Location: Salem
Top Restaurants in Salem
Salem Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Salem
Salem is a city in Washington Township, Washington County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. Salem serves as the county seat. The population was 6,319 at the 2010 census.
Things to do in Salem
1. El Maguey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By ericjamieson - Louisville, Kentucky
Having lived in Southern California for 20 years I've learned to temper my expectations for Midwestern Mexican food, but this place is solid. Extensive menu has all the classics, and everything I've had has been well-prepared and flavorful, if maybe a little milder than you'd get in a typical Mexican joint in, say, Los Angeles or Phoenix, but I suppose they're catering to their market. Good service - food was a little slow coming out and our waitress stopped by multiple times to check on us. Seems to be very popular locally. Good atmosphere. Will go again when I'm in the area.
2. H & R Bakery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By 812Mantle7 - Evansville, Indiana
Great donuts! Well worth stopping in if you are in the area. If you are close by, take the time to go. Very reasonably price goods. Christmas cookies were just 45 cents!!
The chocolate covered cinnamon rolls are to die for. My wife loved the brownies.
I always stop in when we are anywhere near the place.
3. Sue's Thai Kitchen
Overall Ratings
5 based on 36 reviews
Temporarily closed from June 5th through July 5th.
Reviewed By Born_to_go61 - Tilghman, Maryland
We stopped here enroute to Spring Mill Inn. There is little else in the town of Salem as far as eats go. We found the staff wonderful, the atmosphere was store front dining on main st. and the food was a good value. We had steamed shrimp rolls, wrapped in thin steamed lettuce wrapper. Very good. But the Pad Tai was a bit sticky and not well seasoned. They do offer other thai choices and even fried chicken. We would stop by again, if we are in the area.
4. Cheddar Depot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Sandyctown - Salem, Indiana
The Cheddar Depot is a combination of things. Deli, grocery, fast food restaurant, and they sell farm fresh maple syrup, honey and many other things. Their deli always has fresh meats and cheeses. The food is really good. Most do take out. But, they do have a few tables inside and out. Their fish and pork tenderloin are excellent. Unless you are a HUGE eater get a bag of French fries and split them! I can't see too many people eating a whole order by themselves! You definitely get your money's worth! The staff are always friendly. There is so much to see in such a little place. They also have ice cream, fudge and much much more!
5. Christie's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By Timothy V - Muncie, Indiana
This was our first visit to Christie's. I am certain we will visit every time we are in Salem.
We came for lunch. The luncheon menu is a perfect size so as not to overwhelm. I had the Chicken Pasta and my wife had the Polynesian Chicken Salad. Both were delicious and the portions were the perfect size for our meals.
The decor is quite elegant with cloth table covers and napkins. My wife especially loved that extra touch of class. Despite these extra features, the prices are quite reasonable.
Our server was charming and very helpful. We had some questions she couldn't answer. However, the owner was on hand and came to her rescue. We had a delightful conversation with her.
6. Dinner Bell
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By mrsraybird - Salem, Indiana
We visited this restaurant for nostalgia reasons as well as breakfast. Hubby grew up in Salem and remembered going here with his mom in the early 50s, and according to him, not much has changed. Very small dining area, but we liked the coziness. Basic breakfasts, but oh my, how delicious! Basics are available, but I have to give a shout out to the best fried potatoes I've had since I've been in town...buttery and the portions are huge. The coke machine was out when we were there, so drinks were poured from 2 liters that probably became flat after a while, but that won't stop us from visiting again. Can't wait to try their biscuits and gravy...it looked and smelled great! Two loaded breakfasts with coffee and soda for under $15 is definitely a plus!
7. Express China
Overall Ratings
4 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By John H - Salem, Indiana
PROS: Family owned and operated by locals. Food is always fresh, hot and delicious. Lots to choose from. We eat there regularly and thoroughly enjoy it. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Special buffets on holidays (both American and Chinese) and seafood on Friday evenings.
CONS: 1. There is always a big tub of dirty dishes setting next to the buffet lines. NASTY! Should be removed to the kitchen area. 2. My wife and I are seniors and eat a single plate of food each and maybe a little dessert. We are charged the same as the people who eat 4-5 heaping plates of food. Some of the local restaurants have a "single trip" buffet price or a senior price. This would be very beneficial to older persons such as ourselves.
8. El Toro Mexican Restruant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By nikkip9085
I absolutely LOVE this restaurant! My fiancé and I eat here at least once a month. White queso is absolutely the bomb, the waiters always make jokes with us because we're such regulars (they've gotten to know us by now), such an awesome authentic Mexican restaurant.. I would never go elsewhere because they have, hands down, THE BEST food ever. I love the steak el salto.. So outstanding! Try it out if you like mushrooms, grilled onions, white cheese, & steak. You WON'T be disappointed :)
9. The Soda Fountain at Salem Apothecary
Overall Ratings
4 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By April M - Salem, Indiana
This place is right one the town square. It's an apothecary AKA a pharmacy but that;s exactly where soda fountains were located back in the 1940's & 1950's. They also have a daily lunch special. It's just a tiny, quaint little shop that serves ice cream, sodas & lunch. Their blackberry cobbler ice cream is really good! REMEMBER: They only serve lunch but you can get ice cream until they close at 5:00, I believe. Call first.
10. Nice's Family Diner
Overall Ratings
4 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By A TripAdvisor Member
They have amazing foods here.. for great prices! They have specials on fb all the time.. (or they used to awhile back) if they are busy.. expect slow service. the waitresses are good.. but the wait on the food is always bad. yes there are tobs of locals there.. but hey what can you expect when the restraunt cooks good food.. for great prices.. with friendly staff??
