‘Everything is made in house’ at Caiman Cafe in Portland
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — When you walk into the Caiman Cafe in downtown Portland, it’s impossible not to see and feel the influences of Mexico and Cuba. And that’s by design.
There are flags of each country on one side. Anabel Gutierrez, who co-owns the cafe with her longtime partner Ernesto Romero, said they use lamps and lighting to make the flag of Cuba.
The menu items also reflect dishes from both countries, including two of their top sellers — the Cuban burrito and the empanadas.
Cuba, Mexico influences blend at Caiman Cafe
“We don’t do anything processed,” Gutierrez said. “We do everything by hand here. The dough, the fillings for (the empanadas) everything is made in house.”
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Annabel Gutierrez is the co-owner of Caiman Cafe, 120 SW Jefferson, downtown Portland, July 2025 (KOIN)
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Annabel Gutierrez is the co-owner of Caiman Cafe, 120 SW Jefferson, downtown Portland, July 2025 (KOIN)
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Annabel Gutierrez is the co-owner of Caiman Cafe, 120 SW Jefferson, downtown Portland, July 2025 (KOIN)
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Annabel Gutierrez is the co-owner of Caiman Cafe, 120 SW Jefferson, downtown Portland, July 2025 (KOIN)
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Ernesto Romero and Anabel Gutierrez in an undated courtesy photo
Coffee goes well with pastries, and Gutierrez said her favorite blend is “Horchata latte.” There is also the Cortadito made with condensed milk and “tons of sugar” to balance the strong coffee.
While Gutierrez and Romero love what they do, running a cafe is a tough business. But their customers’ encouragement keeps them going.
“Every time I read a note, it’s always how good a food it is, that we don’t have to change anything,” she said. “They love our food. The survey was great and every single time it’s just like when reading that makes you feel good about it. And it’s worth it.”
The Caiman Cafe — whose name is a nod to a reptile similar to an alligator — is open Monday through Saturday at 120 SE Jefferson. On Sunday their food is available at the Woodstock Farmers Market.
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