Pre-C19; great place for cheap eats and great service. C-19: apps are the price of a meal, and staff couldn't care less that you're at their table. Go to Major's. read more

I have no idea what the high reviews are referencing. Dive bar with relentlessly mediocre food. The fried pickles were not good and it's hard to mess up anything fried. The burgers were only so so and neither boyfriend nor I could finish them. The fries meh and salad clearly just trying to get by as a salad. Hugely disappointing when we wanted a fun place with good food. Unless you're a townie who loves it because you can walk home hammered, skip it. read more

Sat at the bar and had the honey gold wings and their homemade steak fries, but both were absolutely fantastic. Their wings probably had the most meat on them than any wing I've ever had. And so damn delicious! Awesome bartender as well. She was very friendly and gave us some amazing tips. Can't wait to go back this Wednesday for 50 Cent wing night! read more

The best place in Salem for a drink with friends! Hands Down! The bartenders are friendly and always go the extra mile to make sure you are having a good time. The vibe is the best, friendly local young and older crowd alwYs open to meeting new people. Kristi works Mon and Teu and is prob the best bartender on the north shore. her smile and quick wit will keep you laughing and on your toes. She pours a great drink and will make sure you are having fun even if it's your first time there. Come to the Whistle anytime you want great drinks and great food with friendly people who are just here to have a good time... Just like you! read more

This place was fabulous! Don't let the outside deter you! First timers here and it was more than expected!! Service was friendly, food suggestions were absolutely wonderful!! Can't wait to come back! read more

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Little hole-in-the-wall type place. Great food! We highly recommend the bourbon ribs! Delicious and large portion! Pizza is amazing also.

It has been quite some time since I've found a "dive" bar that I can call my own. My search has ended. I love the Whistle, good drinks, reasonably priced and tasty food, and excellent bar service. Their daily specials are excellent - particularly the BOGO pizza on Tuesdays - you can't beat that. Kitchen closes a little too early for my liking, so sometimes after rugby practice I end up going without, so get there before 10PM. That's a small complaint to have in the grand scheme of things. Now that I live down the street, I plan on frequenting this place more. This is a wonderfully run and accommodating place that hasn't been run over need to serve overpriced burgers, 430 kinds of craft brews, and call is a gastropub. Good places like this are a dying breed, I am glad that they are surviving and thriving. One last note, this is an excellent post golf destination if you're finishing a day at Olde Salem Greens. - Uncle Juggsy hears the Whistle blowing read more

TOP 3 STEAK TIPS!!! WOW! I took home a pound of their marinated tips. Threw them on the grill and proceeded to have one of the BEST steak tip dinners of my entire life. The flavor mix of the meat and the marinate was impeccable. I highly, HIGHLY suggest giving them a try. I could probably find a few more adjectives to gush over them with, but I don't want it to get embarrassing. Just go get some, they're delicious! read more

Like what previous reviewers have said, this is a great dive bar. It's completely my kind of place. The kind of place that has good food, good beer, and the atmosphere that allows you to come in your sweatpants and feel like you belong. Not to mention I love the name. My husband and I visited last week and it was pretty packed for dinner. We ended up sitting at a fold up table and chairs. (My only not-so-good experience). The bartender promptly came over to take our beer orders and within a couple of minutes, they were at our table. Great service! The hubs ordered an appetizer platter which was essentially fried with a side of fried. I ordered the cajun chicken pasta. It was delicious! The cream sauce had a nice cajun flavor without being overly spicy. The chicken was juicy and tender and the penne had a great consistency. Between 4 beers and 2 dinners it came to about $45 which isn't bad at all, and I know, despite the uncomfortable seating we were really happy with the rest of our experience. read more

Bad experience, sorry but I can no longer support this place or recommend people come here anymore. Too bad, because I probably get take out from here at least once a week. read more

Like everyone says, it's a great dive bar. The food is really good, and oh so cheap. I'm here for the summer from Chicago, and I've never heard of Keno before, let alone in a bar. They have just the right amount of draft beers at a dive bar like that. so it strays from the usual Miller Lt and Bud. I came on a Friday night when they don't have the amazing deals like the $2 burgers and the 30 cent wing night, but I'm definitely coming back. There is one downside (if you see it as that), which is there is a definite college kids section and non-college kids side. Now, I'm a grad student, but they were still a little too much for me. It's a shame though, because they took the side with the pool tables and darts... I love playing darts. read more

