Portland used to have a wide variety of tasty Mexican food joints, but the ones I’ve enjoyed have slowly disappeared, strangely accompanied by the emergence of Taco Del Mar (the Burgerville of Mex food — not fast food, but good food made quickly) and Baja Fresh (which is good, don’t get me wrong).

Only one or two of my old haunts remain, and as a combination of diets and the dwindling of the industry have conspired against me, I’m left scratching my head at where I should go for some decent Mexican food in the Portland area.

Here are existing places that I still think are good:

Romo’s La Jara (on 48th and Hawthorne): Romo’s original place was over on Sandy, not far from the present Thien Hong, and my grandma used to love taking me there. His new establishment has much of the same menu, packed into a more typical Mex-restaurant decor. Not super-stellar, but solid fare at reasonable prices from an established name in town.

The Mexican Place on Division/Main in Gresham (Hurradura or something like that): My cop buddies like to go here from time to time. Authentic Mexican food, super cheap, and great salsa.

Acapulco Gold (Multiple locations): Not great, but sufficient.

Bad places:

El Sombrero (113th and Sandy): This used to be my favorite. Then new people bought it, and now it sucks. It breaks my heart to drive by.

La Carreta (Multiple locations): Mierda en la shingle.

Your thoughts?