If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ve no doubt fantasized about sipping a delicious pint or two of rich butterbeer. Now you can bring that daydream to life without needing a ticket for the Hogwarts Express. Butterbeer is available right here in Massachusetts and it’s served up in a truly magical spot.
Remember Salem is a small shop in the Witch City of Massachusetts. It’s designed to look like the quaint stores of old New England with a distinctively magical touch.
You can find Remember Salem at 127 Essex Sweet, Salem, Mass. Visit their Facebook here for current specials and more information. If you’re a fan of hot treats rather than sweet, check out this Massachusetts shop dedicated solely to spicy stuff.
At the end of the busy pedestrian mall in the heart of downtown Salem, Massachusetts, you will find a fantastic restaurant housed in a building filled with rich New England history. The iconic Daniel Low & Company building is now the home of the popular Rockafellas Restaurant.
advertisement
The historic Salem building dates back to 1826. At this time, it was owned by Salem’s First Church and was the parish’s fourth building of worship on this site. The church occupied the second floor and rented out the first floor to various local stores and businesses.
Later, in the 1860s, the National Exchange Bank operated out of this location. Although the building was extensively remolded, the bank’s vault remains.
The historic building is perhaps most well known for its time as the Daniel Low Company jewelry store. Daniel Low opened a business here in 1867 and is credited with creating one of the nation’s first mail-order catalogs, successfully selling his popular silver witch spoon souvenir to people across the nation.
The bar scene at Rockafellas is also quite lively. The signature “Lady in Blue” drink made with rum, pineapple juice, and Blue Curacao is a top-selling cocktail. The drink is named after a ghost (a woman in a blue dress) who supposedly haunts the restaurant.
While I personally have not had a supernatural encounter while dining here, people swear the rumors are true. After all, this is Salem!
Have you dined at Rockafellas? If so, we would love to know all about your visit. More information can be found on the Rockafellas Restaurant website and the Rockafellas Salem Facebook page. If you are looking for other great restaurants in Salem, be sure to visit Ledger (also a former bank) and Flying Saucer Pizza. If you are visiting during the weekend, you must stop to get dessert at Goodnight Fatty. I also recommend taking a historical walking tour while you are in town.
Hidden bars and restaurants are among my favorite types of places to explore during my journeys across Massachusetts. I find these establishments to be extra special when they are located in unexpected spots. OIYS has already told you about Bogie’s Place, a secret adults-only steakhouse in Boston, and the hidden tasting room at Deacon Giles Distillery in Salem. Did you know that there is also a speakeasy tucked inside a hotel in downtown Peabody, Massachusetts? Word is out about the secret “Cellar.”
advertisement
The Cellar is a fabulous spot located in the basement of the Bell Inn. The beautiful inn recently opened for business and is already becoming a popular destination for tourists and local visitors.
This fascinating property was once an important meeting spot for soldiers during the American Revolution. For years, this historic building, which was built around 1740, sat vacant and in disrepair. It is located close to my home and I always hoped that someone would save it from demolition.
You can imagine how happy I was when I found out that the property was purchased and being converted into a boutique hotel. The Bell Inn opened its doors in the fall of 2023. It has eight upscale guest rooms and both the interior and exterior retain many original architectural details. The inn contains several places to enjoy a meal, including “The Cellar” speakeasy.
I finally got to visit recently and I'm so glad that I went! My husband and I originally planned to eat at The Tavern, but this popular spot was completely booked for the night. We decided to head downstairs and eat at The Cellar. The speakeasy is more casual than the inn’s restaurant but still has the same menu.
The Cellar can be accessed either through an outside entrance or a narrow staircase within the inn.
The atmosphere is dim, yet cozy and comfortable. The brick and fieldstone walls and antique furnishings definitely reminded us that we were dining in a historic spot.
We grabbed a seat at a wooden table in the main speakeasy room and perused the menu. Food and drink orders were taken by ordering at the bar. The menu was full of classic regional dishes such as local oysters and clam chowder, as well as hearty dishes like braised beef short ribs and baked mac and cheese.
The Tavern and Cellar also have weekly specials, as well as discounts for children and veterans (on select days). I can’t wait to try out the brunch menu!
Have you taken a secret visit to The Cellar? If so, please tell us all about your experience! More information can be found on The Bell Inn & Tavern's website and The Bell Inn & Tavern's Facebook page.
If you are interested in staying overnight at The Bell Inn, you can book a reservation right through Expedia. While you are in Peabody, be sure to visit Karl’s Sausage Kitchen and European Market.
