Old Salem Tavern's Blog

Opening March 1st!

oldsalemtavern — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:16:05 +0000

We are currently closed for kitchen repairs and renovations.

We will reopen on March 1st, 2012!

Thanks and see you soon!

“Delicious pumpkin spice muffins” – Another Great Old Salem Tavern Review!

oldsalemtavern — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:45:34 +0000

Source: Yelp.com

By: Eva Leona Lerriqs S.

“The decor inside has a nice old feeling. Outside, it’s nice to sit on the patio beneath the trellis. I liked my Cajun turkey sandwich on a sweet molasses roll and I also ate the homemade (delicious) pumpkin spice muffins, which came with my boyfriend’s pot roast.”

Visit us online at www.OldSalemTavern.com!

Please call to reserve – 336-748-8585

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Learn About The History Of Old Salem Tavern

oldsalemtavern — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:11:49 +0000

The Moravian star beckons you to a modern dining experience with roots deep in the history of Old Salem.

Originally operated by the Moravian Church, the Old Salem Tavern was a favorite of travelers along North Carolina’s back country roads.

The Tavern is still a favorite of modern travelers and local residents alike, a tradition dating back almost 200 years.

The original Salem Tavern was destroyed by fire in 1784. This structure was built before the end of the year.

The Tavern was built for the “traveling public” in a then considered “out of the town” area, though it was only one block away from the Town Square. The town seniors hoped that building it in an out of the way location would discourage the local residents from frequenting the tavern. Their hopes were dashed, particularly by the Single Brothers.

“In January of 1775 the Aufseber Collegium (board of overseers) noted that ‘a whole party of Brothers has had a gay time at the tavern,” and reminded Meyer (the tavern keeper) that it was his duty to ’send those people awaw’ — that the tavern was for ‘traveling strangers only.’” p 101 of the 1994 Old Salem Official Guidebook

Built in 1816 as an annex to the original tavern next door, the building was restored in 1969 using detailed records from the early Moravians.

Visitors to Old Salem are attracted by the Tavern’s historic charm; local diners know the exquisite food and warm, friendly atmosphere are perfect reasons to dine at the sign of the star.

Wide-planked floors. Rustic wooden tables. Welcoming hearths. Servers in 19th century costume, and the delicious aroma of Moravian gingerbread wafting from the kitchen.

This is just the beginning of your dining experience at the Old Salem Tavern.

Visit OldSalemTavern.com!

Please call to reserve – 336-748-8585

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“We love Old Salem Tavern!”

oldsalemtavern — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:03:24 +0000

By Kathy O. | Insider Expert | Rank: 8,335 Salem Tavern

It is my favorite restaurant in Winston-Salem. It is located in Old Salem, and is very rustic and has an old world charm. The menu rotates from the wonderful moravian pie (under $8) to more savory fare. My favorite is the southern chicken breast in peach gravy, with fresh vegetables. I would recommend reservations on weekends, but during weeknights you can usually be seated quickly without wait. There are two floors, and no elevator. Also, the bathrooms are located on the top level and are very small (like in an airplane, but more privacy). However, that being said…it is a wonderful night out in a distinctive and historic site. The food is wonderful and service (in period garb) is very good. The wine menu is very good, and the servers are very knowledgeable and can make recommendations. I highly recommend the Salem Tavern.

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Old Salem Tavern – A favorite experience in Winston-Salem

oldsalemtavern — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:16:58 +0000

Source: Yahoo! Travel

By NC Country Boy

You’ll enjoy your Old Salem Tavern experience at most any season. I enjoy going when the outdoors is blossoming & I can choose to eat in or outside and then walk the historic area. They run a consistent menu, with a couple of daily specials.

I’ve had memorable dishes that include crabcakes (evening menu), salmon corn fritters and a crab-asparagus quiche that was quite delicious. Last Sunday’s lunch saw me eating their Moravian-style meatloaf (big slice) which had been baked & then lightly grilled to a slightly smoky flavorfulness.

