Half Penny Public House

Sandwiches and tacos are very tasty! A full complete meal when accompanied by one of the many…read moreoutstanding beers on tap! The friendly and timely service from our beer tender and cook was outstanding. There is plenty of open and accessible parking and loads of interior and covered outdoor seating. It is a great space, clean, nice, friendly and a relaxing spot for lunch. An easy find off of I-5 if you are headed north or south bound.

b² Taphouse &Brewery is a place I haven't been to before. I hit all of the breweries quite some…read moretime ago in Salem (also learned to drink more smartly after that trip) and a few more have popped up since. I didn't get the impression this place makes it's own beer as all I saw was guest taps... which is okay because the list was quite large. Looking in Untappd it does look like they indeed made their beer at one point and time and maybe they still do... I just didn't see any on the list. So tsking my own advice and drinking smartly I got a root beer here that was also on tap along with the beer. I don't recall who exactly made the root beer but it was from a brewery and some craft breweries make absolutely fantastic craft sodas and this one was very good! The place seems to have spacious seating but placing orders up at the front counter can get congested. This place is in a cool spot so despite not finding beer I still walked away from it feeling it was a positive experience.

Food so good I forgot to take pictures before we dug in!!

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Chillin' at B2 drinking stout on a rainy day is da' best!

Stone Front Tavern

4.0(87 reviews)

2.2 mi

Lived in the area for over four years and this was my first time trying this place. Nice little…read morehidden gem. Had the Parmesan Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo which the server recommended and it was quite delicious. The parmesan chicken was juicy and had a nice cheesy crunch on the outside. Alfredo sauce wasn't too rich with just the right amount of garlic. Beer was pretty tasty too. Would definitely recommend this place. Looking forward to going back and trying a burger!

We went here just on a whim. I am glad we did. Not the best looking outside but amazing atmosphere…read moreinside. The have 2 outdoor seating areas, one that allows smoking and one that does not. We sat out in the non smoking. Our waitress was great at checking in and making light conversations. She was natural at it and it didn't feel like she was checking in to much. The beers are good pricing and they had some good choices, a variety and a little something for everyone. As for food, I got the black and blue bacon burger and it was amazing. Juicy and not skimpy on the toppings. The fries were crispy and delicious. My husband got the nachos and let me tell you, it's enough for 2-3 people!!! The toppings were mixed through out the nachos and the salsa was homemade and not too spicy. We will be definitely coming back.

Current menu

Nachos, partially eaten.

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Blas k and blue bacon burger

Lucky's Pub

4.6(9 reviews)

1.1 mi

I was in Salem in business and was looking for a local, no-frills bar to have a beer or two. The…read morehotel clerk recommended Lucky's Pub that was about a 5 minute walk from my hotel (The Phoenix Inn & Suites). The bar is located at the back of an older shopping center next to a gun store and martial arts studio...can you say Dive Bar. The small place has bar seating for about a dozen people and another dozen or so tables. There was some sort of "slot machine" assortment in another area. The entire place, including the men's bathroom, was very clean. The bar had about 6 beers on tap, another dozen in cans/bottles and a decent selection of name-brand liquors. The bars is definitely a no-frills, local bar. Having said that, the bartender was very friendly and prompt with her service. The regulars were really friendly, which resulted in quite a few nice conversations during my two visits. As mentioned above, I had such a good time the first night, that I came back my second night in town. Pretty good recommendation for a place. If you happen to find yourself in Salem and are looking for a cool, local bar, you could do no better than Lucky's Pub. Highly recommend.

Loud, busy, and all over the place. Both a good and bad thing. I could be wrong, but I believe…read morethere was a huge party of people there that night (~a month ago). Asked for food and I was told they weren't serving food at that time... Got a spicy pineapple margarita from the specials menu that was hard to drink. Tasted like black pepper and water. If you're looking for a quick stop to get a drink, I'd keep driving down commercial to go somewhere else.

