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NE Killingsworth will soon lose a classic spot for enmoladas and chivo. Autentica, a Mexican dining stalwart in Portland, will close its doors July 13, according to a recently posted social media announcement.
Autentica, owned by chef Oswaldo Bibiano and Evelia Nino Medrano, opened 13 years ago in the powerhouse intersection that is 30th and NE Killingsworth; it shares territory with Portland essential restaurant Beast, wine bar and pop-up incubator Dame, and the various restaurants and bars from longstanding Portland player Dayna McErlean. Bibiano is a significant member of that dream team — Bibiano spent time at the late-great Pazzo before opening his restaurant, which became a favorite among Portlanders. The Oregonian called Bibiano a “chef to watch,” and Autentica appears on both Eater PDX’s Mexican restaurant and brunch maps.
The long goodbye letter on Instagram and Facebook got into the owners’ gratitude for its employees and customers, but it didn’t really explain why the restaurant is closing. So far, the restaurant has not responded to a request for comment. The two Uno Mas taquerias — siblings to Autentica — should remain open.
• Autentica [Official]
• Previous Autentica coverage [EPDX]
