I went to The Lobster in the summer of 2025 and was shocked to discover they didn't have gluten free buns for their burgers (and no markings on their menu to make it GF friendly). I spoke with the host and she seemed wholly unconcerned that in this day and age, that they had not considered this in their new business/menu. I have avoided that place since. I went again a few nights ago and asked if they had addressed the gluten free bun issue and the waiter basically told me they are not gluten free friendly. I then ordered the steak, which came with fries (that he informed me would be cross-contaminated). He didn't even offer me a baked potato or anything to substitute for the lack of fries! My steak tips came on the dinner plate with half of it left bare. He seemed to be wholly unconcerned about the fact that the restaurant does a terrible job of respecting gluten free guests. I won't be going back anytime soon. read more

Service was horribly slow with only three tables sat, and waiter hardly checked up on us. Food wasn't exceptionally great or good, spend your money elsewhere. read more

Food was amazing, the server was kind and considerate, the wings were some of the best I've ever had and the pizza was cooked to perfection, if it was any better I would have died 10/10! read more

Counter - New American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

My group of 7 came here early November. I got the old bay shrimp fries which weren't terrible but I didn't get a taste of old bay. I got a couple small shrimp and we practically had to beg for silverware. My friends got grilled cheese which were both very burned and not melted inside. We waited for the food forever despite being the only group in the restaurant. One thing I particularly hated was where I was sitting was with my back towards a door to the outside that staff continuously opened so the cold air kept hitting me in the back. (The day was cold and rainy) honestly it was super annoying and wasn't worth the wait or the food. read more

Counter - Old bay shrimp fries - New American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

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If I could I would put no stars. The staff were nice but the food was Awful!! I ordered a burger and as I was cutting it in the middle, it had a long hair in the patty! I let them know and they were going to bring me another one but honestly I was so grossed out after that. The fries were greasy and nasty and someone in my party saw the cook throw it in the fryer with his hands and no gloves. The other 4 people all experienced stomach aches after that. Please save your stomached and don't go. I should have read the reviews here before I went which mentioned that the food was bad. read more

Both menu and drink list is limited so I would expect dishes to come out with very good quality. I ordered the chestnut soup with was cold and tasted very bland. Our friends burger was served raw in the middle. Our server, while trying to be friendly, came off very loud and overbearing as she kept yelling "my friends" each time she came to the table. We also didn't really appreciate the open belly shirt she was wearing as it made her belly directly eye level with us each time she approached. Lots of potential here, but needs attention to the details. read more

Counter - Hummus - New American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

Went last night around 5:15 to get an app and drink. The menu is a bit limited as is the drink list. The cheese plate was excellent! The purple haze with banana fig jam with the grilled bread-I could eat that every day. The bartender was very nice, and attentive as he could be but there was about 19 people he was tending to which made it difficult to get his attention. There was a female working there with an apron that offered NO help at all other than chatting up the chefs and eating out of bowl that was placed on the line. She drank her soda (plastic cup with straw-not from the restaurant) cleaned her tray and talked...and talked...and talked. I felt badly for the bartender he was very nice-does this woman know anything about team work? I don't think we will be back, there are so many fabulous places in Salem to drink and eat. read more

Counter - EXCELLENT cheese plate - New American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

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Loving this new spot in Salem!! The Hotel Salem is part of the Lark Hotel group, and a welcome addition to the Essex pedestrian walkway. Counter is a super cute spot right in the entry/lobby area of the hotel. The bar has about 12 spots, and there are about 10 small tables. The decor is very mid-century and super cute! Service came with a smile and good drink recommendations. We had the hummus which was DELICIOUS, and the naan it came with was freshly grilled and fluffy. I do wish there were more small plates...since as a group of 3 we wanted to share a few things and the only real shareable plate was the hummus. Also, the switchback tasted like it was the end of the keg...but not a huge deal. Regardless, I can't wait to return and try more of the menu! I'd definitely recommend it to someone looking for a hot spot for drinks and food. read more

Wandered in on a dreary Saturday morning and had excellent service and probably the best breakfast that I've had in quite awhile. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I love the decor. I'd actually wanted to stop in for awhile and was glad that my mother and I happened to be in Salem on a quiet Saturday late morning in order to try their brunch menu. The menu wasn't huge but had a great variety of items. I almost went with the bread basket (which sounds amazing and I'm going to have to go back to try it) but wanted egg so I went with the counter breakfast which was what you would think - choice of egg, meat, home fries and toast. I also got their cold brew which was so good. Very strong and smooth. I loved the breakfast. No lie, best scrambled eggs I've had in forever. I can't remember the last time I liked and finished eggs when eating out. I also really liked the spices on the home fries. Just a bit of a kick and salty - yum. Bacon was good and toast was just okay (wish they had a choice here but I was full and didn't eat much of it anyway). I was full because my mother ordered the brioche French toast and it was a massive portion so I kindly helped her out with a few pieces. Yummy taste of caramel sauce on the bread mixed with maple syrup. Sugar heaven and done perfectly. She loved it too but couldn't finish her plate. She also got tea and liked their selection. All in all, prices were fantastic for the quality and it was such a nice breakfast out. Staff were incredibly attentive and even put her tea in a to go cup for the road. I really want to try a couple of the other brunch items so I think I'll find a way back there pretty soon and recommend it if you're in Salem as it's a great location across from the East India Mall. read more

