Port Fonda

Second time here and am still wondering why this place gets such rave reviews and writeups. When I asked the bartender what the difference was between the happy hour margarita choices he replied with, «it’s whatever you like better.» yep. That was it. I had to prod him for an explanation. Shortly after I receive a margarita with about 4 ice cubes and a bucket of salt. The guac is garnished with radish. Radish? And my tacos leave much to be desired.

I’m not a big Unilocaler but this place was overwhelmingly meh. Just some things I noticed:
Arrival — When we got there the hostess said it’d be a second, and walked away for a while, so we grabbed menus and sat down at the waiting seats. Eventually she came back and helped someone else that had come in after us, then left again for a while. We stood up with our menus and waited at the hostess area until she came back, we already had menus in our hand but she picked up more and didn’t really greet us or say what was going on it was just implied we follow her to our table. We put our other menus back and followed her. Idk if they had her doing other things that hostesses at other places don’t normally do, but the interaction was weird.
Menus — I already have issues actually absorbing what I’m reading when I’m looking at menus, but the layout of their menu made it harder to focus. Everything is in the same small font, random things are bolded, some things are in Spanish. I just looked up the words on my smart phone so no biggie. but instead of saying «cactus and beans» you’ll see things like «nopales and frijoles.» When I got my food there were a couple chunks of cactus and a couple beans on each taco.
Atmosphere — I like the music they were playing, 60s du-​wop, motown, soul. idk the exact genre but it’s good. Good volume, if you’re on a first date or something the silences won’t be that silent. I like the décor and graphic design, props to the graphic designer. Good lighting. Seems like if you don’t think you’re hip n with it, you shouldn’t apply to work there~ gotta be hip. ^ said interaction w hostess, the absences might have been due to extenuating circumstances but the bits where she was there were awkward. Waitress was normal, nice.
Food — My friend ordered the sopa port fonda and I ordered the double decker breakfast tacos. The sopa port fonda was like a stew, full of the stuff they mention. She said it was super spicy (she can handle spice, not someone that only eats mashed potatoes and white bread) and it was visibly hard for her to eat. She said the pork meat was good, just spicy, she also didn’t know it was going to be a soup type of dish, she though the broth would be poured over it or something idk. With my food, I could’ve made it myself for much less than 13 dollars +tip. It was scrambled eggs with some radishes (like I said earlier) and a couple beans/​cacti bits. Overall mediocre and overpriced.
Bathroom — I didn’t go but my friend said it was dark in there hah. You can bring your phone for an extra light source I guess.
I like every other restaurant I’ve been to in Westport, plenty of other A+ options if you’re looking to eat out in that area, which would be my suggestion if you’re considering this place.

Can only speak for breakfast here, but WOW, what a meal. Homemade fresh chips and salsa to start, double decker tacos and eggs benedict for an entrée, and a «make your own» Bloody Mary bar to get your head back in the game. Throw in some great music (they were playing a score of 80s and 90s alternative when we were there) and you have a tremendous Saturday/​Sunday breakfast/​brunch.
Everything about our visit was great. Service was prompt, efficient, and friendly. Food was delicious. Ambiance was industrial and conducive to a great time. I’m sad to say this is the first time I had ever been to PF but will definitely come back to try lunch or dinner in the near future. If it’s ½ as good as their breakfast options, this could be my new favorite hip Mexican restaurant.

Remember that kid in 6^th grade who played sports, and had a skateboard from target, yet tried to fit in with the skateboarders? Well this is that place in a nutshell, overpriced bland crossover Mexican food, I bought three things on happy hour, and still spent over fifty dollars, that and the place stressed me out. My advice, go somewhere else if you’re going to drop that much on happy hour, but if you’re into cliché tattoo flash, Christmas lights, typical alt 80′ music, and bland food, then I guess this could be the place for you. Bartenders are cool, but like I said this place just kinda blows…

Came for an early lunch with a friend today, and I couldn’t be more excited to come back! At the insistence of our awesome waiter, I got the panza de puerco: pork belly done braised and grilled, onions, beans, cherries and peanuts. My friend got the lengua, which was as delicious as it was beautiful! We got the ricotta doughnuts for dessert, which was absolutely delightful. I can’t say enough great things! Very fun atmosphere, love the décor and I definitely suggest picking your waiter’s brain before you order.
If you haven’t been here yet, this place is a MUST!

Great food! love the brunch menu
Gets a little loud sometimes, but a great place for food and drinks

Best enchiladas and chilaquiles in KC. Tiffani was our server and she was awesome! Enjoy the fresh beats and even fresher eats. Hit up that cilantro mint margarita fa sho.

