Olde Main Street Pub

So glad we stopped in while exploring Salem, because we had a wonderful time here! We sat at the bar for some drinks and lunch and the bartender was the sweetest, and most efficient person I’ve ever met! She was always looking out for us and entertaining everyone else at the bar. I’m sorry I didn’t catch her name, but we came on June 19th around lunch time. She was STELLAR!

Through the many times we have been here the service, drinks and food have been excellent! We met our wedding party the afternoon before our rehearsal dinner last year for drinks, and our guests from around the globe immediately felt at home. The professionalism and attentiveness is top notch. We recently had to cancel our reservation with friends due to a pet emergency and they were very understanding. There is a feeling when you are in this pub that is special no matter where you are in the world. We will continue to be patrons for as long as they will have us!

We were walking down the street and decided to pop in! The food was AMAZING, drinks were AMAZING, staff was amazing! We ended up sitting by the owner, and he was so friendly! I would highly recommend coming here! If you do come, the coconut marg is to die for.

Went here for dinner while visiting Salem. Worth the wait on line for sure! Got the buffalo wings, shepherds pie and fish and chips and a Guinness. I would highly recommend coming here, I would come here again simply for the food. Flavorful, great portion and delicious! Not “touristy” at all, just a great place for some Irish food and beer!

A cozy pub in Salem, just a block from the Witch Museum, is the perfect spot to pop into while exploring the town! 🧙🏻‍♀️🧹We arrived around 4:45, just before their 5 PM dinner service began, and the line moved quickly—we were seated within 20-30 minutes. Pro tip: arrive earlier for drinks before dinner starts, and you’ll smoothly transition into dinner time while avoiding the wait. We were seated outside on the patio with pretty views of the streets. As the sun set, the charming streets lit up, and it was fun to people-watch, especially with everyone dressed up in October. The inside had a cozy atmosphere too, but the outdoor vibes were perfect for a fall evening. For appetizers, we had the burrata arancini and curry fries. The fries, in particular, were a pleasant surprise—the curry was delicious and complemented the fries perfectly. I also tried the pumpkin Shipyard beer, which tasted just like pumpkin and added to the fall feel of the evening 🍂 For our main dishes, I had the shepherd’s pie, which arrived with an oozy layer of cheese on top and was scrumptious. My boyfriend had the steak tips, and he loved them. The fish & chips were also quite good. I was really happy with the food and service, but what truly made the experience special was the location. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy great food while soaking in the charm of Salem 🎃

I came alone and the pub provided a chill atmosphere for eating and hanging out.The food was in good with the exception of boxed mashed potatoes instead of real potatoes. I got the natural chicken. Chicken had good seasoning as did the asparagus,my favorite were the three giant onion rings they stacked on top. The servers were all very friendly and attentive.

I enjoyed every bit of it. Great service. Good food. Nicely decorated. Quick to be seated. What more do you need?

One of my new favorite spots in Salem, not sure if it's a bit of an unknown or hidden gem cuz it was kind of empty when I was there but it was an outstanding experience all around. Food is fantastic and I look forward to going back and trying more of the Irish classics on the menu. Bartender was extremely welcoming, friendly, and attentive. Highly recommended.

Such a cute little pub!!! Everything I love in a pub. Cold beer, friendly service, and good food. We got the arugula salad and the fish and chips. Both dishes were extremely flavorful and delicious!!

My brother wanted a night cap after dinner so we meandered over here across the street from the Hawthorne Hotel. There were people dining on one side and bar seating on the other. Plenty of space available to us on the bar side. He ordered a pint and I ordered a mocktail. It was delicious! The inside is really cozy and old world feeling.

