Red's Sandwich Shop

I ate here a couple of times for breakfast on my recent trip. I’m basing my review on my first visit as the second was a little lack luster in comparison. I got the Perfect Hominy. It has avocado, bacon, a fried egg and the most delicious roasted tomato all atop the best cheese grits I have ever had! I also had a pumpkin roll for breakfast dessert. Highly recommend.

Dining at Red’s Sandwich Shop feels like stepping back in time in the best way possible. This historic spot has a warm, old-school atmosphere that makes you feel instantly welcome. The décor carries a sense of tradition and charm, giving you the impression that you’re part of a local story that has been going on for decades. The food is exactly what you hope for — hearty, flavorful, and prepared with care. The sandwiches are generous and well-balanced, with fresh ingredients that make each bite satisfying. Beyond the sandwiches, the menu offers plenty of comforting classics that remind you why this place has been a favorite for so long. What I loved most is that the atmosphere and the food complement each other perfectly. It’s not just about having a meal; it’s about enjoying a piece of local history while tasting food that feels both authentic and delicious. Red’s Sandwich Shop is more than a restaurant — it’s a tradition. If you’re visiting the area or looking for a spot with real character, this place is absolutely worth it.

Red’s is an institution in Salem, and I enjoyed my first visit overall! I went with a specialty coffee: the Up the Banana Tree, which was good but tasted slightly watered down. I then had the Monte Cristo (a personal fave) with breakfast potatoes. The sandwich innards were delicious, but there was no jam nor powdered sugar served with the sandwich, essential. Also, the potatoes weren’t crispy enough for me, personally. My dining partner had the breakfast grits bowl and really enjoyed it. Overall a decent first trip, and I’d go back.

Best breakfast spot in Salem! We ate here several times. Food and service are fantastic! Clean, affordable, and cozy. Our server was great and gave us several recommendations on other places to check out around Salem. And they have, in my opinion, the best eggs Benedict ever! The hollandaise sauce is AMAZING!!

It’s a greasy spoon diner, hold the flavor. The corned beef hash Benedict fell short of being delicious because the hash wasn’t browned or really cooked crispy enough, the poached eggs were over, and nothing was seasoned well. The most atrocious part of it was that the home fries were cut so big and so think, they were starchy with very little crunch. May as well serve boiled whole potatoes if you’re going to do them like that. Perhaps I have a different standard coming from the South, but I have had much better breakfast food many other places. Also, this was my second visit to Red’s. I’d say they are pretty consistently mid.

Stopped in for lunch, and were very pleased with our experience. I enjoyed a hamburger and fries , and my wife had a hot dog and fries. Both were promptly cooked and presented hot and delicious. Service is good and they do have clean functional restrooms available. Prices are reasonable considering it's right in the heart of the tourist district in Salem. Lunch and breakfast only. Adult beverages are available.

If you’re looking for a solid breakfast nearby Essex Street I don’t see how you could do much better than Red’s. The portions were obscene and I was actually surprised how quickly I had my food on a weekday morning. Everything was delicious and the place itself is old Americana in the best way. I had the All Meat (or something like that title) omelette and could barely finish it.

We came here for breakfast and coffee and had a great experience! Every staff member we interacted with was very friendly. Our waitress was wonderful and so helpful. Our group all loved their meals and beverages. The wait wasn't too bad, we had plenty of space as a group of 5.

Last day in Salem, hoping to undo the damage our last breakfast spot inflicted upon us the day before at a place named after a not-so-pretty drinking vessel...Red's delivered. Our waitress was super friendly, establishment was cozy, warm and inviting for a rainy morning breakfast. I had the corned beef and hash breakfast dish. Two perfectly poached eggs perched atop a generous amount of corned beef hash covering a bed of deliciously cooked home fries. Wife had the smoked salmon eggs Benedict breakfast. Rounded off our meal with their banana pancakes. Coffee was delicious. We sipped and ate in the comfort of a cozy corner table while taking in the scenery during the morning breakfast crowd. Thanks for a great experience guys. I will recommend you to everyone.