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Alleycat

4.0(7 reviews)

2.7 mi

This place is a gem! It's tucked away but once you find it you'll be glad you stopped in…read more The owner hands down makes some of the best cocktails I have ever had. If you want a delicious sweet treat try "your mother". Lots of the cocktails are made with in-house syrups. They also have a nice selection of snacks and food items too. Come in for a nightcap, to meet with friends or even if you're going on a date. I also loved that there was a dj and the place was decorated for Halloween! I also heard they'll have different dj's come in and events too! Really great addition to downtown Salem!

We really love this place. Especially on a weeknight. Very chill vibe…read more Bartender has a great balance of knowledge, humor and sass that you want from a great bartender.

DJ in the background and here we are with the amazing owner who is also one of the best bartenders.

"Your mother"....the syrup is made in-house and let me tell you....it's SOOOO GOOD! (And my nails happened to match).

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This is one of the mescal drinks. Amazing.

Southside Speakeasy

3.4(41 reviews)

1.2 mi

Good food and a great safe space for queer and straight people alike. The drag shows are fun, they…read morehave dancing and the owners support all of the shows that come through their stage.

Music karaoke dancing and good food! The staff is great and I feel so comfortable here.read more

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Wolfhounds Bar & Grill

4.5(39 reviews)

2.7 mi

We walked in on a whim for our first visit -- no homework, no planning. We will definitely return…read more Ambiance: comfortable, both cool and cozy. Music was excellent; audible but not intrusive. Comfy chairs. Lower lighting, well placed. Service was excellent, friendly and fast. I think our server's name was Mikayla; a gem. Attentive and observant but never intrusive. Drinks: my old fashioned was absolutely perfect and my husband's margarita was fine. Appetizers: beer cheese was well balanced and a bit runny, which I prefer over the library paste version some places serve. The elotes dip was a standout, mildly spicy, with lime in the cilantro, and warm, crispy chips. (Whatever is in their seasoning for chips and fries should be sold separately -- I wanted to try it on everything.) We probably should have stopped there, as the portions were abundant, but our mains were amazing. Smash burger was insanely juicy, nice and onion-y with a few Crunchy Brown Bits around the edges. The roll was fresh and tender, with a good crust; flavorful, not just a shingle. The fries were the best I've had in Salem. Get the garlic-thyme upgrade; you won't regret it. My ribeye was cooked perfectly. Unfortunately they were out of both compound butters, apparently due to a busy Friday, but everything was well seasoned. The vegetable of the day was roasted Brussels sprouts with a sweet-and-salty sauce, almost like kettle corn; amazing. The outer leaves were caramelized without being burned, and the hearts were tender but not mushy. Crispy fried onions were perfect. Fried potatoes were fine, and enriched by their placement between the steak and the sprouts. The diners who came in before us were all smiles when they left, so it wasn't a fluke. Can't wait to come back!

Nice little place to hangout and get a bite, maybe watch a game too. Servers were nice and…read moreattentive. Food: We had the Wagyu Smash burger with sweet potatoes (waffle cut), and the Wagyu Sliders with the Garlic Thyme fries. The smash burger had those good crispy edges and good flavor overall, but started to get a bit rich and could've used a bit more acid to balance the flavors out. The Wagyu sliders were delicious. They came on a pretzel buns, had pickled onions and a good Serrano aioli sauce. Perfect balance of salt, acid, fat, and heat. Fries: the Waffle cut sweet potatoes fried were good but basic. The garlic thyme fried while smelled great, were definitely frozen from a bag and way over cooked to the point of many being burnt. The garlic was also burnt. They could've also used a melted cheese to keep the garlic stuck to the fries. Not sure I'd order them again. Beverages: we had the Santiam Brewery Infiltrator Pilsner, which was great, and the an Silver Falls Brewery IPA (can't recall what brewery it was from).

