Breakfast is a big deal in Salem, and local restaurants know how to do it right. This guide features a handful of locally loved spots where you can grab everything from fluffy pancakes to savory scrambles and fresh-baked pastries.
Jump to a specific restaurant:
- Word of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro
- Sassy Onion
- White’s Restaurant
- Patty’s Off-Center Cafe
- Sybil’s Omelettes
- Honey&Co
- Cafe 22 West
- Acme Cafe
- Josey’s Restaurant
- Ritz Diner
- French Press Coffee & Crepes
- Toast & Jam
- Taproot Lounge and Cafe
- Taproot Old Mill Cafe
- Annette’s Westgate
- Elmer’s Restaurant
- Black Sheep Cafe & Catering
- Original Pancake House
- Route 99
- Noble Wave
- Lively Station
Word of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro
At Word of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro—a quintessential local favorite—the focus is on homemade goodness. With an expansive menu featuring items like Creme Brûlée French Toast, Signature Corned Beef Hash, and mouthwatering “WOMelets,” you can’t go wrong with their natural ingredients. The vibe here is as comforting as their food, making it a must-visit for anyone looking for a hearty breakfast.
Sassy Onion
Sassy Onion, another local go-to, is a popular breakfast and brunch spot in Salem. With two convenient locations on State Street and Market Street, Sassy Onion brings a sassy flair to their dishes. Don’t miss out on their World Famous French Toast! As they like to say, “Keep Salem Sassy!”
White’s Restaurant
For those who appreciate the classic diner experience, White’s Restaurant is your go-to. It’s all about no-frills, delicious food here. As one of Salem’s oldest restaurants, White’s Restaurant has been serving the community since 1936. Known for its generous portions and friendly staff, White’s Restaurant has become a cornerstone in Salem’s dining scene. The diner is famous for its long-standing recipes, including Don’s Big Mess, White’s Omelets, and White’s Famous Biscuits and Gravy.
Patty’s Off-Center Cafe
Patty’s Off-Center Cafe is a charming 38-seat diner that opened in February 2015. This cafe has quickly become a beloved spot in a town known for its love of breakfast. At Patty’s Off-Center Cafe, the emphasis is on serving food that they themselves love to eat, avoiding shortcuts and focusing on passion-driven cooking. The cafe is about great food, friendly service, and neighborly atmosphere.
Sybil’s Omelettes
True to their name, Sybil’s Omelettes specializes in omelets with every filling you can imagine. Whether you like yours loaded with veggies, meats, cheeses, or even seafood, they’ve got you covered. Beyond omelets and scrambles, their menu extends to other breakfast favorites like biscuits & gravy, waffles, pancakes, and breakfast burritos, so there’s truly something on the menu for every breakfast lover.
Honey&Co
Honey&Co. is a downtown Salem brunch café operated by Rob and Donna Melton, a couple with deep roots in Salem’s dining scene. Donna worked at Busick Court (now the location of Honey&Co) for over 30 years as a server, and Rob was a bartender at the Night Deposit when he convinced Donna to have dinner with him in 1993. Their shared history and dedication to the Salem community are evident in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Honey&Co. Their breakfast menu features items like the Chorizo Scramble, Housemade Corned Beef Hash, and Apple Waldorf Pancakes.
Cafe 22 West
Located on the outskirts of West Salem, Cafe 22 West is a family-owned spot that is famous for their farm-fresh ingredients, retro ambiance, and generous portion sizes. With a breakfast batter that has been passed through the generations, you have to try their Belgian waffles topped with fresh berries and whipped cream. Cafe 22 West stands by its farm-to-cafe promise: every bite is filled with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
ACME Cafe
ACME Cafe offers a mouth-watering breakfast menu, featuring items like sourdough pancakes, lemon ricotta pancakes with homemade blueberry syrup, and various benedicts, scrambles, omelets, and skillets. Acme Cafe’s commitment to #scratchmade goodness is evident in their use of fresh, high-quality ingredients!
Josey’s Restaurant
Josey’s Restaurant, a little family-owned eatery, provides a classic diner experience for breakfast goers. The restaurant has a classic American breakfast menu, which includes a variety of humble yet hearty options. Guests can enjoy traditional dishes like pancakes, omelets, and French toast, each prepared with a focus on quality and flavor. Josey’s is a local spot known for their friendly service and comfortable setting.
Ritz Diner
The Ritz Diner is a cozy hole-in-the-wall that has gained a reputation for its delectable American cuisine. The menu features traditional American dishes like chicken fried steaks, omelets, and pancakes, all of which come highly recommended. The diner’s small-but-classic diner atmosphere makes it a casual place to enjoy an early meal.
