I liked this place so much that I went twice while in the Portland area! It's a nice little spot with heat warmers for its outdoor seating. We went during their night HH from 8pm-9pm which we did not realize was a thing until we got there and it was great! Margaritas were $5 during HH and several burritos were $9. Their prices are still reasonable when it isn't HH as margaritas are $8 then and burritos are $14. Between the two visits we tried a couple different burritos and my favorite was the Chile Rojo as it was packed with delicious pork. They have a few salsas you can take and all of them were tasty and flavorful but my favorite was the habanero. Their house salsa that comes with the chips and salsa ($3 during HH) was chunkier and more mild with tomatoes but still very good. The staff at the counter was kind, she made our drinks and told us what was popular. All in all it had good vibes and really good and affordably priced food. This is going to be my go to spot for food a little later in the area with their evening HH and I look forward to returning to try even more of their burrito offerings like some of the ones not on the HH menu. read more

Smart Donkey - Chile Rojo Burrito, Margarita, and Salsas - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Cute cozy little burrito/Mexican food place with beautiful Christmas lights in the winter. They offer draft beer and margaritas as well as other standard accoutrements you'd expect. Friendly staff, delicious salsa. Next time I'll come for happy hour. For the discount food. read more

See all

I have not had every burrito in Portland, but from the ones I've had, Smart Donkey has my favorite so far. It was very tasty, a lot of food, and great service. We brought a big group and it was so easy to find space to sit and hang out. A lot of it is outdoors but they have a large enough indoor space too. We really enjoyed eating there and I want to try their other burritos! read more

See all

AMAZING BURRITOS AND MARGARITAS! My daughter comes here all the time and I finally drove to Portland to have dinner with her here. Wow! I will be back for sure. I had the Zumpango. It was delicious. The green sauce is to die for! You won't be disappointed. I was too mesmerized by the burrito to even think of taking a pic! read more

Smart Donkey - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Deliciously satisfying. The burritos on Happy Hour (not all of them) are a deal for $7. And choice of three margaritas for $5 on Mondays and Thursdays means get me two. Tip: even if you like Mexican rice I always skip it in burritos, just my thing. Enjoyed the Adovo Verde. Super friendly window gal taking orders. I look forward to returning. read more

Smart Donkey - Adovo Verde: yup, lip smackin' delicious. - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

See all

Their burritos are top notch. A little spendy, but you see where the extra money goes. A lot of burritos just rely on salsa, but these are really well-made burritos inside. Good draft beer selection, and a delicious margarita, which was tangy & not overly sweet. Check out Monday's $5 margarita happy hour! A great place for outdoor and patio dining this summer. During the winter, they close the doors and fire up heaters. There's a parking lot and back. A note to yelp they are indeed open on Monday read more

See all

The first time I came, I think I was dazzled by the awesome location and structure. It really is festive in Smart Donkey! If you want a burrito or bowl, they've got you covered. If you want anything else, go elsewhere. I get it, not everyone needs to serve everything! Smart Donkey is the Seinfeld soup place of Portland Mexican food. No substitutions! No additions! Don't you dare ask for a quesadilla, taco, side of the meat, or anything off the menu. The music pumping loud enough to feel in your chest. The margs are pretty good - I had the Donkey Cadillac and the Mean Margarita ($12 each). Ive had better, but I have had much worse! I've had my order taken by different front of house people, all nice enough. I have to say, I saw a band in the back space last time I was here, and that was fun. They do have lots of outside seating. read more

This place is constantly amazing the burritos are filled with meat and great taste! and the people who work behind the counter are always friendly read more

Smart Donkey - This place is sooo good EVERYTIME!!!! - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

See all

I heard about this place when I got invited to a birthday celebration there. They said there would be Latin-oriented dj music and dancing on an outdoor, covered patio! That sounded great. Unfortunately I missed the party. But I went by a few days later to check out the place and get a burrito. The place is even cooler than I imagined! Tropical feel, laidback staff, nice outdoor covered dance floor. And regular dj music, occasional live music! What a hip and happening burrito place. So why only three stars? Well, I wasn't so thrilled with the burrito. I know it's a celebrity chef, and I've heard good things about the food here (even before I knew it was also a music venue), and I love Mexican food. But yeah, disappointing. I ordered the chile rojo (pork, rice, beans, cheese, spices), which several Yelpers had praised. But it needed a hefty dose of hot sauce to have much flavor. Not at all like the red chile burritos I remember from hole-in-the-wall eateries in Tucson and Phoenix, where the flavor was already there, cooked in. The one at Smart Donkey was nothing like those, and not even as good as my local Portland burreria, Saint Burrito. So -- I will try this place again, when I go to hear music and dance, and order something different. But for now it's just a solid 3. read more

