In the heart of West Salem, Checkpoint 221 has quickly become a beloved destination for locals seeking a wide array of culinary delights. Unlike a traditional restaurant, Checkpoint 221 offers a unique dining experience by providing a secure and vibrant space for different food cart owners to operate their businesses. Co-founded by Roy Long and Scott Mart

La Familia Cider Company’s Jamaica Cider snatched the silver medal at this year’s Northwest Cider Cup, hosted by the Northwest Cider Association (NWCA). Based on a traditional Mexican agua fresca, this hibiscus cider beat out the competition in the Botanical/Herbal category for the second year in a row.

Jose Gonzalez, cofounder of La Familia Cider Com…

Burgerville restaurants will be making their triumphant return to the Salem area when two locations are expected to open in the fall of 2024. The two locations will replace the former Sonic restaurants at 220 Lancaster Drive SE in Salem and 3775 River Road N in Keizer.

“Burgerville has looked at many locations throughout the Pacific Northwest,” Burger…

When talking about the culinary scene of Salem, rich would be a good way to define it, and, at the heart of this vibrant community, lies Ibendoo Ramen. This beloved ramen restaurant, owned and operated by Rocky and his dedicated team, has carved out a unique niche in Salem's gastronomic landscape. Rocky's journey into the restaurant business began in an u

SALEM, Ore. - At El Toro, the culinary journey into the depths of authentic Mexican cuisine captivates those who seek genuine flavors and traditional cooking methods. Israel Díaz, owner of El Toro, along with his dedicated team, has managed to transform a modest space into a haven for lovers of genuine homemade Mexican cooking.

"We are inspired by the …

Salem, OR - La Margarita Company Restaurant, a family-owned establishment, has been an enduring staple of the local dining scene since its inception in 1948. Owned and operated by Javier and Xochitl Muñoz, the restaurant has won over local customers for decades with its unique, flavorful dishes, particularly their signature Enchilada Suiza.

The story of …

Nestled in the heart of Salem, White's Restaurant has emerged as a cornerstone of culinary tradition, offering a haven of comfort food to the community for 88 years. This enduring legacy is the work of Mike and Nicole White, whose foray into the restaurant industry is a blend of passion and destiny.

Mike White, leveraging his five-year tenure in fine dini…

Azul's Taco House, situated at 231 Court St. NE #150 in Salem, Oregon, has quickly become a staple in the local food scene, offering a unique blend of traditional flavors and modern culinary techniques. Founders Tino Land and Jay Razo, who transitioned from working in a grocery store's produce section to pioneering their own restaurant, have infused their

Located at 3995 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97302, Mina’s Cafe stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of a woman who has woven her life’s tapestry with threads of culinary passion, resilience, and the desire to share her gift with the community. Mina, the heart and soul behind this beloved local eatery, has journeyed from the war-torn landscapes

Nestled on Lancaster Dr. NE in Salem, Geppetto's Italian Restaurant embodies a story of resilience, tradition, and community connection. Owners Julie and Roger Hoy share their remarkable journey in this feature, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of local business ownership in Salem.

Geppetto's: A Dream Realized

The Hoys' path to restau…