Guidebook for Salem

Wendy
Guidebook for Salem

Food Scene

Opened in the summer of 2017, Ledger is located in one of Salem's many old banks and its name is a nod to Salem's historical status in banking. Try making a meal out of the appetizer menu.
62 locals recommend
Ledger Restaurant
125 Washington St
62 locals recommend
Opened in the summer of 2017, Ledger is located in one of Salem's many old banks and its name is a nod to Salem's historical status in banking. Try making a meal out of the appetizer menu.
The best (and closest) seafood reataurant with raw bar. Make reservations or come early and grab a seat at one of the two bars (I like the left bar, where I can watch them shuck oysters). Try the crabcake appetizer, cup of the lobster bisque, or one of the specials. Note: Turner's is located in Lyceum Hall, where Alexander Grahm Bell first demonstrated an incredible new piece of technology - the telephone.
68 locals recommend
Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall
43 Church St
68 locals recommend
The best (and closest) seafood reataurant with raw bar. Make reservations or come early and grab a seat at one of the two bars (I like the left bar, where I can watch them shuck oysters). Try the crabcake appetizer, cup of the lobster bisque, or one of the specials. Note: Turner's is located in Lyceum Hall, where Alexander Grahm Bell first demonstrated an incredible new piece of technology - the telephone.
What's not to love about this place? Funky atmosphere, rotating art on display, wi-fi, an array of coffee, tea, fresh juices, and great sandwiches. My favorites: 4-shot iced coffee, kale-cucumber-apple-lime juice, and "the Jerome" sandwich - roast beef goodness, grilled on Scali bread.
18 locals recommend
Front Street Coffeehouse
20 Front St
18 locals recommend
What's not to love about this place? Funky atmosphere, rotating art on display, wi-fi, an array of coffee, tea, fresh juices, and great sandwiches. My favorites: 4-shot iced coffee, kale-cucumber-apple-lime juice, and "the Jerome" sandwich - roast beef goodness, grilled on Scali bread.
One of the top-five best places for coffee in Salem. Great selection of artisanal bread and pastries. Try the bacon, egg, and cheddar on brioche.
42 locals recommend
A & J King Artisan Bakers
48 Central St
42 locals recommend
One of the top-five best places for coffee in Salem. Great selection of artisanal bread and pastries. Try the bacon, egg, and cheddar on brioche.
Creative twists on comfort foods in a relaxed, refined, and homey atmosphere. Try the Smoked Gouda and Goat Cheese Fritters (appetizer) or the Potato Gnocci (entree).
18 locals recommend
Olde Main Street Pub
121 Essex St
18 locals recommend
Creative twists on comfort foods in a relaxed, refined, and homey atmosphere. Try the Smoked Gouda and Goat Cheese Fritters (appetizer) or the Potato Gnocci (entree).
Mmmmm... meat lovers and scratch kitchen aficionados, rejoice! Casual dining atmosphere, sandwiches, salads, beer and wine. Try the SK Smoked Pork Panini El “Cubano” or just a side of the House Smoked Bacon. Have yet to make it to their Sunday Brunch, but both the Scratch Salmon Lox and Buttermilk Biscuits & Gravy look very tasty.
Scratch Kitchen
245 Derby St
Mmmmm... meat lovers and scratch kitchen aficionados, rejoice! Casual dining atmosphere, sandwiches, salads, beer and wine. Try the SK Smoked Pork Panini El “Cubano” or just a side of the House Smoked Bacon. Have yet to make it to their Sunday Brunch, but both the Scratch Salmon Lox and Buttermilk Biscuits & Gravy look very tasty.
Love me some noodle soup! Try any of the soups and the steamed pork buns.
12 locals recommend
Kokeshi
288 Lafayette St
12 locals recommend
Love me some noodle soup! Try any of the soups and the steamed pork buns.
I come here more often than I’d like to admit. Beer and creative pizza, and sometimes salad: what’s not to love? Vegan, veggie, gluten free options.
26 locals recommend
Flying Saucer Pizza Company
118 Washington St
26 locals recommend
I come here more often than I’d like to admit. Beer and creative pizza, and sometimes salad: what’s not to love? Vegan, veggie, gluten free options.
A great place for an afternoon craft beer, crepe, or sandwich. Also has live music at night.
67 locals recommend
Gulu-Gulu Cafe
247 Essex St
67 locals recommend
A great place for an afternoon craft beer, crepe, or sandwich. Also has live music at night.

Drinks & Nightlife

Come here for a unique and memorable cocktail. Or, go through the speakeasy side entrance to get to Opus Underground, an intimate lounge area that has live music on the weekends. Solid beer list and snacks downstairs. Seems to cater to a mid to late 20s crowd.
57 locals recommend
Opus
87 Washington St
57 locals recommend
Come here for a unique and memorable cocktail. Or, go through the speakeasy side entrance to get to Opus Underground, an intimate lounge area that has live music on the weekends. Solid beer list and snacks downstairs. Seems to cater to a mid to late 20s crowd.
Best no frills, casual bar. Chicken fingers are terrific (get a small, it's really a large).
7 locals recommend
Major Magleashe's Pub
268 Washington Street
7 locals recommend
Best no frills, casual bar. Chicken fingers are terrific (get a small, it's really a large).
My friends say that karaoke is a fun time here. Though you won’t catch me singing on a stage...
10 locals recommend
Koto Grill & Sushi
90 Washington St
10 locals recommend
My friends say that karaoke is a fun time here. Though you won’t catch me singing on a stage...
A tiny little place with terrific food, and some of the best music in town.
37 locals recommend
Mercy Tavern
148 Derby St
37 locals recommend
A tiny little place with terrific food, and some of the best music in town.
It’s a place to drink local beer. Cornhole, darts, outdoor patio.
49 locals recommend
Notch Brewery & Tap Room
283R Derby St
49 locals recommend
It’s a place to drink local beer. Cornhole, darts, outdoor patio.
Perhaps my favorite brewing company in Salem. The inside is fairly no frills, but sitting outside in the nice weather is lovely.
10 locals recommend
East Regiment Beer Company
30 Church St
10 locals recommend
Perhaps my favorite brewing company in Salem. The inside is fairly no frills, but sitting outside in the nice weather is lovely.

