Where to Eat in Monmouth & Independence: Restaurant Guide
Whether you find yourself exploring the beautiful Oregon wine country or visiting Western Oregon University (WOU), Monmouth and Independence have plenty to offer when it comes to dining.
Located in the heart of the picturesque Willamette Valley, Monmouth and Independence are just a short drive from downtown Salem. Set amidst farmland and vineyards, it’s an ideal destination for nature lovers and foodies alike.
As Monmouth has become our “home base” when we’re not nomads abroad, we’ve had the chance to try many of the best restaurants in this area.
This post will help you find the best places to eat, local favorites, and the must-try dishes in Monmouth and Independence.
>> You might also like our complete Guide to Monmouth and Independence
This post was last updated: June 2023. Originally published: May 2021.
Table of Contents
Our Top 7 Restaurants in Monmouth and Independence
Before we get into the details, these are our personal favorites, now that we’ve had a chance to try many of the restaurants in the area.
Read on for more details on each place to eat.
1 – Mink’s Pad Thai, Monmouth
2 – Momiji Sushi, Monmouth
3 – Burgerville, Monmouth
4 – The Sippery, Monmouth
5 – Greece Lightning food truck, Monmouth
6 – The River Gilgamesh Brewing (pizza), Independence
7 – San Antonio Mexican Restaurant
Americana Restaurants and Cafes
Both downtowns have that small-town Main Street feel, so let’s start with the Independence and Monmouth cafes and restaurants that cater to classic American food.
Ovenbird Bakery
Next door to the Tap House is a popular little bakery called Oven Bird, with 6 tables. The pastries and quiches are delicious. Basic sandwiches are available for lunch. Drip coffee, tea, and bottled beverages are also available.
It seems a bit busier in the mornings than its neighbor, as locals like to meet up for a chat and have a leisurely snack.
Locals recommend: Sourdough sandwiches, quiches, cinnamon rolls, and special strawberry cinnamon rolls.
Tip: You can also pick up farm-fresh eggs from the bakery.
215 S Main St., Independence
Burgerville
Burgerville is somewhat of a staple for Oregonians, even those like us who typically don’t do fast food. But Burgerville aims to be regional and responsible, and we love their burgers, berry shakes, and rotating seasonal specialties.
This location’s conveniently on the corner of Main Street and Highway 99 with indoor and outdoors seating as well as drive-through.
Locals recommend: Any seasonal specials and their shakes
Tip: Burgerville serves dairy-free “Bliss” shakes
Delivery available via DoorDash >
615 Main St E, Monmouth
Starduster Cafe
This restaurant has a unique location just outside of town at the Independence State Airport. The Starduster Cafe is often touted as the best brunch spot in the area, and we would probably agree with that.
The portions are large and tasty. Best of all, you can sit outside in the summers and watch all the planes coming and going on the landing strip right in front of you. Hard to beat that!
4705 Airport Rd, Independence
The Sippery
The Sippery is Monmouth’s newest coffee shop, located on Main Street. The tall ceilings, trendy vibe, plus indoor and outdoor seating make this one of the best places to hang out or study. And it’s open from morning until late evening.
In addition to coffee drinks, they also serve baked goods (including gluten-free options), gelato, and a nice menu of hot meal items as well.
169 Main St. West, Monmouth
Grain Station Brew Works
The Grain Station serves daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual, family-friendly setting. We enjoyed a filling Sunday brunch with three generations of our family.
This Monmouth Oregon restaurant features beers from their own brewery in McMinnville, as well as local wines and hearty American food. Most meals here are in the $12 – $20 range. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.
Locals recommend: French dip and grilled chicken burger
220 Pacific Ave S, Monmouth
Pink House Cafe
I remember the Pink House Cafe from long before we moved to this area. They serve breakfast scrambles and frittatas, sandwiches, salads, pasta, fish, and meat dishes.
In addition to classic American fare and local specialties like Mt. Angel sausage, some menu items and specials have included Korean, Mexican, and Hungarian inspired dishes.
Locals recommend: Greek chicken salad
242 D St., Independence
Asian Food
Despite being small towns, we somehow ended up with three Chinese restaurants and three Thai restaurants. If only we had a good Vietnamese place…
Mink’s Pad Thai
This fantastic little Thai food restaurant in Monmouth actually opened successfully during the pandemic and have since moved locations. They offer take-out orders by phone or casual dining inside. Free delivery is also available.
