The Kitchen on Court Street
466 Court St NE, Salem, OR, 97301
The Kitchen on Court Street Menu
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Address :
466 Court St NE
Salem, OR, 97301 - Phone (971) 701-6902
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Drive-Thru : No
Caters : Yes
Categories
Burgers
Burger or Hamburger is savored as the most desired fast food meal in the United States. A hamburger is basically a sandwich prepared by stuffing ground meat patty, generally beef, between two slices of a bun cut in half. Hamburger is also famous for its seasoning. Most popular condiments used in hamburgers in the United States are mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Besides ground meat patty, hamburgers are also stuffed with lettuce, onions, tomato slices, pickles, and cheese.
Hamburgers are also categorized into two types in the United States. Fast food hamburger and individual hamburgers served at restaurants are two basic types of burgers served in the United States. The individual hamburgers served at restaurants are prepared using everything including lettuce, onion, tomato, and sliced pickles as well as melted cheese on the patty or crumbled on top. American restaurants also serve veggie burgers for those who don't relish meat. Cheeseburgers are also hot favorite in the United States.
McDonalds is the most popular fast food burger restaurant serving different types of burgers in the United States. On the other hand, there are several restaurants such as Burger King are famous for serving the best hamburgers in the United States. Most burger restaurants in the United States often serve hamburgers with French fries and other condiments. If you have a liking for burgers in the United States, then you won't be disappointed. You can easily find the best burger restaurants in your city on our Restaurants Listings directory. Check the reviews and ratings of the top burger restaurants and savor yourself with the best hamburger in the city.
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Erin H.
*Dined with Kyle R. See his review for details on the other dishes. I had really, really high hopes for this place. I mean, fried green tomatoes? In So-Lame? This place HAS to be awesome, right? Wrong. This place takes pretentious to a whole new level. First we were denied a booth because "we might get a party of four". It was 11am on Veteran's day and we were the only other customers at the time. What kind of establishment tells paying customers that they, a party of two, are less important than a party of four? We arrived early knowing they were a small place--yet those that arrived later received a booth. Gimme an effin' break. Anyway, let's talk about the food. $6 for five half-dollar sized THIN fried green tomatoes. And they were just OK. No way this is a share-able app. My pal had the $9 baked brie that came with four hard-as-rock toasts. My god. The real kicker, for me, was my fried chicken sandwich. You see, typically a chicken sandwich is made from the lean breast. Among the multitude of reasons for this is that you won't have to bite into fatty gristle--something many folks appreciate when you can't dissect your food with a knife and fork But this place? Oh no--they selected a boneless chicken thigh. You all know how small those are, right? For $13 I got a smidgen of gristly fatty chicken on a bun that must have cost them right around 70 cents. I ate half and patiently waited for the waitress to ask how the food was. She never did. The mayo had a banana flavor--?? I can't even guess what that was about. My $2.50 1/2 pint soda "glass" was never refilled. Topping off this experience was the fact that the table we were forced into was exactly 4 inches from the next table. In order to get out I either had to sit my butt in my companions face or the ladies next to me. I chose the latter. If you're going to do hip, or pretentious, or cutting edge, DO IT RIGHT. High prices don't equal high quality! Start by mastering the damn food and then jack up the rates. I hope this place goes down... down... down...
(1)Dennis K.
I've been here a couple of times with my wife now, once for drinks and once for food. It's my new favorite hamburger in town - a bit on the spicy side, but as a former smoker I like that. They also got the temperature perfect, which not many places dare to do anymore. The bartender made an excellent Vodka Press, which is a real compliment, to do a simple drink well.. After I complimented him he showed me how he did it. It was quite clever. The atmosphere is very nice: clean and well-lit. You cannot tell by looking this used to be the old Casey's Hot Dogs. The transformation/remodel is complete, and must have cost a small fortune. If I could offer one (1) critique of this place, it is the portions are a bit small. Other than that, two thumb way up.
(4)Jason C.
Cool place with a nice diner meets urban vibe and great service. If only it weren't for the food, this place would be tops. $14 for fish and chips that's... Err catfish and undercooked at that. Three very small pieces of it on a mountain of soggy, cold, reheated fries. $5 for a 1/2 pint of beer. End result; $20 poorer and although I had decent service, she never asked about my satisfaction with my meal so I only gave her the half of it feedback-wise. I ordered about the simplest item on the menu and it's fried food guys, pretty tough to screw up... Figure it out.
(2)Paige H.
The food is delicious! I had a sandwich, which I can't even remember the name, but the waitress said something like that it was the original Bologna, and it was incredibly good!! The bread was fantastic! The flavor was rich, and the portion was filling. The establishment is pretty cute. Brick walls, old restored mirrors, and they serve water in tiny little mason jars. The service was really friendly, too! It loses stars for comfort. It's extremely uncomfortable sitting in the metal chairs. They are poorly designed. The tables are much too close together. I realize they have limited space, but having to have the waiter pull the table out completely just so you can squeeze in and then being stuck back there til the end of your meal is a little strange... Removing one table would probably fix this issue. I would definitely eat here again, but I think I'll try snagging one of the three booths or sit up at the bar table.
(3)Alex R.
It makes me sad to see any bad reviews for this place at all, because I LOVED all three of my experiences here. The service is awesome. The staff is very friendly, accommodating and fast. The decor is warm, yet modern. I recommend the pasta with bacon (I cant remember the actual menu name). You can see into the kitchen as they cook, and it looks so fresh and clean. I trust everything that come out of that kitchen.
(5)Kelsey M.
Overall this was a really tasty experience. We were looking for a new place to try out and I drive past this place every morning on my way to work. I was pleased to find out they are open for dinner as I had been assuming it was a breakfast/brunch place. The atmosphere is hip and casual and the decor is really nice. There aren't a lot of tables but you could easily have a family of 5-6 or even a larger group up to 8-9 in the big booth in the front. I ordered the Cuban sandwich with fries and a pale ale from Salem Ale Works (my fave!) and it was delicious. My only complaint about my dinner was the bun for my sandwich was over-toasted, to the point of being almost too hard to bite. However, I ate the fries first and let the juices from my sandwich soften up the bun and it was bearable. Not enough to complain or send it back, but worth taking off a star. They appear to have a nice breakfast menu, so we will be back to try it again for breakfast. Definitely nice to have another good option in downtown Salem!
(4)Sarah P.
Love the food especially the lasagne Love the fact they save bigger tables for bigger groups so hard to find a place to sit with my big family where as many places you see a small group at the biggest table. Love that you can see who's cooking your food Definitely going back or even ordering pick up Can't wait till I'm 21next year because the bar there looks amazing & tasty:)
(5)Andy K.
We had a really good breakfast. We both had scrambles. Both were great. I had the one with bacon, sausage, and peppers. My wife had the veggie scramble. Service was quick and friendly. We will definitely be coming back. I would like to try their lunch menu next time.
(4)Karin H.
Again, it is great to have another lunch option in downtown Salem. Met a friend for lunch on a Tuesday and we were glad we got there a little before the typical lunch rush. While no one had to wait for any significant length of time, they were turning tables pretty quickly. The food was good. I had a Cuban with fries and my friend had a chicken Caesar without the dressing. The waitress was a little confused by that, but was very accommodating, bringing a crust of olive oil. The sandwich was good, but drippy. I didn't dare put it back down on the plate after I started eating because the one time I did, it was pretty soggy when I picked it back up. The fries were shoestring cut with peel on. I ate a few, they were good, but they were not something I had to finish. The downside for me is the seating.. Bistro style two tops with booth back on one side and chair on the other. Depending on the size of your party they shove the tables around for the appropriate seating. When they were at their fullest it was like you were sharing a meal with the people at the next table and it is awkward for anyone to get in or out of the booth side without encroaching on their neighbors. While this is a pet peeve of mine, it is a place I would go back to for lunch, and nred to check them out for breakfast and dinner.
(3)Joan T.
Where to start...I ordered the house salad $5, add chicken $4 the house salad was roughly 4.5ounces of lettuce with 1/4 of a tomato cut into wedges accompanied by 1/2 ounce shredded carrot, off to the side was about 2.5 ounces of mangled chicken thigh which lacked any seasoning at all...my Husband ordered the Caesar $8 add chicken $4, which consisted of roughly 7 ounces of Romaine erratically cut, tossed in powdered parmesan with packaged croutons and 2.5 ounce mangled chicken thigh, strangely lacking any lemon. The sad truth is, packaged supermarket salad would have offered a more authentic Caesar With other options available....The Kitchen on Court St. failed to impress
(2)Charisma G.
I am pretty confused about the negative reviews for this place. I have been here a few times and had nothing but great food (although always have been here for dinner). If you love bacon, definitely try their BLT - it's loaded with bacon and has friend green tomatoes as it's "T". I've had the cuban and I believe a chicken sandwich here. It was delicious every time. The drinks are great. The staff is very accommodating and friendly. I definitely recommend this place.
(4)Rose B.
