About This Restaurant
Nearly ten years ago, Rocio Meza brought a vibrant taste of Southern California to Southeast Portland, opening the doors to Rocio’s, her colorful and inviting 65-seat Mexican restaurant. Inspired by her father, Ponce Meza—the beloved patriarch behind San Diego’s iconic Ponce’s, established in 1969—Rocio embarked on a journey to share her family’s cherished recipes and authentic Mexican comfort food with the Pacific Northwest.
In those early days, Rocio, alongside her brother, Ponce Jr., and their business partner, Mikey Knab, carefully crafted the restaurant’s concept and menu. Rocio’s quickly became known for its tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, with specialties like tempura-fried whitefish tacos and flavorful chile verde—available in both pork and vegetarian options—emerging as immediate favorites. Classic sides like rice and beans, recipes passed down through generations, gave guests a true taste of the Meza family’s culinary heritage.
Today, nearly a decade later, Rocio’s continues to welcome loyal diners under new ownership. Though Rocio herself has passed the torch, the restaurant remains committed to preserving the original vision: simple, delicious Mexican comfort food paired with free-flowing tequilas, mezcals, and margaritas, creating an inviting atmosphere that keeps guests returning again and again.
In those early days, Rocio, alongside her brother, Ponce Jr., and their business partner, Mikey Knab, carefully crafted the restaurant’s concept and menu. Rocio’s quickly became known for its tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, with specialties like tempura-fried whitefish tacos and flavorful chile verde—available in both pork and vegetarian options—emerging as immediate favorites. Classic sides like rice and beans, recipes passed down through generations, gave guests a true taste of the Meza family’s culinary heritage.
Today, nearly a decade later, Rocio’s continues to welcome loyal diners under new ownership. Though Rocio herself has passed the torch, the restaurant remains committed to preserving the original vision: simple, delicious Mexican comfort food paired with free-flowing tequilas, mezcals, and margaritas, creating an inviting atmosphere that keeps guests returning again and again.
Signature Dishes
Ponce's Tacos