Best 8 Breweries in Salem OR: A Comprehensive Guide

ByAnthony Smith Last Updated:

Salem, Oregon is known for its lush greenery, scenic beauty, and rapidly growing dining scene. The city is also home to some of the best breweries in the state. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking for a place to hang out with friends and family, Salem has a variety of breweries to choose from.

Craft beer lovers can enjoy a wide range of styles, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, at the top breweries in Salem. Santiam Brewing is a popular spot that offers a cozy ambiance, delicious food, and a wide selection of beers. Xicha Brewing Company is another great option that specializes in Latin American-inspired brews. Visitors can also check out For Tomorrow We Die Brewing, which offers a unique tasting experience with its rotating selection of small-batch beers.

Historical Background of Breweries in Salem

Salem, the capital city of Oregon, has a rich history of brewing beer. The first brewery in Salem was founded in 1866 by Samuel Adolph, who named it the Pacific Brewery. After the brewery burned down in 1869, Adolph rebuilt it and renamed it the Salem Brewery. The brewery was relocated to the southeast corner of Trade and Commercial, three blocks west of its old location.

Over the years, several breweries have been established in Salem, and many of them have made significant contributions to the city’s beer culture. One of the most prominent breweries in Salem was the Salem Brewery Association, which was purchased in 1943 by Emil G. Sick of Associated Breweries of Canada. The Association changed its name to Sicks’ Brewing Company the next year. The Salem Plant made Sicks’ Select Beer and introduced Brew 66 in 1951. When Sick decided to close the Salem plant in 1953, it marked the end of an era for brewing in Salem.

However, the brewing tradition in Salem did not die out. In recent years, several new breweries have emerged in the city, making it a hub for craft beer enthusiasts. Some of the popular breweries in Salem include Vagabond Brewing, Santiam Brewing, and East Regiment Beer Company. These breweries offer a variety of beers, ranging from IPAs to stouts, and provide a unique experience for visitors.x

Today, Salem is known for its vibrant beer culture, and it continues to attract beer lovers from all over the United States. The city’s breweries are not only a source of pride for the locals but also a significant contributor to the city’s economy. With the growing popularity of craft beer, Salem’s breweries are expected to continue to thrive in the coming years.

Top Breweries in Salem

Gilgamesh Brewing

Gilgamesh Brewing is a popular brewery in Salem, OR, known for its unique beer flavors and high-quality brews. The brewery offers a wide range of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers, all made with locally sourced ingredients. Gilgamesh Brewing also has a spacious taproom that offers a comfortable and welcoming environment for beer enthusiasts.

Website: http://www.gilgameshbrewing.com/

Address: 2065 Madrona Ave SE, Salem, OR 97302, United States

Santiam Brewing

Santiam Brewing is another top brewery in Salem, OR, known for its exceptional beer selection. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours, all made with locally sourced ingredients. Santiam Brewing also has a taproom that offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for locals.

Website: https://www.santiambrewing.com/

Address: 2544 19th St SE, Salem, OR 97302, United States

Ratchet Brewery

Ratchet Brewery is a small, family-owned brewery that has gained a reputation for its delicious beers. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers, all made with high-quality ingredients. Ratchet Brewery also has a taproom that offers a laid-back and comfortable atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a beer with friends.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Ratchetbrewery

Address: 2475 25th St SE, Salem, OR 97302, United States

Xicha Brewing

Xicha Brewing is a unique brewery that offers a variety of Latin-inspired beers. The brewery offers a range of beers, including IPAs, lagers, and sours, all made with locally sourced ingredients. Xicha Brewing also has a taproom that offers a vibrant and lively atmosphere, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Website: https://www.xichabrewing.com/

Address: 576 Patterson St NW Suite 140, Salem, OR 97304, United States

Benedictine Brewery

Benedictine Brewery is a one-of-a-kind brewery located in Mt. Angel, OR, just a short drive from Salem. The brewery is owned and operated by the monks of Mount Angel Abbey and offers a range of Belgian-inspired beers, including Dubbels, Tripels, and Quadrupels. Benedictine Brewery also has a taproom that offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a beer and reflect.

Website: https://www.benedictinebrewery.com/

Address: 400 Humpert Ln NE, Mt Angel, OR 97362, United States

For Tomorrow We Die Brewing Co

For Tomorrow We Die Brewing Co is a small, independent brewery that offers a range of delicious beers. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers, all made with high-quality ingredients. For Tomorrow We Die Brewing Co also has a taproom that offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for locals.

Website: https://www.fortomorrowwediebrewing.com/

Address: 2315 25th St SE, Salem, OR 97302, United States

Sparky’s Brewing Co

Sparky’s Brewing Co is a popular brewery located in downtown Salem. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers, all made with locally sourced ingredients. Sparky’s Brewing Co also has a taproom that offers a vibrant and lively atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a beer with friends.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/2sparkystaphouse/

Address: 1252 23rd St SE #110, Salem, OR 97302, United States

Shades of Brew Brewery

Shades of Brew Brewery is a small, family-owned brewery that offers a range of delicious beers. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers, all made with high-quality ingredients. Shades of Brew Brewery also has a taproom that offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a beer with friends.

