5 Oregon Fish Tacos To Avoid & 5 That Are Packed With Fresh Flavor
Oregon offers plenty of seafood, but fish tacos are where creativity and coastal freshness truly collide.
Some taquerías and seaside cafes turn them into unforgettable masterpieces; others turn them into a sad, soggy afterthought.
Consider this your map to the state’s top fish taco experiences.
1. Baja Fresh’s Lackluster Offerings
The fish tacos at Baja Fresh locations in Hillsboro and Clackamas consistently disappoint with their factory-processed feel.
The fish often arrives lukewarm and rubbery, swimming in a sea of wilted lettuce and drowning under excessive sauce. Their mass-produced approach sacrifices freshness for convenience.
Skip these and head to their burrito section instead, where you’ll find options that better represent what this chain can actually do well.
2. Taco Del Mar’s Fishy Failures
Portland and Salem’s Taco Del Mar locations serve fish tacos that miss the mark by nautical miles.
Their fish has a peculiar aftertaste that lingers unpleasantly, suggesting it’s spent too much time in the freezer. The tortillas frequently arrive soggy, creating a messy eating experience that falls apart after the first bite.
Your taco funds are better invested elsewhere, particularly in their more reliable chicken options.
3. BJ’s Brewery’s Misguided Maritime Attempt
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse in Hillsboro and Eugene should stick to what they do best – beer and pizza.
Their fish tacos feature oddly sweet sauce that clashes with the fish’s natural flavors. The portion size rarely justifies the premium price point they charge.
I once waited 45 minutes for these tacos during a birthday celebration, only to wish I’d ordered their famous Pizookie dessert instead. Trust me, their other menu items deliver much more satisfaction.
4. Chart House’s Overpriced Lounge Letdown
Portland’s Chart House lounge menu features fish tacos that rely on their stunning river views to distract from mediocre execution.
The fish itself lacks seasoning, tasting bland despite the premium price tag. They’re served with a stingy portion of accompaniments that leaves you wondering where the rest of your $18 went.
The restaurant excels at steaks and seafood platters – stick to those specialties instead of these forgettable tacos.
5. Mo’s Coastal Confusion
Mo’s Seafood & Chowder, with multiple Oregon Coast locations, should never have added fish tacos to their menu.
While their chowder deserves its legendary status, their fish tacos feature overcooked, dry fish strips that no amount of sauce can save. The corn tortillas often arrive cold and stiff, creating an unpleasant textural contrast.
Last summer, I watched three different tables return these tacos at their Newport location. Stick with their chowder bread bowls – that’s where the real coastal magic happens.
6. ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria’s Mouthwatering Masterpiece
Portland’s ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria creates fish tacos that practically dance on your taste buds.
Their Mississippi and Hawthorne locations both nail the perfect balance of sustainably-sourced fish with a light, crispy coating that shatters satisfyingly with each bite. The house-made crema and tangy slaw provide a refreshing contrast to the warm fish.
The corn tortillas arrive warm and pliable, clearly made in-house with authentic technique and flavor that elevates the entire experience.
7. Flying Fish Company’s Ocean-Fresh Delight
Burnside’s Flying Fish Company transforms their market-fresh catch into tacos that redefine what Oregon seafood can be.
The fish changes daily based on what’s most pristine, often featuring local rockfish or halibut with a delicate tempura coating. Their house-fermented hot sauce adds complexity without overwhelming the fish’s natural sweetness.
I once watched the chef select my taco’s fish directly from their display case – that’s the kind of direct-from-the-ocean experience that makes these tacos truly special.
8. El Sancho’s Grilled Mahi-Mahi Marvel
Bend’s El Sancho Taco Shop at both Eastside and Westside locations crafts grilled mahi-mahi tacos worth driving across the state to experience.
Their fish gets a perfect char on the grill, creating caramelized edges while maintaining a moist, flaky center. The avocado-tomatillo salsa adds bright acidity that complements the smoky fish perfectly.
The handmade tortillas have visible grill marks and that irreplaceable corn aroma that factory versions can never replicate.
9. Ben & Jeff’s Beachside Brilliance
Pacific City’s Ben & Jeff’s Burgers & Tacos serves fish tacos that capture the essence of Oregon’s coast in every bite.
Their proximity to the fishing boats means the catch often goes from ocean to taco in hours, not days. The simple preparation – lightly seasoned and grilled – allows the fish’s natural sweetness to shine through.
The tortillas arrive warm and slightly charred, wrapped in foil that keeps them perfect until you’re ready to assemble your tacos right on the beach.
10. Pelican Brewing’s Rockfish Revolution
Pelican Brewing’s coastal locations in Pacific City, Cannon Beach, and Lincoln City serve cod tacos that perfectly complement their award-winning beers.
The locally-sourced cod gets a light beer batter using their own Kiwanda Cream Ale, creating flavor harmony when paired with the same beer. Their cilantro-lime slaw provides bright contrast to the rich fish.
The outdoor seating lets you enjoy these tacos with crashing waves as your soundtrack – I’ve spent countless sunset dinners here watching surfers while savoring these exceptional tacos.