Let me preface this by saying eating here was definitely not a bad experience, but it fits the «meh» category too perfectly to warrant any other rating (though in fairness, a 2.5 is probably more precise).
Anyway, we walked about 20 or so minutes from the Country Club Plaza area to eat here, after having noticed it on the way to Beer Kitchen the previous day (it seemed like a cool place at a glance so figured why not). In retrospect, we probably could have found more satisfying options a stone’s throw away…
Perhaps this is the result of high expectations/​being spoiled, but it was a little disappointing to find that unlike most of the [non-​fast food] Mexican restaurants I’ve been to, there was no complimentary chips and salsa (we ended up ordering them, and they were fine, but I’ve had better chips that were free!). I got the «El Boat» drink, which was actually really good and may have been my favorite part of the experience. For my entrée I ordered the chicken enchiladas — not bad, but really not that flavorful/​memorable at all… I wished afterwards I had gone with something different.
I think what may have annoyed me the most was the vibe. Ironic too, considering it’s sort of the reason we picked the place (it seemed fun and different). In reality, it was just a super-​hipster establishment (which I typically don’t mind at all — even enjoy, in fact) but with a certain pretentiousness to it that came off almost uppity. The menu, for instance — which I found a pain to navigate/​read — had many dishes’ ingredients listed in Spanish, and while I can understand that could add an authentic feel to the place, it really just served as a roadblock for us when trying to pick what to eat. We didn’t know what a lot of the things on there meant (at least not without the help of our handy dandy smartphones), and while our waiter did say we could ask him questions about it, it didn’t really seem like he’d be friendly/​patient enough to answer them. It almost felt like they were trying really hard to be edgy/​funny (with notes such as «if you have special dietary concerns or only like to eat vegetables, please let us know, we’d be more than happy to accommodate as long as you’re cool about it» thrown in) — and maybe I just didn’t see the humor in it as much as I would usually, but it was off-​putting.
That and the mediocre food/​lack of value made this a disappointment for me, despite the eye-​catching/​fun décor and general vibe that initially attracted me to it.

Very lively and fun atmosphere! Great energy almost any time you go. I always get the carnitas tacos, which are not too heavy and delicious. Their guacamole and chips are always a favorite starter. They have an awesome drink selection whether you love beer or tequila. We have done some big group dinners there and the service has always been great. If you want a fun dinner or even brunch with friends, this is your spot!

I loved the ambiance of Port Fonda. The staff was super nice and food was quick. As someone who really likes Mexican food, it’s easy to identify good and bad Mexican. While port Fonda isn’t bad by any means, it left something to be desired. The flavors were there, but I wasn’t blown away. The food was also a bit heavy. On the plus side, I would go there again and maybe try something a little lighter.

I have eaten here 4 times and I like it more each time. Typically a late diner, we usually sit at the bar and have had some of the best service from the bartenders. The last thing I ordered was the Enchiladas Pollo, and chips & guac off of their «late night» menu. I’ve had more exciting things before which were awesome, but I’ve seriously had a craving for these ever since. Their chips are fried thick, fresh to order and their salsas are primo. Great drinks, cool atmosphere, just a homerun for Westport all around.

Very tasty and authentic Mexican food! The space itself is awesome, big lights, open bar area, and unique tables. Our server was attentive and made great suggestions! Their enchiladas are delicious! We have a picky eater in the family who opted for a plain cheese quesadilla and he said it was the best he ever had. Definitely worth a trip, and get the enchiladas! You won’t be disappointed.

Port Fonda stays in my regular rotation!
It has such a great atmosphere and food to match (or surpass) it. While the menu may seem slim at first glance, it does not leave you wanting in the slightest! The chimichanga of the day is always on point and all of the enchiladas are incredible. Don’t forget to try the guacamole as an appetizer because I love that stuff and I’m not an avocado person at all.
If you are around Westport earlier in the day on a Saturday or Sunday, you HAVE to stop in for brunch! They have an incredible Bloody Mary/​Maria bar and the huevos benedictos are one of the best brunch items I’ve ever had.
I would suggest calling ahead to make a reservation if you are going during peak brunch/​dinner hours because it’s not a huge place and can fill up quickly but they are always happy to accommodate reservations when possible.

