Salem Restaurant Tips by cjg1 Top 5 Page for this destination

The Great Escape: Incredible Lunch

The Great Escape Restaurant is house in the building which was once America’s oldest active jail having been built in 1813 and remaining open until 1991. My wife suggested this place and after hearing the history of the building, I was all for it. The restaurant interior is a jail theme with brick walls, the original two foot thick granite floor, a bar made out of recycled cell doors, and cell bars all around.

We made a reservation for a 12pm Sunday lunch; thinking it would be busy for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Surprisingly, as we entered there was only one other table of patrons. The lack of patrons allowed us to choose our table. We of course chose the table with cell bars flanking it. The host handed us menus and we began to peruse the items. The menu was loaded with appetizers, soups, pasta, seafood, pork, lamb, beef, and chicken selections.

Our waiter Mack came over and took our order. I chose the Al Capone; a pasta dish with fresh fussili, Italian sausage and broccoli rabe with sliced hot cherry peppers tossed in a garlic and olive oil sauce. My wife chose the Lobster and Shrimp Pomodoro; a pasta dish with fresh fussili with lobster meat and shrimp, in tomato sauce with parmesan cheese. To drink; I chose a Sprite and my wife ordered a club soda with lime.

About five minutes later Mack arrived with some warm fresh rolls along with some olive oil for dipping. The rolls were very good, soft, warm and perfect when dipped in the flavorful oil. I had to stop myself from eating more and spoiling my appetite. Less than ten minutes later our entrees arrived piping hot. The portions were very large; enough for two people in my opinion.

I truly loved my entrée. The pasta was incredibly fresh. The sausage was sliced very thinly which made for an excellent flavor. The broccoli rabe and cheery peppers were delicious covered in the garlic and oil sauce. My wife had the winning dish in my opinion. Her pasta was covered in a rich tomato sauce with large whole shrimp and huge chunks of lobster meal. After stealing a few forkfuls, I know what I’m having next time we are here.

Unfortunately due to the large portions we didn’t have dessert. We barely ate half of our entrees it was just so much food. This was an excellent meal and I can’t wait to return.

**FYI: Mon-Friday there is a lunch menu. Sunday lunch is the dinner menu.**

Favorite Dish: I truly loved my entree but I would have to say my wife's was the best of the two.

Address: 50 St. Peter Street

Comparison: about average

Phone: (978) 745-5022

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 5

Theme: American

Website: http://www.greatescaperest.com

Finz: Drinks and Snacks with a View

Finz is our favorite place to enjoy some drinks and have a snack while looking out on the wharf. Finz has an indoor dining room as well as an outdoor patio overlooking the Wharf. We've never done a "real" meal here just drinks and appetizers on the patio. The appetizers here are very good and we have enjoyed several:mussels, hummus, crab cakes and their guacamole with crab meat. The food is very good and I enjoy being outside on a nice summer day. The service here is very good even though the place is usualy packed (we waited 10 minutes for an outdoor seat last time).

Our last visit here was after we visited the House of the Seven Gables and were in need of a drink and a bite to eat. The weather was nice and sunny with a nice breeze. We were able to enjoy ourguacamole and crab cakes with a nice beer for me and a Raspberry Martini for Liz. I was a nice wasy to relax and recharge with a beautiful water view.

Favorite Dish: The guacamole is one of my favorite here with some tasty crab meat. The tortilla chips are very good and crispy.

Address: 76 Wharf Street

Comparison: about average

Phone: (978) 744 8485

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Eclectic/International

Nathaniel's: Great Breakfast

This was a great place to have breakfast and I am really happy Liz suggested it. A bit up end in appearance but not very in price. I could see by the decor why Liz loves this place, it just screams her style. This is the restaurant to the Hawthorne Hotel and they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have a variety of tables available from those for 2 up to 8 or 10. A few of each. Was funny when we left to see they seated two quests at a round table for 8 as that is all that was available.

The menus had a nice selection of breakfast items so it was hard for me to choose. I finally decided on the Seafood Benedict and some Orange Juice. Liz went with the pancakes and a cappucino. Our waitress was very nice and attentive despite they had her running around between two dining rooms.

Favorite Dish: I had the Seafood Benedict and I loved it. One of the most amazing breakfasts I've ever had.

Address: 18 Washington Sq

Comparison: about average

Directions: In the Hawthorne Hotel

Phone: (978) 825-4311

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Breakfast

Website: http://www.hawthornehotel.com/dining/index.htm

Rockafella's: Good Food in a Historic Building

Address: 231 Essex Street

Comparison: about average

Phone: 978-745-2411

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.rockafellasofsalem.com

Bay Bridge Restaurant And Nightclub: Don't waste the time nor money here

This place was bad. We came strictly because it was an idine and we were checking them out. Sadly this one left us disappointed.

Favorite Dish: My taco salad was horrible. It was little more than any old salad dumped in a taco bowl and meat and salsa poured upon it.

I ate about half of it strictly because I was hungry but rest assured I will not come back again.

Address: 25 Bridge Street

Comparison: about average

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 1

Theme: Diner