Lesser Known Restaurant Reviews

Taproot Lounge and Cafe in downtown Salem, is a calming restaurant and bar located on State St next to US Bank. From 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Taproot is a restaurant, friendly to people of all ages, but after 8 p.m. it ceases to allow minors into their vicinity and turns into a bar open until 1 a.m Mondays through Saturdays and 12 a.m. on Sundays. With a string of naked lightbulbs accompanying dim overhead lighting, wood trimming on the door, and indie-alternative music playing in the background, the interior has a very rustic aesthetic.
The restaurant serves mostly american food, save for the canadian styled poutine and asian styled lumpias. A few of their dishes are roasted brussel sprouts, 503 fried rice, grilled PB&J, and “davocado,” which is avocado fried in tempura batter. Taproot tries to include local ingredients in their dishes, and have vegetarian and gluten free dishes to accommodate for different dietary needs. They also offer a variety of unique juices and smoothies such as “The Kickstarter,” a mix of apple, carrot, and ginger juices, and “Mint to be Blue,” which is a blend of blueberries, mint, avocado, orange juice, and coconut milk.
Oregon Crepe Cafe and Bakery near downtown Salem, is a small cafe located on High St. near Marco Polo Restaurant. Previously located in the Reed Opera House, Oregon Crepe Cafe and Bakery has been i serving crepes for over four years in both the restaurant business and on the food cart/truck market at the Salem Saturday Market. Their restaurant is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day and, although the cafe has limited seating, they do offer both indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor seating is equipped with bug repellant on every table, and a scenic view of grass and Mill Stream. The cafe offers both sweet and savory crepes, as well as a variety of coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. With its modern setting and casual atmosphere, Oregon Crepe Cafe and Bakery is an ideal meeting place to talk to close friends or for a quick study session during a release period.