Update: Spirits closed their doors in May 2009 and has reopened as Murphys.

One time Salem hot spot Roosevelt’s, after a few owners, much speculation, and many months of being closed, has reopened with a new name – Spirit’s.

We went in for drinks and appetizers the other night and our first impression is that Spirits has potential. The restaurant / bar is brand spanking new but the overall feel of the place is dark and not too inviting. Exposed dark wood beams, and a stone back wall give off a cavern vibe. There is a large stone fireplace opposite the bar in the dining room. The dining room holds a good number of rich wood tables set on a mix of dark stained wood and cream colored tile. Everything was kept very clean (including the spacious bathroom facilities). We were told the second floor space is set to be a function area.

The horse shoe shaped bar can easily fit 25+ people and was full from about 10pm on. We found the bartenders to be attentive and affable. One stand out feature of the aptly named Spirit’s is their exceptional top shelf liquor selection. Someone obviously with knowledge has taken the time to stock the bar with a wide variety of high quality spirits at reasonable prices.

While we did not order dinner, we did try the spinach dip and the nachos. Neither were very impressive. The dip was heavy on the cream and light on the spinach while the nachos were uninspiring with some cheese and veggies dumped on a heap of chips.

We are, however, looking forward to the summer at Spirit’s. They have by far the largest outdoor patio around which should make for some serious summer fun.

As was the case with Fresh Taste of Asia we will give Spirits some time to work out the kinks and go back in a month or two.

Atmosphere: C+
Food: C
Drinks: A
Staff: B
Overall: C+

While we were out Friday night talking to local business owner Natan Lin about his latest project we snapped the above photos of Bangkok Paradise mixologist Jay serving up one of his specialties, the Flaming Jay.

Jay keeps his recipe close to the vest but is happy to instruct you as to the proper way to drink down one of these combustible concoctions. Served partly in a martini glass and also from a flowing creamer, the lights are turned down so others can enjoy the blue flame waterfall while you focus on the mint green beverage.

For those of you who don’t want your eyebrows singed off Jay suggests a house favorite the Bangkok Cocaine. Other favorites of the Salem Insider crew are the Fire and Ice and the Lychee Martini, an Asian treat.

Prior to our New Years Eve bash, some of our contributors were making the rounds and met up with a couple from New York City who were looking for a taste of something different. What they found is sure to spice up your new year.

Rockafellas “helltini” will make fire shoot out your ears, it’s so spicy you have to sign a waiver before you will be served. I had only a few drops and while tasty my tongue and lips were dancing a Cajun two step for the next 10 minutes. Made with vodka, cinnamon, jagermeister and an evil looking spice concoction this martini doesn’t come cheap. But if you are man (or woman) enough to finish this $20 drink you are rewarded not only with a warm glow but you choice of souvenir t-shirt.

A warning from our new tourist friends – “do not take part in any sort of amorous activities directly following consuming this beverage or you run the risk of incinerating your partner’.

A hip big city feel nestled in an artsy down town space.

You really can’t get more down town than Gulu-Gulu Cafe. Situated on the corner of Washington and Essex behind the Samantha statue since August, G²C has become a hot spot for the 20 & 30 something crowd. Their winning combination of a massive beer menu, constantly changing art shows, live music and light fare brings a cool energetic vibe unique to Salem restaurants and bars.

Food menu is limited but tasty. Deserts, coffee’s and cordials are available to those who aren’t counting calories. Service can be spotty at times. Don’t expect a quick in and out experience here, take your time and soak in the atmosphere. This cafe gets slammed on the weekends with their night staff being more attentive and less frazzled than the day staff.

Their location, huge glass windows, inviting interior and outside seating (during the good weather) bring in a diverse crowd. Don’t be surprised to see punk rockers and local artists hanging out with your grandma.

Food: B
Beer Selection: A+
Atmosphere: A
Service: C
Overall: B+