SPONSORED CONTENT | Photographed by Jess Shada, Destination Salem
While immersing yourself in all things Salem, you might as well keep the theme going when it’s time to eat. Witchside Tavern, a Salem restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails on Derby Street, does exactly that, with a playful atmosphere, artful décor, friendly staff, and a menu that gets in on the fun, too.
Located in the heart of Salem, Witchside Tavern gives you plenty to take in the moment you walk through the door. The space is filled with playful details, quirky surprises, and beautiful murals created by local artist Miguel Cruz, whose work can also be found at the nearby Punto Urban Art Museum. Before we had even settled into our table, we were pointing things out to each other, and we kept noticing new details throughout our meal.
To start, we had to investigate the drink menu.
Our table chose the Kiwi Me Softly, Witchside Iced Coffee, Tito’s Mule, and Tequila Sunrise, which also meant plenty of passing glasses around the table for everyone to try. Each delicious sip came with a kick to help get the party started and piqued our appetite for a mid-morning brunch.
We couldn’t choose between breakfast and lunch, so we sampled a bit of both. Our table tried the Loaded French Toast, Cajun Skillet, Grilled Steak Tips, and the Witchside Burger, which turned out to be a pretty good tour of just how much ground the menu covers.
French toast fans, rejoice! Loaded with bananas, strawberries, blueberries, and piles of whipped cream, the Loaded French Toast is fluffy, decadent, and very difficult not to photograph before digging in.
On the savory side, there are hearty breakfast options including omelets, Benedicts, and skillets. If you’re looking for breakfast or brunch in Salem before a busy day of sightseeing, Witchside opens at 7 am, giving early risers plenty of time to sit down for a real meal before many of Salem’s attractions open. They’re also open until 10 pm Monday through Saturday and 9 pm on Sunday, so you can come back later for dinner or a nightcap.
By lunch and dinner, the menu shifts into full tavern territory. The Witchside Burger stacks two smash patties with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and Witchside sauce, while the Grilled Steak Tips come house-marinated with your choice of two sides. If everyone in your group is craving something different, this is an easy menu to work with. There are flatbreads, salads, seafood, sandwiches, shareable appetizers, and entrées.
Don’t worry — Witchside hasn’t forgotten the kids! They’ve got all the classics: grilled cheese, hot dogs, chicken fingers, and cheeseburgers, plus dessert options like freshly baked cookies and chocolate lava cake!
At 283 Derby Street, Witchside Tavern puts you right in the middle of the action. Real Pirates Salem is next door, while Salem Witch Village, the Salem Wax Museum, and New England Pirate Museum are just steps away. Continue toward downtown and you’ll quickly reach the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, Charter Street Cemetery, and Peabody Essex Museum, or head the other way along Derby Street toward Salem Maritime National Historical Park, Derby Wharf, and The House of the Seven Gables. With so much of Salem within walking distance, Witchside makes an easy stop for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks without taking you away from a day of exploring. Witchside also offers outdoor seating, perfect for grabbing a bite and taking in the activity along Derby Street.
Whether you’re starting your day with breakfast before attractions open, stopping for lunch and a little people-watching outside, or ending the night with a cocktail, Witchside Tavern gives you one more way to keep the Salem experience going between stops.