The accompanying salad or vegetables are always great, & you’re served home-made rolls & pumpkin muffins with butter. Prices are surprisingly reasonable for an historic setting, with lunch at $6.95 to $7.95. –A 15% tip is included with your bill & is clearly highlighted.

I’ve never felt insulted about this & usually tip more, due to the great experience & the fact that this is not a large place, & the wait staff is polite, helpful & dresses the part.

Please call to reserve – 336-748-8585 or Visit OldSalemTavern.com!

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Salem Tavern Museum – Learn More

oldsalemtavern — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:29:28 +0000

The Salem Tavern dates to 1784, when it was reconstructed after an earlier wooden Tavern burned to the ground.

The Tavern was an important facility for the town of Salem. Leaders decided to place the Tavern on the outskirts of town to avoid the influence of “strangers” on the town as much as possible; however a tavern was necessary for the town to prosper. Food & lodging were needed for the customers Salem leaders hoped to bring in for their store and for their craftsmen.

The Tavern was owned and operated by the Moravian Church who selected a married couple to run the facility. It was important that the couple could run a successful business as well as set a good example of the Moravian community. In addition to the couple, the Tavern required several workers. A hostler and female workers were usually part of the workforce. An enslaved African American family also lived and worked in the Tavern in 1791.

Many important meetings took place at the Tavern, and several important guests stayed there. Salem’s most famous visitor stayed here in 1791. President George Washington, touring the southern battlefields of the Revolutionary War, spent two nights in Salem, attending a service, studying the waterworks system, and speaking to the townspeople.

Visit us online at www.OldSalemTavern.com!

Please call to reserve – 336-748-8585

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A New York Times Review of The Tavern

oldsalemtavern — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:19:38 +0000

Here, as everywhere else in the restored village, authenticity is the keynote. The three ground-floor dining rooms were built in 1816 as an annex to the 1784 Tavern next door. Upstairs is a trio of three additional dining rooms; dining is also available on the rear veranda. In summer only, you can eat under a wisteria arbor in the rear garden. The simple furnishings and colonial-costumed staff provide an appropriate 18th-century ambience. The manager works hard to keep original Moravian culinary tenets alive, basing at least some of her recipes (meatloaf fortified with rolled oats, Moravian chicken pie, Moravian gingerbread for dessert, and ample use of apples, fresh lemons, and sauerkraut) on authentic 19th-century recipes. The pumpkin-and-raisin muffins are a specialty. For dessert, there’s Moravian gingerbread topped with homemade lemon ice cream.

Please call to reserve – 336-748-8585 or Visit OldSalemTavern.com!

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May I see the wine list, please?

oldsalemtavern — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:48:25 +0000

The Old Salem Tavern features traditional Moravian favorites alongside contemporary fare under the direction of Chef John Deschler, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York.Specialties include Deviled Beef Short Ribs, Pumpkin and Sunflower Seed Crusted Salmon and, of course, Moravian Chicken Pie. We use only the freshest ingredients, with breads and muffins, salad dressings and desserts made daily on the premises.

The wine list at Old Salem Tavern!

