Why Longboards Restaurant & Bar is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family

Longboards Restaurant & Bar, located at 76 Wharf St, Salem, MA, stands out as a vibrant and welcoming neighborhood joint with a rich local history that makes it a perfect place to meet up with friends. Established by brothers Justin and Matthew Mattera, the restaurant began as a humble sandwich shop known for its classic New England lobster roll and has since grown into a lively spot offering an extensive menu including award-winning sandwiches, specialty flatbreads served uniquely on long boards, burgers, and a broad beer list. The atmosphere is casual, inviting both locals and visitors to enjoy oceanfront dining, an outdoor bar, and spacious patio areas that are also dog-friendly. This makes Longboards an ideal gathering place whether for a relaxed meal, watching sports on multiple large screens, or enjoying the picturesque Salem waterfront and sunset views. Their commitment to quality food, a curated selection of craft beers, and a beautiful array of Spanish and Italian wines adds to the dining experience. Locals appreciate the authentic neighborhood vibe, friendly service, and lively environment, making it a must-stop that feels like a second home to many. Longboards also features keno games, adding a fun and unique twist to your evening out, enhancing the overall experience for groups seeking casual fun combined with great food and drinks.

Here's what people think of Longboards Restaurant & Bar

As of recent, Longboards Restaurant & Bar holds a 4.3-star rating based on 1609 reviews.

Reviewers consistently praise Longboards Restaurant & Bar for its welcoming atmosphere and quality American coastal cuisine, highlighting the award-winning lobster rolls and the creative flatbread pizzas that are a signature offering. Positive reviews frequently mention the lively and casual vibe of the restaurant, the friendly and attentive staff, and the excellent selection of beers and wines. Many guests appreciate the oceanfront dining experience and the multiple large TVs that make Longboards a popular destination for sports enthusiasts. The dog-friendly patio and outdoor bar areas are also well-loved features, contributing to the overall community feel. On the other hand, some negative feedback focuses on occasional inconsistencies in food preparation and customer service during busier times. A few patrons have noted wait times can be long, especially during peak hours or special events. However, these issues appear infrequent and often overshadowed by the positive experiences. Overall, the reviews paint Longboards as a dependable neighborhood favorite with a solid reputation for delicious food, vibrant ambiance, and a great place to gather with friends and family. The combination of quality offerings and a convivial setting makes it a respected and popular spot in Salem's dining scene.

Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)

George Chalhoub

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

We really enjoyed the views and atmosphere on a sunny day. Great vibes. Good service. Delicious food! I enjoyed my lobster roll, and the delicious fries. However, it felt a bit pricey.

Addison “Addie” Maxwell

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lovely experience! After spending a long day of walking around Salem and taking in the gorgeous views, it was nice getting to sit down and enjoy a delicious food (and more amazing views of the water) Mia was our server and she was very sweet. For apps, we had the Brussels sprouts. YUM!! For entrees, we split the lobster roll and lobster flatbread. So so good!!!

Gabe Kagan

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This place is good. Nice selection of beer. The roast beef was good but not at the level of some of the local roast beef joints. Lobster roll was very good. I will come back for the lobster roll

Christinabobsquarepants

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Dined here for Halloween. I ordered a New England Clam Chowder as my app and the Lobster Mac and Cheese for my entree. Everything was great! They played Halloween music on the radio and Halloween movies on their TV’s, which I loved! I wish they had something going on for Halloween. That’s my only complaint. Other than that, it’s great.

Vineet Yalaka

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Great place for food and drinks in Salem. The servers are friendly. They have outdoor seating. Food is great. They recently changed their menu, I have not tried all of the new items on the menu but the burgers and flat breads are still great as usual. Hope they bring back half priced wings on Tuesdays.

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Why rally at Longboards Restaurant & Bar with your friends?

