Taqueria El Jacalito
Authentic · Homemade Tortillas
An excellent authentic taqueria on 12th with homemade tortillas, great salsas (even the chamoy is house-made), and large portions from a super-friendly owner who takes real pride in the food. The birria is the standout, and it won't run you much, so two eat for around $18. A local new-favorite that fills your plate. Closed Sat.
El Ranchito Taqueria
Super Burritos · $2 Tacos
A Portland Road taco truck that locals have leaned on for 20-plus years — super burritos packed with real chopped avocado (no processed guac), carne asada and carnitas, and fresh-cut salsas. Tacos run about $2 (lengua +50¢), so two eat a big, fresh meal for around $15. Affordable, top-shelf flavor, the smell alone sells it. Closed Sun.
Kike's Taqueria
Birria Burrito · Cheaper Than Most
A popular Lancaster Drive taqueria where the birria burrito (perfectly toasted tortilla, crazy-tender meat, dangerous hot sauce) has a cult following. Friendly staff treat you like a regular, portions are big, and it costs less than comparable spots, so two eat for around $18. There's often a line — a good sign. Closed Wed.
Dalias Taqueria
Food Truck · Asada Fries & Bowls
A beloved family-run food truck on Fabry Road that fans call their favorite Mexican spot in all of Oregon — some of the best asada fries around, street-style pollo tacos, burrito bowls and burritos, fresh and filling. Two eat for around $18, and you can order ahead for pickup. Genuinely good people behind the window. Closed Mon.
Happy Bibimbop House
Korean · Bibimbap & Bulgogi
A cozy, plant-filled Korean spot downtown (4.7 stars, 2,500-plus reviews) with comfort food that tastes freshly made — stone-bowl bibimbap, bulgogi bento, duk mandu guk, and multiple vegan options, at prices regulars call great for what you get. Two eat for around $20. Closed Mondays — that's the day they cook for folks under the bridge.
Kim Huong
Authentic Pho · Banh Mi
A Salem gem on Silverton Road with some of the best pho around — the #1 loaded with meat, a rich flavorful broth, and add-ons on the table to dial in the spice — plus soft-yet-crisp banh mi and great chicken skewers. Two eat for around $20, less if you split a big bowl and a sandwich. Open daily.
Al Aqsa
Palestinian · Shawarma & Kabsa
A warm, family-run Palestinian spot on State Street that's been quietly excellent for 16 years — tender lamb shawarma plates, lamb kabsa, grape leaves and baklava, all real home cooking from a kind couple at very fair prices and good portions. Two eat for around $20. Don't drive past it like everyone used to. Closed Sun.
Sybil's Omelettes
Beloved Breakfast Diner · Big Omelettes
A Salem breakfast institution (2,200-plus reviews) on State Street doing big stuffed omelettes, pancakes, and diner classics with the best diner coffee around and servers who know the regulars. Honest prices mean two eat a full breakfast for around $20. Dated in the best way, open early daily. Worth the occasional wait.
Slangers
Cult Burger Truck · One Burger Done Right
A 4.9-star burger truck outside the Fitzgerald pub doing one thing perfectly — a simple, intentional burger on a fresh, chewy, airy bun (make it a double), with a small fry that's plenty. One traveling regular rates it a top-5 burger in the whole country. Two eat for around $18. Evenings only; closed Mon–Tue.
The Easy Otter
Best Chicken & Waffles · Beignets
A tiny downtown spot (4.8 stars) that may do the best chicken and waffles you'll ever have — real fried chicken (breast or thigh) in a uniquely spiced, crispy batter, plus a great chicken sandwich, Cajun fries, mac and cheese, and fresh beignets. Order at the counter; two eat for around $20. Don't skip a beignet. Closed Tue.
Ritz Diner
Classic If-You-Know-You-Know Diner
A tiny, locals-on-a-first-name-basis diner near Lancaster — the kind of place where the hobo omelette, biscuits and gravy, German sausage and double-crispy hash browns come hot and huge for the price (expect to-go boxes). Two eat a full breakfast for around $20. Small dining space, big portions. Closed Tue–Wed.
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Buffalo Wild Wings
Pick 6 — Meal for Two from $19.99
The Pick 6 lets two people build a shared meal — choose six items across wings, tenders, and sides — starting around $19.99. A reliable two-for-$20 play at any BWW. Dine-in or takeout; pricing varies slightly by market.
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