ACME Cafe was started by Jeff James and Cecilia Ritter James in 2013 and passed on to father and son team, Tom and Jesse Voegtle in March of 2020. Tom, a veteran, served in the United States Air Force for 2+ decades and has longed to get back into the food service industry. Jesse, a new father, has a background in restaurant management specializing in coffee roasting and has just moved back home to the northwest from Alexandria, VA.
We focus on our versions of American regional classics with an emphasis on seasonal bounty. Our restaurant is available for private events: Business lunches, dinners, cocktail receptions, and more. We would love to discuss how to be a part of your next event.
We focus on our versions of American regional classics with an emphasis on seasonal bounty. Our restaurant is available for private events: Business lunches, dinners, cocktail receptions, and more. We would love to discuss how to be a part of your next event.
Services
Traditionally made with stewed chicken in a rich broth with celery, carrots, onions and Matzo balls. A James family tradition using our family sourdough starter, giving them a slight chew and piquant flavor. A Hawaiian favorite! A pile of white rice topped with a juicy 6oz Angus beef patty then smothered in our rich brown housemate beef gravy, finished with two fried eggs.
Reviews (30)
J. P.
Jan 30, 2022
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Dan Z.
Jan 27, 2022
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Wildly inconsistent food and service have been my experience at Acme Cafe ever since it opened and breakfast Tuesday continued that tradition: Doughy, rubbery blueberry pancakes and mediocre ham with two eggs and cafe totaled $21. I still tipped 20%, bringing the total to $26. Acme would do well to taste the food it serves. It's not impressive to get served lousy ham that's branded with "ACME" on the surface. Carlton sells much better ham than thus and Acme's competitors serve better ham, too. The last time I had breakfast at Acme with a friend I asked the waitress for
Alex Cardwell
Jan 25, 2022
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Daniel Filipenko
Jan 21, 2022
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Vanessa Baez Warren
Jan 09, 2022
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Josiah Weimer
Jan 08, 2022
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Michael Fink
Dec 28, 2021
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This place used to be so much better. Portion sizes have shrank while cost went up, quality went from outstanding to acceptable, my goto (chicken Benedict) was dry with sparse amounts of gravy and dry mealy potatoes at iur last visit. We noticed our favorite servers don't work there anymore and you'll be hard pressed to find any worker smiling.
With the amount of good breakfast spots in Salem, I just feel there is better food at an affordable price.
With the amount of good breakfast spots in Salem, I just feel there is better food at an affordable price.
Alexandria Rochetto
Dec 27, 2021
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Love this place. The wonderful older gentleman who manages the place, or is the owner, I’m not sure but he’s always there, is so polite and always excited to see people coming through the door. You can tell he cares and he tries to make sure everyone has a great experience. Good food, and great mimosas (so many choices!). We usually go for breakfast but I’d love to try their dinner menu sometime too!
Axden
Dec 19, 2021
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Looked up reviews and saw a few odd ones but they were totally bogus because when i got there i was greated by chefs and entire staff. You could smell the good food cooking. We went for dinner and there was no wait. We sat down and the staff was super friendly and attentive. The chicken fried waffles were a perfect sweet and savory. We also had a ceasar, delicious and the side mac and cheese, silky and yummy. Recommend!
Raiden
Dec 19, 2021
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Courtney B.
Dec 14, 2021
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My husband and I eat here often - food is good, staff is friendly, prices are reasonable, and we usually have no problem getting a seat during the week.
Only issue I've ever had was when I ordered the biscuits and gravy - I'm not sure if they have sweet biscuits and savory (or, non sweet) biscuits, but mine straight up tasted like vanilla cake which created a bizarre and almost inedible flavor with the gravy. Didn't deter me from going back, but maybe double check it's a non sweet biscuit if you order that dish
Only issue I've ever had was when I ordered the biscuits and gravy - I'm not sure if they have sweet biscuits and savory (or, non sweet) biscuits, but mine straight up tasted like vanilla cake which created a bizarre and almost inedible flavor with the gravy. Didn't deter me from going back, but maybe double check it's a non sweet biscuit if you order that dish
Cristina K.
Nov 14, 2021
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I really wanted to like it based on the other reviews but I just couldn't. I went for dinner the other night and the fish special was terrible--it was overly lemony as if they were trying to cover that it had spoiled. The wait staff kept pulling down their masks and the cooks didn't wear them at all. If your kitchen is open so everyone can watch you cook, be cleanly--we can see when you rub your nose and then don't wash your hands!
Amanda B.
Nov 13, 2021
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Becca Terpack
Nov 05, 2021
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Lisa B.
