First time coming here was our third stop on a pub crawl. Â We were told they had the best steak tips around and they weren't wrong. Â Absolutely stupendous. Â The drinks are in no way watered down and are so affordable. Â
Not to crowded because it's not on the main downtown strip which is what I like about it. Â Really a local bar. Â People come from all the surrounding cities to go to Tavern or Murphy's. Â They are overcrowded, overpriced and just too much of a hassle for what they actually have to offer which is rude rushed service and an atmosphere that matches.
If your looking for just a nice night out with friends, good food, better drinks without the hassle of a bar trying to act like a club, Major's is the place. Â I would rather go here any day then any of those other bars.
My friend recommended this bar. Â She told me that it was a good place to go for drinks that are GENEROUS on the alcohol and extremely well priced. Â SHE WAS RIGHT! Â This is a great place to go to get more bang for your buck if you're ordering mixed drinks. Â The food was fairly priced and delicious as well, as far as "pub" or "bar" food goes. Â I got the chilli burger and it was wicked good. Â The female who waited on us was kind and attentive. Â This place is hidden really well, I wish I'd found out about it sooner.
The only thing that I didn't care for was hopefully an ISOLATED incident. One girl sitting at the bar was so drunk that as she jumped off her bar stool wearing only what I can assume was a shirt she was unsuccessfully trying to wear as a dress, it pushed up to past her waist, revealing her thong underwear and ass as she stumbled out the door NOT EVEN NOTICING OR BOTHERING TO PULL IT DOWN OR READJUST. Â Not something I wanted to see.
We went there Halloween night and ordered a couple drinks. Shortly after my friend went to use the restroom. I had to watch the door because it's one person and didn't lock. 1 minute after someone from the kitchen comes out yelling at me to go tell me friend to hurry up (Who was doing a number 2 at the time.). I told him I am NOT going into an occupied bathroom. To which the guy from the kitchen responded threatening to call the cops and then shoved the door open while my friend was washing his hands. We didn't even finish our beers and left. There are plenty of better and nicer places to go to in Salem. Do NOT go here.
The patrons and bartender was friendly but that kitchen guy was TERRIBLE and just cost the bartender a lot of tips.
This place has been a favorite of mine since I was 21 years old. I think Phantom Gourmet should label this place a "Hidden Jewel".
I've had and tasted everything on the menu multiple times. Some of the menu is generic pub food (which cater to most) but cooked perfectly nonetheless. When you have Paul "The Flash" Flaherty behind the grill, (which he always is) you can expect the best Smoked Hickory ribs in Essex County. I get a full rack of the hickory ribs (they also have BBQ) and the meat just falls right off the bone. It even looks as it should - nice amber color, the meat a white tender with a tinted amber shade. The smell is like wandering through the forest surrounded by nothing but slightly toasted hickory trees. It perks up the taste buds and senses to cause the mouth to start watering.
Major's also serves up a "Mean" burger. After all, "Major's" were known for their tempers and wrathful state of minds. Enough said!
They're chili is homemade. I always start with a cup of this for my appetizer, topped with a melted cheese of my choice. And if you find you're a fan of their chili which I would say is a low-medium on the spicy alert, you should get their creation called "The Major Burger".
Wash it all down with a pitcher of seasonal beer and your evening is pretty complete!
We came to this restaurant--driving out of our way--based on the great reviews and my craving for a great burger. Â We were fine with the pub atmosphere and the ambiance was what we expected. Â Our waitress was friendly and warm....at first. Â We joked around a bit and placed our order. Â
Long story short, from there, the food took over an hour. Â It was 2 burgers and steak tips. Â Seriously??????. Â And, when we inquired about the wait, the waitress said, oh, our grill is small and "there are like 30 people here tonight." Â Really??? Â Even IF you are trying to run a place with a grill that is too small to actually accommodate your guests, then try being apologetic, or attentive instead. Â It goes a long way. Â No apologies, no offer of a basket of bread or something to munch on, no updates on the status of the food at all. Â Furthermore, once we complained, she didn't return. Â And this was not a situation of "well, she's really swamped, I'll be more understanding. Â it's hard being a waitress." Â No. Â There was plenty of sauntering going on. Â And we were not being snotty, entitled customers, either. Â We were getting frustrated, of course, but were very respectful....we did start getting antsy after an hour passed, however. In fact, with a bit of kindness we would have dealt with it fine. Â In any case, another waitress appeared and our first one simply didn't deal with us again. Â The new one was bubbly and a bit more efficient, but still there was no acknowledgement that there was anything out of the ordinary going on.
Again, no apologies, or explanations. Â The grill was not even full most of the time, so I have no idea what was going on. Â I haven't been ready to walk out of a restaurant in YEARS, but almost did tonight. Â And I really do not have high standards! Â Except for the fact that we'd already invested over an hour in our supposedly great burgers to come, and already had to change our evening plans anyway, and the fact that my daughter was starving, I would have walked. Â
The burger wasn't great but was solidly good. Â The fries, rings, and steak tips were average. Â The prices are good. Â The service was horrendous. Â Perhaps if we were drunk we wouldn't have noticed the wait, and maybe this is why they can get away with it...I have no idea. Â If it was just a bad night, you would think the waitress would have automatically been apologetic. Â I am reasonable. Â Just act like you care that we are frustrated and that you care if we ever come back again. Â Which, now we definitely will not. Â ever.
Awesome burger with "the works" called a Club Burger with thick Steak Fries for $7. Pitcher of Coors Light for $10. Great Thirsty Thursday location for a group of friends. The place cleared out around 11pm, but I'm sure it gets busy on the weekends. The service was great and the food tasty. The tables in the middle are set up as 4 seaters but were tricky to fit 3 plates of food on so that is my only complaint. Otherwise it was a clean, well-run establishment! Also, the mixed drinks were between $6-7 a piece and VERY strong. One and done for most of my lady friends.
Review Source:I like this place. I have been here a few times. Most recent trip was on St. Patricks Day. the time before that was Halloween. And two or so other times for dinner. Why I am not giving it 5 stars is because on St Paddy's day and halloween they do a limited menu. I get it for Halloween. They are not downtown but close enough. Atleast for that menu they offer some choices. For St Paddy's day this year it was the corn beef and cabbage or a tuna or chicken salad sandwich. That is to limited IMO!. Not everyone likes corn beef and cabbage...........but I will go back. The tips are amazing here. Service can be real good as well.I always feel like I get a weird look because I am not a regular.........but hey it doesn't stop me from going back.
Review Source:I been going to Majors for over 30 years, the best way to describe the atmosphere is the TV show CHEERS, the staff are friendly and the owners take the extra step to make sure the food is memorable, the portions are large and quality is top notch,  the burgers in my opinion are the best on the North Shore, incredible salads, always fresh,  try the steak tips and ribs, better yet get a combo,  the drinks are reasonable and very good.  The place can be described as restaurant and pub, ( very clean )  if you try it once, you will definitely return......just ask for Phil and Flash, they are the owners and always glad to meet a new customer....St. Patricks Day is approaching, make a point of stopping by...  Corn Beef Dinner Special.......  Plus try your luck at Keno.................Rich  N
Review Source:So, Major's. Where to star? Well if you're looking for fine gourmet dining, fancy cocktails, or trendy atmosphere, go elsewhere. On the other hand, if you're looking for some hearty pub food, strong drinks (pace yourself, lightweights), and a cool friendly neighborhood atmosphere, Major's is worth a trip.
Walk in, and its a seat yourself type of place--I always politely check with the waitstaff before I do sit though. Hate to mess with a super-regulars seat although it wouldn't be an issue--just like to avoid that stuff. The single sided menu comes out, and the special board so small you can barely read will have some treats listed. Keep it simple--the kitchen is small and it will take a while to get your food if it is busy, but the waits worth it. I either order the Ribs (not gourmet, but good--And I know ribs) and they are a treat...for like $7-8 you'll get a half rack of ribs, a cup of chili or chowder, and a choice of fries, rings etc. Even better than the ribs are the burgers--Cooked to order however you like them. Once again, $7-8 a person for entrees. How can you go wrong?
For drinks, the house rum and coke is just the way to go. They're  $3-something and are a full pint glass of joy. If you're a lightweight or don't like getting your money's worth, don't bother.
Check it out, but leave your attitude and unruly demands  at the door--go out for a good meal, good drinks, and good time in a fun atmosphere at a fair price.
Great Dive bar! Â Definately more of a local place. Â The Muenster burger was a sublime experience...Best burger I have had north of the "Ranger Burger" at the Four Winds in Cusetta, Georgia, outside of Ft. Benning...Companion had mango wings, a special, which were outstanding...Service was very friendly...A comfortable, no frills-type bar to kick back in and relax...Varied patrons include local working stiffs, Salem State University students, and Marbleheaders in their BMWs...A good place to catch a Bruins game.
