We love our Salem neighborhood! There’s the natural splendor of the Pacific Northwest, the friendly vibe of a mid-sized city — and there are lots of incredible dining options thanks to a diverse and international population. So while we take responsibility for inspiring the munchies, we’ll also provide you with a cure: A sampling of our the best restaurants in Salem, Oregon!
Restaurants in Salem, Oregon, That’ll Make You Drool
Cachét Tamales and Bakery
1105 Wallace Rd NW
Salem, OR 97304
(971) 273-6214
At first glance, there’s not much to recommend this tiny hut, located right next to a gas station. But you’ll find outstandingly fresh and vibrant Guatemalan-style tamales and sides here. Savory, tender, and steamed in fragrant banana leaves, they more than make up for the lack of amenities. Word to the wise: Don’t skip the green-flecked cilantro rice and housemade salsas.
Happy Bibimbap House
635 Chemeketa St NE
Salem, OR 97301
(503) 585-1530
Another unassuming little joint that punches above its weight, Happy Bibimbap serves up the in-your-face flavors of Korea with tastebud-pleasing (and wallet-pleasing) skill. Look for soy-and-garlic marinated beef, pork or chicken served over sizzling rice, or go further afield with Korea’s famous kimchi (pickled, chili-spiced fermented vegetables that are pretty good for you), spicy barbecued meats, or full-flavored and filling hot pot soups.
Word Of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro
140 17th St NE
Salem, OR 97301
(503) 930-4285
A Salem institution, Word of Mouth serves up classic, filling, and dependably delicious breakfast and diner fare. From pancakes made with local Oregon blueberries to massive, flaky biscuits and hash browns, you’ll find perfect, handmade renditions of the foods you grew up on — or wish you’d grown up on!
La Fondita 2
3330 Center St NE
Salem, OR 97301
(503) 400-7841
Another place where a humble exterior hides great food. From the warm beans and salsa that arrive at the table as an appetizer to the simple, hearty, but flavorful dishes you’ve come to expect at great Mexican restaurants — enchiladas, chile-fired birria stew, chiles relleños, and sopes — almost everything at this little family-run enterprise isn’t just as good as you’d hope — it’s better.
Roger That BBQ
1492 Brush College Rd NW
Salem, OR 97304
(503) 363-6716
Okay, we’ll be upfront here. A meal at Roger That is not going to make you feel light as a feather. You are going to feel like you ate a plateful of pure fire and smoke. And you’re going to feel awesome about it. No real surprises here: Brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and red-hot sausages, all lovingly smoked in a real pit barbecue. Though if you want some “vegetables” to go with that, you can try fried okra or onion rings. Bon appetit!
Better Than Mama’s
1300 Broadway St NE
Salem, OR 97301
(503) 302-0063
We’ll end on a healthy note here, or at least a slightly healthy one. You’ll find simple but fresh, handmade and delicious spins on casual dining fare here, from standout sandwiches like the B.L.A.T. (bacon, arugula, avocado, and tomatoes) and a fusional Korean cheesesteak to a “farmer’s market” piled with grilled veggies and herbed goat cheese or edamame hummus. Housemade tortilla chips, vibrant salsas, and special daily salads make this one of our favorite restaurants in Salem, Oregon.
And don’t forget to stop by our new dispensary in Salem to ensure you make the most of all these inviting flavors.
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