Salem Cross Inn Restaurant and Tavern
Salem Cross Inn Restaurant and Tavern
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+1 508-867-2345+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thu
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Fri
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sat
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Ratings and reviews
4.0
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, American, Bar, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Does this restaurant offer free wifi?
Details
About
Seasonal farm to table fare on a 600 acre New England farm in Central Massachusetts. Scenic outdoor dining in good weather and indoor dining in a restored historic c.1705 farmhouse. Everything on the menu is fresh and made from scratch. Fireplace roasted prime rib during the cooler months of the year. You can't go wrong, here!
PRICE RANGE
$0.00 – $28.00
CUISINES
American, Bar
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.0
360 reviews
Excellent
200
Very good
81
Average
45
Poor
19
Terrible
15
Abbie W
Worcester33 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
It is challenging to treat yourself during these difficult times with the pandemic. A few days ago, my husband and I had ridden on his motorcycle by the Salem Cross Inn and had noticed tables in the midst of the gardens. Then I made a dinner reservation on Thursday July 30th. An inviting view from the road then turned into a delightful evening with delicious food, fabulous cocktails, and impressive garden strolls. My lobster roll with French Fries plate was adorned with freshly picked lavender sprigs. Our crab cake appetizer was great. My husband liked his baked haddock with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Tables were spread far apart on the lawn and everyone wore a mask when walking around. I felt safe and relaxed. The outside air was refreshing. The setting sun and cloud formations were gorgeous.
My waitress, named Karen, asked with a concerned look if I was enjoying my herbal cocktail. The ingredients included lovage infused gin, grapefruit juice, fresh cucumber juice, and St. Germain elderflower. I replied that I loved it and understood that lovage is a tricky culinary herb. I have wrecked dishes and drinks by adding too much of this strong and bitter herb. Karen replied that another diner had disliked the taste.
Karen and I talked about gardening throughout the evening. I promised her that I would return soon to have a mojito with the mint flourishing in the garden.
Written August 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IP3806
Stonington297 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
We met friends (at their suggestion) for the Fireside Feast on a Sunday afternoon. We had no idea what really to expect even though we had read the advertisement on the restaurant web page. It was a great afternoon starting with cheese, crackers; mulled hot wine; a horse drawn cart ride; and finished with a perfect prime rib dinner and deep dish apple pie for desert. It was fun to participate in the chowder production and watch pie preparation and the prime rib cooking on the open spit. This is a family destination with a number of children and several folks enjoying birthday celebrations. There is a full bar and extensive wine list for those who are interested.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary ann
2 contributions
Apr 2022 • none
Expected better food from a lovely place. Way too much dressing on the Caesar salad made romaine limp. Good squash muffin and water glasses kept filled The haddock had a bland taste but was a good size. The squash was yummy with a good level of spice. Prime rib was cooked right and tasty. Apple pie could have been from a grocery store but chocolate ganache pie was good. The dealbreaker was the nondairy creamer instead of real half and half or cream for the not so good coffee.
Written April 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kceep3
2 contributions
Oct 2020 • family
There are so many great reviews so I’m assuming our experience was just on an off day. When I made the reservation we were told a party of 7 could now be seated at one table. When we arrived we followed the instructions to check in at the podium outdoors. The hostess disappeared to seat the couple ahead of us and then after about 10 minutes of waiting she finally returned. Not sure if she was angry or upset but we definitely felt her frustration. Not greeted warmly at all. Anyway... our table was split so our group could not sit together. We saw other tables that could have accommodated us so we thought we could put our tables together but we were quickly stopped. Our waitress was amazing. Very attentive and apologetic. One of the meals ordered was not correct so that person had to wait for her meal to be re made. Our waitress was wonderful and could see we were a little annoyed. I went indoors to use the ladies room and again met with very rude staff. I understand and expect things to be a little different with the new regulations but there is no reason for rudeness. Our waitress gave us a coupon to be used when we return. I will chalk today’s experience up to perhaps being understaffed on a busy day and give it another try. Food was good and ambiance spectacular. Hope the next time we go everyone will be in a better mood.
