Salem Nightlife Guide: Complete Guide
Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. Discover the best nightlife experiences in Salem.
Welcome to the ultimate nightlife guide for Salem! Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best nightlife experiences that Salem has to offer, from popular hotspots to hidden local favorites. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find insider tips, detailed recommendations, and everything you need to make the most of your nightlife adventure in Salem. Our carefully curated selection ensures you won't miss any of the must-see spots while also discovering unique experiences that most tourists overlook.
Key Takeaways
- Salem offers over 62 exceptional nightlife experiences
- Best time to visit varies by activity - check individual listings for optimal timing
- Many experiences require advance booking, especially during peak season
- Local guides and experts provide invaluable insights and access
- Prices range from budget-friendly to premium, with options for every preference
Top Bars & Cocktail Lounges
Craft cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and unique drinking establishments with great atmospheres.
Tipsy Cowboy Country Dive
Highly rated Restaurant in Salem with 4.7 stars from 406 reviews.
📍 221 Washington St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Hallowed Ground
Highly rated American in Salem with 4.6 stars from 116 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 87 Washington St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
All Souls Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Salem with 4.5 stars from 466 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 282 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Babe
Highly rated Bar in Salem with 4.5 stars from 194 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 268 Washington St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Mercy Tavern
Highly rated American in Salem with 4.6 stars from 1381 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 148 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Bit Bar Salem
Highly rated Restaurant in Salem with 4.4 stars from 1816 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 278 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Deacon Giles Distillery
Highly rated Bar in Salem with 4.8 stars from 181 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 75 Canal St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Side Hustle Bar
Highly rated Bar in Salem with 4.6 stars from 927 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 145 Liberty St NE Suite #101, Salem, OR 97301, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Cozy Taberna
Highly rated Bar in Salem with 4.7 stars from 1180 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 249 Liberty St NE #140, Salem, OR 97301, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Olde Main Street Pub
Highly rated American in Salem with 4.5 stars from 955 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 121 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Dire Wolf Tavern
Highly rated Restaurant in Salem with 4.4 stars from 1953 reviews.
📍 87 Washington St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Rabbit Cellar Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Salem with 4.5 stars from 166 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1320 Edgewater St NW b10, Salem, OR 97304, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Nightclubs & Dance Venues
Popular nightclubs, dance clubs, and venues featuring top DJs and live performances.
The Night Deposit Whiskey Library
Highly rated Bar in Salem with 4 stars from 590 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 195 Commercial St NE, Salem, OR 97301, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Hallowed Ground
Highly rated American in Salem with 4.6 stars from 116 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 87 Washington St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Southside Speakeasy
Highly rated Bar in Salem with 4.3 stars from 312 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3529 Fairview Industrial Dr SE, Salem, OR 97302, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Bit Bar Salem
Highly rated Restaurant in Salem with 4.4 stars from 1816 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 278 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Sugar Shack Gentlemen's Club
Highly rated International in Salem with 3.6 stars from 80 reviews.
📍 3803 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97302, USA
- 🌃Quality ingredients and preparation
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
MIXX 360 Nightlife
Highly rated Bar in Salem with 4.3 stars from 186 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 665 Broadway, Malden, MA 02148, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Firehouse Cabaret
Highly rated International in Salem with 3.8 stars from 70 reviews.
📍 5782 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97305, USA
- 🌃Quality ingredients and preparation
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Fuego Latin Club
Highly rated International in Salem with 3.6 stars from 66 reviews.
📍 3393 River Rd N, Keizer, OR 97303, USA
- 🌃Quality ingredients and preparation
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Deacon Giles Distillery
Highly rated Bar in Salem with 4.8 stars from 181 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 75 Canal St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
La Leyenda Nightclub
Highly rated International in Salem with 3.9 stars from 31 reviews.
📍 3260 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301, USA
- 🌃Quality ingredients and preparation
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Live Music Venues
Concert halls, jazz clubs, and venues showcasing local and international musical talent.
Hallowed Ground
Highly rated Bar in Salem with 4.6 stars from 116 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 87 Washington St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Tipsy Cowboy Country Dive
Highly rated Restaurant in Salem with 4.7 stars from 406 reviews.
