This winter, local restaurants are stepping up their menus with a variety of comfort food perfect to warm up downtown between shops or bring home for a cozy dinner inside. Winter is for warm beverages and carbs while you brace yourself for the chilly New England Weather ahead. Below we have put together some suggestions to keep your tummies full and spirits high on your next visit to Salem, MA.
Winter Lagers at Notch Brewing
One of Salem’s local breweries, Notch is serving up winter and Salem-themed lagers out of their Derby Street location. For seasonal dark lagers, try Tmavý, a Czech Dark Lager, or grab a liter of Czech Black Lager, Černé Pivo. Notch also has Salem-themed brews out this season, including Bavarian Helles, Salem Lager and German Afternoons, a German Pils featuring an illustration of Salem Willows on the label.
Notch’s Biergarten is open weekends (weather permitting, no reservations required), and curbside pickup is available. Visit notchbrewing.com for the latest specials, new beers, and updates on brewery hours, plus check out their new subscription service and get local beer delivered right to your home!
Comfort Food at Longboards
Longboards has revamped their menu with favorite items to help you warm up this winter, including a variety of mac and cheese dishes, meatballs, and chicken pot pie.
Dine in at their Pickering Wharf location (or out if you’re willing to brave cooler temps!), or order online for takeout. Be sure to follow them on social media too- Longboards offers weekly specials and is always serving up something new!
Bento Boxes & Ramen from Koto
A staple in Salem’s takeout scene, Koto is a local favorite for ramen soup, sushi, and Chinese and Japanese cuisine. This Washington Street spot recently added Bubble Tea to their menu, with a rewards program offering your 10th tea free!
For comfort food though, we’re focused on Koto‘s lunch specials that offer a variety of hot and fresh items at an affordable price, plus their ramen soup, perfect for when you need to warm up on cold days this winter.
Seasonal Cinnamon Buns with A&J King
A & J King have a wonderful selection of freshly baked food and treats at their shop every day. A local favorite for the winter season is their frosted cinnamon buns which leave your month watering. Warm up with one of their creative seasonal lattes or teas and treat yourself to a delicious pastry. Looking to impress your family this holiday season? Grab a tin of ready to bake buns to take home for Christmas this December and fool your friends and loved ones into thinking your a 5 start pastry chef, we won’t judge!
Turner’s Seafood Winter Entrees
Warm up at Turner’s Seafood with dishes like haddock marsala or a bowl of their famous lobster bisque. Dine in for a cozy setting in Salem’s historic Lyceum Hall, or order dinner to-go to dine comfortably at home. Find a menu and specials at turners-seafood.com.
Hot Cocoa & Winter Chocolates from Harbor Sweets
Winter at Harbor Sweets means sipping on hot cocoa courtesy of their Cocoa Santé hot chocolate line, available in four flavors and made with all natural ingredients, plus a Classic Gift Assortment, which features a nautical line, and Sweet Sloops (the first chocolate Harbor Sweets developed). Their Salt & Ayre line, with a mix of truffles and salted chocolates is a festive winter treat inspired by Salem’s history in the spice trade.
Both the classic Gift Assortment, Salt & Ayre and the Sweet Sloops come in a variety of sizes, and the cocoa is available in packets, tins or boxes. Shop at their Salem location on Leavitt Street or order online at harborsweets.com.
