Finally – a break from the lockdown for those looking to get their eat on! Washington County was one of those chosen two days ago to open things up a little bit. Of all the businesses hurting in our State, it is the restaurants that have been hammered the worst. Thank God this action was just taken-
On Friday Feb 11, 2021, Washington County restaurants will be permitted to seat customers indoors up to 25% occupancy or 50 people total, whichever is smaller.
Now let that sink in a bit. Each location will be different- some will only be able to bring in a few. Other venues will hit the 50 number and could handle family outings and get-togethers too. There are more rules involved here but this loosening of comes just at the perfect time as so many businesses are closed or at that point. Will it be enough? Will it last? No one can know. But right now our Hillsboro eateries need our help.
Snow be damned – it is #TIMETOEAT – so when you can safely get out there and dine – actually sit down and dine- do it. Spend what you can and recharge your batteries. Tip well and remember how tough things have been. Post your meal and experiences and help the restaurant your dining at thrive!
Here are a few restaurants we have checked in on: Here are 10 – more coming in the next few days – and we want you to send in your favorites! See the email at the bottom of the article.
Ochoa’s Super Taco– A Hillsboro gem for incredible cuisine – 221 SE Baseline Street
Taqueria Hermanos Ochoa’s – A destination venue to enjoy food and family – 943 SE Oak Street
Here is a pair of restaurants that produces authentic Mexican cuisine and they do it in a way that is almost unparalleled. They don’t promote or blow up social media etc- but they do not have to. Either location is going to deliver incredible food. Of our many options here in town this one is not to be missed!
Hug Grill – Amazing Buffet with Sushi and More – Located by the Hillsboro Airport
The Hug Grill is a newer eatery but we can not wait to try it. We have had 3 recommendations sent in and we are glad our readers sent this one in! This is a big wide-open venue and the buffet concept means you can get in and eat quickly! I am excited to go very soon! Thanks to Billie Robinson of Orenco for this vote!
885 NE 25th Avenue – Hillsboro, Oregon – Here is the website link –
LaProvence Orenco – Fine Dining – Amazing Breakfast – 937 NE Orenco Station Loop
Courtesy of LaProvence
Well, this is a favorite for so many locals. The food is incredible and Sunday Brunch is incredible. The atmosphere is light and invokes a French bistro. And a fresh bakery is attached with so many great baked goods!
Coyote’s Bar and Grill – Fun and Food In Orenco- 5301 West Baseline
Courtesy of Coyote’s
Coyote’s has been the place- THE PLACE – to go and eat and be merry and cut loose! Live music, a great sound system, Karaoke, great food, and a fun fun bar atmosphere. Big areas for group gatherings and upstairs tables. They also have a big patio! They are open and another longtime Hillsboro classic owned by my HilHi classmates, Mark and Wanda Hemenway. Menus and Info here
The Reedville Cafe – Open for inside seating and Take Out – A comfort food Hillsboro Classic- 7575 SW Tualatin Valley Highway-
Courtesy of Reedville Cafe
Like Hales, this place is a Hillsboro institution! The VanBeveren’s run a great restaurant and this landmark at the corner of Cornelius Pass and TV Highway makes some of the best food in the city. They are having a crab fest right now and I love their burgers! Go support them – great local business.
The Venetian -253 East Main- now open inside for the first time – Up and Downstairs Dining. They will be able to host up to 50 diners. I for one can not wait to get in and see the remodel and sample the food.
Owner John Lee was so happy about opening The Venetian -but he was shut down before they ever got it open last year. Now he said they are ready and will be hosting up to 50 with tables of 6 at max. with lots of spacing.
“It is just so exciting that people will finally be able to get to look behind the curtain,” said Lee.
We can not wait and we hope you will all give the historic theater turned eatery a shot.
Arcade 2084 – across from The Venetian- this incredible Classic 1980’s Arcade and eatery – 248 East Main Street
Courtesy of Arcade 2084
The games are incredible, the drinks for kids and adults are amazing! And the food is really good too. Here is a place you can take the kids to and have some fun! Masks required and they have perhaps the best safety and protective controls in place I have seen.
The website is right here-
Hales Restaurant – 50 years a Hillsboro Classic – 2755 SE Tualatin Valley Hwy
It is said that one has really not experienced Hillsboro until they dine at Hales. I think that is true. For me it was the Reuben that first got me, later the huge breakfasts and amazing waffles. For my wife, it is all about the cheddar cheese omelet and the Spartan Sauce!
Courtesy of Hales
Tomorrow they open back up and this weekend they are featuring a great steak and lobster deal. This is a big restaurant so like The Venetian they will be able to host more folks. Go support them – a Hillsboro Classic!
Pizzario – Woodfired Pizza, pasta, fresh salads- 337 E Main St, Hillsboro
The new wood-fired oven is broken in and ready to rock. The drinks are cold, the music is hot, and the service off the chain, as always. This downtown haunt is also a Hillsboro classic and they contend for the best Pizza in town any day of the week. Owner Mike Soto touched base and shared some thoughts.
“We have to be super cautious, 25% is a good capacity and a good start. We welcome everyone back inside who feel comfortable dining in. We can make special reservations otherwise it will be first come first serve. Welcome to all ages too,” offered the beloved founder.
There are quite a number of seats out in front of the place and portable heaters too. It is also one awesome choice for pizza to go! Keep up the good work Mike and team!
Malosi Island Grill – Well known Chef Danny Hart does it Polystyle big time – 880 NE 25th Avenue
Courtesy of Malosi Island Grill
Everything these guys do is quality. Who doesn’t love Island style? Man the meats and sides are all so delicious. And check this out – breakfast and terrific breakfast too. I can not wait to sit and eat and I am certain Danny and his family need us to all show-up and help out-and eat!
Courtesy of Malosi Island Grill
Those are 5 great places to get out and support in Hillsboro. Tomorrow we hope to post 5 more- and we hope you will send us your favs so we can all support them too. Email us at hillsboroherald@gmail.com.
