A warm German pretzel comes with classic mustard, and you can add creamy Bavarian cheese spread if you’re craving something richer. That alone got my attention.
Then I saw sausage boards and Bavarian sandwiches on the same menu.
The setting makes it even better. Picnic-style communal tables sit in a big warehouse space, and a garden stretches right along the water.
I like how the whole place feels relaxed instead of fussy.
This spot sits in one of the busiest tourist towns in Massachusetts. Yet it rests a few steps off the crowded main strip, close to the waterfront.
I can’t imagine a better break after a long day of sightseeing.
So what makes the food taste like a trip to southern Germany without a passport? The answer starts with that pretzel.
That Giant Pretzel Is The Reason You Will Plan A Return Trip
Salty, twisted, and gloriously oversized, the pretzel at Notch Brewery & Tap Room in Salem is a true crowd-pleaser. Order it with Düsseldorf mustard or add Obatzda, a creamy Bavarian cheese spread that makes every bite even better.
Obatzda brings a rich, savory kick to the soft pretzel, while butter is another optional addition. Either way, this simple snack gives you a delicious introduction to the brewery’s German-inspired menu.
Here is a smart tip for groups. Pretzels come in two sizes, four ounces and ten ounces, so you can choose a smaller snack or something more substantial.
Go for the bigger pretzel if everyone wants a taste. With mustard or Obatzda on the side, sharing becomes half the fun.
Soft pretzels have deep roots in southern Germany, where bakeries sell them daily. In Bavaria, they often appear next to sausages and sweet mustard at casual meals.
Ordering one here feels like a small taste of that tradition. It is simple food done well, and simple food is hard to beat.
Pretzels also make a great starter while you decide on the rest of your order. Grab one early, find a seat, and let the snacking begin before the bigger plates arrive.
Sausage Lovers Should Head Straight For The Wurst Board
Wurst is the German word for sausage, and it sits proudly on the menu here. The sausage board might be the most Bavarian thing you can order in town.
A board like this is built for sharing. Pass it around the table, trade bites, and argue happily over the last piece.
German sausage culture goes back centuries. Many regions have their own recipes, spices, and serving traditions that families still follow today.
That history explains why a good sausage plate feels so comforting. It is hearty food meant for long talks and slow afternoons.
The wurst platter has earned a reputation as a standout among the food options. That is a strong compliment when a pretzel this famous lives on the same menu.
Pair the board with the pretzel for a classic combo. Together they make a meal that would look right at home in a Munich beer hall garden.
A friendly tip for first-timers is to order a couple of plates for the table. Sampling a little of everything gives you the full picture of what this kitchen does best.
Bavarian Sandwiches Bring Even More Comfort To The Table
All that walking around Salem is bound to work up an appetite, and a good sandwich sounds like the perfect reward. Luckily, this brewery has a few tasty options that bring a little European comfort to the table.
The Bavarian sandwich keeps things wonderfully simple. Thick-cut smoked ham meets Gruyère cheese, butter, mustard, and cornichons on a ciabatta roll.
That’s a lot of flavor packed between two pieces of bread.
If you’re looking for something different, the Leberkäse sandwich deserves a closer look.
This traditional Alpine-style meat loaf comes with pickled onions, mustard, and a pickle spear. It is the sort of hearty lunch that fits right into a German beer hall.
And vegetarians haven’t been forgotten.
The menu also offers a vegan schnitzel sandwich, featuring a breaded plant-based cutlet with mustard, pickles, and pickled red onions.
I like how the choices give everyone at the table something to get excited about.
You can stick with the familiar combination of ham and cheese or try a German specialty you’ve never ordered before.
Pair your sandwich with a warm pretzel, and suddenly that quick lunch stop starts feeling like a little Bavarian feast.
Who knew a sandwich and a pretzel could make an afternoon in Salem feel so much closer to Munich?
The Cheese Board Gives Everyone Something To Share
Sometimes the best part of a meal is sharing little bites with friends. Notch’s daily cheese board makes that easy.
The kitchen selects cheeses and serves them with crostini, dried apricots, fig jam, cornichons, and Düsseldorf mustard.
It’s a lineup that gives you a little sweet, salty, tangy, and creamy all in one order.
Start with a piece of cheese on the toasted bread. Then add a dab of fig jam if you’re in the mood for something sweeter.
Or go for a cornichon when you want a sharp little bite between the richer flavors.
That’s half the fun of a board like this. Everyone can build their own combination, and nobody has to agree on a single favorite.
The dried apricots bring another sweet touch, while the mustard reminds you that you’re still enjoying food inspired by European beer halls.
Sharing a board also gives the table something to nibble on while catching up.
Order it alongside sausages or a warm pretzel, and suddenly an ordinary snack stop starts looking like a proper feast.
I love food that encourages people to slow down and stay awhile.
