Hey Salem 👋

Sometimes I feel like this city will always be slept on.

Not by us. Not by you. But by everyone who's never taken the time to actually dig in and discover what makes this place special.

So what are the hidden secrets of Salem?

You know.. The places only true Salem locals know. Some of these you'll nod at immediately. Others might surprise you.

And at the end, we want to know: what would YOU add to this list?

ALSO, we are hosting a FREE event for your family this Saturday at the Salem Center Mall from 1-3pm. Would love to see you there!

1. La Hacienda has the best tortillas in the city.

Hand-made, on-site, every single day. One thing locals love about La Hacienda is that they hand-make their own flour tortillas right on-site, and the difference is immediate. Multiple locations across Salem means there's one near you. If you've never been, that changes this week.

👉 Reply: Is La Hacienda your go-to? Or do you have a better pick?

2. The best tacos in Salem share a parking lot with a tire shop.

La Carreta De Mi Tierra Taqueria. No sign needed. The food is 100% authentic and many consider it the best Mexican food in Salem. Handmade tortillas, a vibrant salsa bar, carne asada, tripas, suadero. Tthis is the real deal. The people who know, know. And now you do too.

👉 Reply: Have you been? What did you order?

3. Cozy Taberna’s Squid Ink Pasta. Best dish in Salem. Not up for debate.

Ranked #1 of 404 restaurants in Salem on Tripadvisor. The squid ink pasta alone has reviewers saying it's the best they've ever had. It's tucked in Electric Alley downtown, easy to miss, impossible to forget once you've been. If you haven't gone yet, what are you waiting for?

👉 Reply: What's your go-to order at Cozy?

4. Isaac's isn't just a great breakfast spot — it's doing something special for Salem.

The Breakfast at Tiffany's sandwich might be the best breakfast sandwich in the city. But what most people don't know: Isaac's was created as an expansion of the nonprofit Isaac's Room, which has been training, mentoring, and employing divested youth in an apprenticeship program since 2004. Every order supports young people in our community. That's the kind of business Salem deserves to celebrate.

👉 Reply: Did you know about Isaac's mission? What's your order?

5. Christo's is Salem's best-kept date night secret.

Pizza and live jazz, every Thursday and Saturday night — they've hosted greats like Ernie Watts, Lew Soloff, and Mel Brown. The atmosphere is San Francisco Italian,dim lighting, eclectic energy, and pizza with a crust that has just the right crispy-chewy balance. Reservations fill up fast on jazz nights. Plan ahead.

👉 Reply: Have you done a jazz night at Christo's? Tell us about it.

6. The LifeSource hot bar is the most underrated lunch in the city.

We said what we said. Everything is made from scratch using organic and natural ingredients, the hot food bar, the salad bar, pizza by the slice All of it outstanding. 

 If your lunch routine is on autopilot, this is your sign to shake it up.

👉 Reply: LifeSource regular? What do you always grab?

7. Sewell Sweets has the best chocolate chip cookies on planet Earth.

#1 for chocolate chip cookies in Salem on Yelp. Best cake in Oregon two years running. Super-buttery, sweet but not too sweet, and even the gluten-free and vegan options get full marks from reviewers. This is a bold claim and we stand behind it completely. (Even though I’d say Penny’s pizza might have a chocolate chip cookie that will give it a run for its money..)

👉 Reply: Agree or disagree? What's Salem's best dessert spot?

Now here's our question for you:

What's the #1 thing only Salem locals know that we missed?

Hit reply and tell us. The best answers might just end up in next week's newsletter, with a shoutout to you.

This city is special. And the people who live here are the reason why.

See you out there,

Jacob

If you have not tried butter mochi yet, Mochi Mayhem is your sign. Founded by Salem local Tyra Potter, this growing small business is all about introducing people to soft, chewy, Hawaiian-style treats that are completely gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free.

The magic moment? Watching someone try a sample for the first time. Mochi Mayhem lives for that instant when someone’s eyes light up after their first bite. What started as baking for potlucks has quickly grown into a market favorite, with flavors like birthday cake and ube leading the charge, plus a rotating lineup of new creations every week.

You can find Mochi Mayhem at the Salem Saturday Market every 4th Saturday, or grab your fix in between at the Salem Public Market on Rural St. If you are planning an event or looking to collaborate, Tyra is actively looking for new opportunities and would love to connect.

Want Mochi Mayhem at your next event or business? Reach out to Tyra at [email protected]

Ernie

Vintage finds, home decor, and treasure hunting at its best. The Great Junk Hunt fills the fairgrounds with vendors selling everything from furniture to unique statement pieces.

Come ready to browse, snack, and discover your diamond in the junk!

Black lights, alien vibes, and a glow-filled dance floor. The Area 51 Glow Party takes over Southside Speakeasy for a night of music, costumes, and out-of-this-world energy.

Throw on your brightest gear and compete in glow and costume contests with cash prizes.

Heavy bass, deep rhythms, and a dance floor that does not let up. The Deep Descent returns with a full night of UK 140 Dub.

If you are looking to get lost in the music, this is your spot.

Latin rhythms, a packed dance floor, and a night that keeps moving. Pachanga Latin Band brings high-energy grooves to Xicha Brewing Norte for an evening built for dancing.

Grab a drink, bring your friends, and get ready to move.

Drag, brunch, and a whole lot of personality. LIGHTS UP! brings a high-energy lineup of queens, kings, and performers to the Grand for a colorful Sunday show.

Hosted by Lylac, this is your mix of dazzling performances, brunch, and mimosas.

Pinewood Derby races, circus performances, and a full afternoon of family fun. Family Fest takes over Salem Center with activities for all ages right by the food court.

Races run from 11:00AM–1:00PM, followed by a live DJ, local vendors, and an interactive show from Salem Circus. An IDD-friendly sensory room will also be available from 1:00PM–3:00PM.

Bring the kids and drop in for an easy, no-registration-needed afternoon.

A morning run, good energy, and a community vibe. RF Run Club brings people together for a 3.1 mile group run into Minto-Brown followed by brunch, vendors, and music. Everyone and every speed is welcome!

Show up, move your body, and connect with others. Stick around for the afterparty brunch at Cuban Cafe!

Plants, garden art, and everything you need to kick off the season. Spring GardenPalooza brings together nearly 50 vendors with tools, decor, and inspiration for your next project.

Whether you are just starting out or already deep into gardening, this is a great place to explore.

Board games, new connections, and a laid-back afternoon. Adult Board Game Day invites you to bring a game or join a table and jump in.

A simple way to unwind and meet people.

Live jazz, powerful vocals, and a standout collaboration. Danielle Wertz joins the Willamette Jazz Collective and Willamette Singers for an evening of music.

A great chance to catch world-class jazz right here in Salem.

Interested in connecting with our audience and supporting the growth of this publication? Simply reply to this email and we can help you get started.

Thanks for keeping up with Salem this week!

Spotted something interesting in town? Drop us a note at [email protected] We love hearing from you.

See you next Thursday,

Ernie