If you're navigating the beautiful chaos of "tourist trap central" while in Salem, MA, do yourself a favor and skip the overhyped, crowded "Ugly Mug Diner" down the street. Fountain Place Restaurant is just a few blocks away and had zero line. It's definitely got the "tourist trap price" as we walked away spending a little over $100 for a breakfast for three after tax and tip--but honestly, for the quality, the location and speed of service, it felt worth the splurge. The food was well-seasoned and not super greasy (which is usually the typical "diner food" struggle). We went all in on a spread: the Big Breakfast with a pancake, a savory crepe, the hash grilled cheese, a blueberry muffin, and a side slice of French toast. Everything was so good that our group of three actually finished it all! Skip the french toast and go for the pancake. This spot has that classic, cozy vibe without the "greasy spoon" after-feel. If you want a delicious, reliable meal away from the massive lines, this is your spot! read more

See all

Great quaint breakfast spot. Popped in around11 on Saturday morning and kinda shocked they weren't that busy. Got sat right away and menus at the table to review. Coffee came out quick and nice taste. Ordered the two egg breakfast with con beef hash, crossing and fruit. Everything came out great. Eggs perfect over easy, corn beef hash nice and crispy, fruit was good and the croissant was amazing. Nice and crispy! Overall solid breakfast spot and I'd totally go back when in the area. read more

See all

Had Brunch here today and I must say I enjoyed it very much. Service was exceptional. Good black coffee! The Irish Benedict ( 2 poached eggs, corned beef hash , hollandaise.) so good! Had a single pancake as well. All around a great meal! read more

Fountain Place Restaurant - The Irish - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

See all

I had a cheeseburger club, fries, and a Coke. Everything was great! My waitress was super friendly and attentive.

The service and food where both excellent. The atmosphere was very comfortable. We were seated right away and our waiter was very professional and friendly. Great job to everyone at the Fountain Place on July 4, 2026 read more

Fountain Place Restaurant - Veggie Omelet Breakfast - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

Yes, this place is very interesting. Also, very interesting people walking by doing throw. They have every breakfast amenity on the menu plus they're open for lunch. Plenty of seating inside the people are friendly to cook is excellent. read more

Best pancakes I've had in a loooong time! Small spot so be careful what time you get there. Super nice staff, good prices read more

I came to fountain place on a Monday afternoon. It wasn't too busy, and my server was accommodating and quick. The restaurant is cozy, with well spaced but small tables around the establishment. I had an omelette, and I felt it was prepared well. Unfortunately, the raisin toast that came with it, despite being buttered, had a stale texture. I also felt the pricing was pretty expensive - without a drink, my omelette and the included sides came to $18. I'll probably come back again and try some of the other offerings at some point. read more

We somehow came here twice for lunch during out visit to Salem, the first time to eat outdoors, the second time because the two restaurants near here seemed to have long lines and waits and our group of 8 didn't want to wait. The outdoor eating was interesting as it was really windy and the table next to us blew over as the umbrella was up due to a bit of rain and lots of wind, fortunately the other way. 8 of us were on the trip and we ended up sitting at 3 different tables outside and fortunately at one long table indoors. I had a Roll Up Sandwich #3 with French Fries the first lunch and it was good and then #4 the second time, also good. My wife had salads both times. Four of the other folks said their meals were okay and two were not impressed and didn't want to come back the second time but did based on the wait at other close restaurants. Our server both times was Hollie, who seemed very busy so did not seem to come over once our food was server other to ask if we wanted anything else. What was very interesting is that the server hand writes what is order and the invoice is their handwriting, not the usual print out. with the price of everything and was a bit difficult to read at first. Unlike other restaurants each couple couldn't order separately the first time so the 4 at our table got one handwritten bill and ended up splitting it. On the second lunch we got the same handwritten bill. Just very interesting. The food was considered edible for most all but not great. Don't know that we'd recommend it, but it's a nice informal restaurant. read more

The crepe was delicious and the home fries as well. It's a small place and the waitress was very nice. read more

Fountain Place Restaurant - Mango cream crepe with a side of home fries and a small fruit bowl - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

When the "service" ruins the whole meal I don't usually post rants, but this place really tested my patience today. How you gonna serve frozen fruit on top of pancakes and French toast, soggy potatoes, and then have the nerve to expect a tip? The food was straight-up nasty, the service had zero effort, and the attitude was unreal. If you can't treat customers with respect or cook a decent meal, don't push that tip screen in my face. Do better. read more

See all

Food is a rip off, it was extremely salty. Our order was messed up for multiple things. 10$ for a croissant with ONE egg. This is the worst place I've been too in a really long time. The only thing that salvaged it half way was the smoothie. The ambiance is odd, and no we know why no one was in there on a Saturday morning. read more

