Autentica Mexican Restaurant Review

I am constantly on the lookout for master margarita mixers! Autentica has one of the best fresh from scratch (no icky sweet and sour mixes) margarita. It is a healthy-sized drink which makes it also very reasonably priced at $8. I would come back for the house margarita alone, by why when I can come back for the spectacular food too? This was our second time there and this time I was even more impressed. My husband and I are both suckers for good ceviche and we found, again, some of the best at Autentica http://autenticaportland.com/. Apparently they just added this particular version to the menu and I made sure to tell them it was a hit. The dish: Three large very fresh and tender scallops marinated in lime juice just enough to keep the very inside slightly pink. It was topped with well-hydrated, green and fragrant cilantro; a perfectly ripened half an avocado; finely chopped red peppers, and red onions -- a hearty appetizer for two. On to dinner: Phil had a fabulous flank steak on a bed of juicy pinto beans. I had the fresh fish of the night -- rock fish -- that was so tender and moist, next to a bed of another kind of moist beans and fluffy white rice and cilantro. The meals were perfectly cooked; hot at the table; well-presented, and filling. We were pleasantly full...until dessert! I ordered a slice of cake that I saw go by to another table. It looked better than it tasted - not bad; but not memorable. We then walked out uncomfortably full!

A few things worth mentioning
They have many great standard dishes, some of which are specialities -- experiment!
The service can be very slow on a busy night, but when they arrive at the table they are very gracious and attentive.
It can be very busy on the weekends so reservations are recommended.
It is also very open and loud so you and your party will be competing for radio waves!
Not strong in the dessert department, but that's okay - spend your calories on the good stuff!
Highly Recommended! Que' rico!