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    ACME Cafe

    3.7 (404 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

    ACME Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    ACME CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - ACME Cafe

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    Elizabeth A.

    The lemon ricotta pancakes were so yummy! This was a very cute space to enjoy breakfast .

    Oak Smoked Brisket
    Rod G.

    Stopped in for a late breakfast today and was able to get in's of the last Specials. Oak smoked brisket with potatoes and eggs. Brisket was smoked in house and had excellent flavor. Made for a very tasty meal.

    My daughter and I loved our cheese burgers with avocado added on! And hubby is enjoying his shrimp poor boy sandwich!
    Stacie S.

    Great staff!! This cozy little diner does it all correctly! We have eaten here several times and we keep coming back!! All of the food we have eaten is awesome! I highly recommend the fried chicken sandwich! Prepare to fall in love ~

    Mike L.

    This was our first time at The Acme since moving to Salem. The place is clean and the staff attentive and efficient. I love chicken fried steak and usually order it to gauge the menu. My wife ordered the waffle and thought that it was very good. My chicken fried steak was the best that I have ever had; you can tell that it really is fried like chicken. The gravy was extremely tasty and the biscuits were home made. The portion size was way more than I could eat in 2 sittings. I am sure that this will be my favorite breakfast spot.

    Outside
    Jen M.

    I don't understand this places current 3.5 star rating..... it deserves so much more than that! We stopped in because of the country fried steak - and let me tell you it did NOT disappoint!! We happened to dine there when a regular happened to bring in a box of peaches, so we had the joy of experiencing peach french toast!! Let me tell you that the ONLY complaint i have about Acme Cafe is how FULL I was when we rolled (literally) back out to the car!!! They were relatively busy when we walked in so we also had the joy of sitting at and noticing that the high top bar table was also made from the boards of an old bowling lane! SUPER COOL!!! Needless to say - we will be back to Acme.... and i hope others see it my way and help raise their rating! This place deserves a full strike!! (see what i did there?) haha

    bacon   or cold, broken floor tile fragments...
    Tomas C.

    I drove halfway across the damp, undistinguished city of Salem to get to The Acme Diner because I liked the look of it here on Yelp. I like a diner that serves decent beer as much as the next Joe, and I wanted to skip my free hotel breakfast for once. I liked the look of it in person too-- mish mash of contemporary and you know... old-time Diner, but everything else was disappointing. Lousy drip coffee. Weak service from a nice (but over whelmed) waitress. The eggs were fair, but cold. The biscuit was like a lump of cake dough, the hashbrowns came positively burnt off the grill, and the bacon was so overdone... i'd say it was cooked to the consistency of a credit card. I also got a lemon-ricotta pancake (and my only comment is I could taste neither lemon or ricotta. it was undistinguished at best.) I really wanted to like everything. But I didn't like anything. I hope that it was an anomaly (like maybe their short order cook didn't show up and a 12 year old was working the grill...). But I can't recommend, but YMMV or whatever the acronym is). Sorry!

    Here is a current breakfast and lunch menu.

    We had chicken fried steak. My hubby and I split it. The actual steak was really good very tender. The eggs were good. But my potatoes and his were not real good. Mine were hard like they had not been cooked all the way through. I probably should've asked for regular shredded hashbrowns, but I'm not sure if they have them. The Service was excellent. The ladies there are so sweet and funny. The cook even came and checked on us. The place is very clean and smelled well.

    Waffle, eggs, bacon, and coffee with flavor creamer

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    1 year ago

    The Chicken Fried Steak was not the best. Ver bland breading and meat and the potatoes were overcooked.

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    5 years ago

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    1 year ago

    The best place to eat in Salem. I go here nearly every Sunday and I have not once been disappointed.

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    1 year ago

    The food was amazing as was the service! I can't wait to come back! Thank Caroline for me! She was amazing

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    2 years ago

    I live this place. Everything I have ordered here has been delicious. They put forth quality food here.

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    The food was burnt and will not go there again very uncomfortable seats for people that are big never will come again

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    3 years ago

    Great food and service. They food is American with flavor, they make ice cream, pastries, and other deserts too.

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    2 years ago

    Chicken and waffles was the best I ever had and their homemade sticky buns were gas. Hyped to try the rest of their menu

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Delicious variety of food with many gluten free options. Love going here! Wish they delivered.

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    2 years ago

    This was the best breakfast restaurant ever. I ordered the Chicken Fried Steak. It was huge and delicious. The staff were friendly.

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    4 years ago

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    Page 2 of 11

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    Half Penny Public House

    Half Penny Public House

    3.8
    (183 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    We have heard so many good things about half penny and finally decided to give it a try. We were…read morenot disappointed. We went on a Sunday off hours time so they were very slow. We were going to sit outside but due to it being their slow time they said they didn't have enough staff for that right now so we opted to sit at the bar. It was clean and not sticky. Through out our stay we were checked on multiple times which was nice. The food was really good. We didn't even finish the tots because the burgers filled us up. They have tons of live music through out the week. It's definitely a great place to relax and catch up with friends

    We eat here at least twice each month. Tonight, I tried their fish and chips. The fish was perfect…read more- flaky but not dry, with a flavorful breading. The house-made tartar and fry sauces were very good. A full house kept the staff busy, but they were still attentive and friendly. A band was about four songs into their set when I left. The house sound system does a great job of making sure everyone can hear the band, but the overall noise level was such that folks had to shout to have a conversation. They do post an entertainment schedule, so if you go there to visit with friends, do it when there are no bands playing. From prior experience, I highly recommend the "Dave's Insane" sandwich.

