Alex's Guidebook to Salem
Food Scene
Very close to our place and one of the many great places to grab a quick coffee & a nosh to go.
9 Einheimische empfehlen
Brew Box on Essex
131-2 Essex StVery close to our place and one of the many great places to grab a quick coffee & a nosh to go.
Great little place for a breakfast sandwich & coffee to go. We love coming here and then taking a walk with our coffees out to the lighthouse.
Wolf Next Door Coffee
142 Derby StGreat little place for a breakfast sandwich & coffee to go. We love coming here and then taking a walk with our coffees out to the lighthouse.
Yummy pastries, bread, desserts, sandwiches, soups etc...
Try a Kouign amann which I always think tastes like a turbo charged croissant. So good. Truthfully you can't go wrong here. Menu changes seasonally. We always love their Smashing Pumpkin Lattes with fresh pumpkin in the fall or homemade Eggnog lattes in the winter...
42 Einheimische empfehlen
A & J King Artisan Bakers
48 Central StYummy pastries, bread, desserts, sandwiches, soups etc...
Try a Kouign amann which I always think tastes like a turbo charged croissant. So good. Truthfully you can't go wrong here. Menu changes seasonally. We always love their Smashing Pumpkin Lattes with fresh pumpkin in the fall or homemade Eggnog lattes in the winter...
Front Street Coffeehouse has been an institution in Salem and now it is owned by the delicious local Atomic Coffee Roasters. The coffee is fantastic and the vibe is neighborhood chill. You can also get smoothies, breakfast sandwiches & regular sandwiches.
20 Front St
20 Front StreetFront Street Coffeehouse has been an institution in Salem and now it is owned by the delicious local Atomic Coffee Roasters. The coffee is fantastic and the vibe is neighborhood chill. You can also get smoothies, breakfast sandwiches & regular sandwiches.
So if you want a cheap cuppa joe don't come here. But... if you want to try a delicious latte with ingredients that remind you of sitting at a fancy bar this is your place! I can't afford it on the daily but everything I have tried here is truly fantastic.
10 Einheimische empfehlen
Odd Meter Coffee Co
60 Washington StSo if you want a cheap cuppa joe don't come here. But... if you want to try a delicious latte with ingredients that remind you of sitting at a fancy bar this is your place! I can't afford it on the daily but everything I have tried here is truly fantastic.
local fave! known for their donuts (obvi 😁 David's favorite is peanut butter fluff), Bismarks, cakes and more!
15 Einheimische empfehlen
Coffee Time Bake Shop
96 Bridge Stlocal fave! known for their donuts (obvi 😁 David's favorite is peanut butter fluff), Bismarks, cakes and more!
They have a little bit of everything (including alcohol) and are right close to derby wharf. It's popular so it can get a bit crowded a times.
30 Einheimische empfehlen
Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar
197 Derby StThey have a little bit of everything (including alcohol) and are right close to derby wharf. It's popular so it can get a bit crowded a times.
Fun funky vibe. Can be a bit of wait on weekends depending on when u show up. Solid breakfast, something for everyone!
37 Einheimische empfehlen
Ugly Mug Diner
122 Washington StFun funky vibe. Can be a bit of wait on weekends depending on when u show up. Solid breakfast, something for everyone!
Great place for good beer & pub vibe. Food is very good here... delicious vegetarian soups & salads, yummy burgers & fries plus other great options. Outdoor seating in warmer months.
18 Einheimische empfehlen
Olde Main Street Pub
121 Essex StGreat place for good beer & pub vibe. Food is very good here... delicious vegetarian soups & salads, yummy burgers & fries plus other great options. Outdoor seating in warmer months.
Local fave. Great burgers (meat & impossible for vegetarians) with garlic fries. Fish tacos, steak tips, halloumi salad, wings & more... Indoor & outdoor in warmer months. We go here perhaps a little too much😉
37 Einheimische empfehlen
Mercy Tavern
148 Derby StLocal fave. Great burgers (meat & impossible for vegetarians) with garlic fries. Fish tacos, steak tips, halloumi salad, wings & more... Indoor & outdoor in warmer months. We go here perhaps a little too much😉
Delicious Neapolitan pizza! Indoor & outdoor (in warmer months) spot serving wood-fired pizza small plates, wine & craft beer.
36 Einheimische empfehlen
Bambolina
288 Derby StDelicious Neapolitan pizza! Indoor & outdoor (in warmer months) spot serving wood-fired pizza small plates, wine & craft beer.
Hole in the wall must visit take out joint. Really delicious tacos for meat lovers, vegetarian & vegan alike.
10 Einheimische empfehlen
Spitfire Tacos
105 Lafayette StHole in the wall must visit take out joint. Really delicious tacos for meat lovers, vegetarian & vegan alike.
A great low key local seasonal spot with outdoor seating for seafood and the basics... mac and cheese, burgers etc... They also have a good vegetarian chili.
22 Einheimische empfehlen
The Lobster Shanty
25 Front StA great low key local seasonal spot with outdoor seating for seafood and the basics... mac and cheese, burgers etc... They also have a good vegetarian chili.
If you want a great selection of beers on tap, a sandwich, a crepe, a good bowl of soup or stew or maybe a waffle & eggs... you want to come here. Maybe there will be a drag brunch going on or a local singer performing or a live model drawing event. Life is always interesting at gulu-gulu!
67 Einheimische empfehlen
Gulu-Gulu Cafe
247 Essex StIf you want a great selection of beers on tap, a sandwich, a crepe, a good bowl of soup or stew or maybe a waffle & eggs... you want to come here. Maybe there will be a drag brunch going on or a local singer performing or a live model drawing event. Life is always interesting at gulu-gulu!
A great family owned business. We often use them for delivery. Super nice owners and the pizza is always delivered quickly and is always yummy. I hear other things on the menu are good too.
Georgia's Pizza
28 Norman Street Rte 114A great family owned business. We often use them for delivery. Super nice owners and the pizza is always delivered quickly and is always yummy. I hear other things on the menu are good too.
It used to be a low key small place with solid burgers, lobster rolls & Flatbread. Now they are a big place with a much bigger menu that we are still trying out. There is some outdoor seating as well. Plus... no storm can close these doors. Rain or shine they are there for you.
17 Einheimische empfehlen
Longboards Restaurant & Bar
76 Wharf StIt used to be a low key small place with solid burgers, lobster rolls & Flatbread. Now they are a big place with a much bigger menu that we are still trying out. There is some outdoor seating as well. Plus... no storm can close these doors. Rain or shine they are there for you.
This is a date night kinda place. Worth a visit. Very fresh tasty food and the drinks are fantastic.
21 Einheimische empfehlen
Settler
2 Lynde StThis is a date night kinda place. Worth a visit. Very fresh tasty food and the drinks are fantastic.
Our low key go to for all sorts of Asian fare. You can get fresh sushi or a yummy curry noodle, scallion pancakes etc...
10 Einheimische empfehlen
Koto Grill & Sushi
90 Washington StOur low key go to for all sorts of Asian fare. You can get fresh sushi or a yummy curry noodle, scallion pancakes etc...
What could be better than late night cookies? With a cool outdoor spot to hang out in? Open Friday thru Sunday with a new line up every week. What started as a small pop up is now an institution right on the common. Beware... it can be addictive. 😁
27 Einheimische empfehlen
Goodnight Fatty
1 Washington SquareWhat could be better than late night cookies? With a cool outdoor spot to hang out in? Open Friday thru Sunday with a new line up every week. What started as a small pop up is now an institution right on the common. Beware... it can be addictive. 😁
A nice place to grab a fancy drink with friends or a fun brunch with donuts that are more like dessert. Get the brioche donut.. they are always my favorite. And of course they have a nice dinner. Lots of folks go here to celebrate. They have regular and more communal seating plus a nice bar. The decor is cool... it is a converted bank.
62 Einheimische empfehlen
Ledger Restaurant
125 Washington StA nice place to grab a fancy drink with friends or a fun brunch with donuts that are more like dessert. Get the brioche donut.. they are always my favorite. And of course they have a nice dinner. Lots of folks go here to celebrate. They have regular and more communal seating plus a nice bar. The decor is cool... it is a converted bank.
Great place for seafood with a view. We like sitting at the bar upstairs facing the view.
77 Einheimische empfehlen
Sea Level Oyster Bar
94 Wharf StGreat place for seafood with a view. We like sitting at the bar upstairs facing the view.
Another seafood restaurant with a view of the water. It's popular with locals and tourists alike
71 Einheimische empfehlen
Finz
86 Wharf StAnother seafood restaurant with a view of the water. It's popular with locals and tourists alike
local favorite for Italian. In last couple of years its had great outdoor seating when the weather is nice.
