Madrina Cocina Mexicana Will Open in Downtown Portland

I recently learned Madrina Cocina Mexicana, brought to us by Lucy de Leon of La Patroncita and Salsa Locas. It will be part sit-down Mexican restaurant (43 seats), part lunchtime mercadito. The aim is to open in late August 2025.

The Story Behind the Name

“Madrina” means “godmother” in Spanish. “To me it is someone who is always looking to help and serve others,” explained Lucy. “Madrinas protect and support the people they love, so I chose the name Madrina Cocina Mexicana to honor all of the empowered women in my life.”

Before Madrina: Tortilleria y Tienda De Leon’s and La Patroncita

Salsas Locas (FKA Tortilleria y Tienda De Leon’s)

Salsas Locas was known for over two decades as Tortilleria y Tienda De Leon’s. Founded in 1999 by Anselmo and Francisca De Leon, it was know for many years as a place for excellent Mexican food. The earliest mention about them online from mainstream food media that I found was in 2011 on Eater, a recommendation from Podnah’s Pit. There’s also a nice writeup in Willamette Week from 2016 by Matthew Korfhage. In it, he says, “Portland’s greatest guisados are finally stepping into the daylight.” More:

“[Tortilleria y Tienda De Leon’s] has been the subject of almost cultish devotion, a hidden treasure at the exact border between Portland and Gresham whose name was passed on like a totem from food lover to food lover. The best Mexican food in town, they’d say. Have you been?“

The rebranded as Salsas Locas in 2022 and moved closer into Portland, and are now located about a half mile north of Reed College. The food is as good as ever. You can also find some of their products at New Seasons and Market of Choice.

La Patroncita

I went to the La Patroncita preview back in 2023, when we were on the downward slope of the COVID pandemic. It was a really nice event and I’ve heard great things about La Patroncita since then from a variety of people. Their pink corn tortillas with literal brands of the name “La Patroncita” on them stick in my memory as both pretty, soft, and delicious.

Most recently, local food writer Krista Garcia was at an event there that focused on a new late-night menu. Here’s her report on Instagram that gives you a feel for what they serve at the restaurant:

[The menu] features flautitas de res, esquites, and ceviche (which was especially good). Oh, and that amazing smoky habanero salsa in a wild saffron shade. The Bidi Bidi Bom Bom (tequila reposado, serrano pepper, coconut cream, pineapple, lime, agave, and a Tajin rim) was such a nice blend of sour, spice, and cream that I ordered a second one instead of branching out. BTW, this cocktail isn’t specific to the late-night menu, but there are beer and wine specials, plus a pina colada.”

Lucy De Leon

This brings us to Lucy De Leon, the person behind Madrina Cocina Mexicana and La Patroncita; she is the CEO of Salsas Locas.

Lucy was born in Texas, her parents having first immigrated to the U.S. from the state Tamaulipas, Mexico (Tamaulipas borders Texas along the Gulf of Mexico). During her childhood, Lucy and her parents were migrants, traveling to every state except Florida, following the seasonal harvests, and doing important agricultural work.

During that time, her mom Francisca cooked for them and sold extra meals—like tamales and gorditas—to field workers for 75 cents each. She says it taught her that “food was connection, nourishment, and opportunity.” The family settled in Oregon when Lucy was 10 years old.

The Madrina Cocina Mexicana Location

This new restaurant will open in the space that formerly was home to Chef Naoko restaurant (Fun fact: Chef Naoko Tamura was was nominated for a James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific in 2020). Lucy says it “will be a vibrant, much-needed hub in the heart of downtown Portland … where anyone can experience the best of local Latina beverages, food, and community.”

Lucy is not only occupying this space—she owns the building. She had an opportunity to buy it earlier this year, having had a gut feeling that the time was right to do so. This marks a new step in her life as an entrepreneur, and leveling up her dedication to the city.

“I chose to invest in downtown because I love Portland, and I believe in its potential,” she said. “It took courage and faith to take this step, but I knew that if we want to help revitalize our city, we need brave people who are willing to invest in the community. While many people advised me not to move forward, I couldn’t pass up this incredible opportunity, especially with a turnkey space ready to go.”

The building currently has restaurant tenants throughout. Her restaurant will take up half the space, with the mercadito in the other half, offering lunch dishes and snacks.

What To Expect at Madrina Cocina Mexicana

Look for them to bring “the bright, welcoming environment of La Patroncita—this time in an iconic cobalt hue.” For the interior design they are partnering again with Lucy Winn, who designed in interior of La Patroncita. They are calling the design a “boho, moody, eclectic vibe.” There will be banquette-style seating, among other options.

They want to cultivate a space “that honors tradition and celebrates the creativity and power of Latina entrepreneurs in Oregon and beyond.”

Liquid Options and Latina Entrepreneurs

Those Latina entrepreneurs are winemakers, cidermakers, and breweries. Madrina will also offer a wide, curated selection of artisanal mezcals. More on drinking at Madrina:

“While Madrina won’t have a bar program like at La Patroncita, we will serve a house margarita (which can be made without alcohol) and sangria,” Lucy explained. “We’ll also have housemade aguas frescas of many different flavors—which we can dress up with specialty rims. Madrina will also serve beers, ciders, and espresso.”

Food, Memory, and a Social Space

Some of the food they are planning includes a family recipe of whole and half pollo rostizado (roast chicken). This dish holds a very special place for Lucy because it’s her dad’s recipe, and she grew up eating it. They will also offer individual servings of elote on the cob, blue corn tortillas, a Mexican inspired cheese plate, rice pudding dessert, and more.

Lucy mentioned that Madrina will be great for everything from a first date, to a girl’s night out, to a family get-together. “We want people to come by after work for drinks and a snack, for a mid-week lunch, or to celebrate a special occasion,” she said. “With menu items like a whole roasted chicken and individual servings of elote on the com, guests can come with a large party or even for a solo dining experience.”

Art at Madrina

Lucy’s nephew Mario de Leon is creating mural art for the exterior (and likely the interior, too). He’s posted a couple of videos on his Instagram page, which you can see here: video 1, video 2. I also appreciated seeing his enthusiasm for a pretty epic looking meatball sub he got next door at 21st Century Pizza.

Madrina Cocina Mexicana: A Sense of Connection

Lucy posted this on the Madrina Cocina Mexicana Instagram:

“As a first-generation Mexican-American and longtime Portland entrepreneur, this opening represents the next chapter in a journey that began with tamales sold to stores, schools and families. Madrina is named after the guiding figure in many of our lives: the one who shows up with love, with food, and with wisdom. That’s what we hope this restaurant becomes for the city.

“At Madrina, we want you to feel a sense of connection the moment you walk through the door. The smells, the sounds, the colors, the flavors—everything is designed to make you feel both celebrated and at home. We hope guests experience a place that honors Mexican heritage while embracing the energy and creativity of Portland. Whether you’re here for a cocktail, a family dinner, or a moment of joy at the end of a long day, Madrina is a space for you.”

I’m very much looking forward to checking out Madrina later this summer. Wishing Lucy and her team the best as they prepare to open!

Madrina Cocina Mexicana [opened August 27, 2025]
1237 SW Jefferson Street, Portland
Madrina Cocina Mexicana website | Instagram

Updated August 29, 2025.