I visited Smart Donkey for dinner. The parking situation was good. They had a lot in the back and there was street parking. I came for a burrito. It was a little pricey so if I visit again, I'll come during happy hour. I got the cochinita special burrito. The pork was a little on the saltier side but I style liked it. I felt that the burrito was pretty balanced with the other components. There were four different salsas to pick from to add to your burrito. The salsas were in little to go containers. I got one of the green ones and it added some great flavor to the burrito. The restaurant is a little out of the way for me but I wouldn't hesitate to visit again. read more

See all

Really delicious fish burrito! The guac, chips, & salsa are also really good, very fresh & flavorful. The guac is very lemon-y which I loveeee & the habanero salsa is rich but bright & spicy but not too spicy. I wish the veg burritos were a little more robust, especially for the price. The pobre rico (bean & cheese) is great though, the beans are well seasoned! Solid spot for a burrito! read more

Smart Donkey - Fish burrito (the Baja one) - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

See all

We were recommended this place to get burritos by a friend. First thing you need to know is no substitutions. There are multiple signs everywhere that say you can't change or modify anything on the menu so read carefully if you have food allergies or aversions. They wouldn't even cut our burrito in half. We went with a basic burrito and it was good enough. Plenty of meat, beans and rice. My friend was happy with her bowl version of a burrito. The salsas offered are spicier than advertised on the label indicating each kind. Good burritos but I wouldn't go out of my way to come here. read more

Heard about this place from the Oregonian. Was expecting it to be a food cart but it's really more of a standalone burrito stand - so don't look for a food cart pod. It's just up the street from super deluxe with lots of street parking. Menu looked solid. Lots of options including some vege ones. Opted for the fish burrito and the spicy pork. Got a side of guacamole - sadly out of chips tonite. For those wary of Covid they got a huge open air eating area Food wise. Fish was super super salty. Wouldn't get again. Spicy pork was pretty good. Red sauce is very very spicy read more

Smart Donkey - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

See all

Awesome variety and some really interesting burrito choices like the Peak Forest, a vegetarian option made with mushrooms. All the burritos were available as bowls, and the handmade margaritas rimmed with Tajin were top notch. Plenty of outdoor seating, corn hole set up, and Latin tunes pumping through the speakers giving it that Central American beach bar vibe. Extra friendly service behind the counter that makes you feel like you're visiting friends! read more

Delicious, hearty burritos. Plenty of hot sauce varieties. Friendly service and didn't wait long for food to be prepared. The fire pit outside would be great with friends gathering around. Only downside is cold weather if you're eating outside. They do have some patio heaters though. Also can be noisy if they are hosting parties. I enjoyed my fish burrito though, it was tasty. Did I mention the 14 Trimet stops in front? So convenient. read more

See all

First off, happy cinco de mayo! This is the coolest little spot to grab some good Mexican food! I grabbed the El Grodo and it was so so SO GOOD. The vibe is really cool here. Indoor and outdoor seating with heaters. The staff is very nice. If you're looking for a bite come get it! read more

Smart Donkey - El Gordo and $5 margarita - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

This place is worth the calories. If they have Cochinita Pibil as a special, get it! 3x in a row this has been really good. I've also tried the Uruapan, and other standards. I love that they have 1-2 specials per week to mix things up. All the meats have flavors with depth like they've been slow cooked. The burrito ingredients are always really well balanced/blended. They also have a taco night that my burrito hating wife loves. My only nit pick is they don't let you mix and match tacos, and that they don't have more taco meat options. But I won't let perfect be the enemy of the damn tasty! read more

