Salem Massachusetts is well known for its spooky and amazingly over-the-top Halloween festivities but what you might not know is that Salem also offers an incredible selection of eateries, hip bars, breweries, and distilleries! Read on to learn about the best of the best places to Eat, Drink, and be Merry in Salem, MA:
Side Note: This list is ALWAYS being updated. If any reader has a recommendation, please comment below and I will adjust from there!
Breakfast:
Reds Sandwich Shop ($): Located in the historic London Coffee House built around 1698 Reds Sandwich Shop offers breakfast all day long as well as amazing lunch specials, salads, and soups. *Bonus Tip: get their fairly early on the weekends or be prepared to wait.
Bagel World ($): For the best bagels outside of New York City, Bagel World Bakery and Deli is where its AT. I may be biased but I even think they are better than NY bagels, there, I said it! They are located a little bit out of downtown Salem but it is well worth the short drive. They offer 10 different types of spreads and 21 different bagel varieties and during the month of October usually offer a 22nd type in the flavor of pumpkin. *Bonus Tip: The lines are usually very long on the weekends (although WELL worth the wait) but they offer a fast line for those who wish to buy bags of bagels and containers of cream cheese.
The Ugly Mug Diner ($-$$): If you’re looking for something a little different, look no further than the Ugly Mug Diner. They offer up a variety of homemade sodas and specialty coffee and tea concoctions. They have a nice variety of the normal breakfast/ brunch options while also offering more unique dishes like loaded potato skins, huevos rancheros, and a whole section for different kinds of eggs benedicts, not to mention a daily specials. *Bonus Tip: get their fairly early on the weekends or be prepared to wait.
Lunch Favorites:
Life Alive ($-$$): Vegetarian and vegan spot with counter-service. Menu offers soups, salads, grain bowls, as well as juices and smoothies.
The Lobster Shanty ($-$$): Featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives, the Lobster Shanty is famous for not just their quirky style and service but also their New England seafood staples, burgers, and heavy handed drinks.
The Clam Shack ($-$$): Located in Salem Willows, a small aracade/amusement park, The Clam Shack has incredible fried seafood plates, lobster rolls, as well as options for the non-seafood lovers in your party. These are some of the best fried clams I have ever had! They are only open in late spring, summer, and early fall so be sure to check them out if in Salem during these times!
Dinner Hot-spots:
Finz ($$-$$$): Waterfront views only add to this restaurant that offers up delicious and sustainable seafood, sushi, and raw bar dishes as well as unique cocktails.
Ledger ($$-$$$): Located in a 19th century bank building, Ledger, serves upscale New England fare. Great for drinks and ambiance. *Bonus tip: on Saturdays or Sundays be sure to check out their brunch from 10-2. It is higher priced but it is the best around and well worth the money.
Opus ($$-$$$): Hip restaurant with new American eats, sushi, small plates, and live music. Also great for drinks including specialty cocktails, and a great selection of local beers.
Pizza:
Bambolina ($$-$$$): This spot offers up some of the best wood-fired pizza outside of Italy along with beers and a great selection of wines. When I tell you that my husband rates this pizza almost equivalent to his favorite from Florence, then you know its got to be good! The menu changes from time to time but the quality of the food certainly doesn’t! *Bonus tip: The pizzas are personal size so go with a group and order a few kinds to try more than one.
Amazing Pizza ($$): Amazing Pizza has just that, AH-MAZE-ING pizza, no joke. This is a carry-out only joint located just outside of downtown Salem. They specialize in unique specialty pizzas that are so good it is hard for me to pick a favorite! BUT if put to the task, I would say that my two favorites are the Buffalo Bleu and the Jax Flavours.
Dessert:
Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie ($): America’s oldest candy company!
Goodnight Fatty: A MUST go for any sweet tooth sufferer out there. Open only on the weekends, Goodnight Fatty serves up freshly baked, warm cookies, what they call ‘fatty’s’, along with milk and games to keep us all feeling like children at heart.
Boston Burger Company: Although they, of course, sell burgers, they are also well know for their milkshakes or as we call them in New England, frappes. They offer a wide array of different types of over-the-top, indulgent, frothy, treats including monthly specials. One of the most outrageous they have to offer is the ‘Churro-ly We Can Taco Bout it”.
Kakawa ($): Originated in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Kakawa is a specialty chocolate shop offering gourmet drinking chocolate (hot chocolate) in unique flavors and blends as well as truffles, caramels, solid dark chocolate, and homemade ice cream. Truly, a chocolate lovers paradise! *Bonus tip: Order a drinking chocolate flight to try a few of the different flavors they create!
To Drink and be Merry:
The Roof of Hotel Salem ($$): Open in the warmer months, The Roof is located on top of the newly opened Hotel Salem. They offer fantastic views, a great drink list, and a limited number of bites that include tacos, rice bowls, and unique options of chips and dip. *Bonus tip: try to get there before the sun goes down to enjoy the amazing sunset views.
Notch Brewing ($): One of Salem’s very own breweries! Launched in 2010 this was America’s first brewery that focuses exclusively on session beer. With outdoor views to the waterway, Notch is a great place to hangout during the day for a brew (or two!) *Bonus tip: if youre in the mood for a snack, they serve up some great warm German pretzels and be sure to get it with a side of the Obatzda, a buttery, cheesey dip.
Deacon Giles Distillery ($): Salem’s very own distillery that features what they call their “Speak Easy Lab” which is where they serve up their spirits in the form of delectable cocktails. You can also purchase any of their spirits, Gin, Vodka, Rum, Spiced Rum, and Amber Rum to take home with you.
