Counter
Restaurant · Salem ·

Counter

Restaurant · Salem ·

Eclectic American dishes in a midcentury diner-inspired space

Counter by null
Counter by null
Counter by null
Counter by null
Counter by null
Counter by null
Counter by null
Counter by null
Counter by null
Counter by null
Counter by null
Counter by null
Counter by null
Counter by null
Counter by null
Counter by null
Counter by null
Counter by null
Counter by null
Counter by null

Information

209 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970 Get directions

$20–30

See Menu

Information

Static Map

209 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970 Get directions

+1 978 451 4818
countersalem.com
@countersalem

$20–30 · Menu

Features

wifi
payment credit card

Last updated

Nov 19, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@eater
390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

Boston Rooftop Dining News | Eater Boston

"Opening at 209 Essex St. inside the Hotel Salem, Counter emphasizes seasonal New England ingredients and cocktails under group executive chef Justin Perdue and will gain a rooftop sibling in the spring." - Eater Staff

https://boston.eater.com/2019/11/5/20950419/rooftop-dining-drinking-boston-news
Counter
@eater
390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

The Winter 2017-2018 Restaurant Opening Guide: North Shore | Eater Boston

"Located on the ground floor of the Hotel Salem, I experienced Counter as a New American spot billed as "a modern take on a lunch counter" that serves lunch and dinner, has a bar open late, and plans to add outdoor dining and a rooftop sibling bar." - Rachel Leah Blumenthal

https://boston.eater.com/2018/3/19/16800972/new-restaurants-north-shore-massachusetts-winter-2018
Counter
@eater
390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

Counter Debuts at the Hotel Salem Tonight With Ahi Tuna Toast and Beef Filets | Eater Boston

"Opening January 24 on the ground level of Hotel Salem at 209 Essex St., this full-service restaurant focuses on seasonal New England ingredients and cocktails under group executive chef Justin Perdue, who brings experience from Bobby Flay’s Bar Americain, NoMi and Topolobampo and oversees several properties for Lark Hotels. Inspired by the building’s past as Newmark’s department store, the rotating menu pays homage to midcentury counter lunches with salads, light starters, breads and toasts alongside entrees that range from hearty meats—like braised short rib—to pasta and a classic beef burger. Standout items include a duck confit toast paired with chestnut bisque and an anjou pear salad, while cocktails include offerings such as Fae’s Fire (made with local Deacon Giles gin) and Calm Snow (a rum-based drink with house-made falernum syrup). The dining room features a 20-seat counter and seating for about 35 at tables; bar service runs until midnight, lunch and weekend brunch will be added in the coming months, and outdoor seating for 36 is planned for spring." - Dana Hatic

https://boston.eater.com/2018/1/24/16927500/counter-restaurant-salem-hotel-opening
Counter

Heather M.

Google
There are ways to have a sleek restaurant inside of a hotel unfortunately they didn't employ any of those ways. The food was eh for what I paid. I ordered pretzels and paid for the extra queso. It should have automatically come with mustard but the server didnt provide it. The queso was cold, the pretzel overcooked and extremely salty, and it took the server a year and a day to refill our water. At sitting we were his only table. Only mid way through did he get another. Then on the last day there was a wedding reception held at the restaurant. The amount of people made it hard to get to my hotel room. There were no employees managing or helping. I don't recommend this place.

Andrew G

Google
As others say, avoid. Service is non existent, maybe 8-10 tables with 6 servers/runners and it took 30 minutes for everything, sat down waited 30, ordered food and drinks (got the wrong drink, drank it anyway), another 30 for drinks, and then another 30 for food. Probably the worst service I've ever had. Avoid avoid avoid. You'll get faster service at a full capacity steak house

phillip S.

Google
Very nice counter restaurant. Smash burger is phenomenal. Highly recommend

Mayfair W.

Google
Just dont go here! Not a great way to start our vacation. I haven't had such bad service in a long time. It looked so nice and we were so excited. We ordered smashburgers because they do not take long to cook. I was seated in the farthest corner so I could see most of the front of the restaurant, including the kitchen. The server kept moving past us but wouldn't look over. We sat for 34 minutes after finally ordering. I finally called out loudly for him. He came over and I asked if our food would be ready soon. He said its coming. I could see the cook. He didn't look busy or in any hurry. When our orders finally came and the server left, we discovered they were wrong. Sadly, we decided to eat what came after awhile because I had taken my insulin and had to start eating and we couldn't get the server to come back. During all of this we were surrounded by staff with backpacks and bags from the rooftop restaurant because it was raining heavily. Could our server ask for assistance if he was busy? He was busy talking to people for sure. Once we were close to finishing what we were served, a manager came over to ask how we were doing. We told him and he offered to make parts of the meal we were missing. We said no. He said he would remove the missing parts from our bill. He came back and had taken everything off of the bill. Im glad and thankful. The burger part of the meal was good (the actual meat patties themselves, because our burgers were missing major items that made them the "truffle fry burgers". The house chips (we ordered fries) were not good and undercooked so they were chewy in spots. The server came back 10 minutes after the manager handled everything to ask how it was. What can you say when he won't even give an apology or explanation. I imagine they do a good business because its tourists. I know I'd never go back there. Giving 2 stars because the manager made it right but it was not a good or even decent experience. Pick another place.

Gabriela R.

Google
My husband and I LOVE this place! It's the perfect date night spot. The staff is incredibly welcoming, and the food is consistently outstanding. They are super inventive with their specials, and everything always tastes amazing. They venture outside the box from your "typical" restaurant specials menu, and it is so worth it. Hands down the best cheeseburger I've ever had anywhere. Ever. The desserts are not only unbelievably delicious, but are visually works of art as well. We always look forward to our visits here!

harmarie L.

Google
Absolutely aweful service, this is marinara sauce , cheese calzone uncooked, no ricotta cheese. Barbecue sauce not barbecue. Overall terrible. Time wait was over an hour for food. SKIP THIS ONE. Manager was not helpful either didn’t even see an issue and didn’t try to fix issues.

Katie R.

Google
Everything was fantastic! I stayed at the hotel, so I got a little discount on the food. I had the pulled pork flat bread. So delicious!!! Paired with the Salem Mimosa and the ginger/pomegranate Mimosa. Amazing all around including the service.

Justin

Google
The burger was so burnt that I didn’t eat it, drinks were good & priced well, service was fine. Probably won’t go back. The Roof is a lot better.