally delicious. We will definitely be back to sample more of the menu. The flavors are so perfect, not to spicy and not too sweet. Just perfect.
(5)
Holden C.

After living on three continents and traveling all over the world it took Panbiche to provide me with probably the worst dining experience: ever. Lousy service and high prices: SE Portland service at it's finest. I'll spend my money elsewhere
(1)
Bec B.

Love love love. Especially during the happy hours. Everything I tried ..fried plantains, beet salad, empanadas, saffron rice, and a few of their house cocktails were amazing. Seriously, you can't go wrong here. I am dying to try a fish entree that I saw another customer was eating
(5)
Bry G.

Holy different than food from country with guacamole. This place is fantastic. We have so many mexican places up here in the northwest that we can forget about the awesome cuisine of some other Latin American countries. I really like this place. I recommend the Plato Cubano. The mocha shake is one of the tastiest things that's ever hit my toungue that reminds me that cow tongue or lenguas is a meat option on a dish. I'd give it five stars if only they could find a way to make the wait time shorter. It's pretty busy every single night. They just have too much work for too small a place. It would be amazing if they could move into a building that was a little bigger. About half of the people sit at tables on the sidewalk with a rowdy bar across the street and people passing by on the sidewalk. You have to wait quite a while if you want to sit inside to avoid those two things. Truly great place as far as food and the waitresses go.
(4)
Laina A.

Love Pambiche, am here not often enough. Every time I do go, I'm reminded just how marvelous it is. Went with a Miami native and raised by his Cuban stepmother and long time lover of the Cuban sandwich. He said it was the best Cuban sandwich he's had in 20 years. What a gem to have it here in Portland. Every time I am here the service is just exquisite. Such friendly staff. I am a returning happy customer. Highly recommend.
(5)
Ryan F.

I've never been to Cuba but this seems pretty authentic to me. I have tried cuban food in other cities that I presume have a decent cuban representation (e.g. NYC), and this was right up to par. I highly recommend the Frituras appetizer, also the Ajiaco aka pepper pot stew was excellent. Can't wait to come back again to try more on the menu. Also, the menu clearly distinguishes gluten-free items, which as a celiac is always a must have in my book!
(4)
Matt L.

You guys. Seriously. My quest to explore non-downtown areas has only made my life more complete. And here is a great example of why. Pambiche is located in this brightly colored funky building in NE Portland. They serve authentic Cuban food, for what I can only imagine are authentic Cuban prices. Seriously. Three of us went here on Tuesday for several reasons: 1. My aforementioned quest 2. The amazing weather and the amazing outdoor seating this place has 3. Ridiculously delicious food. On the cheap. For real. I wish I had gotten a picture of it, but our entire table was literally covered in plates. We had to move silverware off the table, and had no room for unnecessary napkins because there was just too much food. TOO MUCH. And all of it delicious, some of it surprisingly so. I ordered the house beer, while my friends went for cocktails. It took a lot of willpower to be nice and not steal my friend's mango shake. But I was good. I ordered the rice and Cuban style black beans, along with the potato and cheese empanada. My boyfriend ordered the fried chicken (which is basically half a chicken) and a different version of the empanadas. Our other friend, however, took ordering to a whole new level. I don't even remember everything he got. Except the pulled BBQ beef. It was amazing. Oh, and the fried green plantains. I've never tried these before. Mostly because I'm irrationally scared of things I don't understand. I mean, come on. They look like bananas, but aren't! Anyway, I forced myself to try them. AND THEY WERE DELICIOUS! Put a little of Pambiche's homemade banana sauce on top of those and, well, I might need a room to myself. Actually, that banana sauce would taste good on anything. I'll have to try that next time. Everything came with a big side of Cuban coleslaw, which instead of being smothered in mayo was doused in some kind of delicious vinaigrette. I don't usually like coleslaw, but I could maw on this all day. The best part is, the entire tab for our covered-table of food and delicious drinks was only $33. The service was excellent. Very attentive and friendly. They constantly checked up on us and assisted us in any way they could. They asked if we wanted to stay for dessert, but there's no way we could have possibly shoved another bite into our ridiculously full stomachs. We left here full, happy and covered in sun. You really can't ask for more in life.
(4)
N B.

ew. ew. ew. re heated pork, chicken thigh on happy our and shrimp off the lunch menu ? I had high hopes for cuban food since cuban food runs through my veins. only plus was the sunny day in february.
(1)
Elissa B.

Our first foray into Cuban food, and the server was delighted to hear it. She recommended a few dishes that we did not end up ordering, but it's nice that she was so eager to please (also, we just couldn't stomach the thought of oxtail). The inside is very small and looked pleasant enough, but the outside seating was lovely. Between the four of us, we ordered two pork and two fish dishes that were all very different. The pork was tender, spiced perfectly; while both fish meals were saucy and exciting. My only complaint is that the green plaintains were hard and boring.
(5)
Gin H.

I went here with a vegan friend on a Friday night and was surprised we were able to get seated within 10-15 minutes! After we sat down, the waitress came over apologetically asking if she could move us to anther table because the party after us had more people and it would easier. No worries! We hadn't even got drinks yet so it was no problem. She was very accommodating and apologetic, which made me consider the amount of whiny, uppity, adult infants that she must deal with on a daily basis. We had awesome service for a Friday night, I applaud their waitstaff for being so on the ball. Boo boo boo and shame on you to any thesaurus authors that think something as menial as overlooking drinks warrants a 3 star review. The food here was awesome, they had a good non-alcoholic drink menu (I got the edge), great pricing, and attentive service.
(5)
Lin F.

I recommend going here with a hungry group and ordering some tapas. There's so much to try, lots of different flavors. We asked them what they recommended and went with that, not disappointed! I'm always too full for dessert but those look tasty too.
(5)
Steve M.

For whatever reason I'd never been, but wanted to. I was very impressed. Good cocktails,
(5)
Sara M.

Beautiful establishment. Awesome for outdoor seating but is also really friggin cool on the inside. Deliciously tasty drink specials. Large Large plates. Reasonable prices for the quantity and QUALITY! Delicious menu options. GREAT plantains. I was so full and still had left overs to take home. I wanted to try a dessert so badly but was too full. Next time I will save room for dessert! Best Cuban option in Portland. Hands down.
(5)
Nic K.

I went on a "restaurant tour" in Portland of all my recommendations made by friends, and this by far was my favorite one. Cute, a little cramped (but that adds to the atmosphere!) and overall really awesome. The ropa vieja is to die for.
(5)
Heather S.

On a spur of the moment bike ride around town, we decided to eat here. We've always wanted to stop in, as it looks so fun with its bright colors and promise of authentic Cuban cuisine. First, I love that there are bike racks right outside. It's really handy. We were looking for interesting drinks as well as good food and this place did not disappoint. I got the Cuban Sidecar. Yummy! The food is so delicious too.. I loved the beans, the cuban sandwiches,... just everything we got. And the price is just right as well. Not too pricey and very, very good. Highly recommend for summer. Not sure how they fit anyone in during the winter months with the patio likely not usable...
(4)
Thecitygrrls B.

Excellent Cuban food, amazing sauces, good drinks. Down side? Fairly small, but some outside seating with heat lamps for those cold Portland evenings.
(4)
Bryan I.

Muy bien! This place is so colorful and alive! When you substitute fat and salt for spices and fresh, colorful veggies and meat, good things happen! The happy hour? yeah, it's one of the best, and their desserts hold their own against virtually any bakery in PDX. Visit this place or you will be sorry!
(5)
Kevan M.

Hopped over here for a quick lunch. I love plantains and black beans so I thought this was a good pick. We wandered up to the entrance and promptly got seated outside on the sidewalk. There's decent people-watching but the road itself is kind of noisy and busy. I ordered the casamiento (rice, beans, eggs). It was a large plate with a ton of rice, beans and meat. It also came with a couple eggs and a big pile of pureed plantains. I also got a coffee milkshake. Overall the food was decent. My dish cost around $7. It was a lot of food - I didn't finish. I can't say I was blown away but it was certainly a tasty meal and interesting menu. The service was pretty good. I'd return
(3)
Misty B.

