Rockafellas – Top notch casual dining
Written by Glen Hughes on June 13th, 2006 5 Comments
Rockafellas
231 Essex St.
One of the most well known of Salem’s downtown restaurants, Rockafellas serves up good food, a wide variety of specialty cocktails and live music- all in a primo location. You”ll find Rockafellas on the corner of Essex and Washington streets, right where we left it.
As with many of the local businesses this restaurant is housed in a building that has quite a history. The Daniel Lowe Building was constructed in 1826; the second floor was used by First Church which owned the property since 1629. In 1874, the building was remodeled in the High Victorian Gothic style and retains much of its architecture today.
Why am I telling you this?
Because when you head in you will find many of the original accents, beautiful wood beams, windows and hardwoods. Also, prior to becoming a restaurant it appears Rockafellas was a bank at one time; on the back marble wall you will find the walk in safe which has been converted into wine storage.
We go to Rockafellas every once in a while and have had mixed luck with the service personnel. While they all tend to be friendly and somewhat attentive, on one occasion the hostess had seated us at a table apparently in none of the waitresses sections. After waiting 25 minutes (we wanted to see how long it took) the manager noticed us, apologized and from there on we were well taken care of (on their dime).
Rockafellas constantly changes up their drink menus and always has something fresh for the season. New on the menu for the summer are the Blueberry and Pear martinis, both were smooth and refreshing- as well as a Strawberry Mango mojito to die for. This is also one of the few places around where you can try a Dark and Stormy if you are looking for something a bit different.
When you get your drinks your server will also give you some fresh focaccia bread and home made pesto, one of the best freebies in town. The appetizer menu is chock full of yummieness. If your longing for the good old 1970”s try the Cheese Fondue, loaded with gouda, crabmeat, and a hint of horseradish served with a overflowing plate of focaccia, fruits and veggies, this is almost too much food and too rich for two people.
After 8:30pm the live music starts along with a cover charge, Salem insiders know to get in for dinner or drinks by 7:30-8pm to assure a good seat and no cover.
Overall rating for Rockafellas: A
[...] Rockafellas – You get a great view of downtown and there will always be a bunch of people hanging out watching the weather whip down the street. [...]
ROCKAFELLAS
THE BEST PLACE IN SALEM FOR DINNER AND DRINKS IS A STONES THROW FROM ANOTHER SALEM LANDMARK, THE FRONT STREET COFFEE HOUSE
IF YOU VISIT SALEM AND ONLY GO TO TWO PLACES, THESE ARE THE TWO….
TOP 10
#1 0 BAR in Salem
#9 best live music
#8 did you check out all the beautiful women
#7 tripple mint location
#6 one of the best historic buildings in Salem
#5 cool owners
#4 hot chicks work the bar with ____knockers
#3 did you check out that bartender
#2 did you check out all the beautiful women drinking on saturday
#1 better every year!!!!!!!!!!!
It’s good to see that someone who works for the places we review actually reads this
[...] Rockafellas 231 Essex Street Tel.: 978-745-2411 [...]