We Ranked The 10 Best Breakfast Restaurants In Salem, Massachusetts And Here Is Who Made The Cut
One breakfast spot on this list sits inside a building that dates to around 1698. Patriots gathered there before the American Revolution, and now people line up for pancakes and corned beef hash.
That detail hooked me fast. Then I learned another spot stands where the town’s first public water pump once stood, a place Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote about.
A third one serves Brazilian empanadas and coxinha starting at 5 AM.
This corner of Massachusetts gets famous for spooky stories, but I’m far more curious about its griddles. Stuffed French toast, a diner that celebrates ugly mugs, flaky croissants, and crepes served late into the night all caught my eye.
So I ranked ten favorites for your next morning in town. If you only had one breakfast here, which story would pull you through the door first?
1. Ugly Mug Diner
A diner with the word ugly in its name has no business serving plates this good-looking. The Washington Street spot opened in April 2014 and leans hard into quirky decor, a collection of ugly mugs included.
The menu takes classic diner food and gives it a clever twist. Chipotle Brisket Hash and Mugly’s Chicken and Waffle are two of the signature moves worth knowing about.
Benedict fans get a serious lineup to pick from. Choices include Classic, Lox, Crab Cake, Eggs Florentine, Chipotle Hash, and Corned Beef Hash versions.
Got a sweet tooth that wakes up before you do? Look for a waffle with brown cinnamon butter and apple compote, or a stuffed French toast filled with fruit and cream cheese.
Smaller appetites can go for the Silver Dollar Pancakes, and sweet potato hash browns make a smart side. A full espresso bar backs up the kitchen, so your coffee order can get creative too.
Plant-based eaters won’t be stuck nibbling dry toast. The diner offers vegan and vegetarian options, plus a kids’ menu for little ones.
Now for the planning part. Indoor seating is limited, reservations aren’t accepted, and weekend mornings get packed, so a Wednesday morning visit is your best shot at a shorter wait.
Doors open from 8 AM to 2 PM daily. Afterward, you’re steps from the famous Bewitched statue, which makes for an easy post-breakfast photo stop.
Address: 122 Washington St, Salem, MA 01970
2. Fountain Place Restaurant
Nathaniel Hawthorne once wrote about the town pump that stood on this exact stretch of Essex Street. Today the same historic corner is home to a breakfast menu long enough to need a bookmark.
Fun bonus fact: the space once held the Henry Ives Bookstore. That shop published one of the first board games in the United States, so this address has been fueling good times for ages.
The kitchen serves homemade breakfast and lunch, and the eggs Benedict list is the star. Irish and Greek versions show up here, along with plenty of other twists on the classic.
Prefer to call the shots yourself? Build a custom omelet from a wide range of fillings, then add a side of home fries.
Sweet breakfast lovers should zero in on the Nutella-Stuffed French Toast. Pancakes, waffles, and breakfast sandwiches round out the morning side of the menu.
Something a little offbeat sounds fun too. The Hash-Stuffed Grilled Cheese blends breakfast and lunch into one very tempting plate.
Gluten-free options are available, and the kitchen offers a full vegetarian menu. High chairs are on hand for families with tiny diners.
When the weather cooperates, grab a seat on the seasonal patio and watch the pedestrian mall stroll by. Street parking can be tricky downtown, so walking over is often the easier move.
Address: 232 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970
3. Gulu-Gulu Cafe
Named after a cafe in Prague, this Essex Street hangout feels like a passport stamp you can eat. The Salem location opened in 2007 and has kept its bohemian spirit, with art on the walls and live music on the calendar.
Breakfast runs daily until 2 PM, which is great news for slow risers. Scrambled egg sandwiches, bagels, Belgian waffles, and croissants anchor the morning lineup.
Crepes deserve their own spotlight here. The menu offers an extensive list of sweet and savory fillings, so you can go dessert-style or keep things hearty.
Vegan and vegetarian guests have real choices instead of afterthoughts. One example is a vegan breakfast sandwich made with tofu or an Impossible patty.
Coffee is a big part of the appeal too. Artisan drinks, special lattes, and cold brew fill out a long beverage menu.
