At the heart of the picturesque village of Hillsboro, nestled amidst New Mexico’s pristine, mountainous landscapes, the Hillsboro General Store Café stands as a living testimony to a remarkable journey through history, providing a most unique dining experience – one that transports you back in time to the late 1800’s – while also serving up a tempting breakfast or lunch. Located in a historic adobe building dating back to 1879, the café’s journey has been quite eclectic, with the building serving as a bank, telegraph office, stagecoach stop and storeroom in its very early years. Under the able stewardship of Ben and Doreen Lewis, the establishment is now a beacon of culinary excellence, where great food intertwines seamlessly with the rich tapestry of history.
The Cafe’s Most Interesting Journey Through Time
Born Out of a Gold Rush
Hillsboro epitomizes the label “boom town” as it grew from an isolated gold strike by three men in 1977 to a tent town of hundreds and then thousands in just a little over a decade. Buildings sprung up quickly, including the building that now houses the Hillsboro General Store Café and a larger adjacent building, which served as a mercantile.
Decades as a Drug Store
The mercantile was purchased by George and Ninette Miller in 1903, renaming the business Miller Drug Store. When a destructive flood destroyed the main building in 1914, the Miller’s moved their business into the adjacent, smaller building which had been serving as a storeroom. Eventually, the Millers’ son, George, took over, running the business for several decades. The bench in front of the store, dedicated to George’s memory, is a clear indication that he was loved and appreciated by the community.
The Transition to General Store
Three years before George’s death in 1972, he sold Miller Drug Store to a young couple who reopened the store under the name Hillsboro General Store. Their motto, “If you can’t find it here, we can tell you how to get along without it!” is still on the early 1900’s cash register today.
And Then… The County Cafe’
In 1986, the building changed hands and direction again, becoming The County Café. And then, one more change of ownership brings us to Ben and Doreen Lewis, the current proud owners of what is now the Hillsboro General Store Café.
The Hillsboro General Store Café Today
An Oasis of Historic Treasures
Having been continually in use for well over a century, the building is a treasure trove of historical artifacts artfully displayed on the walls, stimulating conversations and certainly many “What is that?” questions. Farm implements, cooking utensils, tins and crocks, old photos, paintings, and trapper tools are some of the many items that transform the cafe into a living museum that narrates tales from the past.
A Treat for the Eyes and the Palate
Ben and Doreen Miller infused a fresh breath of life into the café, turning it into a gourmet haven that is revered by locals and tourists alike. Today, the café, which proudly uses locally-sourced ingredients, serves breakfast and lunch Friday through Sunday from 8am to 3pm. Menu choices range from New Mexican favorites to unique twists on traditional American fare, not to mention the homemade desserts, hand-dipped ice cream and delicious thick shakes!
Conclusion
Definitely off the beaten path, the Hillsboro General Store Café is well worth the drive for several reasons, from the picture-perfect vistas you’ll pass along the way to the historic buildings that still stand today and the ultimate payoff – a delicious breakfast or lunch at the café!
