El Ranchero Market

Excellent food! I didn't ask, but the corn tortillas I got have all the hallmarks of fresh made…read more The carne asada was perfect. The tacos dorados were also excellent.

This is more like a hole in a wall family restaurant and we went in after checking out the reviews…read more What amazing authentic Mexican food! We ordered the Camarone À la diabla and it was savory and spicy, just the way we like it. The portions were also generous. Will definitely stop by on our way to Portland!

Covered indoor patio

Carne Asada steak

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Seating area

Taqueria El Jacalito

4.6(61 reviews)

3.2 mi

Had lunch here while visiting a relative at the Salem hospital. The food was delicious, and the…read moreservice couldn't have been more friendly. I stayed to eat my meal, watched some soccer and had a few beers. The quesabirria tacos were excellent. I'll admit, I don't know what the "perfect" quesobirria taco is supposed to be; I look for crunch, flavor and how the consome tastes. Additionally, I want onions and cilantro to add to the consome to meet my tastes - all were provided (along with rice and beans). Very nice people, good food. Would I recommend this place or eat here again...absolutely!

We had some time to wait before the donation center up the street opened so we decided to go get…read morebreakfast. Based on a recommendation we decided to try the taqueria that was just up the block. You definitely get the old diner vibe when you walk in...all booths and counter service. The place wasn't very busy, but it was a Monday morning. We were seated immediately in one of the booths. I ordered chilaquiles and my husband ordered huevos rancheros. The food was excellent...you could almost taste the love and care that went into preparing it. Before we left they let us know their holiday open schedule...I gotta say, we might just be starting a new Christmas tradition this year.

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El Mezcalito

3.8(4 reviews)

1.6 mi

Our old favorite tamales place was pretty hit and miss hours so we tried this place that is more…read morereliably open. And yes indeed it's a good choice if you want a good tamale.

This is actually a one star review, but marking it as 5 stars to help this place make up for all…read moretheir advertising money yelp is flushing down the toilet (or stealing, as yelp does). Shows up as an ad in literally every search within ten miles for me, says it's open, and when I show up, it's closed. I didn't even find it through the ads, just searched mexican food. Pictures look nice. No food for me.

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La Carreta de Mi Tierra

4.3(67 reviews)

0.5 mi

Tacos are excellent, really brings the street tacos feel! I would recommend going earlier in the…read moreevening during the weekend before all the people that have been partying show up.

Fresh made corn tortillas. I've never had a bad meal here! Love their tacos de tripa and asada!…read moreGreat salsa bar too!! Wish it was open everyday!

Tacos: 2 Lengua, 2 Tripa (extra crispy) and 1 Pastor with a Agua de Piña.

Sign

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Seating

La Vida Catrina

4.5(195 reviews)

2.4 mi

great food and clean place. service was spot on and very friendly. will be going back againread more

The service is exceptional The margaritas are delicious…read more The food was super fresh and amazing. Ive never had mexican like it before. It was a treat!

Dining room & bar area

Chiles en nogada

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Chips, salsa, and refried black beans.

Los Toreros

4.5(60 reviews)

2.9 mi

We just tried this place for the first time and are in love; the food and drinks were amazing!! We…read moreorders a couple appetizers (guacamole and chili con queso) which were very good and for entrees we ordered carne asada and a chicken burrito, both of which were amazing. You are served complementary chips and salsa which are both very good. We also tried the black berry margaritas and hibiscus lime margarita which were some of the best we've had in ages! Everyone was so friendly and the restaurant was very clean and so cute too!! On top of all that it was very reasonably priced. This will definitely become a regular place for us!

Came in half hour before and they had already closed . Would expect to be seating till atleast half…read morehour prior

Tacos

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Blackberry margarita

La Hacienda Real

3.9(322 reviews)

4.9 mi

This place is a decent staple for a Mexican restaurant. The handmade tortillas are wonderful. I…read morelove the tortilla soup. Grabbing takeout is easy. It's clean and the staff is very nice.

The place was busy so we waited a short time for a table…read more Once seated it took awhile for our server to take our order. She was not friendly at all. No smiles or asking how we were doing that night. We asked for two more bowls of salsa but she brought only one. My friend asked for another bowl of salsa but the server didn't bring it. Our food arrived. It looked good but after a few bites of my enchiladas I felt the food tasted marginal. The other two people with me thought their dishes were okay but not great. I definitely would not return to this location.

Menu page

Reasons to Not Not like La Hacienda! Pollo a La Diablo! Fresh Tortillas and a Cadillac Margarita on the rocks!

