Adobe Restaurant and Bar — Restaurant in Salem

An overall lackluster performance this evening, considering the amazing reviews that have been left by other patrons. The service was excellent, so I do not want to disparage the staff. My wife and I were promptly seated and tended to and the drinks we ordered were really good. The kitchen was the big letdown this evening. The sampler appetizer we ordered came out in a timely manner, but it was lackluster. The tostones were incredibly soft, which, if you've had tostones before, you are keenly aware that's not supposed to happen. The pork belly was just average. Nothing to write home about. The star of this dish was the crostini--to our surprise. The texture of the crostini, along with the cheese, guac, and pico were absolute heaven! So much so we had to order more crostini because we couldn't get enough. Compliments there. I had hope because of this, but, to my dismay, my compliments end here. We ordered a lomo saltado and a bandeja paisa. I was incredibly excited as I am Colombian and it's our national dish. Now, I know this is supposed to be a Latin fusion restaurant, so I wasn't expecting authenticity, but, wtf? For starters, you can't tell me the black beans served did not come from a can. They tasted like what I can make when I'm hungry in the middle of the night and I have to make something quick. There was no seasoning and, I mean, black beans for a bandeja paisa? Sure, I have an open mind, but at least season them! Abuelita is crying knowing I ate them. Not only that, but, the chicharron was just pathetic. I know this is supposed to be a fine dining establishment, but the size of the piece of chicharron was just sad. And I could have gotten over it if it tasted good, but it was oily and dry, which I didn't know was possible? My disappointments don't end there. The steak I ordered was supposed to be medium rare, but what was served to me died a very cruel death in whatever grill it was cooked on, overcooked, without any love or hope. The lomo saltado we were served is basically steak and potatoes with a side of rice. Nothing wrong with that, but to call it lomo saltado is just inaccurate. My white wife liked it, but not the overcooked steak. We waited an hour for all of this. An hour. It would have been less if the kitchen didn't make sure both our steaks died on the grill. All of this to say that I truly believe the concept has massive potential. But the menu we read and got excited for, was not what was served. I am not sure if the chef was there this evening, but letting those dishes go out of the kitchen was a crime to Hispanic culture and foodies everywhere. I truly hope this review drives the point that they need to do better if they're going to charge $30+ per dish. The only thing they fused here was shame and...

I used to LOVE writing reviews, dreaming of one day maybe being a food critic. Bah! What dreams. I now bite my tongue, in fear my most coveted places might become TOO popular, or too well known, and become too busy for my selfish, gluttonous desires.

ALAS! I also live in fear, and even REGRET! ..That if I DON'T leave reviews, and spread the word, that my favorite places will die off, and close the doors forever. NO! NO MORE WILL WE LET THE GREATS DIE! Adobe is far too beautiful, far too delicious to be one of those has-beens. Adobe has something for everyone, and it is all presented with such care and thought.

The drinks are crisp and refreshing, they can be cool and juicy, or if you like hot and spicy, something for everyone again. They like mezcal, and they like infusing their own liquors. The lomo saltado is what you need to get, but everything was great, and you should try everything after you get that first. If a place does lomo with REAL potatoes instead of fries, you KNOW they are going to be fabulous. Plus, lomo with a WHOLE, uncut rib-eye! Are they crazy?! ..sure, but if that's crazy then I'm in love. Lock me up in the loony bin.

The ambiance is chic and fun, relaxing but can be a little loud for those sensitive to too much noise or too much anxious seating. The tables have just enough room so you aren't bumping elbows and not quite having to share the table with other people. The music may have been loud, but it wasn't loud enough to drown out your conversation, or even that of the other tables nearby.

I wish I could have tried more, but I simply can't eat as much as I did in the past. I will say, the only thing that may have really sealed the deal would be a slightly less cooked flan, other than that, everything was awesome!

Great server too, friendly, quick at the start and then not overwhelming when table touching at all, gave plenty of time to enjoy everything but also not take too long or feel pushy. ..even asked what plans...

My husband and I were invited to the soft opening of Adobe Restaurant & Bar.

I saw the location before they started ronnovations. And wow! Quite a change in the decor, paint, walls taken out etc. They made it very simple yet elegant, capturing the essence of the cultural experience.  At this event they offered a couple of complementary items. I am SO greatful they are mindful to all patrons offering an upscale alternative to alcoholic beverages: their mocktail menu. We had the Paloma De Jamaica. We also had two appetizers I can’t find on the menu. But it was excellent!

We ordered two of each tacos minus the vegetarian one. By far the table favorite was the Ribeye Asada taco! Tender, flavorful… yum! Allan and I shared the Molcajete. Essentially a plate full of various meats and grilled cactus meat. This was my first time eating cactus meat. I think that’s the only thing I did not care for on the menu that we tried because I don’t like the slimy texture that it is. It looked like it was cooked well but, just not something I cared for, and not a reflection of the quality of food. I do like trying new things, so at least I can say “I tried it!” Our friend ordered the Coliflor Tatemada con Mole. She had great things to say about it.

The bill was shockingly low for all we ordered in comparison to what we are used to spending when going out and not limiting ourselves. The portions were great. We all had leftovers.

All in all, the best compliment of the night comes from my husband. I will just say… he tends to be honest when trying new places. He said that he had no complaints whatsoever. Loved the flavors and he’s excited to go back.

Thank you for the wonderful evening! It...