I really like Port Fonda… I like the vibe, I like the location, I love the drinks! On my visit yesterday we decided to sit at the bar, which is not unusual for us. You can usually chat with the bartender and learn drink recipes and sample drinks you otherwise wouldn’t be able to. Which was the case yesterday, the bartender let us try their house made Pina Colada. OMG was it fantastic!!! I will be ordering it next time for sure! With my meal I had a drink called «Boat Drink» which was made with Rum, Tequila and tropical flavors such as coconut and pineapple. It was amazing! However, there is a 2 drink limit per person on this drink… so beware!
We went on a Saturday which is the brunch menu I believe 11 – 3. My husband and I both had the Chimichanga… ahhh-​mazing! It was filled with shredded chicken, rice & corn. The creamy sauce poured over the top made this chimi delicious! It was more than I could eat and kept me full all day! We also had the salsa sampler, which included a little bit of guacamole and some very nice, unique sauces.
While sitting at the bar we were able to discuss drink and meal choices with the very nice bartender; which was nice.
Don’t go to Port Fonda with a headache or if you are planning on having a nice quiet meal. Port Fonda is full or energy and laughter. They have several flat screens going with sports playing and people cheering near each tv. Do go to Port Fonda if you’re looking for good Mexican food, a break from the norm (Port Fonda is not your typical Mexican food), some people watching and some amazing drinks.
Try the queso fundido. Port Fonda’s queson fundido is one of my faves in all of KC!!!

This place has fun and attractive décor, attentive service, and great location. The quality of the food is above average.
I’ve been to Port Fonda twice and the first time had one of the tacos plates which was really good, except the texture of the tortillas was a little weird. I prefer flour and I think they were corn. This dish came with beans and rice so I left full and satisfied. This time I got the enchiladas pollo. It was served in a little skillet about 6″ in diameter so they weren’t that big. This, coupled with the lack of beans and rice left me hungry when I left. No chips and salsa included either. I was going to order the chips and guac to make up for what my main dish lacked in volume, but passed after I saw they were $ 8. I’m starting to think that while the food is quite tasty here, the little things they exclude just make me feel cheated. I don’t think I’ll be back unless it’s to try brunch, maybe it’ll be a better experience.

Chimichanga is a dish tdf (to die for)! Good Mexican chill spot with tasty margaritas. Thought it was a little overpriced, but the portions are bigger then they look. They have a lot of non-​typical dishes on their menu, but then have enchilados and tacos. Best part is that they are opening up a restaurant in Lawrence!

I really want to like this place more than I do. The vibe is so fun — the interior design and décor (by Utilitarian Workshop) is out of this world. Who doesn’t love the light up Port Fonda sign inside or the sitting bar outside where you can people watch while having a drink?
However, that being said, I always leave feeling I’ve been somewhat cheated. The service is never on it’s top game because the wait staff seems stretched too thin for how packed the place is. It’s not terrible, but not great either. The drinks are good, usually strong. The last time I was here I had the watermelon mint margarita, which was the perfect drink for a hot summer day. Food can be hit or miss. I’ve ordered the fried oyster tacos for a few different dinners now and have had different quality come out each time (a bummer since I’d expect something like tacos to easy to keep consistent). Overall, the check comes, I look at how much I paid, and feel like for the price I could have had a number better meals in town.
Will I come here when I’m craving a marg to sit outside after a long day of yard work? You betcha. Am I going to come try brunch since I’ve never been before? Maybe, if someone twists my arm. But I’m sure not going to come here for dinner if it’s not during happy hour.

If you’re coming to this restaurant for good service and a pampering than you’ve got something coming to you. Don’t fuss with the margaritas just order an awesome chimichanga (or 2 — not kidding), chips and guac and a large water. This place is run by hipster aholes who will basically ignore you. That’s okay — bring your own company and nosh out on the killer food. Get drunk elsewhere as the Rita’s are just okay. We will be back.

Dedayuno (Brunch) was muy fabuloso! First time eating here and I’m glad I came in for their Saturday Brunch!
I’ve heard a lot of good things about this place and boy were my friends right! Right off the bat we ordered chips and guac + chicharones… and both appetizers blew me away! Guac was fantastic with a surprise twist on chips… they were thick like pita chips, DELICIOUSLY CRUNCHY! Guac had plenty of onions and greens in in it so it was loaded with healthy toppings.
But to be honest…
THEIR CHICHARONES WAS AMAZING! #HolyGrailofPortFonda
They were housemade chicharones (pork rinds) and can be served with various sauces. Server was excellent and recommended two spicy sauces that were creamy and complimented the chicarones in a bang in your mouth kinda way. I would definitely come back for the chicharones alone!
My Desayuno meal (Brunch):
The Port Fonda Breakfast: Consisted of two huevos (eggs, I got them as sunny side up, YUM!), two sausages, mini potatoes, and beans. I also got a side of sliced avocadoes that paired with their sliced tomato/​onion salsa on top of the eggs made the dish into perfection!
Great prices for brunch time. Both chips and chicharones were $ 5 each and the Port Fonda that had very large portions was only $ 10.50!
I would definitely recommend going in for their Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-​3pm! Great Prices and awesome brunch specials!
Feliz Eating! (Happy Eating!)