Written October 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen B
3 contributions
Jun 2022 • family
HS Graduation Party for eldest grandchild, 16 guests. Outstanding server, Jess was attentive, efficient, meals were all served hot, mixed drinks were yummy! Favorite meal was Surf & Turf, not a scrap of food left on plates! Appetizer favorite was French Onion Soup, muffins are always a hit. We have enjoyed Salem Cross Inn for many years, but now live in Florida. Nancy made making reservations for our party of 16 so easy for this out of state Nana! Our room was delightful, and all the teens enjoyed the lovely gardens outside after dinner!
Written June 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pamela-Pepper
Plymouth74 contributions
Nov 2022 • none
I have been here a few times and have always enjoyed myself; but I am older now and was with a group of elderly people. Why would you place an elderly group in the balcony? The stairs are steep, no bathroom up there and then in order to get your pie you have to walk down stairs to get it. The second change is the hay ride. There needs to be warning signs when buying your ticket and a sign near the ride itself. Perhaps the driver could say anyone with problems with your back or bones should NOT get on this ride. Some bumps are so deep it almost throws you out of the cart. Now the good part, good food and plenty of it, They even offered seconds on the prime rib and cooked the way you like it. I would go again but on the phone I would tell them no seating in the balcony.
Written December 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paul b
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • none
I have been to a number of showers before but never threw one until now. I had been to this restaurant many times so I felt confident that this was the right choice for the event but what I got exceeded my high expectations! The room was magnificently decorated with plenty of tables for extra activities and the seating was very comfortable. The food was AMAZING! When it was first served, by fantastic servers, I was concerned that I should check on my guests but my daughter pointed out that I should relax because the room was so silent with everyone enjoying their meals! The bridal shower lasted 4 hours! Everyone had such a good time mostly impart to the staff and owner of Salem Cross Inn! I will have any future event there!
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
O1624BUcraigw
Winston Salem885 contributions
Oct 2021 • family
This is a farm house that is more than 200 years old. The family converted it into a restaurant about 70 years ago. They roast the prime rib in a fireplace in the inn, using a unique family recipe. It was the BEST prime rib ever! Dinner starts with charcuterie and a salad. Along with the prime rib, one gets mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables that are grown on the 600 acre farm. Desert featured the best homemade apple pie and homemade whip cream. A great family experience.
Written October 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan P
Putnam952 contributions
Jul 2024 • couples
We met friends for a leisurely weekend dinner; we hadn’t been in many years and they had never been. My friend and I both tried the wine flight which featured three white wines. They weren’t special. I had the tuna, which was a special. It was tasty and nicely seasoned, though cooked a bit longer than I would have liked. I chose the sautéed squash and mashed potatoes as my sides. Both were delicious. They portions are ample and I took half my dinner home. My husband had the pot roast, which was nicely prepared and easy to cut with a fork. Prices are better than many similar restaurants in the area. Service was spotty. Our server took a while to check in with use, then we received our drinks right after placing the order. We were then presented with squash muffins. Our dinner arrived too quickly and we hadn’t even eaten half our muffins. The main dining room gets busy and noisy at prime time. Speaking of time, they close at 8 pm and seemed to be hurrying us a bit, yet a wedding reception was happening at the other end of the building. We were offered dessert but not a second round of drinks. The first floor is entirely accessible and it is easy to navigate from the parking area into the building. The upstairs restroom does have a handicap stall, although the toilet itself is very short and this presents a problem for those who have difficulty standing after sitting. That said, I know when I return I cannot use the toilet so that’s a deterrent to anyone with similar issues.