Impressively good burritos! We tried three of Smart Donkey's ten-plus burrito choices -- the Zumpango (Guerrero style traditional beef barbecoa, rice, beans, pico de Gallo, cheese), the Chili Rojo (chunk pork simmered in red chili sauce and Mexican spices, rice, beans, pico de Gallo, cheese), and the Adobo Verde (chicken thigh marinated in green adobo, rice, pinto beans, pico de Gallo, cheese). All three were really tasty, nicely packed with chunks of meat, overall delicious. The Chili Rojo emerged as our hands-down favorite. We'll be back. read more

What have I gotta do to make you hungry? What have I gotta do to make you share? What do I do when Elton strikes me? And I wake to find burrito there What do I do with guacamole? What if I can't cook like grandmother? What do I say when there's no leftovers? And Donkey seems to be the Smartest word Verdad, verdad Culinary conversation And it's even better to whisper Verdad, verdad What fixes taco hangover? Always seems to me That Donkey seems to be the Smartest word read more

See all

It's been a while since I've had a burrito, but Smart Donkey may well shorten the time before I have another. Burritos and drinks are pretty much the only things on the menu, but when you do something well, there's no need to try anything different. At the time of my visit, there were 11 different burritos on the menu. My wife had the Uruapan (Michoacán style carnitas) and I went with El Basico (carne asada). Both were terrific. They seemed a bit on the expensive side, but a single burrito provided two very satisfying lunches. The leftovers reheated quite well. The location is a one-truck cart pod. There are a couple of picnic tables and seating at the bar inside the covered space. The bartenders take food orders and pass them along to the truck itself, that forms the back bar. Outside, there are two large high top covered tables where you can eat standing up. For those familiar with the neighborhood, the truck is in the former DIY car wash location just north of Powell. read more

See all

Went for the first time and got the el gordo and was it was delicious! Rice and beans were great as well! Just down the block from me so I'll definitely be back! Thank you! read more

This place is a gem. I'm amazed it's not packed with people every day in the spring and summer (but I think they do a lot of takeout.) Is it a fancy ambiance? No. But ya know what?! It's got a zero pretention Vaca vibe and that's what I'm looking for in a burrito & margarita spot! The chips are homemade & really good and the Carnitas is the Best burrito I've had in Portland by far. So damn delish! Plus, they have $5 margs on Thursdays and at Happy hour - which happens twice a day?! Get into it, PEOPLE!! I love the music too, outdoor tables, cornhole. Makes me feel like I'm on vacation. The staff seem super nice too. Have I convinced you? Okay byeeee read more

Smart Donkey - They have a different kind of "Agua Fresca" every day (strawberry, melon, etc) and I get it with a little tequila in it. So refreshing! - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

This place has incredible sauces and the burrito bowls are a nice choice for lighter meals. Service is friendly and the ambiance is.. like a maze with lots of corners to chill - mostly suitable to summer but they do have heaters. read more

Oswaldo and his crew turn out quality food at a good price. Plenty of drink specials and entertainment like Reggae Night.... Support your local restaurants like Smart Donkey!! read more

I just moved from Los Angeles and had been craving some GOOD Mexican food. Luckily this place was better than good, in fact it was amazing. I had the chicken burrito that is marinated in a green chili paste. I tried not to eat the whole thing at once but I couldn't help it. The margarita was also delish, made with real juice and not some cheap mix. They offered many different salsas. Honestly, just go. You won't regret i read more

Smart Donkey - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Wow, so good. The burritos here are delicious. We got the Gordo and Chile Rojo and they did not disappoint! The burritos are huge and with so much flavor. The hot sauces are also delicious. I hope they sell bottles of the Devil's tears. We live only a few blocks away and we definitely plan on being regulars here. read more

Smart Donkey - Gordo, so good!! - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I love this place. I love the vibe and the food and the staff is friendly. The prices are reasonable and the food is rly good! I love the outside of it! read more

Adobe Verde burrito had both foil and sharp chicken bones in it and I injured my throat from eating their burrito. I ate some of the burrito and felt a sharp poke while trying to swallow the bite. After examining the burrito I found both pieces of bunched up foil and also chicken bones with sharp edges inside of my burrito. This caused a pretty decent injury to the back of my throat that now hurts a ton and I'm hoping it didn't damage my stomach. I loved their food before this incident happened. I don't like writing negative reviews but I'm hoping they will be more cautious so that this doesn't happen to anyone else. read more

Really really good burritos. Good summertime vibes with outdoor picnic table seating. Lots of beers available

I'm bummed we haven't been here sooner. Everything was a 10. The food was delicious, service spot on, and vibe was so cozy. Super kid friendly, which is really important to us. We will absolutely be back, and recommend you give it a try too! read more

Best burrito I've had in town. The Al Pastor is unlike any other. Meat is tender & flavorful and the house salsas are so insanely good!

Came by here for happy hour. Decent prices during happy hour including $7 burritos, $5 beers, $3 chips and salsa. As far as the burrito goes, portion size is well worth the price but flavor was a bit lacking. read more

God this place is so good, the people that run it are so sweet and they have a happy hour every day from 3 to 5 for all the people out there who like to complain about how expensive burritos are these days. read more

The burritos are hefty, tasty, and authentic. One bite of their burros transport me back to Arizona. Their beans are perfect, the rice is flavorful and the meat fillings are very well seasoned. They have a great assortment of salsas/hot sauces. They have a great draft selection of local beers, a few liquor options for a margarita, and a cider. The cart employees were delightful and friendly. This might be the only place I get burritos from now on. Yummy! read more

Smart Donkey - The El Basico and Verde Pollo burros. I couldn't finish it in one sitting. - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Awesome burritos. Loved the outdoor seating and the Happy Hour prices. Will come back.

YELP: SMART DONKEY I've been here eight times and tried eight burritos: 1. Zumpongo: 5 (out of 5) stars. Rich and complex flavors. Exceptional. All 3 side sauces (red, orange, and green) were high quality and unique. 2. El Basico: 3 stars. Several pieces of gristly, inedible meat. Flavors were typical and boring. Side sauces *not the same as before (even remotely)* and of lower quality. 3. El Guapo: 4.5 stars. Interesting flavors and textures. Good quality produce. Side sauces same as with El Basico, but didn't try the green. 4. Chili Rojo: 5 stars. Rich and complex flavors. Exceptional. I only tried the red and orange side sauces (the red is hotter "devil's tears' and the orange is habanero and not too hot--that's REALLY good and makes it more usable. Best hab sauce ever for that reason), and they were high quality and unique again. YAY! 5. Adobo Verde: 5 stars. Flavorful, yes, but what stood out more were the different textures. It was almost more like larb or something. Exceptional, and what keeps me coming back! Tried the red, orange, and creamy green (not the tomatillo-like green) sauces and they were all perfect. 6. The Baja One: 3.5 stars. Very little fish and/or fish flavor. Nothing tasted bad or off though, and the texture was okay, it was just mostly tortilla, rice, and lettuce. To be fair, it endured a five minute journey to my house. Still, for the higher price, this one is definitely a pass, compared to the others. That said, the new brown extra hot salsa is excellent, as are the rest of the salsas. 7. Uruapan: 3.5 stars. If you've had 10 carnitas burritos from 10 restaurants, then you've had this one at least three times. Whether that's good (familiar comfort) or bad (nothing unique), that's up to you. I'm looking for unique experiences. Strong pork flavor and a good amount of meat. I also tried the chips and salsa ($3), and the salsa is really fresh and excellent--better than any store bought salsa. Chips were cooked just right. All the side sauces are good, especially a goldish mild sauce I hadn't had yet. 8. Al Pastor: 4.5 stars. I only deducted half a star because I wanted more of that amazing meat. It was perfect and exceptionally rich, in an umami kind of way. I also got to try their margarita sampler. The house, strawberry mint, and especially, the spicy margaritas were all really really good. Chips and salsa and side sauces were all fantastic as well. No more creamy green or brown salsa, but the creamy habanero and red devil's tears are better than ever. Going to try some of the specials next. I'd give 4.5 stars overall, because the trend is toward better burritos. read more

KILLER BURRITOS and excellent service. The habanero and avocado hot sauces are amazing. Went two days in a row!! YUMM YUMM!

Stopped here for a quick afternoon snack. Their guacamole is excellent and the habeñero margarita was fantastic. Prices are a little high given that the space is nothing fancy. It's in a cool little corner of town. read more

Delicious burritos, happy hour daily 3pm to 5pm and 8pm to 9pm nice and dast service, good music

Edgar and Team have proven themselves to be worthy of a Five Star performance !! Have several additional projects lined up for the Smart Donkey. read more