SALEM – An industrial space on Hyacinth in North Salem, the former Vagabond Brewing tasting room, is home to Xicha Brewing Co.’s third location, Norte. A vibrant electrified X above the front door marks the spot, inviting guests in for elevated Latin American cuisine and libations.
Compared to the gray April evening in the capital city, Xicha can only be described as one thing, VIBRANT! As you enter you’re flanked with beautiful bright and saturated murals, lively music is playing overhead. The decor matches the vibe. Opened in March, this space will be a site to behold come hot summer days, featuring a multitude of floor-to-ceiling garage doors to get that cross breeze just right.
Xicha is known for being Oregon’s first Latinx-owned brewery. Owners Ricardo and Margret Antunez have been on a mission with their West Salem, Eugene, and newly minted North Salem locations to create unique spins on Latin American traditions.
"Kind of bringing a little flavor to the whole scene. We just wanted to make beers that were culturally diverse," Ricardo told KGW8.
Asking what I should try, another guest said, “Get the churros, they’re so good and gluten-free.” The churros were indeed delectable, warm, and crispy, doused in cinnamon sugar.
What I normally judge a brewery for is its beer. Still, Xicha also offers margaritas and a few other Latin American cocktails, so you know, I had to get a margarita. In fact, I got the margarita flight, four 4-ounce pours, one of each of the margaritas on the menu. For $20 I would not be inclined to say this was a good value. When you add all of the tiny margaritas in the flight together you are essentially getting one regular-sized margarita for the price of two. My recommendation would be to just go with the house margarita … and make it a double!
I started to wonder about the food quality after the experience with the margarita flight. Flight aside, Xicha’s new location had received several mixed reviews. “West side, best side. This was just … ok,” said one Yelper.
“Food was colorful and spicy but the flavor just wasn't there. Overpriced,” another one claimed.
Compared to its predecessors, Xicha’s North Salem location has a bit of an abbreviated menu. Norte has removed items such as the ximichangas, empanadas, and the cubano. Notably, the taco plates came without the salad/beans-and-rice side that is standard at their other locations but with a slightly smaller price tag.
Although it seems that Xicha’s newest location still has a few kinks to work out, the service was fast, fresh, and of the same quality that I have come to expect from a Xicha dining room. I had ordered a mixed taco plate -- two shrimp tacos and one crispy pork belly taco, as well as the patatas bravas.
The shrimp tacos were flavorful with a slightly spicy and enjoyable kick. The shrimp was tender and cooked well. The pork belly’s exterior was perfectly crispy while the inside remained tender. A line of crema along with razor-thin fresh cabbage and radish topped these tacos and a squeeze of lime finished them off.
Their fresh tortillas are always an element I look forward to with a Xicha taco and this location did not disappoint at all with the tortilla quality, soft, pliable, and chewy.
My patatas bravas hit the table piping hot out of the fryer. Topped with brava sauce and garlic aioli, this large portion of salty fried potatoes was not only delicious and crave-able but also a total deal at $5.
Though I had not tried the beer while at Xicha, they are known for their Latin American-inspired beer. With three locations in the Willamette Valley Xicha’s beers are gaining an undeniable buzz with over 5,600 reviews on their products on Untappd.
Should you visit Xicha Brewing Co.’s new location? Absolutely! Should you grab dinner? Of course! And don’t forget to have a couple of their fresh brews while you’re at it!
At a Glance:
Xicha Brewing Co. - Norte (North Salem)
Address: 2195 Hyacinth St. NE Suite 162, Salem, OR, 97301
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday: noon to 9 p.m.
Friday -Saturday: noon - 11 p.m.
Sunday: noon - 7 p.m.
Menu: Latin American
Prices: Entrees between $11-$18
Etc.: Spacious dining room, lots of seating, cute and airy patio, vibrant!
Phone: 503-990-8359
Website: www.xichabrewing.com
Social media: Instagram and Facebook
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