And when the last piece of cheese disappears, you’ll know the board did its job.
Ordering Here Is As Relaxed As The Atmosphere
Notch Brewery & Tap Room in Salem keeps things casual with a mix of counter and table service. It’s the kind of relaxed setup that suits a laid-back afternoon.
Depending on where you’re seated, you may order at the counter or receive table service. Ask the staff about the current setup when you arrive.
Whether you’re dining indoors or enjoying the waterfront garden, the setup keeps things easygoing. There’s no complicated routine to figure out before enjoying your meal.
Coming with friends? The communal tables make it easy to gather everyone together, spread out a few plates, and share the experience.
The staff earns steady praise for being friendly and welcoming. They also know the menu well, so asking for a suggestion is a great idea.
Counter service fits the laid-back spirit of a German beer garden. In Bavaria, casual self-serve setups are a big part of that easygoing tradition.
With the ordering sorted out, you can focus on the good stuff: sharing plates, catching up with friends, and enjoying a little taste of Germany in Salem.
Grab A Seat In The Riverside Garden When The Sun Comes Out
Sunshine, water views, and a pretzel in hand sounds like a solid afternoon plan. The riverside garden makes that plan very easy to pull off.
Long communal tables fill the outdoor space. Sharing a table with strangers is normal here, just like in a classic German garden.
The water sits right beside you. On a nice day, it is one of the most pleasant places in town to relax and snack.
Massachusetts weather can be moody, of course. Check the forecast before you go if you have your heart set on eating outside.
Bavarian beer gardens are famous for their shady outdoor seating and shared benches. This waterfront garden brings that same welcoming idea to the New England coast.
It is also roomy, which helps when you arrive with a bigger crew. Spreading out with plenty of food boards feels easy rather than cramped.
Bring sunglasses and maybe a light jacket. Breezes off the water can feel cool, even on bright days.
A little planning means you can stay comfortable and linger longer.
Rainy Day? The Warehouse Taproom Has Room For Everyone
Gray skies will not ruin the fun. Inside, a roomy warehouse taproom offers plenty of space when the weather turns chilly or wet.
The building has a hip, industrial feel. Big communal tables keep the room social and make it easy to fit groups of any size.
Many people point out how spacious the taproom feels. Finding a seat tends to be manageable, even on busier days.
That matters in a city that fills up with tourists. A comfortable indoor spot is a real gift after hours of walking.
The mood stays cozy despite the size. Warm company, shared tables, and hearty food help the big room feel friendly and welcoming.
German beer halls follow a similar idea. Huge rooms with long tables turn strangers into neighbors for an evening.
Families and friends can spread out boards of food and settle into long conversations. Nobody feels rushed, which is part of the charm.
Restrooms are known for being clean, too. That might sound like a small thing, but anyone who has toured a busy town knows it counts.
Thursday Dart Nights Bring Out Some Friendly Competition
Few things bring out a little friendly rivalry faster than a game of darts. Notch hosts Thursday dart nights where beginners and experienced players can join the fun.
The brewery’s event calendar lists dart nights from 7 to 9 PM on Thursdays. It’s a fun excuse to visit with friends and see who has the steadiest throwing hand.
You don’t have to be an expert to join the fun. A little friendly competition is all it takes to make an ordinary Thursday night more memorable.
A few friendly rounds give everyone another reason to stick around after dinner. What started as a quick bite might turn into a whole evening of laughter and competition.
Want a fun tradition? Make the loser of the next darts round pick up a pretzel for the table.
Bavarian gatherings often mix food, music, and games like a lively community party. The playful energy here fits that spirit nicely.
The vibe stays laid-back rather than loud and wild. People come to relax, play, and share good food with friends.
Bring a competitive buddy, and you will have plenty to laugh about later. Bragging rights are free, and they last surprisingly long after you head home.
Finding It Just Off The Busy Streets Is Half The Fun
Salem gets packed, especially on autumn weekends. Luckily, this waterfront spot sits a short walk away from the busiest strip in town.
You will find Notch Brewery & Tap Room – Salem at 283R Derby St, Salem, MA 01970. The location rests near the water, a few extra steps from the main tourist crowds.
That small detour makes a big difference. It feels calmer than the packed blocks around Essex Street.
Derby Street is full of history, too. The historic waterfront nearby makes a great walk before or after your meal.
Notch opens at noon Monday through Thursday and at 11 AM Friday through Sunday. Closing times vary, with Sunday ending at 8 PM, so check the schedule before planning an evening visit.
Out-of-towners touring Massachusetts often add this stop to their Salem plans. It works well as a lunch break or a relaxed early dinner.
Wear comfy shoes, because Salem is a walking city. Then reward yourself with a pretzel, a sausage board, and a seat by the water.
Bavaria may be thousands of miles away, but this cozy corner makes it feel much closer.
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