16 Einheimische empfehlen
Bella Verona
107 Essex Stlocal favorite for Italian. In last couple of years its had great outdoor seating when the weather is nice.
Cool outdoor beer garden. A definite good outdoor hangout to bring the dog. They have a running club Wednesdays & Sundays.
49 Einheimische empfehlen
Notch Brewery & Tap Room
283R Derby StCool outdoor beer garden. A definite good outdoor hangout to bring the dog. They have a running club Wednesdays & Sundays.
Great bowls and juices etc and a cute crunchy vibe.
240 Einheimische empfehlen
Life Alive Organic Cafe
765 Massachusetts AveGreat bowls and juices etc and a cute crunchy vibe.
if you love tea this is your place! really nice atmosphere!
14 Einheimische empfehlen
Jolie Tea Company
316 Derby Stif you love tea this is your place! really nice atmosphere!
The Roof at Hotel Salem is a great place for afternoon sun. The menu is small but tasty. Tacos, nachos etc... Relax & have a cocktail 🌞🌞🌞
15 Einheimische empfehlen
The Roof
209 Essex StreetThe Roof at Hotel Salem is a great place for afternoon sun. The menu is small but tasty. Tacos, nachos etc... Relax & have a cocktail 🌞🌞🌞
It is where you can get the ferry but it’s also great for the view and grabbing a drink outside (during summer months) at the pop up bar The Landing.
28 Einheimische empfehlen
Salem Ferry
10 Blaney StIt is where you can get the ferry but it’s also great for the view and grabbing a drink outside (during summer months) at the pop up bar The Landing.
This is a bar obviously but if you need late night food they are often the one that is open... sandwiches, hot dogs, veggie dogs, perogis, soft pretzels etc... I like the tuna melt and David likes the muffaletta.
8 Einheimische empfehlen
All Souls Lounge
282 Derby StreetThis is a bar obviously but if you need late night food they are often the one that is open... sandwiches, hot dogs, veggie dogs, perogis, soft pretzels etc... I like the tuna melt and David likes the muffaletta.
Just tried this place. It’s a chain but new to Salem. Nice late day sun with the outdoor seating . Chips & salsa were yum. The ordering process seems complicated at first but ultimately was fine… kinda like being at a hotel and filling out one of those pieces of paper for what you want for breakfast. Fill in the circle like a standardized test😆 Too soon for me to give a favorite go to, but I will be back.
Barrio Tacos
41 Lafayette StreetJust tried this place. It’s a chain but new to Salem. Nice late day sun with the outdoor seating . Chips & salsa were yum. The ordering process seems complicated at first but ultimately was fine… kinda like being at a hotel and filling out one of those pieces of paper for what you want for breakfast. Fill in the circle like a standardized test😆 Too soon for me to give a favorite go to, but I will be back.
Great customer service! Super nice folk will help you find the cheese you like and the beverage to fit the bill. Nice selection of wine & very knowledgeable staff.
19 Einheimische empfehlen
The Cheese Shop of Salem
45 Lafayette StGreat customer service! Super nice folk will help you find the cheese you like and the beverage to fit the bill. Nice selection of wine & very knowledgeable staff.
Our local go to for wine & beer! We love these guys🙂 Plus they have some British foods, gifts and other nifty things.
11 Einheimische empfehlen
Pamplemousse
185 Essex StOur local go to for wine & beer! We love these guys🙂 Plus they have some British foods, gifts and other nifty things.
Just tried this new place. We really enjoyed it. Good vibe. Not a huge menu but it’s really tasty. The cocktails are yummy too. Absolutely order the lemon ricotta donuts for dessert or to go. So good!
The Babe
Just tried this new place. We really enjoyed it. Good vibe. Not a huge menu but it’s really tasty. The cocktails are yummy too. Absolutely order the lemon ricotta donuts for dessert or to go. So good!
Museum
This museum has so much to offer from local history to incredible special exhibits to the unique experience of walking thru the Yin Yu Tang House which was dismantled in China & reconstructed here.
207 Einheimische empfehlen
Peabody Essex Museum
161 Essex StThis museum has so much to offer from local history to incredible special exhibits to the unique experience of walking thru the Yin Yu Tang House which was dismantled in China & reconstructed here.
