- |
By
- Michael Russell | The Oregonian/OregonLive
Whether you knew it best as a taqueria, a salsa-dancing venue or just a place to grab a beer and watch a game, Aztec Willie’s touched many lives during its three decades in Northeast Portland.
But over the weekend, the taqueria announced it had hosted its last salsa and bachata night.
“After 31 unforgettable years of serving this neighborhood with food, music, dancing and memories, we’ve done everything we could to keep going,” Aztec Willie’s owner Willy Cardoso wrote on Facebook. “And while we made it farther than we ever thought possible, the time has come to say goodbye.”
The decision was “a heartbreaking moment,” Cardoso wrote.
“To all the dancers, loyal guests and neighbors who have supported us over the decades: thank you,” Cardoso wrote. “You made Aztec Willie’s more than just a restaurant. You made it a home, a celebration, a community.”
If social media videos are any indication, Aztec Willie’s went out with a bang on Sunday, as commenters flooded Facebook with messages of sadness and support.
“So many memories!” one commenter wrote. “That is where my husband and I had our first dance and date.”
The closure comes nearly a year after Santa Fe Taqueria, another restaurant opened by Danny Cardoso, Willy Cardoso’s father, closed after 35 years selling burritos, nachos, tacos and margaritas on Northwest 23rd Avenue.
Cardoso got his start serving fast-casual Mexican food from a converted flower cart in downtown Portland four decades ago. His first restaurant, Mayas Taqueria, opened in 1986. It remains open under new ownership at 1000 S.W. Morrison St.
Sister restaurant Santa Fe opened at 831 N.W. 23rd Ave. in 1990, while Aztec Willie’s followed at 1501 N.E. Broadway in 1994.
Stories by Michael Russell
- Michelin-starred Texas barbecue joint lands location for first Portland sister restaurant
- Trump said Portland is ‘living in hell.’ So why is the food so good?
- How a closure announcement saved one of Portland’s most iconic restaurants
Restaurant Critic
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
