Tavern at the Hawthorne

Tavern at the Hawthorne
18 Washington Square West
978 825.4342

There are a few dining bargains to be found in Salem if you keep your eyes open. The historic Hawthorne Hotel named for famous Salem resident and author Nathaniel Hawthorne, is home to two different restaurants; we checked out the Two Dinners for $26.00 special at the Tavern.

The Tavern feels like a true tavern (go figure). On the first floor inside the hotel just off the left side of the lobby (it’s handicapped-accessible) you’ll find a nice-sized room with light wood walls and plenty of windows to watch life go by on the Common. In the cold weather months you can sit on one of the couches by the fire, or in the summer you can watch the game on one of their plasma screens. Also of note: many of the seats are plush wing back chairs while the majority of seating is made up of oversized wooden chairs. It really is a comfy inviting atmosphere.

After we were seated the waitress took our drink order, we got a couple of draught beers. I was disappointed to receive a little 10 oz glass for $4.50- I had expected at least a pint. Dinner starts off with a mixed greens salad and fresh rolls. Next came your choice of three different entrees, I got the Fusilli Toscana while my partner in crime opted for the Filet of Sole Florentine. Both were delicious. After dinner you are treated to the chef’s choice of dessert, which for us was a moist white cake with butter cream frosting topped with raspberry sauce. All that was capped off with a good old fashioned cup of coffee.

All portions (except for the beer) were good sized while not going overboard, and everything was to our liking. We felt the 2 dinner special was well worth the $26.00. Keep in mind the menu changes every month and this special is only served Sunday through Wednesday. Also do yourself a favor and walk across the street to McSwiggins (now The Old Spot) for a beer if you really want one.

Since this is in one of Salem’s large hotels it is an easy find for many out-of-towners, and a hidden treasure for the locals.

Drinks: C
Food: B
Atmosphere: B
Overall Rating: B