Wolfhound Mearballa

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Maidenless a prickly pear Gin Cocktail 10/10

Vortex Eatery Plus Taphouse

4.5(31 reviews)

1.1 mi

I had read good things about this place online; one afternoon, I remembered and decided to try it…read more The ambiance is classy and minimalist/modern. It wasn't crowded when I arrived, around 3 or 4pm. Service was very friendly and relaxed. It had a comfortable, friendly vibe. It seems this place has a lot of regulars, because a couple groups came in after me and were greeted by name. It was Tuesday, which meant the Happy Hour menu was available all day. The prices were quite reasonable, and we got plenty of food. We ordered the Korean Street Tacos, and Curried chicken lettuce wraps and the cheeseburger with hand cut fries. Everything was delicious. The Korean tacos were a nice mixture of fresh veggies and rich meat flavors as well as some heat. The wraps were generously filled with a great classic chicken salad with curry, and had a great crunch. The burger was juicy and rich, was a good size and had a yummy brioche bun. The fries were cooked well and the ranch was creamy with a dilly kick. This was some solid food at a great price. Apparently Tuesday is trivia night, but we left before that started. This is a great place for some great food. I can see why this place has regulars!

Upon hearing of a new eatery in town, I suggested that my family check it out…read more We arrived during Happy Hour and were promptly greeted and seated The decor is sleek and clean, minimalist. Cozy and not too loud. Their specials menu of select food and drinks was nice, but I was a but disappointed to learn that the only non-alcoholic offering was a canned golden beer (and soft drinks, water - haha, per our server). They did have a decent selection of draft beer. I shared that many restaurants are offering mocktails and that they're missing an opportunity there. The table ordered a sampling of the menu; Korean tacos, Caesar salad, Mac & Cheese, Burger and fries, and Lettuce wraps. Drinks included strawberry lemonade, draft beer, wine, and ice tea. The Korean tacos were good, but not excellent. I think the shell could be improved upon, maybe a fried won ton? Maybe some chili sauce on the side? The Caesar salad was very good, but the mac and cheese was bland and disappointing. Overall it seems like they're working through some kinks. The server could've used some help, as he seemed to have the only one working all of the tables. No ketchup on the table for fries or offer of any. A condiment station might help, but the place is relatively small. I'm glad we stopped in and will certainly give it another shot. It's nice to have an affordable family friendly spot in Salem and I wish them the best of luck!

Banh Mi and fries

Hawaiian Plate with Pork

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Inside

Mykie's Bar & Lounge

4.3(12 reviews)

2.7 mi

Very strange atmosphere in this place. The server was so not interested in taking my order that I…read morefigured she was in the middle of doing something. Then I overheard the person sitting next to me actually ask for a different server that "wasn't mean". High prices, poor service.

Jessica is the best bartender. I also love Aubree! If they are serving you will have the best time!…read moreThirsty Thursdays $4 wells, taco Tuesdays, best birria tacos in town, the Mac bowls are to die for and serious healthy portions on $1 wing Wednesday. Karaoke Wednesday!!!

Elote Mac Bowl

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For Tomorrow We Die Brewing

3.9(74 reviews)

1.8 mi

Party of 3 on a road trip…read more Stopped by on a Tuesday afternoon. Greeted promptly and friendly. Found a seat at a both with an awesome vintage storage chest table. Ordered drinks only as we had already ate. All were good. Everyone was happy. Facilities are clean. Definitely stop by if you are thinking about it.

Great local hangout. Food is tasty, same creative menu as Taproot. Usually around 8 different brews…read moreon tap. Master brewer has created some very tasty flavors. Service is always great. Atmosphere is very friendly and is an excellent spot for greeting a few friends or even a large group. Pinball machines and lottery for your enjoyment.

Nachos

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Pulled pork sandwich

Paradiso On The Green

3.8(6 reviews)

2.6 mi

Service was excellent, and the food was both delicious and thoughtfully prepared with unique…read moreflavors. The ambiance met expectations, offering a pleasant daytime view and televisions available for watching games in the evening. The bartenders were also outstanding and skilled at crafting enjoyable, well-balanced drinks.

Previously known as Danny's on the Green, and now under new management by the owners of Paradiso…read more Still the same friendly staff and environment, but food has had a nice upgrade and tastes amazing!

Blackened salmon

Gnocchi with Steak

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Risotto with chicken

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Danny F.

