Visited in Dec 2025, Absolutely loved this little diner and i always think back to it. We had issues finding parking at first and I came in to ask and not only did the people working help direct me but the others eating also offered to help! The hospitality was so incredible I felt so welcomed and at home here. The food was delicious and portions were big!! I loved the amazing home-y feel we got here and would love to return someday, everyone was amazing, plenty of space to sit and eat. read more

Great breakfast and wonderful service! Typical diner environment. The portions are large and everything is tasty. Mary, our waitress, was the best. I kidded with my friends that I should take Mary home with me and she'd definitely get my life in order. read more

Dotty & Ray's - Hash & Eggs - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

Oh. Mah. Gawrsh. I don't even know how we ended up here. I think our uber dropped us off at the corner and we just sort of stumbled in but holy moly am I glad we did! The place is tiny but it was p a c k e d. We sat at the only 2 chairs at the bar and were quickly greeted with menus and drink requests. Everyone around us had fat plates full of food that looked amazing so we just ordered with our hearts. I had the 2 egg breakfast with sausage, scrambled eggs, and pumpkin pie pancakes. Hubs had the Why Choose with apple pie pancakes. Mary was our server and she was absolutely amazing. The whole kitchen crew was having fun with each other as well as those of us still in the restaurant. This is hands down THE BEST diner food I have ever had. Truly delicious. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but please make a point to stop in here during your Salem visit. You will be happy you did! read more

Dotty & Ray's - Pumpkin pie pancakes - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

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Absolutely nails that warm, welcoming morning vibe with food that feels made with real care--fresh, satisfying, and consistently delicious. You can tell there's pride in every detail, and the owner is genuinely one of the most amazing parts of the experience. Super kind, hands-on, and clearly passionate about what they're building. read more

Very good! Around a long time for a reason, waitress was so sweet and good food! Apple fritters are bonus read more

Dotty & Ray's - Chicken and waffles, breakfast plate, mimosa cheap and good size - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

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I'm so satisfied my first time here after the reopening of this establishment food was delicious the food was fresh upon order the staff is friendly I definitely highly recommend this restaurant for any tourist in the Salem area read more

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Took the short, rainy hike from the train station, on foot, to eat here. Worth it doesn't begin to describe what an amazing time we had. Salt of the earth people and delicious food. Was able to talk with some locals to see what were really the best things to see in Salem. The menu is straightforward. The omelette was hefty and stuffed with plenty of ingredients. These potatoes are not playing!! Good hearty chunks! Staff was quick and friendly and had no problem striking up conversation. Open-diner atmosphere with a counter or table seating. Venture to North Salem because of this place. read more

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Y'all - where do I even begin. Picture it. Sicily 1922... American was on the verge of the flapper days and Salem was alive and well... and there was Dot & Ray's. The cafe of all cafes. Nestled away on a small lil unassuming corner near the train station... life was perfect. Picture, 2023. Nothing has changed about this place. The staff is loving and overwhelmingly welcoming. The food is outstanding. The coffee is doing its best coffee and reminding you the world is good. The prices are more than fair. Service is fantastic. The ambiance is exactly what one would expect. I have nothing but positive and glowing things to say about Dot & Ray's. If you in Salem, stop searching the interwebs for your breakfast / brunch / lunch destination. Go find this lil cafe and then shoot me a message later and thank me for the recommendation. This place is hands-down my favorite breakfast spot in the the Atlantic North East... and possibly all of the United States. Their Eggs Benedict (their standard) is for sure in the top three (3) I've had in this lifetime. I don't hand out compliments often much less do I gush... I'm gushing. This one is for the books. Go. Eat. Dine. Enjoy. Thank me later. read more

Omelet was more a scramble y Than an omelet- also a little dry - but the service was a -0 and it was a nice experience! read more

While visiting this summer, we always look to eat at restaurants we do not have at home (it's actually a family rule when on vacation, we started it while dating 26 years ago). So we were doing a walking tour of Salem and getting very hungry so decided to Google best diners in Salem, after looking at reviews, this place caught our interest and we walked a little over a mile to get there! And oh am I glad we did! Absolutely amazing food!!! Eggs Benedict was perfect! I'm a huge breakie and their breakfast potatoes were amazing, crunchy on the outside yet soft on the inside, soft scrambled eggs again, they can cook!! Also amazing Mimosas. They had such an amazing range of food options that everyone could eat and enjoy. The waitress worked tirelessly to make sure everyone's drink stayed full, loved sitting at the bar chatting with the cook just an amazing atmosphere. Highly recommend, would have walked 2 miles (i did ). read more

Dotty & Ray's - Double Bacon Cheeseburger with perfect egg on top - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

I love this place. We arrived for breakfast and Immediately noticed the Lobster Roll on the specials list. I immediately ordered one and I must say, it was delicious. The Lobster was very "MOIST" I love using that word LOL. And the fries that were included were crisp and delish! The prices were pretty good for being in Salem. I will highly recommend this to anyone visiting the area. The staff is amazing as well. Go and get the LOBSTA!!! read more

