Location: Salem
Top Restaurants in Salem
Salem Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Salem
Salem is a city in Salem County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population was 5,146, reflecting a decrease of 711 (−12.1%) from the 5,857 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn declined by 1,026 (−14.9%) from the 6,883 counted in the 1990 Census, an overall drop of more than 25% over the two decades. It is the county seat of Salem County, the state's most rural county. The name "Salem", in both the city and county, is derived from the Hebrew word shalom, meaning "peace".
Things to do in Salem
1. Bud's Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By migratialcoconut - Alloway, New Jersey
Small local convenience store with great food! Love their tuna salad hoagie and cheesesteaks! Note that a "half" hoagie will definitely fill you up and runs about $6-$8 depending on what kind you get. Breakfast sandwiches from here are also good!
2. Jessop's Tavern
Overall Ratings
4 based on 360 reviews
Jessop's proudly specializes in Belgian Beers. We carry over 300 bottles and 21 drafts.
Reviewed By Steve1362 - Avon, Ohio
Located in a building dating back to 1674 in historic New Castle near the waterfront where William Penn first landed in 1682, the stage is well set for the interesting, historic atmosphere one experiences at Jessop’s Tavern created by the period décor, rustic furnishings, staff in period dress, and pewter-look tableware.
Arriving for lunch prior to a business meeting, we were not able to sample any of the interesting beers but we were able to sample a number of the different items on the menu. We all felt the jalapeno beer cheese soup was good and my Town Hall Turkey sandwich on wheat berry bread with cranberry mayonnaise was very good but my colleague felt the Shepard’s Pie was mediocre while another enjoyed her fresh salad.
No one in our group was completely unhappy with their selection and the portions were more than ample; combined with the unique atmosphere, our visit to Jessop’s Tavern was a good, enjoyable experience.
3. Crabby Dick's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 210 reviews
Reviewed By daisyferret1 - Delaware
Stopped in here for dinner one night since I had a coupon for a free birthday dinner. Was disappointed that the menu seemed to have changed yet again since my last visit. The coconut shrimp entree was no longer on the menu, which was one of my favorites. You can still get them as an appetizer of 5 if you want. I inquired about the entree & was told that I could order the 5 shrimp that come on the appetizer and add sides to it to create my own entree. That was not what I wanted to hear since I believe the entree used to come like like 7-9 coconut shrimp on it. I decided to go with the chicken cheese steak. I had had it in the past and enjoyed it so I felt it was a safe bet. However, I was disappointed when the cheese steak was served open face with NO top bun. Who eats a cheese steak open faced? I asked about it NOT having the top bun & the waitress said that is how they serve it here. Really?? I have photos from my last visit that show that it USED to have a top and bottom bun, so I guess that has changed too. My waitress did NOT offer to get me another bun or anything! It makes it kind of hard to eat a cheese steak with only half a bun!! Also, my cheese steak came out PLAIN with NO tomatoes or pickles this time. WHY? I had to ask for pickles!! The cheese steak was very good in terms of taste and flavor, but difficult to eat. Regular fries were and upcharge (or you get potato chips) and were just so-so.
My husband ordered the scallops for dinner, which he LOVED. However, he was disappointed to see that the seafood combo that he usually orders was no longer on the menu either! He opted to upgrade to the sweet potato fries and enjoyed them as well.
Kids had the chicken tenders and the bacon cheese burger. They both enjoyed them. I think the tenders were better than the burger, but the kids had no complaints. They also enjoyed the complimentary popcorn served as an appetizer.
Overall, food was good. Service was OK. Not terrible, but could have been better.
Our waitress was brand NEW---her very first night. Was disappointed in level of care in terms of making suggestions to make us happy (another bun, a coconut shrimp entree, seafood combo, etc). Was also disappointed with the menu changes we noticed.
Atmosphere is relaxed and casual. It is nothing fancy. Brown paper covers the table tops. It is a crab shack, so that is expected. Bar area seems to be popular. Decor is fisherman themed.
Bottom line: Food is good. Speed of service is somewhat slow. Atmosphere could be better. Menu selections are dwindling. Go for good food, but don't expect a stellar or speedy service.
4. Ice Cream Parlor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Laurie A
Delicious Ice Cream! Wonderful service. A great treat for the whole family. Charming authentic Ice Cream Parlor in Historical Delaware City serving a wide variety of flavors. Loved It!
5. Italian Kitchen of Pennsville
Overall Ratings
5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By Shelley P - Orange
My husband shoots competitive clay pigeon shooting and we always stop here for lunch. I get the roast beef and it is the most delicious thing I have ever eaten. We love eating here.
6. Seagraves Steak & Submarine Shop
Overall Ratings
5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By calm_weather - South Jersey
Chopped steak that is actually chopped, cheese mixed into the steak, and literally shoveled onto the bread. These cheesesteaks are two meals on their own. Some people would call it a hole in the wall, a small footprint that is a grill, one cold cut cabinet, a couple drink refrigerators and space for four or five people to wait.
It's out of the way. There's no reason to go to Salem and this is south, beyond Salem. But Seagraves gives you a reason to go through Salem to get some great cheesesteaks.
7. Bud's Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By ericsS4528NA - Salem, New Jersey
If you want a cheesesteak then this is the place to go. Mom and pop stores are rare these days and the food is very good.
8. Pennsville Custard Stand
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By mrsbdc - Johnstown, Pennsylvania
I was visiting from out of town and we stopped here twice during our five day stay! It was so nice to find an ice cream place still open in October. The ice cream was excellent and the service was fast and friendly. There are some picnic tables on which to sit and enjoy your yummy treats. If I return to Pennsville, I'm returning to the Custard Stand!
9. Brad's Pizza & Sub
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Khalil-Greene
If you have live in the area or were in town for an Island outage then you need to stop at Brad's. Brad's is great for brunch, lunch, dinner or even catering. Brad and his wife are the nicest people you will encounter out in the Hancock's Bridge area. Their food is great and they are reliable when it comes to catering. I suggest anyone in the area stop and order a bite to eat because you will not regret it.
10. Cracker Barrel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By Terps007 - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Like always the food is God at Cracker Barrel at a fair price . Same can be said about this location but the service is a little slow and not to friendly .
