
Rockafellas Restaurant
Experience modern American cuisine in Salem's historic Daniel Low Building, once a bank, now a vibrant restaurant with a unique vault dining experienc...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Rockafellas Restaurant

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience modern American cuisine in Salem's historic Daniel Low Building, once a bank, now a vibrant restaurant with a unique vault dining experience.
"This place is a true gem! Cozy atmosphere, incredibly delicious food, and kind, attentive staff."
Terrace Dining
Enjoy dishes like chicken wings or salads on the terrace for a pleasant outdoor dining experience.
Book the Vault
For a special occasion, reserve the exclusive 'Vault' dining experience for a unique Halloween treat.

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

Historic Charm & Unique Dining
Dine in a meticulously restored 19th-century bank, with the original vault offering a unique, exclusive dining experience.

Award-Winning Crab Cakes
Savor tender and flavorful crab cakes, a highly recommended starter that many visitors rave about.

Cocktails & Calamari
Experience some of the best calamari ever tasted, perfectly complemented by delicious and inventive cocktails.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Terrace Dining
Enjoy dishes like chicken wings or salads on the terrace for a pleasant outdoor dining experience.
Book the Vault
For a special occasion, reserve the exclusive 'Vault' dining experience for a unique Halloween treat.
Historic Ambiance
Appreciate the restaurant's rich history, housed in a restored bank building with elegant decor.
Pet-Friendly Patio
Bring your furry friends to enjoy a meal and treats on the patio, with a chance to be featured on social media.
Tips
from all over the internet
Terrace Dining
Enjoy dishes like chicken wings or salads on the terrace for a pleasant outdoor dining experience.
Book the Vault
For a special occasion, reserve the exclusive 'Vault' dining experience for a unique Halloween treat.
Historic Ambiance
Appreciate the restaurant's rich history, housed in a restored bank building with elegant decor.
Pet-Friendly Patio
Bring your furry friends to enjoy a meal and treats on the patio, with a chance to be featured on social media.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rockafellas is celebrated for its delicious modern American cuisine, particularly its flavorful crab cakes and calamari. Diners praise the cozy atmosphere within the historic building and the attentive service. While many find the food exceptional, a few reviews mention occasional disappointing dishes or a lack of flavor, suggesting consistency can sometimes be an issue.
"Great restaurant in downtown Salem! Started with the curried chicken eggs roles, came with 2 but they were cut in half so 4 total. Got the margarita pizza and Caesar salad which both were good. The cranberry cocktail was amazing which is a mocktail. Service was great and we all left happy."
Christina Mayes
"This place is a true gem! We travel a lot and have visited many restaurants around the world, but this one has become our absolute favorite. Cozy atmosphere, incredibly delicious food, and a kind, attentive staff — everything is just perfect. We keep coming back every day because we simply don’t want to go anywhere else.
A special thank you for how you treat animals — the pet menu truly impressed us! It’s something you rarely see, and it means a lot. Thank you for the care, the flavors, and the warmth. Wishing your restaurant many, many successful years ahead!"
Евгения Трушина
"An excellent spot! We only ordered the French onion soup and a cappuccino, but both were outstanding. The soup was rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The cappuccino was smooth and well-prepared.
The restaurant itself is beautiful—stylish yet welcoming—and it’s a great place to relax and enjoy good company. We’ll definitely be back to try more from the menu."
josefercast
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Rockafellas is housed in a historic 19th-century bank building, featuring a unique 'Vault' dining experience for special occasions.
Yes, Rockafellas offers a pet-friendly patio with a special pet menu and a weekly 'Patio Pooch' social media campaign.
Visitors often recommend the tender crab cakes, calamari, and Margarita pizza. The French onion soup and side salads also receive high praise.
Yes, Colonial Hall at Rockafellas, located above the restaurant, is available for events and weddings.
They offer a variety of cocktails, including themed drinks like the 'Salem Witch' and 'Helltini', as well as beer and wine.
Yes, Rockafellas is a popular lunch spot with a fun bar vibe and a menu featuring burgers, flatbreads, and classic American eats.
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Featured in these publications
Witch City Walking Tours: Discovering Salem’s Haunting Past
There are lots of iconic landmarks to see along the “History and Hauntings” tour, from Salem’s first Puritan church (now Rockafellas restaurant) where you’ll learn the story of The Lady in Blue, to the Witch House, a structure famous for its direct relation to the Salem Witch Trials. You’ll see the Ropes Mansion, and stroll through its beautiful backyard garden, take in the facade of Hamilton Hall, and walk down the iconic Chestnut Street, one of the most beautiful and historic spots in the city. At each of these picturesque spots, Ryan carved out time for guests of the tour to stop and take photos, or ask him any questions they may have.
Reviews of the 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Salem MA 2024
Rockafellas Restaurant in Salem, MA, emerges as a culinary gem, housed within a tastefully restored historic building that once served as a bank, exuding elegance and offering a delightful dining experience. Nestled in a prime location, this restaurant delights patrons with its varied menu, attentive service, and delicious cuisine, earning praise and becoming a highlight of many visitors’ trips to Salem. Amidst a vacation rule to try something unique, the Crabcake BLT and an unnamed pasta dish left a positive impression, offering both novelty and quality in taste.
6 Amazing Salem MA Wedding Venues for an Enchanting Celebration
