In the past decade Salem, MA has seen an explosion in the craft brewing and culinary arts scene. Establishments like Notch Brewing, East Regiment Beer Company, and Couch Dog Brewing, are all respectively creating their own lanes in the craft beer sector. Notch Brewing has been an OG beacon of fresh brews, delicious gastronomical creations, and skeeball here in Salem, MA for almost a decade! Notch opened its doors back in 2016 with a commitment to European-style seasonal beers and an inclusive and safe space for all patrons. More specifically, Notch follows a traditional beer brewing process from the Czech Republic. This process relies on open fermentation which is seen across Europe. The refreshing beer at Notch is coupled with a communal-style taproom layout to encourage guests to get close and connect. Notch is a great spot year-round, whether you’re keeping warm indoors on Wednesday nights with their skeeball league, or enjoying views of the North River during the summer in their Biergarten.
Image by East Regiment Beer Co.
Holding things down in Salem’s Brewing scene across town is East Regiment Beer Co. residing in what once was Salem’s Old Fire Station building. The brick building houses the taproom located on the first floor and their hand-built 3bbl Nano brewing system in the building’s basement. The brewery is steeped in history with inspiration for the brand stemming back to Salem’s East Regiment which dates back to December 13th, 1636. The team at East Regiment pulls inspiration from New England’s historic and colonial roots. Brews like the BAF Porter which is an American style robust porter with roasty malt character, and their Harvest Sipper Hard Seltzer made with apple and cranberry have nods back to New England themes. A unique feature about the East Regiment space is that almost all of the furniture, bar, and accouterments were created by co-founders Scott and Josh. East Regiment is a great place to stop year round and has a robust events calendar that they update each month! Make sure you head over with an appetite. Theras Spicy Kitchen is now operating out of the East Regiment Kitchen and serving patrons their delicious Asian Street Food with papaya salad, Cambodian beef skewers, and so many more mouth-watering amuse bouchées.
Image by Couch Dog Brewing
The newest kid on the block is Couch Dog Brewing, nestled on the corner of Lafayette and New Derby Street, this clean and calm space is putting a Korean inspired twist on craft brewing. Founders Alli, and Adam started out as many do as home brewers testing out brews with traditional inspired Korean flavors. The two use local inspiration in their brews sourcing ingredients from the local Salem Farmers Market and collaborating with other Salem, MA based businesses. The brewery truly is a hub for community with Trivia nights each week on Thursdays, Live Music on Fridays, and a Running Club on Saturday mornings. If you couldn’t tell from the name Couch Dog is a dog friendly space. Pups are encouraged to come by and get their polaroid taken for their dog wall. With a welcoming team and a great selection of freshly crafted beer, you are sure to find something for even the pickiest of beer drinkers. If you are stuck making a decision on what to order try a flight to sample a larger selection of what the Couch Dog Team has crafted.
Image by Notch Brewing
No matter which way you slice it, Salem, MA has a great selection of local craft breweries creating a community of creativity and culinary excellence. With the weather warming up here in town as we step closer to the Spring season, we encourage both locals and visitors to get out and explore the Downtown scene. March is a great time to create your own Salem, MA beer crawl, and while you’re out make sure to check out Salem Film Festival which will be running March 21st through the 24th. Enjoy some great brews, fresh bites, and innovative B-roll all in one visit. Make sure to keep an eye out on the Destination Salem Instagram channel, @destsalem for a look behind the scenes at our local breweries and restaurants here in town.
