Welcome to The Dehn Bar
The Dehn Bar, located in downtown Salem, Oregon, offers a welcoming dive bar atmosphere paired with delicious and affordable food. Renowned for its house-made dishes, customers rave about the skill and care put into each meal, from juicy burgers to smoked meats. The cozy space invites friendly conversation, making it a popular spot among locals. With a diverse menu featuring options like BBQ wings and jalapeno poppers, there's something for everyone. The attentive staff and vibrant outdoor seating create a relaxed environment for both casual hangouts and lively gatherings. Don't miss their weekly specials for a delightful culinary experience!
- 157 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97301, United States157 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97301, United States Hotline: +1 503-339-7644
Welcome to The Dehn Bar, a hidden gem located at 157 Commercial St SE in Salem, Oregon. This delightful dive bar offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for locals and visitors alike looking to unwind after a long day. With friendly bartenders and a diverse menu that features everything from classic bar bites to hearty breakfast options, The Dehn Bar has quickly become a beloved spot in the community.
The star of the menu is undoubtedly the food, crafted with passion and attention to detail by Chef Riegna. Each dish is prepared in-house, ensuring freshness and quality. Whether you're in the mood for simply delicious Basket French Fries or savora-bly crispy Fried Catfish, you'll find that each bite is packed with flavor. For those seeking something heartier, the Dehn Burger, served with a side, is a highlight that has won the hearts of many, including local patrons who rave about the value and taste.
The Dehn Bar also shines during Sunday dinners, with offerings that have guests returning week after week. Diners have noted the friendly bar service and the chance to interact with the chef herself, truly enhancing the dining experience. As one satisfied customer expressed, “the food was very tasty and satisfying,” making it clear that whether it's a relaxed Sunday or a casual evening, The Dehn Bar knows how to deliver a delightful culinary experience.
The ambiance here is equally captivating. With affordable drinks and a welcoming vibe, it's an ideal setting for genuine conversations and mingling with locals. The outdoor seating area, adorned with a fire pit, adds a charming touch for those warm nights, allowing guests to enjoy their meals under the stars. Many have found that the combination of reasonably priced drinks and expertly prepared meals makes The Dehn Bar a top choice for a laid-back night out.
For those seeking a dive bar that offers more than just drinks, The Dehn Bar stands out with its commitment to exceptional food and a welcoming atmosphere. From the hand-crafted meals to the friendly service, it captures the essence of what a neighborhood bar should be. So come on down, take a seat, and experience the magic of The Dehn Bar for yourself—where every visit feels like a warm embrace from the community.

We came specifically for the Sunday dinner and it was excellent. Note that this is a bar and not a diner but the food was very tasty and satisfying. We ate here on Sunday after the lunch hour and it was not crowded which we truly appreciated. Bar service was friendly and fast and served with a warm greeting. We had a few minutes to chat with the chef and it was a treat visiting with her. We will be back for more Sunday dinners...on Sunday of course. Check out the weekly Sunday offerings on her Instagram tast_n_cee

Had Mel as bartender what a gem and sweetheart of a person. Atmosphere was on point for genuine conversations and interactions. Locals were all very nice and fun! If you stop by, have to try the Malort !

The Dehn Bar is a fantastic dive bar in downtown Salem with a cozy, welcoming vibe, at the time I was there all locals. Affordable beer, and it appears tasty bar bites. The bartender had friendly service, it’s a great spot for a laid-back night out.

So cheap, and super divey. As a bartender it’s my favorite type of place to go and enjoy a drink.. or 5 hehe. They have a great outdoor seating area that is my favorite place to sit! Most of the bartenders are really cool! Tried the fried food once and it was pretty good! I’d recommend to others in the industry looking for a chill place to hangout!

I love dive bars and Dehn bar is one of my favorite spots in Oregon. It’s low-key, has kind and fair bartenders, and the food — I can’t even begin to describe how much effort and skill Riegna puts into her dishes. You will NOT be disappointed and she takes pride in her work! My favorite things at Dehn bar are: reasonably priced drinks, amazing food, and wonderful staff. I like gambling too and they have 5 video lottery machines that are well-kept. The fire pit in the back is pretty large and has room for about 10 or so people to sit around. The rest of the outdoor area in the back is decently spacious. Notable bar food: so far I’ve had chicken strips and fries, fried catfish, burgers, and fried chicken sandwich with slaw. Nothing frozen, everything made in-house. Food specials I tried that were absolutely delicious and well-priced (sides were made-from-scratch): -cherry bbq wings -smoked tri-tip -smoked brisket -roasted chicken -pulled pork -mango bbq baby back ribs -smoked St. Louis ribs -collard greens -mac and cheese -corn bread -strawberry baked beans -slaw -potato salad

I love their piano, and the TV is nice, but their customers, it’s a hit and miss. I like to play scales and watch C-SPAN or the science networks. I played with a very drunk harmonica player— that was fun! A memory at the Dehn that I won’t forget is when I played chess with two people simultaneously while drunk (and won!) Another vibe is staring at the fire with ambient sounds of nonsensical ramblings by sad or insecure adults. I wish they had more vegan options. The bartenders are stellar: kind, hospitable, and considerate. Pro tip: don’t go to strangers’ homes, chances of innocent intentions aren’t great. Another pro tip: Although common, don’t get blasted drunk, even though it’s tempting and encouraged. Drinking more than 2 drinks can be devastating for your health, dangerous for your safety, burdening for your friends (which can create resentment), and loses composure (which is embarrassing and can damage your reputation.)

This place is the complete experience. The Tasten Cee Disco Fries were the business. Chatting with barkeep Mel and Chef Reyna, learned so much about the city. As we speak, I'm getting together a return trip for the Sunday Dinner.

This is the best bar I have ever been to. When you walk in, you may not think so, but give it a minute, try the food, enjoy the drinks and people. You will love it.