Quite possibly the most pretentious, over-​rated place I’ve ever stepped foot into.
From the very start we were told:
NO you can’t sit on the patio
NO you can’t sit by a window
NO you can’t sit at the corner table, either
Then: they were out of a few things on the menu.
When I asked the waitress if they had any ciders on the drink menu, she made me feel like a teeny, tiny mouse stating that «No, we only serve the BEST kinds of beers here at Port Fonda.» She then asked my friend to translate what I was trying to order.
She up-​sold us on some chorizo appetizer that was’nt good. The chorizo was brunt to the bottom of the skillet and we had to scrap the pan with our forks the entire time.
Their saving grace was the entrée. I got something with meatballs and the meatballs were spicy and delicious. My dining companion enjoyed his entrée as well and LOVED the fried egg on top.
We dropped $ 44 on lunch.
No bueno.

Why does this place only have 3.5 stars?
I’m from Kansas City so always try to stick up for my hometown when I can. But I live in Chicago and I must say, our food is in another level. This place has such a Chicago vibe from the atmosphere to the food. I even remember saying, «Good job KC for stepping it up». The interior is unique. This is not the typical Mexican food you are used to, which is probably why I love it and possibly why it has mediocre ratings? It’s higher priced than most places in the area but you’re getting high quality food, so for me, it’s totally worth it.
My mom and I sat at the bar for a little while and sampled some margaritas. I had the pear serano which was spicy and sweet, my favorite of the evening. I also sampled the jalapeño apricot and prickly pear margarita, also both delicious.
We started with the pork rinds with guacamole. They were crackling while they came out on the plate. I remember my grandma buying these when I was a kid and thinking how gross they were. Times have changed! I couldn’t get enough of these. They were deep fried but light and fluffly. The had some sort of ranch spice that kicked up their flavor.
My mom and I split the squash blossoms and panza (favorite of the evening). They came with warm tortillas which were surprisingly filling. The panza had pork that literally melted when you cut it with a fork, smothered in a mole sauce with chorizo. It also came with a sweet, cinnamon covered plantain — sweet and spicy together is the best combination and I feel the menu really used some unique ingredients to make great dishes.
We asked the bartender why there was Blackhawks gear and were told the restaurant was inspired from the owner living in Chicago. Yeah… I knew there was a reason I liked this place. Thank god that Kansas City is making a name for itself in the restaurant scene! This place is slightly weird, definitely creative and deserves all of the praise it receives. Next time I’m back in Kansas City… Port Fonda is my first stop.

Prices/​Value– 2 Stars
Service– 3 Stars
Food– 3 Stars
Menu options — 3 Stars
Décor– 4 Stars
What would I eat again?
«Donas de Requeson» — light as air ricotta doughnut balls fried to perfection and rolled in cinnamon sugar. The interior of the doughnut had a tender, moist crumb.
What do I wish I would have tried?
A Pear Serano or the Rozelle Margarita. Everything tastes better when I’m a little warm and fuzzy!
Chef Patrick Ryan of Port Fonda was just nominated for «Best chef: Mid West» by the James Beard foundation… Kudos for that! Way to represent Kansas City!
Unfortunately, my lunch did not live up to my high expectations. Maybe it was the fact that I hadn’t eaten breakfast, and now by 12:30 I was starving! Perhaps it was as simple as ordering the wrong menu items.
Either way, We went in hungry, and we came out hungry! This is the place to go if you have ever said «I’ve got a whole lot of extra money burning a hole in my pocket but, I don’t really want to eat a whole lot»!
I spent $ 42 for lunch. The break down:
The Carnitas– 2 small soft shell tacos. Shredded pork, shoulder, grilled pineapple pieces, onions, and cilantro served with a small side of rice and black beans– $ 12.
The Chimichanga del dia– chicken, rice, corn and black beans. In truth, most of the filling was rice with a few pieces of moist and tender chicken, accented by smattering of corn and black beans. The chimichanga was fried crispy, but I found that the bottom of the tortilla was difficult to cut through, even with a knife. This is a small chimichanga by anyone’s standards, perhaps 4 inches long and round. The star of this dish was the lovely cream sauce-​$ 14.
A rice/​milk-​based drink –Horchata -$ 4.
Donas de Requeson– 4 light as a feather, fried to perfection, ricotta doughnut balls, rolled in cinnamon sugar served with a thin, boozy, Tres Leches sauce-​$ 8.
Happy hour is Monday– Friday 3 – 6
And Monday –Saturday 10 PM until close.
$ 4 Mexican draws
$ 5 House Margaritas
Everyone should judge for themselves, why this chef was one of the few chosen to be on the short list to represent the entire Mid West. Come in for happy hour and get warm and fuzzy while the weather is icy cold outside. Remember to buy mad quantities of ricotta doughnut balls and dip with wild abandon!