Oct 16, 2021
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I went there once to dine in and I had no complaints. Today I ordered breakfast to go. I try to support local restaurants during these challenging times. I didn't receive my biscuits and one order was completely wrong. I called to let the manager/owner know. He told me what I received was correct. Upon looking at the menu again I saw that what I ordered was indeed correct. I called to talk to Jessie again. Only to hear "is it the same person again" and then was told he bought the restaurant two years ago and can't be responsible for what Yelp has on their sight when I tried
Matt Pelto
Sep 17, 2021
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Donny Brock
Sep 12, 2021
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Reggie Maxwell
Sep 08, 2021
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Riki York
Aug 22, 2021
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It was hot outside but I was hungry and had the worst week. I ordered pickup by phone and the gentlemen who took my order was super nice. When I arrived, it was fairly warm inside, I’m sure with the ac full blast, but they didn’t close. They were cooking and doing their thing. The fella who rang me up had good customer service and the chefs were in good spirits. The food, I got the Rueben. It was so good. The French fries were crisped to perfection. Highly recommend. Under heat and covid pressure, this group exceeded my expectations.
Casey J.
Aug 19, 2021
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Vik P.
Jul 27, 2021
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Lisa Beardslee
Jun 26, 2021
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Autumn C.
Jun 08, 2021
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This review is for to go orders, I have not eaten at the actual restaurant.
The first time we ordered it was for delivery. Customer service was great when we called. Food was delivered pretty quickly. Fried chicken was good, Reuben was good but didn't travel well (got a bit soggy).
My husband loves his Reuben's so I was determined to get one to him that would be fresh. I called in an order and added on some pastrami cheese fries. This time I was going to pick up so I could be there before the food was ready and jam home all speedy like to keep the Reuben fresh. Welp, traffic had other
The first time we ordered it was for delivery. Customer service was great when we called. Food was delivered pretty quickly. Fried chicken was good, Reuben was good but didn't travel well (got a bit soggy).
My husband loves his Reuben's so I was determined to get one to him that would be fresh. I called in an order and added on some pastrami cheese fries. This time I was going to pick up so I could be there before the food was ready and jam home all speedy like to keep the Reuben fresh. Welp, traffic had other
Mandi R.
May 22, 2021
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I've been to Acme about a dozen times in the past few years and have always thought the food was outstanding. We came on a Friday around 8:30 and got seated right away. My sister and I always order one sweet dish and one savory dish to share; this time, we went with the blueberry sourdough pancakes and the fried shrimp benedict. While the blueberry pancakes are very good, the shrimp benedict is next level! This place is kid-friendly and the kitchen staff are always good to our little ones. We'll be back.
Jim B.
Apr 21, 2021
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Stopped by today for lunch. I had fish and chips and wife, shrimp and chips. Without a doubt, the best we have ever had in the Salem area. Most places serve cod or halibut or salmon and the excellent rockfish is overlooked. It's my favorite for both taste and texture. The coating is fresh and crunchy without overcooking the fish.
The shrimp, big, juicy and almost just melt in your mouth. The staff helpful and welcoming, this is our sneak away to spot
The shrimp, big, juicy and almost just melt in your mouth. The staff helpful and welcoming, this is our sneak away to spot
Jay J.
Mar 02, 2021
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This is a nice small spot. Friendly staff. Good service. I'm debating between 3-4 stars because my chicken and waffles was quite sub par. Waffle came out burnt so I had to send it back for a new waffle (which I never do so you know it was bad). Also had burnt flakes on it. Strange. Needs cleaned. My friend had a big scramble type dish that was excellent however. Mimosa was good and again service was also very good. Just disappointed in my chicken and waffles. I think they should've offered some sort of discount but overall it's a cute place. I'd get it another shot to change
Chris R.
Jan 03, 2021
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Great little place. Called up just before opening and spoke with Jesse about outdoor seating. He said he was firing up the heaters on the patio and to come on over. Arrived and sit on patio since the sun was out this morning. Asked what it was that was good here and he recommended several items. I decided to go with the Big Don's Skillet. It was delicious!
Jim W.
Nov 08, 2020
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JoDee Hunter
Jan 12, 2020
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Shane S.
Sep 28, 2019
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When: Sat. Sept 21st, 6:15 pm, party of 2
My wife and I have dined here for brunch a while back and wanted to try this place for dinner on a Saturday evening...
There is a different vibe for dinner than the weekend brunch rush...the pace is much more relaxed for dinner with no waiting for tables...
On this occasion, my wife ordered the Chicken Fried Chicken Entree and I ordered the Pastrami Rueben Sandwich...Both Entrees were on point and the both of us would order it again...
The definite must try is taking home a pint of their in-house made ice cream...the flavor special for the week was "
My wife and I have dined here for brunch a while back and wanted to try this place for dinner on a Saturday evening...
There is a different vibe for dinner than the weekend brunch rush...the pace is much more relaxed for dinner with no waiting for tables...
On this occasion, my wife ordered the Chicken Fried Chicken Entree and I ordered the Pastrami Rueben Sandwich...Both Entrees were on point and the both of us would order it again...
The definite must try is taking home a pint of their in-house made ice cream...the flavor special for the week was "
