Ritter’s Eatery (Downtown Salem)

 

 

If you're on the lookout for a vibrant, house-made-food spot in the Willamette Valley, let me introduce you to Ritter’s Eatery in downtown Salem. This place nails the trifecta of local-pride, fresh ingredients, and seriously crave-worthy comfort food — and their wood-fire BBQ pizza is absolutely a personal favorite of mine.

Why Ritter’s stands out

• Ritter’s proudly calls itself “Housemade Oregon Goodness,” emphasizing regionally sourced flavors, quality ingredients and a welcoming vibe.

• They partner with local purveyors: from Oregon Olive Mill to Freddy Guys Hazelnuts, they’re all-in on highlighting Willamette Valley vendors.

• The location: 102 Liberty St NE Suite 100, Salem, OR.

• Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 am-10 pm, Friday-Saturday 11 am-11 pm, closed Sunday.

The star: BBQ wood-fire pizza

Okay, now for the good stuff. If you’re a fan of pizza with personality, Ritter’s wood-fire BBQ pizza delivers. The crust is crisp and charred just right from the brick oven, the BBQ sauce brings a smoky-sweet depth, and the toppings stack up without losing the pizza’s classic integrity.

What I love most:

• The balance of smoky BBQ flavor with fresh house-made elements.

• That wood-fire char that adds flavor and texture in a way you don’t get from a standard oven.

• The fact that even though it’s got bold flavor, it still sits beside options for vegans/gluten-free folks — showing the kitchen really knows how to cater broadly.

Atmosphere + service

Walking in, you’ll find a modern-neighborhood-restaurant vibe — trendy yet comfortable. The kitchen view is open in parts (reviewers mention it gives a nice added dimension). The bar area is strong too: Ritter’s offers a full-service bar, Willamette Valley wines, craft beers and an impressive whiskey selection.

Whether you’re there for a lunch meeting, dinner with family, or a date night, Ritter’s handles it. It’s got enough polish to feel special, and yet the vibe remains relaxed.

My recommendation

Here’s how I’d roll this:

• Start with something light (their salads or an appetizer) if you’re not super hungry.

• Then go for the BBQ wood-fire pizza — you’ll thank yourself.

• Pair it with a local craft beer or a Willamette Valley wine.

• If it’s evening, check out the bar lounge side to relax after your meal.

And if you’ve got dietary needs (gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian), no worries — they’ve built that into their menu philosophy.

Final word

If you’re in the Willamette Valley region and want a place that’s more than “just another pizza place,” Ritter’s Eatery deserves a visit. Their wood-fire BBQ pizza? It hits. The vibe? Spot on. Local-ingredient commitment? Real deal. Whether you’re grabbing a meal before a showing or recommending a local spot to friends, Ritter’s is a strong pick.