What a gem! We stopped in for breakfast and were completely blown away. The array of fresh pastries was absolutely beautiful and it was hard to decide what to choose. We opted for breakfast sandwiches on croissants because it was a chilly morning. I was originally concerned about the seating because I’m vertically challenged and the first room only had high-top tables. Thankfully, the other room had regular tables and chairs. We have one more morning in town and are looking forward to going back!
Olga Smirnova
It is a popular place close to the main Salem attractions. It can get really busy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kenneth Buck
The best bread, period.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Renee Angil
I was so happy this place open this time visiting. I don’t remember the name of the pastries I had but they were delicious. The caramel latte I drank was the creamiest, buttery-ist, most perfect thing I ever drank. They make the caramel sauce on site.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ken Levine (KSL'72LLC)
Excellent artisanal bakery. Two locations in Salem. The baguettes, sweet rolls, and English muffin bread are a must-try.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ashley Reed
We’re new to the area and have been enjoying establishing our morning coffee, breakfast, and walk routines. Both A&J locations have been standout favorites — the food and drinks are excellent!
The only challenge we’ve encountered is that dogs aren’t allowed inside, even just to step in briefly for a to-go order. We completely understand and respect the health regulations around that. However, neither location currently has a safe spot outside to tie a leash while placing or picking up an order.
We’ve noticed the water bowl by the door, which is a nice touch and suggests a dog-friendly spirit — but it’s usually empty and full of dried dirt, so likely not getting much use.
We’d love to suggest a small improvement: adding a designated, safe tie-up spot near the entrance. It would make a huge difference for dog owners like us and turn AJ into a truly perfect stop on our morning routine.
Thanks so much for considering!
FireFaerie550
We had planned on just trying each restaurant once on our trip, but we ended up stopping here 3 mornings in a row for breakfast. The atmosphere was cozy, the staff was friendly, and the food was amazing. The croissants were light and flaky, really the best things that I put into my mouth all week. The almond croissant was my favorite I think, although it was honestly hard to choose. The coffee was really good also. You don’t want to miss this place!
Dana Bodry Hurst
Do not miss this spot if you are visiting Salem. We had treats from our Air B&B which caused us to go in person. Everything was lovely, delicious and fresh. Customer service was fantastic. We had croissants, a bagel sandwich, fresh bread, the most amazing cookies and, my favorite, the spinach and leek puff with everything seasoning. The coffee was great too. Thanks so much!
marlie lukach
Good pastries and quite a bit of variety. The chai lattes are a bit weak but they serve other hot beverages as well.
DBowker3D
Our family has been going to A&J King's ever since they opened, basically 18 years I think, and they have been consistently the best around in terms of quality and service! But it's more than just fantastic food; it's the place itself which is a warm and inviting space, whether for residents (like us) or visitors. They use as locally sourced ingredients as much as is feasible, and almost all is from organic farms throughout New England. Berries, spices and other ingredients change by the season to keep the menu and food fresh. Even the dairy products are local! They also grind their own flour for their breads (though not all the pastries). Their sandwiches (both breakfast versions and lunch) are some of the best around and as often as not that's why I stop in. When our son was a baby they welcomed us and anyone else with strollers and toddlers in, and that's still true today. Customers may ranger from just months old to many decades, it doesn't matter because the vibe is always easy going. In every respect, a true gem of Salem! *Just a quick rebuttal to the reviewer who thought they know everything there is about how a "Kouign Amann" should taste: It's crunchy by DESIGN: "A Kouign Amann is a French pastry with a croissant-like dough, laminated with butter and sugar with a caramelized outer crust." Not fresh? Sorry guy, but you're dead wrong. Their bakers (including the owners) are in the shop EVERY morning at 3am to start, and no: nothing is left out or baked the day before.
North-shore staple - we usually hit their spot in Salem, but this one has a little more convenient parking. Absolutely amazing breads and treats - and croissants on par with a Parisian bakery.
Bill Keefe
Having read a recent review in the newspaper, went in for pastries and coffee. Nothing bad but not up there with fare from the best bakeries, like Clear Flour or Iggy's
Christelle2482
Our Guide recommended this place and we had lunch there twice. Their egg breakfast sandwich was excellent! Accompanied by tea and Latte, it was perfect. Despite the world, the service is fast. Awards are frankly very correct. We also had some pastries for the end of the day and everything was really delicious. I recommend without moderation!
Steven Smith
We came just after opening, the staff were super friendly despite the time of morning and the coffee and pastries were beautiful. Worth the trip if you’re in the area
Parking: 8-10 spots or so, directly out the front of the bakery
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissant
MegsOnMain Street
Delicious latte, sticky bun, chicken salad sandwich, chai latte + brownie & cookie. Loved the atmosphere- very relaxed. Enjoyed the service as everyone was kind and smiled. Can’t wait to visit again!