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While attending an early morning appointment for our son at Childrens in Peabody, we all decided we required breakfast. A quick look at Yelp brought us to Dotty and Ray's and to the attention under Deb, our waitress. And as soon as she asked and then told us we wanted menus vs the handheld device menu, we were hooked. She likes her gasses made of glass and I felt like I found my long lost Italian twin, mind you I'm Irish. Boys wanted something heavy so shortly the loaded chili fries arrived. My 12 year old son said not to disturb him as he eyed the skillet. My husband asked the chef to make the chili available to purchase separately in quart containers. I ordered a veggie skillet with poached eggs. I found the eggs to be done to perfection and the veggies were prepared equally as well. The home-fries here are fantastically sized chunks of potatoes. Possibly precooked before being perfectly toasted before serving. Great flavor and substantial. Son loved his cheeseburger omelet and husband enjoyed chicken waffle with sweet and spicy sauce. We came in for a late lunch so had the place pretty much to ourselves. Got to interact with Deb and the guys. Personable service. Interested in your experience and thoroughly enjoyable people. We'll be making the trip again come next year for our son's annual follow up just so we can return to Dotty & Ray's! read more

Dotty & Ray's - Leave me in peace while I eat this please. - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

I good breakfast spot in the Salem are. Family run business with all the basics you need. 'I can't decide ' gives me the option to order a taste of all my favorites. The space had a few booth, bar, and table seats. read more

The best breakfast place I've ever had! The service is amazing, the food is as if you made it at home on a warm Sunday morning. My friend and I are from California and Texas and both agreed that we will have to come back and this will be the first place we go to undoubtedly The staff is cheerful, attentive, and lovely to strike up conversations with. The local customers are another thing that make this place wonderful. read more

Dotty & Ray's - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

the food was delicious and the service is amazing! i got their fried chicken sandwich and it did not disappoint at all!! read more

Dotty & Ray's - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

I highly recommend Dotty and Rays. They have the best breakfast in Salem by far, especially the chicken and waffles. I'm really looking forward to trying the weekend donuts one of these days read more

Awesome stuff great cook who really loves what he does. Friendly staff good prices. Classic dinerbfeel perfect breakfast spot

WAHT A GREAT FIND! From the outside it doesn't even look open BUT it is! What a great little place! The food is fantastic. Huge breakfast/lunch menu. The service is simply the best! You will NOT be disappointed. Give it a try and you will NOT want to go anywhere else, plus they have alcohol too! read more

Don't order the biscuits and gravy I'm from the south and it's not what you would expect Service is great friendly place and clean read more

Cute little dinner in Salem, great home style food, wonderful friendly service. Stopped in with a friend on our way out of Salem for a hearty breakfast before we parted ways. It was just the thing we needed to fill our cup. read more

I'm a little sad that I've lived in Salem this long and today was my first visit to Dotty & Ray's. The food was great, the service was friendly, AND it wasn't insanely busy like most Saturday morning brunch spots. Parking is limited and it's a bit off the beaten path, but it was totally worth it. Delicious, affordable breakfast! read more

Dotty & Ray's - Corned Beef Hash - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

Definitely a local neighborhood breakfast joint. I certainly do not understand it's high rating cuz overall it was disappointing and mediocre at best and I would not return. read more

Dotty & Ray's - Street view - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

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Breakfast Food was outstanding. Quality fresh made to order on everything. Services was slow but really nice people. It was busy so it was understandable but they could probably use additional waitstaff. Clean and nice diner feel. read more

This place is fantastic! If you want an excellent meal especially breakfast I highly recommend here!! Everything is made from scratch down to the freshly squeezed OJ!! Will be back again and again!! read more

My husband and I finally made it here, we had been wanting to try it for some time. The food was fantastic, everything was cooked to perfection and very generous portions. We spoke with the owner, super friendly and took the time to acknowledge us and personally asked us how everything was. Wait staff was very attentive, checking back several times. The menu has so many options, place is super clean and food excellent, and very reasonably priced. I would definite recommend, you will not regret it. read more

We had breakfast there and it was absolutely the best breakfast we ever had. My daughter really loved the eggs Benedict.

