With so many great options for food in the area, I got a little anxious checking Yelp, but I am so glad that this is one of the places I decided to stop during my limited time here. I primarily chose this spot because they have a really nice outdoor patio area so I knew I would be able to sit with my dog and eat and enjoy the weather. What I didn't know was that it had Salem spelled out in colorful letters in the front which made for an awesome photo opportunity. I was really excited to find that. When you walk inside, it has this really bright, colorful, unique decor. There is something interesting to look at no matter where you turn. They offer free samples which I really appreciate because it personally makes it easier for me to decide what I want and it definitely encouraged me to buy more cheese! My favorite sample was the queso cojeda enchilado. It had a rich tangy flavor. I ended up ordering a torta with some chips and grabbed a few different salsas from the salsa bar to try. The food was good and I couldn't leave without buying some of their smoked Oaxacan cheese to take with me. Let me tell you, it only lasted me 2 days. I wish I had bought more. As I was buying the cheese, I saw a family enjoying some ice cream cones and I had to try their ice cream as well. This place has everything. I got a cone of the Oregon mint and honestly I think it might be one of the best flavors of ice cream I have ever had. It was so fresh and flavorful and I was actually sad when I started getting to the bottom of the cone. If you're an ice cream person, you have to try it. They also gave me a card for a free game of bowling at Northgate Bowl which I thought was a really neat bonus. I wasn't in the area long enough to use it, but if we had been staying longer I definitely would have tried out the bowling as well. This is exactly the kind of local business I want to support. It's warm, welcoming, and most importantly, all of the products that they are putting out are fresh, delicious and made with love. read more

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Such a a great find! Love the cheese/taqueria combo. The food was great and super fresh, and the cheese was awesome! Got a chicken burrito and some tortillas. The burrito was super fresh and not super greasy. The quesadillas were good, got al pastor and carne asada. The al pastor was good but the carne asada was really good! Also got ice cream and they HOOK IT UP. Seriously I got single scoops and they gave more ice cream than I've got from a triple scoop. So good and insane portion. read more

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Absolutely incredible! Don Froylan Creamery was one of the highlights of our trip. From the moment we walked through the door, the staff welcomed us like family and made us feel right at home. Their hospitality alone deserves 5 stars! The food was outstanding, and the cheese was on another level. Being able to sample all of their different cheeses before choosing was such a fun experience, and every single one was fresh, flavorful, and delicious. You can really tell how much pride and care goes into everything they make. My pictures honestly do not do this place justice--you have to experience it for yourself. If you're anywhere near the area, do yourself a favor and stop by. Amazing food, amazing cheese, and some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. We will definitely be back! read more

Don Froylan Creamery - Chicken Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Oregon

Oh boy. This place is special. From now on when anyone asks if I want to go to the cheese factory, I will need to make sure to specify that this is what I mean. All of the cheeses to sample was delightful. I may have taken my kids share as seconds. I got the quesadillas. I don't think it's an accurate description. Maybe slightly like a quesataco but more than a taco. Great way to showcase the cheese though. I chose kind of haphazardly because I definitely liked one more than the other but couldn't distinguish later. This is probably the best pastor I've had so far. I know of some that are no longer with us but this was close. Ice cream was amazing too. Lochmead is a high quality product and they sell it for a very reasonable price. The wife got the chile relleno. Great ingredient to feature the cheese. Would definitely get again. Without a doubt my new favorite cheese factory read more

Don Froylan Creamery - Quesadillas - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Oregon

