The Tavern (officially known as the Tavern on the Green) is a classic New England pub and dining room located inside the historic Hawthorne Hotel at 18 Washington Square West in downtown Salem, Massachusetts. Established within the 1925 Colonial Revival hotel overlooking the southwestern corner of Salem Common, this wood-paneled eatery is named in honor of the hotel’s literary namesake, Salem-born author Nathaniel Hawthorne, and the historic 19th-century Salem Marine Society building that previously occupied the site. Travelers and North Shore locals visit for hearty New England comfort food, regional seafood, craft cocktails, and fireside dining in an intimate club-room atmosphere just steps from Salem’s primary museums and historic districts.
What to Expect at The Tavern
Stepping into The Tavern from the Hawthorne Hotel’s grand lobby reveals a warm, traditional interior defined by dark mahogany paneling, brass accents, captain’s chairs, and maritime artwork recalling Salem’s 18th- and 19th-century Golden Age of Sail. During cooler autumn and winter months, a wood-burning fireplace anchors the room, making it one of downtown Salem’s most sought-after retreats after walking the brick paths of the Heritage Trail. A seasonal outdoor patio operates along the edge of Washington Square during late spring and summer, allowing guests to dine in the fresh coastal air while looking out toward the cast-iron fence and elm trees of Salem Common.
The culinary program focuses on scratch-made New England tavern fare served continuously from late morning through late evening. Guests can start with creamy New England clam chowder, crispy calamari, or warm giant Bavarian-style pretzels before moving on to North Atlantic haddock fish and chips, lobster rolls served hot with butter or chilled with herb mayonnaise, slow-braised short ribs, or gourmet burgers. The full-service bar pours Massachusetts and New England craft beers on draft, curated wines by the glass, and house specialty cocktails—including spiced autumn infusions and classic martinis—alongside vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dining options.
- Fireside Club Room Ambiance: Rich wood paneling, historic nautical portraits, and a central working fireplace create an authentic 1920s New England tavern setting.
- Signature North Shore Seafood: Menu staples include traditional New England clam chowder, fresh haddock fish and chips, pan-seared sea scallops, and classic Maine lobster rolls.
- Craft Cocktails & Regional Drafts: The mahogany bar stocks small-batch bourbons, single-malt Scotches, seasonal house cocktails, and rotating drafts from North Shore and New England breweries.
- Historic Hawthorne Hotel Setting: Situated on the ground floor of a charter member of Historic Hotels of America, where episodes of the classic television series Bewitched were filmed in 1970.
- Seasonal Patio on Salem Common: Warm-weather seating lets diners enjoy lunch, dinner, or evening drinks overlooking the historic public green at Washington Square West.
The Tavern at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA 01970 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown Salem / Salem Common Historic District |
| Operating Hours | Daily: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (kitchen hours may end earlier than late-night bar service) |
| Admission / Price Range | $$ (Starters $12–$20; sandwiches & burgers $17–$26; main entrees $24–$38) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | MBTA Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail (Salem Station, 8-minute walk); Museum Place Garage nearby |
| Official Website & Phone | hawthornehotel.com/dining/the-tavern | +1 978-825-4311 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
While walk-ins are welcome at the bar and tables throughout much of the year, booking ahead via OpenTable or through the official Hawthorne Hotel website is strongly advised on Friday and Saturday evenings and throughout the entire month of October, when Salem’s Haunted Happenings festival draws peak crowds. For a quieter lunch or early dinner, arrive between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM or between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM on weekdays. Travelers arriving by train from Boston’s North Station can take the MBTA Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail to Salem Station and walk eight minutes east along Essex Street and Washington Square. Drivers can use the Museum Place Parking Garage at 1 New Liberty Street directly across from the hotel entrance; registered hotel guests also have access to the property’s private parking lot.
The Hawthorne Hotel and The Tavern provide step-free wheelchair access via an exterior ramp at the entrance on Washington Square West, with level interior thresholds leading to the dining room, bar, and ADA-compliant restrooms on the lobby level. Because of its central location on the Essex Street pedestrian corridor and Salem Common, The Tavern pairs effortlessly with Salem’s top cultural sights: the Peabody Essex Museum and the historic 1818 Essex Institute buildings sit two minutes west on Essex Street, the Salem Witch Museum stands just across the western edge of Salem Common, and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site and Derby Wharf are a seven-minute walk south toward the harbor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours at The Tavern in Salem?
The Tavern operates daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, serving lunch, afternoon tavern fare, dinner, and evening drinks. Visiting during weekday afternoons between 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM offers the most relaxed seating around the bar and fireplace.
Do you need reservations for The Tavern at the Hawthorne Hotel?
Advance reservations are recommended for dinner, weekend meals, and any visit during October’s Haunted Happenings celebrations, though bar seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Expect moderate pricing ($$), with most sandwiches, burgers, and classic pub mains ranging from $17 to $38.
How much time should I budget for dining at The Tavern?
Most guests spend 60 to 90 minutes for a casual lunch or a round of craft cocktails and appetizers at the bar. For a full three-course dinner by the fireplace, plan on roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is The Tavern wheelchair accessible and what is the dress code?
Yes, the Hawthorne Hotel provides an accessible ramp entrance leading directly to the lobby and ground-floor tavern, along with accessible restrooms. The dress code is smart casual to casual, making it welcoming for both sightseers walking the Salem Heritage Trail and evening diners.
When planning your Salem travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and nightlife in Salem, pair this stop with standout local spots including Witch History Museum, The Cove Hotel, Gedney House, and Hawthorne Hotel (nearby).
