Trebol: Great Food, Drink, & Luchadores

Trebol is what we like to call our "happy accident." Our go-to Mexican restaurant closed suddenly, and we were forced to find something new. We were looking for a comfortable place with consistently great Mexican food and drink. After courting a few contenders, we took a meal at Trebol—boy, did it ever fit the bill!

The warm colors, wood-beam ceiling, rustic details, and cheerful fabrics create a relaxing, and welcoming, interior. The space is nicely done. It's the kind of place you feel comfortable going for any, or no, occasion.

 

Owner and Executive Chef Kenny Hill named the restaurant after the Trebol tree, a canopy tree found near Mexico City. "When I think of sitting under the trebol trees, I have a feeling of tranquility," says Hill. "I wanted this feeling to carry over to my restaurant."

We think he succeeded!

If you're a fan of outdoor dining, you'll love Trebol's large, covered, patio. It is definitely one of the best kept secrets in town!

Here's another secret: the patio has green features, including a shade roof, rain gutter, radiant heaters, thermal panels, and cedar-lined insulation.

Tip: Be sure to swing by for happy hour: daily, 5–6:30 p.m. and 9–close, for a selection of $5 margaritas and food specials ranging from $2-$9.

 

Trebol is serious about tequila. They offer a collection of more than 78 brands of tequila available as a drink or a taste. Because they want customers to learn more about the flavor nuances from brand to brand, Trebol has an ongoing tequila tasting program. Customers who taste all the tequilas receive a custom-designed Trebol t-shirt and a Millionaire margarita (Don Julio 1942, Patron Citronge, fresh lime, $35).

Tequila flights are available every day.

 

Speaking of margaritas-Trebol serves some of the best in town. In addition to traditional recipes, Trebol has an extensive menu of specialty margaritas. Here are our current favorites:

Cucumber Margarita, $8
(Silver Tequila, Orange Liquor, Fresh Lime, & cucumber)

Seriously. This is a must. We were apprehensive, but it is absolutely delicious and refreshing.

Margarita Tamarindo, $7
(Silver Tequila, Orange Liquor, Fresh Lime, and puree of tamarind with a sugar rim)

Our favorite. Ask for the pepper-infused tequila!

The Trebol beverage program also includes a nice selection of Mexican beer, specialty cocktails, coffee drinks, agua frescas, and dessert cocktails.

Tip: Trebol also serves an excellent bloody mary. It's fiery, smoky, and served with house-pickled veggies.

Both the dinner and brunch menus feature classic Mexican coking influenced by Oaxacan flavors. It's not full-frontal spicy. Chef Hill is a chile pepper ninja—his dishes are textured with smoldering, but well-balanced, spice. It's the kind of spice that warms you from your head to your toes, but isn't all about temperature. We're talking serious flavor!

Chef Hill is also passionate about sustainable ingredients. He sources ingredients from the best local farmers and producers in the Pacific northwest. The menu features free-range poultry and grass-fed beef. The Trebol kitchen makes its own mole sauce, chips, hickory-smoked bacon, tamales, and scrumptious pickled vegetables.

Here are some of our favorite dishes:

Guacamole con Chiles y Ajo, $8
(Carmelized garlic with serranos and organic avocados)

The best guacamole we've had in town.

Tacos Probaz de Jabali, Pescado y Rez, $9
(wild boar, fish, and braised beef taco sampler)

Spicy, tender, and delicious.

Chile Empanisado Hailibut, con Arroz, Coliflor y Vinagretta de Ancho, $16.5
(Chile-crusted, pan-seared Alaskan halibut with Spanish rice, roasted cauliflower and honey ancho vinaigrette)

Chuleta de Puerco con Chili de Cascabel 7 ajo Papas Molido, Verduras, $18
(Grilled Pork Chop with roasted garlic, cascabel mashers and veggies of the day)

Our current favorite. It's a must.

(Owner & Executive Chef Kenny Hill)

Chef Hill rides his bike to work, and has implemented many "green" initiatives at Trebol.Along with regular composting, he uses 100% rice bran oil and no trans fat. He sources as many local ingredients as possible and partners with local farmers and growers. Hill also plans to install an eco-roof on top of the restaurant. It will contain raised beds for vegetables, native grasses, and solar panels.

(Tony the bartender—just kidding!)

One thing we really love about Trebol is its sense of humor. Every Sunday night, you can sit at the bar and watch cult Mexican "spaghetti" westerns. Tony, the bartender, has a fondness for old Mexican movies staring luchadores—the masked, free wrestlers. Santo is the most famous, having made over 50 movies. Sunday evenings, or most any time Tony is working, one of these movies is playing.

We've also heard rumors about "Mustache Mondays" and have even seen an array of fake 'staches just waiting for good use. Be sure to ask Tony about that.

As you might suspect, we're big fans of the food, drink, and atmosphere of Trebol, but it's the people that really seal the deal. The service is friendly, attentive, and unprententious. We think Trebol is one of Portland's best-kept secrets. Give them a try and let us know if you agree.