2 years ago

Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round for an exploration into the depths of taste and history, as we delve into the essence of The Half Penny Public House in Salem, Oregon. Nestled at 3743 Commercial Street SE, this charming establishment is situated right next to a cannabis store and an Asian massage parlor--a juxtaposition that adds a unique flair to its already To understand The Half Penny, we must first travel through the cosmic history of Salem itself. Salem, derived from the biblical "Shalom," meaning peace, was founded in 1842. It sits in the heart of the Willamette Valley, a region known for its fertile land and historical significance. Originally inhabited by the Kalapuya people, this area has been a meeting and resting place long before recorded history. In the mid-19th century, pioneers traversed the Oregon Trail, lured by the promise of new opportunities and fertile land. By 1851, Salem was designated as the capital of the Oregon Territory and has served as the capital of the state since its establishment. This city, with its rich tapestry of history, is a fitting backdrop for the tale of The Half Penny Public House. Established in 2009, The Half Penny Public House has been serving up delightful meals and drinks with an unmistakable Irish attitude. This bar and grill has become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a blend of traditional pub fare and innovative dishes that keep patrons coming back for more. When you walk into The Half Penny, you're greeted by an inviting atmosphere that feels both familiar and exhilarating. The décor, with its rustic charm, pays homage to the pub's roots while creating a warm environment perfect for enjoying a hearty meal or a cold pint. The establishment hosts live music, enhancing the lively ambiance and providing an auditory delight that complements the culinary delight. The menu at The Half Penny is a stellar compilation of comfort food classics and unique creations. Some of the crowd favorites include the Treger-Smoked Pulled Pork Breakfast Burrito, Red Hook ESB Fish and Chips, and the Prime Rib French Dip. The pub also offers a delectable Prime Rib Dinner that promises to satiate even the most voracious appetites. But it's not just the food that shines. The staff at The Half Penny are a team of stars in their own right, providing service that is both friendly and efficient. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, you'll feel like a part of the Half Penny family. This sense of community is a testament to the establishment's commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. ### Location, Location, Location Situated next to a cannabis store and an Asian massage parlor, The Half Penny's location adds a layer of intrigue and convenience. It's an area that reflects the eclectic and evolving nature of Salem itself--a place where old traditions and new trends coexist harmoniously. ### Final Thoughts The Half Penny Public House is more than just a pub; it's a microcosm of Salem's rich history and vibrant present. It's a place where you can enjoy a meal that's out of this world, listen to live music that lifts your spirits, and bask in the warmth of community. So, the next time you find yourself in Salem, make sure to visit The Half Penny Public House and experience this cosmic blend of history, flavor, and hospitality. How bout da? This has been your guide through the stars of taste and time. Until next time, keep exploring the universe of flavors right here on Earth. read more

Amy M.

10 years ago

If I could give them zero stars I would! Tonight we encountered the rudest waitress I have ever had. Who knew asking what pricing is and asking about the serving size would warrant an outburst!? To be followed up with "I don't own the place, I just work here" what a wonderful attitude to be spreading around! I wish I had gotten her name (a brunette girl) To the rude young lady who is obviously in the wrong line of work, I give zero stars and zero tip. To you, the person reading this review, I will give you a tip... Don't bother with this place.. There are plenty of other bars with mediocre food and out of tune midweek singers. read more

Joshua E.

444

13 years ago

Worst service ever been sitting here for 15 mins not one person came to serve us.. we got up to leave if Autumn wouldn't of came up just as we where leaving and apologized she was so sweet prob would of left and never came back. Autumn just started her shift and happened to notice us pissed and leaving. read more

Peggy T.

4 years ago

The band on Saturday (11/04) was AMAZING! We always enjoy when Ty Curtis plays but the Gabriel Cox band is my new favorite! Staff is incredibly friendly w/ a hometown feel. Food is always good. read more

Harvey H.

12 years ago

Solid food. Good drink selection. Always good service. Probably one of the best places in salem for live music.

Piper D.

3 years ago

*Update* My previous review was paid to be removed! Look out for this business It shows lack of integrity! read more

Scotty B.

8 years ago

Never been here before..Met some good friends here. Great food, great service 10+, need I say more.

Mimi M.

101

5 years ago

Attentive service, great atmosphere and the portions were over the top. Everyone enjoyed their food!

Mark B.

7 years ago

Great local bar. Service was great and the good delicious. Definitely a place to try.

Moll M.

12 years ago

Great place for good music and good fun. Always feel at home!

Vicki S.

6 years ago

Always excellent service and equally great food!

Cameron F.

14 years ago

Good food. Good drinks. Not so great service.

Brent R.

9 years ago

Good food great atmosphere. One of my go to's.

Rob A.

14 years ago

Good food and great folks. Comfortable place.

Theodore C.

11 years ago

Best place in town for live music!

Chuck M.

13 years ago

Eat and drink here!

Half Penny Public House - bars - Updated October 2026

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Great food with tasty variety, friendly service, and relaxed atmosphere. Wonderful live…read moreentertainment!

Food is always delectable and abundant. Service is…read moreimpeccable. Everyone is loving warm and very attentive. Music is nice. BUT the Ladies Room was DIRTY. And so was the area outside of the kitchen. This is the first time I see this and I have been going to this establishment for more than years!!! If not for that, I would have given them 5 stars.

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Newish to West Salem and stopped in fr a couple of beers…read more Nice clean place plenty tables, also a couple pool tables and a Golden Tee game. Sat at the bar and was served immediatlly..got the fantastic micro beer and burger for $6.95.than another RPM for $4. Great prices the burger took a while but it looked like they had a huge table of a dozen folks just ordered before me. Liked it here..the bar tenders were pretty attentive to my needs. will be my new local.

Wanted to try some broasted chicken so I made the drive to Alibi Bar & Grill. I was warmly greeted…read moreby Nathan, one of the bartenders on duty. I ordered an Old Fashioned to start while I looked over their menu. I did order the Chicken along with JoJo potatoes. The alibi is a lively local establishment with a lot of regulars. There was an NFL game in progress and the patrons were taking advantage of their multiple TVs. The chicken dinner arrived and I snacked on the jojos while waiting for the chicken to cool down a bit. Once I did bit into the chicken it was extremely tasty. The skin was crisp and the meat was moist and tender. I enjoyed the meal. This was a nice diversion from my regular bar & grill. I will definitely make the trip back.

South Liberty Bar & Grill

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The entire ambiance was relaxing along with food quality and welcoming, responsive service…read more Nice time.....will be coming back every time I am in town

Do you know this place is so well known for karaoke and billiards stiff drinks, which is fantastic…read more The food is fine but you know it's really the people who bring the energy and this is a great place to stop when you're in Salem if you're looking for that bar vibe that has a little bit of everything. Services attentive I appreciate the place.

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Araceli, service is on top. she's amazing she is quick and knows my routine and several others, so…read moresweet, the real plants and music playing at the right volume, the fire place. The food never disappoints, love all the choices , drinks are served perfect

This is my favorite bar I come to, the staff are always kind and very attentive. They always have a…read morelunch special which is very. The food has always been delicious and I have never had any complaints. I would definitely recommend coming here, it is family friendly as well.

North Third

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(81 reviews)

I absolutely love this spot. The food is excellent and they keep it novel with weekly specials and…read more a seasonal drink menu. The staff are hard working and friendly, & they do trivia night on Thursday and usually have a band every couple weeks on Saturday nights. The roll up door is definitely a cool touch. Breakfast is available on Fri-Sun and it's the best spot in town IMO. Their avocado toast is really go. They can be pretty busy at times but I've never had an unreasonable wait time... the back of house is as skilled and hardworking as the FOH. They do have a large space to accommodate bigger groups and are kid friendly on the side opposite the bar. There is a variety of seating types- tall tables, short tables and front row seats at the bar to choose from. I would definitely recommend making a trip to downtown Stayton to give this business a try.

Well I knew it was too good to be true. We had 2 wonderful visits then we were right back to why we…read morestopped going here in the first place. It's unfortunate for the staff that works hard and seems to enjoy their jobs that there is a female bartender and server that are continuously rude and terrible at their jobs. These individuals are mentioned multiple times in reviews, and not in a favorable way. It's a shame too because this place could be great! Will never go back! At least not until we know particular staff are no longer there. What could be an oasis in a food desert was nothing more than a mirage. Sad for Stayton.

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