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El Padrino Taqueria

5.0(3 reviews)

0.6 mi

As one of the more noticeable taquerias in Salem, I'm genuinely surprised there aren't more reviews…read morefor El Padrino. (#1) For years when this taco cart operated along Portland Road (#2) it was low on the radar but known in the community. Fast forward a few years, it's not quite a brick & mortar, but a space for patrons to sit inside to enjoy their food while everything is cooked outside on a cart. The format isn't for everyone (#3), but it's right up my alley. Beyond the colorful murals along the interior and spacious seating, this is still very much a dive. The place is open typically at night and the cloud of grease that permeates the room from all the fatty meats being grilled up. The ventilation is questionable and the seating (fold up chairs and plastic tables) is hardly glamorous. I don't know if I'd have it any other way. For some folks, seeing certain taco meats sitting in a pool of lard / fat / questionable liquid might be an eyesore but once the grilling begins it's a new ballgame. I enjoy almost all the meats, whether it's their famous al pastor sitting on a tromp with a pineapple on top, or their variety of cecina, carnitas, cabeza (cheek, mainly), barbacoa, and asada. There's no guarantee of what they'll have on any given night, so I'm usually good with whatever they have available. The charred grill is also the same place for their tortillas, which are also fried in said lard, and give off this smokiness that might not be everyone's cup of tea. I think their barbacoa, which is chivo (#4) style, is really the best thing they have. The meat is incredibly tender, juicy, and full of flavor. It completely encapsulates their namesake in "ricos tacos" as one of their signature items. As always, it is cash only and speaking Spanish is a must. I'm not saying it's the best taqueria in the city, but for late night eats, it's certainly one of ones to beat. __________ (#1) Aka "The Godfather" (#2) Twas another time: https://www.yelp.com/biz/taqueria-el-padrino-salem (#3) Real talk: Most folks in Salem will likely never go to a place like this. That's really too bad. (#4) Goat, my amigos.

Yum! This little stand on the side of the road has a little seating area and no menu, just a sign…read more Ask the chef what meats he has, and order some tacos/quesadillas etc and you will not be disappointed. He is very kind. It is obvious he puts care into having his meat ready to cook and marinated and seasoned greatly. They are seasoned so well that we just added some lime and didn't even get to try the salsa. The tripa is perfectly crunchy and soft and has great flavor. The chicharrón is soft and so delicious. Will be back and they're open until like 5am!!!

Tripa and chicharrón tacos

Inside

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Inside

Abiertos

3.5(299 reviews)

0.8 mi

Driven past Alberto's for years and finally decided to stop in. After seeing it so many times…read morewithout trying it, I went in more curious than expectant. I left pleasantly surprised. My first impression was positive. The establishment was clean, brightly colored, and filled with natural light. The dining area is relatively small, with a modest number of tables and chairs, but it felt comfortable rather than cramped. The atmosphere was casual and welcoming. The employees were friendly, and the service was notably fast without feeling rushed. I ordered the chicken burrito for $8.99, genuinely unsure what that price point would translate to in size or quality. The answer was immediate. This was a substantial burrito, roughly 10 inches long, and packed from end to end with filling. Not one of those burritos that gives the illusion of size but turns out to be mostly tortilla. Once opened, the cross-section told the story clearly: generous meat, a good mix of fresh ingredients, and a burrito that looked thoughtfully assembled rather than carelessly thrown together. The flavor matched the appearance. It was hearty, satisfying, and exactly what one hopes for in a burrito. The chicken was flavorful, the ingredients worked well together, and nothing about it felt skimpy. The tortilla had a light browning to it, which added both texture and visual appeal. Just as important, it was wrapped exceptionally well. For a burrito this full, that matters. It held together while eating, keeping the filling where it belonged rather than turning into a mess halfway through. Another detail worth mentioning was the sauce selection. Having multiple options from mild to hot allowed for some customization, and they were worth sampling. They added another layer to the meal rather than feeling like an afterthought. What stood out most was the overall value. Quality, quantity, speed, and price do not always align this well, but here they did. For $8.99, the portion was generous, the food was flavorful, and the service was efficient. Add in the fact that Alberto's is open 24 hours a day, and it becomes even more appealing. In the end, what impressed me most was not simply the size of the burrito, but the fact that the entire experience felt solid across the board: clean setting, friendly staff, fast service, fair pricing, and food that delivered. After driving past this place for years, I can say it was worth finally stopping in. I would return.

