Like every effective scourge against suburban dining, Oregon’s relentless drizzle leaves destruction in its wake—specifically, by dampening our enthusiasm for mediocre pub fare. So until we can endure another soggy fish and chips without questioning our life choices, here are nine establishments that actually justify braving the weather.
Noble Hop
$ | (971) 470-3168 | WEBSITE
We love hanging out at Noble Hop for its excellent patio seating when the weather’s nice. But when the rain starts coming down in sheets, we’re grateful for the clean, comfortably temperate indoor area. The space is casual and friendly, has a great selection of beers on tap including sours, and features fun events like game nights and bingo. And unless you’re someone who only drinks Tigers Blood when it’s freezing outside, you should also know they have ciders on tap and in cans for variety.
Spaghetti Western
$ | (503) 640-0184 | WEBSITE
Karaoke nights here are pretty lively, since this Italian-inspired spot has a selection of drinks, including cheap beer. It’s also fun and supportive enough to make a regular evening feel like a celebration, which is something we appreciate when you just want to unwind. On top of that, Spaghetti Western serves great Italian-inspired food, like chicken cacciatore. And the friendly staff, including host Norm, offers a welcoming atmosphere to help you remember why staying home is a bad idea.
Original Joe’s Hillsboro
$ | (503) 681-4750 | WEBSITE
Sometimes you want a restaurant that feels more like a neighborhood spot, so you can pretend you’re just grabbing a casual meal. When that’s the case, try Original Joe’s Hillsboro. It has a fun atmosphere, attentive staff, and great prices, so it’s a comfortable place to hang out and eat while you enjoy the accommodating service.
And while some might call it a typical lottery spot, you’ll find it’s actually a gem with delicious Mediterranean food – so you might as well take advantage of their fresh hummus and tzatziki on the gyros.
Wildwood Taphouse
$ | (503) 521-7924 | WEBSITE
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to hang out in a cozy neighborhood taproom without actually having to be a craft beer expert, go to Wildwood Taphouse in Hillsboro. It’s kept some of the welcoming details, like the warm wooden decor and a dog-friendly atmosphere that at some point probably hosted every friendly pup in the neighborhood, and the space feels generally inviting.
Drink-wise, there’s a wide variety of craft beers available, from Pilsners to IPAs, with taps that regularly rotate. And the food options include bringing your own snacks, ordering a pizza, or just enjoying the bar, which is a contender for the title of Official Relaxing Evening Spot of Hillsboro.
Kiyomizu Sake Bar
$$ | (503) 336-0145 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a place where you can forget that you’re actually in a hotel lobby, go to Kiyomizu Sake Bar. It’s a quiet and cute spot in the Cedartree hotel with 22 different sakes, informative cards about each one’s origin and taste profile, and great Japanese small plates. The sake flights are generally three pours for $15, but there are plenty of other options like stewed pork belly, chicken karage, and salmon sashimi if you want something more substantial.
Basically, it’s an easy way to pretend you’re in a Tokyo izakaya without having to worry about the menu being too limited.
Pepper’s Mexican Grill
$ | (503) 681-8226 | WEBSITE
The appeal of Pepper’s Mexican Grill is two-fold. First, it’s a welcoming spot with bright, cheerful decor that’s perfect for when you don’t want the typical dimly lit, overly rustic atmosphere of some Mexican restaurants. Second, when you’re ready for something truly special, you can just order the carne asada or the shrimp enchiladas with cream sauce, which are authentic Mexican cuisine in every sense of the word.
Order the homemade Chile Relleno or the must-try guacamole from Pepper’s, then pair it with one of their standout margaritas and enjoy right there on their wheelchair-friendly patio.
Wilson’s Cafe & Sports Bar
$ | (503) 648-5954 | WEBSITE
Hillsboro’s rainy season might be dreary, but a tiny part of us enjoys it – and we’re not just saying this because we can’t leave our jobs to go somewhere sunny for six months a year. But if we were able to escape the routine, we’d head to a lively spot that feels like Wilson’s Cafe & Sports Bar. It’s an all-day sports bar with lots of big screens, delicious meals like the Cheeseburger Bacon and Fish & Chips, and plays classic rock hits.
It’s basically one of the few places we can hang out, and say (with a straight face) that we don’t mind the noise.
Maguffy’s Pub
$ | (503) 693-9700 | WEBSITE
You don’t realize how much you need a break from the daily grind until you find yourself staring at your phone, refreshing the same app for the third time. If you’re starting to hate the person that routine has turned you into, go grab a stool at Maguffy’s Pub. This place has a laid-back atmosphere, and the friendly bartenders must have a secret stash of good vibes, because they all seem genuinely happy to be there.
Order a cheap beer and a smash burger or quesadilla to go with it, and let the (right kind of) fun wash over you.
BDSM Brewing Company
$ | (503) 453-0181 | WEBSITE
The BDSM Brewing Company location in Hillsboro is housed in a refurbished garage, but it offers a welcoming and fun space for beer enthusiasts. This brewery also has a very important beer addition in the form of their English-style porter, which is a standout. The BDSM Brewing Company does happen to have excellent service from the brewmaster and beertenders, but conveniently, when you come here, you don’t have to worry about bringing your own drinks.
So bring a big group, and make sure you get enough of their blue brew for everyone.