Oregon is a center of the craft brewing industry, and those wanting great beer have a lot of options in Salem. From an outpost of the classic Rogue Ale brewery to Latin American-inspired breweries and cider companies, beer drinkers can find an array of options to explore, and some great food to go along with it.
Latin American-Inspired Brewing
La Familia Cider Company
231 Court Street NE, Suite 100, Salem
One of the most creative new alcohol brands around, La Familia Cider Company merges the flavors of classic Mexican aguas frescas (fresh fruit juices) with hard cider. Flavors include the classic apple, along with guava, hibiscus, and tamarind. In addition to the great ciders, La Familia also serves cocktails, including the ciders, for those who want that little bit more complexity. They also have a rotating beer selection. Food includes tasty tacos and other Mexican-inspired foods.
Xicha Brewing
2195 Hyacinth Street NE, STE 162, Salem
Xicha Brewing is a Latine-led brewery based in Salem, recently moved from West Salem to the 45 Parallel Building in Northeast Salem. It’s a great brewery, specifically meant to be welcoming to everyone, even families. They specialize in ales and lagers in a mix of European and New World styles. A current look at their offerings included a Huitlacoche (Mexican Truffle) Stout, Mangifera (Mango Sour), a Chela (Mexican Lager), and a Guayaba (Guava) Golden Ale, among many others.
To go with your beer, their taco selection is truly outstanding, featuring options like fish, barbacoa, and veggie. Other selections include nachos, empanadas, pupusas, and chimichangas. If beer isn’t your drink of choice, there’s a full margarita menu in Mexican fruit flavors, plus tequila and mezcal.
Salem-Area Breweries
Gilgamesh Brewing
2065 Madrona Avenue SE, Salem
Gilgamesh Brewing is growing throughout the Mid-Valley, but it got its start with a family of homebrewers just outside Salem in Turner. Named for the Sumerian epic poem that featured beer, the brewery and adjacent brewpub are in South Salem, with a lovely patio beside Pringle Creek. The beers are classic Oregon fare – lots of IPAs and hefeweizen with porters and lighter lagers.
The restaurant features burgers and sandwiches, with steak and fish entrees as well. They also have gourmet macaroni and cheese with different add-ins like pulled pork and brisket. For an enjoyable summer evening outdoors with good beer and food, Gilgamesh is the place to check out.
For Tomorrow We Die Brewing
2315 25th Street SE, Salem
For Tomorrow We Die Brewing, located across the street from the airport, offers seasonally-inspired beers that change based on the time of year. The current selections for summer include fruit-forward IPAs, golden and amber ales, and a stout. Unsure what you might want to drink? Try one of the tasting flights and sample multiple beers before deciding.
If you’re not in the mood for beer, they have a creative cocktail list that will appeal to most drinkers, and even some non-alcoholic selections. All of the food is provided by the team from Taproot, the downtown restaurant, in a cute trolley. There is an extensive tapas menu, healthy bowls, and many sandwich and burger options. For Tomorrow We Die is a great small brewpub in Salem, brewing just for those who come to the site.
Santiam Brewing
2544 19th Street SE, Salem
Located in one of Salem’s industrial areas, Santiam Brewing features British and American-style beers. Known for their fish and chips, the beer at Santiam is an excellent accompaniment to that classic British fare. They have a good selection of lighter beers like lager and light ales, as well as darker porters and stouts. They also offer classic British ales and IPAs, along with cider brewed on site. Their menu features hearty British pub food, from bangers and mash to shepherd’s pie, but with many vegetarian options as well.
A Classic Oregon Beer Brand
Rogue Salem Public House
555 9th Street NW, Salem
Rogue Salem Public House is the newest addition to Salem’s brewing scene, situated at the corner of Wallace and Glen Creek Road in West Salem. Rogue is one of the most popular beer brands to come out of Oregon, and they’ve been winning awards since they started in Newport in 1988. They are also known for their craft-distilled alcohols that feature in their non-beer offerings. Their menu is classic brewpub fare, featuring everything from burgers and macaroni to fish and chips.
Salem’s breweries have something to offer any beer or cider enthusiast, from creative new flavors to classic recipes. Visiting any of these locations will remind you of the depth and love that Oregon has for its breweries.