Stopped by here as a pit stop & a must by my friends as they road trip south on the 5 frequently!…read moreThe menu (so affordable too!) is such a delicious experience reading the menu options as well how you can have them prepared for you. We had the california and oregon burrito toasted, w the additional options to have the guac & sour cream within the burrito. It was so nicely prepared and dense! A huge portion - it looked like I barely made a dent in it, it was impressive! lol Service is great, the salsa bar was fun, especially a girl that likes things w spice. Restrooms are out back w a key. The vibe is vibrant and familiar which is always welcomed too :)

The nickel I found in my Supreme Burrito

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El Toro Taqueria & Seafood

5.0(1 review)

0.5 mi

Listen, I need this place to get more hype. I visited after seeing a Facebook post on Salem Eats…read more My husband and I walked into the restaurant; literally the only guests. The owners jumped up to greet us. Obviously we were promptly seated. First the breakfast menu looks AMAZING. Otherwise the menu was small, and what I had seen on FB was not listed. I inquired about the pork belly and guacamole. The owner grabbed came over to my table and asked me where I seen that advertisement. I told them; they did not have any available. Soooo you know what they did, they went out and got it. I will dream of the food here. Amazing. I am assuming they are not getting as much business because, unfortunately they do not serve alcohol. I hope this will not deter you. I also, obviously, hope they get back to serving margaritas and beer soon. They are also a fresh bakery, the owner brought us a few samples on the house. PLEASE CHECK THEM OUT! You will not be disappointed. Plus it's super cute inside

From the owner: El Toro is unique in its own Mexican taste, everything is new and clean, friendly environments and…read moreenough seating for big groups. Food is delicious that will keep you coming back for more. Portions of food are enough to feel you up.

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5 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Leonard H.

150

2 years ago

EL Rancho - A Hidden Gem in Salem! I recently had the pleasure of dining at EL Rancho, located at 2615 Lancaster Dr. NE, Salem, OR 97305, and it was an unforgettable experience! The food was absolutely magnificent, bursting with authentic flavors that left my taste buds dancing. The staff treated me and my party with exceptional care and warmth, making us feel right at home. Our meals arrived promptly, and every dish was a delight. Special shoutout to their horchata - it's to die for! If you're in Salem and craving some top-notch Mexican cuisine, EL Rancho is the place to be. Highly recommend! read more

Evelyn A.

11 years ago

OMGGGG I FOUND MAGGOTSSS IN THE CHICKEN I WOULD CLOSE THIS PLACE DOWN NOW PLUS :This girl is in the hospital for those maggots and this girl posted this on Facebook and is trying to sew Ranchero market and they bloke her read more

Cristina B.

8 years ago

Worse place to eat services sucks management is ridiculous this place should not be running the food is not the greatest an they treat there employees like crap very unprofessional.... read more

Malcolm S.

11 years ago

Very rude customer service. Have gone a couple of times and have been treated the same way every time. They do not seem to care about their customers. read more

Victor G.

11 years ago

This place is a great place to eat! Everyone is very friendly. I love it.

El Ranchero Market - mexican - Updated November 2026

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We were out running Saturday errands and decided to get Mexican food. We literally saw this as we…read morewere driving to another place and said, "why not?" I am so glad we stopped! Don't judge based on the outside! I couldn't deside so I got a chicken torta and sope, and a cheese empeñada. Everything was freshly made and from scratch. I ended up taking torta home. The fry on the tortilla was perfect and everything was moist and not over cooked. My husband got the tamales with black mole and he endnotes it. The mole had great flavor and was excited to find it as it's hard to find a good one. As for service, you order at the counter and find a seat. They bring you the food. I think due to it being only us there, we didn't see our waitress as much as I would have liked or maybe you have to go to the counter for service. The restaurant itself is very small. But very nicely furnished and having live plants was a nice touch. Nothing crazy about decor, other than it's not over the top like a lot of Mexican restaurants. This is a great local place that you just have to try!

We've been here twice already , ordered food to go and they told us a certain amount it's been…read morealmost an hour and no food yet. Cashier guy keeps saying he'll be out soon and they served another to go order that came after us before us. horrible customer service do not recommend.

Juniors Taqueria

4.2

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The staff is so beyond friendly. The food is the real star though. I've had their carnitas…read moregorditas. Pictured below their carnitas torta with everything on it and a steak taco with handmade corn tortillas Casual place. Nothing to fancy but gets the job done! Delicious.

Bomb... Legit mexican food. Nice and quiet small place the food is probabaly the closest you can…read moreget to homemade Mexican food.

Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant

4.0

(115 reviews)

Finally! A good Mexican food place in Salem. We have passed by several times but never stopped in…read more But tonight was different. The place is the typical ambiance but it was overshadowed by great staff and great food. We had the Garibaldi Fiesta that gave us a taste of everything. Add that to a couple of perfect Margaritas and we were in heaven. Our waitress was very nice and helpful. This is the place to go for a great dinner so stop in soon and enjoy the culinary experience.

