Those of us who live in Salem know that it can’t compete with the dining and events in Portland, but the ease of access, lack of big crowds, and pleasant downtown atmosphere make a night out in Salem something to look forward to. Even though we might not have the restaurant choices people have in bigger cities, there are some excellent date-night options and appealing theaters if you’re hoping for a movie or a show with your loved one. All these options are within walking distance of each other, so take advantage of the free night and weekend street parking and take that special someone on a date in Salem.
Splurge on a Romantic Dinner
Cozy Taberna
249 Liberty Street NE #140, Salem
Tucked away in “Electric Alley” between Commercial and Liberty, The Cozy Taberna is a place to go when you want to experience a big-city atmosphere. The restaurant features creative tapas with Northwest flavors, and the entrees are mostly seafood and beef, with a few chicken, lamb, and pork options. The bar menu is incredibly extensive and includes wine, beer, cocktails and hard liquor. The restaurant is hopping on the weekends, and its dark, semi-industrial vibe is an appealing change of pace from most other Salem restaurants.
Rudy’s Steakhouse
350 Chemeketa Street, Salem
A longtime Salem favorite, Rudy’s Steakhouse, like the Cozy Taberna, is in Electric Alley but on the other side of Chemeketa Street. Featuring steak and seafood, Rudy’s also has multiple vegetarian options. One of the more formal restaurants in Salem, Rudy’s dining area, has white tablecloths and chandeliers, and they really go all out for the holidays. They have a great happy hour and an inviting patio for those who want a slightly less formal visit. If you wish to keep Rudy’s magic going after your visit, they have a butcher shop with outstanding meats just across the street.
DaVinci Ristorante
180 High Street SE, Salem
One of Salem’s oldest Italian restaurants, the downtown DaVinci Ristorante, has a rotating menu listed daily on its website. Even though the dishes may change, the categories stay the same – appetizers, raw bar, salad and soup, pasta, and meat. Always favored as one of the most romantic Salem restaurants, DaVinci is a cozy and intimate choice for a memorable meal.
A Trip to the Movies
Salem Cinema
1127 Broadway Street NE, Salem
For those who love independent, foreign, and limited-release movies, Salem Cinema is the theater for you. Located at the corner of Broadway and Market, their offerings are varied and include not just feature films but also documentaries, independent animated works, and filmed live performances of theater, dance, and opera that are typically one-time events. All tickets are a reasonable $11, and it’s good to order your ticket online before you go.
Cinebarre
501 Marion Street NE, Salem
For a great movie-going experience, it’s hard to beat the Cinebarre in downtown Salem. Specifically designed for events like date night, guests must be 18 or older or accompanied by another over 21 patron. Part of the Regal chain, it shows first-run movies with a full menu, bar, and extremely comfortable seats. You order before you go in, and servers bring you the order when it’s ready. It’s also one of the theaters in Salem that shows more independent and foreign movies.
Catching a Show
The Infinity Room
210 Liberty Street SE #150, Salem
If you like comedy and local bands, The Infinity Room will be right up your alley. In addition to local and regional comedy and music performers, you can also see a drag show, an improv performance, and various kinds of open mics. Events are typically under $15 and are posted with a few weeks’ notice.
The Elsinore Theater
170 High St SE, Salem
The Grand Theater
187 High St NE, Salem
The two historic theaters in Salem, The Elsinore and The Grand, bring an eclectic array of events to town. Both feature touring comedy, music, dance acts, and many tribute and cover bands. When bigger acts come to Salem, this is also where they perform – Lyle Lovett and David Sedaris are two national acts on the current schedules that will bring many people to these great theaters.
A night out in Salem often ends with a stroll through downtown and along the riverfront if the weather is nice. If you still don’t want the night to end, Salem bars fill the need, from dive bars to fancier hotel cocktail bars sprinkled throughout the downtown core.