We recommend: Pad thai, pad see ew, rad na, curry puff appetizers, and taro chips (available at the counter)
405 Main St E, Monmouth
Momiji Sushi
For sushi, we enjoy Momiji on Main Street. This is a small chain with a handful of other locations in nearby cities.
They have a wide selection of rolls on the menu and a discount on nigiri during Happy Hour. A lot of their rolls come with spicy sauce, but you can always ask for them to be made not-spicy (which we do).
You can also order party platters for events.
Locals recommend: Kenji roll, Coos Bay roll, North Bend roll, Salem roll
Tip: Check their lunch specials and Tuesday 2-for-1 deals (usually posted on Facebook)
Delivery available via DoorDash >
183 Main St W, Monmouth
Yang’s Teriyaki Plus
We can see why Yang’s Teriyaki is so popular with the campus crowd. It’s cheap, tasty, and conveniently located on the edge of campus.
A small bowl with choice of meat, rice or noodles, and cabbage salad is packed and only $6.50. The place looks cute from the outside and has some outdoor seating, but the interior isn’t particularly pleasant so we prefer to take ours to go.
Delivery available via DoorDash >
140 Monmouth Ave N, Monmouth
Silk Thai Restaurant
Silk Thai opened during pandemic right in the center of Independence. This popular Thai food restaurant has a simple interior for dining in and also does take out orders.
I find the food similar to the other Thai restaurants in the area, with a few unique menu items like fried avocado appetizers and lettuce wraps.
268 S Main St, Independence
Kin Dee Thai Eatery
Kin Dee Thai Eatery is our newest addition for Thai food, located where Mink’s Thai used to be, just off the main street in downtown Monmouth.
As I understand it, it’s the same owner as Silk Thai. Again, I find the food similar to other Thai restaurants in the area, though this one has my favorite fried rice out of the three (mango fried rice).
165 Broad St S, Monmouth
Chinese Restaurants
We have three Chinese restaurants which all offer indoor dining and take out. Locals all have their own favorites and preferred dishes. We have tried all three and have no complaints.
Jade Terrace – Near Central High School, at the “border” where Monmouth and Independence meet
Locals recommend: Honey prawns
1450 Monmouth St, Independence
Lucky Dragon – North side of Independence, across from Mi Casita Market
Locals recommend: egg foo young, eggplant and green beans
101 Polk St, Independence
Sing Fay – Near WOU campus, across from Momiji. Recently remodeled.
Locals recommend: Beef chow fun
198 Main St W., Monmouth
Lonney’s Lunch Wagon – A Hawaiian-inspired food truck now located behind Parallel 45 Brewing.
Locals recommend: Hurricane Katsu, poke and nachos
240 Monmouth Hwy, Independence
Mediterranean Food
Habebah
Habebah Mediterranean Cuisine opened up a cafe in the new complex across from the park in downtown Monmouth. Serving Libyan Mediterranean food, both meat and vegetarian options are available.
Order at the counter first, then choose from indoor or outdoor seating.
Locals recommend: Gyro plate and baklava
110 Main St. W., Monmouth
Greece Lightning Express Food Cart
Although retiring soon, Greece Lightning has been open on week days for lunch or early dinner. We prefer the regular gyro with beef and lamb over the chicken gyro. Pita fries with tziziki sauce and the baklava are also great.
Tip: Typically closes at 6pm and relocates to Dallas on Tuesdays so call ahead to check hours
156 Catron Street N, Monmouth
Mexican Food
San Antonio Mexican Restaurant
San Antonio Mexican Restaurant – This tends to be our first choice for Mexican food. With a large menu, there’s something for everyone. In addition to colorful indoor seating, they offer a drive thru window and online menu for take out.
Locals recommend: Fajitas
1311 Monmouth St, Independence
Casa Burrito
Casa Burrito has both an outdoor food cart as well as a full service menu inside the restaurant.
You can order a variety of authentic Mexican tacos (street style with two tortillas, which are served at the counter outside, or regular tacos ordered inside), burritos, fajitas, sopes, and more. Service may not always be super quick but we found the waitress friendly and helpful.
