Reviewing Pepino’s: 7 reasons to get your next burrito at Pepino’s in Portland.

The next time you are craving a lunchtime, post-workout, late-night, or too-lazy-to-cook burrito, look no further than Pepino’s Mexican Grill. This Portland restaurant with two locations, one on Hawthorne Boulevard and the other on NW 23rd Avenue, is the best spot for all your burrito needs, and I will tell you why. 

1: The chips are always free

With every burrito, there are some freshly cooked, warm, and tasty tortilla chips waiting for you at the bottom of your bag at no extra cost. There is also a salsa bar with four salsa varieties ranging in spice-level (Salsa Verde, Salsa Ranchero, Salsa Picante, and Salsa Suzy) to choose from and pair with the chips.  

2: Reasonably priced

The burritos here run cheaper than some other places. While other restaurants have recently raised their prices, you can still get a steak burrito at Pepino’s for $8.65. Their cheapest burrito, called the El Cheapo, includes only beans and cheese for only $4.95.  

You can get a smaller portion at a lower price by ordering a chico-sized burrito instead of a grande. Personally, a chico burrito and a side of chips is more than enough to fill me up. The sizes are more akin to regular and massive rather than small and large. 

3: Ability to customize your order

There are endless choices at this restaurant. Being able to choose the size of your burrito is one of my favorite customizations. They have five different meats (chicken, steak, carnitas, chorizo, and al pastor), a couple of seafood options (pescado and shrimp), vegan alternatives, and breakfast burritos served all day long. Pepino’s also has tons of other Mexican food, such as tacos, taquitos, and enchiladas. 

Moreover, everything can be personalized to your preferences. If you order from a delivery app, customization is also available there.  

My go-to order is the Chico al pastor burrito with cheese and no sour cream, chips, and at least three different salsas that I rotate between dipping chips in and pouring on my burrito with each new bite. 

4: You are supporting a local establishment

Eating here is not just good for your wallet, but it’s also good for the local economy. The money you spend goes to local workers and owners who, in turn, spend it in the local economy. Supporting local restaurants is a win-win for everybody. 

Having been around for over 20 years, Pepino’s is a long-time cash flow contributor in Portland’s community. 

5: A win for the environment 

Local business also means locally sourced. Pepino’s works with a variety of local farmers and suppliers to get their fresh ingredients, which means they have a lesser carbon footprint than if they were transporting ingredients across the country. According to their website, 90% of Pepino’s trash is reused through recycling and composting. 

6: Fresher ingredients means better food 

Everything is made to order, which results in no cold burritos. The meat is cooked up fresh right there and wrapped in foil to be kept warm. You can even choose how you want your steak done. 

7: $5 Margaritas at Happy Hour from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Need I say more? 

So, next time you get a craving for a good old-fashioned burrito, you know where to go. You will get some complimentary chips, save some money, and get exactly what you want all while served hot and fresh. Another plus is you will be supporting a local business, and therefore supporting the local economy and environment.