Before I started the Taco Truck Chronicles on The Lost Ogle, the original idea came from TLO head honcho Patrick, who had spotted something called Golden Burrito and their small trucks serving up fare at gas stations and construction sites around town.
With the assignment in hand, I can truthfully say that both I—and my estómago—were all in!
Unfortunately, despite seeing their mouthwatering pictures and videos online, I’ve never encountered one of their trucks in the wild. Always a step too late for their much-loved burritos, I’ve kept a close watch, ready with $20 in my back pocket, hoping to one day meet them and their delicious wares.
But one day, while heading down Portland for an unexpected errand, I sped past their brick-and-mortar location at 1415 N. Portland. With its vibrant logo and festive outdoor décor, I knew I had to check it out after my appointment.
Errand complete and my mouth watering, I returned for lunch, visions of stuffed burritos salsa-dancing in my hungry mind.
Stepping inside, I was pleasantly surprised to find more of a high-quality taqueria vibe than the low-brow Mexican restaurant I had half-expected. Near the open kitchen, I placed my order with the cashier at the menu board, grabbed my favorite soft drink—a medio litro Coca-Cola—and settled at a table to eagerly await my food.
With both working-class men and teeny-bopper girls filing past me, it was clear this spot had secured its fair share of the booming burrito market on the northwest side. Featuring fresh fillings, unique recipes, and top-quality meats, it seemed like everyone was a fan—and they weren’t shy about showing it.
Well, go ahead and add me to that list.
I started off with the Pork Tamales ($3.99), always a personal favorite. The pork was especially spicy, with steam rising from the sweating foil, giving me a preview of the heat to come.
The masa casing was perfectly tender, and the meat inside even more so—I practically devoured the tamale as if it were masa-based candy. A fantastic start!
Next, I couldn’t resist trying their Tripe Taco ($2.77)—two of them, in fact.
Though tripe can often be rubbery, Golden’s tripe is, well, golden. Packed with glistening, tender meat, and topped generously with onions and cilantro on a doubled corn tortilla, the taco was a delight. It was a flavor experience I wholeheartedly recommend.
But now, let’s get to the burritos that Golden Burrito is famous for. While they offer the classic asada or pollo styles, their menu ventures far beyond the usual fare. Options like stuffed chiles, “porkskin,” and various takes on brisket showcase their commitment to creativity—and make for an enticing lineup that sets them apart from other spots around town.
That being said, I had to try the BBQ Burrito ($7.49).
Let me assure you, this is nothing like the ones languishing in the hot foods section of a gas station. Instead, it features a near-sumptuous barbacoa-style meat made from perfectly simmered beef. Topped with their tangy green sauce, it was better than any BBQ I’ve ever had—and left me craving more.
That said, the flavorful Nopales Burrito ($6.99) completely stole the show. Featuring tender bits of stewed edible cactus mixed with smoky pork, it was truly a life-changing bite.
The spice-drenched flavors came together in perfect harmony, delivering a meal that felt like a true-blue invocation of Golden Burrito’s culinary vision.
As I sipped the last of my medio litro Coke, I reflected on the experience and decided that Golden Burrito earns a well-deserved gold star—not just for their burritos but for everything else on their menu. Now that I’ve finally tasted them, I’m eager to track down their trucks and see just how different—or similar, to be fair—the experience might be.
I will keep you posted, but until then, as always…Cómpralo ya!
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Follow Louis Fowler on Instagram at @louisfowler78.