Having never eaten Cuban food before, I can't say how it compares, but this was fantastic. What was also awesome was sitting outside under the covered patio, with the heat over our heads while a rare thunder and lightening storm rolled through the city. I followed other Yelpers advice and tried the avocado salad. Avocados are my favorite thing in the world, so this salad was perfection. We also got some empanadas which were fantastic with their house made sauce (was it sofrito?) My main dish was the snapper and dirty rice. I loved the plantains that came with it. The snapper was cooked perfectly. My husband ordered the Ropa Vieja, which was shredded beef, onions and peppers. I had a couple bites, it was also yummmeh. I tried a bite of my friend's pork tongue. Never ate a tongue before. Never going to again. Sorry! It tasted like wet dog. Bleh. The bacardi cocktail was delicious with pomegranate seeds floating in it. Didn't have room for dessert, unfortunately, maybe next time!
(4)
Sara M.

Pambiche deserves anything between a 4 and 5 star rating; 4.3 might do the trick. My fear in life is being in Portland on a Saturday night and not having dinner reservations. I like to have things planned out. So when my dinner plans fell through and I wanted a good meal, this is where I turned. It was about a 45 min wait for a party of 4 at 6pm. I ordered a mocha shake and that was very delicious. It was a great way to start the meal. All of us enjoyed our drinks and food. I ordered the Enchilado de pescado. The fish was cooked nicely and the sauce it was in was full of flavor. The beans and rice were just average but I am not sure if I have ever had amazing beans/rice. I did find the fried, ripe plantains to be intriguing. You better try them while they are still hot; the outside was almost like a candy coating. I did not spend too much time inquiring about the food of my company. I was pretty ticked off at two of them. So I cannot attest to how good their food was. I do remember them saying it was awesome. I really want to try the dessert but it will have to wait for a time when it is just me and my babe.
(4)
J L.

This place is delicious. I was visiting from the East Coast and was so impressed. Menu is labeled for gluten-free and vegetarian options which was very helpful. There are so many delicious options I could eat and at a decent price!
(5)
Smash S.

First time ever eating Cuban food. It was delicious! I wasn't very fond of the black beans, but the meat and rice were on point. The service was great, very friendly. I didn't like the iced mocha, but our server traded it for a hot chocolate and was super nice about it. I will definitely come back if I'm ever in the area.
(5)
Yanira A.

Awesome food! Awesome drinks! Highly recommend the empanadas, arroz con pollo, and the mojitos! La limonada de guarapo is yummy as well!
(5)
Amol B.

Decent food, reasonably priced. Despite other reviews saying portion size is huge - I found its mid-sized and definitely not huge. I tried the appetizer sampler Primera Vuelta. It turned out to be ok - but it was a lot of fried food. I wish I had stuck with the Plato Comunista. The The Tres Leches and Flan were excellent dessert choices and the Cuban Cigar was ok. They have only one restroom and the line gets long on busy days.
(3)
Miss B.

I've driven by this place hundreds of times, possibly a million, and finally in the year 2012 I remembered to eat at this fine establishment. You can't miss the building, it's painted the brightest colors of yellow, pink and aqua and there is usually a crowd of people eating outside. It can be a challenge finding a close parking spot but you will face that problem at most good restaurants so suck it up and walk a couple blocks if need be. My coworker (who is Cuban) told me that Pambiche isn't really authentic Cuban food and doesn't taste like food he grew up with. That doesn't totally surprise me because I've experienced the same with Filipino establishments. I'm always leery of them because there is too much variation so the taste is never right to me. The slightest change can be especially disappointing especially when it becomes too "Americanized" and is not even close to how it should be prepared. So I told my coworker I was picking up my lunch from there because I wanted his opinion on the flavors of their version. I ordered the pollo criollo: a generous portion of Draper Valley chicken adobo rubbed with olive oil, tomatoes, citrus and herbs then braised with creole gravy. It is served with Moros & Christianos (Cuban version of rice and beans). I've had this dish once before and loved it so naturally I ordered it again and yes I still love it. My coworker sampled the chicken (twice!) and he was surprised that it was very close to what it should taste like. He liked it so I guess I picked the right dish! It is super flavorful with so many spices going on that it would be hard for me to duplicate it at home so I know it will be my go-to dish there. I also asked the wait staff the first time I ordered it and he thought it was the best chicken choice on the menu. The food ordered by my other coworkers that day (shrimp, pork tongue and Cuban sandwich) all received rave reviews as well. Just remember to leave room for dessert because Pambiche has some amazing creations. I've had the tres leches ($6.50) a sponge cake with fresh, evaporated and condensed milk, layered with vanilla custard, frosted with crema Chantilly and served with strawberry daiquiri salsa. Seriously delicious and the best version of tres leches I've ever had because it wasn't too soggy or runny at all. We also tried the Pudin (Cuban bread pudding for $3.75) and it packed an alcoholic punch with the brandy and sherry soaked bread. Wow! Lucky my boss ordered it! Toasted coconut and almonds accompany it and it's served with warmed crema Chantilly and pina colada salsa.
(4)
J V.

The service was bad (never asked how our food was, didn't just take my plate but cleared every bit on the table in a manner that left no personal space between myself and the server, never gave us any attention or made us feel welcome.) I'm not asking for the world, just to be treated like you appreciate my business. The food was okay but small portions. I fucking hate when servers vibe you about not ordering at least $15 worth of food because they want a larger tip. Maybe if you actually made your customers feel at ease and welcome no matter how much they order, they will give you a good tip. I've seen servers get $100 tips on $30 tickets, anything is possible when you do a good job. I used to eat here years ago and it felt like a fun experience, like something special. After today, i won't be going back for over priced fried plantains and beans and rice and bullshit. The charm is gone. Pambitchass.
(2)
John L.

I really liked the decorations and ambiance. Never been to Cuba before but feels real =). My wife's sweet potato omelette was pretty good. My picadillo cua cua (hash) was decent 4 stars. The service was ok. The salsa was really good. 4.5 stars. Wanna go again and try some of the other menu items.
(4)
Bryan W.

Great food, great service! We found Pambiche through Yelp as we were looking for a toddler-friendly restaurant. My 2-year-old daughter likes rice and beans, so we figured we had a good chance with a Cuban restaurant. The staff was very accommodating to toddlers -- throughout the dinner, my daughter switched from a high chair to a booster and back and the server (Kelly) took it all in stride. We had the corn fritters for an appetizer, which were delicious with good texture. I had the pescado con coco which had very balanced flavors. My wife had the arroz con pollo which is cooked in a traditional style with the bones in. The dish overall had good flavor but the meat I felt was a bit drier than I would have preferred. The entrees are large, and unfortunately we did not have room for dessert. Pambiche is on our list of restaurants for a return visit.
(5)
Kathryn K.

Weekends breakfast til 2:00. Wow what flavorfull food. I will definately go back when they are serving from other then the breakfast menu.
(4)
Megan L.

I love this place!! This time I tried the stew and I must say it was really good! I also had the the delicious avocado salad. This is definitely a place to check out!!
(4)
Lisa N.

Oh man this place is incredible! The food is so good. The service was great---friendly, helpful, and fun staff. This is the best Cuban food I've had even compared to Miami. Lots of flavor and fun vibe. The outdoor seating it great. I will definitely be coming back!
(5)
Yael L.

Setting, vibe, service and decor are 4 stars. Food is a three. Still, all in all, I would recommend giving it a try - maybe deep fry does it for you, and the lovely colors and music are fun!
(3)
Anne N.

I had to try it since my friend highly recommended. I wasn't disappointed but I honestly don't think it was worth my wait to eat the amazing delicious food. But nonetheless, it was pretty good. Next time though, I am not skipping dessert! But I will go again if I don't have to wait so long.
(4)
Jazz M.

The food is ambrosial. Every entree and appetizer I've indulged in has been consistently tasty. I've dined at other Cuban restaurants but none have come close to Pambiche. The climate is set by the 2 story mural on the side of the building. The menu remains true to their roots by serving Cuban beverages. Dessert is on point! Exquisito!
(5)
Ronald A.

I stopped in for take out tonight. It has been an exhausting week. We had a good meal. It was gratifying to walk past the 20 or so waiting for a table, get my food immediately and be home five minutes later eating without the crowd. The avocado salad was perfect. I could eat it all day. The crochettes had the right flavor. We split a pork dish, that was made good with the sauce. We were given two sauces; not sure ketsup is Cuban. We ate other sauce. One nice thing about Pambiche is that it is just a couple of blocks from Staccato Gelato. Meyer lemon and key lime pie rounded out the meal. It has been a very nice, relaxing evening. By the way, we will be back.
(4)
Lauren C.

Pambiche, Yum! The old, funky, bright building puts a smile on my face, even when waiting outside for a table. Whether there for breakfast, lunch, or dinner I always have their incredible plantains, with the house made hot sauce I could just drink plain, its so good. For breakfast I love their complimentary assortment of baked goods they bring to start your meal, and their Cuban coffee is superb. I can pack away food for sure, and their pisto manchego (a giant plate of eggs scrambled with shrimp, potatoes, and sausage, is not only one of the tastiest things I've ever eaten, but too large for me to finish...a plus, leftovers:). Love this place...a one of a kind.
(5)
Mike C.

Everything on the menu is super tasty, great friendly service, Worth the wait! There is a reason they are constantly busy everyday of the week!
(5)
Dan Karen D.

Funky decor with lots of outdoor seating. The service was friendly and attentive. We had yucca fries which were perfect. Crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside. We got a appetizer combo plate with several options for each type we got beef empanadas (amazing crust with delicious spicey fillings) frittas with chard and croquettes with cod fish. All yummy but I loved the empanadas. Also for dessert a picnic cookie and Domino cake which were both exquisite! The cookie was chocolate with peanut butter nuget and potato chips sounds weird but not to be missed. Dark rich coffee was perfect too. They only have whole milk and sugar for coffee so bring your own if you need something else.
(5)
Julie T.

Amazing, amazing food!!! I have to elaborate on the flavors! I don't taste Cuban food anywhere else like this. I always order their chicken dishes - they just melt in your mouth - the chicken is over rice, with a cup of fruit mix, and fried plantains. I love the banana "ketchup" as well. I can't get over how great the chicken is here! I bring all my friends here - and they all love it. The food is very flavorful and comes in generous portions. The bad part is just finding parking and long lines - but it is sooo worth it! They also have great coffee drinks here so this can be a place for a food coma followed by a quick pick me up.
(4)
Rick G.

Cuban Food so far, far away! Being Cuban-American puts me in a great position of having the real thing and the 'wanna-bes' all my life... I've got to say, that every time I visit in-laws in PDX, I try to make a pit-stop @ Pambiche. It may not be perfect Cuban cusine, satisfying to the taste buds, and for being thousands of miles from both Miami and New York - the biggest Cuban enclaves in the U.S., they do a fantastic job at traditional and some neuveau-style dishes! If you're looking for traditional seasonings, well prepared dishes in a lively locale, this is it! The downside is, they have no booz license and service needs lots of improvement!
(4)
Elle M.

Ate lunch here during happy hour for $8! The ropa vieja and fried green plantains were delicious. See if you can get Carlos as your server. He was great!
(5)
Dan F.

Soooo disappointing. Will never go back. Wanted to order a cubano without mustard ( due to an allergy and the fact that mustard is NOT authentic Cuban) and was told that all of the sandwiches are pre made at 10a. Gross. Took a suggestion for another dish which was flavorless and bad. Can't believe this place has made it. The staff were nice but the food was quite sub par. Certainly will not be back.
(2)
Trace M.

Amazing food and it is well worth the wait on busy nights... and do not forget to order their great desserts too... yum!
(5)
Michael M.

-If you have never had cuban food, then go here. You will love it. -If you have had mediocre Cuban food then you won't be impressed but will be confused. -If you are Cuban then you already know not to eat here. Why am I one of the few who hasn't been entr
(2)
Anthony K.

if you are like me and you like "different" then you will enjoy this place. The food is good! its obvious why this place is packed on the regular. I like trying new things as I did here with the OX tail. You can tell for sure that it is a tail but the tenderness of the meat and flavors were mouth watering! I am not sure why i havent been more but I will make a point of going soon!
(5)
Rick I.

Great happy hour!!!
(5)
Linda C.

Having never eaten Cuban food I was excited when I found out that this place had vegetarian and vegan options (and Gluten free). It's hard to miss this place with its brightly painted exterior. There is lots of outside seating but since it was a rainy, cold day we signed up on the waiting list and were seated within ten minutes. The interior decor is small but fun and just as funky as the exterior. I went for the Socialist Soy Hash and hubby had the Plantain Omelette. Both were really good! I really enjoyed the Manzanilla tea (bliss on a cold day) and hubby had a Xingu beer which was kind of like a session Porter - nice. For dessert we shared an apple empanada which was pretty good but needed a bit more filling. Oh and I enjoyed the basket of muffins offered as a starter. So much more to try on the menu. Me thinks we'll be back!
(4)
Irene M.

