Hillsboro’s bar and grill scene is crowded with sizzling steaks, towering burgers, and smoky barbecue. Some menus boast dry-aged cuts, others feature craft beers brewed on-site, or wings glazed with Korean gochujang. And we’ve tasted them all—these nine spots represent the very best.
Maxwells Pub & Grill
$ | (503) 649-4688 | WEBSITE
Maxwells Pub & Grill has been serving hearty, comforting pub fare to Hillsboro locals for years. Their welcoming patio area (perfect for all seasons) is a classic bar-and-grill retreat, but the amazing atmosphere inside with classic arena rock playing makes it feel like a true neighborhood spot. They do several satisfying dishes here, but the meatloaf meal is a solid starting point.
Circle Inn Tavern
$ | (503) 357-4700 | WEBSITE
At Circle Inn Tavern in Hillsboro, there are plenty of dive bar staples, but their most famous offering is still the simplest: Ginger’s homemade chili that comes perfectly seasoned with a bit of a kick, and holds together beautifully in a simple bowl.
Tarasco Mexican restaurant
$ | (971) 249-3062 | WEBSITE
This laid-back spot opened in 2023, and though there’s been some inflation since then, the mojitos still come in at around $12. For the Hillsboro area, that’s pretty fair. Served in a classic highball glass, these aren’t overly fancy to the naked eye, but they get the job done. Keep this place in mind for a casual karaoke night near several bus lines. There’s always a cozy booth available.
Cornerstone Pub & Grill
$ | (503) 357-4742 | WEBSITE
Hillsboro’s college-town institution, a cozy spot next to Pacific University with dark, relaxed lighting and simple wooden tables, has a straightforward menu that hits all the right notes. It’s from there that Cornerstone’s unpretentious A-Rok burger emerges into the world. This thing is satisfying in a good way, and so flavorful that the bottom bun will be halfway soaked through before your first bite. Request extra napkins sooner rather than later.
Front Row Bar & Grill
$ | (503) 430-8342 | WEBSITE
It’s not the most refined chicken sandwich, and it comes in a basket better suited for a side of fries, but who minds? Front Row Bar & Grill is a local legend, a permanent fixture in Hillsboro’s sports-and-spirits scene. Bring your appetite, and enjoy your generously stacked wrap in a spacious booth at this neighborhood bar. (They also have the largest whiskey selection in town.)
Hillsboro Bar and Grill
$ | (503) 372-9763 | WEBSITE
On a busy stretch in Hillsboro, Hillsboro Bar and Grill does solid bar classics with a dose of arcade-era fun. Try the barbecue cheeseburger, which is grilled alongside crispy bacon that infuses the beef with its smoky essence.
Coyote’s Bar & Grill
$ | (503) 640-7225 | WEBSITE
Coyote’s BBQ rib sandwich is called the Friday Night Special, and we’d take it over any chain restaurant version any day. Tender meat, perfectly toasted bun served piping hot, smoky sauce with a side of coleslaw—it’s a satisfying, uncomplicated sandwich, and it’s best enjoyed on the outdoor patio of this Hillsboro bar with friends on a lively evening.
Dr. Feelgood’s Pub
$ | (503) 591-9663 | WEBSITE
Dr. Feelgood’s Pub claims to have the best damn wings this side of Portland, at least according to their regulars who pack the place. We’re not mad at the claim, especially if you factor in the atmosphere. The wings come hot off the fryer with large side portions—one for the table, the rest for yourself.
Aloha Station
$ | (503) 649-7666 | WEBSITE
Drop by this Hillsboro hotspot around 7pm, and you’ll find nearly every table sharing nachos while watching the game on giant screens. The loaded nachos come with perfectly melted cheese and fresh toppings, and they’ll bring you extra salsa and guacamole so you can customize each bite to your liking. When you’ve finished your nachos, the crispy beef tacos are ideal for scooping up any remaining toppings from your plate.