Review Source:I know, I know "Why would you give this dive 5 stars"
Let me 'splain.. no there is too much.. Let me sum up
        -Inigo Montoya
The drinks are intensely strong. 2 and you're good, 3 and you're goooooooooood
They're also very very cheap. I can spend 20 bucks and get 2 people drunk.
The food is phenomenal. Easily the best pub food in Salem
If you're a regular the service is great. People who complain about service usually give the watresses and bar tenders a reason to be rude. I've never had a bad experience from anybody.
It's location is the big thing.. a 5 minute walk (stumble) home to my apartment.
The best!
If you are looking for a place to dance or have fancy cocktails, then head else where. However, if you are looking for the best Burger in the entire world (I kid you not I get cravings for their burgers on a weekly basis), beers at great prices, and a break from the loud college bar scene (it does pick up a little on the weekends) then this is that place. Looks a little rough, its pretty dark inside, but the food and drinks are completely worth it. Depending on what bartender you have you may be getting straight booze. Definitely great for a guys night, not a first date ... or really any date.
Review Source:I give this place 2 stars for two reasons: strong drinks and cheap drinks. Other than that....I don't have anything to rave about.
The waitresses are either nice or completely rude. Usually the rude ones are the older ladies. My last visit, I went with a few friends for drinks. We ordered a couple rounds and then had to split the tab up 2 ways. We wanted to split the tab 3 ways but the waitress said they had a credit card minimum- apparently only on days when the waitress doesn't like you. Then we go to sign our credit card slips and either the waitress was really bad at math, she thought we were too drunk to add correctly, or she added her own tip onto our bill....not cool.
Okay, so if you're in the mood for a dive bar, but you don't want a DIVEY dive-bar..... what do you do?? Go to Major's. If for nothing else but the burgers -- the best in Salem. And the steak tips are good, too. Tthe food is standard American, but quite good for the fact that this is a very basic casual place. (Salad served in those round, faux-wood plastic bowls; steak fries, onion rings, etc.) The standout for me besides the down-home attitude is that their specials are actually quite interesting. Service can be slow though, esp. on weekends.
Review Source:It seems as is everyone agrees on one thing... a "no frills" bar with stiff drinks. Great bar food. One thing I am hearing in common however, is that it is a bar. Let me tell you about my latest trip to Major's...
It was about 9:30- 10:00, and I met a bunch of friends here. It is well known for being a local dive bar with great burgers. There were about 7 of us, and there was some swearing going on. Now tell me that you and your friends don't sit at a table at a bar, telling stories, and let some profanity roll off the tongue. Anyway, we just happened to be sitting directly in front of Bill, one of the owners.
He approached me, after a friend dropped an f-bomb, and right in my face demanded to know if that language was coming out of my mouth. No it wasn't it was a friend but what is the big deal? He said if we were going to use profanity we could go elsewhere. No biggie, maybe she had yelled it a little too loud. Point taken.
About 10 minutes later, he returned, rather enraged, telling us if we were going to continue to use profanity, we could leave. He singled out a friend of mine who had barely said boo all night, in fact she works for the state with underprivilaged children for a living, and is the only one of us who ever watched her mouth. My other friend started apologizing, and I stated that I was NOT sorry. I told him that this was a BAR, and a dive at that, and I couldn't understand what he was so mad about. He proceeded to tell me that it was not a bar, that it was in fact a restaurant.
I have one message for you, Bill. Read the reviews. You are a bar. If you are open til 1 serving drinks, and you close the kitchen at 11, then you are a bar. If you are known more for your stiff drinks than you hamburgers, you are a bar. If you serve bar food only, you are a bar. I would suggest that you lighten up, or you are just going to lose more and more customers. I have come to this place many times, and it was a lot more enjoyable without you. Furthurmore, if someone asks you for a menu that is 2 feet away from you, you do not demand to know who your waiter is and make them do it.
Majors is great. Â It's definitely more of a 'local' place than other Salem haunts (no pun intended), but who really cares?
Their beer is cold and reasonably priced, their food is darn good (and cheap!), and they pour very strong, very tall, very cheap mixed drinks.
