Whether you’ve been plotting your Salem food pilgrimage since January or just realized ‘lovable Hoosier’ isn’t a sufficient dining strategy, you need a game plan for this weekend’s meals. Here are 11 spots that include a historic tavern, a farm-to-table gem, a pie shop that’s practically a landmark, and more. Pick a table and dig in, or stay home and face the true horror: another night of your own cooking.
H & R Bakery
$ | (812) 883-4903 | WEBSITE
We love to find a cozy spot for a morning treat, and once we do, that charming bakery on the square needs to be shared with everyone. Show off your sweet tooth at H & R Bakery this weekend from 7am-2pm. All visitors get to enjoy delicious donuts, and their coffee lovers will get a perfect cinnamon latte. The bakery doubles as a relaxing place to spend time, and they’ll be featuring that amazing train set with the town painting in the background.
It’s quite busy on weekday mornings, but the staff is really nice and provides great service, making it worth the drive—some come from 45 minutes away. Despite being affordable, it remains a beloved spot for many, offering a cozy atmosphere and those bakery goods everyone praises.
Raquel’s Restaurant & Catering
$ | (812) 404-4343 | WEBSITE
Raquel’s Restaurant & Catering is a Salem favorite, so you know they’re delivering on quality. For every lunch and dinner service, they’re serving up their famous loaded pickle fries, a signature dish for you to enjoy amidst the warm and efficient team atmosphere filling the dining room. The pricing is consistently affordable. Make your reservation online.
Arby’s
$ | (812) 883-4083 | WEBSITE
Head to the Salem Arby’s this weekend to get a drive-thru experience that will not only deliver hot and fresh food with adequate meat portions, but also some surprisingly delicious new fish strips in hush puppy batter. The staff like Aryan will ensure your order is correct and you feel well taken care of. Swing by the drive-thru from lunch through dinner.
Lisa’s Farmhouse Market
$$ | (812) 586-0346 | WEBSITE
On any given day, Lisa’s Farmhouse Market welcomes those craving honest, home-cooked food at prices that won’t break the bank, with the friendly staff ensuring every visit feels like a warm homecoming. The market serves up mouthwatering yeast rolls with Amish butter, tasty carrots and Brussels sprouts, and specialties like chicken spinach cheese tortellini and Stromboli sandwiches.
Don’t miss the top-notch broccoli slaw and potato salad, or the moist zucchini bread and jalapeño bread, perfect for sandwiches or toast. For a real treat, try the ‘piggy links’ hot off the grill or the chicken salad sandwiches on cranberry buns—many regulars call this place a hidden gem worth returning to. The market also offers local honey, fresh produce, and meat from its own farm-raised animals, making it a true farm-to-table experience without the fuss.
Teenas Pizza
$ | (812) 967-4450 | WEBSITE
This beloved local pizza joint is a 30-year-old institution, and it’s also genuinely nostalgic. Don’t you dare try to get a table without expecting the cozy dining room with its big TV and classic decor. We made that mistake last Friday. The menu offers those classic pepperoni pizzas and bosco sticks everyone remembers, though the prices have crept up without the online menu keeping pace.
Some swear by the pizza, while others find the toppings sliding right off the crust—it’s that kind of place where memories and opinions are equally mixed.
Six Scoops Ice Cream
$ | (812) 697-3736 | WEBSITE
There’s vanilla, there’s chocolate, and then there’s Pothole, the most decadent of them all. Six Scoops’ words, not ours. On any given day, Salem’s favorite sweet spot will be serving up creamy delights, featuring unique flavors like Orange Pineapple and all-you-can-enjoy scoops from some of Indiana’s best ice cream makers in the state. Grab your cone here.
Rapid Fired Pizza
$ | (812) 404-4042 | WEBSITE
At Rapid Fired Pizza, say ‘I’m hungry’ three times and a whole pizza will appear in just three minutes. You could be eating one. Stop by for a quick and delicious meal in their cozy dining area, with a clean, welcoming atmosphere and a self-serve sauce bar offering many flavors. Try their vegetarian options or kid-friendly meals this weekend.
Bill’s American Pub
$ | (812) 883-2607 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a casual evening with great beer and food, Bill’s American Pub is a wonderful spot to unwind. You’ll find a solid selection of domestic and craft drafts alongside highly-rated homemade sauces on pizza, wings, and breadsticks. The service here is consistently phenomenal, and the atmosphere feels just right for relaxing with friends. With reasonable prices and a welcoming environment, it’s perfect for a low-key night out.
Thai Lotus Restaurant
$ | (812) 586-0428 | WEBSITE
Make the thirty-minute drive to Thai Lotus Restaurant for a reliably delicious Thai meal that’s well worth the trip. The food is always great, and you can choose your preferred level of spiciness. The takeout service is excellent, with dishes staying hot even after an hour. I highly recommend the Red Curry and Tiger Garlic dishes, along with the various curry options on the menu. The staff is friendly and welcoming, ensuring orders are ready on time.
Despite a couple of recent mix-ups with takeout orders, Thai Lotus remains a top choice for high-quality, flavorful Thai cuisine. The crab Rangoons, spicy basil roasted duck, and Pad Kee Mao are particularly praised and well worth the wait on busy nights. The service is friendly, and there are many vegetarian options. Parking is easy to find just around the corner from the town square.
Even in a small town, the restaurant provides a wonderful Thai food experience with reasonably priced, generous portions. The staff, especially the one managing the dining room and carryout orders, consistently does an amazing job, making Thai Lotus a favorite destination for flavorful Thai dishes.
El Maguey Mexican Restaurant
$ | (812) 883-0098 | WEBSITE
Yes, Mexican food is traditionally from Mexico, but Americans love bold flavors, so El Maguey makes perfect sense. This restaurant serves up generous portions with memorable dishes that stick with you. The chips and salsa arrive immediately at your table, and you can request a big bottle of it to keep things going. Their popular Maguey queso appetizer is a crowd-pleaser, and the margaritas and Modelo beer are refreshing choices. The shrimp street tacos and fajita burrito come highly recommended.
El Maguey is family-friendly with coloring books for kids and wheelchair accessible. Visit during peak hours when it gets busy, but seating usually moves quickly. Then let them know you’re ready for some authentic Mexican flavors when you sit down.
Papa Johns Pizza
$ | (812) 883-3369 | WEBSITE
Even if you aren’t looking for a fancy night out, you can still enjoy a satisfying meal. Papa Johns Pizza offers a variety of options, including Vegetable pizza, appetizers, and desserts. The pizza is consistently hot and delicious, with the garlic butter adding extra flavor to the crust. The staff is friendly and efficient, often going above and beyond to help customers, such as assisting with directions or holding the door.
Despite limited parking due to nearby construction, wheelchair accessibility is available. Customers frequently praise the quality of the pizza, mentioning it remains one of their favorites, and noting the service is quick and attentive. Overall, it’s a great spot for a quick and tasty meal, with most items priced between $10 and $20. The casual, brightly lit dining area provides a comfortable setting for families and groups.