Arts & Culture

Must See Exhibitions: Kimsooja: Archive of Mind Hans Hofmann: The Nature of Abstraction Where the Questions Live: An Exploration of Humans in Nature Yoan Capote: Immanence
207 locals recommend
Peabody Essex Museum
161 Essex St
207 locals recommend
Must See Exhibitions: Kimsooja: Archive of Mind Hans Hofmann: The Nature of Abstraction Where the Questions Live: An Exploration of Humans in Nature Yoan Capote: Immanence
I've been on the tour several times and learn something new every time I go. Part of the fun is climbing a secret staircase...
93 locals recommend
The House of the Seven Gables
115 Derby St
93 locals recommend
I've been on the tour several times and learn something new every time I go. Part of the fun is climbing a secret staircase...
This is an interesting spot that I haven't fully explored yet. They are a "member's library" which means that they have a collection of old books that reflect what the people of Salem would have been reading in the olden days. I think. They put on events and host writing courses as well. One of my favorite events was an evening of Storytelling.
Salem Athenaeum
337 Essex St
This is an interesting spot that I haven't fully explored yet. They are a "member's library" which means that they have a collection of old books that reflect what the people of Salem would have been reading in the olden days. I think. They put on events and host writing courses as well. One of my favorite events was an evening of Storytelling.
If you are interested in Salem's history, ask to see the special collections room on the second floor that houses Salem's directories, historical documents, and more.
Salem Public Library
370 Essex St
If you are interested in Salem's history, ask to see the special collections room on the second floor that houses Salem's directories, historical documents, and more.
Local artists.
Salem Arts Association
159 Derby St
Local artists.

Sightseeing

Get away from the hustle and bustle of down town and spend an hour or two at Winter Island. You can walk 2 miles to get there, or take the Salem Trolley. Go past the campsites and explore the historical bunkers, marina, and Waikiki beach. Great views.
13 locals recommend
Winter Island/Waikiki Beach
60 Winter Island Rd
13 locals recommend
Get away from the hustle and bustle of down town and spend an hour or two at Winter Island. You can walk 2 miles to get there, or take the Salem Trolley. Go past the campsites and explore the historical bunkers, marina, and Waikiki beach. Great views.

Parks & Nature

One of my favorite places to go for a nature walk. Popular place for dog walking as well. Pick up a map at the Visitor's Center for information on the hiking trails, or simply follow the paved path for a loop. About 1/2 way on the paved path is a small beach and swimming area.
23 locals recommend
Breakheart Reservation
177 Forest St
23 locals recommend
One of my favorite places to go for a nature walk. Popular place for dog walking as well. Pick up a map at the Visitor's Center for information on the hiking trails, or simply follow the paved path for a loop. About 1/2 way on the paved path is a small beach and swimming area.
Great place to relax, go for a walk, watch a sun set, or have a picnic.
85 locals recommend
Salem Willows Park
165 Fort Ave
85 locals recommend
Great place to relax, go for a walk, watch a sun set, or have a picnic.

Essentials

Closest pharmacy. Also sells convenience foods, eggs, milk, cosmetics, chocolate, ice cream, home items, etc.
12 locals recommend
CVS
200 Essex St
12 locals recommend
Closest pharmacy. Also sells convenience foods, eggs, milk, cosmetics, chocolate, ice cream, home items, etc.
Small grocery store / deli within walking distance. Adequate selection.
15 locals recommend
Steve's Quality Market
36 Margin St
15 locals recommend
Small grocery store / deli within walking distance. Adequate selection.
Budget-friendly grocery store. Can get very busy at times.
12 locals recommend
Market Basket
227 Highland Ave
12 locals recommend
Budget-friendly grocery store. Can get very busy at times.
6 locals recommend
Shaw's
43 State St
6 locals recommend
Quality Liquors
5 Gedney St

Shopping

Great place to mix your own 6-pack of beer or cider, solid wine selection, some cheeses, crackers, and other kitchen oddities.
11 locals recommend
Pamplemousse
185 Essex St
11 locals recommend
Great place to mix your own 6-pack of beer or cider, solid wine selection, some cheeses, crackers, and other kitchen oddities.
Watch local artists in action and visit their shops. Woodturning classes available.
6 locals recommend
Artists' Row
24 New Derby St
6 locals recommend
Watch local artists in action and visit their shops. Woodturning classes available.
Solid selection of books and a friendly atmosphere.
Wicked Good Books
260 Essex St
Solid selection of books and a friendly atmosphere.