One of the most underappreciated “districts” in the metro is the West Side, which we’re going to arbitrarily define as the area from Interstate 40 to NW 50th between Portland and Council. Yes, it is culinary gerrymandering, but we wanted to include Warr Acres but not Bethany and Yukon/Mustang. (Side note: Yukon and Mustang are actually the same place.) 

Most of the great food in this area is found in mom-and-pops and trucks, and it leans very Latin, broadly defined, but it’s more diverse than nearly every other district of the city. It was impossible to reduce the numbers to a manageable ten, so we decided to shoot for as many as made sense, whatever that means, and give you a short blurb and a favorite dish. 

To create some kind of sensible order, you’re getting my West Side favorites in the first list, and the places I think are excellent as well in the second list.

My Go-Tos

Birrieria Calvillo #2. Equally delicious as the south side sister restaurant, and I think they’re making the best Mexican food in the metro, and they’re definitely making the best carnitas, and yeah, I get it surtido style. 

Casa Freddy’s. He recently went from taco truck to one of the cutest sit-down spots on the West Side. So many things to love here, but it’s the rare place in town where you’ll find quecas and tlacoyos. 

El Taco Express. My favorite West Side truck, and while everything I’ve had has been solid, the lengua is some of the best in the city, and I go mulita, not taco, because I’m right about this.

El Primo Loco (2 locations on the West Side). You’re here for the pollo al carbon, and you’ll be glad you chose it, and not just for the amazing price point. Legit red and green sauce, and good tortillas. 

Feria Latina. Yes, it’s a mercado, but this mercado happens to make some of the best pupusas in the city. It was also the inspiration for one of my favorite food conversations, this one with one-third of Taco Club, Chris Castro. “Chris, why are there bars on all the windows?” “That’s to keep the flavor in,” he said. Indeed.

Queen of Sheba. They’ve been serving delicious Ethiopian food for decades, and it’s very vegetarian friendly, but I’m there for injera, wat and tibbs. 

Rasoi. If I want Pakistani, I go to Sheesh Mahal or Kebabish Bites, but if I want Indian, I go here, and I typically go for chicken mughlai, because it’s one of the best Indian dishes I’ve ever had.

Tacos y Baleadas Abigail. This is my go-to for Honduran food, especially baleadas and the city’s best red beans and rice, but everything they do is delicious, and the service is awesome, and a little sassy, which I prefer.

Travel by Taste. We have other Persian-inspired food in the metro, but this is the only spot serving traditional Persian food daily, and he’s been at it for more than 30 years. Gheimeh and Ghormeh Sabz bring me back every time.

Zam Zam Mediterranean Grill. Yes, I’ve fallen in love with the Auto Alley version of this Palestinian spot, but the OG is where all the goodness came from. Beef arayes, wings, fasoolya, and basbousa skip through my dreams like kids on a playground. 

The Excellent Others

Abel’s Mexican Restaurant. This is where you take your TexMex-loving family members or friends, but you’re not limited to their choices, because Abel’s has traditional food, including “street” tacos on the menu too.

Fonda K-Tracha. I was sad when they moved from N. May west, but it worked for them, and now four-plus years later, they’re putting out excellent Honduran food, including red beans and rice to rival Abigail’s.  

King’s Custom Smoked Meats. Tucked away bbq joint in an area you wouldn’t expect with great traditional bbq and service.

OK Si Pollo. Yes, pollo al carbon again, because I need gringos to understand what a great, delicious deal this meal is. 

Polar Donuts. Not just fun names – great donuts too. They gave birth to Sugar Llamas, too, so they’re doubly excellent. 

Restaurante Guatemalteco El Quetzal. I just call it Quetzal, and it’s still has one of the best estofado interpretations I’ve tried. 

Tacos Chilo’s. They work wonders with masa, which is why I go for the gorditas.

Taqueria Kairos. Guatemalan tacos? Absolutely. Small trailer, big flavor, tacos Chapines!

Taqueria Michoacana NG. Al pastor off the trompo. That’s why you’re here. It’s the only place that comes close to Trompudo’s for al pastor. 

Taqueria Sanchez. Everyone started going for the dollar tacos back in the day. The tacos are pricier now, as they should be, and they’re still excellent, but again, I go mulita, because I’m right about this.