Counter - Counter breakfast - New American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

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Amazing people watching! This review gets a whole star just for the view. You can literally sit at a barstool overlooking the Essex pedestrian mall and it's better than any barback tv. I had a late lunch of Cured Salmon Toast- really really nice. Great ingredients great composition and good fries! Paired well with a cider. Cool spot, good well done food with casual feel. I'll come again read more

Great food and friendly staff! Husband got the Egg Wrap but took a bite before I could snap a photo. Haha service is slow, had to go find the server to order and also pay but if you're not in a rush it's greats! read more

Counter - Breakfast biscuit - New American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

I will attach a picture...Don't order the French Toast! Looks OK, but flavor is not even there! Service (waiter) OK, but extraodinary time to receive the toast you would have thought it would have some semblance of an egg flavor. When I asked for bill, not even a question of "Is something wrong with you food?" Coffee was good, but almost room temperature. I don't usually take the time for such a review unless it is warranted. read more

Counter - Mediocre French toast....sad to say - New American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

Alright listen up....Derek is the man. Counter was our first stop after a 5 hour drive into town. Got a UFO beer, counter burger and the lady got the grilled cheese and tomato soup. Grilled cheese was A+. Tomato soup was creamy and had a good spice to it. Counter burger, out of this world. The salad tastes like they just picked everything from a garden. The beer was cold. Derek made me a white pumpkin Russian something and that dude can make a mixed drink. We'll be back before the weekend ends. read more

Counter - New American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

This place is awful. I want to like it and have given it a number of tries but my experience last Sunday is what made me write this review. We tried to go to the rooftop but we were told it was closed because the elevator was broken. So we sat outside where NO ONE else was sitting. The inside was not busy at all, maybe two tables and a couple of people at the counter. We ordered a drink and placed a food order. After that, we waited ABOUT AN HOUR for two flatbread pizzas. A party of four was seated beside us, received a round of drinks, ordered take out, and got their bill the entire time we sat there waiting. Once our food arrived, we asked for napkins and then didn't see the server again so we had to get up and get them ourselves. We took a few bites of our pizzas and they were cold and not cooked through. The cheese wasn't even melted. Elios frozen pizza would've been better. We wanted to get them heated up but the server was impossible to make eye contact with. I finally flagged her over and she asked if we wanted boxes. We said no and told her the pizzas were awful. She said she would talk to the manager. She came back with the check and said she took my drink off. So I spent $40 on two frozen pizzas and bad service. For a Lark Hotel, this is a shame. read more

Ok first things first, they have a great view, but what Im really writing this review for is the counter burger, that SOB is amazing. Burgers are for sure one of my top 5 go to comfort foods, and in 39 years, I've never had one this good. Let's just establish that almost anything on a buttered croissant bun is going to be tasty, but their meat is also well seasoned and juicy, the pickles are nice and thick, with a nice topping of caramelized onions. I don't who was responsible for that recipe, but give them a few dozen gold stars. The gentleman behind the line, killed it. Unfortunately we live 3.5 hours away so it will be a while until we can come back, but damn that alone was worth the trip. I'm sad to say this place kind of ruined burgers for me, who's gonna top that now?! read more

Tonight we went to dinner here. It was delicious. We had the duck appetizer and shared the scallops. Everything was so yummy. Even though they only have a limited menu, they soft opened, it was such a good selection. And did I mention the cocktails are yummy too read more

Counter - New American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

A friend and I stopped into Counter this week, hoping to eat lunch outside where there were several tables, all of them empty on that particular sunny, not very hot day. We approached an employee inside and asked her if we could have lunch outside and her answer "I don't serve outside." That was it....no invitation to eat inside, no welcome whatsoever, nothing. Did I mention that the place was empty inside also, except for one couple with whom the employee was deeply engaged in conversation? And there were the kitchen help, obviously with nothing to do because there was no one there. We didn't starve, there's plenty of welcoming competition very near by. read more

Staff was nice, however did not come and check on table at all. We had empty water glasses most of the time. Burger was wayyyyy too burnt. Was not juicy like I had desired it to be. Food was average no wow factor. First time having brunch here, was not amused. read more

Mixed bag. Drinks are fun and bartenders are friendly and quick. Went for dinner with a party of four and two of us liked our meals and two did not. My husband referred to his salmon dish as "airplane food" so there's that. My gnocchi was just downright weird. They were going or something; I'm not sure what. However, it was OK. My friend got a burger and was pleased. Our waitress could have used some training. We have all worked in service, and we get it. It was not her fault. We were all saying how this earnest young lady simply was not trained properly to wait tables. She spilled several glasses of water across our table but then did not know what to do. We were all helping her out with the ensuing clean-up. The big shock of the evening was that all four of us planned to get dessert, but were told that they did not serve coffee. That was a deal-breaker for us. We walked over to Mr. Crepe and had coffee and dessert crepes on nearby Washington Street. Counter missed out on a much bigger check for our table. I would recommend sitting at the bar and getting a couple of drinks and some easy apps, but they really need to get their bearings for dinner service at Counter. Oh, and...Counter, buy some coffee and brew it. This can't be that hard. read more

Counter - New American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

This is a cool and laid back joint to get an amazing cocktail and good eats. Cheese plate is really very good and the burger as well. I follow them on social media and entrees look spectacular, although I've not yet tried. read more

My husband and I LOVE this place! It's the perfect date night spot. The staff is incredibly welcoming, and the food is consistently outstanding. They are super inventive with their specials, and everything always tastes amazing. They venture outside the box from your "typical" restaurant specials menu, and it is so worth it. Hands down the best cheeseburger I've ever had anywhere. Ever. The desserts are not only unbelievably delicious, but are visually works of art as well. We always look forward to our visits here! read more

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The deserts are phenomenal. Beautiful restaurant Chef Is hilarious and super friendly and the hospitality was on point.

Just had the restaurant week prix fixe menu at The Counter at The Hotel Salem. And may I just say ... OH MY GOD!!! Amazing dinner. Caesar Brussels sprouts salad, risotto with scallops, and chocolate mousse for dessert. They're also serving a chowder/kale soup that was delicious, and pasta with meatballs poached in bacon fat in a red pepper sauce. Seriously, the best dinner I've had in quite awhile. You have two more days to get this menu - and you should!!! read more

This for the breakfast. Chef Andrew brings it every time. The menu is clean, fresh and affordable. When you are standing in line elsewhere, give them a try read more

3 of us visited The Counter Restaurant inside the beautiful Hotel Salem this weekend for dinner ! The Restaurant is decorated nicely and provides a lively and fun atmosphere ! The food was delicious and affordably priced. A great selection of Micro brewed beers and specialty drinks ! Our waitress Alicia was very attentive and knowledgeable! Located right in the heart of Salem ! We will visit again soon ! Thanks for a great experience ! read more

Best burger I have ever had! Came in for date night, and my wife and I were not disappointed. Burger was amazing, and my wife gushed over her Scallops. Highly recommend this place! read more

Great night out....went with family....kids had burgers...adults enjoyed salmon, pork chop....roasted cauliflower and kale salad were awesome....excellent drink beer and wine selection...Looking forward to them rolling out additional options...cant wait to return and try other items. read more

Waitress didnt even introduce herself, felt rushed to order both drinks and food. The same waitress then left halfway through serving us and didnt tell us and neither did the new waitress. Food took forever to come out and no one checked on us after. Food was good but service was so bad will never go back read more

As a resident of Salem, I don't like to write one star reviews to local businesses, but the Customer ounter fully deserves it. It's a Labor Day weekend and it's one of the busiest times of the year so get your act together! An absent minded server who can't manage to bring cream, or sugar with coffee. Luke warm eggs on a rubbery biscuit, cold homefries, and wrong prices on the menus and completely inattentive service make this place just plain awful. One may be wondering about the open concept kitchen and how in the world do you get cold food when it's suppose to be piping hot. I recommend that management recruits a professional server from Red's next door and have them train all their servers. Pay them well, and learn from the best! read more

Unfortunately this place is not ready to be a real restaurant. They didn't have half the items listed in the menu and our food never came. We left hungry and spoke with the table next to us who had the same experience and had waited over an hour for their sandwich to arrive. They should close for now and reopen with a professional opening staff who can teach them how to run a kitchen. read more

We had the worst food here on Saturday night for a birthday party. My wife and best friend sent the chicken back as inedible. My burger was American cheese and French fries. You could do better at Five Guys. No lettuce, tomato, etc. it is not a place to go for a celebration, let alone a dinner out with a date or significant other. read more

The desserts are great and the service is exceptional! Had the best dinner I've ever had.

It looked rather full but we were able to get a good seat for a quick dinner. Tim was at our table offering water within seconds of sitting down. The Super Tuscan was good and best priced red on the menu. The Counter Burger was great, also reasonably priced for a "fancy" burger. read more

Food and atmosphere was excellent. Came in for dinner one night and had an amazing time. Our server was very attentive and the food options and quality were top notch. Can't wait to come back! read more

This restaurant is to die for. Perfect atmosphere with perfect dishes. The burger is the best burger around there. The drink specials ( White Sangria) I had was so fresh and perfectly made. read more

The Counter is a great new spot in the historic town of Salem! This exquisite destination offers a variety of spirits as well as a delicious menu of foods. The overall structure of the restaurant made the dining experience even more pleasurable. I also really enjoyed the overlook of the street as the glass facade allows guests to essentially sit in the streets of Salem. While dining, I enjoyed a top-notch burger as well as a few different beers amongst the variety they have. Overall, I was very pleased with my experience and I look forward to going back more often. I can imagine this destination will be a popular spot throughout the year as well as during the peak hours of Halloween time. read more