the dining/bar area
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Mercy Tavern

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A cozy, eclectic gastropub serving globally inspired comfort food and unique cocktails, with live music on weekends.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
the dining/bar area

Mercy Tavern

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A cozy, eclectic gastropub serving globally inspired comfort food and unique cocktails, with live music on weekends.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"One of the best restaurants we tried in Salem! Food was super delicious and portion sizes were good for the price."

TIP

Visit Early to Avoid Waits

Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid long waits for a table.

Seasonal Cocktails

Don't miss the seasonal cocktail menu for unique and refreshing drink options.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Monday 4PM

Cuisine

American Gastropub

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(978) 741-4436

Address

148 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Signature Burger & Garlic Fries

Signature Burger & Garlic Fries

Charbroiled burgers packed with flavor, served with crispy hand-cut garlic fries.

Google Review
Creative Cocktails & Cozy Atmosphere

Creative Cocktails & Cozy Atmosphere

Unique seasonal cocktails like the Hocus Pocus complement a cozy pub vibe with live music.

The 52 Best Restaurants, Cafes, and More in Salem Right NowGoogle Review
Fresh Seafood & Comfort Fare

Fresh Seafood & Comfort Fare

Indulge in New England comfort food like clam chowder and a highly-praised lobster roll.

Things to Do in Salem MA for Halloween this YearGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

If you are coming to Salem, you have stop by @mercytavern 148 derby street. Best food and drink in town!
@ayles615
5 likes • 177 views

Visit Early to Avoid Waits

Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid long waits for a table.

Seasonal Cocktails

Don't miss the seasonal cocktail menu for unique and refreshing drink options.

Come check out Mercy Tavern…it’s spooky season in Salem
@ayles615
18 likes • 349 views
Eat with me on a weekend in Salem! #salem #salemma #massachusetts #spooky #witchtrials
@hserene412
52 likes • 854 views

Parking Tip

If driving, park on Hawthorne Blvd and enjoy a scenic walk to the tavern.

Picky Eaters

The Mac & Cheese uses rigatoni, not traditional macaroni noodles.

Welcome back to yet another excuse to eat out 😋 Where should I go next?! #salem #salemmassachusetts #salemma #halloween #spookyseason
@thatsalemgirl
224 likes • 2.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Visit Early to Avoid Waits

Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid long waits for a table.

Seasonal Cocktails

Don't miss the seasonal cocktail menu for unique and refreshing drink options.

Parking Tip

If driving, park on Hawthorne Blvd and enjoy a scenic walk to the tavern.

Picky Eaters

The Mac & Cheese uses rigatoni, not traditional macaroni noodles.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Mercy Tavern is a highly-rated gastropub in Salem, praised for its delicious comfort food, creative cocktails, and friendly atmosphere. Diners rave about the burgers, steak tips, and fries, while also appreciating the lively ambiance and live music. Some reviewers note that the restaurant can get busy, leading to waits, and occasionally mention service attentiveness.

"Came in for dinner on a Saturday night. It’s a bit of a small place but they make it work. It did take a minute since we got there during staff shift, however our drinks were on the house! The burger was SO good. You can taste that it is charbroiled and so packed with flavor. Their cider was delicious too. Best meal we had while in Salem!"

Michelle Atton

"One of the best restaurants we tried in Salem! We arrived around 4:30 and waited about 10-15 minutes to sit a party of 3 (not at the bar). Our server wasn't super attentive but the food arrived fairly quick and was super delicious. Portion sizes were good for the price and all the food was seasoned well. I'd recommend the steak tips and garlic fries! The fish and chips were good too but don't expect it to taste like coconuts as the menu makes it seem - it tasted just like regular fish and chips."

Trinity L

"This is a must stop for my husband and I when we visit Salem. The food is always amazing and they have a great selection of beer. They have seating inside and when it is nice outside you can also choose to sit outside which we always often do. My husband also recommends the Lobster Roll! He said it was one of the best ones he has ever had! The staff are also super friendly. I highly suggest this place for a great bite if you are in Salem."

Sarah Regulski

What People Like

Flavorful charbroiled burgers
Crispy garlic fries
Cozy atmosphere with live music

What People Dislike

Can get busy during peak hours
Occasional service lapses

Frequently Asked Questions

Many diners recommend the charbroiled burgers, steak tips, and garlic fries. The lobster roll and clam chowder are also popular choices.

Google Review+1

Yes, Mercy Tavern often features live music on weekends, adding to its lively atmosphere.

Google Review

The restaurant offers a cozy, friendly, and eclectic atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for dining and drinks.

Google Review+1

Parking can be challenging. It's recommended to find parking on Hawthorne Blvd and take a short walk.

Google Review

The menu is designed to offer something for everyone, including vegan options.

Google Review

While not explicitly stated, it's advisable to visit early during peak hours to avoid waits.

Yes, Mercy Tavern has a full bar featuring craft beer, wines, and creative cocktails.

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Time Out

Things to Do in Salem MA for Halloween this Year

Mercy Tavern (148 Derby St. 978-741-4436) is a cozy, eclectic pub situated near the harbor with live music on the weekends and comfort food made with New England ingredients, such as pumpkin ravioli with fried leeks and broccoli rabe and a fun lobster roll dressed up with roasted corn, caramelized shallots and bacon aioli.

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The 52 Best Restaurants, Cafes, and More in Salem Right Now

It’s good-vibes-only at Mercy Tavern, a sunny, friendly hang serving excellent (and eclectic) comfort food. One might find fish and chips featuring coconut fried haddock; garlicky French fries covered in tzatziki sauce and feta cheese; and the venue’s signature pumpkin ravioli in a brown butter sauce with cherry drizzle and fried leeks. Meanwhile, potions like the Hocus Pocus—tequila with autumnal fruits and spices—keep us energized for Friday Blues jams and more live music.

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If you’re looking for a more casual lunch setting (or dinner), Mercy Tavern is a fun spot with an outdoor picnic patio under string lights. We actually went here for dinner and it was a great spot for cocktails. I’m not sure if it’s always like this or if it was just themed that night, but they were playing 80s songs and playing 80s movies the entire time we were there, which I found to be really fun and enjoyable!

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Treat Yourself To The Best Restaurants In Salem

Mercy Tavern is a another spectacular spot to settle into after a day of exploring in Salem. The funky vibe is perfect for those that favor the (off)beaten path, and the menu is chock full of comfort food with an international focus. You'll want to fill up on their pumpkin ravioli with brown butter wine sauce, or baked mac and cheese with chorizo and caramelized onions.

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Mercy Tavern works hard to be the best neighborhood restaurant and bar in Salem, MA. We are committed to delicious, locally sourced and sustainably produced food and drink, and we place tremendous value in fun, friendship and community. Our staff is committed to one another, to our guests, and to providing exceptional service. We truly do care about your experience.

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Mercy Tavern is a cozy neighborhood gastropub with a friendly and inviting atmosphere. The full bar features craft beer, wines, and cocktails, and the food at Mercy Tavern is best described as New England comfort food. Mercy Tavern has live entertainment often, so check out the events calendar if you’d like to see who’s playing at this cool Salem bar!

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Best Brunch in Salem: Complete Guide (2025)

Mercy Tavern in Salem is a delightful little spot that has quickly become one of my new favorites. As someone who appreciates efficiency, I was pleasantly surprised by the quick accommodations provided by the staff, ensuring that my brunch experience started off on the right foot. Now, let's talk about the most important part: the food and drinks.

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The Perfect Spooky Getaway

High quality, locally sourced and sustainably produced food and drink in Salem, Massachusetts.” One extremely rainy day in Salem, I ducked into Mercy to hide from the storm, and boy I’m glad I did!. A band was playing live music and the place was PACKED!. The general vibe was wonderful, everyone was enjoying the music and having a jolly ole’ time.

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Haunted Pub Crawl

Mercy Tavern showed anything but for the town of Salem, serving as a brothel that operated on top of the tunnels where murders ran rampant. Suck back one of their signature drinks, such as a Hocus Pocus and Room on the Broom, and settle in for some horrifying stories of hauntings by sailor spirits that you’ll need some liquid courage for.

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25+ Best Restaurants In Salem MA For Every Vibe |

If you’re looking for a casual Gastropub restaurant in Salem Ma, Mercy Tavern is definitely your place. Mercy Tavern is a popular destination for tourists as well as locals in Salem Massachusetts. It’s super cute and is right across the street from the House of Seven Gables, so you can stop in after a tour.

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Across the street from Witch's Brew, this is a fun one for boozy brunch, with drinks like The Pig-A-Rita made with tequila, sours, grenadine, and pineapple juice, The Ripple made with gin, elderflower liqueur, simple syrup, lemon, and Prosecco, or The Mercy Mule made with vodka, blackberry, and ginger beer.

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Mercy Tavern is committed to delicious, locally sourced and sustainably produced food and drink, and we place tremendous value in fun, friendship and community, so much so that a percentage of every customer’s tab goes directly to organizations that help our community.

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So, you want to go to Salem, Massachusetts

It’s a very laid back place withn delicious food and drinks, a welcoming staff, and a cozy, homey atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a tasty meal or just want to unwind with a drink, Mercy has you covered. It’s the perfect spot to kick back and relax.

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Before you leave, walk over to the waterfront area to grab a pint at Mercy Tavern, a former brothel said to be haunted by the ghosts of sailors who used to visit.

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Mercy Tavern, Gulu Gulu, Howling Wolf, Notch Brewery, Old Main Street Pub, and All Saints Lounge. Hopefully those should keep you busy on a Wednesday night.

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The heart of the internet

I definitely will be taking them to All Souls, Bit Bar, and Mercy Tavern, but suggestions beyond that?. Also any specific food/drinks that are a must try?

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They also have amazing mac n’ cheese (like, maybe the best ever.) and really good salads. Amazing drinks and super nice staff.

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