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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Mercy Tavern

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cozy, eclectic gastropub serving globally inspired comfort food and unique cocktails, with live music on weekends.
"One of the best restaurants we tried in Salem! Food was super delicious and portion sizes were good for the price."
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.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American Gastropub
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Signature Burger & Garlic Fries
Charbroiled burgers packed with flavor, served with crispy hand-cut garlic fries.

Creative Cocktails & Cozy Atmosphere
Unique seasonal cocktails like the Hocus Pocus complement a cozy pub vibe with live music.

Fresh Seafood & Comfort Fare
Indulge in New England comfort food like clam chowder and a highly-praised lobster roll.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
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
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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Many diners recommend the charbroiled burgers, steak tips, and garlic fries. The lobster roll and clam chowder are also popular choices.
Yes, Mercy Tavern often features live music on weekends, adding to its lively atmosphere.
The restaurant offers a cozy, friendly, and eclectic atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for dining and drinks.
Parking can be challenging. It's recommended to find parking on Hawthorne Blvd and take a short walk.
The menu is designed to offer something for everyone, including vegan options.
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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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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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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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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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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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.
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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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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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.
nightlife in salem : SalemMA
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.
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?
What to eat in Salem Massachusetts
They also have amazing mac n’ cheese (like, maybe the best ever.) and really good salads. Amazing drinks and super nice staff.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit