Top Food Spots in Salem, MA | Haunted Happenings (2024)

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Savor The Best Food in Salem

Salem’s dining scene is truly spectacular. From formal sit-down meals to take-out options, the city’s restaurants offer a diverse array of cuisines to satisfy every palate. Whether you crave savory seafood, international flavors, or classic comfort food with a twist, Salem has it all; including the mastery of delicious co*cktails. And don’t forget to save room for dessert – enjoy treats from local bakeries, candy shops and ice cream parlors before wrapping up your culinary adventure.

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Olde Main Street PubDiscover Salem’s hidden gem. Indulge in the best cuisine, beer, wine and co*cktails. Enjoy affordable family dining and a comfortable outdoor setting immersed in the city’s historical charmLearn More
Thai PlaceNumber 1 Thai in Salem. Open since 1990. Lunch and dinner. Try our special Mai Tai. Lunch specials: $9.25 . Kids: $3.95.Learn More
BonChonBonChon features handcrafted made to-order chicken using the highest quality ingredients. Each bite and each moment you want to capture and share with the world make up for the amazing…Learn More
Curly Girl Candy ShopSpecializing in “Best Day Ever!” experiences. A candy heaven in the heart of downtown Salem with over 120 candy options to fill your candy bag. A one-stop shop for FUN!…Learn More
Kakawa Chocolate HouseLove chocolate? No tricks, just treats! We are Salem’s most unique, delicious chocolate experience offering historic drinking chocolate elixirs (come try a sample!), amazing artisan chocolates, organic ice creams, baked…Learn More
The Chocolate PantryThis is a global experience! Our pantry is filled with imported, handcrafted chocolate, with over 50 flavors. We also have specialty items VG, GF, and SF. Customized event favors available….Learn More
Reds Sandwich ShopSalem’s most popular restaurant. Serving award-winning breakfast and home-cooked meals for over 50 years. Daily breakfast and lunch specials. Group tours welcome. Visit our online store. Mon.–Sat. 7 am–3 pm,…Learn More
The Gyro SpotThe Gyro Spot is a popular Salem destination if you’re seeking authentic Greek street food. Whether gyros or salads, The Gyro Spot offers some of the fastest takeout in town!…Learn More
RockafellasRockafellas is a premier casual restaurant in historic downtown Salem, MA with superior food, drinks, entertainment, and service.Learn More
Melt Ice CreamMelt Homemade Ice Cream in small batch, real local ingredients, allergen friendly, seasonal flavors here in downtown Salem! Check out our spooky good flavors at MeltSalem.comLearn More
Witch City HibachiCome join the fun at Salem’s only hibachi restaurant. Six hibachi tables to enjoy along with a sushi bar, dining area, and a fully stocked bar. Be sure to try…Learn More
Village TavernThe Village Tavern is located across from the famous Peabody Essex Museum offering a huge outdoor patio, overlooking the Village Fountain, three (3) full-service bars, and dining that seats over…Learn More
Far From the Tree CideryFar From The Tree Cider is a craft cider house specializing in unique, high-quality hard cider made from local apples and all-natural ingredients. Most apples don’t fall far from the…Learn More
East Regiment Beer CompanyCheck out Salem’s newest brewery! Swing by for some beer, snacks, and a prime spot to watch the magic of Salem unfold in the heart of downtown. CURRENT TAPROOM HOURS…Learn More
Coffee Time Bake ShopIndependent shop featuring Real Cream Bismarks, Delicious Cannoli, Apple Cider Donuts, Muffins, Scratch Made Scones, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Real Hot Chocolate Milk, and Coffee Beverages . Open 5am-11pm. 7 days. ♿Learn More
Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum HallServing New England’s freshest seafood. Fresh fish market, restaurant dining, curbside takeout, and functions. Learn More
Gulu-Gulu CafeFull service restaurant with a relaxed, bohemian cafe feel in the heart of Salem! Breakfast, gourmet sandwiches, light fare, appetizers, espresso, award winning craft beer menu, wine, and desserts. Live…Learn More
Dire Wolf TavernDire Wolf Tavern was designed to be an inclusive space for all to gather in the heart of Salem. Guests can enjoy tavern favorites with a twist, paired with the…Learn More
Salem’s RetreatServing homemade food minutes from downtown with free parking, outdoor patio, full bar, Keno, and live music (6-9 pm). All-day breakfast and lunch. Dinner: Friday and Saturdays ‘til 10 pm….Learn More
Harbor SweetsAlways handmade, our chocolates are the perfect New England gift. Visit our store, watch chocolate being made, enjoy a sample, and shop for something sweet! Stop in our shop today,…Learn More
Jolie Tea CompanyJoin us at our European-inspired tea café! Serving High Tea and Afternoon Tea daily. Over 300 tea blends to choose from at our loose leaf tea bar.Learn More
Flying Saucer Pizza CompanyHand stretched, fresh dough made in house daily! Unique pizza topping combinations along with a full bar in funky digs and sci-fi decor. Traditional, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Live…Learn More
Bit Bar50+ classic arcade and pinball games. Local craft beer and specialty co*cktails. Now on Derby Street with a large patio and new comfort food menu. 21+ after 8 pm.Learn More
Amazing PizzaWE are an artisan pizzeria with gourmet pizza, pasta entrees, sandwiches, and fresh salads. Our appetizers are all home made along with our desserts. were passionate serving high quality food!…Learn More
Fountain PlaceFor 18 years, we have been serving thousands of satisfied townspeople and tourists alike with outstanding breakfast and lunch at reasonable prices. Breakfast is served all day. Daily specials. Open…Learn More
The Landing at the Salem FerryOpen 11 am to 11 pm 7 days seasonally, The Landing is Salem’s outdoor waterfront watering hole featuring a full bar and signature fishbowl co*cktails.Learn More
Witchside TavernIndulge in historic charm at Witchside Tavern. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in Salem’s iconic setting. Experience delicious cuisine with a well deserved drink.Learn More
Nautical NutritionNutrition so good it’s scary! Best shakes, teas and protein bites on the North Shore! Come snag the energy needed to continue your adventures through Salem! Open 7 days.Learn More
Top Food Spots in Salem, MA | Haunted Happenings (2024)