A cozy pub in Salem, just a block from the Witch Museum, is the perfect spot to pop into while exploring the town! ‍We arrived around 4:45, just before their 5 PM dinner service began, and the line moved quickly--we were seated within 20-30 minutes. Pro tip: arrive earlier for drinks before dinner starts, and you'll smoothly transition into dinner time while avoiding the wait. We were seated outside on the patio with pretty views of the streets. As the sun set, the charming streets lit up, and it was fun to people-watch, especially with everyone dressed up in October. The inside had a cozy atmosphere too, but the outdoor vibes were perfect for a fall evening. For appetizers, we had the burrata arancini and curry fries. The fries, in particular, were a pleasant surprise--the curry was delicious and complemented the fries perfectly. I also tried the pumpkin Shipyard beer, which tasted just like pumpkin and added to the fall feel of the evening For our main dishes, I had the shepherd's pie, which arrived with an oozy layer of cheese on top and was scrumptious. My boyfriend had the steak tips, and he loved them. The fish & chips were also quite good. I was really happy with the food and service, but what truly made the experience special was the location. It's the perfect spot to enjoy great food while soaking in the charm of Salem!

Wonderful food and experience eating on the patio. The bar has a nice cozy atmosphere inside as well.

This place really surprised me. Being right in the center of Salem, I thought it might be popular because of the location but this place shocked me with how yummy all the food was! We had the chicken liver mouse and house made curry fries to start. Both delicious. I had the pork tenderloin as my main which I highly recommend. Pork is hard to cook without being dry but this was cooked perfectly. And ended with the sticky toffee pudding. Amazing! Service was fast and attentive even though it went from empty to no seat open during the time we were there. And it's a true Irish style pub, feels like you're in a true local spot. I will be back!

What a beautiful little lunch spot in Salem! Brings the warmth and coziness of an English/Irish pub to the streets of historical Salem. Just a block from the Witch Museum and down the street from the old graveyard. Perfect place to pop in for a bite while doing touristy things. We started off on the patio but were rained out. The staff was incredibly accommodating and kind. Making sure we weren't too soaked and our food was ok. Speaking of food, the burrata arancini starter is a must try. Truly the best arancini i've ever had. We both got the burger and I am still thinking of the bacon jam. It made the whole burger.

My husband thoroughly enjoyed the fish and chips. I thought that they were quite soggy and not crispy enough. I did think the taste of the fish was fantastic and super fresh. Service was wonderful and even with a line they were attentive and quickly seating people. Fun location.

Honestly didn't hate or love this place, just meh. We came in around 8pm and they were not super busy but had no one in the front of the restaurant and waited almost 15mins for someone to greet and seat us, it was very awkward and we almost left. We ended up sitting outside and the service ended up being much better. The server was very friendly and made us suggestions for the menu, for instance they were out of the wine we order us so she brought us a couple of samples to try instead so we could order a different option. Wish we had more time to give them another chance during the daytime.

Finally some decent grub! Boston as a whole was not living up to the hype in terms of food for us. This is not to say that food was necessarily bad, just that we expected more. After our trolley tour in Salem, we chose to have lunch at the Olde Main Street Pub. It looks like we made it just in time as they close between lunch and dinner. He ordered a burger; I had a pasta dish with chicken, broccoli, and plenty of cheese. It was hearty and oh so filling. I really enjoyed this meal and just in general watching the tourists (much like myself) walk on by and get souvenirs. I would revisit if in the area.

Delicious food and friendly bar . It does feel like a pub I enjoyed in Dublin . If you want to do something different that is a break from witch watching

Staff was so nice and Liv was amazing! Food was very homey and filling and you MUST try the green tea shots!

Omg. Loved this tavern. The waitress and bartender were awesome. Cozy place to eat on a cold night. They stay open late. The fish and chips were delicious. Fresh haddock! And - save room for bread pudding!! We sat in the bar area at a high top close to the fireplace. Very cool local pub!

Arlene was our hostess to sit us and she gave us recommendations of what to order. Ashley was our waitress and she did a great job! Thank you for making our 1st time here great! We ordered the Smoked gouda fritters and the Korean wings... deliciousness in my mouth! Then we ordered the seafood tacos, swordfish was the catch. Not overcooked and paired well with the arugula. The aoli on the tacos made the dish perfect! French fries were just cooked, came out hot and crispy. Great choice for lunch today!!!! Restroom was very clean, as was the entire restaurant. Stop by if in the area.

They sat us very quickly outside on an October weeknight. My daughters both got the steak and mashed potatoes with asparagus. I got the half chicken over mashed potatoes with asparagus. Everything was yummy. Very happy with our food and would definitely return. Ran in to use the restroom and definitely a pub feel to this place. The windows were all decorated differently and they give you an informative sheet explaining their choices.