The good: Clifford the bartender is personable and mixes killer drinks. Make friends with this one. And try Rum Passion. The food was tasty and exceeded expectations. The bad: Nothing. The ugly: The restaurant was almost empty when I arrived at 5pm on a Friday night. I asked to be seated in one of the three empty booths. I was declined, told abruptly by waitress Jennifer that the booths were only for parties of four. I mentioned wanting the privacy for my business meeting, and asked in two other manners, and, after consulting her manager, she forcefully declined me. A few minutes later a group of three walked in and were promptly seated in a booth. An hour into the meal (meaning an hour of sitting on a very uncomfortable metal chair), two of the booths were still open. My colleague and I asked to move, and Jennifer hemmed and hawed. After consulting the manager, she came and told us that we could move, but that we would need to keep an eye on the flow of customers and move back to a table if the restaurant became busy. About 30 minutes later, she approached us and informed us it was time we move back to a table "like you said you would" because the restaurant was picking up. At this point, direct words were spoken, and we stayed in the booth for the short remainder of our stay. I'm not sure that the sweetness of Clifford's drinks could wash down the bitterness of the manager's terrible management policy and rude (at best!) treatment of clientele. To The Kitchen: If you want return customers, and want the community to spread good word about you, perhaps you ought reconsider your seating policy.
(1)Diana R.
Stopped in a store nearby and decided to give this place a try for a late lunch, I wasn't disappointed. They were slow to seat me but on top of it after on a slow sleepy summer late afternoon. Clean, sleek, stylish, the blues playing. I ordered from the Happy Hour menu. The Ham and Cheese Croquettes were melt in your mouth amazing; even though I didn't find any ham I would order them again. The calamari was perfectly fried and the side house salad was fresh with a nice selection of veg. It'd be nice if the table water was chilled or served with ice; especially, on a warm summer day. It does come in a cute quart size milk jar so at least there is plenty.
(5)Alex B.
In a nutshell: consistently uneven service and food quality. The first two times we came here, it was within the first 6 months of opening, and we found that the speed of service was unpredictable, as was the food quality - some good dishes, some not so good. But overall the experience was decent, so I gave 3 stars. We waited many more months before our third visit, hoping that the earlier problems were just teething issues. Well, just had lunch there, and although the service has improved (it's always been friendly, but not always fast), the problem with the variable food quality is still there. The vegan creamy chickpea soup was great, full bodied and flavorful, and the fries were OK - though a little cold because our order sat around a few minutes before getting to our table. My partner also said the BLT was fine, except for the fried green tomatoes (see below). On the downside, the blackened catfish sandwich was skimpy on the fish, and although the outside of the two pieces of fish looked nice and cooked, one of the pieces was essentially raw inside. Also a disappointment were the fried green tomatoes on both of our dishes. They were just breaded flavorless mush - totally lacking in any green-tomato flavor or consistency. When our order arrived it didn't even dawn on my what they were, so I asked my server to identify them! Near the end of the meal with almost half of my sandwich sitting there because of the almost raw fish on it, I told our server about the problem. She took it away while politely saying "I'll try to do something about that"... I know I should have asked for a clearer response; I wasn't sure whether or how she was going to make up for problem... but a minute later I got my answer when the (unchanged) bill was brought to our table without any comment. P.S. If she hadn't said she would "try" to do something, I wouldn't really have minded. But either she didn't try, or she tried and failed without providing an explanation.
(2)Kirk F.
We wandered into the Kitchen without any expectations or having pre-Yelped, just a random stop on the way to Eugene for the track...and really loved the place! Very, very nice service, good food that is reasonably creative, everything very very fresh--nice greens that could have come from a farmer that morning. We liked it so much we went once more, three days later after the track meet. Both times we enjoyed everything...and then recommended the kitchen to a friend as an alternative on the long drive up I-5 from SF to Portland, they stopped with their three kids and THEY all loved it. So multiple visits by a varied group of folks of different ages and universal thumbs up! Dishes we tried and liked: Fish and chips, halibut sandwich, cuban sandwich, fish tacos, burger, pork tacos, salads. Excellent!
(5)Pixie S.
Best burger I have ever eaten! Juicy, perfectly grilled meat, crispy yet soft homemade bun, succulent bacon with masterfully melted cheddar, crispy green lettuce and juicy tomatoes. Thin, shoestring French fries were seasoned perfectly! Kids meals were generously proportioned and they let my daughter add chicken to her pasta for free! Very reasonably priced and such friendly service! A++++++
(5)Nicole Y.
I came in with my friend just after they stopped serving breakfast. I got a mimosa and was pleased that the orange juice was freshly squeezed. I ordered the soup of the day (turkey vegetable) and the mac. Both were so delicious. The service was great as well!
(4)Melissa A.
The food is decent, when they get it right, but that isn't often the case. I ordered a lamb burger and was brought a regular hamburger with completely different toppings. When I told the waitress I thought the toppings were incorrect, she told me they probably just gave me a hamburger. She asked,"Do you want me to get you a lamb burger or....?" Yes. I would like the meal that I ordered. This happens so often at The Kitchen. MOST of the time, your order is wrong. I understand mistakes happen, but at The Kitchen, it's a mistake 75% of the time. The staff doesn't seem too worried about it. I will never go back to this restaurant.
(1)Fawn R.
Wandered into this place with a friend. Good food, fresh ingredients , good flavors, good service!!!! Id totally go back!
(4)John L.
What a great place, setting and environment to have breakfast. The menu has a more diverse selection than most Salem spots. House made sausage, and great ingredients create an overall better plate of food. It's not an all you can eat for $5 type place. The food is high quality and fair prices considering the fresh prepared food. Another win for the tough Salem food scene.
(5)Peter V.
I love this place! Such a great menu and a great wine/beer selection. The Kitchen on Court St is a MUST for any visitor to Salem.
(5)Janice S.
Extremely overpriced! 1/5 of shot of Jameson for $8 by a terrible dumb blond waitress. We had appetizers which was alright during happy hour which was alright for the price. They didn't even have any cocktail sauce for the calamari.
(1)Aaron W.
Located in the old Casey's Cafe spot. It's basically a hybrid of a bistro, restaurant, and bar. I joined a friend for brunch on a Saturday. Blackened Lime Catfish Tacos ($11): Two tacos. Moist catfish in double corn tortillas, topped with slaw, pico de gallo, and cilantro crema. Served with rice and black beans. Excellent flavor, even a tiny spicy kick. Fried Green Tomatoes ($6): Wonderfully breaded and fried, Nice crunch and not too greasy. Awesome appetizer. My friend also got some chili, which she gave rave reviews. Full of meat and beans, very hearty. Nice to see another good food option in Salem!
(4)Lisa S.
I had the veggie scramble since they did not have any pork alternatives. It was ok, nothing special. House-made white bread was pretty good although I prefer wheat but the white is the only option. The jam was really good and my blood orange mimosa was delicious! My daughter had a pancake for $3 and it was gigantic. I might be a bit more critical since I live in Portland where we have endless places to chose from. I would go back for the mimosa though.
(3)Dale R.
I had dinner last night with my fiancé and I thought it was going to be great! but the service outside wasn't all that great and the food was decent.
(3)Jess C.
Been here once before for breakfast and it was delightful; they had duck eggs! Its great to have another upscale and delicious breakfast spot that doesn't have the unreal wait times of Word Of Mouth. Today I had a solo lunch, and went with the BLT per the servers reccomendation. It had fried green tomatoes, which I've never had (....so, so good). I chose soup for my side, which was a beef stew teeming with hearty chunks of beef; that could have been a meal on its own. All that for only $9, what a steal. So pleased with this place, I'm excited to have yet another new, wonderful spot for food and drinks downtown.
(5)Amanda M.
Will definitely recommend! New favorite breakfast spot! Bloody Mary is one of the best I've had, ingredients are fresh, portions are large & drinks are high end tasting & strong .... what more can I say. LVE!
(5)Maryanne M.
My friend and I were looking for a fun new place to try for dinner on a Thursday night. Having both grown up in Salem, we went down the list of usuals and nothing sounded good. Now that we both live in Portland, the pickings seem slim. Then she mentioned she had heard of The Kitchen and it's southern fare so we decided to try it out. The atmosphere is great- clean, wood and white subway tile, lots of Edison bulbs..which we joked seem to have caught on in all the new Salem joints. The waitress was friendly and helpful, which was great because everything sounded good! It was an interesting mix- pulled pork, Mac and cheese, tacos, burgers, etc. We shared the fried green tomatoes that other yelpers had recommended. They were delicious! Really fresh. My friend got the Mac and cheese and I got the pulled pork sandwich with fresh apple slaw. What stood out to me we're the fresh ingredients. You could tell they shopped mindfully and everything was well made. We both thought our dishes lacked that "punch" of flavor that you would come to expect from a southern inspired restaurant, but overall, we had a good experience, and the prices were great!
(4)Matt H.
So glad we found this place! Kitchen scramble is the bomb. The kitchen sandwich is amazing. And you can't go wrong with beer battered bacon! The staff are amazing and this is going to be a regular haunt whenever I'm in Salem!
(4)Shannon K.
The Kitchen remains one of our favorite spots in Salem. There are a couple of reviews here from folks (who went in with a party of two) complaining about not taking up a booth intended for 4-8 people...these people need to understand that this is a very popular new restaurant operating in a very small space and they actually DO need to make money. As a considerate consumer (not to mention, person), the respectful action in a space with limited seating would be to take a table appropriate for the size of the party. If you aren't okay with that, go somewhere else! Simple as that. The food remains AWESOME. Cliff the bartender remains SPECTACULAR. Keep in mind that this restaurant does close early. It's great though, keep up the great work.
(5)Jaclyn M.
