![El Rayo Scarborough. [All Photos: Adam H. Callaghan]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-vTbWoY7AZf0BrhW7kQtskfFxes=/0x0:1200x900/1200x800/filters:focal(504x354:696x546)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61163593/Photo_20Jul_2011__2020_2020_2049.0.0.1498827740.0.jpg)
El Rayo Cantina may have closed, but El Rayo Scarborough is just getting started. The southern outpost of Portland's popular taco joint held a preview dinner last Friday night and officially opened to the public yesterday, July 13. Something about former gas stations seems to work well for the company, as both the Portland and Scarborough restaurants occupy them. It's not noticeable in the new location, which combines El Rayo's signature bright, bold colors with some surprisingly elegant wood features, such as the variety of unique tables and the cross-hatched flooring of the outdoor patio. The patio picnic tables even have comfortable cushions attached to the benches. The menu is nearly identical to what can be found online, with a few key updates that can be seen in pictures below. Tequila, mezcal, and wine are listed on an additional page, and Tlayuda, a sort-of Mexican pizza that was the star of the show at the preview dinner, has been added to the page with tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. A variety of local beers were on draft for the opening, as well.
Portland Food Map has some additional photos of the event, and Kathleen Pierce recently previewed the restaurant on her blog Urban Eye.
· El Rayo Scarborough [Website, Facebook, Twitter, Menu]
· "El Rayo Scarborough Opening on Sunday" [PFM]
· "Is Scarborough the new Margaritaville?" [Urban Eye]
· All El Rayo Coverage [-EME-]