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The Great Escape

50 St. Peter St., Salem, MA 01970
978-745-5022
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Ranked #20 of 189 restaurants in Salem
Price range: $21 - $26
Cuisines: Italian
Good for: Business, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Dinner, Reservations, After-hours
Restaurant details
Good for: Business, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Dinner, Reservations, After-hours
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115 reviews from our community

78% Recommend
    54
    36
    14
    8
    3
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
N. Reading, MA
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

This is by far one of my favorite restaurants. The food is awesome and the atmosphere is so much fun . No jail food here :-)) Always exciting specials . The food is consistently good. Small parking area but valet parking . You decide how much tip to leave

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Marysville, Washington
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

This place was so cool, and food was amazing!! We loved all of the old jail cell bars and the original flooring of the old jail, I'm so glad they are keeping this place a part of the history of Old Salem.

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See 3 more reviews by Lori V for Salem
West Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
9 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2013

I had a special occasions that turned out not so special at the Great Escape. I ate at the Great Escape back in early march for my girlfriends 30th birthday. When we got there we were the only people there and the still for so reason sat us right next to the sever station were I had to listen to... More

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See 6 more reviews by Erthside for Salem
Salem, Massachusetts, United States
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 April 2013

The atmosphere in the place is really unique, and enjoyable. It is located in the old Salem jail. The food and drinks are very expensive. We had a restaurant.com gift card, so we saved a ton of money. I had a veal dish, that was not good, but my girl friend enjoyed her pasta dish. I know I am not... More

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See 2 more reviews by Curtis L for Salem
Lynn, Massachusetts
1 review
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 April 2013

My husband & I went to The Great Escape this at 3 this afternoon. I had read that the restaurant could be noisy at night , so figured it would be a little more intimate in the middle of the afternoon. I was right - it was very quiet. There were only 2 other tables occupied. We had a drink... More

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2 reviews
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 April 2013 via mobile

The jail atmosphere is nice, but I think they could have done better with the decor and history. The food was overpriced and you don't even get salad with your 25 (average priced) entree. Not a great selection of food either and I did not enjoy my pasta. Very fishy tasting.

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MA
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 March 2013

I love this restaurant! It is one of my favorite places to eat. My family loves this place. This restaurant, which was once one of the oldest jails in America, has so much character. My favorite dish on the menu is the Lemon Chicken. My mouth waters just thinking about it. This is also a place where you can find... More

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See 4 more reviews by fifiMA for Salem
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 March 2013

A friend and myself had a "groupon" for Great Escape... We both have been there on numerous occasions (always at lunch) and everyone has LOVED it! We ALWAYS get the mussels fra diavlo and Caesar salad and they are alwaysAMAZING!!! This was my first time at dinner and we had the Steak Tips and a special Sirloin... BOTH WERE AMAZING!!!!!!... More

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Essex, Massachusetts
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
22 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 March 2013 via mobile

Been to the great escape a few times, never been disappointed. The service is prompt and friendly. Great menu, very diverse. The seating is a little to tight, tables to crowded. The bread is not a favorite, easy to pass on.Try to reserve a booth. Free valet parking. Will be a repeat customer.

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Nashua, NH
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
27 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 March 2013

Four of us dined here on a Sunday afternoon. We began by sharing the eggplant tower appetizer. It was an excellent choice! The eggplant was well prepared (fried) and layered with cheese all in a pesto sauce. All of our entrees were excellent. Some of us had fish, one veal and all dinners were very good. We were so full... More

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