This Quaint Small-Town Café In Oregon Serves Generous Portions Of Homecooked Eats

by | Dec 14, 2023 | Food & Drink, Restaurants

The family-owned Turnaround Cafe in downtown Turner has been in business just shy of ten years now and in this time has become a staple of the community. They’re known for their generous portions, tasty breakfast and lunch dishes, and providing friendly and efficient service. And, once you try it yourself you’ll see why this little country cafe draws customers from all around the Salem area and beyond.

breakfast
breakfast! Cassie Chavaria Google Local

Two clear favorites on the breakfast menu that should be on any first-timer’s list are the biscuits and gravy served with two eggs and country potatoes, and the Lumberman's Breakfast. The latter features a hearty chicken-fried steak which is covered in a generous helping of homemade sausage gravy and served with two eggs, country potatoes, and toast. You can also substitute chicken-fried chicken at no charge which is nice and crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Or, try the TFD 3-Alarm Scramble named after the Turner Fire Department. This breakfast includes a blend of andouille sausage, onions, garlic, jalapeno and bell peppers, three eggs, country potatoes, and pepper jack cheese covered with homemade sausage gravy, and is served with toast and hot sauce on the side.

chicken fried steak
Chicken Fried Steak, Dylan Townsend Google Local

If you’ve got a sweet tooth in the morning, not to worry—there are plenty of great options for you! Give Aaron’s French Toast a shot which includes two slices of homemade Challah bread dipped in vanilla egg custard and grilled on the flattop, then served with a cinnamon-honey and syrup. Or, mix it up with their Chicken and Waffles and Bacon, O My! breakfast made with a buttermilk Belgian waffle, deep-fried chicken breast, and two strips of applewood-smoked bacon, all gently dusted with powdered sugar and served with warm syrup. The cafe also sells fresh pastries from their next door neighbor, the fabulous Turner Baking Company like their famous cinnamon roll or a large piece of Henry's Coffee Cake.

Croissant sandwich
Croissant Sandwich, William Mobley Google Local

The Turnaround Cafe is primarily a breakfast restaurant and that’s where they really shine, but they have a small lunch menu with awesome sandwiches that you can get with coleslaw, fries or sub in a garden salad, sweet potato fries, a cup of soup, or fresh fruit. They’ve also recently started serving dinner on Friday nights to positive reviews! 

club sandwich
Club Sandwich Turnaround Cafe Facebook

Many of their menu items pay homage to their local community like the Burkland Breakfast Sandwich named after the historic Burkland family, the Cougar Burrito named after the city’s high school’s mascot, or the Boise Street Special, a simple breakfast created just for the folks at the Boise Street Retirement Center.

dining room
Dining room, Burneall Ekberg Google Local

You’ll fall in love with the homey feeling of this small town cafe. And don’t forget to get your kids a hot chocolate—you won’t regret it!

Hours:

  • Tuesday - Thursday, 8:00am - 2:00pm
  • Friday - Sunday, 7:00am - 2:00pm
  • Friday open for dinner 4:30pm — 8:30ish

Address: 7760 3rd St SE, Turner

Phone: 503-743-1285

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Written By Diana Flowers

Diana is a writer living in Portland with her delightful son and crotchety cat. Growing up in the area, family vacations were often to nearby destinations reachable by car. She has since expanded that love of local road trips and has been all over the great state of Oregon and throughout the Pacific Northwest, frequently pairing backpacking trips with exploring new towns and regions.

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