The communities of Salem, Woodburn, and Silverton—in the heart of the Willamette Valley—are home to a thriving Latino population that showcases some of the region’s most popular restaurants, wineries, cideries, and annual celebrations. In fact, nearly 30% of Marion County, home to Oregon’s state capital Salem, identifies as Hispanic or Latino according to the United States Census Bureau—roughly double the rest of the state.
With such a large Latino population, it’s no surprise that numerous businesses showcase that culture in a variety of creative ways.
Fuel up for your day with pastries and doughnuts from the Latina-owned Dough Hook Bake Shop—which crafts small-batch doughnuts with locally grown ingredients. Warm up with a Cuban-inspired coffee—or kick back with a filling sandwich, empanada, or tamale—at Cuban Café just across from Riverfront Park in downtown Salem. Near the northern edge of Salem, Don Froylan Creamery crafts award-winning cheeses—and serves them atop nachos, in gooey quesadillas, and through fried curds. Nearby Don Bigote Churreria serves sweet crepes and specializes in churros as the basis for all manner of hearty dessert dishes.
A number of Latino-owned craft beverage producers can be found around Salem, as well. In downtown, La Familia Cider Company pours house-made ciders inspired by traditional Mexican aguas frescas. Xicha Brewing brews crisp, refreshing, Mexican-inspired beers—and pairs it all with a wide-ranging food menu—at two outposts around Salem. And just south of the city, the Mexican-American-owned Cória Estates pours beloved wines in a comfortable tasting room that boasts sweeping sunset views.
For more ideas of where to go around the region, check out this list of 10 Latino-owned businesses in Salem and the mid-Willamette Valley.
Woodburn’s quiet downtown core is chockablock with Latino-owned businesses. Start your day with a warm beverage from The Groove Cafe La Onda, which serves rich coffee from southern Mexico—as well as light bites for breakfast and lunch. A few blocks away, Luis's Taqueria crafts Michoacán-style Mexican food with homemade tortillas. Casa De Caldos, meanwhile, specializes in hearty Mexican stews, as well as tamales, tacos, and a well-spiced, Oaxaca-inspired mole. Since 2006, Paleteria Y Neveria El Paisanito has been known for its refreshing, house-made treats—like fruity paletas, aguas frescas, ice cream-like nieves, and diablitos (where flavored shaved ice is topped with Tajín seasoning, hot sauce, and Chamoy). In nearby Hubbard, Mariscos Morales Mexican Restaurant is best known for fresh seafood dishes.
Silverton is a small community that sits near the popular Silver Falls State Park—and is home to several Latino-owned eateries that satisfy after a day on the trail.
The cozy Los Girasoles is part-restaurant, part-bakery, and all delicious—with an eclectic menu that includes burritos, tacos, tortas, pan dulce, conchas, and other Mexican pastries. Nearby El Caporal Taqueria dishes all your favorite fare—including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, ceviche, and nachos—from a bustling food truck. And the Latina-owned Guerra’s Restaurant serves homestyle Italian cuisine with a menu that changes seasonally to incorporate local ingredients, an extensive wine list, and craft cocktails.
Every year, a variety of fairs and festivals celebrate the history, heritage, and cultures of the Willamette Valley’s Latino communities. Here are some of the biggest events to help inspire your next trip.
Your best bet for overnight stays come in Salem, which hosts a few hotels in the heart of its historic, walkable downtown core.
The city’s newest overnight stay is the Holman Riverfront Park Hotel, which hosts 127 rooms and suites alongside an on-site cocktail bar, comfortable amenities (such as kitchenettes and floor-to-ceiling windows), and easy access to some of the city’s most popular attractions.
A few blocks away, The Grand Hotel in Salem hosts nearly 200 rooms and suites with comfortable amenities that include plush couches or chairs in each room, in-room workstations, and on-site parking.
Nestled away in the Salem Hills is Into the Woods is Oregon’s premier destination for wine enthusiasts who enjoy recreational vehicle travel. Just steps from the vines of Willamette Valley Vineyards, Into the Woods gives visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in Oregon wine country. Book a campsite that offers airstream stay, RV and tent camping.
A short drive from Salem and Woodburn is the pastoral Oregon Garden Resort at the edge of Silverton. The resort sits adjacent to the 80-acre Oregon Garden and offers a variety of well-appointed guest rooms within cottage-style buildings; in addition to cozy beds and thoughtful decor, each room comes with a fireplace and private garden patio.
