Lodged inside strip malls and intrinsic to suburban neighborhoods proudly stands the Mexican mercado or tienda. These shops cater to many different cultures. For instance, Mexican food has Native Nahuatl details like the sauces we’ve come to love, and Spanish cooking has brought us soups and cured meats.

SE

Supermercados Mexico

17420 SE Division St
503-477-5947

Hillsboro locals have known about Supermercado for decades. Now Portland is swooning over the almost holy trinity of Supermercado’s offerings (see below).
What to go for: Meat counter, bakery, ready to go items.
Downside: Small seafood section
Monies: $

SW

Ranchito Super Store

4120 SW Cedar Hills Blvd, Beaverton
503-643-9807
ranchitosuperstore.com

Ranchito’s been a convenient stop-in and is one of the first Beaverton Hispanic groceries – now offering more quality imports and grocery services.
What to go for: Supplies catering to South and Central America.
Downside: A little small
Monies: $

N/NE

Tienda Santa Cruz

8630 N. Lombard St.
503-286-7302
tiendasantacruz.com

Tienda Santa Cruz is lovely little grocery but if you’re smart, you’ll go straight through the back of the store to the taqueria.
What to go for: The taqueria, seriously.
Downside: Smaller variety of items than other stores.
Monies: $

West side suburbs

Su Casa Super Mercado

970 SE Oak St, Hillsboro
503-352-4200
sucasasupermercado.com

It bears repeating: this is the original Super Mercado. All the wonderful things you’ve been hearing are true. Just go.