Colibri by Tamale Boy: Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Portland

Welcome to Colibri by Tamale Boy, a vibrant Mexican restaurant nestled in the heart of Portland at 1208 NW Glisan St. This culinary gem has swiftly made a name for itself, transforming from a popular food cart to a bustling brick-and-mortar establishment. The moment you step inside, you are enveloped in an atmosphere brimming with passion and warmth—qualities that reflect the dedicated staff eager to provide an unforgettable dining experience.

At Colibri, the menu is a love letter to authentic Mexican cuisine, featuring an array of enticing dishes that promise a delightful flavor journey. Highlights include the signature Burrito Del Mar, a generous flour tortilla generously stuffed with succulent shrimp, rice, black beans, and pico de gallo, all elegantly finished with a rich white wine cream sauce. Priced at just $17.99, it’s a must-try for seafood lovers.

The extensive tamales section deserves special attention, showcasing traditional recipes like the Oaxaqueño Cochinita Pibil and the Norteño Chile Verde. These delectable offerings—steamed in banana leaves—exhibit deep, rich flavors perfect for sharing, adding a communal touch to your dining experience. Each tamale is crafted with care, celebrating the essence of Mexican culinary heritage.

The restaurant also caters to families with a thoughtful kids' menu, featuring favorites such as a kid-friendly burrito or quesadilla, both served with black beans and sour cream, ensuring even the youngest diners leave satisfied.

Guests rave about the attentive service and cozy ambiance. Customer reviews highlight the attentiveness of the staff, who go above and beyond to ensure a memorable visit. Many diners have discovered their new favorite spot, citing the generous portions and incredible value, particularly during happy hour when creative cocktails and vibrant dishes like the beef tostada shine.

As you explore the menu, don’t overlook the entrées that result in flavor explosions, including the shrimp burger and the savory burrito bathed in a buttery cream sauce. You'll find the diverse offerings at Colibri are not just meals; they are experiences that invite conversation and connection.

In a city known for its culinary scene, Colibri by Tamale Boy stands out as a hidden gem, one that promises not only exceptional food but also a heartwarming atmosphere where every visit feels special. So bring an appetite, invite some friends, and prepare to indulge in the delicious flavors of Mexico that await you.

Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in

Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating

Credit cards

Melika Shahhosseini

04/10/2025

We got pork bowl and shrimp, steak and birriha taco. My pork bowl was good. I’d i would likes more veggies/onions but it was delicious. Shrimp taco had a tomato sauce that tasted uncooked and too sharp to my senses. Like eating marinara sauce out of the jar. Steak and Birriha taco were delicious though. Staff are super nice and the place is cozy too.

Sus “Sounds_Like_Soos”

13/09/2025

Omg this place is phenomenal. All of the food was absolutely delicious. The staff is AMAZING! Talk about passion and kindness, they are gold stars! Their food is so flavorful, well thought out, balanced, and surprising in the best way possible. Colibri has stolen my heart and is easily one of my top 3 favorite spots in Portland!

Maggie Cathcart

05/09/2025

AMAZING!! We went for HH before the thorns game and I highly highly recommend. I made reservations day of but you’re probably fine popping in esp if you want to sit at the bar. All of the staff was helpful, nice, and funny and so attentive (not in an annoying way). I got the beef tostada which was a texture and flavor journey! The beef was incred and all the layers on the tostada were unique and flavorful. Highly recommend for a date, quick bite, drinks, or just a nice dinner. The happy hour prices actually felt like happy hour prices which is rare to come by these days - portions were still huge. Mmmmm so good!!!

Rudy Gonzalez

14/08/2025

Amazing food! We had to try a bit of everything and nothing disappointed! The drinks were refreshing with just the right amount of booze, the shrimp burger was a very delicious surprise and the shrimp burrito covered in a buttery cream sauce that was not a drop was left behind. The tamales... they're big. They're made to share. They won't last. Pork and chicken steamed to perfection. I'm going back.

James Don

11/08/2025

This place is a hidden gem. A popular food cart turned brick and mortar restaurant, the food is the main attraction here. The happy hour menu is generous and lasts 3 - 6 PM Monday to Friday week days. The cocktails are low priced and creative. I had a Fiesta Americana cocktail with añejo tequila, apricot, lime and pineapple that was delicious The food portions are generous! I'm a big carnivor by nature, and I can say they do not skimp on the meat at Colibri! I was prepared to order 5 entrées to get enough food when the server warned me the portions were big. So, I ordered three different tamales a chili Verde (pork) a tinga de pollo (chicken) and an Amarillo (shredded beef) wrapped in a banana leaf! I was teased by the waitstaff, who were making side bets on if could finish or not. Someone lost, because I finished every bite! It was too good to let go to waste. However, I'll admit to you, I could have easily stopped at just 2. Don't tell anyone Go see for yourself, and make sure to bring your appetite. The food and drinks are a great value, extremely high quality and very authentic. You can't lose!

Nathan Berres

13/07/2025

I grew up near a Tamale Boy location in NE and after moving to NW, I always missed getting their food. I was delighted when the owners of Tamale Boy decided to move into a location on the west side, and they have done a perfect job making it feel unique to the neighborhood. The list of food options is great and different, meaning there is going to be at least one thing here that will satisfy your craving. The design of the restaurant is amazing, I really love the bar and the wooden tables. One thing I found really unique is that the kitchen is in view of the seating which is awesome! It's really fun seeing the cooks make and prep dishes, I wish it was something more restaurants had designed within their layout. All in all, I'm happy I finally came around to Colibri. The service was welcoming and nice, the food was amazing, and I left excited to come back again. Not much else you could ask for, I recommend!

Jess R

13/07/2025

Delicious authentic food, many items to choose from and definitely leaves you wanting to go back again. The refried beans and tamale are fantastic! Recommend 10/10

Jake G

28/06/2025

Food was good, but at $7.99 per taco I expected better quality. The vampire tacos would’ve been much better on soft, house-made corn tortillas instead of the cheap ones used.