We are so lucky to have this amazing art meets community support movement in Salem. The murals are incredible.
"Located in “El Punto” Neighborhood in Salem, Mass, it features over 75 large scale murals by 30 world renowned and 25 local artists within a 3 block radius. The art aims to create neighborhood pride and increase economic opportunity for local businesses."
6 Einheimische empfehlen
Punto Urban Art Museum
91-1 Peabody StWe are so lucky to have this amazing art meets community support movement in Salem. The murals are incredible.
"Located in “El Punto” Neighborhood in Salem, Mass, it features over 75 large scale murals by 30 world renowned and 25 local artists within a 3 block radius. The art aims to create neighborhood pride and increase economic opportunity for local businesses."
A very cool historical treat. A mansion from 1668 with beautiful gardens, interesting buildings and a story that includes Nathaniel Hawthorne.
93 Einheimische empfehlen
Das Haus der sieben Giebel
115 Derby StA very cool historical treat. A mansion from 1668 with beautiful gardens, interesting buildings and a story that includes Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Sightseeing
A nice place for a picnic, to take a brief walk or chill on Waikiki beach (yes that’s really the name- small and a bit rocky but great views and there are bathrooms & an outdoor shower)
With a small lighthouse & views of the harbor it's a local fave. Folks can get campsites here as well. There is a fee to park during nicer months
15 Einheimische empfehlen
Winter Island Park
50 Winter Island RdA nice place for a picnic, to take a brief walk or chill on Waikiki beach (yes that’s really the name- small and a bit rocky but great views and there are bathrooms & an outdoor shower)
With a small lighthouse & views of the harbor it's a local fave. Folks can get campsites here as well. There is a fee to park during nicer months
Definitely the most fun way to get to Boston on a beautiful day!
28 Einheimische empfehlen
Salem Ferry
10 Blaney StDefinitely the most fun way to get to Boston on a beautiful day!
I am not a boater (I get seasick.) but if you are this is one of the beautiful boats out of Salem. I do like to see it from the beach lol. Very pretty
17 Einheimische empfehlen
Schooner Fame
86 Wharf StI am not a boater (I get seasick.) but if you are this is one of the beautiful boats out of Salem. I do like to see it from the beach lol. Very pretty
Sail When And If
10 Blaney StAnother boating option is the When & If. They do a popular sunset sail.
Take a walk to Derby Wharf to enjoy the views of Salem harbor and walk out to the lighthouse past the Friendship (a replica tall ship). Or just chill at the small beach on an Adirondack chair. This is where we do our 4th of July celebration complete with a full orchestra playing before & during the fireworks!
9 Einheimische empfehlen
Derby Wharf Light Station
Take a walk to Derby Wharf to enjoy the views of Salem harbor and walk out to the lighthouse past the Friendship (a replica tall ship). Or just chill at the small beach on an Adirondack chair. This is where we do our 4th of July celebration complete with a full orchestra playing before & during the fireworks!
I have yet to do this but it looks like a hoot. It’s basically a 90 minute harbor cruise with cocktails on what looks like a floating tiki 🛖 hut! Reservations required. It’s popular so book early. 21 and older…
Tiki Hut Boats Corp
10 Blaney StI have yet to do this but it looks like a hoot. It’s basically a 90 minute harbor cruise with cocktails on what looks like a floating tiki 🛖 hut! Reservations required. It’s popular so book early. 21 and older…
Shopping
These wonderful folks run great shops right near each other. There are quirky, funny and special gifts & cards. Totally worth a visit.
18 Einheimische empfehlen
Roost & Company
40 Front StThese wonderful folks run great shops right near each other. There are quirky, funny and special gifts & cards. Totally worth a visit.
Owned by the lovely folks at Roost there are beautiful plants, gifts and home items.
9 Einheimische empfehlen
OAK + MOSS
143 Washington StOwned by the lovely folks at Roost there are beautiful plants, gifts and home items.
Modern Millie
3 Central StFun retro clothes. Great helpful staff. Good size selection.
Moody's Home & Gifts
109 Essex StLots of fun little gifts.
This is where we get the cute Salem mugs for our Airbnb! Owner’s designs. They have T-shirts as well.
District Trading Company
131 Essex StThis is where we get the cute Salem mugs for our Airbnb! Owner’s designs. They have T-shirts as well.