📍 221 Washington St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Ramkat
Highly rated International in Salem with 4.6 stars from 728 reviews.
📍 170 W Ninth St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Moon Base One
Highly rated International in Salem with 4.3 stars from 12 reviews.
📍 24 New Derby St #1, Salem, MA 01970, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Half Penny Public House
Highly rated Bar in Salem with 4.4 stars from 1396 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3743 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97302, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Mercy Tavern
Highly rated American in Salem with 4.6 stars from 1381 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 148 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
The BAD Space
Highly rated International in Salem with 4.9 stars from 104 reviews.
📍 2572 19th St SE, Salem, OR 97302, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Elsinore Theatre
Highly rated International in Salem with 4.7 stars from 1272 reviews.
📍 170 High St SE, Salem, OR 97301, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Late-Night Dining
Restaurants and eateries open late for post-party meals and midnight cravings.
Mercy Tavern
Highly rated American in Salem with 4.6 stars from 1381 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 148 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Mac and Bob's
Highly rated American in Salem with 4.4 stars from 3004 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 316 E Main St, Salem, VA 24153, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Village Tavern | Bar & grill
Highly rated American in Salem with 4.3 stars from 3033 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 168 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
The Tavern
Highly rated Restaurant in Salem with 4.5 stars from 460 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA 01970, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Trade House
Highly rated Restaurant in Salem with 4.7 stars from 49 reviews.
📍 156 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Olde Main Street Pub
Highly rated American in Salem with 4.5 stars from 955 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 121 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Entertainment & Shows
Comedy clubs, theaters, and entertainment venues offering nighttime performances.
Elsinore Theatre
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Salem venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Bit Bar Salem
Experience unforgettable entertainment at this Salem venue, offering shows and performances for all tastes.
- •Book tickets online in advance
- •Check show duration and intermissions
- •Arrive early to find parking
- •Review venue policies before attending
- •Check for package deals
Northern Lights Theatre Pub
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Salem venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Nightlife Districts
Popular neighborhoods and areas known for vibrant nightlife and bar-hopping.
Side Hustle Bar
Explore Salem's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Dehn Bar
Explore Salem's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Night Deposit Whiskey Library
Explore Salem's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Hallowed Ground
Explore Salem's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
TN27 Restobar
Explore Salem's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Abis Club
Explore Salem's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Essential Tips
- 🌃Check dress codes before heading out
- 🌃Arrive early to avoid long lines at popular venues
- 🌃Use ride-sharing apps for safe transportation
- 🌃Keep valuables secure and stay aware of surroundings
- 🌃Pace yourself and stay hydrated
- 🌃Research cover charges and drink prices
- 🌃Make reservations for popular venues
- 🌃Bring valid ID - many places are strict about checking
- 🌃Start early - some venues close earlier than expected
- 🌃Ask locals for current hotspots and hidden gems
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time for nightlife experiences in Salem varies by activity and season. Generally, spring and fall offer ideal conditions with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season with the most options but also the highest prices and largest crowds. Winter can offer unique experiences and better deals, though some activities may be limited.
Average Price
Prices for nightlife experiences in Salem range widely depending on the activity and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium and exclusive options can range from $200-500+. Many activities offer group discounts and package deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Salem offers many excellent nightlife experiences, each with its own unique character. The best choice depends on your preferences, budget, and schedule, but our guide highlights the top-rated options that consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
Timing varies by activity, but generally spring and fall offer ideal conditions. Summer is peak season with the most options but larger crowds. Check individual listings for specific timing recommendations and seasonal considerations.
For popular experiences, especially during peak season, advance booking is highly recommended. Some activities have limited capacity and sell out quickly. Booking ahead also often provides better rates and ensures availability.
Requirements vary by activity, but generally bring comfortable clothing, appropriate footwear, sun protection, water, and any specific gear mentioned in activity descriptions. Check individual listings for detailed requirements.
Many nightlife experiences in Salem cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Check individual listings for difficulty levels and requirements. Many operators offer instruction and guidance for newcomers.
Costs vary widely depending on the type of experience and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium options can range from $200-500+. Group discounts and packages are often available.
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