05 April . 2024
This Foodie Life: Where to Eat in Hillsboro & Beaverton
Portland, Oregon is widely recognized as a haven for foodies, with a vibrant culinary scene woven from many diverse influences. Food cart pods offer everything from succulent Korean BBQ to melt-in-your-mouth Venezuelan arepas, trendy cafes showcase innovative takes on local and global flavors, and 18 local chefs have been nominees or winners in the world-famous James Beard Awards.
But venture just 13 miles west and you'll discover Hillsboro and Beaverton, a dynamic duo brimming with their own unique culinary charm. Whether you're a seasoned gourmand or a casual diner, this enclave of delicious delights offers a scrumptious smorgasbord to tantalize your taste buds.
Beyond the city limits: Washington County’s hidden culinary gems
While Portland may be the most famous city in Oregon, local foodies know that nearby Hillsboro and Beaverton must not be overlooked. As Eater PDX says, “When Portlanders ask where all the good Mexican and Indian food is, they’re often directed to Hillsboro.” The area is also home to great Mediterranean, Japanese, and Vietnamese restaurants—not to mention secondary locations for some of Portland’s most popular carts & restaurants, like Top Burmese, Swagat, Pip’s Original, and Sizzle Pie. There are even a host of pubs and restaurants that welcome our furriest friends.
Nearby spots residents love include 808 Grinds for authentic Hawaiian, Antojitos House for Salvadoran delights, Prime Taphouse for craft beer and Asian-influenced wings, South Store Cafe for fresh pastries in a historic space, The Meating Place for high-end meats, Tacos El Patron for birria, and The 649 for “the best trivia night in Portland!”
Plus, don’t forget Hillsboro's popular Tuesday Night Market, where you can savor international flavors and live music under the stars, or the bustling Hillsboro Farmers Market, which hosts a pop-up in Reed’s Crossing Park. Residents of the community also enjoy food truck pop-ups hosted by the Reed’s Crossing Social Committee, which has featured Alchemy Sandwich Co., Spice of Africa, Tamale Boy, Bobablastic, and more.
Coming soon: Reed’s Crossing Town Center
In South Hillsboro, Reed’s Crossing Town Center is on track to bring many new dining options to the area. And, since it’s conveniently located less than a mile from every home in the community, you can grab your morning coffee, a bagel or pastry, a healthy lunch, and a delicious dinner, all in one place—while getting your steps in. Here’s what’s been announced so far:
Insomnia Coffee Co. at Reed’s Crossing
With seven locations in Oregon, including Cedar Hill, Murrayhill, and Cannon Beach, Insomnia Coffee offers a cozy atmosphere for meetings, studying, visiting with friends & neighbors, or just relaxing. Started in 2007 by Evan Aldrete and Tyler Geel, friends who met in a traveling musical theater troupe, the Insomnia crew has grown over the past 17 years into the bustling outfit it is today. Whether you need a morning energy boost, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a spot to work, chill, and people-watch, their extensive menu of creative coffees will fuel your endeavors.
Shake Shack
Craving a juicy burger? Shake Shack at Reed’s Crossing will mark the popular burger joint’s fourth Oregon location offering a modern take on classic American fare. While the ShackBurger and crinkle-cut fries are crowd favorites, the restaurant also boasts a highly sought-after secret menu featuring items that have developed a cult following (think peanut butter & bacon burger).
Nikki Sushi & Steak
Known for creative, award-winning sushi rolls and sashimi, Nikki offers a delightful fusion of Japanese and American favorites with hibachi, teriyaki, tempura, and non-sushi entrees to cater to even the most selective tastes. The restaurant boasts a 4.2-star rating on Google, with reviews like “Cannot say enough good things about this place” and “Seriously good sushi!”
Chimcking
Calling all fried chicken fanatics! With four locations throughout the Portland area and a 4.4 rating on Yelp, Chimcking specializes in Korean fried chicken and craft beer. Their menu features a variety of flavors, from classic to fiery, as well as Korean staples like ddukbokki, pickled radish, dumplings, spring rolls, makku, soju, and more.
Spitz Mediterranean Street Food
A foodie favorite, Spitz started as a simple concept dreamt up by two college kids who wanted to bring a modern take on Mediterranean food to America. Named after the classic vertical method for broiling proteins that ensures a rich and flavorful taste, Spitz is more than just award-winning food, great drinks, and vibrant street art—they’re proud to be an integral part of their community.
Cinnabon Swirl
Ready for the delicious scent of cinnamon rolls to waft through the neighborhood? A newer offering from the beloved bakery, Cinnabon Swirl combines delicious cinnamon rolls with creamy Carvel ice cream for an entirely new restaurant concept. Mashed has reported that potential menu items will include ice cream sandwiches in classic flavors like PB&J or mint chocolate chip, as well as mashups of popular Cinnabon and Carvel products—like a Center of the Roll Sundae. It’ll be a great spot to grab birthday treats for the littles!
Jamba Juice
Craving a refreshing pick-me-up? Jamba Juice offers a vibrant selection of blended smoothies, fresh-squeezed juices, healthy shots (think wheatgrass or ginger), smoothie bowls, breakfast sandwiches, and more. With customizable options and a focus on high-quality ingredients, it’s a delicious choice for a quick bite or a post-workout treat.
Jersey Mike's Subs
Jersey Mike's is a great option for those craving a classic American sub, with a variety of hot and cold sandwiches featuring fresh-sliced meats, cheeses, and toppings on their signature bread, baked daily. Perfect for a quick meal on the go!
Your culinary adventure awaits
If you love sampling new flavors, don’t miss out on the culinary charm of Hillsboro and Beaverton. Bring your appetite, lace up those walking shoes, and get ready to embark on a delicious exploration of food in the Pacific Northwest!
Hungry for more info about South Hillsboro? Take a virtual tour, come by for a visit, or sneak a peek at what’s in store for the future.
*Creating an amazing community experience means getting the details right, which can sometimes take more time than we planned on. All dates and information are subject to change.