Psst. Psst. Okay, let me let you in on one of Salem's best-kept secrets -- there is a Mexican cheese factory here, and it is absolutely worth your time. I'm talking real, handcrafted Cotija, Oaxaca, Quesillo, Fresco, and more -- made right on-site, and you can watch it happen through the kitchen window. There's something almost magical about seeing your food made from scratch before your eyes. But here's the best part: you can sample as much cheese as you like. Pair that with their salsa bar and fresh crema, and you've got yourself a snack situation that's hard to walk away from. The staff are genuinely knowledgeable and enthusiastic -- ask them to help you pair the right cheese with your quesadillas or birria, and they will not steer you wrong. The flavors are bold, fresh, and unlike anything you'll find at a grocery store. The atmosphere is festive and colorful -- exactly the kind of place that puts a smile on your face the moment you walk in. Don't miss the iconic cow statue out front or the Salem sign, because you're going to want a photo. Trust me. Plenty of parking, some outdoor seating, and an experience that's equal parts delicious and memorable. Whether you're a cheese connoisseur or just cheese-curious, this place is a must-stop in Salem. Go hungry, leave happy. read more

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This might be the best Mexican food i've had in my life. Ordered the chicken and steak quesadillas. The chicken and steak were so juicy and very flavorful. So delicious!!!! The cheese is also amazing. What a unique spot and will return to Salem just for this. read more

I came to visit some friends in Salem, they had took us to the tilamook creamery but boy does this creamery do it! The cashier was so kind and attentive. There were self serve samples the moment you walk in and the cashier if it's not as busy guides you through the cheeses. At the end of the building you can see the cheese being made. Overall an epic experience. It's pretty quiet for the most part, but can get loud. I really enjoyed the food and the experience. read more

I'm lactose intolerant. But I can't let a little bubble guts get me down. At Don Froylan Creamery, the cheese it top tier. And if you don't believe me, you can sample each of their offerings for free at their cheese and salsa bar. They let their product do the talking. In my short stay in Salem, we ate here four times. And each time, I came home with a different package of oaxaca cheese: smoked, chipotle, habanero. Besides the cheese, they serve as a great ice cream parlour and taqueria with tons of customization and options. Yes, there are food trucks scattered around the town. But nothing beats going to a clean, quiet establishment, ordering and relaxing and munching on free samples. No, I'm no Salem local. Yes, I've tried to do my homework and explore what the town had to offer. But Most nights, we'd find ourselves grabbing a simple carne asada burrito. read more

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So tasty! Full of flavor. I got the quesadillas with Birria and the Queso Botanero con Cilantro y Jalapeno. I also tried their salsa verde and the cilantro crema - both very good as well! Nothing felt spicy or hot, just full of flavor. read more

Don Froylan Creamery - Birria Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Oregon

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This spot is definitely worth checking out--I loved it so much that I went back twice in one day! They specialize in cheese, and the experience did not disappoint. When you order, you can choose between a burrito or quesadilla, pick your protein, select a specialty cheese, and add toppings--all for a set price. The protein options include beef, chicken, and pork, and you get to customize your meal with their specialty cheeses. I ordered the carne asada burrito with Oaxaca cheese and all the veggies, and I was blown away. For just $10, the burrito was huge! The cheese was incredible--stringy, creamy, and the perfect complement to the well-seasoned, tender meat. I also ordered the Fried Cheese Curds, which came out piping hot and were super cheesy and addicting with every bite. They were also very large and super crunchy. Inside, there are plenty of tables that are constantly being cleaned, and they even have a salsa bar where you can sample their cheese. One of the coolest things was watching the cheese being made fresh daily. On top of that, they also offer ice cream! I really appreciated how customizable the food was, along with the amazing quality and great price. I'll definitely be back to try everything on the menu! read more

Don Froylan Creamery - Fried Cheese Curds - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Oregon

What a fun place! This was my first time visiting Don Froylan Creamery and I'm already envisioning coming back. They have tons of samples and build-your-own Mexican food, including quesadillas, burritos and nachos. We tried almost every cheese on display. I'm not that familiar with Mexican cheese, but my thoughts are as follows: Queso Fresco - Excellent crumbly and salty cheese, similar to feta. Panela Fresca - Very smooth and feels like it could be squeaky when fresh, similar to a cheese curd. Queso Botanero - Woah, one of my favorites. It somehow tastes like really fresh jalapeno and cilantro. The jalapeno is really flavorful but doesn't have much if any spiciness. Queso Oaxaca - Stretchy, mild in flavor, somewhat similar to string cheese. Oaxaca Chipotle - Same as above but with chipotle paste spread on it by hand (they were making this in the window). Smoky and a bit spicy. Queso Asadero - Creamy cheese, perhaps close in taste to a young cheddar? The texture is like a low moisture mozzarella. We had only eaten lunch a couple of hours prior, but we couldn't help but to order some actual food: Build-Your-Own Quesadilla, Hecho E Mano, Oaxaca, Carne Asada, Onions, Cilantro ($9) - An order comes with two quesadillas, with a choice of cheese, meat, and toppings. The particularly tortilla we chose is handmade, which is appreciated. It's chewy with imperfect shaping and thickness as a result of not being factory pressed (a good thing!). It's much thicker than a typical tortilla. Inside, there's a good amount of meat. Rather than being cubed or otherwise chopped pieces of beef, they use small and thin sliced pieces that are cooked through but not particularly charred. There's enough of the salty and meaty filling that it feels like they don't skimp on it, but the highlight here really is the cheese. They add a ton of it, so much that it spills out the sides of the tortilla. Pulling the quesadilla apart results in a really fantastic cheese stretch. The rest of the ingredients, the cilantro and onion, are kind of like condiments. They add some freshness but it's not nearly enough to counteract all of the fatty and rich cheese. The quesadillas are deceptively hefty - much heavier than their size would indicate. (5/5) The meal also comes with a handful of warm tortilla chips, perfect to eat with all the different salsas and extra cheese at the condiment/salsa station. I saw another table with a basket of fried cheese curds, and I kind of regret not ordering them (although there's no way we could finish it, not to mention my dwindling supply of lactase pills). Those curds are almost excessively large - like special Wisconsin-style golf ball sized curds. Must be fantastic to eat! Move over Tillamook! Don Froylan Creamery is where all the cheese is at! This is a place I will be visiting any time I'm in Salem, whether in town for an event, or just driving through. Bathrooms - Two small rooms near the entrance. read more

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Stopped by today for a late lunch, line was short and food was outstanding. The fried cheese curds were next level, burrito was enormous and fantastic (tinga de pollo), carne asada quesadillas were delicious as well. Staff was super kind and service was fast. Don't be a fool like me and miss the horchata read more

Don Froylan Creamery - Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Oregon

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Cheese, PLEASE! Disclaimer: this venue is a cheese spectacle! This creamery showcases their work and massive cheese pulls. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with cheese samples, ice cream options, and a menu that's essentially an ode to cheese. Don't say I didn't warn you!! It was also very clean and pretty spacious. There's outdoor seating as well. Prices are also low! Great value :) read more

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Excellent Oaxaca cheese in every flavor! This will be our new pit stop any time we're driving south of Portland. Do not pass up their carne asada no matter the medium you decide on whether it's quesadilla, taco salad, burrito, sope, etc. It's all just that damn goooood! Don't even get me started on their salsa bar. They have creamy, acidic, spicy, mild, and everything in between- help yourself! The only qualm here is their salsa cups, wish they were bigger! After you have your fill of awesome, cheezy goodness, get back in line for some ice cream to top it off. I seriously love this place. I feel like its one of those best kept secrets because I truly don't understand why the line isn't out of the door every day. Well, at this point, the secrets out! Enjoy! And you're welcome. read more

Quick. Everyone super nice. Great flavor, tons of samples. Burrito was huge and full of cheese. It was, however, really greasy. read more

Don Froylan Creamery - Greasy aftermath and some stuffed jalepenos - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Oregon