I believe this place is what is referred to as a 'No frills' type of establishment, but they're open late (the kitchen, too!), it's cheap, never horribly crowded, and generally great. Â If it's your birthday, definitely tell them ahead of time...
I'll do my best to recall St. Patrick's Day at Magleashe's...
- Corned beef dinner was excellent and quite reasonably priced at $8.50
- Pitchers of Harpoon IPA were $11.25
- Jukebox was one of them interweb jobs, which means that when I felt the urge to hear 'Brand Nubian', the access was just feet away.
- The place never got too crazy, but it was steadily busy, and given that the bar service was still excellent.
- They don't serve a "real" Guinness, but I cared about Guinness on tap when I was 21 and thought I was quite hip and above all the Bud Light drinkers.
- It was definitely a "local" bar for sure, so there was no amateur hour present. Â However, no one made you feel unwelcome if you weren't a regular. Â Kind of reminded me of the Anchor in that regard.
- And before I forget...wait for it...the bartenders were hot.
So to summarize - cheap pitchers, good food, great service, no amateurs, a jukebox I can dominate, and, lest I forget, smokin' hot bartenders. Â Yeah, this place wins me over in a landslide.
- Uncle Juggsington gives his North Shore Seal of Approval
Since this bar is at the end of my street, this is our Cheers. The owner is a really nice guy (he brought me out a Major Magleashe's shirt for my birthday!).
The atmosphere is comfortable and cozy with a number of tables, a few corner booths, keno, some games in the back, and a jukebox. Food is good for bar food- lots of fried yummy stuff. The poppers are fantastic with honey mustard. Burgers are big, cheap, and delish.
The beer selection is small, but we are happy that they always have an IPA and the Sam Seasonal on draft. PItchers are super cheap. Mixed drinks come in pint glasses-but beware, they are STRONG.
One thing I really like about Magleashe's is the Seasonal drinks. Pumpkin martinis in october, eggnog at christmas. It's the perfect way to end your day.
This is the bar to go to if you want a good stiff drink. Nothing fancy in terms of Chicky drinks but more on the tumbler filled with booze and a splash of juice or soda.
The steak tips used to be great but this round mine were way over cooked. The steak fries rock but I love steak fries. Good simple food for a great price. Not fancy.
It may seem intimidating from all of the other comments but the atmosphere is so not that way. Just walk in and take a seat, you be fine. As a former "townie" I don't wear sweat pants, hats or anything that says Boston on it and I still get good food, great drinks and wonderful service.
One of my favs. Old-school american bar (straight shot down the middle; bar to left, tables in middle, food station in back) with great 70's faux-barndance decor. Run of the mill beer selection but they pour the biggest shots in town. Serves your standard bar fare (not sure when station closes). Clientele made up of locals, would-be fishermen, and local food service workers getting off shift. Great lo-key Salem hang.
Review Source:the menu really narrows down your choices for you, considering there's not much from which to choose. regardless, their standard bar food is done right and for a great price. definitely a place to wear sweatpants and not be chastized. that's a big deal for me. i haven't done this but i will.
great burgers, great chicken fingers, great salads. great for a bar/pub/etc., of course. you're not getting a $50 kobe burger with gold sparkles here. you're getting honest, awesome bar food.
the powder soap in the bathroom makes me laugh, always.
Townies don't just come here to drink, they come to get drunk. This can be irritating or amusing depending upon your point of view. However, take a look into the kitchen. If the gray-haired guy with the beard and ball cap is back there, then you're going to have the best cheeseburger and onion rings of your life. This is also our luckiest place for Keno. And, they just installed that new Keno Race game. Good luck!
Review Source:Well The Major's is good for a few things.
1.) They make very strong mixed drinks and serve them in pint glasses for $4. You can't beat that!!!
2.) They make a mighty fine chili and a good chicken sandwich, also under $7. My fiance had the cheeseburger and it was pretty good.
The thing I didn't like was that they didn't have a very good beer selection. They do NOT have Guinness on tap. When I went to order one, the waitress said "We've got a machine that shakes it up so it tastes like it came out of the tap..."
So with this suggestion I proceeded to order the Guinness...
It did NOT I repeat, DID NOT taste like it was from the tap, it tasted like I dropped a can of Guinness on the floor and opened it up and poured it into a glass.
The atmosphere is a little depressing. A lot of loners drinking Bud Lites playing Keno.
But a good choice for a late night burger and a So-Co and Coke.
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