Every once in a great while, the Food God blesses one with anointment of the Deep-Fried Divine and ascends one up and into Deep Fry Paradise. Dotty and Ray's was one such Food God occasion. My One, Moey, and I happened upon this charming joint after spending a spooky weekend in beautiful dreary Salem. We immediately dug the "legit" diner décor and retro atmosphere in here. This is a down-home uncrowded setting and thankfully devoid of the ubiquitous silly "heart-healthy/gluten-free/tree-hugger" food options. We decided on two Lobster Rolls and a Basket of Fingers which came with a mash-up of Straight Fries and Sweet Ba-Day-Da Straight Fries and O Rings. It took quite some time for the food to come but the cook was deep frying everything to order. The sizzling grease sounds were heavenly as the Fry-O-Later worked its magic as the Maillard Reaction took place (If you don't know what this means, then Google it). Out came a basket of Deep Fried Fingers so immense and big ass that we were spell bound. A mere six-buck price tag for a huge heap of these Shaq-sized Fingers. The O Rings were the best we ever had. Very generous Lobster Rolls too and assorted dipping sauces were provided. The Rolls may be ordered Connecticut style or New England Style (If you don't know what this means, then Google it). No need to elaborate any further as this was an utterly wonderful Deep Fry Paradise pig-out experience. It may look kinda like Mel's Diner in here but let's just say the waitress is certainly no Flo and the chef is no Mel and the food and service here are certainty not to be trifled with. If you don't come to Dotty and Ray's, you can KISS MY GRITS, YELPers! Until then, STOW IT! read more

Dotty & Ray's - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

Excellent food at a fair price in a friendly atmosphere. Most of my visits are for breakfast. I'm always in a hurry and they serve quickly. You feel like you are in a place where all the locals go. I intend to try their lunch menu and now hear they do dinners. Very affordable . Important to me since I am on Social Security. I highly recommend. read more

Fav breakfast I had in Salem for the long weekend I was there. Better than Ugly Mug in my opinion. Our server (Debbie I believe) was the sweetest woman ever and so welcoming. The place looks straight out of 1958. Had no problem getting a table on a Sunday morning. Coffee was good too. They even had mimosas! Paying was also super easy. The receipt they gave had a QR code that allowed you to pay from the table. Reasonably priced and good portions. The home fries were super crispy and delicious; reminded me of a hash brown. read more

Great place, wonderful food, GF options Nice people both behind the counter and locals sitting around us. read more

Dotty & Ray's - Great GF food (including homemade GF buns for burgers) Huge portions (I would recommend sharing the fish platters) - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

Best fried chicken north of Memphis, TN. Crispy & moist (hate that word). Onion rings were perfect! Sister had the fried seafood combo which was all fresh, including fish, scallops, clams, shrimp, fries & sweet potato fries. Friendly staff... couldn't ask for more. read more

Great huge lobster roll. The biggest I've had. The onion rings were kind of gross. Stale crispy and very greasy. I wish I could have gotten two lobster rolls. The service was pretty slow for an average amount of guests. My friend got the bbq burger but said she liked the fries better. So i would suggest getting the lobster roll with fries to get the best of both of our meals read more

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There isn't enough good that I can say about this place. Came here for a diner feel and it was awesome. The staff was very open to conversation and to answer any questions that we had. We're not from here, so all the insight was much appreciated. I had the steak eggs Benedict and I think enjoyed them. Some others in the group thought the hollandaise sauce was a little lacking, since I rarely eat this, and have little to compared to,I found the flavors quite well together. Enjoyed this establishment so much that we actually came back. This time I got the turkey club, which I failed to get a picture of. It was wicked good. Lol. If every in the Salem area, don't miss out on the good food and atmosphere. read more

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Small homey place with amazing food and friendly people, the interior has very nice decor and is kept incredibly clean. I had the cheeseburger omelette and it was incredible, really fresh ingredients put together in a very creative way. I would visit again any day! read more

Dotty & Ray's - Cheeseburger Omelette - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

Go here NOW!! Seriously Baked haddock and those onion rings!. Once you eat these onion rings you will never eat anything else but theirs. Steak tips are juicy and so good. I have had everything on their menu and loved them all. What are you waiting for now? Get in the car and just go read more

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Went here with some co-workers a few weeks ago in between meetings for lunch based on the yelp reviews and wasn't disappointed. If you love lobster, then you better believe that sign out front that says theirs is the best on the north shore and head on it; large portions for a reasonable price. Friendly wait staff's also a plus! Parking's a little tough but most side streets on weekdays are good to go. read more

Awesome service and good food. We were quickly seated and served. The only downside was the parking.

If you want a good hearty, flavorful, great customer service, in and out service, and good priced breakfast... I recommend Dotty and Rays. Thank goodness I live literally, down the street from here! I ordered the all meat omelet with home fries! First, the home fries are the best that I've had since I moved to Massachusetts this year. Seasoned and fried very well! The omelet is quite tasteful as well. Now you are probably looking at the picture and saying ketchup and hot sauce on the omelet and home fries. *Its a southern thang . The customer service from the cook as well as the cashier was amazing! Felt like they knew how I was haha. Definitely, a place you got to go have if you are in Salem for breakfast! 5 stars! read more

Dotty & Ray's - All meat Omelet and Home Fries - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

Small place but really great food. When i went there was a wait but the helpful lady in charge quickly got everyone in and seated. I had the chicken and waffles which were amazing. read more

Dotty & Ray's - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

Great place. I can highly recommend the Reuben sandwich. They make the corned beef fresh, and it's some of the best I've ever had. Fries were super hot and crispy too. Friendly service and reasonable prices. read more