So I'm going to visit some family in Salem this weekend. Anybody have any good recommendations on where to pick up some brews. Looking for some cascade, hair of the dog, pelican. You know, some good oregon brew.
When I visit family I always stop at Venti's Cafe, cool little cafe upstairs and a nice Mos Eisley-ish basement craft beer bar. I think it's pretty much the only game in town but I could be wrong. They have bottles to go as well.
For bottles, go to LifeSource Natural Foods. Not the biggest selection, but definitely the best, most diverse selection in town. Liam (the beer buyer at LifeSource) can give you some good recommendations. Besides that, try Capital Market. Huge selection there, but beware of freshness. Prices aren't the best either. As far as bars/taprooms go, I'll second Venti's. Hit Venti's Taproom across the street from LifeSource. 24 taps. All craft, mostly NW local. The food's pretty decent too. They also have a nice, smaller spot downtown. You could also consider Santiam Brewing, Raen Brew, Growl Movement (in Keizer), and f/stop Fitzgeralds. I'll be working this weekend, but send me a private message if you need more info.