Cozy, comfortable, easy going, great food and drinks, downtown Salem. What's not to love?! Oh did I mention you'll also find quality microbrews here too.

Great food and service, my wife's macaroni and broccoli was delicious, was my son's burger and my salad. Very cozy ambience

Stopped in for a bite tonight with someone who has a ton of food allergies. Stephanie was our server and was top notch in making sure the food was safe. She went above and beyond to help. The curry and chips were great and the half chicken was phenomenal. 100% recommend stopping in for a bite.

This doesn't get five stars for being gourmet. It gets five stars because the food was actually good bar food, the service was attentive and kind, and this place really has a New England "townie" feel. Please note I sat in the lounge/bar area, not the dining room. And I'm glad I did! My burger was cooked perfectly (I asked for medium) and the fries were crispy. I had the Gouda and goat cheese fritters for an appetizer and they were light and savory, the aioli was dynamite, and the grilled tomatoes added a light palate cleanser between bites. My first drink, the sunburn, with tequila/orange liqueur/cranberry/lime was a little watery and tasted too much like alcohol. The second drink I got however, made with their homemade limeade was good enough that I got a second one. I had the appetizer, burger, fries, and three drinks for under 60 dollars (not including tip). They have fish, pot roast, beef tips, and a good brunch menu. Located right in downtown Salem near the main attractions.

Excellent waiter, knowledgeable and attentive. Dark and cool inside, lovely respite on a hot summer day. Great beer selection. The beet salad was out of this world, same applies to the beef tips (tender and well marinated) and the French fries (fresh and well seasoned but not salty).

The steak tips at Olde Main Street Pub in Salem were so tasty and savory! Delicious premium steak tips made with a house marinade. Perfectly grilled asparagus with a red wine demi and last but certainly not least the fluffy and buttery mashed potatoes. My mouth is watering just thinking about how exceptional this meal really was! Our drinks were so yummy and refreshing also! Sam had the Irish lemonade made with Irish gin, lemonade and fresh mint! I had the house limeade made with raspberry vodka, house made lime-aid and framboise! This was definitely the best meal I had on my trip! Highly recommend dining at this authentic and delicious Irish restaurant in Salem, Massachusetts! The service was top tier also and very on point! The staff here were attentive and helpful also! Also loved the ambiance and vibe here! Loved the Irish pub realness! Highly recommend trying it next time you're vacationing here in Salem, Massachusetts!

We had lunch there ....we didn't realize that lunch closes at 3.00 It was 2.45 so we really had to hurry to order ...our server was very nice and friendly ....our sandwiches were delicious ... she said we could stay as long as we wanted because the bar was opened. I Felt like I was walking into a pub in Dublin! Pretty authentic! My only problem was the hostess probably should have told us the kitchen was about to close before seating us....but we'll definitely be back !! Thank you !!

We were looking for food and there was no wait so we popped in here. I ordered the caramel apple cocktail, I would not order this again. It tasted kind of off to me and very artificial. Others may enjoy it, it just wasn't my jam and I might have been better off just ordering the cider by itself. My aunt and I ordered the caprese and Arancini to share since we weren't super hungry. It was pretty tasty and the burrata was so smooth and pleasant with the warm arancini. My friend ordered the steak tips and they were cooked and seasoned perfectly.

The service we received at Olde Main Street Pub was amazing! Our waitress with green hair (unfortunately I forget her name) was a ray of sunshine. She was very attentive and overall just a genuinely nice person. The food was good and decently priced! We started off with the house made curry and fries, which was delicious. I then got the main street caesar salad. For me personally the smoky chipotle dressing was a bit much; the spice really built up near the end and I couldn't finish it. But I am also someone who doesn't appreciate spicy and has a low tolerance! My boyfriend got the BLT and he said it was delicious. The pub itself is really neat with historic news clips and photos all around. Overall we'd definitely visit again and ask for the same waitress!

Absolutely amazing pub. Great comfort food, great service, and an amazing draft list that you won't be able to find anywhere else. Might be in the running for my favorite Irish pub outside of Boston/Cambridge. Got a Belhaven Scottish Ale and the fish & chips. Both were spectacular. Can't wait to go back!

