This bar is a staple of downtown Salem even though so many wish it wasn't. It is a classic dive bar, only they have no kitchen, so you get to watch the bar tenders microwave up your "food" order. Hot pocket anyone? Another example of a business surviving due to the lack of competition, and being in a high traffic location.
(1)
Lewis Marklin M.
This is a quiet little spot in a pretty good location that is somewhat divish but the pulled pork sandwiches pretty good there is outdoor patio seating and several TVs that have the football game is on on Sundays and since there is not a Steelers bar in Salem I will usually stumble into this place because it is close to everything and I usually have a good size TV to myself to watch. It is not very loud and there's not very many people which is a little creepy for Sunday morning football game but the service is always friendly and there really is no other place to watch games and get the audio in less you go to Buffalo wild wings which is a lot louder and there's no guarantee you'll get to see your game.
(4)
Jonathan G.
It's a dive. The exterior and the layout will give you appropriate expectations. The bartender didn't know much about their beer selection, which was pretty limited by Oregon standards. Ordered the chicken sandwich with a pint of Dead Guy Ale. It was a meager portion with a bag of Lays potato chips. Bread was cheap and stale. Chicken was obviously thawed, not grilled. If there was sauce or seasonings, I surely didn't taste them. Walked out for just over $15. If you need a brew while staying at the nearby hotel or during a break from the local convention center, you *could* do worse, but you could do a lot better.
(2)
Leomickey62 M.
Not a bad bar they have coors original on tap mmmmm lots of tvs very clean place. Bartender seems cool. Nice beer garden also has a with a TV outside
(4)
Alex R.
Agh, magoos. My favorite bar! It's got a very dive bar feel without being a dive bar... If that makes sense. The cocktails are always top notch. My favorite thing about this bar, as a girl, is that I can go here without feeling like its a fucking fashion show. Everyone is very chill.
(5)
Sam R.
Had lunch there today. I have had the garlic cheese bread before and it was good so we had it again. It was still good. Then we ordered a pastrami sandwich and a cheese burger. They both came with chips (fries aren't served here). The hamburger was microwaved...like the ones you can get at 7-11 in the plastic bags...gross. If ordering food stick to something that doesnt necessarily need cooking because everything is basically microwaved. Microwaved meat=disgusting. The bartender was nice and the smell of popcorn when you walk inside is awesome but if you come here avoid any "meat" products.
(2)
Phillip D.
Nice atmosphere for a 'dive' bar - go there a few times and they remember you. Great place to catch a game and have a drink.
(4)
Missy W.
Great dive bar. Love the Shuffleboard (when you can get a chance to play). The crowd tends to be college students or 40-50 year olds still thinking they can hang with the kids. Some of the bartenders they have had over the last 2 years have been less than desirable with attitudes and if you're not a regular patron or one their personal friends, then say goodbye to service. Good for a drink once in a while but not my regular haunt.
(3)
Lynn W.
We were here on a Wednesday night. Blazer game was on and the bar was relatively quiet, just a few tables. Great old-time bar feel. Plenty of TV's, a pool table and a shuffle board. Little lady who was bartending was super sweet even though some drunk idiot kept hitting on her. She made us nachos that were the bomb! Bottled drinks were a little spendy ($4.50 for an Angry Orchard) so stick with the on-tap specials.
(3)
Jon B.
It's not the classiest of joints, but it does the trick. Shuffle board pool and sports. Jenny makes some good beverages with free popcorn and slot games. A local favorite.
(3)
Brian M.
Microwave Magoo's. I was very shocked to see my burger cooked that way, mozzarella sticks too. Sexy bartender is the only reason I stayed
(1)
Eric E.
Came in with a Deal Chicken for a couple of deli sandwiches, chips and soda's. My sister and I enjoyed our sandwiches and the server was quite attentive (we were the only ones in the place). I wouldn't mind trying it again for a burger or something sometime.
(3)
Thomas K.
Magoo's is my favorite dive bar in Salem, Oregon. Like any establishment, it has its flaws, but overall the perks far outweigh anything that might hinder your chances of having a good time. Pros: - Young patrons: Events like College Night assure a large number of young people at the bar on weekends, with an even gender ratio. - Free popcorn: Very few places in town have bar mix, let alone fresh popcorn. - Free Shuffleboard: This is the only bar in Salem with this game (and it's free). - Long tables: If you're going somewhere with a group, this is one of the few places in town that has seating other than small four-tops. - Ample TVs: Many flat panel televisions with decent HD and a variety of sports broadcasts at any given time. - Smoking patio: The smoking patio is large, covered, has ample heaters, and flat panel TVs. - Beers at the door: You can purchase cheat tall-boys at the door for cash, allowing you to bypass bar lines. Cons: - Bathrooms: Small, 2 toilets. Awkwardly placed, always a line. - Bartenders: Bartenders can take their time when serving non-regulars. Tall- boys available at the door alleviate this to a certain extant. - Decor: Not exactly stylish, adorned with a variety of signed sports memorabilia and Mr. Magoo paraphernalia. That said, quaint and homey in its own way. - Parking: Very limited day-time parking. Nearby bank parking lot is often packed on weekend evenings.
(4)
Jazmyne H.
I love Magoo's. I've been meeting the girls there for more than a year now for the occasional after-work drink. The outdoors seating is for smokers and non-smokers alike. As a lifelong non-smoker, I celebrated the no smoking ban in the bars. I do feel for my smoking friends and I enjoy hanging out in the indoor/outdoor seating Magoo's has created for our kind if group. This is clearly not a foodie's paradise and I think a lot of the reviews put too much weight on the food. ***This. Is. A. Dive. Bar. (Albeit a clean, well-kept dive bar.)*** Enough variety of beer on tap to placate most. Stiff drinks in the right price range and the food is edible. Play some pool, shuffleboard or zone out on the current sporting event broadcasted on TV. You can be easily left alone to your own thoughts or the mutual gossip between comrades. Waitstaff has been hit and miss in the past but I think they'e got a good crew in there now. I give the place five starts because they have the dive bar nailed down. Can't help but love this place. Oh and they have a pretty kick-ass Halloween Party to boot.
(5)
Bradford M.
I like Magoo's. I like the bartenders. I like that they have shuffleboard (the table kind, not the cruise ship kind). I like that they have a heated, enclosed outdoor smoking area with a big screen for watching games. I like that they have a jukebox. It's a bit divey, the food is grim, and it's not particularly impressive in general, but there's nothing at all wrong with it. I stop off often enough for a pint that the bartenders don't ask me what I want, but rather assume I want a Guinness unless I tell them differently. That makes me happy. 3.5 stars
(3)
Robert C.
This was the first bar that I actually went to in Salem & from the mixed reviews I was not sure what I was in for..... however! I love Dive bars, I thrive off of these kind of places and Magoo's was Fabulous! It is actually a lot cleaner then most "Dive Bars" that I'm used to going to. This place has very nice people working there and the outdoor patio was really nice with the heaters in it, it was actually a little to hot out in the patio so we had to turn those puppies off. Compared to the "Ugly Meat Market" that we went to on our 2nd stop in Salem...this place was a GEM!
(4)
Mira N.
Four stars if you're a poor political staffer looking for a strong drink, smoke, and insider gossip - otherwise, it's one star. Since there are no half star increments, I'm rounding down to two. The food is unappetizing, staff indifferent, and the place just seems dirty. Smoking has been moved out to the patio but the whole place still reeks of a smokey haven for backroom dealings. If you are looking for a good dive bar, try Pete's Place.
(2)
Chizzle L.
Magoo's certainly deserves zero stars. The bartenders that work here are the rudest meanest creatures that ive ever encountered. In fact my friend and I got kicked out for "doing drugs" when we'd just spent 10 minutes talking and doing mascara in the bathroom. This was after we had only one drink! And believe me, I don't do drugs. They were ridiculous and I was completely offended. After we left I called to get their names to file a complaint and they hung up on me. I couldn't believe it. The general atmosphere is grossly decrepit. The only thing this bar has going for it is shuffle board but believe me, the bartenders are the most heinous b*tches alive and it wouldnt be worth going there even if they were giving out free gold nuggets. I can honestly say that Magoo's is a stain on Salem's already below average bar scene. If you're looking for a good dive bar then dont go here!!!
(1)
Elizabeth E.
Excellent dive bar. You will surely find: a smoky bar, tvs playing sports games, cheap beer, darts, pool, and some sort of game called 'shuffle board' (like air hockey but on a long table and instead of floating on air, the pucks 'float' on tiny clear silicon beads). Shuffle Board is actually very fun and worth the trip. f you are in need of a cheap place to drink the night away with a big group of friends then Magoos it is. If you prefer ambience and a chic atmosphere you will NOT enjoy the bar, stay home or go elsewhere.
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Ambience : Divey Noise Level : Average Music : Juke Box Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Has TV : Yes
Fredrick D.
This bar is a staple of downtown Salem even though so many wish it wasn't. It is a classic dive bar, only they have no kitchen, so you get to watch the bar tenders microwave up your "food" order. Hot pocket anyone? Another example of a business surviving due to the lack of competition, and being in a high traffic location.
(1)Lewis Marklin M.
This is a quiet little spot in a pretty good location that is somewhat divish but the pulled pork sandwiches pretty good there is outdoor patio seating and several TVs that have the football game is on on Sundays and since there is not a Steelers bar in Salem I will usually stumble into this place because it is close to everything and I usually have a good size TV to myself to watch. It is not very loud and there's not very many people which is a little creepy for Sunday morning football game but the service is always friendly and there really is no other place to watch games and get the audio in less you go to Buffalo wild wings which is a lot louder and there's no guarantee you'll get to see your game.
(4)Jonathan G.
It's a dive. The exterior and the layout will give you appropriate expectations. The bartender didn't know much about their beer selection, which was pretty limited by Oregon standards. Ordered the chicken sandwich with a pint of Dead Guy Ale. It was a meager portion with a bag of Lays potato chips. Bread was cheap and stale. Chicken was obviously thawed, not grilled. If there was sauce or seasonings, I surely didn't taste them. Walked out for just over $15. If you need a brew while staying at the nearby hotel or during a break from the local convention center, you *could* do worse, but you could do a lot better.
(2)Leomickey62 M.
Not a bad bar they have coors original on tap mmmmm lots of tvs very clean place. Bartender seems cool. Nice beer garden also has a with a TV outside
(4)Alex R.
Agh, magoos. My favorite bar! It's got a very dive bar feel without being a dive bar... If that makes sense. The cocktails are always top notch. My favorite thing about this bar, as a girl, is that I can go here without feeling like its a fucking fashion show. Everyone is very chill.
(5)Sam R.
Had lunch there today. I have had the garlic cheese bread before and it was good so we had it again. It was still good. Then we ordered a pastrami sandwich and a cheese burger. They both came with chips (fries aren't served here). The hamburger was microwaved...like the ones you can get at 7-11 in the plastic bags...gross. If ordering food stick to something that doesnt necessarily need cooking because everything is basically microwaved. Microwaved meat=disgusting. The bartender was nice and the smell of popcorn when you walk inside is awesome but if you come here avoid any "meat" products.
(2)Phillip D.
Nice atmosphere for a 'dive' bar - go there a few times and they remember you. Great place to catch a game and have a drink.
(4)Missy W.
Great dive bar. Love the Shuffleboard (when you can get a chance to play). The crowd tends to be college students or 40-50 year olds still thinking they can hang with the kids. Some of the bartenders they have had over the last 2 years have been less than desirable with attitudes and if you're not a regular patron or one their personal friends, then say goodbye to service. Good for a drink once in a while but not my regular haunt.
(3)Lynn W.
We were here on a Wednesday night. Blazer game was on and the bar was relatively quiet, just a few tables. Great old-time bar feel. Plenty of TV's, a pool table and a shuffle board. Little lady who was bartending was super sweet even though some drunk idiot kept hitting on her. She made us nachos that were the bomb! Bottled drinks were a little spendy ($4.50 for an Angry Orchard) so stick with the on-tap specials.
(3)Jon B.
It's not the classiest of joints, but it does the trick. Shuffle board pool and sports. Jenny makes some good beverages with free popcorn and slot games. A local favorite.
(3)Brian M.
Microwave Magoo's. I was very shocked to see my burger cooked that way, mozzarella sticks too. Sexy bartender is the only reason I stayed
(1)Eric E.
Came in with a Deal Chicken for a couple of deli sandwiches, chips and soda's. My sister and I enjoyed our sandwiches and the server was quite attentive (we were the only ones in the place). I wouldn't mind trying it again for a burger or something sometime.
(3)Thomas K.