Bringing a four-legged friend along? Dogs are welcome on the patio, which makes this a handy stop on a morning walk.
Laptop folks will appreciate the free Wi-Fi. The cafe also has a gender-neutral restroom and high chairs for younger guests.
Keep the schedule in mind before heading over. The cafe closes on the first Monday of each month for maintenance, and online ordering may be paused during October because of heavy crowds.
Address: 247 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970
4. Red’s Sandwich Shop
Your pancakes come with a side of colonial history at this Central Street classic. The shop sits inside the London Coffee House, a building dating to around 1698.
Before the American Revolution, Patriots used the building as a gathering place. Later it housed the Salem Fraternity, known as the oldest Boys’ Club in America.
Red’s itself has been serving breakfast here since 1945. That’s a long run, even by Massachusetts standards, where old buildings are practically a hobby.
So what lands on the plate? Expect hearty comfort food, including big pancakes, omelets, French toast, and grilled breakfast sandwiches.
The Benedict section is a fun one to browse. Classic, Irish, Corned Beef Hash, Eggs Florentine, and Steak Tip versions are all on the menu.
Daily specials keep regular visits interesting. Recent creations have included pumpkin bread French toast and chocolate chip pancakes, depending on the day.
The early birds win here, since doors open at 7 AM. Sundays wrap up at 1 PM, while the rest of the week runs until 2 PM.
Weekend mornings are the busiest stretch, and reservations aren’t taken. A kids’ menu and high chairs make it an easy choice for families who want a slice of history with breakfast.
Address: 15 Central St, Salem, MA 01970
5. Maria’s Place
Pancakes so big they arrive on dinner plates? That’s the kind of energy this strip mall favorite brings to the breakfast table.
Don’t expect a fancy setting or a waterfront view. This low-key spot on Jefferson Avenue focuses on homestyle American cooking for breakfast and lunch, served in diner-style seating.
Omelets are a strong pick if you like a classic start. The kitchen also serves a two-egg sirloin breakfast for anyone who wants steak before noon.
Portions run large, so arriving hungry is a smart strategy. Splitting a pancake order is also a perfectly respectable plan.
Speed is part of the charm here. Service moves quickly, which helps if you’re squeezing breakfast in before a busy day around town.
Here’s a perk downtown spots can’t easily match. Free parking is usually plentiful, both in the lot and on the street.
That makes Maria’s a handy choice for drivers coming in from other parts of Massachusetts. You can skip circling the block and get straight to the coffee.
Families get a kids’ menu and high chairs. Hours run 7 AM to 2 PM daily, with Sunday morning being the busiest window, while weekday mornings early in the week tend to be calmer.
Address: 10 Jefferson Ave, Salem, MA 01970
6. Crave
Gluten-free pastries that disappear as fast as the regular ones are a big reason this Lafayette Street cafe made the list. Crave serves specialty sandwiches and baked goods with plenty of options for folks avoiding gluten.
Breakfast sandwiches are the headline act. The breakfast croissant gets a lot of love, and it pairs nicely with a hot coffee or tea.
Leave room for the bakery case, seriously. Scones come in flavors like cinnamon and lemon-blueberry, and cupcakes show up too.
Ordering works counter-style, with no table service. That keeps things moving, especially when you want a quick bite before a day of exploring.
Healthy options are part of the menu as well. So you can go light or go full comfort food, depending on your mood.
Got a pup in tow? Dogs are allowed in the outdoor area, which is helpful on a nice morning.
One small detail can feel like a big win in a busy tourist town. Crave has a restroom available for guests.
Hours run 8 AM to 2 PM daily. Saturday morning is the busiest time, while many weekday mornings stay quieter, so plan around that if you dislike lines.
Address: 101 Lafayette St, Salem, MA 01970
7. On the Grind Cafe
Opening at 5 AM, this coffee shop is basically the friend who’s already awake when you text at dawn. On the Grind is family-owned and operated, and it serves breakfast all day.
Bagels are a big deal on this menu. Think bacon, egg, and cheese on an asiago bagel, or a coconut bagel for something a little different.
The pastry lineup keeps things playful. Homemade muffins, chocolate chip muffins, and cake pops share space with the breakfast sandwiches.