Written August 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah L
15 contributions
Mar 2024 • family
We came for the fireside dinner after a day at Old Sturbridge Village. I saw it on Instagram, and thought it looked fun, and it did not disappoint. We arrived a little early which gave us time to go on the short wagon ride twice. The prime rib cooking smells amazing (and tastes just as good). We had the hot mulled cider with a shot of Bubbas Brown Sugar Whiskey, which was amazing! We enjoyed some cheese and crackers and then watched them make a classic New England Fish Chowder. The chowder was excellent, even my kids liked it. The prime rib was served medium rare, lovely flavor, with some perfectly roasted red potatoes and butternut squash. We finished the night with apple pie and all the whipped cream you could want. This was a great experience with great food, especially for the price.
Written March 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lori K
Norton15 contributions
Feb 2024 • couples
We were there for the Fireplace Feast it was absolutely amazing and a fun time had by all. staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable! very cool set up and amazing food. started by checking out the amazing prime rib cooking in the fireplace, amazing cider topped off with an unbelievable whiskey (if wanted) sleigh ride with the horses, then a spectacular show with how to cook their famous clam chowder. we then were moved upstairs for the dinner! clam chowder was spot on they asked if you wanted seconds! YES PLEASE! Homemade rolls then the meal came out! prime rib was perfect along with potatoes and squash. they came around again to give seconds of the meat! THEN they presented this HUGE bowl of homemade whipped cream! they placed on the table you got in line for the apple pie with a massive dollop of whipped cream. we were there with some amazing couples! we left full and happy with the experience. Highly suggest....
Written February 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ed G
1 contribution
Sep 2022 • family
We booked the Salem Cross Inn for my daughter’s wedding for June 2020. Due to Covid-19 we rescheduled to September 17, 2022. After years of planning and hours of my daughter’s time preparing and creating all the tapestries for her special day the most bizarre disaster occurred and threatened our well laid plans. A motorist experiencing a medical emergency ran his car through the barn where we were to hold the reception, rendering it unusable. This happened the morning of the day before the wedding. My daughter and wife were in tears after hearing the news. We were unaware however that the general manager (Nancy) was a superhero and that the disaster was turned into a minor inconvenience. She closed the restaurant to the public and seamlessly transposed our seating arrangement to the main dining room for dinner and the large lounge below the barn was available for music and dancing. The DJ who has played many times there commented that it was even better than the barn above. The care and thoughtfulness of the management and staff is something that you seldom see. If my story sounds incredible I’d like to hear about the wedding that took place on the same day as the accident. Thank you Salem Cross Inn for a memorable day!!!!
Written September 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StLTourGirl
Saint Louis226 contributions
Oct 2023 • friends
I schedule a visit here for the prime rib lunch cooked over the fire in front of us every time we visit Massachusetts. They give a fabulous tour and the place is completely fascinating. I love that the family that runs the inn makes everything very personal and always offers little extras. They were featured on Man Fire Food due to having an unusual cooking tool in the lower level.
They also host many special occasions and we have been there more than once with entertainment. I highly recommend this location for any tour groups, corporate gatherings, and special family events. If I lived in the area I would definitely be having dinner there probably once a month!
Get on by and see the Salem crew!
Written December 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VMR510
New York City41 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
Just fabulous. We go often. Our waitress is friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Today at Sunday lunch the duck with cherries and the swordfish were terrific, especially their swordfish which is always moist and beautifully seasoned. They managed to make zucchini a dish you'd ask for seconds of. Chocolate chip cookie hot fudge sundae!
Written August 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keith518
Thompson113 contributions
May 2024 • couples
We drove a distance to try this restaurant because it looked like a quality place for dinner. Unfortunately, I think we caught the chef on a bad night. My wife ordered the open-faced roasted turkey and I had the pork tenderloin. Both were very overcooked. My tenderloin was far from tender, and my wife's turkey was so dry she complained about it. Our waitress and the manager were both very apologetic and even comped her entrée, which was appreciated. But as my wife said, she would rather have had a good meal than a free meal. The chowder and side vegetables were very good.
Written May 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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