One of the best Mexican food spots in Hillsboro, Oregon is El Chino Taqueria y Mariscos; more commonly now as El Chino’s. With 3 locations to chose from, owner Jorge Reyes has perfected his formula. They offer a wide variety of dishes which include traditional and seafood items. From Chimichangas served up golden crisp to Paradito de Camaron, the food is beautifully presented and delicious! We have tried all three locations over the years and love the food cart at Walnut and 10th which features an outdoor tent.
When COVID hit and we were helping promote the #HillsboroStrong initiative we covered the entire city looking for businesses to help. We stopped at Jim’s Ice Cream across from the SHARC Swim Center to help get them some promotion and when we did we noticed the adjacent building was being remodeled. The Majestic Ballroom never really worked here in Hillsboro and so as they left town El Chino, which is Jorge Reyes’s nickname, moved in. We stopped by to say hello in July just as COVID was laying waste to many eateries around the NW. Reyes shook my hand and told me of his plans for a top-rated restaurant where large groups could gather for events, business, and family time too. He was kind enough to show me the state of the art kitchen and explain his concept. After seeing it the only question I had was if he could pull it off? Could he beat the COVID closures, body blows, and uppercuts that have hit all restaurants? Was he delusional or crazy to be putting tens of thousands of dollars into his vision? After talking with him on a number of occasions it is clear he knows what he is doing.
Today after months of watching the outside and inside be transformed I was able to stop by and try out the new spot. The new place is stunning and on their website it is marketed as El Chino Town at 640 SE 10th Ave Hillsboro, OR 97123 . The former ballroom has been repurposed with new paint, walls, floors, and decor. El Chino Town is open for business 7 days a week from 10 AM to 10 PM. Of course, no one can sit inside but Reyes has made sure to have the biggest and cleanest outdoor dining space in the City. With a super hot blower pumping heat into the outdoor tent this spot is primed for anyone wanting to order and comfortably and safely eat.
After a quick tour, I settled on the classic Chimichanga (Chicken) to go for the wife and the Sushi for me- that I had to try. While I waited I decided to have a classic Chelada and chips and salsa out in the tent. With the order in I revisited the layout, state of the art TV’s and kitchens, and checked out the massive dining room. Everything is so new, bright, and well designed that I found myself lingering and looking longer at the big colorful menu on the wall.
Once outside I sat at a big clean table and was treated to some really fresh shrimp ceviche. That was delicious and perfectly seasoned with spices and citrus – not too spicy or salty. I really enjoyed that with the chips, salsa, and cold beer. The whole thing just worked and on that night it was 33 degrees.
The tent is well laid out and brand new. The heater and tables and ample parking all make this a must-try. We have a lot of great Mexican food here in Hillsboro. The new offering by El Chino is a really nice addition to the mix and I think the location, facility, and food are going to win people over. We wish Jorge the very best of luck and believe he has created a beautiful gathering place for us locals- as soon as we can all do that safely this place should be rocking and rolling! We suggest you all give it try!
Editors Note: We offer our honest opinions and are never paid for our work. We simply report what we have seen or tasted and this place is GOOD!
looks great ,cant wait
I went by today and saw about 3 groups quietly having lunch in the tent! If you can handle the cold it’s a really fun break from what we have been dealing with- COVID indoor madness! I really liked the food-so they are open!
Thanks, Geoff for reading.
Dirk