We love the tin whistle! This is a great little bar/pub style joint. It's small and cozy and if you're lucky, you might find a spot to play some pool. We love to start our night here or to end it with a last call drink. Plenty of street parking. The food is pretty good, but it's your typical bar food. Get in early, since this is a small place, it can get pretty packed fast. The kitchen stays open pretty late as well. They're variety of draft is not huge, but decent. The service is awesome and the crowd is always up for a good time. We noticed that this place is great for groups and great for chatting with friends. No loud music, although everyone taking and interacting can get pretty loud, but that's the point right? I recommend this place! read more

Like everyone says, this is a nice local's dive bar. Arrived on a Thursday night and enjoyed a table near the bar, where the locals (everyone obviously knew each other) were having a great time. Bar tenders were really nice, though could've been more attentive. Enjoyed some Shipyahd pumpkin ale on tap (I LOVE fall) and the steak tips salad along with the steak tips sub with the Tin whistle peppers, mushrooms, and onions. The sub was really good. I got broccoli with it (I asked to not be bathed in butter) and it was quite good - lightly buttered with garlic. Steak tips were solid. My friend's salad was steak tips on top of a bowl of iceburg lettuce. Looked good. She had a vodka and tonic, with a nice pour to it. I would go again. Solid food and if you're looking for a nice little bar, this fits the bill. read more

Love a few things about this place... The pizzas are thin and taste great. Plus in golf season, if you bring in your Salem green slip you get two for the price of one. As far as I know they still do this. The calzones are great too. They usually have a soup of the day that doesn't disappoint Bloody Mary's are good! And they have a dart board. Good hole in the wall type of spot! read more

Love the food here. Best steak tips great pizza. I have to say they have the best steak fries. So good! Take it always perfect and the people are very nice and they follow covid protocols. I'm glad I took a chance on this place never disappoints!!! read more

Great warm atmosphere, especially when Lydia is there. Makes everyone feel like there part of the club (Friday's). On top of that excellent drinks, and even better food. Recommend the steak tips, chicken club, and definitely order steak fries and half onion rings (it's a local thing!). 5 stars not a bad review read more

Ordered a burger for take out and it was great . I would have given it 5 stars. It made me want to go back and try there self proclaimed famous steak tips. I Ordered them medium , they turned out to be between rare and medium rare and were bland . Very disappointed. hopefully just a bad night. read more

Exactly what I bargained for - awesome burgers in a low key atmosphere. Thanks for a wonderful meal - I'll be back next time I'm in the area! read more

LOVE this place. Neighborhood isn't the greatest, but it's truly a diamond in the rough. My boyfriend and I use this as our go to place if we want to grab a quick beer and some great pub food. You can't beat $2 PBRs. And we love the wings and pizza and best ribs you'll ever eat. The waitress/bartender is always friendly as we've become regular customers. read more

Some of the best thin crust pizza around. They have a great sauce and I like mine with caramelized onions. I hear the steak tips are good too. When I was younger my dad and I used to go there and watch the Red Sox lose and swear at the TV with the regulars. Then order more pizza. read more

After reading the reviews on here, I decided to call in a takeout order on my way to work. Was seriously craving some pub food. Buffalo fingers to be exact. So I ordered that and a side of the potato skins to go. I asked the waitress who took the order to make sure there were utensils inside the bag. I picked up the order and proceeded to work. Half way throughout my drive, famished, I opened the boxes to start eating. Not a single utensil or even napkin in the bag. Which really sucked because by the time I was able to get a utensil, the food was cold. No celery with the buffalo fingers and even more bummed that they weren't good at all. The potato skins lacked seasoning big time. For $22 I expected a lot more. Upset I wasted the money. Maybe they are only good if you sit in?? read more

The definition hole in the wall treasure. The wings are delicious, my burger was a bit under done MR was more like R. It's a bit run down, but service was great! Oh and they have curly fries! read more

