Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileOlde Main Street Pub
Salem, MA · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Olde Main Street Pub runs a beverage program that leans hard into local and imported beer, with a deep whiskey shelf and a cocktail list that gets creative with house-made syrups and themed names. The Witchy Brew has earned word-of-mouth praise. Wines are predictable but serviceable. It's a pub that knows its strengths: beer and spirits, with cocktails as a playful side.
- What should I order?
- Start with The Shamrock Shiner, an Irish whiskey sour with aquafaba. For beer, try Notch Lager or Maine Beer Lunch. Whiskey drinkers should ask for Red Breast 12yr or Laphroig 10yr.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Beer enthusiasts, whiskey collectors, and cocktail curious visitors will find plenty. The mocktail list also makes it welcoming for non-drinkers.
- When should I go?
- Anytime, but especially during 's tourist season when the themed cocktails and local brews fit the mood.
- What should I expect to spend?
- No prices are available, but given the pub setting and broad selection, expect moderate pricing typical of a neighborhood bar.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A rare combination of a serious beer list (Gaffel Kölsch, Bissell Brothers) with an Irish whiskey collection and a cocktail menu that uses house-made ginger syrup, brown sugar cinnamon simple, and aquafaba.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Creative, themed cocktails with house-made components like limeade, ginger syrup, and aquafaba. The Witchy Brew is praised by patrons, though not on the current menu.
Menu strengths
- — House-made ingredients such as ginger syrup and brown sugar cinnamon simple add craft credibility.
- — Themed drinks like Poison Apple and The Witching Hour align with 's character.
Standout selections
- — The Shamrock Shiner: Irish whiskey, lemon, brown cinnamon sugar simple, aquafaba, bitters.
- — Velvet Cactus: Mezcal, blood orange honey simple, pineapple, Tajín rim.
Pricing: No prices listed on the drink menu.
Wine
A basic wine list with common varietals from familiar regions. Rotating selections, but no vintage or pour size details.
Menu strengths
- — Includes both red and white options from multiple countries.
Standout selections
- — Malbec, Trivento, Argentina.; Chianti, Piccinni, Italy.
Pricing: No prices listed on the drink menu.
Beer
An extensive draught list featuring German, Scottish, Irish, and local craft beers, plus a wide selection of cans and bottles, including NA options.
Menu strengths
- — Draught list includes Gaffel Kölsch, Guinness, Notch Lager, Maine Beer Lunch, and Fiddlehead IPA.
- — Cans/bottles include Pabst Blue Ribbon, Corona Zero, and many others.
Standout selections
- — Maine Beer Lunch (7% ABV).; Notch Lager (4.5% ABV).
Pricing: No prices listed on the drink menu.
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated mocktail section with creative options like Pom Pom Fizz and Nojito, plus several non-alcoholic beers.
Menu strengths
- — NA beer options include Guinness Zero, Athletic, Corona Zero, and Bitburger.
Standout selections
- — Pom Pom Fizz: pomegranate, almond pineapple soda, mint, sugar rim.
- — Nojito: mint, Sprite, lime, simple syrup.
Pricing: No prices listed on the drink menu.
Spirits
A substantial whiskey and Scotch selection, with a focus on Irish whiskeys, plus a couple of aperitifs.
Menu strengths
- — Deep whiskey list including Balvenie 12yr, Laphroig 10yr, Macallan 12yr, and Red Breast 12yr.
- — Includes many Irish options like Green Spot, Teeling, and Powers.
Standout selections
- — Red Breast 12yr.; Laphroig 10yr.; Grahams Port 10yr.
Pricing: No prices listed on the drink menu.
How it sits with the food
The food menu exists but isn't detailed; beer and whiskey selections suggest classic pub fare like burgers and fried snacks would pair well.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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