New Mexican Restaurant in Portland

[sopo]

Has anyone tried the new Mexican restaurant on Fore Street. It is called El Rayo or something like that.

[mminmaine]

had lunch there today. pollo burrito...was delicious. fish tacos also look promising, and the drinks list is admirable. good service--esp from the woman who greeted us and explained the menu--despite it being day 2 and PACKED. no glitches, seems like! the line was out the door and tables all full. also liked the design sensibility.

[kick]

I have been looking forward to this place since I saw the great paint job on the buliding. Ate there for lunch on Monday. My son and I both had the taco americano and 2 sodas. Bill was $12. When the food came out we each received 1 taco about the size you would see from a home kit. When finished my son asked what we were going to have for lunch? $4 for 1 small taco is a complete rip off. Especially in this current economy on food that cost less than $1 to produce. I liked the place but absolutely will not go back. You can get 3 good sized tacos and a soda at Chipotle for $8. Much better value, unfortunately there are none in Portland.

[sopo]

I agree with kick. We had lunch here recently also. We had the tacos and a burito and were completly disapointed with the flavors and the size. Will not go back. We have also spoken to 4-5 people who feel the same. Too bad.

[kick]

Their price points are going to sink them as soon as the "newness" wears off. Hopefully, they read Chow and straighten things out.

[girlportland]

Also agree with the above. I ordered 2 ground beef tacos and could have eaten 3 or 4 more! I didn't love the flavors either, not really Mexican tasting, the chicken burrito had an odd fruit aftertaste which was unexpected and unwanted. I had high expectations and really liked the atmosphere but I think unless they get the portions and flavors straightened out I won't be going back.

[spicehead]

This place is pathetic!

[sopo]

Has anyone been back to El Rayo since it opened? We went then and were very disapointed. Has anything improved since May?

[nouvellekitchen]

They were hopping today at lunch. Looks promising... Long line - we opted to make our own Mexican and come back another time...

[anestes]

El Rayo hasn't yet opened for business yet. They hope to do so some time next week.