Wines by the Glass – White

Simi Chardonnay, Sonoma County

7.25

Kendall-Jackson “Vintners Reserve” Chardonnay, California

6.50

Redwood Chardonnay, California

5.25

Dr. Loosen “L Estate” Riesling, Mosel Saar Ruwer

5.50

Vignale Pinot Grigio, Italy

5.50

Beringer White Zinfandel, California

4.95

Wines by the Glass – Red

J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles

7.25

Mars & Venus Cabernet Sauvignon, Chili

5.25

Ravenswood Vintners Blend Zinfandel, California

5.50

Raymond “R” Collection Merlot, Napa

6.50

Concannon Petit Syrah, Central Coast, California

6.25

1919 Malbec, Mendoz, Argentina

5.50

Echelon Pinot Noir, California

5.75

International and Domestic Beers

Czech Republic	Pilsner Urquell (the original pilsner)	3.25
German	Beck’s, Beck’s Dark	3.25
	Spaten Lager	3.25
	Haake-Beck (non-alcoholic)	3.00
Canada	Mike’s Hard Lemonade	3.00
Holland	Heineken, Amstel Light	3.25
United Kingdom	Bass Ale, Guinness Stout	3.25
	Newcastle Brown Ale (pint)	5.00
Mexico	Corona Extra	3.25
United States	Sam Adams Boston Lager	3.25
	Sierra Nevada Pale Ale	3.25
	Anchor Steam Beer	3.25
	Killian’s Irish Red	3.00
	Michelob Ultra	3.00
	Coors Light	2.50
	Budweiser	2.50

After Dinner Drinks

Chocolate Coffee Martini (Godiva Chocolate Liquor, Kaluha, Absolut Vodka and cream)

6.95

Tavern Coffee (Grand Marnier, Kahlua, Crème de Cacao)

6.25

Irish Coffee (Irish Whiskey and Kahlua)

5.95

Cognacs, Brandies and Cordials

from 4.75

Visit us online at www.OldSalemTavern.com! Please call to reserve – 336-748-8585

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A favorite experience in Winston-Salem

oldsalemtavern — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:32:18 +0000

Review from Yahoo.com

You’ll enjoy your Old Salem Tavern experience at most any season. I enjoy going when the outdoors is blossoming & I can choose to eat in or outside and then walk the historic area.

They run a consistent menu, with a couple of daily specials. I’ve had memorable dishes that include crabcakes (evening menu), salmon corn fritters and a crab-asparagus quiche that was quite delicious. Last Sunday’s lunch saw me eating their Moravian-style meatloaf (big slice) which had been baked & then lightly grilled to a slightly smoky flavorfulness. The accompanying salad or vegetables are always great, & you’re served home-made rolls & pumpkin muffins with butter.

Prices are surprisingly reasonable for an historic setting, with lunch at $6.95 to $7.95. –A 15% tip is included with your bill & is clearly highlighted. I’ve never felt insulted about this & usually tip more, due to the great experience & the fact that this is not a large place, & the wait staff is polite, helpful & dresses the part.

Visit us online at www.OldSalemTavern.com!

Please call to reserve – 336-748-8585

Find Us On:

Dinner Belle: Plenty of good food here

oldsalemtavern — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:11:57 +0000

Source: Winston-Salem Journal

By Laura Giovanelli | Journal Reporter

Old Salem is not all sugar cake and bonneted guides, a low-tech version of Disney World. It’s also a leafy-green neighborhood and a college campus, populated with people who have more on their minds than a stop at the gift shops at the end of their tour.

Good news — the food, at least at Old Salem Tavern, is real too. Sure, there are such touristy, Colonial-esque nibbles as chicken pie and warm gingerbread, but how about grilled skirt steak with roasted corn and pancetta relish, and duck breast spiced with ginger and chili?

The juxtaposition of new and old doesn’t feel disjointed: May I suggest a salmon filet coated with a fine dust of pumpkin and sunflower seeds, brightened with tangy drops of blood orange vinaigrette?

Of all the food at the tavern, that salmon filet was probably my favorite. But some of the heavier, rib-sticking fare is good, too, with touches that nudge the dishes into the present — tender short ribs with spaetzle and braised red cabbage and apples; a deeply flavorful salad of chopped red cabbage, apples and red onions, bound together with blue cheese, balsamic vinaigrette and walnuts; another of mixed greens with blue cheese, dried plums, pistachios, Key-lime vinaigrette and half a pear coated with a hard caramel cap. I don’t think that the Moravian settlers could have imagined Key-lime vinaigrette in Salem, not in their wildest dreams.

READ MORE!

Visit us online at www.OldSalemTavern.com!

Please call to reserve – 336-748-8585

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