SALEM, Ore. — Downtown Salem has a new dining spot that’s making an impression not through size or flash, but through precision, culture, and heart. PINTXO’S, a Basque-inspired bar and restaurant opened by local bartender and restaurateur Tommy, introduces Salem to the northern Spanish tradition of pintxos — small, shareable plates served with wine and conversation.
The restaurant soft-opened September 11, with a concise menu built around simplicity and flavor. Each dish is made with seven ingredients or fewer, highlighting quality over quantity. Guests can expect classic patatas bravas with a smoky chipotle sauce, empanadas that have quickly become the top seller, and traditional Spanish staples like boquerones (anchovies) and jamón ibérico. The beverage program complements the menu with Spanish vermouths, European aperitifs, and a growing wine list.
“I can’t cook and bartend at the same time,” Tommy said with a laugh. “That’s why Matt’s my chef. Everyone does their part — and that’s how you run a good business.”
A Philosophy Built on Simplicity and Respect
Tommy grew up in Marion, just outside Turner, where he spent his early years working on a farm before finding his way into restaurants at 14 or 15. He attended Cascade High School and later studied engineering in college, but soon realized he preferred the energy of bartending to the classroom. That realization set him on a path built around service, people, and creating spaces that feel genuine.
At PINTXO’S, that philosophy carries through everything — from the warm lighting and unfussy décor to how the team treats one another. Tommy says his goal wasn’t just to open a bar, but to build a workplace that values stability and respect. “It’s hard to find full-time work and fair treatment in this industry,” he said. “I wanted to be the kind of boss that gives people 40 hours, some paid time off, and the trust they deserve. When your team’s happy, the guests can feel it.”
Approachable Dining, Elevated Craft
Despite the European influence, Tommy insists that PINTXO’S stays approachable. Guests can stop in for an $8 empanada and beer at happy hour, or order a flight of Spanish wines and cocktails for a night out. “I wanted a place where everyone feels welcome — whether it’s people from the industry, my grandma, or someone coming in for their first Spanish meal,” he said.
The menu reflects creativity within constraint. With no kitchen hood, Tommy and his team rely on a three-deck oven, a setup that led to one of their standout innovations: waffle-fry patatas bravas. “I tried roasted and diced potatoes for a month,” he said. “One day I grabbed waffle fries on the way home, and they turned out better than anything else.”
Looking Ahead
Beyond the food, PINTXO’S plans to develop a wine-tasting program featuring small vineyards and local distributors, adding to the city’s growing wine culture. The restaurant also boasts a deep whiskey selection, and Tommy is marking his 30th birthday on November 12 by pouring Booker’s 30th Anniversary bourbon — typically a $200-an-ounce bottle — for just $40.
For Tommy, running PINTXO’S is as much about community as it is about cuisine. “This job is about giving people a break from the noise — an hour where they can relax, eat something real, and feel like themselves again,” he said.
PINTXO’S adds a fresh layer to Salem’s evolving downtown dining scene — a neighborhood now defined by independent owners, creative menus, and late-night conversation.
