The best cafes in Salem

19 cafes we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Cafes · 19 places · showing the latest additions first

Stylish haunt with an old-world vibe serving brunch & snacks, plus coffee, craft beer & cocktails.

58 Batterymarch St (Boston)

Stylish haunt with an old-world vibe serving brunch & snacks, plus coffee, craft beer & cocktails.

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Cozy coffee hangout pairing espresso drinks & lots of teas with light bites, baked goods & desserts.

665 Washington St (Boston)

Cozy coffee hangout pairing espresso drinks & lots of teas with light bites, baked goods & desserts.

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Trendy nonprofit cafe serving pastries & baked goods, plus cold & hot drink options.

212 Washington St (Boston)

Trendy nonprofit cafe serving pastries & baked goods, plus cold & hot drink options.

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Comfortable cafe known for its espressos (lattes, cortado).

60 Washington St

Comfortable cafe known for its espressos (lattes, cortado).

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Charming, easygoing, breakfast-centric spot, also serving baked-goods and sandwiches inspired by European cuisine.

34 Atlantic Ave (Marblehead)

Charming, easygoing, breakfast-centric spot, also serving baked-goods and sandwiches inspired by European cuisine.

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Tiny gourmet espresso bar from a local coffee roaster serving nitrogen cold brews & more.

108 Lincoln St (Boston)

Tiny gourmet espresso bar from a local coffee roaster serving nitrogen cold brews & more.

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Dunkin'

Cafes

Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.

1631 Tremont St (Boston)

Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.

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Relaxed Vietnamese cafe offering banh mi, sandwiches, and baked goods, plus specialty coffee.

10 High St (Boston)

Relaxed Vietnamese cafe offering banh mi, sandwiches, and baked goods, plus specialty coffee.

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Witch-themed coffee shop and clothing store with a gothic aesthetic and spooky treats.

253 Essex St

Witch-themed coffee shop and clothing store with a gothic aesthetic and spooky treats.

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Warm, unpretentious coffeehouse serving espresso drinks, sandwiches, soups, salads & baked goods.

20 Front St

Warm, unpretentious coffeehouse serving espresso drinks, sandwiches, soups, salads & baked goods.

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Cozy coffee hangout pairing espresso drinks & lots of teas with light bites, baked goods & desserts.

197 Derby St

Cozy coffee hangout pairing espresso drinks & lots of teas with light bites, baked goods & desserts.

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Dunkin'

Cafes

Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.

In East Campus, 330 Brookline Ave (Boston)

Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.

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Ethiopian coffee & rich pastries fortify laptop warriors at this brick-walled, art-filled cafe.

374 Massachusetts Ave (Boston)

Ethiopian coffee & rich pastries fortify laptop warriors at this brick-walled, art-filled cafe.

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Bustling bakery and cafe serving breakfast staples such as pancakes and waffles, plus lobster rolls.

126 Washington St (Marblehead)

Bustling bakery and cafe serving breakfast staples such as pancakes and waffles, plus lobster rolls.

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Coffee shop selling house-roasted beans to go or within the cozy cafe that also serves sandwiches, bagels and pastries; the eatery also…

1520 Tremont St (Boston)

Coffee shop selling house-roasted beans to go or within the cozy cafe that also serves sandwiches, bagels and pastries; the eatery also sells houseplants.

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Cozy coffee shop offering espresso drinks and breakfast sandwiches, plus Wi-Fi.

142 Derby St

Cozy coffee shop offering espresso drinks and breakfast sandwiches, plus Wi-Fi.

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Cozy and casual coffee shop offering breakfast, desserts, and sandwiches, plus muffins.

36 Jefferson Ave

Cozy and casual coffee shop offering breakfast, desserts, and sandwiches, plus muffins.

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Need a little serotonin with your caffeine this week? A Sanctuary Cafe blends an extensive coffee and tea menu, a pastry case stocked by…

80 Charles St (Boston)

Need a little serotonin with your caffeine this week? A Sanctuary Cafe blends an extensive coffee and tea menu, a pastry case stocked by local makers, and a cozy bookstore vibe, plus a reservation-only cat lounge of friendly permanent residents you can watch from the café or visit for purr therapy.

From the Somerville newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Le Cafe & Bakery is cranking out fresh egg tarts daily, flaky croissants and those dangerously good croissant tarts, plus lattes that…

66 Kneeland St (Boston)

Le Cafe & Bakery is cranking out fresh egg tarts daily, flaky croissants and those dangerously good croissant tarts, plus lattes that actually taste like coffee. Consider it your morale boost this week... worth the quick detour when a sweet bite and solid sip are non-negotiable.

From the Quincy newsletter, August 14, 2026

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