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I tried visiting this place on New Year's Day 2026, but they were closed. I made an effort to visit this place during a week when I was working down in Salem about 5 weeks later. I stopped for lunch. They had a big sampling bar that offers you an opportunity to try a selection of their cheese before buying. I loved trying this. I also bought their cheese curds. They were the best I have ever had. They make them with their queso cheese and they were so rich and heavenly. I bought a hibiscus drink too with was also refreshing, but next time I visit I think I'll try their horchata. Lastly, I tried their jello dessert, that was okay - probably won't order that again. I bought a pound of their queso to go. Their cheeses cost about $7. The queso was my absolute favorite, but they had other string and white and flavored/spicy cheeses too. I will definitely come back again. It was a really fun place to visit. Loved my visit. Very cheerful and welcoming. read more

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I had the quesadilla, you get two with your choice of their fresh cheese, choice of protein and toppings for $9. If you want a burrito it's $10. There's a tasty salsa bar and some cheese to sample. The quesadillas were more like super stuffed tacos smothered with warm melty cheese. I chose the beef it was nicely seasoned, it didn't need any salsa but what hey, tried them any ways. The salsa were very good, had a little kick it. Friendly service. Lots of parking read more

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So good! If we lived any closer we'd eat here every week. Everything we tried was amazing.

Service I would give a 0 out of 10. Lady at the counter, rolled her eyes when I asked her the flavors of the ice cream because there was no labels on anything. And after like my second question, she asked my husband if we were take a long time to order. Prices on the menu were wrong. Also so be prepared to spend more than what you think. The lady was so irritated that I was taking my time that she actually took my cash money in the middle of making my order and then proceeded to scoop out more ice cream WITHOUT washing her hands and no gloves she handled cash and then the scoop and bowl. Rude people with false advertisement with prices and NOT sanitary. Would not recommend. read more

The cheese/queso in the carne asada nixtamal quesadilla was scrumptious and melted deliciously with the onions, cilantro, and pickled jalapeños added to my customized order. You get two full quesadillas for $9 and a side of tortilla chips with a variety of salsas to choose from. The cheese bar assists cheese decision making. There are a nice selection of cheeses to go available for purchase. Atmosphere is casual. You order at the counter and your meal is delivered but there is no formal table service, which I'm sure keeps the costs lower than they otherwise would be. Overall I recommend this place! It's worth a visit. Bring a cooler to store your cheese if you're traveling when it's hot. read more

Nothing but love for this place! There is so many different kinds of cheese to purchase before the register where you order. You are able to view the people making cheese in the back. You order at the register and then they bring your food to your table! The workers are always helpful and friendly. There is a salsa and cheese stand. The avacado salsa is the best I've ever had! Every thing I've ever ate here is always so good! This place is a must try read more

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It all started when my friend and I decided to do a cheese and wine tour in Oregon of my own making, and ran across this gem. My only regret is that I don't live closer to this slice of heaven on earth. Every time I travel from the Bay Area to the Seattle area, I make a mandatory stop and stock up on the different types of cheese and indulge myself with some ice cream from this wonderful creamery. It's a wonderful welcoming environment that makes good products, and I am very happy every time I set foot into this very popular establishment. read more

Absolutely worth the drive from Portland. I loved how they had samples of the cheese to try before ordering your meal. The build your own quesadilla was also amazing! 10/10. Excited to bring home some goodies as well. read more

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The hospitality was top-notch, very friendly and treated us like family. The food was spectacular. I had two quesadillas and they were 10 out of 10. read more

I am writing this review literally at a table here with tacos, stuff jalapeño and some nachos because this is amazing, coming from cali we looking online on tiktok for the best restaurant in Salem where we found this place and wow I can't explain how good this is, from the fun decor, to being able to see them make fresh cheese in front of you and service is wonderful, but most importantly this food is amazing, filled with flavor, meat is tasty as hell, and cheese is just what you think it would taste when ya see them making it in front of you, just amazing, hope to come back again when visiting Salem cause this is the spot you won't regret read more