When planning a meetup with friends, few places combine atmosphere, food, and entertainment as effortlessly as Longboards Restaurant & Bar in Salem, MA. This casual American eatery and bar is a vibrant neighborhood joint known for its welcoming ambiance, making it an ideal rally point for groups seeking a laid-back yet lively outing. Longboards boasts an impressive 4.3-star rating from over 1,600 reviews, a testament to its consistent quality and popularity among locals and visitors alike. Whether you are looking to catch up over expertly crafted burgers, share award-winning lobster rolls, or enjoy a refreshing drink from their extensive beer list, Longboards offers something for everyone. The space is roomy yet cozy, with a friendly vibe where you might even get to chat with the owners, brothers Justin and Matthew Mattera, who have cultivated a community-centric spot on Salem’s picturesque Pickering Wharf. The restaurant’s scenic waterfront location adds a relaxed oceanfront charm, perfect for unwinding or celebrating with friends and family. For those who love watching sports, the multiple large screens and surround sound keep the energy high. In sum, Longboards is more than just a place to eat—it’s a social hub where great food, drinks, and company come together, making it the perfect place to rally your crew for memorable moments[1][2][3][4].

What are the key activities and offerings at Longboards Restaurant & Bar that make it perfect for groups?

Longboards is designed to be the ultimate social spot with a variety of activities and amenities that cater to groups. First and foremost, the menu itself is a major draw, especially their standout sandwiches, including the acclaimed New England lobster roll that helped establish the restaurant’s reputation. Besides sandwiches, there are flavorful burgers, specialty flatbread pizzas served on wooden boards—a nod to the establishment’s name—and other classic American dishes perfect for sharing. The food quality and portion sizes are ideal for gatherings, where everyone can sample and enjoy multiple dishes together. The bar features one of the best beer lineups in town, with a carefully curated selection of local craft brews and unique bottled beers that appeal to beer aficionados and casual drinkers alike. For wine lovers, the varied Spanish and Italian wine lists provide excellent options to complement the meal.

Longboards also excels as a sports bar venue, with multiple 70-inch TVs and surround sound systems ensuring that no game is missed. This makes it a prime spot for watching major sporting events with friends in an electrifying yet comfortable setting. Beyond food and drinks, the restaurant hosts keno games, adding an element of fun and chance to your evening—perhaps even winning a cool million! The outdoor bar and patio areas offer oceanfront dining with fantastic sunset views, allowing groups to enjoy the refreshing waterfront air and vibrant atmosphere. The space is dog-friendly, welcoming patrons who want to bring their furry friends along for the outing. This combination of delicious food, great drinks, entertainment, and a scenic setting creates an ideal environment for socializing, celebrations, and casual meetups[1][2][3][4][5].

Why is Longboards Restaurant & Bar considered a local favorite and a must-stop for visitors?

Longboards’ success is rooted in its strong local identity and community-focused approach. The restaurant’s owners, the Mattera brothers, transformed a humble variety store into a thriving sandwich shop before expanding into the full-service restaurant and bar that diners enjoy today. Their commitment to quality, community, and consistency has earned Longboards a loyal customer base among North Shore natives and visitors to Salem. This local favorite status is reflected not only in the restaurant’s excellent reviews but also in the atmosphere—one where customers feel like insiders at a neighborhood spot rather than tourists at a generic establishment.

Salem’s historic Pickering Wharf location adds to the appeal, placing Longboards in a vibrant, waterfront area frequented by locals and tourists eager to experience authentic New England charm. Visitors often cite Longboards as a must-stop for its award-winning lobster rolls and the friendly, lively vibe that captures the spirit of the coastal community. Whether you’re a resident or just passing through Salem, Longboards serves as a welcoming gateway to the town’s culinary scene and social life. From its oceanfront deck to the bustling bar area, the restaurant presents an inviting space where locals catch up and visitors get a taste of genuine hospitality and great food, making it a standout destination for all who appreciate a quality casual dining experience with a coastal twist[1][2][3][4].

How does the menu at Longboards cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs?

Longboards takes pride in offering a menu that satisfies a broad range of tastes, with classic American comfort foods and specialty items that highlight local ingredients. The menu features an array of burgers, sandwiches—including the famed lobster roll—and specialty flatbreads, which are unique pizzas served on wooden long boards. These flatbreads provide a creative twist on traditional pizza, adding a distinctive flair to group dining experiences.

Importantly, Longboards also acknowledges dietary needs and offers gluten-free options to ensure everyone can enjoy the menu. For example, some dishes like their lobster tots can be modified with shredded cheddar instead of beer cheese to accommodate gluten-free diners, and careful preparation methods minimize cross-contamination. The range of gluten-free offerings, though limited, is sufficient for guests who require it, demonstrating the restaurant’s commitment to inclusivity without compromising flavor. Drink selections complement the food perfectly, with a focus on craft beers, distinctive bottled beers, and quality Spanish and Italian wines, ensuring that beverage preferences are well represented. The breadth and quality of menu items make Longboards a versatile choice for groups with varied palates and dietary considerations[1][2][5].

What makes the ambiance and location of Longboards ideal for hosting group meetups?

The ambiance at Longboards Restaurant & Bar is a key factor that sets it apart as a go-to spot for group gatherings. The setting strikes a fine balance between casual and energetic, creating an environment that is both comfortable and lively. The design of the space, situated on Salem’s scenic Pickering Wharf, offers picturesque oceanfront views that enhance the dining experience. This location provides a refreshing backdrop that transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable outing, especially during sunset, which is frequently cited as one of the best in Salem.

Inside, the bar area is spacious and equipped with multiple large TVs and surround sound, ideal for groups who want to enjoy a game or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere. The long bar encourages social interaction, making it easy for friends to connect over drinks. Outdoor patio spaces further extend seating options, allowing groups to enjoy fresh air and waterfront breezes, which is especially inviting during the warmer months.

The dog-friendly policy also allows guests to bring their pets, adding to the relaxed, community-oriented vibe. Longboards’ history and connection to the local community—rooted in the owners’ story and their decade-long presence in Salem—imbue the space with character and warmth. Altogether, the ambiance and prime waterfront location make Longboards an exceptional venue for friends and family looking for a casual yet engaging place to meet, enjoy quality food, and create lasting memories[1][2][3][4].

How does Longboards Restaurant & Bar enhance the social experience for groups beyond just dining?

Longboards enhances the social experience with a range of thoughtful touches that go beyond great food and drinks. One standout feature is their active sports bar setup, with multiple big-screen TVs and surround sound that keep guests engaged during live sporting events. This makes game days or evenings a dynamic social occasion where cheering and camaraderie flow naturally, perfect for groups who enjoy shared excitement.

The availability of keno adds a playful, interactive element to the night, inviting guests to try their luck and sparking conversations and friendly competition. The bar staff and owners contribute to the welcoming atmosphere, often mingling and making guests feel like part of the Longboards family. This personal touch fosters a sense of belonging and makes outings more enjoyable and memorable.

Moreover, the restaurant’s expansion into a larger space in 2023 not only increased seating capacity but also preserved the original location’s charm visible from the courtyard, blending history with a fresh, modern vibe. Events and seasonal festivities hosted in Salem often see Longboards participating as a hub for locals and visitors alike, reinforcing its role as a community anchor. These elements enrich the social fabric of any meetup, turning a simple meal into a fun and interactive experience for all attendees[1][2][3][4].

In conclusion, Longboards Restaurant & Bar in Salem stands out as an exceptional venue for group meetups, thanks to its vibrant atmosphere, delicious and diverse menu, prime waterfront location, and engaging social features. Whether gathering to enjoy a game, celebrate a special occasion, or simply catch up with friends over award-winning sandwiches and craft beers, Longboards offers a welcoming and fun environment that keeps guests coming back. Its blend of community roots and contemporary energy makes it a perfect rallying point for friends and family looking to make the most of their time together.

Don't just take our word for it. Check out these other websites for more info on the Longboards Restaurant & Bar

• https://www.longboardsbar.com
• https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60954-d4733328-Reviews-Longboards-Salem_Massachusetts.html
• https://www.salem.org/listing/longboards-restaurant-bar/
• https://www.instagram.com/longboardssalem/
• https://www.findmeglutenfree.com/biz/longboards-restaurant-and-bar/6321224587804672