FAQs

What food is Salem ma known for? ›

For those visiting Salem from outside of New England, you need to make sure to get as much authentic New England seafood as possible, with local catch of the day specials, oyster and raw bars, and fish markets. Turner's Seafood offers that and more, in a gorgeous restaurant setting that's both upscale and casual.

What time is the salem Halloween parade? ›

Thursday, October 3, 2024 / Starts 6:30 PM.

What is Salem like in October? ›

Thousands of people travel to Salem every October to attend the Haunted Happenings Festival. As a local, I've watched the historic town transform into a heavily trafficked tourist destination. The crowds are massive, and it can feel impossible to find parking or a dinner reservation.

Is Salem MA worth visiting? ›

Visiting Salem in the fall is a truly wonderful experience that encapsulates the spirit of the season. A sense of mystique and wonder overtake the city during this time and it feels as though you step into another world. Salem holds a captivating history rooted in its infamous witch trials of 1692.

What is famous in Salem to eat? ›

Dinner
  • Kalyana Saapad. This traditional meal is a specialty of Salem and must try food in Salem and includes a variety of dishes such as rice, sambar, kootu, poriyal, rasam and pappad. ...
  • Salem Kovai Biriyani. This is the city's version of biryani, with fragrant spices and generous portions of meat. ...
  • Puliyodharai. ...
  • Uppukandam.
Jul 25, 2023

What is Massachusetts most iconic food? ›

Massachusetts is known for its seafood like lobster, crab, oysters, New England Clam Chowder (or "chowdah") and Scallops. It's also the birthplace of Boston Cream Pie, Nestle Toll House Cookies, Parker House Rolls, and fluffernutter sandwiches, which I took as inspiration for my Fluffernutter Cookies.

Is Salem worth visiting for Halloween? ›

Halloween Events in Salem

While Salem is home to a slew of spooktacular events, attractions, and festivities all year long, the Haunted Happenings festival, which takes place every October, truly takes the cake.

Was Hocus Pocus filmed in Salem? ›

Many of the outdoor scenes in the movie were filmed at Salem Common. Located near other Salem landmarks like the Salem Witch Museum and the Hawthorne Hotel, Salem Common is the site of numerous events from the Salem Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival in September to the Salem Witches' Magic Circle on Halloween.

What is the crime rate in Salem, Massachusetts? ›

Salem Annual Crimes
ViolentProperty
Number of Crimes89549
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents)1.9912.28

What to wear in Salem in October? ›

October in Salem can be chilly and rainy (or sunny and warm!), so it is important to dress appropriately. Be sure to bring layers, a waterproof jacket, and – most importantly – comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones and brick sidewalks. You may also want to bring an umbrella or rain poncho, just in case.

Is Salem better during the day or at night? ›

Salem is an excellent day trip and an even better overnight stay. By staying overnight, you can take advantage of the evening walking tours, live music, and Haunted Happenings programming without worrying about a late-night drive home.

How much time do you need to see Salem? ›

On a 3-day trip to Salem, you can soak up the city's colonial history, explore the waterfront, go for a sail, and visit historic homes in the McIntire Historic District, and you'll still have time to explore the nearby peninsula and enjoy waterfront hikes or a visit to a historic arcade.

What is the prettiest street in Salem Massachusetts? ›

Travel north of Boston to the historic seaside city of Salem, best known for its 17th-century witchcraft hysteria. A scenic drive through Salem takes you along Chestnut Street, often labeled the most beautiful street in America for its unrivaled examples of Federal architecture.

Is Salem a walkable town? ›

Salem is a walkable town. With many sights along the way to your destination there are plenty of finds to see along the way. Most areas of Salem are reachable […]

What is Salem city famous for? ›

Salem is one of the largest producers of traditional silver anklets. Which boasts large textile, automotive Poultry and sago industries. Salem has one of the largest magnetite deposits in India. Companies like Dalmia and TAANMAG have mines here.

What was Salem famous for? ›

Salem is known for its rich maritime history, as being the birthplace of the National Guard, and for the infamous Witchcraft Trials of 1692.

What is Massachusetts state dish? ›

Massachusetts – State Dessert: Boston Cream Pie

Did you know that Boston cream pie is actually a cake? This delectable dessert, created in 1856 at the Parker House Hotel in Boston is usually filled with custard or cream and frosted with chocolate.

What are the specialties of Salem? ›

Payasam, sweet pongola, coconut barfi and adhirasam are some of the specialties of the city.

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