Family-owned restaurant serving authentic street-style tacos in Salem
Taqueria Don Julio in Salem is a Mexican-Guatemalan fusion restaurant that’s family-owned, serving favorites like authentic street-style tacos.
Taqueria Don Julio is owned by Julio Gomez and his family, known for serving authentic street-style tacos and other fusion dishes of Mexican and Guatemalan cuisine to the community.
Gomez opened Taqueria Don Julio in October 2024 at 709 E Third St. in Salem.
He has 15 years of experience in the food industry and is dedicated to offering high-quality, flavorful food that showcases the rich culinary traditions of both Mexico and Guatemala.
The journey to opening Taqueria Don Julio began in 2012 when Gomez moved to Salem from San Diego, seeking a better quality of life.
With a background in welding, electrical and construction, Gomez took on various jobs before deciding to continue to pursue his passion for food.
In 2020, he and his wife built their own food truck, using his skills to design and construct it from the ground up.
Although the timing was challenging, with COVID-19 and harsh winter conditions slowing their business, Julio remained determined to share his love for authentic Mexican cooking with the community.
In October 2024, Julio found a storefront in Salem and opened the doors to Taqueria Don Julio.
The restaurant quickly gained a loyal following, with customers praising the unique flavors and high-quality ingredients. Gomez makes his own homemade spice blends rather than purchasing pre-made seasonings, which are a key part of what makes his dishes stand out.
From tacos to other traditional Guatemalan dishes, every meal is made with care and attention to detail. Gomez says the top-selling items on the menu are the #7, which features three street tacos with shredded beef and a flavorful dipping sauce, and the #21, a crowd favorite known as the Red Burrito Plate.
Taqueria Don Julio is open from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
This story was originally published March 12, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