Locals recommend: Carnitas street tacos
Tip: Enjoy discounts on chicken, beef, and carnitas every Taco Tuesday
564 Powell St E, Monmouth
Koyote Tacos
There are a number of Mexican restaurants to choose from, but Koyote Tacos is especially popular. Their prices are very reasonable, and the fish taco plate is pretty great.
The location is between Main Street and WOU campus. Dine in or order to go.
Locals recommend: Fish taco plate
159 Monmouth Ave N, Monmouth
Other Mexican Eateries
Carniceria Mi Casita – Mexican grocery and food counter
Locals recommend: Pork or carnitas street tacos
834 N Main St, Independence
Cusinela Delicious – Food truck next to Parallel 45 Brewing
240 Monmouth St, Independence
Los Dos Amigos Hacienda – Mexican restaurant in the strip mall where Independence and Monmouth meet
1349 Monmouth St.
Altitas – Drive thru off Highway 99 with a very small seating area
189 Pacific Ave, Monmouth
Local Pizza Places
Being a college town, it’s no surprise that pizza is popular in Monmouth. Everyone has their own favorite, but for us it’s Gilgamesh.
The River, Gilgamesh Brewing
This Gilgamesh Brewing location in Independence has a newly renovated indoor and outdoor covered space. Serving craft beers with hand-tossed pizzas and sandwiches in a casual atmosphere, this is a favorite for families and groups.
We love their pizza crust and like to order build-your-own pizzas for take-out, and occasionally pick up a growler of beer.
307 S. Main Street, Independence
Yeasty Beasty Pizza
Yeasty Beasty is typically on the top of everyone’s list of restaurants in Monmouth. They are conveniently located on Main Street and do deliveries as well.
They feature dough made from Bob’s Red Mill (local) and craft beers, plus a unique “Loaded Baked Potato Beasty” pizza with mashed potatoes on it. You can also get gluten-free pizza, and locals recommend their calzones.
167 Main Street West, Monmouth
Mendi’s Pizza
Another option is Mendi’s Pizza on the main street where Monmouth and Independence meet.
Locals recommend: Mexican pizza
1695 Monmouth St.
European Food
Mangiare Italian Restaurant
Mangiare is a long time favorite of many locals. It’s centrally located in downtown Independence’s beautiful commercial district across from the park.
I wouldn’t go so far as to call it fine dining, though it is the kind of place people like to go for special occasions. But typical to the Northwest, you can dress casually.
Locals recommend: New York steak
114 S Main St.
The Naughty Noodle (Italian)
Our visit to The Naughty Noodle was during the pandemic for take out. This is one of two popular Italian restaurants in Independence. Noodles are made fresh, from fettuccine to mac and cheese to lasagna.
The lasagna rolls were delicious and a unique spin on this classic dish. Includes side salad and focaccia bread. Cheesecake is also available.
227 S. Main St, Independence
Desserts and Treats
Apart from the previously mentioned coffeeshops and cafes, there are still even more places to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Jubilee Champagne and Dessert Bar
The Jubilee Desserts Bar is one of the most picturesque shops in downtown Independence. This bright, airy cafe serves all kinds of delectable treats. Cupcakes, tarts, cookies, pastries, coffee, mimosas, and more are on the menu.
Apparently there are savory items and a weekend brunch too, if you’re looking for a meal.
296 S Main St, Independence
Main Street Ice Cream Parlor
Family-run Main Street Ice Cream Parlor is a great place to get your sweet fix. There are plenty of ice cream flavors and toppings to choose from, as well as various candies for sale.
Delivery available via DoorDash >
109 Main St E, Monmouth
The Donut Bar
In this little food truck pod near WOU, just off Main Street, The Donut Bar Food Truck serves fresh, light and fluffy, made-to-order doughnuts with creative toppings.
Pre-made apple fritters and cinnamon rolls of epic proportions are also available. While not a typical cinnamon roll dough, we thought it was quite nice, while the fritter was a bit too bread-y for us.
Also in the pod are a deli-sandwich/BBQ food cart. A couple picnic tables are available or you can walk across the street to the park.
191 Monmouth Ave. N, Monmouth
Independent Ice Cream Shop
Independent Ice Cream Shop – Ice cream by the cup, pint, quart as well as farm eggs (chicken, duck, quail) and honey available. Cute but small shop with tables outside as well.