Heard great things about Red's so it was THE spot I wanted to go for breakfast. I ordered a seasonal coffee that has a candy corn cold foam and it was amazing! Simply delicious. The In Like Flynn breakfast was good and large portions. It was hard to finish. The home fries were not my favorite but I am picky when it comes to home fries. The service was fast but I didn't feel rushed or anything that I was expecting considering it is Salem in October. It gave me old school diner/drug store restaurant with the way the bar was set up. Bathrooms were clean and everyone was friendly.

We've only heard good things about Red's so decided to try it this morning. Coffee was hot, and bottomless. There were classic dishes with unique twists... I wasn't sure what to get! Our waiter was AWESOME. I wish I remembered his name but he told us some cool places to visit next time we are in town. He was also super friendly and had a great personality. Ambiance is cozy, and busy but worth it all. Would definitely come back!

We came on a Monday during lunch time as it was a like everywhere to eat. There was a line but we were seated quickly. Our waitress was super nice! Got the In Like Flynn, pumpkin bread French toast, Krabby Patties, and Camp Crystal Lake drink. Would go back to Salem just for his order. The corn beef hash was cooked perfectly as I like. The pumpkin bread French toast - omg, the BEST! Crab patties delicious. Camp Crystal Lake was my favorite iced dark chocolate latte. I had to stop myself from drinking so much because I am caffeine sensitive, lol. We took the night tour at night at learned that this is where Paul Revere and others met to discuss revolution! Who would've thought? A must go to when in Salem for sure!

Reds is the breakfast talk of the town, so I felt inclined to try it out. To set the tone, this was a hangover breakfast, so I just needed something yummy to fill me up. The first thing I noticed is there's a lot of employees just sitting around or on their phone. The service that was diligently working was fantastic and the 3 stars is for them. The food overall lacked flavor and wasn't anything to rave about, and again, hangover food! If you're looking for a quick meal, this could be your style.

Four of us decided to eat breakfast here a couple of days ago. This is a staple and must have if you visit Salem. If you go in October, make sure to get there early. My wife had the pancakes and they were huge and delicious. I had the Bama Benny (cornbread with corn beef hash and an egg with a side of hashbrowns). It was delicious. Service was good and it gave an old school diner feel, which it is. Been around since 1945.

Came back to reds of course! Came back twice! First time I got the fish and chips. Naturally it was delicious! Second time I was not hungry so I got an English muffin. The waitress asked if I wanted it toasted or griddled, I picked the latter. Smart choice, I've only ever had one toasted and now I'm converted. The place is hellishly busy as always in October but the line to get in goes quickly and the staff are kind and have a-lot of patience.

We stopped at the visitor center and they told us the locals go here. Of course what could go wrong. Ugh. The coffee was fair, I ordered the Monte Cristo, Monte made an appearance but no Cristo. I had potatoes and some how they were cold. Our waitress was great but the food was a disappointment.

Red's is such a gem in the heart of Salem! We came for brunch with some friends and absolutely loved it. They have a pretty big menu with tons of options, and the BIGGEST pancakes I have ever seen! The service was great, and the food was too. Ambiance is definitely old-school, but I think that's what gives it it's charm. We will be back again soon!

Great food and great service! Breakfast plates to fuel your appetite that are cooked fresh. Never ending coffee. Thoroughly enjoyed our visit here.

I'll make this short and sweet! Amazing customer service, cute little place with some cool things to look at. Food is amazing and huge portions. I wish I recalled what I ordered but it's been a month or so since our vacation here. The bread was amazing and everything was cooked perfectly! Highly recommend, good prices, great service and amazing food

This is a local diner in the heart of Salem. I would recommend getting there early to beat the breakfast rush or expect to wait a bit before you are able to sit down. The food is straight forward diner food but it's yummy. We enjoyed learning about the history with Reds. Does it stand out in my mind as the best breakfast diner I have been to? No. But it's centrally located and they have typical American breakfast options.

