Lalibela Ethiopian Cafe
This is a secret treasure of Hillsboro. When we moved to Hillsboro we thought we were going to have to do without our favorite Ethiopian dishes, but we were saved. There is great injira to be dunked in many vegetarian and meat dishes. If Ethiopian isn't your style they also make sandwiches. We often get injira to go for our own Ethiopian home cooking.
Above The Rest Homebrewing
I've been going to this brewers supply since it was in the family basement. A great place to get your basic brewing supplies. The staff is friendly and helpful.
The Party Pros
It is great to shop at a local party supply store. They are helpful when you need it. They have everything you need for a great bash!
Main Street Homebrew Supply Co.
The customer service in this place rocks. It has been years since I have produced anything and yet the proprietor still remembers that I brew meads not beers. They have everything the homebrewer needs to get going and they REALLY love what they do.
Main St Books
A great place for a good browse at a reasonable price. They have a nice selection of children's books. I have found a few vintage cookbooks here that I really enjoyed. Their prices are very competitive, but you won't find the rare books that you might find at Powell's.
Powell's Books at Cedar Hills Crossing
Powell's is a mecca for books. My kids love gathering books they have read and outgrown and turning them in for credit. Then it's like Christmas for them. I like it because unlike chain bookstores you never know what you'll find on the shelves. The newest books are right next to vintage treasures.
Le Hana Japanese Grill & Cafe
When my family wants to go out for a nice meal we go to Le Hana. This is fine Japanese cuisine with a little French flair thrown in. The sushi is especially fine. There are many interesting rolls that I haven't even tried yet. Their cuisine is not limited to just sushi. Many great Japanese dishes are represented on their menu. This restaurant is run by the same family as Hot Pot and Sushi, which is where our family goes when we are on a budget.
Party Pro's
Huge party store for Hillsboro. I like shopping at local businesses when I can and it is nice to find a local party supply source. They've got everything from balloons to streamers to paper plates.
Best Baguette West
Feed the family for $15 without fast food. The sandwiches here are both tasty and unusual. This is a sub shop done Vietnamese style. I have tried several and all of them are great. My favorite is the Saigon Bacon. Get them with full condiments which include onions, lettuce tomato, chilis and cilantro. Get a bubble tea and an almond cookie and it makes a meal.
Emilia Nonna Cafe Itallano
The portions at this restaurant are huge! Many of the dishes go to overload on cheese. Neither of these are a problem for me. This is a family restaurant that caters to seating many people, so sometimes it is loud, but with the voices of happy diners. This is Italian American food in a family style at its best. The calazone can feed my hungry teen and have some to take home. They also have an excellent take away business.