Whether you’re looking for classic drinks or creative takes on what it means to be a cocktail, Salem has you covered in one way or another. Most of the locations are around the downtown core, so if you’re hoping to make an evening of it, you can walk between the bars.
Cozy Taberna
249 Liberty Street NE, Salem
The Cozy Taberna is a Salem landmark. Located in Electric Alley, it’s a tucked-away spot that’s perfect for a special night out. The establishment specializes in tapas with a very strong wine list, but they are also a great place for cocktails. Spirit Night is a good example of the Cozy Taberna’s commitment to cocktails. The bar hosts “Spirit Night– a monthly event featuring a signature welcome cocktail, a thoughtfully curated dinner, and a guided tasting of the selected spirit presented by a guest speaker.” Upcoming spirit nights will focus on E. H. Taylor, Jack Daniel’s, and Maker’s Mark. It’s a pretty spendy evening at $150 each, but it does come with a fine-dining buffet filled with Cozy Taberna’s awesome food, and a hefty array of each spirit.
If you just want to stop by for happy hour or an evening cocktail with some food, it’s hard to beat the menu at the Cozy Taberna. Drink offerings are divided into “House Specialities” and “Classic Cocktails.” Specialties include their house blend of Sangria with Rioja wine, a “Basque Kiss” including Basque liqueur, and a Sevilla Orange Gin Tonic with ingredients like Tanqueray Sevilla Orange Gin and an Orange Sea Salt Shrub. Classic Cocktails mean a list that has Negronis, Sazeracs, and Old Fashioneds. Even though most people go to a cocktail bar for alcohol, the Cozy Taberna also offers a newly-created zero-proof menu, with intricate and delicious mocktails, non-alcoholic beer and wine, and soda.
Archive Coffee and Bar
102 Liberty Street NE, Salem
Archive Coffee and Bar is an atmospheric establishment downtown with a dark and sophisticated vibe. They serve coffee and food during the day, and starting at 4 p.m., cocktails. They have some great takes on classic cocktails, like the “Toki Old Fashioned” with Suntory Toki whisky, Nathan Lee bitters, plum bitters, and house-toasted sesame simple.
You can also get fascinating drinks like the “Fig Sage Smoke:” Smokey mezcal, tequila blanco, Montenegro, fresh lime, and house-made fig & sage syrup, served over crushed ice with a fresh fig garnish. They also have a low and no-alcohol menu, with similarly creative drinks.
Lively Station
3635 River Road S, Salem
Lively at the Mill
Inside the Willamette Heritage Center
1313 Mill Street SE, Salem
Lively Station and its smaller counterpart inside the Willamette Heritage Center offer shared plates, burgers, and some entrees along with great cocktails, wine, and beer. The main outpost, Lively Station, is located in a building that was “[b]uilt beside the Livesley train station in the early 1900s as a general store and dance hall.” There is indoor and outdoor seating, and the cocktail menu is expansive.
All of the drinks are creative, and many include unusual pairings. All are named after songs. Offerings range from “Blurred Lines,” with house fennel peppercorn bourbon, Aperol, house creme de mure, and lemon, to “Smooth Criminal,” featuring tequila, house pamplecello, thyme-infused sauvignon blanc, and lime.
At the Lively Station outpost in the Willamette Heritage Center, the menu is much smaller and focused on classic cocktails. Those offerings include a mimosa, a “beer-mosa,” Aperol spritz, and sangria. Located in one of the old mill buildings, Lively Station at the Mill has a great intimate atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor tables.
Taproot Lounge and Cafe
356 State Street, Salem
A downtown staple open from breakfast until late, Taproot Lounge and Cafe has a range of cocktails for the discerning drinker. The food menu has something for everyone, with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options in addition to more traditional meat offerings.
Their cocktail menu is divided by spirits – vodka, gin, tequila/mescal, bourbon/whiskey, rum/brandy, and mocktails. Some highlights include the “False Idol” with coconut rum, silver rum, velvet falernum, cherry pomegranate simple syrup, lime, and pineapple. Another creative concoction is the “Rainbow Connection,” with cotton candy tequila, blue raspberry, lime, pineapple, and chili liqueur. If you’re interested in new and creative cocktails, definitely give Taproot a try.
Salem bartenders are moving drinks in new and fun directions, and anyone who likes cocktails will be sure to find some great new drinks to try. Whether you’re wanting a special night out or something new for a happy hour, you won’t be sorry to try these bars with a partner or group of friends.
