4 Food & Drink Stops in Salem, MA that Locals Love

Tucked right along the coast of Massachusetts, filled with cobblestone and brick-laid streets, you’ll find yourself in the charming city of Salem. 

Known to many as the Halloween Capital of the world and famous for its witch trials in 1692, Salem has quite the history. With an average of half a million tourists during just the month of October alone, it can be easy to get swept up in all the hocus pocus.

But, if you’re willing to wander past the trolley tour and opt-out of walking around the haunted sites, you’ll find yourself a few local gems that are a must if you want to truly travel like a local. 

Here are my top recommendations if you’re looking to travel like a local in Salem, MA.

NOTCH BIERGARTEN

Settled on the Salem Canal, Notch Brewing will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a Biergarten somewhere in Europe. With a rotating list on draft and brewed right on-site, Notch is sure to please any beer lover in your group. You’ll have the option to order a half-pint or a full liter — evoking wanderlust (or memories) of Oktoberfest. 

In the Biergarten, long tables with wooden benches allow plenty of room for you and your friends to unwind. Traditional German fare is served up, including soft pretzels with homemade lager mustard, cured sausage, and picked vegetables.

On the way out, be sure to take advantage of their beer-to-go option, giving you the chance to purchase a 4 pack of your own. Check out their current beer-to-go options and Biergarten hours here.

THE THAI PLACE

Every tourist that comes to Salem will eventually walk through the East India Square Mall. But what few realize is an incredible Thai food experience they often miss out on in favor of bigger restaurants nearby. 

The food at The Thai Place is packed with flavor, fresh, and incredibly delicious. The shrimp pad thai is a personal favorite of mine. Paired with the crispy rolls and salad gai, it makes for the perfect lunch or dinner stop.

For the more adventurous eater, give the Jungle Curry or Siam Duck a try. No matter what dish(es) you choose, there are no bad options at the Thai Cafe. For more on their current lunch and dinner options, click here. 

GOODNIGHT FATTY. 

Although not as secret as it used to be (which is a good thing!!) Goodnight Fatty is a required stop on any visit to Salem and is a favorite among the locals. On the menu, you’ll find the most delicious homemade cookies worth every minute in line.

The weekly menu is filled with flavors (or fatties as we locals call them) like Oreo Pudding, Milkyway, Chunky Monkey, Coconut Caramel, and Key Lime Pie. You can order a single cookie or the option of all 3 weekly flavors as a “flight.” 

Goodnight Fatty was born from the idea of satisfying those late-night cookie cravings. With the willing clientele of University students nearby, it was a hit. They originally started as a low-key late night pop-up, only open up for a few hours on Friday and Saturday nights.

As popularity grew, so did their business. Moving from a tiny coffee shop on their first night in business, they were equally overwhelmed and humbled by the response of hungry patrons Including myself). They now operate out of the Andrew-Safford carriage house centrally located in the heart of Downtown Salem. They serve up fresh out of the oven cookies, soft-serve ice cream, and breakfast fatties on Sundays. Order online, or check out the flavors of the week here.

WITCHES BREW CAFE

Located away from the main hub of tourists, here you’ll find a warm atmosphere with welcoming people. As a local myself, I’ve walked past this cafe for years, brushing it off as another overpriced restaurant ready to please the slew of incoming tourists each season. But, on a recent visit, I was pleasantly surprised. 

The menu is filled with great food at affordable prices. If you’re looking for a simple meal (I recommend the burger or the BLT), then this would be a great option. The food isn’t fancy, and if you’re looking for an upscale menu this would not be my go-to place. But for a less crowded, easy meal, give this cafe a try. 

They even have a well-rounded selection of beers, whiskeys, and specialty cocktails — perfect for a nightcap. Their chocolate martini is especially good. For more on their current menu, click here.

While there are many more local Salem gems that I can share with you, these will give you a great start for a day (or two) around the area. From feeling like you’re in a true European Biergarten, to enjoying authentic Thai cuisine, the food scene of Salem, Massachusetts is not to be missed.

Do you have a favorite place in Salem to recommend? Post a comment in the section below to share with other travelers who like to explore like a local.