Super long lines in October! The staff are very nice & festive! The pancake was really good and cute. I'm typically not a pancake fan but I really liked this one. This eggs Benedict was one of the breakfast specials and it was really good. Very filling! The turkey sausage was very thick and flavourful. I definitely recommend stopping by if you're in town for all of the other festivities.

I came on a friend's recommendation and was not disappointed. I came early - around 7:15, and was the second customer in on a Tuesday. I was served by Codey, and really enjoyed having her as my server. She gave good menu and local recommendations and was super chill. The Sanderson Sisters B&B and the donut holes of the day (blueberry) were DELICIOUS and so filling. The coffee was truly bottomless. I'd come here any time I visit.

I've been a fan of Reds for nearly 30 years. The food was always consistently good. After visiting a couple weeks ago, I'll never be back though. It started with dirty spoons in two of our coffee cups and ended with my killing a roach on the wall next to us. Goodbye, Reds. Never again.

I love the food for breakfast the wait wasn't long at all! Would come again! The waiter was very nice

Place was way better then you might think the food was a 10/10 definitely recommend and I normally don't leave good reviews lol Arianna G was very good and helpful! Give her a raise lol

I was really excited to come to this restaurant in Salem on our last day of visiting for the weekend. We came in we're seated right away, and our waitress was Brittney . I saw two women sitting at the counter with a skillet type breakfast. It reminded me of the breakfast that they serve in my hometown in Chicago so I was anxious to order that. my husband got like a gravy and biscuits with eggs type breakfast. He loved it. My order came the Ryebread was black rye. I probably would've ordered some thing else had I known it was black rye and not regular also, it was room temperature like it had been sitting there. underneath the food was hot but the top was just room temperature. It said it came with cheddar cheese, but it was shredded cheddar cheese, and it literally was lightly sprinkled. There was no taste or flavor of the cheddar cheese and you had to really look for it to know that it was there at all so That was a big disappointment.. Over a quarter of the potatoes were over cooked my husband likes it that way I personally don't and to me it looks like the potatoes are old even if they're not . The waitress was really nice but I'm not sure if I would ever try this place again. The ambience was great old school, real little town type vibe and decor. But I didn't like the food .. So for one cup of tomato juice, one coffee and one plate each of eggs with the toppings came out almost $37 before the tip.

Burger was average. Better than fast food for sure! Wife said her strips and fries were ok. She liked her chocolate chip pancakes we at from here a couple days later. The Sanderson sister french toast stuff was pretty good. I was not sure what to expect from that. Its a very tight seating arrangement. I saw a couple of people who were back to back on different tables rubbing shoulders occasionally. If you are a large person, you may not like it here. Or make sure you get a booth.

I had the French toast and a Reds Meat omelette I added onions. The use of real eggs out of a shell vice a carton is so underutilized and under appreciated it adds an element of texture and flavor that is undeniable and Red's knows this and makes sure their customers get the real deal. It was delicious. The French toast, The omelette, full Of deliciousness!! I ate everything. It is the best breakfast spot in the area. I believe this! You should to, and I assume will, once you've experienced breakfast here.

Reds is not a fancy place, but it's a great place. Open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch. M - Sat 7am - 2pm, Sundays 7am - 1pm. The service is great and the food is very good. Great wait staff, friendly, efficient and quick. Great place for a down home breakfast! Large menu and drinks.

The belgian waffles were delectable! It melted on your tongue as you ate it. It's a cute little diner with great service and quick service! One of the things loved about this place was how cozy it was. On a cold snowy day in Salem it was definitely a relief to sit inside this warm diner. Great find and good brunch when in Salem!

Nice little restaurant been here for quite a while. I like to hash and drop eggs but also they have a wonderful French toast. My wife always gets the eggs Benedict. It's unusual seating at the bar, but I'd like to sit in the next room. It's quieter and you can linger with your coffee

The service was great. But the food was just ok. Nothing stood out or was that good. Other staff was also busy gossiping with each other.

