El Viejón, the central Mexican authentic taqueria food truck that launched at Vancouver, Washington’s Vice Beer in summer 2022 and has built a strong following, is taking over at Gigantic Brewing’s southeast Portland Hawthorne Blvd. location. El Viejon has smartly honed in on the craft beer industry, recently opening a second food truck at Fortside Brewing in Vancouver, and winning people’s choice beer and food pairing at Portland Beer Week’s 2024 SNACKDOWN and Brewers Burger Brawl.

Gigantic Brewing is excited to bring El Viejón’s renowned Mexican cuisine to Portland, creating a perfect pairing of craft beer and authentic flavors. Reputable sources in the industry also say that El Viejon will take over the kitchen at Brujos Brewing in NW Portland taking over for the short-lived Saint Lovejoy’s.

Gigantic Brewing’s third location on Hawthorne Boulevard opened in November 2022 with a menu of international inspired tots, smash burgers, Japanese chicken and tofu sandwiches, and fried specialties. Fans of the current menu have through February 28th to enjoy the current offerings before El Viejón PDX Taqueria y Mariscos takes over in March.

Established by Chef Eldy Prado, a veteran of both fine dining and street food, El Viejón specializes in authentic Nayarit-style Mexican dishes but also isn’t afraid to have fun with less traditional specials like the chorizo and roasted pepper burger that won the 2024 Brewers Burger Brawl. Their menu features a variety of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and seafood dishes, all served on handmade tortillas. Standout specialties include their ceviche, crispy fried rockfish, Cajun shrimp, and birria de res, served with rich consomé and red onions for dipping. Known for their commitment to high-quality, fresh ingredients and bold flavors, El Viejón has earned a reputation as a must-visit destination for Mexican cuisine enthusiasts.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome El Viejón to Gigantic Hawthorne,” said Ben Love, co-founder of Gigantic Brewing. “Their food is nothing short of spectacular, and we believe this collaboration will create the perfect fusion of craft beer and authentic Mexican cuisine. While we’ve loved running our own kitchen, this partnership marks a new chapter where two passionate, local businesses come together to elevate the brewery experience.”

Welcome El Viejón PDX Taqueria y Mariscos to Gigantic Brewing Hawthorne by following their Portland-specific new Instagram account @ElViejonPDX. Gigantic Brewing regularly updates their primary @giganticbrewing Instagram, and also has a Hawthorne specific account to follow at @gigantichawthorne. Look for further announcements soon about the official grand opening of the new kitchen soon.

Gigantic Brewing Hawthorne + El Viejón PDX Taqueria y Mariscos - 4343 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215