The Best Restaurants, Food Carts, and Bars in Salem, Oregon

"Tucked into an industrial pocket in West Salem you’ll find Xicha, a Latinx brewery and colorful bar space with garage doors for walls and picnic tables aplenty. The brewery’s beers tend towards the light and easy drinking; Playa Pilsner, mango pale ale, and a guava sour, a Deschutes collaboration, pour from the taps, along with seasonal specials. Chef and co-owner Ricardo Antúnez’s polished menu is ideal for snacking: Order a spread of guava chipotle barbecued spareribs; chorizo and cheese croquetas; empanadas stuffed with jackfruit tinga; and tacos of grilled cod, beef barbacoa, or crispy pork belly to share among a table for four. While beer might be the focus, the bar’s seasonal fruit margaritas are a wonderful way to start an evening." - Emily Teel