Never disappointed when I go to Pambiche. It's tiny and bustling, with good service and excellent food. House wine is affordable and tasty. Very nice happy hour, too.
(4)
James T.

Food = 5+ (I wish there was a 10+ on yelp) Price = 5 (underpriced for the quality and unique offering) Experience = 5+ (once again... I wish yelp had a 10+) I'm very judgemental about places where I dine... this spot is INCREDIBLE! 2 visites in 2 days... It really impressed me. I'm going back EVERY TIME I'm in Portland. great street parking try the coco solo Pork plate w black bean and white rice... AAA+ Ox tail plate was out of this world Pineapple soda Taro root app was great (I tried every app... all good) Special Note: The servers were the best I've ever experienced... I'm not joking!!! Just ask them to "bring me what you would have"... you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Malory P.

Cuban restaurant! Best in town. Not only does it give you the feel of eating authentic cuban food but the building is painted to fit the culture. I had the pollo criollo, braised chicken, served with fried plantains served aside with a sweet dipping sauce, extremely flavorful. My bf got tje arroz con pollo, chicken and rice. Not your normal "mexican" arroz con pollo. The rice is very different but the chicken was braised as well and juicy. The only complaint I had was the slow service. For such a small place, they took forever. And we went on a Sunday evening. Another thing to consider, is the size of the restaurant during the winter small in door seating during the summer perfect to sit outdoors on the patio. Overall, pretty popular place. Always crowded. And yummy food!
(4)
Colleen B.

Charming, lively although tiny restaurant full of flare. The staff were so friendly and fun that they added to a great evening. The food, oh the food... Pescado con coco was delicious and the coconut tres leches was to die for. Worth every penny and would definitely visit again.
(5)
Lindsey S.

Great artisan cooking at Pambiche. I've gone twice now, ordering the Pescado con Coco and this last time the already-really-good recipe had been improved upon. Each dish I've tasted is bursting with favor, so much so that I hardly added any of the homemade sauces they provide. The atmosphere is great and lively. The happy hour menu is affordable and great. Service is exemplary.
(4)
Veek T.

Yummy!!
(5)
Ashley E.

yum.
(5)
Azmat H.

Food is great and tastes very authentic. They get kind of busy so you might have to wait. The menu has lots of choices for breakfast lunch or dinner, so come hungry. The staff is friendly, but again if they're busy they may be somewhat short with you. I did have an encounter with one of the kitchen staff where I'm pretty sure he was cursing me out for reasons I don't understand. But everyone that works in the front is nice.
(3)
Mark M.

Great food, great price, great service. The food was authentic and the prices were as well.
(5)

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Address : 2811 NE Glisan St
Portland, OR, 97232
Phone (503) 233-0511
Website https://www.pambiche.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 10
Mon : 11:00 am - 10

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

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Pambiche

2811 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR, 97232

Pambiche Menu

Te - Herbal Insusions and Tisanes

Traditional Cuban Soft Drinks

Dinner Aperitivos

Dinner Ensaladas

Dinner Sandwiches

Dinner Potajes y Arroces

Dinner Platos

Lunch Aperitivos

Lunch Ensaladas

Lunch Sandwiches

Lunch Potajes y Arroces

Lunch Platos

Postres

Healthy Meal suggestions for Pambiche

Te - Herbal Insusions and Tisanes

Traditional Cuban Soft Drinks

Dinner Aperitivos

Dinner Ensaladas

Dinner Sandwiches

Dinner Potajes y Arroces

Dinner Platos

Lunch Aperitivos

Lunch Ensaladas

Lunch Sandwiches

Lunch Potajes y Arroces

Lunch Platos

Postres

Ryan C.

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Sandra C.

Adam G.

Mario R.

Brittany S.

Denise L.

Nate W.

Minnie M.

Jason A.

Matt F.

Jen M.

Sarah P.

Julia S.

Barbara D.

Mary C.

Chiqui B.

Christian K.

MacKenzie E.

Brian B.

Aaron W.

Brian G.

Vanessa M.

Mei W.

Tiffany M.

K F.

Rachel J.

Sovathana L.

Mandarin Y.

Ben G.

Sudeep B.

Mike F.

Selena N.

Aeric E.