Tavern in the Square
Tavern in the Square
Corner of New Derby & Washington
Salem, MA 01970
www.taverninthesquare.com
Tavern in the Square
The much awaited Tavern In The Square opened this week and we ran over to check it out. The first thing you will notice is that this place is big huge. The generically unimpressive front door opens to a cavernous restaurant/bar. The interior is clean and new with wood floors and unassuming striped carpet but the true nature of this establishment as a sports bar shines through from the plethora of flat screen and projection TVs on almost every inch of the walls.
Interior of Tavern in the Square
We started with one of their featured appetizers Buffalo Calamari ($9.99). The heaping plate came with full calamari as-well-as rings, jalapenos, a healthy dose of blue cheese and an unusual topping of carrot shavings. The buffalo sauce is fairly mild and shouldn’t dissuade anyone from trying this tasty treat.
Buffalo Calamari
For main courses we chose the staple of all sports bars: a burger and, for those who are less meat-centric, a marinated feta and avocado salad with grilled chicken. The burger choice was the Bacon and Blue Cheese stuffed Burger ($11.99). Grilled to a perfect medium rare and loaded up with heaps of blue cheese the burger and side of waffle fries were just what I was looking for, juicy, full of flavor and delicious.
Close-up of the Bacon Blue Burger
The marinated feta and avocado salad ($9.99) was just as massive as the burger. We added the grilled chicken ($2.99) but found that it was not needed because the salad was stocked with white beans and pistachio nuts giving a healthy dose of protein. The greens were fresh and snappy and the salad had interesting and surprisingly good mix of flavors.
Feta Salad with grilled chicken
Even though we were stuffed from our meals (we even took 1/2 the salad home) one item on the desert menu was too tempting to pass up. Super decedent and loaded with more calories than I can even imagine, the Fried Snickers dessert ($6.99) is a Southern treat. Wrapped in a light crust and deep fried, a snickers candy bar never tasted so good.
Fried Snickers
Tavern in the Square is not your typical Salem eatery, it’s a little too polished and forced. Hopefully its personality will emerge over time. With pub trivia on Wednesday and DJ’s Thursday – Saturday, I’m sure the twenty-something crowd that goes to places like Sylvan Street Grille in Danvers will flock to down town Salem and enjoy our newest tavern.
Price: $$
Atmosphere: B
Drinks & wine selection: B
Food: B+
Service: B+
Overall: B+
I hope that when the good weather gets here and the Taverns doors open up that all the condo owners who buy directly above will understand what they have done and not bitch and moan about it like some other new down town condo owners.
its not about complaining, it about business owners and residents working together. The issue is the hours from 1 am-3am when drunks are screaming etc. Also when a developer builds a mixed use building, they insure proper soundproofing is in the plans.We in the downtown love living here. Please stop bashing us and try to listen to ALL downtown residents concerns
As a condo owner in down town I totally agree that people who move in here need to shut their yappers and deal with life in a thriving down town area.
Dan has a point about enthusiastic patrons but as a person who has been in the nighclub industry for many years it is the job of both the bars and the police to keep the patrons inline. That being said out door entertainment (Shanty et al) should still be allowed to continue. I also agree about the soundproofing but if a home buyer fails to inspect their home during peak hours (or weeks as in Halloween) then its their own damn fault and they need to suck it up.
Boy, I really wish I could still find a parking space downtown.
Though biased (my brother is a chef there) I have to say the huge beer list and large menu are great. I had the Fried Risotto and the Blackened Chicken over Fettuccine Alfredo. Very Good food! Went on tonight (thur.) and the place was packed by 6:30 or so.
What a wonderful “Welcome to Salem” Mr. Salem! Hopefully everyone looking into buying in the downtown area will read your article to learn what they are really getting into before dealing with some of the beligerant and disrepectful bar owners in the area on their own. Cheers to making new friends!
As a Salem REALTOR I make sure every buyer client I represent who is looking at homes (condo or otherwise) in or near a downtown area (that includes other towns, also)realizes that you can expect some noise from businesses, events and other activities. If someone moves into a unit right above a restaurant/bar they have to expect some noise.
That being said, all businesses (including bars/restaurants) should be aware of excessive noise created by their business, either directly or indirectly as a result of patrons exiting the establishment.
I believe that Salem restaurants are concerned about noise, and have worked with area residents to reach solutions to any problems that have been raised. Increased police presence at closing time to disperse any groups that hang around after closing time could be a solution, and is currently being looked into. If you were ever in Salem 20 years ago when bar hopping was a local sport, you would know that what we have for noise in downtown Salem is minimal today. Let hope in the near future it will not even be an issue.
I’m a Lynn resident, but I spend a good deal of time in Salem. I’m glad to see new businesses open anywhere these days. I had been looking forward to trying the Tavern, but as a vegetarian who doesn’t watch sports, I may be a little out of luck this time.
