Forest Grove's restaurant scene is small but punches above its weight, largely thanks to the Pacific University crowd and the Tualatin Valley wine industry. Most places are on Pacific Avenue, the main downtown street.
Maggie's Buns is the iconic Forest Grove breakfast spot -- a tiny bakery known for cinnamon rolls the size of a child's head, plus a short lunch menu of soups and sandwiches. Open early, closed by mid-afternoon. Ironwork Grill at McMenamins Grand Lodge does the standard McMenamins menu in handsome surroundings. Urban Decanter on Pacific Avenue is a wine bar and small-plate restaurant that does a good job of showcasing Tualatin Valley producers. For something cheaper, Yan's at the corner of Pacific and 21st does decent Chinese-American food at fair prices.
Tap water is excellent here -- the city draws from springs in the Coast Range. Tipping at sit-down restaurants is the standard 18 to 20 percent.