Walery’s Premium Pizza in West Salem has been in business since 1986, and when you walk in you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped back in time. This place is oozing with old-school pizzeria vibes that recall end-of-the-season soccer parties and Friday nights out with the family with kids racing back and forth asking their parents for more quarters to play video games (yes, in classic pizza parlor style, Wallery’s has an arcade room!). It’s such a mainstay of Salem that the shopping center the pizzeria is located in is now called Walery Plaza!
It’s hard to keep track of the multiple awards Walery’s has won over the years for having the best pizza in the area or the countless reviewers that profess Walery’s is the “best pizza in Oregon,” or that it’s “hands down the best pizza I’ve ever had!”
It’s not only excellent pizza, but Walery’s also has reasonable prices in an age where it seems like restaurant prices have gone through the roof. You can get a one topping large pizza for only $22.99 and a two topping large pizza for $24.99. Or, you can get a personal size pizza with up to three toppings for only $7.50.
The pizza at Walery’s has a nice, crispy crust with the perfect balance of sauce and cheese, and they never skimp on the toppings so you know you’re getting your money’s worth. The pepperoni pizza (called the Medicine Man) is outstanding since they premium pepperoni that has a nice, but not overwhelming spice. Other great options are the Hawaiian made with Canadian style bacon and pineapple, or the Taco Pizza with taco beef, onion, cheddar cheese, lettuce and fresh tomato. They also offer a tasty gluten-free cauliflower crust.
Longtime customers lament the loss of Walery’s salad bar that closed down in the wake of the Covid pandemic and hasn’t made its way back, so pizza is pretty much the name of the game here. However, they do have an excellent chicken strip lunch special that’s available Monday through Friday from 11:00am to 3:00pm. You can also get french fries, side salads, wings, and mozzarella sticks that come with a side of their awesome ranch dressing. Walery’s is a counter-service operation, or you can call in orders for pick up, but they only offer delivery if you order more than 15 pizzas.
Another thing you’ll notice immediately at Walery’s is the outstanding customer service. They employ a lot of young people in the community and prioritize training them well to only give high quality, friendly service. It really feels like the restaurant is part of the community. Its founder, Dave Walery, is also truly committed to serving the Salem/Kaiser community and has been known for years as “Mr. Christmas” due to his ongoing involvement in holiday events around town including an annual tree lighting right outside the pizzeria.
Walery’s is a great place for kids, families, and big groups who can reserve the banquet room in the back. Do note that this place can get packed on the weekends and is fairly loud (hence the family friendliness), but it’s a lively and fun atmosphere and in my opinion, that’s exactly what a pizza joint should be.
Hours: Every day 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Address: 1555 Edgewater St NW, Salem
Phone: (503) 362-6858