Magoo's is my favorite dive bar in Salem, Oregon. Like any establishment, it has its flaws, but overall the perks far outweigh anything that might hinder your chances of having a good time. Pros: - Young patrons: Events like College Night assure a large number of young people at the bar on weekends, with an even gender ratio. - Free popcorn: Very few places in town have bar mix, let alone fresh popcorn. - Free Shuffleboard: This is the only bar in Salem with this game (and it's free). - Long tables: If you're going somewhere with a group, this is one of the few places in town that has seating other than small four-tops. - Ample TVs: Many flat panel televisions with decent HD and a variety of sports broadcasts at any given time. - Smoking patio: The smoking patio is large, covered, has ample heaters, and flat panel TVs. - Beers at the door: You can purchase cheat tall-boys at the door for cash, allowing you to bypass bar lines. Cons: - Bathrooms: Small, 2 toilets. Awkwardly placed, always a line. - Bartenders: Bartenders can take their time when serving non-regulars. Tall- boys available at the door alleviate this to a certain extant. - Decor: Not exactly stylish, adorned with a variety of signed sports memorabilia and Mr. Magoo paraphernalia. That said, quaint and homey in its own way. - Parking: Very limited day-time parking. Nearby bank parking lot is often packed on weekend evenings.
(4)Jazmyne H.
I love Magoo's. I've been meeting the girls there for more than a year now for the occasional after-work drink. The outdoors seating is for smokers and non-smokers alike. As a lifelong non-smoker, I celebrated the no smoking ban in the bars. I do feel for my smoking friends and I enjoy hanging out in the indoor/outdoor seating Magoo's has created for our kind if group. This is clearly not a foodie's paradise and I think a lot of the reviews put too much weight on the food. ***This. Is. A. Dive. Bar. (Albeit a clean, well-kept dive bar.)*** Enough variety of beer on tap to placate most. Stiff drinks in the right price range and the food is edible. Play some pool, shuffleboard or zone out on the current sporting event broadcasted on TV. You can be easily left alone to your own thoughts or the mutual gossip between comrades. Waitstaff has been hit and miss in the past but I think they'e got a good crew in there now. I give the place five starts because they have the dive bar nailed down. Can't help but love this place. Oh and they have a pretty kick-ass Halloween Party to boot.
(5)Bradford M.
I like Magoo's. I like the bartenders. I like that they have shuffleboard (the table kind, not the cruise ship kind). I like that they have a heated, enclosed outdoor smoking area with a big screen for watching games. I like that they have a jukebox. It's a bit divey, the food is grim, and it's not particularly impressive in general, but there's nothing at all wrong with it. I stop off often enough for a pint that the bartenders don't ask me what I want, but rather assume I want a Guinness unless I tell them differently. That makes me happy. 3.5 stars
(3)Robert C.
This was the first bar that I actually went to in Salem & from the mixed reviews I was not sure what I was in for..... however! I love Dive bars, I thrive off of these kind of places and Magoo's was Fabulous! It is actually a lot cleaner then most "Dive Bars" that I'm used to going to. This place has very nice people working there and the outdoor patio was really nice with the heaters in it, it was actually a little to hot out in the patio so we had to turn those puppies off. Compared to the "Ugly Meat Market" that we went to on our 2nd stop in Salem...this place was a GEM!
(4)Mira N.
Four stars if you're a poor political staffer looking for a strong drink, smoke, and insider gossip - otherwise, it's one star. Since there are no half star increments, I'm rounding down to two. The food is unappetizing, staff indifferent, and the place just seems dirty. Smoking has been moved out to the patio but the whole place still reeks of a smokey haven for backroom dealings. If you are looking for a good dive bar, try Pete's Place.
(2)Chizzle L.
Magoo's certainly deserves zero stars. The bartenders that work here are the rudest meanest creatures that ive ever encountered. In fact my friend and I got kicked out for "doing drugs" when we'd just spent 10 minutes talking and doing mascara in the bathroom. This was after we had only one drink! And believe me, I don't do drugs. They were ridiculous and I was completely offended. After we left I called to get their names to file a complaint and they hung up on me. I couldn't believe it. The general atmosphere is grossly decrepit. The only thing this bar has going for it is shuffle board but believe me, the bartenders are the most heinous b*tches alive and it wouldnt be worth going there even if they were giving out free gold nuggets. I can honestly say that Magoo's is a stain on Salem's already below average bar scene. If you're looking for a good dive bar then dont go here!!!
(1)Elizabeth E.
Excellent dive bar. You will surely find: a smoky bar, tvs playing sports games, cheap beer, darts, pool, and some sort of game called 'shuffle board' (like air hockey but on a long table and instead of floating on air, the pucks 'float' on tiny clear silicon beads). Shuffle Board is actually very fun and worth the trip. f you are in need of a cheap place to drink the night away with a big group of friends then Magoos it is. If you prefer ambience and a chic atmosphere you will NOT enjoy the bar, stay home or go elsewhere.
(3)