    Photos
    Stage area before the band started
    Stage area before the band started
    Ragin Ragin' Cajun Burger
    Ragin Ragin' Cajun Burger
    White Claw and football what more do you need?

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    White Claw and football what more do you need?
    Venti's Cafe + Basement Bar

    Venti's Cafe + Basement Bar

    3.8
    (317 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    I grew up in Salem and was around when Ventis first opened. I eventually moved away, but decided to…read morestop by for a quick bite and see how everything had changed. It definitely brought back some old memories. I don't remember the exact date it opened, even though it says 1996--I just remember eating here when I was younger. The food was delicious! I ordered the truffle mac & cheese topped with grilled chicken. Stubborn is also one of my favorite soda brands, so I had to get a Stubborn Root Beer to go with it. I also ordered the sweet potato fries. I opted out of the honey, but they still came topped with coconut flakes, which was a really nice addition. The atmosphere was cozy and spacious, with plenty of room to relax. I even had to take a work phone call while I was there, and I never felt like I was interfering with anyone else's conversation, which was nice. Overall, I'll definitely be stopping by again soon. I'd highly recommend checking out Ventis if you've never been. They have plenty of options for everyone, and the menu is simple without feeling overwhelming. It's mostly one-sided with a few additional options on the back, making it pretty easy to choose from. I imagine just about everything on the menu is delicious! Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

    Fresh and healthy right in the heart of downtown. I got a few recommendations from locals to check…read moreit out so we did. Big menu with lots of options. Got the Korean rice bowl, everything was super fresh and flavorful. Food took a little while to get to us but it must be because everything is cooked fresh. Seems like a great spot for a quick and healthy lunch

    Photos
    Venti's Cafe + Basement Bar
    Cajun Bowl
    Cajun Bowl
    Korean rice bowl with beef

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    Korean rice bowl with beef
    Archive Coffee & Bar

    Archive Coffee & Bar

    4.1
    (498 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    Came in at just the right time! We were a group of 5 who ordered coffee and breakfast. Once we sat…read moredown tons of people came flooding in afterwards which we took as a good sign. You order at the counter and then you get a number to take with you and place at whichever seat you choose. Drinks and food both came out really quick. I tried the bees knees which had honey, lavender, rosemary and simple syrup with a dash of black pepper. I did not see nor taste the black pepper but I was a huge fan of this drink. It wasn't overpowering in any of the flavors and the rosemary sprig made it look so cute. I got the breakfast potato hash with no tomatoes and it was a delicious and filling breakfast. The potatoes were so good my group wouldn't stop helping themselves to them. I added some hot sauce as it was in the dryer side but still really good. I also tried the matcha coconut scone. It had a pretty matcha green color but it was hard to taste the matcha or coconut and it was quite dry. Service was quick and friendly. The inside is really beautiful and we couldn't help but do a little photoshoot, so many fun backgrounds! Things to note: Restroom shared with other businesses close by businesses and metered street parking only.

    Got coffee here a week ago and the vibes were really off putting. Maybe it was just the guy at the…read morecounter, but he was pretty rude rushing me to order when there was no one in line in front of me. Food service can be rough, but when there's no one in line not giving someone at least 30 seconds to check out the menu is really frustrating. The coffee was pretty good, definitely worth going out for. I also really liked the peanut butter and jelly chia pudding. It was really filling and a perfect portion of protein/natural sugars before my workout. The seating area had a nice warmth to it on a sunny afternoon. The outdoor seating looked welcoming too.

    Photos
    Specialty coffee by day
    Specialty coffee by day
    Seasonal global fusion dinner menu
    Seasonal global fusion dinner menu
    Roasting specialty coffee on site

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    Roasting specialty coffee on site
    Bentley's Grill

    Bentley's Grill

    3.6
    (270 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    I had a great visit to Bentley's. It's located in Downtown Salem, inside of the Grand Hotel, which…read moreis connected to the Salem Convention Center. I was originally going to sit in the dining room and pay full price for what I wanted, but my dining partner suggested Happy Hour. That was the best move we could have made. All of the food was priced at $10. Some of the portions were slightly smaller than the full dinner sized portions. Dulce was our server. She was very nice, but there was a period of time where I wondered when she was coming back. Other than that, she was perfect. I ordered the Happy Hour Bentley's Mac and Cheese, the Bentley's House Salad and the Pork Belly tacos. I enjoyed all three entree's. The Mac and cheese was really good. The bacon dust was small bits of bacon, which I liked. I loved the flavor of the pork belly tacos. I felt the tortillas could have been warmed more so they would have been more pliable and less firm. The house salad was delish as well. The restaurant is set up nicely. I loved the fire pit. The lighting is perfect and the other staff I encountered were very nice and accommodating.. I had a 5pm reservation on a Tuesday and when we walked in, let's just say I didn't need a reservation. However, the restaurant started to fill in as we were leaving.

    Mother's Day Brunch - May 2026 ' Party of 2 Adults…read more Perfect setting for adult Brunch without the long lines and craziness. We were seated promptly by the Manager on duty in a cozy booth table. Service was friendly and cordial. I really love the ambiance of the Bentley in the Grand Hotel Salem. The high ceilings make it a very spacious feel without feeling crowded. My wife loved her custard like French Toast and I absolutely devoured my Chicken Fried Chicken with Chorizo gravy. The highlight of the Brunch was our Baked Brie appetizer. A wonderful blend of flavors all in one dish. We hope this Mother's Day Brunch is an annual mark your calendar item for Bentley's. We will definitely be back.

    Photos
    Fire pit
    Fire pit
    Happy Hour- Flautas ($10)
    Happy Hour- Flautas ($10)
    Pork belly taco appetizer Delicious and with great flavor, the ingredients complemented each other.

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    Pork belly taco appetizer Delicious and with great flavor, the ingredients complemented each other.
    Clink

    Clink

    4.0
    (49 reviews)
    2.1 mi

    My husband planned a birthday dinner for me at Clink! with 8 friends. It was perfect! We sat…read moreunder a pink tree that gave us a beautiful glow, and the tables and banquettes were so pretty and comfortable, with a shelf behind us for handbags and gifts. Best seating in Salem. The service was epic! Our waiter had a great personality, and handled our big, loud group with ease and grace. The timing on the dishes and drinks was impeccable. We felt well cared for, and I felt celebrated. The food was delish. We loved the fondue as an app, I think we ordered two, and some oysters. Everyone enjoyed their main courses, I loved my goat cheese dumplings. A few of the guys mentioned smaller servings, but I prefer quality to quantity, so maybe just order another entree‍. Bottles of wine were reasonably priced, which I always appreciate. Thanks Clink! for giving Salem a beautiful place for celebrations. Trying the happy hour next...

    I think this place is relatively new. It is beautiful inside and really makes you feel like you…read morecould be in paris. the food was great! we enjoyed the raclette, steak au poivre, steamed clams, the sliced potatoes, barramundi, chicken and creme brûlée and the poached pears! the entire table was satisfied!! my only complaint was the slowness of service. They were relatively busy but seemed to be somewhat understaffed. everyone was nice and pleasant, but at times we felt ignored. I'm sure they're just working out the kinks. overall, i would recommend!

    Photos
    Decor downstairs
    Decor downstairs
    Clink
    Super Yummy drink at Clink! in Salem- (sorry forgot the name)

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    Super Yummy drink at Clink! in Salem- (sorry forgot the name)
    Ritter's Housemade Foods

    Ritter's Housemade Foods

    3.7
    (340 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    This was an agreed group favorite! We popped in on a Friday night close to 6:00 pm and us being a…read moregroup of 5 we for seated right away. We got a little carried away and ordered way too much but everything was so good! For appetizers I tried The mini charcuterie: perfect single serve size or definitely to share of other appetizers are involved. The bread, apple and jam was my favorite pairing on the plate and the cheeses were really good! Baked Brie and mixed mushroom: who doesn't love a good baked Brie! The mushrooms added a much needed earthy element to the richness of the cheese and it was also smothered in delicious buttery garlic cloves. I with the little bread sliced had been toasted but easily one of the best times on the menu. Steak bites: garlic butter was tasty and the steak bites were soft and melted in your mouth. The bread slices didn't seem necessary but a good appetizer. I ordered the salmon as my main entree and it came with arugula, Brussels sprouts, red onions and tomatoes. The salmon was cooked perfectly and the dressing on the greens was really good. I think there was a little too much arugula but everything tastes really great together. Our server was attentive, friendly and remembered everything we ordered right down to the modifications. Really cool atmosphere, upstairs seating and a crazy looking bar area. I don't see us being in Salem again anytime soon but if the time ever comes we will 10000% be enjoying all of our meals here. Things to note: shared restroom with surrounding businesses. No parking lot, only metered street parking but free after 8:00pm.

    Nice little no fuss restaurant in downtown. Got the club sandwich and it was surprisingly really…read moregood. The sauce was great and I liked the slightly grilled bread. Would definitely recommend. My girlfriend got the penne Greek pasta, it was fine, nothing spectacular but not bad. Very simple but good. Service was fine, got seated quickly and had an attentive server Nick. Glad we went in! The burgers look really good too and lots of pizza options

    Photos
    Dining area with brick pizza oven
    Dining area with brick pizza oven
    Brussels
    Brussels
    Chicken sandwich

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    Chicken sandwich

    ACME Cafe - newamerican - Updated August 2026

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