Elegant balconies, stunning chandeliers, a grand staircase for a perfect grand entrance to your reception…what’s not to love about the Colonial Hall at Rockafellas?. A partner venue of Rockafellas Restaurant, the venue is located right above the restaurant in a historic building that was once home to the country’s largest jewelry store. If you envision your big day in a bright, spacious ballroom with an air of historic charm and elegance, be sure to check out Colonial Hall!
Why Restaurants are a Hot Ticket in Salem Ma for Next Two Weeks – Salem Main Streets
Rockafellas established a new tradition in dining in the center of historic Salem in 2003. As the most delicious occupant of the renowned Daniel Low Building, Rockafellas restaurant follows several other institutions of reputation including a department store, a bank (the vault now stores wines) and one of the first churches in America. Their menu features fresh seafood and Black Angus steaks and offers everything from burgers and salads and tapas to gourmet presentations.
Salem's Best Lobster Roll Spots [2025 Guide]
Rockafellas Restaurant, conveniently located in the heart of Salem, is a hidden gem for seafood lovers seeking the best lobster roll in town. From the moment I stepped through the door, I was warmly greeted by a staff who exuded genuine hospitality and made me feel right at home. Walking towards our table, I couldn't help but notice the well-crafted Halloween decorations that adorned the restaurant.
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Able to accommodate up to 200 people, Colonial Hall at Rockafellas serves as a gorgeous venue in which to host a wedding. Boasting gleaming hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, and gracious balconies, their vintage grand ballroom is committed to adding simple elegance to your wedding. The team will try their best to make your cocktail party, wedding ceremony, and reception perfect.
All Restaurants in Salem, Massachusetts, United States
Rockafellas Restaurant is popular with local residents and tourists alike for a casual lunch, or dinner in the dining room or drinks with friends at its wide classic bar. Our menu features a variety of fine dishes for any palate, including fresh seafood, Black Angus steaks, refreshing salads, and gourmet flat breads. We carry a wide selection of choice beer
We’re in a Fur-enzy about these pet friendly locations!
If you are looking for a centrally located spot for you and your pets to stop by head over to Rockafellas. You can enjoy a great meal and drink while your pet snacks on some dog treats or a pup cup provided by Rockafellas gracious and friendly staff. If you are lucky your pooch might even be featured on their weekly Patio Pooch social media campaign!
7 Best Beer & Cocktail Spots In Salem, MA
Rockafellas is also a fantastic local spot to grab a few pints and libations (and the food is pretty great as well). Cocktails include a Strawberry Negroni, Honey Lavender Lemondrop Martini, the Salem Witch, The Essex, and the Mango Habanero Paloma. And if you’re brave enough, you might even dare to take on the infamous Helltini.
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Salem, MA - The Samantha Show
–Rockafellas: This is usually my first stop because of the location and the food!. It’s located on the corner of Essex Street and has the best patio when it’s nice out!. You can also sit at the bar and grab a drink (home to the Mystery Shot if you have ever heard of that and if not and you’re feeling adventurous, stop here).
14 Spooky Things To Do In Salem, Massachusetts
At this point in your walking tour through Salem you might be getting a bit hungry (after all you have been walking for over 40 minutes!). So it might be a good idea to stop for a bite at Rockafellas. In keeping with the tour’s haunted theme, Rockafellas Restaurant is also known to be one of Salem’s most haunted restaurants.
5 College Bars In The Salem Area You Must Try
Rockafellas is an interesting mix of people; it ranges from college students to adults. But they have great little live bands playing pretty much every weekend. If you are looking for a change from the DJ's and are in dire need of some good live music to dance to then this is definitely the place.
Top 5 Gluten-Free American Diners to Enjoy in Salem
A must-visit in Salmon with a diverse menu and standout flatbreads, perfect for anyone looking for a delicious dining experience!. A good place in Salmon, where everyone can find something. The fish and chips were pretty good, though you don’t get as much fish as expected for the price.
Salem Restaurants - Where To Eat and Drink in Salem
231 Essex St. 978-745-2411A premier casual restaurant in historic downtown Salem, MA with superior food, drinks, entertainment and service. Live entertainment including rock, salsa, country, jazz, and big band in a comfortable, charming setting.
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When dinner time rolls around I’d say a stop into Rockafellas is in order. Their food is average “American fare”, however it’s the window booths that I am always after. Especially near Halloween, when people are walking around in costume!.
What to eat in Salem Massachusetts
Rockafellas: People rave about this place, but just like Dire Wolf, I haven’t had anything bad here but I also haven’t had anything that I’m dying to come back for. The atmosphere is nice, the staff is nice. Good beer selection.
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Conveniently located on Salem's downtown pedestrian mall, Rockafellas serves sophisticated yet family-friendly American fare in a warm atmosphere. It's the perfect stop for a pit-stop when visiting Salem.
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Colonial Hall at Rockafellas is a stunning function venue located in the heart of historic Salem, Massachusetts. With its vaulted ceilings, gleaming hardwood floors and gracious balconies it is the pe
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Rockafellas in Salem Massachusetts is the best place for a great night out in town. They have great music, drink specials and awesome food. Photo Credit – ShoreSociety.com
A Weekend Itinerary On A Budget
I had my first dinner at Rockafellas Restaurant, which is located in a historic building that’s said to be haunted.
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