There’s always something new and interesting to be found in Oregon, but sometimes it’s the old classics that we love the most. Back in the day, most little hometown drug stores had a soda fountain where you could climb up on a swivel stool at the counter and order a milkshake or malt. Most of those little drug stores have been replaced by big chain stores, and the soda fountains are long gone, but there’s one that’s been around since 1873, and you can still visit.
Hillsboro Pharmacy got its start when Dr. F.A. Bailey came to Hillsboro after the Civil War in 1873. You’ll find this historic little pharmacy at 243 E. Main St., Hillsboro, OR 97123.
Hillsboro Pharmacy and Fountain/Facebook
Back in the early days, Dr. Bailey accepted chickens and eggs as payment for his services; today things have changed a little bit. But while you might have to bring money to pick up your prescription, the pharmacist still knows you by name, and the customer service here is stellar.
Hillsboro Pharmacy
Climb right up on a vinyl swivel stool at the counter and order up a frosty malt or shake.
Hillsboro Pharmacy and Fountain/Facebook
The shakes here are made one at a time, the old-fashioned way, with vintage shake mixing machines.
Hillsboro Pharmacy and Fountain/Facebook
They’ll serve your shake in a tall, frosty glass, and you’ll get a little extra in the chilly aluminum cup it was mixed in!
Hillsboro Pharmacy and Fountain/Facebook
You’ll find other tasty ice cream treats on the menu, like sundaes, pie, and ice cream cones, too. It’s never too early to start the tradition of ice cream at the soda fountain!
Hillsboro Pharmacy and Fountain/Facebook
In the good old days, the pharmacy soda fountain was the place to hang out on the weekend to see and be seen. Today, it’s probably not the cool hot spot for checking out your high school crush, but you might want to sit under the awning to enjoy your shake, people-watch, and read the paper.
Hillsboro Pharmacy and Fountain/Facebook
You can get a great start to your day with a hearty breakfast at the soda fountain. Menu choices include breakfast sandwiches, omelets, pancakes, french toast, and more.
Richard Karther/Google
Lunch from the grill is served between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Enjoy a juicy cheeseburger, patty melt, or BLT, served with a pickle on the side. The chips are a lot more modern, but the food is the same quality that you remember enjoying as a kid.
Kay Bridges/Google
Hillsboro Pharmacy has been an integral part of the community for more than 140 years! Just look behind the counter of the soda fountain, where you’ll find plenty of memorabilia and humor, mixed in with newspaper clippings, and photos of loved ones and customers as they’ve celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and accomplishments.
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If you’d like to learn more about this charming, historic pharmacy, visit its website, and follow its Facebook page for the latest news. Do you have memories of visiting the old-fashioned soda fountain in Hillsboro Pharmacy? Share your stories with our readers in the comments!
Hillsboro Pharmacy and Fountain/Facebook
Hillsboro Pharmacy
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Kay Bridges/Google
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Some of Oregon’s oldest businesses are the very best, don’t you agree? Check out this historic Oregon roadhouse that serves the best chicken and dumplings.
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Address: 243 E. Main St., Hillsboro, OR 97123