Coffee drinkers have a long list to explore. Espresso drinks, caramel iced macchiatos, and a solid tea selection cover the bases.
Here’s a nice surprise for chilly New England mornings. The seating area is spacious and comfortable, and it includes a fireplace.
That makes it a popular pick for working on a laptop. The atmosphere tends to stay on the quiet side, so you can actually hear yourself think.
Parking is easy compared to downtown. Free lot and street parking are usually available nearby, and curbside pickup is an option too.
Hours stretch from 5 AM to 5 PM daily. Saturday morning brings the biggest crowd, while weekday afternoons are usually calm.
Address: 36 Jefferson Ave, Salem, MA 01970
8. Camilla’s Cafe & Breakfast
Empanadas for breakfast might be the best idea you didn’t know you needed. This Canal Street spot doubles as a breakfast restaurant and a Brazilian bakery.
Signature empanadas lead the way, including chicken versions. Mini coxinha, a popular Brazilian snack, also shows up on the menu.
Prefer something familiar? A classic sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich holds its own, and the muffins make a tasty sidekick.
Drinks get special attention here too. Fresh juices and smoothies are a highlight, with fresh orange juice being a natural match for a savory pastry.
Dietary needs are well covered. The cafe serves breakfast sandwiches, Brazilian pastries, smoothies, and açaí bowls, with some vegetarian-friendly choices.
Early risers will love the schedule. Doors open at 5 AM Monday through Saturday and at 6 AM on Sunday.
Convenience is a big plus at this stop. There’s a drive-through, curbside pickup, delivery, and free parking that’s usually easy to find.
Unlike many breakfast places, Camilla’s accepts reservations. Free Wi-Fi rounds things out, and the busiest stretch tends to land midweek rather than on weekends, which is a fun twist.
Address: 140 Canal St, Salem, MA 01970
9. Red Line Cafe
Crepes, paninis, and smoothies all under one roof make this Essex Street cafe a sweet deal for indecisive eaters. Red Line Cafe keeps its menu flexible with sandwiches, wraps, and fresh crepes.
Breakfast sandwiches are a strong reason to stop in. A sausage, egg, and cheese on ciabatta is one standout, and the vegetarian Breakfast Panini is another.
Not feeling eggs today? Spanakopita and caprese sandwiches offer a lighter, different kind of morning bite.
Drink choices lean fun and fresh. The Iced Matcha Latte is a menu highlight, along with orange juice, smoothies, and a good tea selection.
Gluten-free options are part of the lineup. That’s handy when your group has mixed needs and only one breakfast stop on the schedule.
The space suits remote workers well, and free internet helps. The atmosphere tends to be quiet, so it works for a laptop session.
Outdoor seating is available, and dogs are allowed outside. High chairs are on hand for families too.
Hours run 8 AM to 6 PM daily, so a late breakfast is easy to pull off. There’s also a happy hour from 3 to 5 PM if you swing back for an afternoon treat.
Address: 188 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970
10. Wolf Next Door Coffee
With a name like that, you’d expect a big bad breakfast, and this Derby Street coffee shop happily delivers a good one. Wolf Next Door focuses on quality coffee and breakfast sandwiches.
The sandwiches stack up crispy bacon and fluffy eggs. They travel well too, which makes this a solid takeout pick for a morning walk along the waterfront area.
Espresso drinks are the other main event. Mochas, cappuccinos, and lattes headline the menu, along with specials that pack an extra caffeine punch.
Locally made pastries from Salem’s A&J King Bakery sit alongside the sandwiches. A pastry and a latte make an easy, quick breakfast combo.
Vegan and vegetarian guests can find several suitable options, including plant-based milk alternatives and a vegetable sandwich. The shop also follows environmentally conscious practices, which is a nice bonus with your cup.
Free Wi-Fi and a gender-neutral restroom add to the convenience. Free street parking nearby is a welcome break from downtown hunting.
Weekdays open at 6:30 AM, and weekends start at 8 AM. Saturday and Sunday mornings get busiest, so a weekday visit means less waiting and more sipping.
Address: 142 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970