What was once a local staple has now become one of the worst bars for consumers. The decline began when the new owner took over, and has slowly become nothing more than a trashy dive bar. Here is a breakdown: Atmosphere: -Dark, dingy and downright unclean. The wood has a thick layer of grime in places, as well as crumbs in between the walls and booths. -Bathroom was tiny and unclean. Smelled of urine and was out of paper towels. Staff was told, but they never went to refill despite downtime. (Was there for a little over 2 hours and never once someone replace them) -Very cold, albeit the curtain blocking the door. Kudos for trying to fix that issue, but may I suggest a better heating system or something along those lines? Customer Service: -First bartender was very pleasant; young and smiley, and very thankful for our patronage. The other that came later was incredibly rude, however, and came in "like a bat out of hell". She busted in, giving everyone glares and slamming everything around. -First bartender was very attentive and always made sure we had our drinks. -The bartender on the later shift, however, would barely look at us and it was almost like pulling teeth trying to get her attention. I believe her name was Cassey. -I was very rudely told to "Hold on" about 3 times by this bartender all while she took new orders from who I assume were her friends (they all seemed to know her). Whilst chatting with other patrons, I found out this behavior is quite common for her. In fact, many patrons who were there since earlier planned on leaving once they finished their drink because they "can't stand her". I was also told that she is close friends with the owner, which explains were such entitlement comes from. I just hope the owner knows the cost of keeping such employees. Food: -Steak tip sub was described as "alright" by my colleague, but "definitely not the same as before". -The wings I had were alright also, a little cold but it's a bar, so not much is expected in the food category. -On the menu we noticed a "Grilled Romaine Salad", when asked, it turns out it is actually a head of romaine lettuce cut in half and grilled on the grill ......This has to be one of the most ridiculous things I have ever seen. There is an episode of Kitchen Nightmares where Gordon Ramsay sees that on a menu and is just in utter shock. Just another example of someone who doesn't know anything about culinary arts trying to be fancy. Price: -The price is the only thing somewhat alright here. -Beers are cheap, as well as mixed drinks. -Food price is standard. For these reasons I give The Tin Whistle of Salem, Ma one (1) Star. I suggest passing by this place and enjoying much more flavorful food in a much more comfortable setting downtown, and of course with a much nicer bartender. **Will review in 3 months** -Undercover Consumer **The UndercoverConsumer goes place to place offering a "Mystery Consumer" experience and review. All reviews are an honest opinion and are in no way an attack on any business, person or entity.** read more

This is a great little dive bar. Great atmosphere and food Also has a pool table read more

Great food and drinks! Don't be scared away from the outside. Inside is small but they have a nice bar and their kitchen creates great meals...love their steaks tips Tin Whistle style with delicious grilled onions and peppers served with perfectly cooked white rice. The loaded steak tip sandwich was also fresh and delicious! Christie, our bartender, was outgoing, attentive and most pleasant. Highly recommend this neighborhood gem! Parking can be difficult. read more

Great local bar, good food and affordable. I usually get chowder or nachos and a hard cider. My friends swear by the steak tips and the pizza. Same reliable staff over the last 10 years. Definitely a dive, but worth the visit. read more

I am conflicted about this bar. It is a hidden little hole in the wall, only known to locals in Salem. The food is pretty amazing, and the beer and mix drinks are great too. However the locals and "townies" can become annoying at times. The staff will sometimes place there attention towards the regulars and ignore newcomers. Plus when I went there I wanted to use the pool table and the local was trying to be Paul Newman and say that I had to pay to play him, I told him no thank you, I am going to play my wife, and if he was not using it to step aside. He reluctantly walked away after I hurt his townie pride. There is one pool table in the bar and this is not a pool hall. I would go there more often if the scene was better. read more

I've only ever taken food out, BUT: Best steak & cheese subs in Salem. Hands down. The pizza is also surprisingly good (although small--just one size). Certainly worth driving across town for. The low-down: It's a small place usually filled with regulars who play Keno. So, if you're from the Castle Hill neighborhood (within walking distance--there is no designated parking whatsoever) this might be a cool place to hang your hat. I was both surprised and delighted to find a pool table at the far wall. The lady (waitress/bartender) who is always there when I pick up my food is very friendly. read more

Was not impressed with the service at Tin Whistle. They have the bartender in charge of all the tables and the bar. The food was cold and completely over priced. The employee had a very bitter attitude, and due to the amount of people she had she was not very time sufficient either.I do not recommend at all. read more

Not sure what I love more, the amazing 2 dollar burgers or the amazing bartender Kristy. Best spot in town by far