226 S Main St STE A, Independence
Fro-Zone Yogurt Co – For your frozen yogurt fix, check out this shop in the strip mall where Monmouth and Independence meet.
1389 Monmouth St, Independence
Brews and Wines
Surrounded by Oregon’s wine country and hops fields, you can sample the flavors of the valley in several local establishments.
Golden Hop Saloon
Despite being one of the newest additions to the Independence restaurant scene, the decor at Golden Hop Saloon takes you back to another time. With a family-friendly American menu and plenty of seating, it’s a great addition to town.
Come for a drink, dinner, or enjoy live music on the weekends.
133 C St., Independence
Brew Coffee and Tap House
Located on Main Street in Independence, Brew Coffee and Tap House sits across from the beautiful Riverview Park. The cafe has a basic menu of sandwiches, a few pastries, coffee, and beer. On weekday mornings, it’s pretty quiet, with most customers taking their orders to go.
There are plenty of tables, good wifi, and numerous outlets (which even have USB sockets!). The cafe now has an expanded outdoor seating area as well, which looks across the street to the park.
211 S Main St, Independence
Parallel 45 Brewing
Parallel 45 Brewing opened during the pandemic with outdoor heated patio seating. Local beers are on tap. Lonney’s Hawaiian and Cusinela Mexican food trucks (see above) are also on site.
240 Monmouth St, Independence
Other Bars and Pubs
Valkyrie Wine Bar – Reopened post-pandemic with wine and beer service only (no food menu) on Friday and Saturday evenings.
301 S Main St., Independence
Crush on Main – Monmouth’s local wine bar.
105 Main St E, Monmouth
The Tap Station – Drinks and food cart with open-air dining overlooking the Riverside Park.
*Currently under renovations.
87 S Main St, Independence
Dry Town Tap Station – Beers and spirits, food, and live music events in downtown Monmouth, next to the park. Plenty of outdoor seating.
180 Main St E, Monmouth
Arena Sport Bar
Rookies Sports Tap
Chase Bar and Grill
Jack’s Pub
Monmouth and Independence Restaurants With Drive Thru
– Burgerville (Monmouth)
– Bugles Espresso Coffee Shop (Monmouth)
– Casa Burrito (Monmouth)
– San Antonio Mexican Restaurant (Independence)
– Dutch Brothers Coffee (Monmouth)
– Muchas Gracias (Monmouth)
– Dairy Queen (Monmouth)
– Altita’s (Monmouth)
Monmouth Independence Restaurant Delivery
Want to have food delivered to your door? In addition to individual restaurants listed below, you can also order online for home delivery through DoorDash.
Currently the Monmouth / Independence restaurants on DoorDash delivery include: Burgerville, Main Street Ice Cream, Yang’s Teriyaki, Mangiare Italian, The Sippery, plus pizza and fast food chains.
We had DoorDash credit through one of our travel rewards cards, so we were able to test it out. We have used DoorDash in Monmouth for a delivery from Burgerville. We entered our order online and it was delivered to our doorstep within 15 minutes! We also did a pick up order from a Corvallis restaurant, and the owner was very thankful for our business.
*First time DoorDash members get $15 credit ($5 off your first 3 DoorDash orders over $15) when you sign-up through our referral link below. DoorDash has also been promoting free weekend deliveries from local restaurants lately!
Sign up through our DoorDash referral link and get your $15 off here >
GrubHub is another delivery service option, however, the closest restaurants are in Corvallis or Salem.
Please leave a comment below to let us know 1) which business you will be supporting and 2) if you have an update we can make to our list. Thank you for your help to keep this listing up to date and helpful to our community.
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Thanks for posting this great list!
Lucky Crow Farm in Monmouth has fresh spring produce — delivery or pick up. See Luckycrowfarm.com for the online store. Taking orders now. for salad mix, pea shoots, spring turnips, arugula, mustard greens, kale, chard and vegetable starts to name just a few items. More vegetable variety as the season continues!
Yes, thanks for sharing that! We are looking forward to our first CSA share from Lucky Crow.
San Antonio, Casa Burrito, Domino’s
BG’s Bar-B-Que is doing carry-out and To-Go as well as drive – thru.