17 Best Cocktail Bars in Salem

“Pacific Standard is a charming venue with exceptional service. Bartender Lauren is particularly notable for her warm and friendly demeanor, making her a standout behind the bar. She is an expert mixologist, crafting perfectly made cocktails such as the Manhattan and others from the menu. With Lauren serving you, you can expect a top-notch experience.“

“DaVinci Ristorante, located in downtown Salem near the Elsinore Theatre, offers a romantic and classy ambiance with classic decor. The service is impeccable, with attentive and charming staff. The Gorgonzola Stuffed Dates appetizer and main dishes like Steak Frittes and Chicken Schnitzel are delicious. Desserts like Creme Brulee and Lemon Panna Cotta are heavenly. The pianist adds to the experience, creating a special and unforgettable evening. The high-end prices are worth it for the exceptional food quality. Dishes like Burrata, Caesar Wedge, Papparadelle, and Croissant Bread Pudding are favorites, while the Cioppino is just okay. Overall, DaVinci Ristorante provides an amazing dining experience that is worth returning for.“

“The Cozy Taberna offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with attentive and friendly staff, including Wes. The menu features a variety of delicious dishes, including the popular squid ink pasta, flank steak, and scallops, as well as other tasty options like salmon, Brussels sprouts, and radicchio Caesar salad.“

“Archive Coffee & Bar in Salem offers a delightful experience with excellent food and cocktails, as well as breakfast, brunch, lunch, and special coffee options. The interior is charming, attracting various kinds of people. Their coffee, roasted in-house, is a highlight. The service is friendly, and the place has an extensive liquor selection. Despite potential waits for food, it is a must-visit destination.“

“La Vida Catrina offers elevated and delicious Mexican cuisine. The restaurant serves a range of dishes, including carne asada, short rib enchiladas, and chicken flautas, all presented beautifully on the plate. The food is made with fresh ingredients, and the prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity served. The restaurant also offers a variety of drinks, including margaritas and beer, such as Modelo negra. While the churros may not be freshly made, the overall dining experience is impressive and worth a visit.“

“Paradiso at the Grand Theatre offers a stylish art deco decor and attentive service. The menu boasts delicious options like Ribeye, salmon, fried calamari, cioppino, and filet minion. Customers praise the generous portions and elegant ambiance, perfect for special occasions. While some found it a bit loud and the service a tad slow, overall, it promises a delightful dining experience worth returning for.“

“Epilogue Kitchen and Cocktails offers a pleasant dining experience with very good service. While the vegan carrot tartare was unavailable, the vegan soup was delicious. The "Bounty of the Valley" dish and salad with tempeh were tasty. The bread with jam and hazelnuts was a highlight. The cocktails, mocktails, and mixed drinks were all fantastic. The famous chicken dish is a must-try. The restaurant has a friendly ambiance, well-informed waitstaff, and owners who stand up for important values. Overall, a great place with delicious food and drinks.“

“I've been to this place many times. And the bartenders are always on it. As well as give genuine conversation and not scripted remarks. That alone can make a not so good place seem wonderful. As for li'l Sammies though, it has other amenities as well. Drinks made proper, good fried food as well as sandwiches, and a couple machines set away from the main gaming room if you want to socialize with friends at the bar while playing. Overall A+“

“Kraftworks Taphouse is a downtown spot with great food and a chill atmosphere. The staff are friendly and efficient, even during busy events. Customers love the selection of beers on tap and tasty dishes like Mac and cheese. Whether it's for a show or just to hang out, this place is a favorite for many with its cool vibes and knowledgeable servers.“

“The bar is the same size inside as outside.
The people are loud and boisterous with friendly demeanor, they bought me some jello shots

Friendly bartender with a good strong pour on a spiced rum and ginger beer.
Bartender was able to easily recommend a unique drink when asked. It was a very tasty drink. I will revisit“

“South Liberty Bar & Grill is a favorite spot for many regulars who appreciate the quick service, generous portions, and delicious food. The bar is known for its fun atmosphere, karaoke nights, and live music on weekends. Customers enjoy the great staff, drinks, and breakfast options, with a special mention of the tasty Bloody Mary. If you're a football fan, catch the Sunday ticket here and groove to the tunes during live jams on 3rd Thursdays.“

“The Best Goose is a highly regarded bar in Salem, known for its excellent cocktails and cozy atmosphere. The bartenders are generous with the liquor, and the drinks often feature unique touches like glitter. While the food court location provides access to various dining options, the cocktails themselves can be on the sweeter side. Overall, the establishment offers a pleasant experience for casual drinks with friends.“

“The Noble Wave | Louisiana Kitchen is a Cajun restaurant located in downtown Salem. The interior is described as nicely decorated, with a cozy atmosphere and ample seating, including outdoor picnic tables. The service is consistently praised as excellent and friendly. The menu offers a variety of Cajun-inspired dishes. The "Hot Bird" chicken sandwich is a standout, with a generous and delicious piece of chicken. The shrimp and grits, as well as the étouffée, have also received positive reviews. However, the Louisiana poutine and fried cheese curds were less successful, with the latter being overly oily. While the gumbo was considered too heavily seasoned and spicy for some, the drinks, particularly the gimlet, have been praised as extremely good. Overall, the Noble Wave seems to be a solid lunch spot, with the chicken sandwich being the recommended menu item. Despite some mixed reviews, the restaurant appears to have a loyal customer base and is worth a visit for those seeking authentic Cajun cuisine.“

“Honky Tonk Bar & Grill offers a lively atmosphere with great live music, plenty of room to dance, and friendly staff. The bar features line dancing, karaoke, and dance lessons, making it a popular spot for entertainment. While the food is decent for bar food, the drinks can be pricey. The service is usually good, despite occasional understaffing. Overall, Honky Tonk Bar & Grill is a great spot to meet new people and have a good time.“

“Toast & Jam is a local restaurant that offers a satisfying dining experience. The food is described as great, with a menu that includes a variety of options. The service is friendly, and the prices are considered well-priced for the quality of the meal. Overall, the restaurant is a recommended choice for those seeking a new dining option.“

“There was a time where I couldn't think of any other place I'd rather go. Had a colorful band of regulars, and some good bartenders too! Oh, and the ones runnin' the show? Some of the nicest fellas you'll ever bump into. ???“

“Bari Restaurant and Bar offers a pleasant dining experience with friendly staff and reasonable prices. The bartender is creative in making drinks, such as a unique non-alcoholic mix of raspberry, blood orange, sprite, simple syrup, and lemon. The filet and tri-tip dishes are excellent, served by hard-working and attentive wait staff. The ambiance is relaxed, with a bar area on the left and table seating in the dining areas. The cheese plate is a delicious starter at a great value, but some main dishes like the Salmon and Steak fell short of expectations. The Salmon came with an unexpected abundance of dried cranberries, while the Steak was overcooked. Despite some disappointments, the overall experience at Bari Restaurant and Bar is pleasant, making it a decent choice for a casual meal.“