It's a small bar, with three tables and a few stools
Reconned for lunch, this well established Mexican cafe in the heart of old Murray Hill boasts quite a bit of room with around 8 booths, and 15 tables spread out in an 'L' shape with some seats overlooking a treed view of Teal Blvd., and others looking over the entrance patio area, where another 6 or so umbrella topped tables sit in the open air. A nice trellis sporting different hanging plants adds to the atmosphere. The 'Secret Lake' in Murray Hill is down the bluff and across Teal Blvd., and the lake can make for some interesting sights.
The menu varies from Tamales to giant Burritos, and spicy Enchiladas. Since I first visited Salvador's a few months after they opened, the menu hasn't changed that much. But they do something right, as the owner now has two other restaurants opened, and a catering business.
The food ain't cheap, either. A Burrito Dinner will cost you around 11 bucks, with the top end meal being Cameron's, weighing in at around the town average of 16 dollars or so. A Quesadilla dinner with your choice of fillings costs $10.95.
But, the food is good, and after having eaten there about 7 times now, it can be described at consistent. Since Mexican food in Portland seems to be for the most part, run of the mill establishments catering to the bland tastes of most Americans in these parts, there's something to be said for consistency.
Old knowledgeable Mexican food aficionados will find the Tamales tasting among the best in town. They aren't Santa Barbara style, but they make up for the lack of size in their good taste. The Jalapeno Poppers are quite good as well.
It would seem to be worth a recon at happy hour some evening before six...
A Tamale & Enchilada Dinner