Amelia's Restaurant, Hillsboro

Hidden amongst Hillsboro's office parks and strip malls, Amelia's Restaurant crops up as a colorful mirage—a mirage with very real, very delicious Mexican food. The family-run gem specializes in rustic Mexican cuisine, its food an edible link to the family's culture and past generations. 

Guests learn this almost immediately, since fresh, homemade tortillas and salsa await them when they sit down. From there, they can browse a menu anchored by the restaurant's famous mole dishes. The mole verde, for instance, brandishes a distinct green color thanks to its assortment of herbs, seeds, and spices, though unfortunately, eating it will not turn you into the Hulk. Early risers can also feast on Amelia's breakfasts, such as the huevos motulenos, which features multiple layers of beans, tortillas, eggs, and ham.