This place is very comfy and cute inside and the service is fast and friendly. I had the 2…read moreenchiladas with chicken lunch special. The rice was cooked perfectly, the beans were good and the chicken was tender and juicy. But sadly, there is almost no flavor to anything I tried. Everything is pretty plain with little to know seasoning or spice. Everything did taste fine, I just wanted some sort of flavor. I gave it four stars for ambiance, service and food that tastes fine.

JJ's Mexican Food

4.2

(43 reviews)

Super awesome surprise finding this hidden gem today while starving in Salem. We were passing…read morethough and I had a "I need to eat right now or I may get stabby" moment so I hopped on Yelp and this place popped up. It has positive reviews and when we walked in it was super clean so we decided to try it out! We were immediately greeted by two very nice young ladies who gave us a choice of socially distanced seats. After sitting it was less than 90 seconds until we had drinks and chips and salsa while we perused to menu. Settling on carne asada for myself and pollo el diabla for my husband we settled in to wait. Less than 10 minutes passed and we had piping hot delicious food. The carne asada was cooked perfectly and seasoned so well, you can tell this is a family recipe. The diabla was so hot my husband was sweating which was entertaining to see. The drinks were kept full and the service was very hospitable. We would 10/10 go again if we were in the area. Just some housekeeping: Dine in is only available Fri, Sat, Sun from 11-5pm The lights in the bathrooms were going out but she warned me first so I wasn't taken by surprise.

Oh my gosh left my food didn't even want to take it home to throw it out. Not only was it cold but…read moreno flavor and no sauce on the enchiladas. Don't get me started on the bean and rice if you like this place your relatives

Kike’s Taqueria

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Really good tacos and quick service. Worth dipping in for an affordable lunch or dinner.read more

Was in the chorizo & eggs mood for breakfast, went to my trusted source (Yelp) and it again…read moredelivered!!! Good food , good prices , and good service !! Their green salsa is amazing!!! I definitely recommend and would definitely go back when back in Salem .

Plaza Morelia

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Had a really good experience here, this place also makes homemade corn tortillas & flour tortillas…read morepurchased a bag to go, definitely recommend the corn tortillas. The flour tortillas are good freshly made eat them while they're hot. Purchased 2 pounds of carnitas to go & tried their tripa tacos & pastor tacos the carnitas are really good I recommend Tripa & carnitas for your tacos! Also sampled a Cabesa taco that was off the hook good! Pastor meat was also favorable, definitely coming back! Service was good as well, for being the first time, make sure you add everything in your ticket! The place can get a little loud and a little crowded, since it's good food expect that! This place is also a butcher meat and a grocery store! I noticed they had octopus and other seafood in their freezer, next time I will definitely bring home some octopus to try it out!

Great food, excellent service, friendly people, always happy to help. nothing more to say great…read moreplace.

Tony's Taco Shop

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(147 reviews)

Yummy tacos! The Al pastor was crispy and in little bits almost like chorizo. They were very…read moregenerous with the meat, i would definitely go back!

I got the breakfast burrito with adobado. Something was missing in the flavor. I can't put my…read morefinger on it. I think the potatoes were under seasoned maybe. Some fresh elements in the salsa bar like cilantro might have been a help. I like that there are no other obnoxious fillers in the burrito. However I have had breakfast burritos before. And while I appreciate the size, the price was a little steep. I ate there and I'm not sure if it was the staff or me but it just seemed like people don't do that often. Unfortunately I think I could do better in the area as far as Mexican food goes.

Loncheria Y Antojitos El Perico

4.0

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Ok so pros, so many options and different types of snacks. They also have alcoholic drinks which is…read morenice. They also have a jukebox which you can download the app and choose the music from your phone. Con they don't have prices on the menu and when you get the total you see it's a little pricey. But overall I recommend this place

Pretty cool hole in the wall spot here in Salem... but once you walk in you will be welcomed and…read moreknow you've made a great choice to check it out. There are so many options on the menu. I would recommend all of the ones we tried to everyone if you're down for a little spice in your life lol

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I NEED A TACO SALAD!!! AND THEY DELIVERED! I also got a bean and cheese burrito, a taco salad, and…read more2 orders if street tacos. Not only looked did they look clean their prices were very affordable for how much they give and how delicious they were. But the Taco salad was amazing and huge. The service was great and I couldn't finish.

Very good tacos! They don't make their own tortillas, but they do buy them handmade from a local…read moreplace. Definitely can taste the difference. We tried different meats, but the Carne Asada was definitely their best! It's good quality steak and it's grilled. They also put guacamole on the tacos, which is really tasty and they have some really good variety of salsas at their salsa bar. I'm not sure about any of the other food, since I only wanted to stick to the tacos since they were so good! Went there three days consecutive, while I was working at Oregon State Fair. I'll go back every time I make it out to Salem!

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