Photo credit: Yucatan Times
I’ve recently become aware of a new Mexican cafe and cantina that is opening on NE Sandy Blvd in the old Gravy space. Named Alux Mexican Cafe & Cantina, it will offer Mexican food, drink, and enjoyment in the Bindery Building on the edge of the Kerns neighborhood.
A little about Gravy, first—they are permanently closed (obviously), something I wondered about before today. According to the folks at Gravy, “On December 14, 2020 we were forced to close the Sandy Blvd location. The location was not doing enough volume to cover its expenses.” It never recovered, though the original location on N Mississippi seems to be doing well.
There’s not much online about Alux Mexican Cafe & Cantina, aside from a few official documents. Someone named Guadalupe Miller is behind the business, and the filing address is out in Aloha. I can tell you this, though: they plan to be open seven days a week. A Portland “cantina” in my mind is what Nico Vergara has established, offering good drinks, tacos, snacks, and a relaxed space. It is a very good template for others.
Interesting about the name “Alux” (pronounced “aloosh”). The Alux is part of Mayan mythology—they (the plural of Alux is Aluxo’ob) are spirits that reside on the Yucatan Peninsula and parts of Guatemala. I’ve read they are small, like dwarves, around three feet tall on average. Some compare them to goblins, elves, sprites, and in their more mischievous version, as poltergeists. Wikipedia says, “Tradition holds that [Aluxo’ob] are generally invisible but are able to assume physical form for purposes of communicating with and frightening humans as well as to congregate.”
I’ve also read about them being compared to a golem, in that they owner of any particular piece of land creates them (makes me think of that Grimm episode, “Dyin’ on a Prayer“). Seems that it is best that you treat them with respect.
It’s an interesting legend to name a restaurant after. There is also an Alux Restaurant down in Playa del Carmen, where you can apparently you can dine in a 10,000 year-old cavern.
No indication as to when they will open, but I would guess fairly soon because of their active hiring of staff, and the fact that they are seemingly not having to deal with Portland’s super slow permitting process. I’ll keep an eye on it. And I’m looking forward to checking it out when it is open.
Alux Mexican Cafe & Cantina [opening in 2023]
3101 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
Meg Cotner
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Grand opening sign up!
Thanks, Erik! Have you been yet?
Alux Cantina opened today, April 15 on sandy Boulevard. It’s open.
We ordered our enchilada plate dinners and dessert and coffee. The y included the best of black beans.
The owner is the chef and she makes everything including the most wonderful tortillas we’ve ever had! Everything was very good, but the salsa and chips stand out as well as the most delicious flan I’ve ever had both sides of the border.
Hopefully people will come in and give this place a try, they’re working very hard, and I wish them much success.
Definitely a family business!
Thanks so much for the update, Mary Ann! This is a really helpful review. I’m definitely looking forward to stopping by!
Hi, this is the owners daughter. Thanks for coming! We appreciate any support we can get. We always strive to serve authenticity in our meals and desserts and provide our customers with a great experience.
Hello Meg, my name is Guadalupe, I’m the owner from Alux Mexican cafè & cantina, i want invite you to come to my restaurant, finally !!we’re open!!