Ya gotta wonder who’s fault it is… The patrons’ or the establishments’ to keep the noise down…
Anyways, congrats on having their first thug incident, (a local artist getting a bottle to the head), just shy of being open for 2 weeks. Welcome to the official Meet/Meat market neighborhood…
It is surprising to see how many locals want this place to fail. You would think that with the rejuvination of downtown, and a boost to the economy is just what this town needs. Try giving the place a shot before dismissing it.
I sincerely hope that locals don’t want the Tavern to fail. However the recent violence is a prime example of how not to run an establishment and fuel for the fire of nightlife naysayers.
Whenever there is a venue this large that caters to 20&30 somethings there will be problems. The venue needs to set the tone early and let patrons know this type of behaviour will not be tolerated. People who go out and spend money want to have a good safe time not be peripheral damage in some beer and testosterone induced cock fight.
As far as this venue, they’re better then any other place in Salem. So for a while its going to be the place to be. Unfortunately no one can control anyone else in their actions so even though unfortunate happened, it still is a safe, fun, enjoyable environment for everyone. As far as the downtown neighbors are concerned, I know people in the apartments and they have said they can’t hear anything and that they know the Tavern in the Square is doing their absolute best to make it an enjoyable living area which they believe it has been…
All of the “local haters” are concerned sorry that they’re taking away business at your restaurants (whether working or eating there), if all the places around Salem weren’t so bad no one would be flocking to Tavern in the Square? Hope everyone has a great day!
I don’t want this restaurant to fail, but after two visits, I am underwhelmed. My husband ordered a blue cheese stuffed burger, and it wasn’t stuffed with anything, but rather topped with cold blue cheese. My chicken sandwich was on the dry side… Also, I am not fond of their practice of requiring a credit card regardless of how you are going to pay. But, that said, it is fun to have a new place and I hope they work out the kinks!!
Just so everyone knows, those are apartments upstairs and not condos. They are being rented out by RCG.
And I have a condo about two blocks away – stop giving all of us downtown condo owners a bad name. I for one welcome the tavern in the square and think its an awesome addition to the town. What I don’t like is drunk people screaming in the alley outside my bedroom window at 3 am and getting in fights with one another and the cops.
I found the establishment to be appealing to the eyes but thats it. The food was stale and cold, the service was not only slow but also brought over the wrong drink/food items. Management was kind enough to apologize but that was it. I hope this doesnt occur often but I will never go back to test that out.
My condolences to the downtown residents.
I have been to the tavern several times , id like to point out several things , first this ive read on three occasions about late night noise and fights ? well the tavern itself is only responsable for their crowd and only until 1 maybe 1:30 am , and there security is prompt and polite and clear it out as well as out front of there place quickly and quetly , 3 am ? they are closed completly ? this is local PD issues at that point , second i was there during this alleged fight ? i want to again point out they only have som much control , there was nothing that lead up to it ? it just happend and hen it did happen the security tema coupled with a bartender and server PROMPLTY handled it isolated cleaned it up and even pursued the party who cmmited the act , in fact it happend s smoothly the most patrons didnt know it had happend at all . the management is on site and polite and attentive , the security is polite professional and curtious , even when i have seen a few situations that could become less then pleasant they have wha appears to be a great bar manager and solid head security , who is always asking how we are and making us comfortable and safe , as oppsed to the other bars around with 300 lb oafs and beasts , as for the food and service ? GUYS come ON they just opened , and with such a flood they probably didnt expect . so ? let them work out the kinks , i will continue to be a patron and bring and invite friends , its comfortable and SAFE at night and i commend the management , security and barstaff for there professinalism and manner, i need to express the fact i do not personally know anty of the staff outside of the few staff i met while being there , honarble mention would certainly be Sal , Lauren , Shawn , Brian ,Robbie, Steve and Bonnie just a few i’ve met and had conversations and or expeirinaces with . thank you sincerly Allison
I am a 25 year old woman i have traveled this local bar scene Oneils , Rockafellas , etc etc , and ive seen my share of things fights assaults drugs , sexual harrassment ? I was at the tavern friday night with some friends a couple guys bought us drinks , then became aggitated we didnt make advances , we were made to feel very uncomfortable and ready to leave a few moments later a man approched us asked us if everything was OK i at first ignored him , he walked off and came back and asked again this time inrtoducing himself as an employee and politely explaining if there was a problem to please let him know then he quickly identified the boys who gave us trouble and asked if we were ok he directed one of them back to his area and advised another bouncer to watch him while he payed his bill he stayed in between us and the boys until they were outiside and i need to say i felt very happy with his involvement he introduced himself and moved on , at last call the boys where still outside , he walked us out watched us walk in the other direction and again made me and my friends feel safe and respected we will be back , cant speak on the food or service too much , but the staff and management are there to make you comfortable and safe Period . and with out incident or even being aggresive .