Website: https://www.shadesofbrew.com/

Address: 2027 25th St SE, Salem, OR 97302, United States

This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other great breweries in Salem, OR, such as Vagabond Brewing, Salem Ale Works, Bine Valley Brewing, and Sparky’s Brewing Company. However, the above breweries are some of the best in the area, offering unique and delicious beers, comfortable taprooms, and welcoming atmospheres.

Beer Selection at Salem Breweries

Salem, OR is home to some of the best breweries in the state of Oregon. One of the most important aspects of any brewery is its beer selection. The breweries in Salem offer a wide variety of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, lagers, and more.

At Santiam Brewing, customers can enjoy a diverse selection of craft beers, including their popular Oedipus IPA. The brewery takes pride in using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients to create its beers. They offer a rotating selection of seasonal and limited edition beers, as well as their core lineup of beers that are available year-round.

Xicha Brewing Company is another popular brewery in Salem that offers a great selection of craft beers. They specialize in Latin American-inspired beers and offer a variety of IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Their beer selection is constantly changing, so customers can always expect something new and exciting when they visit.

B² Taphouse & Brewery is a great spot for beer lovers who enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. They offer a variety of craft beers on tap, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Customers can also enjoy a selection of food items that pair well with their beers.

Food Options at Salem Breweries

Salem’s breweries are not just about the beer. They also offer some delicious food options to go with your pint. Here are some of the food options available at Salem’s breweries:

  • Santiam Brewing: This brewpub offers a range of food options, including fish & chips, breakfast, and brunch. They also have outdoor seating and offer delivery and takeout services.
  • For Tomorrow We Die Brewing: While they do not have a kitchen, For Tomorrow We Die Brewing allows patrons to bring their own food or order from nearby restaurants.
  • 2 Taphouse & Brewery: This brewery offers scratch-made food to go with its fine craft beer. Their menu includes burgers, fries, and other pub fare.
  • Salem Ale Works: This brewery has partnered with Prologue Pastries for weekend catering and will soon host the truck’s crew at a new, larger brewery space. They also have food trucks on-site for events.

Brewery Experiences

Taphouse Visits

Salem, OR has a variety of taphouses to choose from, each with its unique atmosphere and selection of beers. A taphouse is a place where beer is served straight from the keg, and it’s a great place to try new and unique beers. Some popular taphouses in Salem include b² Taphouse & Brewery, Vagabond Brewing, and Salem Ale Works.

Brewpubs Visits

Brewpubs are a great place to try locally brewed beer and enjoy a meal at the same time. Salem has a few brewpubs that offer a unique dining experience. Some popular brewpubs in Salem include Santiam Brewing, McMenamins Thompson Brewery & Public House, and Sparky’s Brewing Company.

Outdoor Seating Experience

Salem’s beautiful weather makes outdoor seating a popular option for beer lovers. Many breweries and taprooms offer outdoor seating areas, making it easy to enjoy a cold beer in the sun. Some breweries with outdoor seating in Salem include Xicha Brewing Company, Santiam Brewing, and Gilgamesh Brewing – The Campus.

Dog-Friendly Breweries

For those who like to bring their furry friends along, Salem has several dog-friendly breweries. Many breweries welcome dogs on their outdoor patios, but it’s always best to call ahead to confirm. Some dog-friendly breweries in Salem include Vagabond Brewing, Santiam Brewing, and Archive Coffee & Bar.

Special Beers and Brews

Salem, OR is home to some of the best breweries in the Pacific Northwest. These breweries are known for their unique and flavorful beers that are loved by locals and visitors alike. Some of the most special beers and brews in Salem include:

  • Terry Porter – This beer is named after the former Portland Trail Blazers player, Terry Porter. It is a dark ale that is brewed with chocolate and roasted malts, giving it a rich and complex flavor. It has a smooth finish and is perfect for those who enjoy a darker beer.
  • Mamba – This beer is named after the late Kobe Bryant, who was known as the Black Mamba. It is a hazy IPA that is brewed with a blend of hops, giving it a citrusy and tropical flavor. It has a slightly bitter finish and is perfect for those who enjoy a hoppy beer.
  • b² – This beer is a Belgian-style saison that is brewed with a blend of spices, giving it a unique and complex flavor. It has a light and refreshing taste, with a slightly spicy finish. It is perfect for those who enjoy a lighter beer with a twist.

These special beers and brews are just a few examples of the unique and flavorful beers that can be found in Salem, OR. Whether you are a beer connoisseur or just looking to try something new, the breweries in Salem have something for everyone.