What a gem! We stopped in for breakfast and were completely blown away. The array of fresh pastries was absolutely beautiful and it was hard to decide what to choose. We opted for breakfast sandwiches on croissants because it was a chilly morning. I was originally concerned about the seating because I’m vertically challenged and the first room only had high-top tables. Thankfully, the other room had regular tables and chairs. We have one more morning in town and are looking forward to going back!
It is a popular place close to the main Salem attractions. It can get really busy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
The best bread, period.
Food: 5
Service: 5
I was so happy this place open this time visiting. I don’t remember the name of the pastries I had but they were delicious. The caramel latte I drank was the creamiest, buttery-ist, most perfect thing I ever drank. They make the caramel sauce on site.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent artisanal bakery. Two locations in Salem. The baguettes, sweet rolls, and English muffin bread are a must-try.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We’re new to the area and have been enjoying establishing our morning coffee, breakfast, and walk routines. Both A&J locations have been standout favorites — the food and drinks are excellent!
The only challenge we’ve encountered is that dogs aren’t allowed inside, even just to step in briefly for a to-go order. We completely understand and respect the health regulations around that. However, neither location currently has a safe spot outside to tie a leash while placing or picking up an order.
We’ve noticed the water bowl by the door, which is a nice touch and suggests a dog-friendly spirit — but it’s usually empty and full of dried dirt, so likely not getting much use.
We’d love to suggest a small improvement: adding a designated, safe tie-up spot near the entrance. It would make a huge difference for dog owners like us and turn AJ into a truly perfect stop on our morning routine.
Thanks so much for considering!
We had planned on just trying each restaurant once on our trip, but we ended up stopping here 3 mornings in a row for breakfast. The atmosphere was cozy, the staff was friendly, and the food was amazing. The croissants were light and flaky, really the best things that I put into my mouth all week. The almond croissant was my favorite I think, although it was honestly hard to choose. The coffee was really good also. You don’t want to miss this place!
Do not miss this spot if you are visiting Salem. We had treats from our Air B&B which caused us to go in person. Everything was lovely, delicious and fresh. Customer service was fantastic. We had croissants, a bagel sandwich, fresh bread, the most amazing cookies and, my favorite, the spinach and leek puff with everything seasoning. The coffee was great too. Thanks so much!
Good pastries and quite a bit of variety. The chai lattes are a bit weak but they serve other hot beverages as well.
Our family has been going to A&J King's ever since they opened, basically 18 years I think, and they have been consistently the best around in terms of quality and service! But it's more than just fantastic food; it's the place itself which is a warm and inviting space, whether for residents (like us) or visitors. They use as locally sourced ingredients as much as is feasible, and almost all is from organic farms throughout New England. Berries, spices and other ingredients change by the season to keep the menu and food fresh. Even the dairy products are local! They also grind their own flour for their breads (though not all the pastries). Their sandwiches (both breakfast versions and lunch) are some of the best around and as often as not that's why I stop in. When our son was a baby they welcomed us and anyone else with strollers and toddlers in, and that's still true today. Customers may ranger from just months old to many decades, it doesn't matter because the vibe is always easy going. In every respect, a true gem of Salem! *Just a quick rebuttal to the reviewer who thought they know everything there is about how a "Kouign Amann" should taste: It's crunchy by DESIGN: "A Kouign Amann is a French pastry with a croissant-like dough, laminated with butter and sugar with a caramelized outer crust." Not fresh? Sorry guy, but you're dead wrong. Their bakers (including the owners) are in the shop EVERY morning at 3am to start, and no: nothing is left out or baked the day before.
Restaurantji Recommends
North-shore staple - we usually hit their spot in Salem, but this one has a little more convenient parking. Absolutely amazing breads and treats - and croissants on par with a Parisian bakery.
Having read a recent review in the newspaper, went in for pastries and coffee. Nothing bad but not up there with fare from the best bakeries, like Clear Flour or Iggy's
Our Guide recommended this place and we had lunch there twice. Their egg breakfast sandwich was excellent! Accompanied by tea and Latte, it was perfect. Despite the world, the service is fast. Awards are frankly very correct. We also had some pastries for the end of the day and everything was really delicious. I recommend without moderation!
We came just after opening, the staff were super friendly despite the time of morning and the coffee and pastries were beautiful. Worth the trip if you’re in the area
Parking: 8-10 spots or so, directly out the front of the bakery
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissant
Delicious latte, sticky bun, chicken salad sandwich, chai latte + brownie & cookie. Loved the atmosphere- very relaxed. Enjoyed the service as everyone was kind and smiled. Can’t wait to visit again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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