First of all the “condos” above the Tavern are actually apartments not condos. They are not built as well as a condo building would be (Derby Lofts) and yes it is loud in downtown Salem for people who rent here. Kids get drunk because the bars over pour, and they stumble out onto the streets at 1:00 AM to yell and (gasp!) drive!!! The issues here in Salem are not resolved by the police who ineptly turn a blind eye on most calls they receive. That’s not even the worst part of renting in downtown Salem though, the shelter here closes for the summer months and floods the streets with homeless men who shoot up drugs and wonder around drunk from June-August. I have never felt truly safe here and anyone who thinks otherwise is fooling themselves. The bars here with apartments above them (The GULU-GULU being the worst!!) need to be more sympathetic to the residents who simply want to live in peace and not be forced to hear people heaving under their windows and experiencing music from bands as if they were in their living rooms!! They need to look past the $$$ and have some compassion.
I had lunch at the Tavern today ( June 27th ) with my wife & 9 yo daughter. Wife had eggs Benidict ( excellent, rarely available ) I had boneless Buffalo wings ( well done, portion ample ) Miss C had the kids pizza ( bigger than most adult smalls, plenty of cheese ). The large menu shows that management is well versed in the restaurant business ( this is 1 of 5 they run ). We were not the only family with young children dining today. The Sunday buffet sounds like a visit is in order ASAP.
i wanted to check out the new tavern, it was really huge inside and the tv screens everywhere kept you busy till food arrived but that’s it
the food was less than pleasing. i ordered a pizza, well that pizza fit on a dinner plate and was each slice that of a tea cup version size. my friend and i could’nt help giggle alittle, the crust so thin , it was that of a cracker, if even that, i thought i would choke on the cheese and what i swear was store bought sauce, it was terrible and with the 14.00 i spent i won’t frett but i would never eat here again and i certainly would tell all and anyone that experience of it. if you need alot of tv,liquor and alot of noisy screaming for sports, then this is it but the food will not keep you coming. I read one review here about the great food, well all i can say is that , they knew you were coming and hired a chef for that meal because there was no chef nor cook for that matter, it was an insult to my wallet, my palet well its still left wondering what was done to it, thumbs down to this new place
Hi all im lyndsey new to salem tried out the tavern on friday night it was busy but seem to be run well , curtious staff good drinks , nice crowd , a little loud , managers and staff are around and make themselves available , I spoke with P.J. from the door , he was pleasant , my female bartender was prompt , i noticed a bouncer walking around and very carefully watching the crowd , a manager named Matt in the bar area was very polite ,over all a great time . later in the evening the couple next to me and my friend where very drunk the bouncer asked them politely to finsih up and leave after they spilled a drink on me and knocked some bottles over , they became loud and rude with him , yet he maintained a positive attitude , again politely asking them to finish up , even after he was insulted ans sworn at he advised the woman it wasnt personal and to please have a safe night and feel free to come back another time . I like the fact he was as easy going as he was , I asked his name which he smiled and said was Bryan with a Y asked my name shook my hand and asked me to let him know if i needed anything , so I have nothing bad to say , i loved the set up , atmosphere and the four employees i encountered where all polite and curtious , Kudoz to this new place , a breath of fressh air , thank you
To Sue Sue: Small portions aren’t always such a bad thing… (If you catch my meaning). By the way, I ordered the Fish and Chips, and it was delicious. Just to clarify, Sue Sue sounds like she could be a fatty.
Wow, Justin. That was very rude!
Where to begin.. Tavern on the square goes against all the rules of drinking establishments.
First of all they opened without owning a liquor license. Mayor Driscoll said no problem and they got a special license to open when other establishments have to jump therough hoops in order to obtain a license.
Also I am offended everytime I go downtown and have to see and listen to the drunks right out in the open. Other establishments in the city can not even open a window or a door that has a clear view of the inside of their establishment. But Tavern can, it seems do whatever they want. As a lifelong resident of the city I am offended and shocked that the city of Salem especially the mayor would allow this to continue.
I guess maybe money talks. Maybe someone is getting paid off. I don’t see any other explanation
I have only been in TITS once. I don’t live downtown so I don’t have any of the hangups that other people have who live near by. The food was as expected. Not great, but not bad. Loaded with salt, of course. The beer selection is excellent. The service was fine. The noise inside TITS was extreme! Why does this place have a DJ spinning in the corner? That to me is bizarre. If this was a dance joint, sure, but it’s not so WTF? So needless to say, the DJ was blaring dance music, the place was packed (with tourist), and everyone was competing with the total noise volume inside the place. I had to scream to talk to someone sitting beside me. Shouldn’t have to do that. Maybe I should go back in the dead of winter when there’s no annoying tourist and see what the place is like then…to be fair. But my first impression was not the best.
RW,
There has been talk of how they got a liquor license so quickly and about their zoning. Accusations of payoffs are pretty inflammatory but one thing is for sure, with the new tax on alcohol in MA TITS is certainly paying the tax man and the city is getting a nice revenue bump.