Food was great, no complaints here. I loved the steak and potatoes. Everyone else in my party loved their food too. It was fantastic. It was a busy night when we went and because of that we did not see much of our waitress but she was super nice and made sure to attend to us despite the busyness. I felt super bad because it seemed like they were super understaffed but either way we got our food fast after we ordered and it was good. The ambiance was great with the cutest little lights but it was a little loud, but we didn't mind it at all. I didn't take any pictures because I ate it so fast.

The menu wasn't that large but had some good stapes of Irish food. The service was quick for it being October in Salem. And the inside was a bit tight but I never felt over crowded.

Stephanie was amazing we had an appointment for our tour at 8 we got the food so fast. It tasted great drinks were good and service was fast and friendly.

Food and service was wonderful! I had the broccoli Mac and cheese and it was a perfect portion and delicious. Prices were very fair too!

The actual physical bar here is quite small, both in the area space and the number of seats - I'd say there are maybe 8 seats at most. But the beer list is quite diverse and the steak tips are good, if you are lucky enough to grab an empty seat. The front booths are very English-pub style, so they feel as if you are a part of the bar, but the side room distinctly does not (and has no flare or ambiance at all).

I took a chance and had the smoked fish chowder and it was a great surprise. While it had some strong flavor points it was also well balanced with the rest of the ingredients. Definitely recommend. The restaurant is lovely and the staff is a delight. I had a martini and it was proper! Thank you. PS: We're wondering why Salem and Boston, in general, prepare their meat as tips. Why that cut? Just wondering. I think it makes the meat a little drier than it should be.

We had a great dinner here yesterday!! Our server was very friendly and efficient! I enjoyed my martini and my husband enjoyed his bourbon. Good selection of all whiskeys and bourbons as well as a good selection of draught beers. We saw lots of folks drinking mules and Guinness. The crowd here is a mix of all ages; couples, families, young children, twenty something's. A comfortable, cozy vibe for everyone! We shared the streak tips and the fish and chips. The tips were tender and perfect cooked, served with basic mashed potatoes and Brussels Sprouts. The only minus on this plate were the sprouts-they were cold and undercooked. I'd prefer to see some crisp green beans. The fish and chips were a shareable portion for sure. The batter was the traditional, beer batter, crisp and perfectly golden. The fresh cod was really tasty! I loved that they offered malt vinegar-this was the perfect touch! I'll be getting this again next time and craving this until we go back! This pub is definitely a great place for locals and tourists to enjoy a great meal in the heart of Salem. The prices for the cocktails and food are reasonable!

My last night in Salem was spent having dinner and drinks at Olde Main Street Pub and I'm thankful I ended up here. I sat at the bar for my whole experience and had wonderful conversation with the bartender, my fellow patrons, and the wait staff. I loved most the interaction between the regulars and the staff, and the blackened shrimp was the best shrimp I've had outside of New Orleans in ages--exactly the right amount of spice (PLENTY) and served simply and elegantly. There is plenty of seating for couples or parties of four, and each table offers enough space and privacy to make everything feel quite intimate. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time (in some respects) with the natural wood everywhere--just like pubs used to be (and perhaps still are in the UK?).

Loved this restaurant!! Best fish fry I've had in years!! Our waitress, Lindsey, was a sweetheart. So nice. We got water right away. We didn't have to wait for our food. They needed to brew more tea, so that came with the meal at no charge, which is unheard-of where I come from! She did everything perfectly! Refilled our water, just a pleasure. Our boys ordered burgers, and they were also amazing! Large portions! Reasonably priced! Totally recommend 121 Essex St.

This restaurant is really close to Essex and always has a wait but we decided to do a late night cap especially while there was no wait and drinks were ok. The espresso cocktail tasted like just baileys over ice and was hard to drink and even a simple Jack and coke was watered down. It's a beautiful Irish pub but I think it's only perk is it's convenient location

For the love of God/Hecate.. whatever you do.. DO NOT MOVE THE TABLES.. or ELSE ‍ Other than that good drinks and service. Would visit again.

My biggest complaint is that there are no prices on the menu. Wine that is basically box is $11. During the busy Halloween season they have a line around the front This is a marketing strategy to make people think it is amazing, yet when you get a table, you realize the place is a third empty. Keep walking or ask the price of everything.