I have to try this place again, so that's why I'm giving it 3 stars. I wanted the seating that was more comfortable, but it was a table for four and the waitress said they may get s party of four coming in, so instead we were seated VERY close to another party of two. I actually hit elbows with the man. The food (which the server raved about), was absolutely disgusting. It was a catfish sandwich and it tasted like dirty toilet water. I've eaten catfish many times and from what I understand and have been told by others, only bad catfish tastes like that. My husband ordered the Mac and loved it. I was so excited to come here. I love to support small businesses. I'll have to come back, but it'll be a while before I get the taste for this place again.
(3)Michele S.
This is our favorite place in Salem. The service is always top notch. The food is so good. I had the shrimp and grits tonight. The grits were incredibly creamy and buttery while the shrimp were succulent and juicy. Nice and spicy, just the right amount of heat. The flan for dessert is soooo good, creamy and caramely. Breakfast is really good here too!
(5)C W.
OK Salem - you now have the best breakfast place ever -The Kitchen on Court Street! I have had breakfast twice and wow! From scratch Southern Buttermilk Yeast Biscuits, truly farm fresh eggs(the yolks are pure gold) fresh jam and the best cup of coffee in town. Husband has had the Chicken Fried Chicken Breakfast and the Chicken Friend Steak Breakfast and raves about both. I have to say the Kitchen Potatoes are worth the price of admission alone! Absolutely perfect! Plus we wont even start on the Bloody Marys - again my husband says they rock.
(5)Tim B.
And how quickly the mighty have fallen. After a fantabulous experience on my first go round I decided to return. I ordered the same items, chicken tacos. And whereas at my earlier visit the chicken was cooked on the grill, this time, not so much. The service remained good. I got in a little after 12 and the waitress took my order. Within minutes my tacos had come out. Not from the grill, no sir. Certainly these tacos were re-heated. I'm sure the beans and rice were reheated as well. From how long before, I don't know. But everything was a little dryer and little more uneven then my visit several weeks ago. This was a massive disappointment. And...other things. Abysmal. One star.
(1)Beth G.
Yummy place! Had wonderful fries and amazing spicy meatloaf sandwich. Love supporting local, will be back!
(4)Ryan G.
It was fantastic! By far the worst part was making up my mind. I had the pulled pork sandwich with apple slaw and ordered some fried green tomatoes. The pork was perfectly cooked, the apples a good bright contrast and the crunch from the apples and onion straws was awesome. The fried green tomatoes were excellent and real, where else are you going to eat fried green tomatoes in Salem, OR. Now how to eat here so often that you go broke, a whole different question.
(5)Ian B.
"The Kitchen on Court Street is a Big fish in a small pond." I've been three times in the last three weeks and love the place. It is just what Salem needs. We've followed Bernard from his restaurant, The Crooked House Bistro in West Salem and are amazed that he and Jim came up with such a diverse, exciting menu. It's refreshing to have somewhere to go in Salem that has great food AND character for lunch, business, dinner, or even a cocktail! People like Jenni B. can stick to the pub and eat hamburgers that aren't cut in half. SOPHISTICATION is something that this town can stand to have a little more of. Let's try to embrace it. The rest of the normal people in this town finally have a restaurant with a perfectly balanced menu, a restaurant that can satisfy a crowd that wishes to eat more on the heavy or light side if they choose, and also entertain people that appreciate the finer things in life. Thanks for giving Salem some soul!
(5)Mae B.
Great addition to downtown Salem. Food was delicious, I had the spinach salad with grilled chicken. The chicken was well marinated and flavorful. My husband had fish and chips, the fries could have been hotter but fish was perfect. This will be on our list of favorites for sure. Staff was friendly and made for a good experience
(4)Karen G.
I've been to Kitchen on Court Street a few times and have always been pleased. I ordered the meatball sandwich which was delicious. The others in our party were also happy with their selections, which were mac and cheese, fish tacos, and the BLT. I always get the croquettes as an appetizer. They are delicious!
(4)Denis O.
food was OK if you like pseudo southern flair (fried green tomatoes and catfish.) Service was completely disorganized and seating was jammed in crowded banquettes.
(1)Jennifer M.
I love the Crooked House Bistro in West Salem. Cozy, interesting, good food, lots of character, very intimate. The Kitchen is not that. Which is okay, except that the things that are different don't give me any thrills. Noisy (all that tile and those hard surfaces), so it's hard to talk to the person across the table from me. Uncomfortable being squeezed in on hard chairs. My dinner mate did NOT want her wine in a jelly jar (we're both wineaus). And ... for me who doesn't do spicy, nearly everything on the menu was spicy! I ended up with the grilled prawns and parmesan grits, which were very good. But a bit skimpy on the portion size for the price. The chalk board with the specialty cocktails was enticing, many of the drinks sounded very good, might go back when I'm ready for something like that. Staff was nice, especially since my dinner mate was very late so I sat there for a while. But I have to really think about if it's worth going back again ... spicy, noisy, uncomfortable. And a bit pricey. I'll pay for a good experience and great food, this just didn't quite make it.
(3)Kristen B.
Sense my husband and I moved to Salem over a year ago we have been disappointed with the Salem restaurant offerings. The Kitchen has changed this, they are friendly reasonably priced and have great food! I loved my shrimp they were amazing!
(5)Mark B.
Found this place by walking by. Had a great dinner for a reasonable price. A burger and home made chicken soup. Friendly and attentive service. Just a minor dislike is the seating. I asked to sit in a certain place and was told they have to hold it in case a larger party than my party of two arrived. No such larger party arrived. Let us sit where we want. However, I think this policy will change when they read some reviews. Still, come by and enjoy some good food.
(4)Kara C.
My husband and I stopped by the Kitchen on a Sunday for brunch/lunch. It's hard to find places in Salem open on Sunday, so we were excited to give The Kitchen a try. It's a really cute place decorated in minimalist design with white subway tiles, clean lines, etc., and not something I would normally expect in Salem. Yes, the tables are somewhat close together, but we have been many places where this is the norm, so it didn't bother us at all. We were seated promptly. Their menu is Southern-inspired fare with a wide variety for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We appreciated seeing three local Salem breweries on tap, along with a German beer and buck-fifty PBR (gotta have it for the Southern fare, right?). We just missed the cut-off time for breakfast, so ordered from their lunch menu. I had the spinach salad with blue cheese dressing (yum!) and my husband had the chicken sandwich (spicy). We both thoroughly enjoyed our meals, and my husband especially liked the sandwich saying it was just the right level of heat without being too much for him (it was much too spicy for me though!). Overall, it was a great dining experience and we look forward to going back, especially to try breakfast and happy hour.
(5)Susan L.
We ate here on September 5th and the food was well worth the visit. A must try for lovers of southern food. I had fried green tomatoes and these were better than any I've eaten in the past.
(5)Sarah A.
Fried green tomatoes are very good. We also had shrimp empanadas that were a special of the day. Wow. Very good. The soup was vegan and I didn't care for it. However that's a personal taste. Everything was presented well. Small environment. Not good for large groups. I will be back.
(4)Shannon W.
After hearing a very mixed bag of reviews since the opening of Kitchen on Court, we weren't sure what to expect. It was a Tuesday mid morning and our original plan for brunch was a bust since the spot we planned to visit was closed...which turned out to be a good thing!! We really enjoyed our experience at Kitchen! The eggs benedict was very good (I chose the spicy option and it was really good) and the spam breakfast sandwich was just like my husband would make at home-he was thrilled :) great place to have a leisurely brunch!!
(5)Mark P.
Great job everybody. The service was great the food was fresh and the prices fit my budget. Well done!
(4)K L.
I had only had drinks there, and finally went to grab a bite. I had pork tacos, and OMG, BEST ever! Great fast service and yummy drinks! I will probably add another star later...need to try more on the menu, but so far so good!
(4)Laura A.
My husband and I ate here recently and were very impressed. The decor is nothing special and it was crazy hot in there, likely due to a combination of a warm/humid night and their open kitchen, but for a place that seems to focus on simplicity, it works. The food was great and the drinks were absolutely fantastic! We got the appetizer of Fried Green Tomatoes. This was the only minor downside of the evening. They were kind of bland. However, I will also say that I have never had Fried Green Tomatoes before and it may be that they were really well done and it just isn't a dish I like much. But I felt like they really could have used some salt and some hot sauce or some sort of spice to wake them up. For our entrees, my husband got the pork tacos and I got the chicken tacos. For drinks, he got a Sazerac and I got the Daiquiri. The pork tacos were good. They come with onion, cilantro and crema. My husband really enjoyed them. His only comment was that he would have been okay with more cilantro and he felt like some sort of crunch like some cabbage would have been very welcome. He really enjoyed his drink and is looking forward to trying more of their cocktails the next time. We both agreed that the chicken tacos were the winner. They were simple but very delicious. They came with onion and cilantro and cotija. The cotija added just the right amount of saltiness to the tacos. They were absolutely delicious. And the daiquiri?? Oh lord, the daiquiri! Dangerously delicious. I am not a big fan of alcohol, but this was just the right mix. You got the taste of the rum and then the wash of the lime and sweetness to wash it down before it got over powering. I could drink far too many of those.... Both tacos came with homemade tortillas, which to me, always adds that extra touch to tacos. They also came with beans and rice. The beans had a great spiciness that, on their own was a bit much for me, but when mixed together with the rice worked very well. We can't wait to come back and try more options at this restaurant!! They do a great job keeping food simple but very flavorful and well done.
(4)Larry M.
Wow...where do I even begin. I so wanted to like this restaurant, I truly did, and still want to. However, my breakfast today was in a word:awful. Gristly, overfried chicken fried steak, cold, bland potatoes, and tasteless country gravy Coupled with slow, inattentive service, uncomfortable chairs, and high prices?, nope, I won't be coming back. Should have just gone to Word of mouth, or Rock N Rogers. *Very disappointing.*
(1)Demitri G.
Started with the fried calamari made with whole squid, it arrived on the table super hot and looking amazing. The batter was a great blend of pepper and crispness. The Aioli sauce complimented it nicely. The Baked Brie with Habanero Brown Sugar is an over the top savory and sweet experience. I got the straight up beef burger and a garden salad, the buns crust was firm but not too chewy and the beef had a nice flavor. This was a lunch with my mom who is very hard on restaurants, she was sold from the first bite of calamari. I'll be back soon to try more of the menu.
(5)James C.
Huge fan! The Mac and cheese is awesome! Service is friendly and professional. Everything I've ever had here has been excellent. Worth making a trip to drive here.
(5)Ivy L.
I want to thank this place for saving us the money and time. I was completely fine when you said you were going to close around 8:00 and we would come at a different time, but i would like to give great thanks to the chef for giving the waitress the thumbs up for getting rid of us! Note to self! Make sure your EX customers have left your site.
(1)Brian B.
Excellent food and drink. My wife (vegatarian) had the split pea soup and loved it. I had the pulled pork tacos which were fantastic. Friendly staff rounded out our experience. Looking forward to returning to try the Cubano sandwich.
(5)Marin G.
Went in for lunch this weekend with my mom. It was busy but we were seated quickly. Waitress wasn't very friendly but was attentive. I got the calamari sandwich with a side salad and my mom got the BLT with fries. Both sandwiches were executed really well but they were a little bland. The calamari needed a little more seasoning and a little more sauce on the sandwich. The BLT was good but also a little bland. The ingredients were all fresh and tasty. The fries were delicious, not crispy but not too greasy, and the vinaigrette on the salad was flavorful. The food was good quality and not overpriced. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Kyle R.
Holy moly! Second visit, and it all went downhill. Went for lunch at 11am yesterday, and my friend (Erin H) and I requested one of three booths. "No -- they are reserved for parties of 4". This would be understandable, if it wasn't a holiday and if it was actually busy and if we didn't arrive just after they opened. And yes, one booth was still available when we left. Anyway, we ordered two apps (fried green tomatoes and fried brie), and they were good. Erin ordered some chicken sand, and she said it was grisly and the cheapest part of the animal they could have served. She didn't finish it, nor the fries. We shared mac and cheese without bacon (me being a veg). It was just OK, and rather small for the price paid. In fact, everything was WAY overpriced for what you pay. I'll get to our total $$bill in a bit. I ordered a caeser salad (with vinaigrette) and it was dull. I also got their vegan soup of the day, some bean green concoction. It was just OK, and again way overpriced. We ordered a to-go order for our friend back at work, pulled pork sand and a bowl of chili. The pulled pork sand was super dry and not tasty. The $9 bowl of chili was so small, it looked like a small cup. Our server did not refill Erin's soda, so she paid $2.50 for a small sliver of soda. Which btw, our server was nice enough, but oblivious to the fact we weren't eating our food. Our total bill for THREE people was $72.00. That's right, $72 (tip not included). We were so hungry after the fact, we walked down to Pita Pit. Let me say this again, WE WERE SO HUNGRY AFTER WE LEFT, we went to eat at Pita Pit. I can understand high falutin dining, but NOT when the food is below average and the service is crap and it's SALEM FREAKIN' OREGON. Oh my. WIll never be back. *heavy sigh*
(1)Jay R.
We had a great experience here. Probably my #2 spot in town (after Andaluz) if I have my pick. I had a great burger. Wife had what looked like a very good pulled pork sandwich. All around, food was very good. Service was good too, even on a busy night. Even more though, I just really liked the ambience of this place. The way it's laid out made it feel busy and energetic. A bit loud, I guess, but I prefer that when eating out. It made downtown Salem feel more energized, which is a really good thing.
(5)Rafael B.
I ordered the cubano. It came on fresh baked bread I gave that a 5, had shredded pork, very bland I give it a 2 - tasted like something that was refrigerated for a while and not in the good way (marinated and cooked low and slow for hours). It came with ham and pickles and dijon. For $13 bucks including fresh cut fries, I wasn't blown away. For the size and the taste I would happily pay $6 maybe $7, but $13 for a small sandwich no thanks! This place based on this specific meal I gave the meal a generous 3, service was great however. Super nice and inviting and attentive service I give a 5! So work on your food a little more or at least the Cubano and maybe I'll try it again. For now I'll pass. Cheers!
(3)Tila M.
The food was really good and the service was great. I had the green fried tomatoes with cilantro creme fresh and it was delicious. Plus there were quite a few vegetarian options. This is a great place for a really small group or a couple, but it is small so might not be the best choice for a group.
(4)Holly T.
Tables are waaaay too close together. Food seems to lack a little kick or seasoning. A bit pricey for lackluster food.
(3)Jenni B.
Visited today. The experience was...meh. Service was questionable. Food was edible, but not much more than that. First, tried the ham and cheese croquettas--which were tasty, but not worth $8 for four of them. It came with this weird "salsa verde" that wasn't salsa, not really a sauce, and not really good with the croquettas. But it was green (alas, "verde") so I'll give it that. I tried the beef chopped burger and fries. (My friend tried the pork tacos.) The burger itself was tasty, but the bun did not go with the sandwich. Very mismatched. The fries, which seemed to be freshly cut, were my the best part of the meal. But, the spicy aioli that came with the fries was weird and not recommended. Stick with ketchup. (Funny side note: When my burger came out the server said: "Sorry, we accidentally cut it in half." How do you accidentally cut a sandwich in half? If he wouldn't have said anything, I probably wouldn't have noticed or been bothered by it and I acknowledged and went on with my meal. Then, the server brings us a plate of free fries to make up for the cutting incident. Completely unnecessary, as I wasn't upset or anything, but I'll never turn down free food.) Lastly, we tried the French Apple Pie a la Mode. It was the saddest looking piece of pie ever and definitely, again, not worth the $8 charged. It was falling apart and did not look like a piece of pie. The crust was soggy and terrible. The crumb top was lack luster and uneventful. Not sure I'll try it again. Very disappointed. Maybe the B crew is on for Sundays? Expected so much more from the guy behind Crooked House Bistro.
(2)Cody M.
Very cramped. Server would not let us sit in the booth when we asked because they are four tops. Food is expensive and there was not many options. Can't review the food because my wife and I got up and left before ordering. The place did not smell appealing in the first place, and then the server sat two people next to us who reeked like cigarettes. Very uncomfortable experience, we walked to Busick Court instead.
(2)Janira B.
We had such high hopes for this place. But it failed!!! They've been open for about 5 months so the "learning curve" is no longer an excuse. We had lunch on a Sunday afternoon. I had the beef burger with shoestring fries. My burger was cold and greasy and bland. The homemade bun was toasted but soggy. The burger came with wilted shredded lettuce and week old sliced Roma tomatoes. I ordered it with pepper jack cheese but it had something else on it. The shoestring fries were cold and flavorless - over fried and no seasoning. The fries were mixed in with other fried food pieces, so I probably got the extra fries from another order. My husband had the Court Omlette. It came out cold, like it sat waiting for my burger to finish. His "homestyle" potatoes were burned on one side and soggy on the other. Like someone forgot about them. I tried to express my opinion to the owner after he asked how the food was. He made some snarky comment about watching out for my health by not adding salt to my fries. No apologies for anything. Well - we won't be returning after such a disappointment.
(2)Suzanne T.
Had lunch here today. The decor is fun, we were greeted immediately and seated quickly. The tables are really close together, which is a little awkward. Specials existed but weren't mentioned to us. I had the pork tacos and they were really great! It did take nearly 40 minutes to get food, though, and we noticed that clients who were seated after we were had their food a lot sooner. I'll go back and hope for quicker turnaround from the kitchen.
(4)K T.
Interesting new restaurant in downtown Salem. Strives to be trendy and hip with new twists on classic menu favorites - for example fried green tomatoes on the BLT. Solid cocktail menu. Seating is tight - you may end up having lunch with strangers at your table. Salem needs more places like this to revive the downtown scene - please support local.
(4)Laureen K.
A friend of mine told me about The Kitchen and it has been on my list of must try. Four of us had breakfast there yesterday and we all loved it! Had the chicken fried chicken. We will be back!
(5)Daryn J.
Um, let's see. The ambiance was awesome. The Kitchen is a cool little restaurant visually speaking. There were basically two items on the menu (for dinner...aka, hot as in temperature food) that were not spicy or extra spicy?? The waitress informed us that their menu is changing and most everything is spicy. Hm, why not call it The Hothouse instead of The Kitchen?? I ordered a beef burger and fries, my other option was a Ham and Brie sandwich (Double yuck). The shoestring fries were darn good and quite possibly the best part of the meal. The hamburger was well done as I ordered. Yay....But, halfway through I kept biting into sinew and gristle. Really?? Ick. Well, let's try the other half. First bite...a big ball of ick. I gave up and ate the buns without the meat.
(2)Tim W.
Had an amazing time here. Meatloaf was fantastic and the wait staff was great. Try the BLT also my wife and I can't wait to go back!!
(5)Lew L.
Tiny, little historic building with exposed brick. A few booths but mostly tables. Interesting mix of southern food and burgers. I had the cheesy grits with shrimp. It was amazing. Others in my group had cuban sandwich. (Very good) Fish tacos with were ordinary. Good service.
(4)C. B.
Good stuff. A fairly inventive menu (and good food) with reasonable prices. I wish they had more options on tap, but other than that I'd call it a great experience.
(4)Jaclyn M.
I have to try this place again, so that's why I'm giving it 3 stars. I wanted the seating that was more comfortable, but it was a table for four and the waitress said they may get s party of four coming in, so instead we were seated VERY close to another party of two. I actually hit elbows with the man. The food (which the server raved about), was absolutely disgusting. It was a catfish sandwich and it tasted like dirty toilet water. I've eaten catfish many times and from what I understand and have been told by others, only bad catfish tastes like that. My husband ordered the Mac and loved it. I was so excited to come here. I love to support small businesses. I'll have to come back, but it'll be a while before I get the taste for this place again.
(3)Michele S.
This is our favorite place in Salem. The service is always top notch. The food is so good. I had the shrimp and grits tonight. The grits were incredibly creamy and buttery while the shrimp were succulent and juicy. Nice and spicy, just the right amount of heat. The flan for dessert is soooo good, creamy and caramely. Breakfast is really good here too!
(5)C W.
OK Salem - you now have the best breakfast place ever -The Kitchen on Court Street! I have had breakfast twice and wow! From scratch Southern Buttermilk Yeast Biscuits, truly farm fresh eggs(the yolks are pure gold) fresh jam and the best cup of coffee in town. Husband has had the Chicken Fried Chicken Breakfast and the Chicken Friend Steak Breakfast and raves about both. I have to say the Kitchen Potatoes are worth the price of admission alone! Absolutely perfect! Plus we wont even start on the Bloody Marys - again my husband says they rock.
(5)Tim B.
And how quickly the mighty have fallen. After a fantabulous experience on my first go round I decided to return. I ordered the same items, chicken tacos. And whereas at my earlier visit the chicken was cooked on the grill, this time, not so much. The service remained good. I got in a little after 12 and the waitress took my order. Within minutes my tacos had come out. Not from the grill, no sir. Certainly these tacos were re-heated. I'm sure the beans and rice were reheated as well. From how long before, I don't know. But everything was a little dryer and little more uneven then my visit several weeks ago. This was a massive disappointment. And...other things. Abysmal. One star.
(1)Beth G.
Yummy place! Had wonderful fries and amazing spicy meatloaf sandwich. Love supporting local, will be back!
(4)Larry M.
Wow...where do I even begin. I so wanted to like this restaurant, I truly did, and still want to. However, my breakfast today was in a word:awful. Gristly, overfried chicken fried steak, cold, bland potatoes, and tasteless country gravy Coupled with slow, inattentive service, uncomfortable chairs, and high prices?, nope, I won't be coming back. Should have just gone to Word of mouth, or Rock N Rogers. *Very disappointing.*
(1)Demitri G.
Started with the fried calamari made with whole squid, it arrived on the table super hot and looking amazing. The batter was a great blend of pepper and crispness. The Aioli sauce complimented it nicely. The Baked Brie with Habanero Brown Sugar is an over the top savory and sweet experience. I got the straight up beef burger and a garden salad, the buns crust was firm but not too chewy and the beef had a nice flavor. This was a lunch with my mom who is very hard on restaurants, she was sold from the first bite of calamari. I'll be back soon to try more of the menu.
(5)Matt H.
So glad we found this place! Kitchen scramble is the bomb. The kitchen sandwich is amazing. And you can't go wrong with beer battered bacon! The staff are amazing and this is going to be a regular haunt whenever I'm in Salem!
(4)Karin H.
Again, it is great to have another lunch option in downtown Salem. Met a friend for lunch on a Tuesday and we were glad we got there a little before the typical lunch rush. While no one had to wait for any significant length of time, they were turning tables pretty quickly. The food was good. I had a Cuban with fries and my friend had a chicken Caesar without the dressing. The waitress was a little confused by that, but was very accommodating, bringing a crust of olive oil. The sandwich was good, but drippy. I didn't dare put it back down on the plate after I started eating because the one time I did, it was pretty soggy when I picked it back up. The fries were shoestring cut with peel on. I ate a few, they were good, but they were not something I had to finish. The downside for me is the seating.. Bistro style two tops with booth back on one side and chair on the other. Depending on the size of your party they shove the tables around for the appropriate seating. When they were at their fullest it was like you were sharing a meal with the people at the next table and it is awkward for anyone to get in or out of the booth side without encroaching on their neighbors. While this is a pet peeve of mine, it is a place I would go back to for lunch, and nred to check them out for breakfast and dinner.
(3)Maryanne M.
My friend and I were looking for a fun new place to try for dinner on a Thursday night. Having both grown up in Salem, we went down the list of usuals and nothing sounded good. Now that we both live in Portland, the pickings seem slim. Then she mentioned she had heard of The Kitchen and it's southern fare so we decided to try it out. The atmosphere is great- clean, wood and white subway tile, lots of Edison bulbs..which we joked seem to have caught on in all the new Salem joints. The waitress was friendly and helpful, which was great because everything sounded good! It was an interesting mix- pulled pork, Mac and cheese, tacos, burgers, etc. We shared the fried green tomatoes that other yelpers had recommended. They were delicious! Really fresh. My friend got the Mac and cheese and I got the pulled pork sandwich with fresh apple slaw. What stood out to me we're the fresh ingredients. You could tell they shopped mindfully and everything was well made. We both thought our dishes lacked that "punch" of flavor that you would come to expect from a southern inspired restaurant, but overall, we had a good experience, and the prices were great!
(4)Shannon K.
The Kitchen remains one of our favorite spots in Salem. There are a couple of reviews here from folks (who went in with a party of two) complaining about not taking up a booth intended for 4-8 people...these people need to understand that this is a very popular new restaurant operating in a very small space and they actually DO need to make money. As a considerate consumer (not to mention, person), the respectful action in a space with limited seating would be to take a table appropriate for the size of the party. If you aren't okay with that, go somewhere else! Simple as that. The food remains AWESOME. Cliff the bartender remains SPECTACULAR. Keep in mind that this restaurant does close early. It's great though, keep up the great work.
(5)Ian B.
"The Kitchen on Court Street is a Big fish in a small pond." I've been three times in the last three weeks and love the place. It is just what Salem needs. We've followed Bernard from his restaurant, The Crooked House Bistro in West Salem and are amazed that he and Jim came up with such a diverse, exciting menu. It's refreshing to have somewhere to go in Salem that has great food AND character for lunch, business, dinner, or even a cocktail! People like Jenni B. can stick to the pub and eat hamburgers that aren't cut in half. SOPHISTICATION is something that this town can stand to have a little more of. Let's try to embrace it. The rest of the normal people in this town finally have a restaurant with a perfectly balanced menu, a restaurant that can satisfy a crowd that wishes to eat more on the heavy or light side if they choose, and also entertain people that appreciate the finer things in life. Thanks for giving Salem some soul!
(5)Mae B.
Great addition to downtown Salem. Food was delicious, I had the spinach salad with grilled chicken. The chicken was well marinated and flavorful. My husband had fish and chips, the fries could have been hotter but fish was perfect. This will be on our list of favorites for sure. Staff was friendly and made for a good experience
(4)Karen G.
I've been to Kitchen on Court Street a few times and have always been pleased. I ordered the meatball sandwich which was delicious. The others in our party were also happy with their selections, which were mac and cheese, fish tacos, and the BLT. I always get the croquettes as an appetizer. They are delicious!
(4)Denis O.
food was OK if you like pseudo southern flair (fried green tomatoes and catfish.) Service was completely disorganized and seating was jammed in crowded banquettes.
(1)Jennifer M.
I love the Crooked House Bistro in West Salem. Cozy, interesting, good food, lots of character, very intimate. The Kitchen is not that. Which is okay, except that the things that are different don't give me any thrills. Noisy (all that tile and those hard surfaces), so it's hard to talk to the person across the table from me. Uncomfortable being squeezed in on hard chairs. My dinner mate did NOT want her wine in a jelly jar (we're both wineaus). And ... for me who doesn't do spicy, nearly everything on the menu was spicy! I ended up with the grilled prawns and parmesan grits, which were very good. But a bit skimpy on the portion size for the price. The chalk board with the specialty cocktails was enticing, many of the drinks sounded very good, might go back when I'm ready for something like that. Staff was nice, especially since my dinner mate was very late so I sat there for a while. But I have to really think about if it's worth going back again ... spicy, noisy, uncomfortable. And a bit pricey. I'll pay for a good experience and great food, this just didn't quite make it.
(3)Kristen B.
Sense my husband and I moved to Salem over a year ago we have been disappointed with the Salem restaurant offerings. The Kitchen has changed this, they are friendly reasonably priced and have great food! I loved my shrimp they were amazing!
(5)Kara C.
My husband and I stopped by the Kitchen on a Sunday for brunch/lunch. It's hard to find places in Salem open on Sunday, so we were excited to give The Kitchen a try. It's a really cute place decorated in minimalist design with white subway tiles, clean lines, etc., and not something I would normally expect in Salem. Yes, the tables are somewhat close together, but we have been many places where this is the norm, so it didn't bother us at all. We were seated promptly. Their menu is Southern-inspired fare with a wide variety for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We appreciated seeing three local Salem breweries on tap, along with a German beer and buck-fifty PBR (gotta have it for the Southern fare, right?). We just missed the cut-off time for breakfast, so ordered from their lunch menu. I had the spinach salad with blue cheese dressing (yum!) and my husband had the chicken sandwich (spicy). We both thoroughly enjoyed our meals, and my husband especially liked the sandwich saying it was just the right level of heat without being too much for him (it was much too spicy for me though!). Overall, it was a great dining experience and we look forward to going back, especially to try breakfast and happy hour.
(5)Susan L.
We ate here on September 5th and the food was well worth the visit. A must try for lovers of southern food. I had fried green tomatoes and these were better than any I've eaten in the past.
(5)Sarah A.
Fried green tomatoes are very good. We also had shrimp empanadas that were a special of the day. Wow. Very good. The soup was vegan and I didn't care for it. However that's a personal taste. Everything was presented well. Small environment. Not good for large groups. I will be back.
(4)Mark B.
Found this place by walking by. Had a great dinner for a reasonable price. A burger and home made chicken soup. Friendly and attentive service. Just a minor dislike is the seating. I asked to sit in a certain place and was told they have to hold it in case a larger party than my party of two arrived. No such larger party arrived. Let us sit where we want. However, I think this policy will change when they read some reviews. Still, come by and enjoy some good food.
(4)Shannon W.
After hearing a very mixed bag of reviews since the opening of Kitchen on Court, we weren't sure what to expect. It was a Tuesday mid morning and our original plan for brunch was a bust since the spot we planned to visit was closed...which turned out to be a good thing!! We really enjoyed our experience at Kitchen! The eggs benedict was very good (I chose the spicy option and it was really good) and the spam breakfast sandwich was just like my husband would make at home-he was thrilled :) great place to have a leisurely brunch!!
(5)Laura A.
My husband and I ate here recently and were very impressed. The decor is nothing special and it was crazy hot in there, likely due to a combination of a warm/humid night and their open kitchen, but for a place that seems to focus on simplicity, it works. The food was great and the drinks were absolutely fantastic! We got the appetizer of Fried Green Tomatoes. This was the only minor downside of the evening. They were kind of bland. However, I will also say that I have never had Fried Green Tomatoes before and it may be that they were really well done and it just isn't a dish I like much. But I felt like they really could have used some salt and some hot sauce or some sort of spice to wake them up. For our entrees, my husband got the pork tacos and I got the chicken tacos. For drinks, he got a Sazerac and I got the Daiquiri. The pork tacos were good. They come with onion, cilantro and crema. My husband really enjoyed them. His only comment was that he would have been okay with more cilantro and he felt like some sort of crunch like some cabbage would have been very welcome. He really enjoyed his drink and is looking forward to trying more of their cocktails the next time. We both agreed that the chicken tacos were the winner. They were simple but very delicious. They came with onion and cilantro and cotija. The cotija added just the right amount of saltiness to the tacos. They were absolutely delicious. And the daiquiri?? Oh lord, the daiquiri! Dangerously delicious. I am not a big fan of alcohol, but this was just the right mix. You got the taste of the rum and then the wash of the lime and sweetness to wash it down before it got over powering. I could drink far too many of those.... Both tacos came with homemade tortillas, which to me, always adds that extra touch to tacos. They also came with beans and rice. The beans had a great spiciness that, on their own was a bit much for me, but when mixed together with the rice worked very well. We can't wait to come back and try more options at this restaurant!! They do a great job keeping food simple but very flavorful and well done.
(4)Jess C.
Been here once before for breakfast and it was delightful; they had duck eggs! Its great to have another upscale and delicious breakfast spot that doesn't have the unreal wait times of Word Of Mouth. Today I had a solo lunch, and went with the BLT per the servers reccomendation. It had fried green tomatoes, which I've never had (....so, so good). I chose soup for my side, which was a beef stew teeming with hearty chunks of beef; that could have been a meal on its own. All that for only $9, what a steal. So pleased with this place, I'm excited to have yet another new, wonderful spot for food and drinks downtown.
(5)Amanda M.
Will definitely recommend! New favorite breakfast spot! Bloody Mary is one of the best I've had, ingredients are fresh, portions are large & drinks are high end tasting & strong .... what more can I say. LVE!
(5)Lisa S.
I had the veggie scramble since they did not have any pork alternatives. It was ok, nothing special. House-made white bread was pretty good although I prefer wheat but the white is the only option. The jam was really good and my blood orange mimosa was delicious! My daughter had a pancake for $3 and it was gigantic. I might be a bit more critical since I live in Portland where we have endless places to chose from. I would go back for the mimosa though.
(3)Paige H.
The food is delicious! I had a sandwich, which I can't even remember the name, but the waitress said something like that it was the original Bologna, and it was incredibly good!! The bread was fantastic! The flavor was rich, and the portion was filling. The establishment is pretty cute. Brick walls, old restored mirrors, and they serve water in tiny little mason jars. The service was really friendly, too! It loses stars for comfort. It's extremely uncomfortable sitting in the metal chairs. They are poorly designed. The tables are much too close together. I realize they have limited space, but having to have the waiter pull the table out completely just so you can squeeze in and then being stuck back there til the end of your meal is a little strange... Removing one table would probably fix this issue. I would definitely eat here again, but I think I'll try snagging one of the three booths or sit up at the bar table.
(3)Alex R.
It makes me sad to see any bad reviews for this place at all, because I LOVED all three of my experiences here. The service is awesome. The staff is very friendly, accommodating and fast. The decor is warm, yet modern. I recommend the pasta with bacon (I cant remember the actual menu name). You can see into the kitchen as they cook, and it looks so fresh and clean. I trust everything that come out of that kitchen.
(5)James C.
Huge fan! The Mac and cheese is awesome! Service is friendly and professional. Everything I've ever had here has been excellent. Worth making a trip to drive here.
(5)Dennis K.
I've been here a couple of times with my wife now, once for drinks and once for food. It's my new favorite hamburger in town - a bit on the spicy side, but as a former smoker I like that. They also got the temperature perfect, which not many places dare to do anymore. The bartender made an excellent Vodka Press, which is a real compliment, to do a simple drink well.. After I complimented him he showed me how he did it. It was quite clever. The atmosphere is very nice: clean and well-lit. You cannot tell by looking this used to be the old Casey's Hot Dogs. The transformation/remodel is complete, and must have cost a small fortune. If I could offer one (1) critique of this place, it is the portions are a bit small. Other than that, two thumb way up.
(4)Jason C.
Cool place with a nice diner meets urban vibe and great service. If only it weren't for the food, this place would be tops. $14 for fish and chips that's... Err catfish and undercooked at that. Three very small pieces of it on a mountain of soggy, cold, reheated fries. $5 for a 1/2 pint of beer. End result; $20 poorer and although I had decent service, she never asked about my satisfaction with my meal so I only gave her the half of it feedback-wise. I ordered about the simplest item on the menu and it's fried food guys, pretty tough to screw up... Figure it out.
(2)Mark P.
Great job everybody. The service was great the food was fresh and the prices fit my budget. Well done!
(4)K L.
I had only had drinks there, and finally went to grab a bite. I had pork tacos, and OMG, BEST ever! Great fast service and yummy drinks! I will probably add another star later...need to try more on the menu, but so far so good!
(4)Ryan G.
It was fantastic! By far the worst part was making up my mind. I had the pulled pork sandwich with apple slaw and ordered some fried green tomatoes. The pork was perfectly cooked, the apples a good bright contrast and the crunch from the apples and onion straws was awesome. The fried green tomatoes were excellent and real, where else are you going to eat fried green tomatoes in Salem, OR. Now how to eat here so often that you go broke, a whole different question.
(5)Ivy L.
I want to thank this place for saving us the money and time. I was completely fine when you said you were going to close around 8:00 and we would come at a different time, but i would like to give great thanks to the chef for giving the waitress the thumbs up for getting rid of us! Note to self! Make sure your EX customers have left your site.
(1)Brian B.
Excellent food and drink. My wife (vegatarian) had the split pea soup and loved it. I had the pulled pork tacos which were fantastic. Friendly staff rounded out our experience. Looking forward to returning to try the Cubano sandwich.
(5)Kyle R.
Holy moly! Second visit, and it all went downhill. Went for lunch at 11am yesterday, and my friend (Erin H) and I requested one of three booths. "No -- they are reserved for parties of 4". This would be understandable, if it wasn't a holiday and if it was actually busy and if we didn't arrive just after they opened. And yes, one booth was still available when we left. Anyway, we ordered two apps (fried green tomatoes and fried brie), and they were good. Erin ordered some chicken sand, and she said it was grisly and the cheapest part of the animal they could have served. She didn't finish it, nor the fries. We shared mac and cheese without bacon (me being a veg). It was just OK, and rather small for the price paid. In fact, everything was WAY overpriced for what you pay. I'll get to our total $$bill in a bit. I ordered a caeser salad (with vinaigrette) and it was dull. I also got their vegan soup of the day, some bean green concoction. It was just OK, and again way overpriced. We ordered a to-go order for our friend back at work, pulled pork sand and a bowl of chili. The pulled pork sand was super dry and not tasty. The $9 bowl of chili was so small, it looked like a small cup. Our server did not refill Erin's soda, so she paid $2.50 for a small sliver of soda. Which btw, our server was nice enough, but oblivious to the fact we weren't eating our food. Our total bill for THREE people was $72.00. That's right, $72 (tip not included). We were so hungry after the fact, we walked down to Pita Pit. Let me say this again, WE WERE SO HUNGRY AFTER WE LEFT, we went to eat at Pita Pit. I can understand high falutin dining, but NOT when the food is below average and the service is crap and it's SALEM FREAKIN' OREGON. Oh my. WIll never be back. *heavy sigh*
(1)Joan T.
Where to start...I ordered the house salad $5, add chicken $4 the house salad was roughly 4.5ounces of lettuce with 1/4 of a tomato cut into wedges accompanied by 1/2 ounce shredded carrot, off to the side was about 2.5 ounces of mangled chicken thigh which lacked any seasoning at all...my Husband ordered the Caesar $8 add chicken $4, which consisted of roughly 7 ounces of Romaine erratically cut, tossed in powdered parmesan with packaged croutons and 2.5 ounce mangled chicken thigh, strangely lacking any lemon. The sad truth is, packaged supermarket salad would have offered a more authentic Caesar With other options available....The Kitchen on Court St. failed to impress
(2)Charisma G.
I am pretty confused about the negative reviews for this place. I have been here a few times and had nothing but great food (although always have been here for dinner). If you love bacon, definitely try their BLT - it's loaded with bacon and has friend green tomatoes as it's "T". I've had the cuban and I believe a chicken sandwich here. It was delicious every time. The drinks are great. The staff is very accommodating and friendly. I definitely recommend this place.
(4)Rose B.
The good: Clifford the bartender is personable and mixes killer drinks. Make friends with this one. And try Rum Passion. The food was tasty and exceeded expectations. The bad: Nothing. The ugly: The restaurant was almost empty when I arrived at 5pm on a Friday night. I asked to be seated in one of the three empty booths. I was declined, told abruptly by waitress Jennifer that the booths were only for parties of four. I mentioned wanting the privacy for my business meeting, and asked in two other manners, and, after consulting her manager, she forcefully declined me. A few minutes later a group of three walked in and were promptly seated in a booth. An hour into the meal (meaning an hour of sitting on a very uncomfortable metal chair), two of the booths were still open. My colleague and I asked to move, and Jennifer hemmed and hawed. After consulting the manager, she came and told us that we could move, but that we would need to keep an eye on the flow of customers and move back to a table if the restaurant became busy. About 30 minutes later, she approached us and informed us it was time we move back to a table "like you said you would" because the restaurant was picking up. At this point, direct words were spoken, and we stayed in the booth for the short remainder of our stay. I'm not sure that the sweetness of Clifford's drinks could wash down the bitterness of the manager's terrible management policy and rude (at best!) treatment of clientele. To The Kitchen: If you want return customers, and want the community to spread good word about you, perhaps you ought reconsider your seating policy.
(1)Jenni B.
Visited today. The experience was...meh. Service was questionable. Food was edible, but not much more than that. First, tried the ham and cheese croquettas--which were tasty, but not worth $8 for four of them. It came with this weird "salsa verde" that wasn't salsa, not really a sauce, and not really good with the croquettas. But it was green (alas, "verde") so I'll give it that. I tried the beef chopped burger and fries. (My friend tried the pork tacos.) The burger itself was tasty, but the bun did not go with the sandwich. Very mismatched. The fries, which seemed to be freshly cut, were my the best part of the meal. But, the spicy aioli that came with the fries was weird and not recommended. Stick with ketchup. (Funny side note: When my burger came out the server said: "Sorry, we accidentally cut it in half." How do you accidentally cut a sandwich in half? If he wouldn't have said anything, I probably wouldn't have noticed or been bothered by it and I acknowledged and went on with my meal. Then, the server brings us a plate of free fries to make up for the cutting incident. Completely unnecessary, as I wasn't upset or anything, but I'll never turn down free food.) Lastly, we tried the French Apple Pie a la Mode. It was the saddest looking piece of pie ever and definitely, again, not worth the $8 charged. It was falling apart and did not look like a piece of pie. The crust was soggy and terrible. The crumb top was lack luster and uneventful. Not sure I'll try it again. Very disappointed. Maybe the B crew is on for Sundays? Expected so much more from the guy behind Crooked House Bistro.
(2)Cody M.
Very cramped. Server would not let us sit in the booth when we asked because they are four tops. Food is expensive and there was not many options. Can't review the food because my wife and I got up and left before ordering. The place did not smell appealing in the first place, and then the server sat two people next to us who reeked like cigarettes. Very uncomfortable experience, we walked to Busick Court instead.
(2)Janira B.
We had such high hopes for this place. But it failed!!! They've been open for about 5 months so the "learning curve" is no longer an excuse. We had lunch on a Sunday afternoon. I had the beef burger with shoestring fries. My burger was cold and greasy and bland. The homemade bun was toasted but soggy. The burger came with wilted shredded lettuce and week old sliced Roma tomatoes. I ordered it with pepper jack cheese but it had something else on it. The shoestring fries were cold and flavorless - over fried and no seasoning. The fries were mixed in with other fried food pieces, so I probably got the extra fries from another order. My husband had the Court Omlette. It came out cold, like it sat waiting for my burger to finish. His "homestyle" potatoes were burned on one side and soggy on the other. Like someone forgot about them. I tried to express my opinion to the owner after he asked how the food was. He made some snarky comment about watching out for my health by not adding salt to my fries. No apologies for anything. Well - we won't be returning after such a disappointment.
(2)Jay R.
We had a great experience here. Probably my #2 spot in town (after Andaluz) if I have my pick. I had a great burger. Wife had what looked like a very good pulled pork sandwich. All around, food was very good. Service was good too, even on a busy night. Even more though, I just really liked the ambience of this place. The way it's laid out made it feel busy and energetic. A bit loud, I guess, but I prefer that when eating out. It made downtown Salem feel more energized, which is a really good thing.
(5)Rafael B.
I ordered the cubano. It came on fresh baked bread I gave that a 5, had shredded pork, very bland I give it a 2 - tasted like something that was refrigerated for a while and not in the good way (marinated and cooked low and slow for hours). It came with ham and pickles and dijon. For $13 bucks including fresh cut fries, I wasn't blown away. For the size and the taste I would happily pay $6 maybe $7, but $13 for a small sandwich no thanks! This place based on this specific meal I gave the meal a generous 3, service was great however. Super nice and inviting and attentive service I give a 5! So work on your food a little more or at least the Cubano and maybe I'll try it again. For now I'll pass. Cheers!
(3)Tila M.
The food was really good and the service was great. I had the green fried tomatoes with cilantro creme fresh and it was delicious. Plus there were quite a few vegetarian options. This is a great place for a really small group or a couple, but it is small so might not be the best choice for a group.
(4)Holly T.
Tables are waaaay too close together. Food seems to lack a little kick or seasoning. A bit pricey for lackluster food.
(3)Suzanne T.
Had lunch here today. The decor is fun, we were greeted immediately and seated quickly. The tables are really close together, which is a little awkward. Specials existed but weren't mentioned to us. I had the pork tacos and they were really great! It did take nearly 40 minutes to get food, though, and we noticed that clients who were seated after we were had their food a lot sooner. I'll go back and hope for quicker turnaround from the kitchen.
(4)Marin G.
Went in for lunch this weekend with my mom. It was busy but we were seated quickly. Waitress wasn't very friendly but was attentive. I got the calamari sandwich with a side salad and my mom got the BLT with fries. Both sandwiches were executed really well but they were a little bland. The calamari needed a little more seasoning and a little more sauce on the sandwich. The BLT was good but also a little bland. The ingredients were all fresh and tasty. The fries were delicious, not crispy but not too greasy, and the vinaigrette on the salad was flavorful. The food was good quality and not overpriced. I'll definitely be back.
(4)K T.
Interesting new restaurant in downtown Salem. Strives to be trendy and hip with new twists on classic menu favorites - for example fried green tomatoes on the BLT. Solid cocktail menu. Seating is tight - you may end up having lunch with strangers at your table. Salem needs more places like this to revive the downtown scene - please support local.
(4)Laureen K.
A friend of mine told me about The Kitchen and it has been on my list of must try. Four of us had breakfast there yesterday and we all loved it! Had the chicken fried chicken. We will be back!
(5)Daryn J.
Um, let's see. The ambiance was awesome. The Kitchen is a cool little restaurant visually speaking. There were basically two items on the menu (for dinner...aka, hot as in temperature food) that were not spicy or extra spicy?? The waitress informed us that their menu is changing and most everything is spicy. Hm, why not call it The Hothouse instead of The Kitchen?? I ordered a beef burger and fries, my other option was a Ham and Brie sandwich (Double yuck). The shoestring fries were darn good and quite possibly the best part of the meal. The hamburger was well done as I ordered. Yay....But, halfway through I kept biting into sinew and gristle. Really?? Ick. Well, let's try the other half. First bite...a big ball of ick. I gave up and ate the buns without the meat.
(2)Tim W.
Had an amazing time here. Meatloaf was fantastic and the wait staff was great. Try the BLT also my wife and I can't wait to go back!!
(5)Lew L.
Tiny, little historic building with exposed brick. A few booths but mostly tables. Interesting mix of southern food and burgers. I had the cheesy grits with shrimp. It was amazing. Others in my group had cuban sandwich. (Very good) Fish tacos with were ordinary. Good service.
(4)C. B.
Good stuff. A fairly inventive menu (and good food) with reasonable prices. I wish they had more options on tap, but other than that I'd call it a great experience.
(4)Diana R.
Stopped in a store nearby and decided to give this place a try for a late lunch, I wasn't disappointed. They were slow to seat me but on top of it after on a slow sleepy summer late afternoon. Clean, sleek, stylish, the blues playing. I ordered from the Happy Hour menu. The Ham and Cheese Croquettes were melt in your mouth amazing; even though I didn't find any ham I would order them again. The calamari was perfectly fried and the side house salad was fresh with a nice selection of veg. It'd be nice if the table water was chilled or served with ice; especially, on a warm summer day. It does come in a cute quart size milk jar so at least there is plenty.
(5)Alex B.
In a nutshell: consistently uneven service and food quality. The first two times we came here, it was within the first 6 months of opening, and we found that the speed of service was unpredictable, as was the food quality - some good dishes, some not so good. But overall the experience was decent, so I gave 3 stars. We waited many more months before our third visit, hoping that the earlier problems were just teething issues. Well, just had lunch there, and although the service has improved (it's always been friendly, but not always fast), the problem with the variable food quality is still there. The vegan creamy chickpea soup was great, full bodied and flavorful, and the fries were OK - though a little cold because our order sat around a few minutes before getting to our table. My partner also said the BLT was fine, except for the fried green tomatoes (see below). On the downside, the blackened catfish sandwich was skimpy on the fish, and although the outside of the two pieces of fish looked nice and cooked, one of the pieces was essentially raw inside. Also a disappointment were the fried green tomatoes on both of our dishes. They were just breaded flavorless mush - totally lacking in any green-tomato flavor or consistency. When our order arrived it didn't even dawn on my what they were, so I asked my server to identify them! Near the end of the meal with almost half of my sandwich sitting there because of the almost raw fish on it, I told our server about the problem. She took it away while politely saying "I'll try to do something about that"... I know I should have asked for a clearer response; I wasn't sure whether or how she was going to make up for problem... but a minute later I got my answer when the (unchanged) bill was brought to our table without any comment. P.S. If she hadn't said she would "try" to do something, I wouldn't really have minded. But either she didn't try, or she tried and failed without providing an explanation.
(2)Kirk F.
We wandered into the Kitchen without any expectations or having pre-Yelped, just a random stop on the way to Eugene for the track...and really loved the place! Very, very nice service, good food that is reasonably creative, everything very very fresh--nice greens that could have come from a farmer that morning. We liked it so much we went once more, three days later after the track meet. Both times we enjoyed everything...and then recommended the kitchen to a friend as an alternative on the long drive up I-5 from SF to Portland, they stopped with their three kids and THEY all loved it. So multiple visits by a varied group of folks of different ages and universal thumbs up! Dishes we tried and liked: Fish and chips, halibut sandwich, cuban sandwich, fish tacos, burger, pork tacos, salads. Excellent!
(5)Pixie S.
Best burger I have ever eaten! Juicy, perfectly grilled meat, crispy yet soft homemade bun, succulent bacon with masterfully melted cheddar, crispy green lettuce and juicy tomatoes. Thin, shoestring French fries were seasoned perfectly! Kids meals were generously proportioned and they let my daughter add chicken to her pasta for free! Very reasonably priced and such friendly service! A++++++
(5)Nicole Y.
I came in with my friend just after they stopped serving breakfast. I got a mimosa and was pleased that the orange juice was freshly squeezed. I ordered the soup of the day (turkey vegetable) and the mac. Both were so delicious. The service was great as well!
(4)Melissa A.
The food is decent, when they get it right, but that isn't often the case. I ordered a lamb burger and was brought a regular hamburger with completely different toppings. When I told the waitress I thought the toppings were incorrect, she told me they probably just gave me a hamburger. She asked,"Do you want me to get you a lamb burger or....?" Yes. I would like the meal that I ordered. This happens so often at The Kitchen. MOST of the time, your order is wrong. I understand mistakes happen, but at The Kitchen, it's a mistake 75% of the time. The staff doesn't seem too worried about it. I will never go back to this restaurant.
(1)Fawn R.
Wandered into this place with a friend. Good food, fresh ingredients , good flavors, good service!!!! Id totally go back!
(4)John L.
What a great place, setting and environment to have breakfast. The menu has a more diverse selection than most Salem spots. House made sausage, and great ingredients create an overall better plate of food. It's not an all you can eat for $5 type place. The food is high quality and fair prices considering the fresh prepared food. Another win for the tough Salem food scene.
(5)Peter V.
I love this place! Such a great menu and a great wine/beer selection. The Kitchen on Court St is a MUST for any visitor to Salem.
(5)Janice S.
Extremely overpriced! 1/5 of shot of Jameson for $8 by a terrible dumb blond waitress. We had appetizers which was alright during happy hour which was alright for the price. They didn't even have any cocktail sauce for the calamari.
(1)Aaron W.
Located in the old Casey's Cafe spot. It's basically a hybrid of a bistro, restaurant, and bar. I joined a friend for brunch on a Saturday. Blackened Lime Catfish Tacos ($11): Two tacos. Moist catfish in double corn tortillas, topped with slaw, pico de gallo, and cilantro crema. Served with rice and black beans. Excellent flavor, even a tiny spicy kick. Fried Green Tomatoes ($6): Wonderfully breaded and fried, Nice crunch and not too greasy. Awesome appetizer. My friend also got some chili, which she gave rave reviews. Full of meat and beans, very hearty. Nice to see another good food option in Salem!
(4)Erin H.
*Dined with Kyle R. See his review for details on the other dishes. I had really, really high hopes for this place. I mean, fried green tomatoes? In So-Lame? This place HAS to be awesome, right? Wrong. This place takes pretentious to a whole new level. First we were denied a booth because "we might get a party of four". It was 11am on Veteran's day and we were the only other customers at the time. What kind of establishment tells paying customers that they, a party of two, are less important than a party of four? We arrived early knowing they were a small place--yet those that arrived later received a booth. Gimme an effin' break. Anyway, let's talk about the food. $6 for five half-dollar sized THIN fried green tomatoes. And they were just OK. No way this is a share-able app. My pal had the $9 baked brie that came with four hard-as-rock toasts. My god. The real kicker, for me, was my fried chicken sandwich. You see, typically a chicken sandwich is made from the lean breast. Among the multitude of reasons for this is that you won't have to bite into fatty gristle--something many folks appreciate when you can't dissect your food with a knife and fork But this place? Oh no--they selected a boneless chicken thigh. You all know how small those are, right? For $13 I got a smidgen of gristly fatty chicken on a bun that must have cost them right around 70 cents. I ate half and patiently waited for the waitress to ask how the food was. She never did. The mayo had a banana flavor--?? I can't even guess what that was about. My $2.50 1/2 pint soda "glass" was never refilled. Topping off this experience was the fact that the table we were forced into was exactly 4 inches from the next table. In order to get out I either had to sit my butt in my companions face or the ladies next to me. I chose the latter. If you're going to do hip, or pretentious, or cutting edge, DO IT RIGHT. High prices don't equal high quality! Start by mastering the damn food and then jack up the rates. I hope this place goes down... down... down...
(1)Dale R.
I had dinner last night with my fiancé and I thought it was going to be great! but the service outside wasn't all that great and the food was decent.
(3)Kelsey M.
Overall this was a really tasty experience. We were looking for a new place to try out and I drive past this place every morning on my way to work. I was pleased to find out they are open for dinner as I had been assuming it was a breakfast/brunch place. The atmosphere is hip and casual and the decor is really nice. There aren't a lot of tables but you could easily have a family of 5-6 or even a larger group up to 8-9 in the big booth in the front. I ordered the Cuban sandwich with fries and a pale ale from Salem Ale Works (my fave!) and it was delicious. My only complaint about my dinner was the bun for my sandwich was over-toasted, to the point of being almost too hard to bite. However, I ate the fries first and let the juices from my sandwich soften up the bun and it was bearable. Not enough to complain or send it back, but worth taking off a star. They appear to have a nice breakfast menu, so we will be back to try it again for breakfast. Definitely nice to have another good option in downtown Salem!
(4)Sarah P.
Love the food especially the lasagne Love the fact they save bigger tables for bigger groups so hard to find a place to sit with my big family where as many places you see a small group at the biggest table. Love that you can see who's cooking your food Definitely going back or even ordering pick up Can't wait till I'm 21next year because the bar there looks amazing & tasty:)
(5)Andy K.
We had a really good breakfast. We both had scrambles. Both were great. I had the one with bacon, sausage, and peppers. My wife had the veggie scramble. Service was quick and friendly. We will definitely be coming back. I would like to try their lunch menu next time.
(4)