My friend and I ate here last Sunday during our quick trip to Salem. We wanted to eat at the ugly mug, but the lines are way too long. We noticed that this restaurant didn't have much of a wait. We were seated, they took our orders, and we eagerly awaited for our breakfast. We split a pancake and got eggs and home fries. The potatoes were good, but the eggs were nothing special. The pancake was horrible! It was super dry. Hot chocolate was good and the service was good too. Bathroom is located down a flight of stairs and it was clean and not smelly. Overall, this is a good spot to get breakfast. Just be prepared to wait or get there early, right when it opens to beat the crowds. read more

Fountain Place Restaurant - Sunday breakfast. - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

Yuck. Read my reviews, I'm typically a very generous yelper. I am not a super foodie. This place from dirty tables, disorganized waiting, but mainly the ice cold sausage delivered and the server handling it with her hands and passing it to the cook who then threw it back into a skillet with other people's food, unsanitary yes, and just gross. Talk about cross contamination, yuck. Walk somewhere else. read more

Fountain Place Restaurant - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

See all

I get diners can be stressful especially at such a popular town where thousands of locals and tourists walks by. The waiter, super sweet. His coworkers, not so friendly. I've never been to or witnessed such a hostile work environment. I mean poor guy... it was difficult to eat my food hearing her yell at him when all he was trying to do was tell her there's new customers waiting outside. I wonder how many employees she scares away... The food is food. Nothing to really rave about but I can say this is the first diner where I liked their home fries. read more

Been to the Fountain Place restaurant many times and it has been ok (meh), filling food, decent prices in the past. This trip it surprised us!! They've stepped up their game significantly!! Had the Irish eggs Benny. The hash was super delish! Hollandaise sauce was flavorful and creamy! Very pleased with the food and service! read more

See all

It's an ok little spot. It definitely gets the job done. Food is average, nothing overly special. Everyone is extremely helpful and polite. read more

Service was fast and friendly but the food wasn't very good. Crabcakes Benedict cost as much as any other place but overall quality was meh. Patties were super thin, and weirdly sweet. Hollandaise had a really odd punch to it, way too acidic and when combined with the sweet crab cake it was like easy a seafood lemonade. Not recommended. Wife's food was also entirely forgettable (really, we can't remember what she ordered but do remember it being meh). The friendly service gets the two stars. read more

Fountain Place Restaurant - Crabcakes Benedict - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

Not a fan. Nice outdoor setting, but 4 of us came for breakfast and no one cared for their meal. My wife just ordered a side of the corned beef hash. The outside was nice and crispy (see photo), but the inside of cold and mushy. She didn't eat much of it. Two of us had the Greek omelet (2nd photo). I ordered it to try the Greek sausage, but honestly it looked and tasted like ham. The toast seemed greasy. The fruit was good. The wait staff were nice and very efficient. There are better places to get breakfast. read more

Fountain Place Restaurant - Hash browns - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

See all

The crab cake sandwich and fries were good. Breakfast items seemed overpriced for a greasy spoon diner which this place basically is. The sandwich prices were more reasonable in my opinion. Service and ambience were fine. read more

Fountain Place Restaurant - Crab cake sandwich - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

1.5 Hours of waiting spent waiting. Both the owner and the waitresss were asked about the wait time for BREAKFAST. The cook, who's name was John decides to blow up loud enough for the whole place to hear "tell them to shut up and go to mcdonald's" This is clearly a bad look on the owner who has this immensely busy place and couldn't even tell his employee to act right. The poor waitress deals with the outrage from the incompetent cook all because he doesn't understand how to complete tickets as they come in. Disgusting behavior, awful place which is a shame bc the food looks great and smelled good. But we didn't stick around to find out bc John, the rude obnoxious cook should be held accountable for his attitude and unprofessionalism read more

We were in Salem for the day and stopped in for a quick meal before heading out to a few other historical stops. The restaurant is very conveniently located and our server was very attentive. The breakfast and lunch menus are huge and have everything you can think of. The space itself is small and relatively quiet. The food left a little to be desired - everything was extremely greasy and lacked flavor. I ordered a simple breakfast sandwich with home fries and the potatoes were absolutely coated in grease. It wasn't a terrible meal, but not one I would eat again. My husband ordered pancakes and they were alright, but a little undercooked. read more

Fountain Place Restaurant - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

Breakfast was good! Our server, Bridget, was working hard to make sure all of our food got out in a timely manner. Food was good, GREAT chocolate milk, mediocre pancakes. read more

Fountain Place Restaurant - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

Pretty standard diner-type food. Simple menu, small, informal inside. No frills, and decent service. If I were back in the area, and looking for something informal I would stop by this joint knowing it's pretty solid. read more

Breakfast was good service was excellent plenty of elbow room compared to the ugly mug very pleasant. I like this place. Some other places are over rated but this place is very nice i dont think it receives enough credit that it deserves. I recommend this place our waitress really made us feel welcomed she really was very pleasant very attentive. Real sweet and kind very polite. I always tell people the waitress and the porter are the most important people they are the true representatives of a restaurant. They are the ones that can make you or break you in the restaurant business our waitress Holly is the perfect example of really good hard working restaurant representative. read more