My fiancé and I have been regulars at this bar for a few years now. I'm way more of a dive bar patron than anything fancy and I always know I'll have a good time here. The bartenders are fabulous (love you guys!) and the food is FANTASTIC. I have never had a bad meal. I can recommend their steak tips a thousand percent. The cooks are always down to make a fancy grilled cheese (add bacon? Definitely. Add steak tips? You got it!) curly fries are fantastic. Beers are cheap. Cocktails are made perfectly. The jukebox is always full of the best music. Go for a quick beer or a night out with friends. You'll always run into someone you know. A+ read more

Ryan was really friendly the food was fantastic looks may deceive as a dive bar but the salad and chicken sandwich was really good the burger was fantastic food was out fast. Hot. Just over all an amazing experience. It looks like they have a pool table to play. read more

The Tin Whistle - Bars Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

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Ribs!!!! Awesome spot, always come Thursday night for the dollar rib night, but all the other food is delicious too!! Steak tip sub is one of my Favs. Yay! read more

My girlfriend and I stopped after we yelped to find something local after leaving the Halloween happenings to escape the crowds. So after reading the reviews it sounded good to us. I would have to agree on it being a dive bar. Atmosphere was that of a dive bar complete with two drunk women at the bar that were deep in slightly loud conversation that we were sure would end in crying, which it did LOL They surely needed to be shut off. Anyways, We had the burgers which were pretty good but not spectacular. We did like the buns and the Potato skins were REALLY GOOD! Service was average at best. We waited a little long for service, for drink refills and for the check. Mind you it was not a full house. Football was on, definitely a good thing and there was no shortage of tv's throughout the bar...NICE! I am curious about the steak tips now but we live out of state...maybe next time! read more

i was seriously disappointed to find out the tin whistle is not as divey as i'd originally hoped. from the outside, my hopes were sky high considering the one small window (filled with neon bar signs) doesn't allow much sight inside. appearance-wise on the inside, it's SORT OF divey. the prices and the menu, though, don't follow through. awww. it's still fairly priced, though! this place isn't bad at all. the menu offered a lot of burgers, sandwiches, and regular bar/pub plates. i'd say the average price was around 7 or 8 bucks. i've only been once but i was happy enough with everything. i went on two dollar burger night. that was awesome. you get a burger on a high quality, toasty bun (not just your average white bread summer cookout bun). ridgy chips and pickles come on the side. additional toppings are 50 cents. the broiled burger was prepared well and tasted great. definitely worth the two dollars.... haha. no, it was worth more than that. not the largest beer selection per se, from what i saw. four beers, a two dollar burger, and a grilled ham and cheese sandwich came to about $22. decent enough. i definitely enjoyed the tin whistle. it's just not the dive i'd hoped it to be. that's alright, though. it's a two minute walk from my house so you know i'll be back. oh yeah, it's very salem state student-oriented. read more

I have been going here for years, I love the atmosphere of the place. They have great food, especially the steak tips, and the bartenders are very friendly. Quite often when their shift is over the bartenders sit down for a drink and dinner, that says something to me if the employees also like to eat where they work. read more

First off, I'm not really "Review Guy", so bare with me. This was our second visit to The Tin Whistle in 2 years. The first time we were visiting Salem and looking for somewhere outside of the touristy area to grab some lunch. There is a reason we went back! This place doesn't look like much from the outside and inside it has the usual corner bar feel. But trust me, it is a great place to grab some beers & food! We ordered a sandwich with steak tips and a steak bomb sub that were both amazing! Paired with steak fries, it was definitely more than a meal! The beer was great too...but beer always is. The service was excellent, although we were there when it was slow. She was very friendly and helpful and our order was up very quickly. If we find ourselves in Salem again, I will definitely go back! read more

This is a great little divey bar. We went on a Thursday, half price app night. I got the mushroom swiss burger with added onions. It was sooo good!! Juicy and tasty. My son had the grilled ham and cheese. He ate the whole thing, which is saying a lot for him. We had great service and the whole bill was $24.00 that included a lemonade and 2 amstels. We will be going back. read more

Good food... great bartenders...(Patty, Casey, Tessa, Steph, Kristie, Justine & Jennie) nice hole in the wall with an unexpected great atmosphere. Kudos to Craig... and the great cooks ( Rob & Cam) :-) read more

This place is cool has a little old school pub style to it which is why i went in there in the first place, bartenders were nice and found out they had 3 dollars burgers on mondays. 5 stars no complaints read more