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Great cheese, and the food is delicious. Everything is custom made, you choose what cheese you want, what meat etc. Best part is the price, you can actually afford to eat here, have quality food, be full when you leave, and still afford to pay your rent. Go check them out. read more

When you have a chance to travel through Salem stop at the Don Froylan Creamery. You will not regret the visit. Check out the cheese making operation through large display windows, try the many cheeses they offer to sample. Best of all are the creations they offer made from their fresh cheeses. One observation that disturbs me and is a really a great pity is that the local Mexican restaurants do not support their local businesses. Instead purchasing tortillas, cheese from large Texan and Californian companies. The use of cheddar, Monterrey Jack is not authentic and is a cheap violation of providing good Mexican food. read more

We had the chicken nachos, which were great. You pick your meats and cheese, we did the asadero and botanero, but would definitely go for the Oaxaca after hitting the samples. Loved the samples and the salsa bar. Also had milkshakes for dessert. Really great prices! read more

Don Froylan Creamery - Chicken nachos - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Oregon

Great place - really good lunch options if you're sitting down, and a lot of cheese options for use in your own meals at home. Prices are reasonable as well, definitely worth frequenting. read more

Such great food and a cool atmosphere. Great service and you can sample the cheese in house with the delicious salsas. read more

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Whoever is doing the cooking has no business on cooking simple things as quesadillas. Salsas are even worse. String cheese is overrated. read more

DELICIOUS!!! Went in on a Saturday at lunch time...the place was packed. All of the employees I interacted with were so friendly. Definitely recommend 5/5 read more

Amazing quesabirria & what a fun experience!! The ice cream selection is awesome & cheese samples are great. Definitely recommend a margarita too! read more

As a cheese lover, this place is perfect, as they have multiple in house cheeses to choose from, with an assortment of meals and meats to choose from. The service is good, albeit not always the fastest, but well worth the wait considering the quality of food you're getting. The vibe is chill, they have a giant cheese ball at the entrance to give you an idea of what you're in for. And most importantly, the price is so low compared to what you get it's genuinely astonishing and makes going an easy decision when you don't know what to get. Overall 5/5 read more

The food was good, and priced comfortably. The service was good and my order was shipped out fast. Portions were good, and since I ate at home, I was cozy. The food had wonderful flavor. The cheese didn't melt too good on my nachos, but did fairly well when I put it in my oven. The birria was wonderful. It was moist and flavorful. I would definitely order again, but maybe ask for light cheese. read more

What a fun place. We were surprised at the food offerings as the website didn't seem to reflect all it was available. We ordered burritos and taco salads, and they were delicious - - very big, it tasted very fresh, and were delicious. They also have several ice cream flavors for dessert. As if the entrée didn't fill you up. A nice extra as they have windows open to the cheese processing area. It is absolutely fun to see how the hand process the cheese. And there's available parking, it could get a little loud, depending on how many people there are, and is not fancy. The four of us had a wonderful time. read more

So good! Cheese samples and the food portions are big and so reasonable. They have a salsa bar too.

Best Mexican food in Salem, hands down. What a privilege to watch the magical cheese makers while enjoying the tastiest quesadilla I've had since Mexico. Their award winning cheese is incredible, we can't wait to go back. Don't miss out on this one! read more

Great Mexican qusidela delicious Mexican cheeses don't miss out not going there to eat.

I am obsessed with this place! So glad we finally tried it after driving past so many times. This may be the best quesadilla I have ever had in my entire life. This is a carne asada quesadilla with delicious Oaxaca queso and guacamole, and cheese curds. You can add toppings and sauces, but the flavors are so great, you don't need to. All the people who work here are so nice as well. It's a cute little spot. It also tastes just as great if you order delivery! read more

Don Froylan Creamery - Carne Asada Quesadilla with guacamole and Fried Cheese Curds - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Oregon