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Welcome To Caiman Cafe
Caiman Cafe, located at 120 SW Jefferson St in Portland, OR, is a vibrant culinary gem that specializes in authentic Cuban and Mexican dishes. With a menu boasting freshly made empanadas, savory breakfast burritos, and delicious sandwiches like the Cuban and Pan con Leco, each item reflects a commitment to quality and flavor. Customers rave about the freshness of the ingredients, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere is enhanced by charming Cuban decor. From crispy tostones to delectable guava pastries, every bite promises an unforgettable experience. With friendly service and reasonable prices, Caiman Cafe is a must-visit for food lovers seeking gourmet delights.
About
Caiman Cafe
Welcome to Caiman Cafe: A Taste of Culinary Heritage
Nestled in the heart of Portland at 120 SW Jefferson St, Caiman Cafe offers an inviting escape into the vibrant flavors of Cuban and Mexican cuisine. With a prime location near the waterfront and the courthouse, it’s an ideal spot for a flavorful lunch or a cozy dinner.
As I stepped inside, I was greeted by a warm, simple atmosphere enhanced by colorful travel posters from Cuba, making for a charming visual experience. Despite its modest exterior as part of an office building, the interior radiates authenticity and warmth, setting the stage for a memorable dining adventure.
Delectable Dishes Await
Caiman Cafe stands out with its variety of authentic dishes. For lunch, dive into their Lechon Azado—marinated roasted pork served with Moros y Cristianos (black beans and rice) and crispy plantains for just US$17.00. The pork is succulent and tender, truly a comforting dish that warms the soul.
If you're in the mood for something lighter yet equally satisfying, the Pollo Criollo is a must-try. Grilled chicken marinated in mango sauce, paired with white rice and tostones, brings a burst of flavor that dances on your palate. It's no wonder patrons are raving; one happy customer exclaimed about the freshness of the ingredients and the clever balance of flavors.
Coffee and Traditional Treats
Caffeine lovers will find joy in Caiman Cafe’s selection of espresso drinks. The Cafe con Leche and Mexican Mocha, each priced under US$6, perfectly complement a rich Cuban meal. The Hojaldra, featuring ham and cheddar, offers a delightful snack at just US$7.
One delightful charm of the cafe is how even the simplest dishes turn into culinary experiences. Customers rave about everything from Croquetas de Jamon—crispy bites bursting with smoked ham and parsley—to Papas Rellenas—mashed potatoes encasing seasoned ground beef, a comfort food classic.
Customer Experiences
Feedback from visitors emphasizes both the delightful food and the friendly service. One patron, Alesya Kos, noted her pulled pork sandwich was "delicious," showcasing the cafe's commitment to quality. Another guest, Phillip Kerman, appreciated the reasonable pricing and the inviting atmosphere that allowed for a relaxed dining experience.
The enthusiastic reviews echo the cafe's dedication to freshness and flavor. From the vibrant chilaquiles to the friendly staff eager to share their love for Cuban food, it's clear that Caiman Cafe leaves a lasting impression.
Final Thoughts
Whether you seek a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, Caiman Cafe promises an unforgettable journey through bold flavors and engaging conversation. The combination of high-quality ingredients, a thoughtfully crafted menu, and a welcoming space makes it a destination worth visiting again and again. Come savor the essence of culinary heritage—you will undoubtedly find your next favorite dish!
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“ Glad I stopped by for lunch, my pulled pork sandwich was delicious. The roll was fresh and it had the right amount of pork and lettuce. I'm surprised that there weren't more people during lunch hours. It's fairly close to the waterfront, and the courthouse. Definitely recommend! ”
“ Really great. Sort of plain exterior as it's part of an office building, but the simple interior is enhanced by travel posters from Cuba. But what matters most, the food, was excellent. I had a couple of tasty tacos and half of my partner's left over burrito later that day. Very reasonable prices and an actual nicely designed physical menu too which can be a rare thing. I also saw a wide range of things they were cooking for a catering gig. ”
“ Nicely themed bistro concept bar/restaurant with a great assortment of deliciously prepared Cuban and Mexican style dishes filled with flavor and authenticity that will give you the best gourmet experience. I really enjoy the lechon asado dish, their perfectly cooked tostones and their tasty bites of guava pastry. Every food tasted so fresh and flavorful that I will definitely go back anytime. I strongly recommend dropping by for an unforgettable palatable experience!!! ”
“ The food was incredible and fresh, the atmosphere was amazing, and the service was super friendly and quick. I absolutely loved my experience here! I will definitely be coming back :). ”
“ Delicious fresh food, not overly salted. Careful with the spicy salsa—I think it’s habanero. It bigger than it looks from the outside, with more seating than you would expect. Helpful service! I’ll be back for sure ”
“ I'm kicking myself for not coming here before! Unassuming from the outside but nice atmosphere on the inside and the food is bomb. Absolutely loved the Cuban Burrito! It was HUGE and so delicious. The feta and spinach empanada was really good too. Will happily be back! ”
“ It's good to find a solid Latin cafe, especially one as neat as this Cuban-Mexican hole-in-the-wall. Now I'm not gonna say they make a Cuban sandwich that can rival those in South Florida, but it gets pretty close. Looking over my shoulder, burritos seem pretty high quality too. As for the vibes, it's a small, modern place with table, booth, and tall chair seating. Excellent to chill, charge your batteries, or grab brunch. ”
“ Fabulous food! What a treat to get an authentic Cuban meal. The owner was so nice also. Brought home empanadas for later. Excellent! 10 out of 10 recommend! ”