Sometimes, you crave a classic, street-cart-standard taco. And other times, you want that tortilla to “get freaky.” Whether you’re after a simple carne asada fix or a wild fusion with Korean bulgogi, pineapple salsa, or crispy Brussels sprouts, we’ve got the list for you. Here are 7 taco spots in Hillsboro that prove the rules are meant to be broken, especially when they taste this good.
Amelia’s Rustic Mexican Restaurant
$ | (503) 844-8844 | WEBSITE
For those of you who have never been a fan of typical Mexican-American menus, you may want to consider visiting. But if you stick around, this Hillsboro institution has two standout dishes for you. Both the fish tacos and horchata are packed with fresh, vibrant flavors, yet make for a pretty substantial meal. The tender fish gives it a satisfying lightness, while the charred meat adds a welcome smoky element.
They both laugh in the face of ordinary tacos and raise the stakes with their rich, complex, delicious centers. The friendly staff and dog-friendly outside seating are just a bonus.
Beto’s Tacos
$ | (971) 226-3541 | WEBSITE
Hillsboro’s Beto’s Tacos is where we go for carne asada taco and quesabirria-induced happiness with a spicy salsa twist. So it should be no surprise that we also head here for an out-of-this-world quesabirria. The best quesabirria I’ve ever had features juicy, slow-cooked beef with melted cheese, and comes with a side of perfectly spicy consome. It’s a rich and savory blend so good you won’t regret skipping the carne asada tacos (but next time, you should try those, too).
Tacontento
$ | (971) 533-1999 | WEBSITE
Tacontento is a Hillsboro taco truck that translates our love for Mexican street food into generous, flavor-packed creations. The Chicken Pastor Asada taco keeps it “authentic” with tender marinated chicken, fresh cilantro, diced onions, your choice of salsa (we suggest the verde), and a squeeze of lime. The barbacoa burrito has all of the above, plus slow-cooked beef, making it the ultimate handheld feast of our cravings. They both bring a blend of quality ingredients and a smoky, savory punch.
Be prepared—they’re hefty (and will require all of your appetite’s real estate), and you’ll want to snag a spot at their covered seating before the lunch rush hits.
Sabor Autentico
$ | (503) 592-4573 | WEBSITE
Visiting Sabor Autentico and not ordering the quesabirria tacos would be like going to a concert and leaving before the encore — utterly pointless and missing the main event. While they offer everything from tortas to other taco varieties, there’s an obvious explanation why this dish stands out: the rich, slow-cooked birria beef that’s been braised with guajillo chiles, garlic, and Mexican oregano.
There’s a satisfying crisp from the griddled tortilla, and the melted Oaxaca cheese guarantees everything stays beautifully contained in each hand-held masterpiece. The only real dilemma you’ll face here is deciding whether to get an extra side of consommé for dipping (and if one bowl will truly suffice).
Jack In The Box
$ | (503) 615-0957 | WEBSITE
Why drive across town when you can get an even better burger combo right in Hillsboro? Run by the team known for their friendly service, Jack In The Box has added another meal to their lineup worth craving: the Bacon Ultimate Cheeseburger Combo. It comes with a juicy patty, crispy bacon, melted cheese, fresh toppings, and those phenomenal fries that beat McDonald’s with their perfect texture and taste.
After one glorious, filling meal, you’ll want to skip any dinner plans for the rest of your evening—and ignore your friend who insists you try some fancy spot instead.
Mr. Pique Tacos
$ | (503) 307-8990 | WEBSITE
Things that will endure: the appeal of a perfectly charred tortilla, the universal craving for something meaty and satisfying, and Hillsboro’s quiet insistence on keeping taco traditions alive. At Mr. Pique Tacos, they serve a braised beef taco that combines generous portions of marinated, grilled meat with fresh tortillas, grilled onions, cilantro, and their house salsas. The taco is essentially a classic street-style offering that decided to settle down and get comfortable—no skimping here.
The meat makes it heartier than the tacos we often find, and it strikes a nice balance between savory and smoky. It works so well that it got us thinking about other local favorites we could reimagine, like a birria taco served on a fresh-made tortilla or a food cart parked permanently next to the area’s convenient Pokéstops.
OG Birrieria
$ | (971) 533-1305 | WEBSITE
Although these queso birria tacos are generously portioned, they’re always presented beautifully (unlike most of their fast-food taco counterparts). You’ll get a savory, stewed beef filling, melted cheese, and fresh cilantro and red onion. They would taste amazing even if they were served to you on top of an old baseball cap (yikes), but thankfully, they come in warm, soft tortillas.
It’s like the taco sweet spot between a traditional birria stew and our old faithful street taco, and the flavor mashup is glorious. Order some before or after running errands or while enjoying the friendly atmosphere inside.