Esparza's Officially Shutters After 24 Years in Business

Left photo courtesy @wineguyworld, Esparza's photo courtesy eyeliam via Flickr

After signage suggesting a "temporary" closure was posted in its window last week, looks like longtime Tex-Mex spot Esparza's has officially shuttered. A tipster sends along a photo of a new sign posted in its window announcing Esparza's permanent closure: Owners Martha and Joe Esparza write their new plan is focused on "relaxing and enjoying life."

Back in 1992, Esparza's was named the Oregonian's Restaurant of the Year, and in the decades following, served up a lengthy menu of enchiladas, tostadas, and deep-fried nopalitos. In recent memory, Tex-Mex has returned to the forefront of Portland's dining scene, with updated interpretations by the short-lived Trigger and still-buzzing La Taq. No word yet on that will take over Esparza's colorful space; more information as it becomes available.
· All Previous Esparza's Coverage [Eater PDX]