French Press Coffee & Crepes
French Press Coffee & Crepes stands out in Salem’s breakfast scene with their exceptional coffee and crepe offerings. Their savory and sweet crepes are a highlight, with options like the Turkey Crepe with cream pesto sauce and the Peach Crepe with homemade peach compote. They have a dedicated breakfast menu as well, with items like the Chorizo Breakfast Crepe, the Croissant Benedict, and the Brioche French toast.
Toast & Jam
Toast & Jam is as charming as the name suggests. As a dream restaurant project for owners Dave and Debi Odle, the food at this cafe is made almost 100% from scratch. They focus on serving high-quality comfort foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with fun cocktail options and delicious bakery items. Plus, their home-made jam is a must-try!
Taproot Lounge & Cafe
Taproot Lounge & Cafe is not only a popular lunch and dinner spot—they also have a great breakfast menu. They offer classic choices like Eggs Benedict and the Quick & Easy breakfast, along with specialty options like the Morning Glory and Blueberry French Toast. There’s also a range of hashes and acai bowls for those looking for something a little different. The menu caters to a wide range of tastes and also offers gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Taproot Old Mill Cafe
Taproot Old Mill Café serves up all-day brunch in the Willamette Heritage Center. Menu items include the “Salem Slam” (which combines a sausage patty, egg, bacon, cheddar, avocado, and house-made hollandaise) and the “Sweet & Savory Burrito” (bacon, eggs, country potatoes, goat cheese, onion, marion-blackberry jam, and chipotle ranch). In addition to their breakfast menu, Taproot Old Mill Café has options for lunch, a full bar, free parking, and an extended patio for outdoor seating during the warmer months.
Annette’s Westgate
Annette’s Westgate is a popular breakfast and brunch spot in West Salem. The restaurant is known for generous portions, classic comfort food, and friendly service. Their menu includes hearty options like chicken fried steak, prime rib hash, and a variety of scrambles and omelets.
Elmer’s Restaurant
Elmer’s Restaurant is a longstanding favorite for hearty, Northwest-style breakfasts. Open daily, this locally owned NW chain has been serving comfort food classics since 1960. Their breakfast menu features signature dishes like the Classic German Pancake and the Crabacado Omelet. Other classic options include cinnamon roll French toast, stuffed hash browns, and a variety of Benedicts. With their friendly service, spacious dining room, and consistent flavor, Elmer’s is a reliable choice for those craving a satisfying breakfast in Salem.
Black Sheep Cafe & Catering
Black Sheep Café & Catering is a locally owned breakfast and lunch spot located in Salem’s industrial district. Open Tuesday through Sunday, the café offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery services. The menu features a variety of made-to-order items prepared from fresh, house-made ingredients. Breakfast options include hearty dishes like corned beef hash, breakfast burritos, and cinnamon rolls!
Original Pancake House
Founded in Portland, The Original Pancake House is a breakfast destination with two locations in Salem (Portland Road and Commercial Street). Both offer a wide range of breakfast classics, including oven-baked apple pancakes, Dutch Babies, and a variety of specialty omelets and flapjacks. With a reputation for scratch-made recipes and quality ingredients, it’s a dependable choice for a filling traditional breakfast.
Route 99
Route 99 just outside of Salem offers a unique dining experience steeped in history. Their building, constructed in 1928, has a rich past— having served as a café, bar, tavern, and even a brothel. After a fire in 2018, the building was purchased and remodeled by a local family, resulting in the welcoming space it is today. Route 99 prides themselves on a casual and friendly atmosphere, and they are committed to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients for their delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings.
Noble Wave (Sunday Brunch only)
Noble Wave in downtown Salem offers all-day Sunday brunch every week. Known for their Southern-inspired dishes, the brunch menu boasts dishes like shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and the “Ladder”—a stack of French toast layered with fried chicken tenders, topped with a fried egg and sage. Vegetarian options include fried cauliflower biscuits and rosemary gravy. The restaurant also offers a variety of brunch cocktails, including mimosas and Bloody Marys.
Lively Station (Weekend Brunch)
Lively Station is a South Salem eatery and market that’s open for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Their menu features breakfast classics, lunch specialties, and craft morning cocktails. The business also houses a bottle shop with a selection of local wines, beers, and ciders.
There you have it—a roundup of some of the must-visit breakfast restaurants in Salem, Oregon. Where will you eat first?