Stopped in for breakfast (always do when in the area) and were very happy again with our choices. I was happy to see I can now order some sliced avocado for my grill English muffin. Yum! Perfectly crispy bacon and yummy home fries AS ALWAYS. We had no wait today but if you come up and the line is halfway down the ramp, perfect. Out the door, great. Wait. It's worth it

Our waiter Andrew was awesome! So fast but so nice. Food was fantastic as always. My son's birthday, and Andrew sang him Happy Birthday. Multi talented dude!

Delicious breakfast. Pancakes were the best I've had. Much bigger inside than appears. A little difficult to locate.

It's an unassuming sandwich shops, but is DELICIOUS! I had the Red's everything omelet and, wow, it was incredible. Cool setting in a building from the 17th-century, too.

Food and service were great. My only suggestion would be when making a Reuben sandwich put the sour kraut on top of the meat and not on the bottom of the sandwich as it makes that piece of bread very soggy. Inside was a bit warm on the kitchen side and the tables and booths show a lot of wear. But I would definitely return.

Historic building in Salem turned into a quaint little breakfast place. Heard it was well worth the stop & proved true. Had the Irish Benedict (with a sausage patty) & home fries, extremely tasty. Server was attentive & friendly. Prices reasonable in this day & age. Would certainly recommend for a family visiting Salem.

Came here because lots of places online recommended it. It's a cute breakfast spot, food was good but pretty average. My bagel breakfast sandwich was yummy but my friends who got a chorizo hash said it was kinda bland. Service was good but pretty standard.

Red's Sandwich Shop is a comfortable break amongst the busiest part of Downtown Salem. It reminds me of the hometown places we all have in our cities, that are no-frills (in a loving way) diners with fast and reliable (in the best way) diner staples for breakfast and lunch. We randomly walked in here in an early afternoon and appreciated being able to still order breakfast! I ordered a hash that was on special that came topped with a poached egg and we ordered a side of french toast sticks (another special) to split. This was the lovable greasy spoon food we were looking for! The service was lightening fast and the staff were very friendly and happy to talk to us about the local town. Red's has a good reputation amongst the locals for being a long-standing authentic local spot, so definitely include it on your itinerary if you think you'll be shopping or walking around downtown Salem!

Delicious sandwich and the french fries are marvelous! I got the tuna sandwich and it was amazing! Our Hostess was so sweet and our waitress was great!

11/2021 We were in Salem and wanted a tasty place to eat and Yelp did not disappoint. There was a line but not as long as when we left. Popular spot. The breakfast portions were huge and tasty. I wish I could have take. Home the leftovers. Staff was friendly I'll definitely be back

It must have been an off day. Will try another time. Because I always loved coming to Red's in the past. Perhaps the new owners, since Sept. 2022 are not up to speed. The tuna sandwich was good. The ginger carrot soup was good. The Shepard's pie reportedly blah, nothing special. Was covered in traditional mashed potato in a shallow casserole dish with mixed vegetables, perhaps previously frozen vegetables. Came with a side of salad. Not memorable. What struck me the most. Having been a resident in the past, that at 2:00 this day there were no customers. The attention to detail and cleanliness was not evident during this visit. We wished the server looked at flatware before substituting for a piece that was equally smeared. The menus felt a bit greasy. And it would have been nice if we found her a few minutes earlier. She was going to come back but 10 minutes passed in an empty restaurant we had to flag the cook we were ready to order. The extra trips for one knife etc. seems inefficient. She was sweet. Half through the meal there was a stench from ? Smelled like sewerage. Not really sure what this was and a couple of pipe flies were buzzing in our booth. I'm surprised at all the super reviews and it must have been an off day? Trying to figure out who to say something to about our visit. The website has John as owner and his email. However this person is no longer the owner. And reports he sold it in September. I'll come back again and hope all of this was just a an off day. The menu is much the same. They offer a variety of specials on a separate menu. But looks as though at least for today it's gone down hill. Would much rather have communicated this to the new owner directly. Cannot recommend at this time.

Came here Tuesday morning. This is a Salem must! The breakfast is so fresh and delicious. I opted for eggs and corned beef hash, (must say it's best I've ever had). Our waitress I forgot her name was so sweet (red hair). The ambience is laid back and soft rock music. I'm so glad we were able to just walk in and there wasn't a wait! Definitely a must when in Salem!

We enjoyed visiting this shop! Our waitress was lovely and the food was delicious and came quickly. It's pretty affordable too! There are bathrooms inside the shop and the indoor seating is nice. It's in a nice location for shopping and touring!

Our waiter Terence provided the absolute best service I have ever witnessed. Not only was the service amazing but the food was just as good. As someone who is not easy to impress I cannot recommend this place enough.

The wait was 20 minutes for a table. A very popular spot and highly recommended when visiting Salem. Our name was called and we were hungry! Our waitress was the best! We never had to ask for refills for coffee or ice water. The eggs Benedict were perfect and so delicious! The home fries were definitely something to write home about. Lol We left full, happy and we will be returning!

Red's Sandwich Shop is a tiny diner tucked off of the main Essex Street in Salem. Unsuspecting at first, but when you sit down you get a great experience. It's a good spot to sit down and escape the hustle and bustle of Salem. It's a classic diner experience, but with great food. The few times that I have come in, the service has been very quick, without much over attentiveness. You can typcially be in and out within an hour or so. They have a great breakfast menu with lots of options. The many eggs bendict options are all great as well!

Oh noooooo Terrible service and cold food, go somewhere else for sure while you're in town

Red's is definitely one of the better places we ate while visiting Salem. We passed the place a couple times and saw the line. I actually thought it was a sandwich shop... until i saw the yelp page. It's really worth the wait. It has that amazing diner feel to it, not just in the food, but in the waitresses, the chefs, the whole thing. For anyone that's read my reviews on breakfast joints, they had corned beef hash and I had to get it. And it was really good. Came with two eggs (I got them over easy). My wife got the pancakes and they were big and fluffy, perfect. She also got a hot chocolate that hit the spot. If you're in Salem, Red's is a must. SIDE NOTE: The skeleton outside is awesome.

For a place that doesn't take reservations and visiting on Salem's busiest weekend of the year we were seated very quickly. We only waited about 10 minutes in line and we're whisked off to our table in a fully packed restaurant. This place is very quaint and I thought the names of all of their cocktails were hilarious! We ordered the pumpkin French toast and bacon grilled cheese on raisin toast. Both were delicious and the food came quickly. They even over to go coffee if you ask. You really can't beat the service or price.

Love this place!! Pumpkin bread French toast was top notch. Staff was excellent. Seated very quickly even though it was very busy. You definitely won't regret coming here!

Loved this place! The location is in the heart of all the action in Salem, and the interior is nice and cozy. The food was so reasonably priced for the quality and portion size. Solid, classic diner option!

This business is a tourist attraction and they are so fast, have great service and the food is really good! Would recommend stopping by here if your in town!

Had such a good experience here! The staff was friendly and our waitress was very kind! Service was quick despite being VERY busy. The food was great. I got the Bama Benny which I HIGHLY recommend, I'm still dreaming about that breakfast honestly. Definitely would come back to this place all the time if we didn't live so far away!

The service was nice and I loved the feels of this restaurant; a lot bigger on the inside. The biscuits and gravy wasn't like a typical sausage gravy it had lots of herbs in it and was absolutely delicious. And the potatoes were great

First off our service was really not great. Our server took forever to come over and our food actually came out before we even got our drinks. We both got breakfast and neither were impressed. Many people said to come here so we were disappointed. Lunch and dinner menu looked good not sure if maybe we just didn't get the right items