Went last week and food, service and drinks were spot on. It's my favorite restaurant in Salem. 2 years ago in October I had some friends visiting. The owner Kieran made it a point to look out for us as Salem residents. He sat us quickly and made it a point to stop by our table. I rarely go out near Halloween, but the fact he cares so much about his neighbors was amazing. Food is always great, and I feel lucky to have such a wonderful neighborhood bar. My husband is obsessed with the duck wings. I love the gnocchi. And the soup is always on point. I bring out of town friends here and it's always a hit. And they have a rotating sour beer on tap which is always my pick.

Just had the fish & chips. Timely service,good price all around experience was great. The whole staff made sure everything was as desired.

The fish and chips were excellent and so was the vegetable curry. Great service and feels like an authentic Irish pub. Definitely recommended.

Great food, had the Shepard' pie and my wife had the veggie burger. All home made and fantastic. Very legit pub feel and just the right size. Glad we walked in.

I love this place , nice cozy genuine Irish pub feel about it . Staff are terrific and friendly and food is excellent ! Irish pubs aren't known for its food but this place ratchets it up a couple notches and I found myself pleasantly surprised by the quality and selection of food options . Gourmet Restaurant quality food and hats off to the chef and team . Bring back the steak tips !!Enjoy watching the premiership games and my beloved team Liverpool winning . Highly recommended. PR

Have been here on a couple of occasions and have to consider it a solid spot at this point. Most recently, went there with my wife and my daughter and my waitress was amazing - was able to sit us at the perfect spot to accommodate my daughter's handicap stroller. She was also attentive and quick to check on us and our beer refills. The food is basically pub food but with a distinctly elevated twist. At my most recent visit, had arancini with burrata which was an interesting and tasty choice. My wife had the chicken curry, her only complaint was that the portion was a bit small - she said perhaps they could have put more rice (said the rice was itself was pretty tasty, a little crisped/toasted). It's rare that she finishes a restaurant entre but she did this time, though she enjoyed the meal regardless. I went for the striped bass special, which was also very tasty. I would say that the portion here was also small, the piece of fish was maybe 4x4 inch if even that. Nicely pan fried though, and came in a nice sauce, which seemed like a lot of sauce for such a small piece of fish. There were a few cubes of bread (basically like large homemade croutons) but would have probably preferred a larger roll/ bread stick of some sort that could have made use of the sauce. Drinks were reasonablely priced for the area and no lack of portion size there as I was able to get a 20 ounce (properly poured) Guinness and one other tall beer for $8 a piece, which both tasted fresh BTW. Overall, a solid spot and I'll be continuing to go there.

Pretty good and cozy place! Food was awesome, nice servers and very comfy boots! Definitely recommend it!!

It gives great value for the price! We stopped by here for drinks and boy were they large! The food portions also looked huge from what other people were getting. The staff were friendly and they had some outdoor seating. It is in a good part of town too, right by the shopping areas. Really nice place to stop for a drink or some eats!

Great service, reasonably priced drinks, and some pretty funny Guinness ads placed around. This is a great stop if you're doing a witch tour.

This is one of two places we always visit every single time we're in Salem. The food is a knock out every time without fail. Highly recommend the steak tips (or whatever cut is being served) with the asparagus, mashed potatoes, and port wine demi. It's a great place to sit and people watch during dinner, especially in October. Staff is friendly, the place has a great atmosphere, highly recommend!

Food was good. But in the middle of a pandemic with an empty room you seat people immediately next to each other?

There's not a lot of places where the owner is your server. I have to say this Irish born native really made this experience worth while. The service and staff paid attention to every detail. Thank you for making this visit worth coming back to. If you're ever in Salem, sit at the bar. Chat it up with the Irish native. I promise you won't regret it.

After a trolley ride of Salem, our lunch stop was here. Service was fast and friendly. The lunch menu was a limited one page menu which is my preference. I went with the smoked chicken salad with blue cheese, tomatoes and mixed greens. The smoky chicken blended perfectly with the creamy blue cheese. Really nice and washed down with an on draft Guinness it was a delightful lunch. The hubs chicken sandwich was delicious as well and the in laws were happy with their choices too.