Fountain Place Restaurant - Big breakfast it was very good. - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

See all

The service was very good, but the food is mediocre. Asked if their burger was standard or a smash patty, was told standard. Ordered rare, only to receive a well done smash burger. Egg salad and Turkey sandwiches were good portion but very bland. They have also really jacked up the price points- $16 for an egg salad and $17 for the Turkey. Not worth the trip. read more

Great service and good food! Prices are on the higher end but that's all or boston to be honest. Our server Laura was super sweet and kind. We both ordered the BIG Breakfast (comes with coffee) and Western omelette. The hot chocolate was pretty darn good in my opinion and only $3 compared to other spots. read more

See all

Decent food. Service was ok. Probably better options in Salem, but nice to sit outside and enjoy lunch. read more

Fountain Place Restaurant - Bacon burger - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

See all

i'm surprised this place didn't come up when i was looking for places to eat, we were walking by and the food looked great so we decided to go in. we'll definitely be back, the food and the service were amazing. read more

Boldy went stopped here during Halloween weekend. There was a line out the door. However, we only spent a couple minutes waiting in line because a table with pur party size was ready. Others waiting for smaller tables (parties of 2) had to wait longer. The restaurant gave very much diner vibes The restaurant offered both breakfast and lunch options. My party ordered mostly lunch. I ordered a Greek salad with steak tips. The waitress didn't ask how I liked my steak, and I forgot to mention it, but most of my steak arrived overcooked but still edible. The salad, overall of was mediocre. After lunch I went to the bathroom and they could use a cleaning. The ceiling vent right above the toilet was covered with a thick layer of dust. There was a another plug in that was covered in bugs (which I think is the purpose of the plug in) but I'd recommend that they reconsider the placement to a more discreet location read more

Got a side of French toast and bacon. Asked for the bacon fat to be cooked, it was not. The Fat was cold....butter didn't even melt . Total $16! Server was good! Bridget read more

We went there on a Sunday, waited around 30 mnts in the line, there was some tables available outside but was cold so we prefer to wait. As soon as we got sat a waiter came to us and took the order, everything tasted so good, we love the food! Place is cozy and comfy! read more

See all

In Salem for the Halloween and Witches experience. Very busy day. Holly was our server - was friendly and efficient. Good food.

My friend and I wanted to grab a quick bite to eat in between getting a massage and grocery shopping. It was a very hot Sunday afternoon, but we were still able to get seated right away. There are tables outside with umbrellas so you do have some coverage from the beating sun. Our "small meal" turned out to be very filling. My friend had the chicken kebab wrap with a side of french fries well I had the Portabella mushroom Panini with more french fries. We also shared a side of fruit. Chicken was nicely marinated and seasoned with the crispy and fluffy filing French fries. The Panini was heavily filled and super satisfying. I liked how it wasn't dry being an entirely vegetable based sandwich. Overall, we had a good experience. Our waitress was nice and she made sure to continuously ask us if we need anything else. I would recommend others to come! read more

See all

We just went there was very hot to sit outside. A big group came outside they said they didn't have seating also food takes a very , very long time when they brought food told waitress that needed more coffee and never came wouldn't go again read more

Food was very good! I had the chowder and it was my first time in the New England area and wanted to try traditional chowder and was not disappointed. VERY GOOD! My boyfriend had a cheese burger said it was good but nothing exciting. Felt like prices were decent for the area. No wait to get in. Waitress was very good! Took leftovers home ! read more

Table of four : we got the eggs Benedict with home fries , big breakfast and two eggs with bacon. Unfortunately this experience was disappointing... the home fries were so spicy, I couldn't finish them. The French fries that were substituted were too salty to enjoy either. The service is subpar and could use a little work on hosting. Friendly servers ... we left food on our plates and hungry stomachs read more

The food was delicious and well-prepared, and the wait staff were friendly and polite. However, the cook was yelling at employees during my visit and made the staff cry, he said derogatory things which affected the overall atmosphere. This should be completely unacceptable. Whether you made an error or not. For that reason, my rating is 4 stars. read more

Holly is an amazing waitress, she was working hard and busting tables sitting people down getting their order. Johnny on the other hand was very rude and was yelling at the waiters calling them a dumbass. Johnny needs to learn how to communicate with his employees and not yell and embarrass them in front of the customers. read more

Located conveniently on the corner of Essex st, Fountain Place was the right place for us to have our breakfast yesterday. Smaller than I pictured on the inside but we sat at a table that gave us a nice view of Salem. I ordered the big breakfast , it was everything I expected from the perfectly cooked over easy eggs to the fluffy sugar powdered French toast that came with it. Our service was great , everyone was friendly. Now to go to back to try their lunch !! read more

Fountain Place Restaurant - French toast - American Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts