The Red Line Cafe
188 Essex St, Salem, MA, 01970
The Red Line Cafe Menu
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Address :
188 Essex St
Salem, MA, 01970 - Phone (978) 744-2235
- Website https://www.redlinecafesalem.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:00 am - 6:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
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Kelsey S.
Stopped in for a quick tea and a bite after a long bike ride. Only got the croissant to eat but they offered to warm it which was very pleasant. Great customer service, they filled our water bottle with ice and water. The cashier noticed my 'see ID' and when she saw I was out of state wished me a great stay. It's hard to find good customer service, I'd recommend for that alone. They have a large menu but we were not hungry enough to dive in.
(5)Steven M.
I got a buffalo chicken calzone and it might have just been one of the best calzones I've ever had! All the ingredients tasted fresh and not frozen. My entire dish just looked beautiful at first sight. The entire cafe felt very homey and I could just sit there all day and enjoy great food and relax. Very clean and the workers were also very friendly too. This is a great place to take a girl out on a date for anybody looking to do something around the Salem area. I will definitely be coming back next time I'm in the area.
(5)Alexander L.
Excellent coffee, great sitting areas in the heart of downtown...an amazing selection of quality items, many outstanding coffees to choose from. Knowledgeable & very friendly staff -I'll try stopping in more often
(5)Peter S.
Let me make it plain... These people are despicable. My wife and I stopped at this business for two simple reasons and had an unconscionable awful experience. Read my short story, look at my photos and decide for yourself. Walking through Salem, my wife and I decided we needed a coffee break. Also, due to side effects from cancer surgery and chemotherapy, I needed to frantically use the bathroom. Note: as a cancer survivor, I expect no special treatment but whenever I've needed to explain a sudden biological need based on the treatment to any other business owner, it was always met with immediate empathy or sympathy. And my gratitude. NOT, however, AT THE RED LINE CAFE. My wife was ordering coffee and I told the barista that I needed to use the men's room immediately. She stated, that I must buy something before I would be allowed to. I tried to explain to her that my need was beyond urgent and the outcome of not would be humiliation for the business and myself. Besides, my wife was trying to buy coffee. She said, "Not good enough, no one uses the bathroom without a receipt." She simply didn't care. She said that I must buy something so I could get a "bathroom code" on my receipt. My wife, again, was trying to buy coffee so I could do this but was being ignored. She said her owner didn't allow anyone, for any reason to use the bathroom without a receipt. I raised my voice in front of the other patrons and asked her if she preferred that I relieve myself accidentally there in front of the register because by then my biological need, due to cancer treatment side effects, had become beyond imperative. She stopped arguing and finally rang out my wife and handed her the receipt. My wife handed me the receipt and I dashed for the bathroom. The code on the receipt didn't work. I yelled for assistance and a previously unavailable owner rushed to override the code because he was embarrassed in front of his customers because of his draconian policy. I rushed into the bathroom, satisfied a biological imperative and then began to look around. The bathroom was filthy. A sign stated that no toilet paper was allowed in the toilet and a pile of overflowing toilet paper was next to the toilet overflowing a plastic bin. No toilet paper in the toilet? No one can use the bathroom without a receipt? A cancer survivor is publicly embarrassed? I'm not some weirdo or nut or worse, junkie (which was their excuse for their policy.) I am simply a cancer survivor. Is the owner implying that Salem has such a terrible heroin problem that people need to be pre-screened for the bathroom? Perhaps the chamber of commerce should ask him. EVERY WORD OF THIS STORY IS TRUE. There are many fine coffee houses in Salem. Please pick one that treats their customers with basic human dignity. Cancer survivors: please boycott this place. Please look closely at the photos associated with this post. They bizarrely, make my point for me.
(1)Katherine H.
The blended iced coffee (frapachino type) was really good. The people are very nice and the cafe has lots of seating. I didn't really like my savory crepe though. It had hardly any cheese and it was a bit dry. I'm guessing I ordered the one not so great item? It was a turkey, Brie and fig crepe.
(3)Lars D.
This review is for the coffee only. Ordered a cappuccino from here, with a great deal of excitement for finding what appeared to be a legitimate coffee shop in this city. The foam was extremely subpar - I mean worse that typical Starbucks fare. The espresso was was not great either. One star for the coffee, and an extra star for the service which was friendly and prompt.
(2)Jackie O.
Lots of sandwiches and drinks to choose from. The food is very fresh and the workers were very kind. If you must use the bathroom, you have to wait for your receipt for the bathroom "code." However, because the line was a bit long, one of the women behind the counter opened the bathroom door for me beforehand. Little did they know that the little things really do matter and add up to a much better experience for the customers. The prices are a little high for what it is, but at least the sandwiches come with a pickle & some chips. Not many choices under $10 as far as sandwiches. But it's much better than a chain sandwich shop so probably worth those extra few bucks. Lots of seating and even a couple of tables outside. As a bonus, the lemonade is very refreshing & is a nice compliment to a yummy lunch.
(4)Donna M.
First time visit and grabbed a bite alone. I got the Caprese ALT panini and hot Chai Tea to warm up on a cold rainy summer day. The waitstaff were super kind and helpful. Wish I lived closer, I really enjoyed it.
(5)Robin P.
Yummy food, nice people, good ambiance for lunch. Much better than the fare at the museum!
(5)David M.
Ample menu with lots of healthy and tasty items. Friendly and fast service. The location is great to.
(5)Whitney S.
I adore this place. The food is delicious, and they literally have the BEST iced chai latte I have ever had in my life. Their crepes are great, and I love their salads. However, the best part about Red Line is the owner. She is constantly in the best mood, and always has something sincere and nice to say about you when you walk in the door. Honestly, everyone needs to be more like the Red Line owner. I think the world would be a better place full of people like her.
(5)Ryan L.
This is one of my favorite places to go get a coffee, or lunch. Coffees and lattes are fantastic, sandwiches are delicious and the crepes are just wonderful (especially the buffalo chicken one). The staff is so friendly, and helpful. Just an all around great place!
(5)Nancy A.
Stopped in for a coffee break. This place was very quaint and delightful. So clean also (unlike Starbucks).
(4)James K.
Red Line is a great option for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. The food is fresh and high-quality, location is great, and owners couldn't be nicer people. (I'm a regular customer but have no relationship with the owners outside that context.) Also a good place to sit with a coffee and laptop/book with the obvious exception of October. Note: I just read the review from Jay. My best guess is that he's writing about a different place. Anyone who thinks the staff is rude... wow. I've been there 50-100 times and have never experienced or even witnessed bad service. Nonetheless them being rude. (Check out my other reviews if you doubt my willingness to be critical.)
(5)Diana K.
Stopped in on a Friday for a late lunch (around 2:30 p) and it was rather quiet. Three tables outside so we opted to sit outdoors. You order at the counter and they happily bring your order out. My friend had the cabo chicken caesar salad (avocado, tortilla strips, black beans, corn, pesto) and a strawberry/banana smoothie. I opted for the Popeye salad with grilled chicken (spinach, strawberries, cashews, goat cheese with balsamic dressing). My friend's salad was very tasty, chicken very tender and dressing was great. Mine was rather bland. The chicken was dry and a bit overcooked. Appeared to be prepared in advance elsewhere, didn't taste like it was just grilled or prepared. My greens were fresh, lots of cashews but I wished I had ordered the cabo. I had an plain iced coffee which was good. Servers were very friendly. The crepes and baked goods at the counter looked great. Maybe we'll try that next time.
(3)Bethany P.
My experience at the Red Line Cafe was so positive that I feel compelled to write my first ever Yelp review! During the busy lunch rush, and after it was recommended by a souvenir shop owner, I stopped in with my rather large party. With 4 adults and 7 children, we would be enough to fray the nerves of the most seasoned staff! As she took our order, the woman at the register remained calm and patient as we figured out what the picky children would eat off of the extensive menu. Without missing a beat, and without us having to seek her assistance, she gave us a few options that were very basic and not on the menu that might satisfy those among us with pickier palettes (basic grilled cheese, basic turkey sandwich, etc.) She was with our rather high maintenance party as the line grew behind us and she made sure to talk us through options for each of the kids. At no point were we rushed or made to feel like we were high maintenance (though we were!) The high level of customer service at the Red Line was stunning, as it is all too rare. Each item was delivered to our table with a smile by the kitchen staff who were extremely busy with lunch orders. I ordered the Farmer's Crepe which was divine. Not a child among our group complained about their very specific, non-menu meal. The place was spotless and each person was working their tail off. Such a great place. We will be back...without the kids.
(5)Connie R.
Wow I feel the need to counter Jay Bs review of this place. And I yelp a lot and live LOCAL to this place. I just sat down after the nicest friendliest convo with the owners! Asked how I've been and remembered my "precise" order ( I do not like red onions!) The food is very well priced and unique! Crepes that are stuffed full enough to be a hearty lunch? Yes please!!! I am sitting on the patio now enjoying my food. I recommend the Red Line Cafe.
(5)Mark D.
During our pedestrian tour of Salem, we took Yelp's suggestion to go to the Red Line Cafe for a quick lunch. It had a nice casual atmosphere and eclectic New Age music. The buffalo chicken and bistro crepes were well-stuffed, savory and delicious. The cabo chicken Caesar salad was generous. We really enjoyed the mango smoothies. Very fresh and fruitful. Kristen Chenowith's doppelgänger at the counter was very cheery and helpful. While walking through Salem checking out the attractions, I would recommend this restaurant for a nice lunch.
(4)Vanessa V.
I love this place! I have been coming here since they opened and I am so happy to see how they have done so well. The food is great (caprese ALT is my favorite), the drinks are delicious, the cafe is spacious, and the people are always smiling. It is my favorite cafe in Salem!
(5)Pamela M.
Chai lattes are good. Plenty of food to choose from on the menu boards. The crepes are very large. So beware. It won't make for a small snack. They are very good. This place is much nicer then Starbucks.
(4)Lauren M.
My boyfriend and I enjoy coming to Salem for Sunday afternoons every once in awhile and are always looking for new cafes and sandwich shops to try. We were pleasantly surprised by the Red Iine. The Caprese ALT sandwich was Delicious and filling. My boyfriend got the RL Rostbeef sandwich and he gobbled His up as well. Definitely recommend sitting at the window to people watch!
(5)Mark T.
As a preview of coming attractions, I will say that I typically do not like bananas, and I typically do not like strawberries. Yet, as you can see, this place still got five stars. This means they are doing something very right, for I believe any food prepared correctly is a feast. Location itself is very nice and very clean, and has a nice atmosphere to it. People behind the counter are very nice and very polite. The kind of service where if you are a regular, you can come in, order "the usual" and they will know exactly what you want To drink I ordered myself a Freddo Cappuccino, which is basically an iced cappuccino. However, it did in fact taste like an iced cappuccino, and no like a latte of some kind. It was served in a tall.p glass, and those beverages should, and there I realized that the purpose is of either milk foam, or whipped cream. I am not sure exactly what it was, but I was indulging in it, it was slowly melting into the beverage straight below it, mixing with it perfectly. All in all, the proportions of espresso to milk to whipped cream (?) to ice were perfect. I had ordered the RL crepe. The crepe itself was soft and melted in my mouth, but it was sturdy enough to hold all of the the ingredients inside well, without falling apart. The ingredient themselves were of very nice proportions to themselves and to the crepe itself. They were also not chunky, which is a good thing, and it led every part of these crepe to have a consistent flavor, and not have one part be all banana and one part all strawberry. Again, to get me to happily devour star series and banana takes skills that are very impressive. Portions sizes were satisfying, and prices were reasonable, especially considering that this place is smack in downtime Salem.
(5)Joanna C.
Great coffee, but the exceptional customer service puts this place over the top :)
(5)Alexandra N.
This was my favourite place for lunch in Salem. I was in Massachusetts for the summer for work with a few other colleagues, and we immediately fell in love with Red Line Cafe. The coffee and food is fantastic (I was particularly very pleasantly surprised by their inclusion of gluten- and dairy-free alternatives!), very quick, and the staff are just the loveliest people on earth. I would highly recommend it to anyone in Salem looking for the perfect place to grab a bite ! :)
(5)Donna K.
Redline café is nice nice people food was pretty good prices seem a bit high but please don't make the mistake this is not Reds sandwich shop that's down the street within eyesight of red line café
(4)Geoff M.
Good coffee, served by some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. The breakfast crepe is really good, as well.
(5)Corey L.
Stopped in on a Sunday around 3pm. Place was busier than I expected. Went for a crepe, as they sounded good and the staff were quite enthusiastic. One suggested the buffalo chicken crepe, but I was more interested in the special, which was a roast beef crepe. It was full of roast beef, with bacon, swiss, and some greens. It was surprisingly lacking in flavor - particularly the bacon, couldn't really taste it. Overall it was just sorta bland. My girlfriend had a coffee, which she was not good. She also had the salmon crepe. She wasn't super happy about it, but I thought, with the goat cheese, it was pretty good.
(3)Cely H.
This place was our first stop on our Salem, MA trip. Saw the great reviews on Yelp and we were only steps away, so decided to go in and give it a shot. We were greeted immediately by a sweet gal. She was personable and recommended the pistachio muffin and a crepe. I also got a pumpkin spice latte with almond milk. Clean and inviting lounge area and even cleaner bathroom. People were in there sipping on coffee and on their laptops. There were also several families having breakfast. The muffin was TO-DIE-FOR. I was a little leery, because the thing is neon green, but don't let it fool you! It was so good! The crepe was also tasty, but they only have hard boiled eggs there and I wasn't expecting hard boiled eggs in a crepe. But it was still interesting and well-made. I'd order it again. The coffee was great, not sweet at all, which is how I like it. The big-chain-coffee-house-that-shall-not-be-named makes their drinks so sickly sweet and this was not like that at all. If you like it sweet, you can add your own sweetener (the way it should be!). Great first stop on our walking day trip! Wish I could carry this place in my pocket!
(5)Jennifer S.
Amazing! The staff are so friendly here, and their iced chai is the best I've ever had! The crepes are awesome too. Love the ambiance, the cleanliness, and especially the awesome staff! I go here regularly and am never disappointed.
(5)Laura M.
Great food. The panini melanzana is delicious and cheap. I recommend the half tea and half lemonade drink. Wifi password is written on a mirror. I always appreciate that of course.
(4)Jon L.
Great service, grandma's apple pie crepe was delicious, roast beef sandwich was great especially with a side of chips, they brought us extra plates and even when we split the sandwich across the kids they offered another bag of chips!
(5)William L.
Having looked on yelp and seen some great reviews, my friend and I decided to have lunch at The Red Line Cafe. We knew what we wanted from the second we walked in, however, after discovering that this place has crepes, we might just have to try them. My friend and I both got the Chicken Melt. I enjoyed it very much, however it did not live up to its $10 price tag. For $10 I would've expected a slightly larger sandwich. I also got a mocha, which I found disappointing, which surprised me after reading all of the rave reviews. Perhaps it's just that I work as a barista, but I found the drink to be more of a hot chocolate than a mocha. The espresso was very bland. There was barely any foam, and the foam that was there was just plopped on top; a very unsatisfying ~$5.00 investment. All in all, I would be very willing to give this place another shot. The staff was very nice, and the chicken melt was very appetizing. If this place can improve their drinks, they might just become a go-to place in Salem.
(3)Micky L.
Hands down, some of the nicest people ever. I stopped twice on the same day while doing some touring. First stop I had a coffee and a scone and the next some espresso for the road. Both times I was greeted and found the personalities quite pleasant. As this is New England, I was taken aback by the warm and kind folks. The scone was good, they had wifi, and the coffee was just fine. I give it only four because the espresso could have been better, but it's still hands down better than anything you could find at Dunks. It's in a touristy area, too, so take that for what you will but they do a great job, all told.
(4)Janna H.
This little cafe is great! My cafe mocha was perfect, and the Bella Nutella crepe was amazing. They are very generous with the amount of fruit on their crepes, which is a nice change from other crepes I've had in the U.S. The atmosphere is relaxing, I especially enjoyed the cushioned seating. The staff are very friendly as well. I definitely plan to return another time or two during the duration of my trip in Salem. Recommended!
(5)Claire L.
I came here with high expectations and was disappointed by both the food and the service. The Bella Nutella crepe was delicious but the bistro crepe left something to be desired. It looked like they just used turkey lunch meat and it was a bit plain. What really surprised me, however, was the staff. After I paid, the cashier pointed to the tip jar and said, "this is where you tip." Um. Awkward. I know that is the tip jar and I was going to tip anyway but it's weird to point it out as if you expect it. As I sat here eating, one of the baristas called very loudly to another man who was in a separate party and told him that he had taken the wrong drink. He seemed embarrassed because he had thought it was his iced coffee not a tea. They made him return it. Um. Who does that? If anything they should be the one apologizing for not confirming with the patron that it was the correct drink. And who makes a guest return their drink after they receive it????? I won't be coming back. It's one thing to have mediocre food. It's another to have rude staff.
(2)Kristin Z.
Was just ok. Got the Buffalo Chicken Crepe. Would probably be a lot better as a panini. I'll try the Red Line again, but get something else. They have variety of wraps, Panini, as well as crepes. Service was friendly and welcoming. Good spot to get lunch when you are in the area for court/jury duty.
(3)Lara L.
This is THE PLACE for crepes, coffee drinks, and hospitality in Salem. The lady at the counter was beyond accommodating and just super nice. In a world where most people no longer think being kind to each other matters, the nice folks who haven't forgotten the ancient art of good customer service stand out. It says a lot about their establishment as well, that they probably put a lot of effort into the little details of running a cafe. So at first I didn't get it but then it hit me as I was walking (5 min) here from the Hawthorne- there's a big-ass red line on the road that if you follow it takes you to the cafe! It also continues on past the RL cafe so I know, I know, the line came before the cafe. I'm just saying that at first I heard the name and I was like, "huh?" But now I sort of get it! Now on to the crepes. I got the Bella Nutella. The day before I'd had a banana, honey, and PB crepe at another place in Salem which I shall not mention because the aforementioned crepe was a hot, sloppy mess. I like to be able to just cut into a crepe with the side of my fork. Well this crepe was tough and I couldn't do that. And everything else about it was just... No. The Bella Nutella was like a palette cleanser of sorts after my depressing crepe experience. It was soft, chewy, and easy to cut with my fork. Oozing Nutella, strawberries, and bananas. Makes my mouth water just thinking of it! Complimented by a coconut iced latte. I easily cleaned my plate, drank my entire latte, and polished off half of my husband's frozen cappuccino while he was inside talking to the lady at the counter. Oops. Oh and I mentioned previously how incredibly kind the staff is at RL? Yeah, they made my husband a sandwich that wasn't even on the menu. I'm sure they do that all the time but it's just another example of how some businesses go out of their way to be good to their customers. If I lived in Salem I'd go here every weekend, sit outside and people watch as I devour the best crepes ever and order a huge latte to wash it all down. Instead I'm trying to cope with the fact that I'm leaving here on Friday and I will probably only get one or two more strolls along the red line. But today or tomorrow I'll stop in for another crepe and a smoothie. Can't wait!
(5)Ryan J.
Hey guys.. You've got a great location and atmosphere. I've stopped in a couple of times while I'm rushing to the train for work and ordered a large coffee with cream and sugar. *HINT: RUSHING* I don't have the time to add the cream and sugar, make a small spill -because I'm rushing- and clean it up... That's why I ordered it WITH cream and sugar! If I had time to make my own cup of coffee every morning, I would.. That's why I pay to have it made:)
(3)Jamie S.
My family and I visited here on a day trip to Salem. Upon finding most places being closed by the time we decided to eat, this place was still open and I'm so glad it was! The staff was INCREDIBLY friendly, made special menu items for my picky children and the Roast beef panini was delicious! My only complaint is that it was pricey, but they definitely have a special, home made touch!
(4)Tara S.
My husband and I were in Salem today and we stopped at The Red Line Cafe (2/2/14) for lunch and we were thrilled. I was going into it with high expectations because I found it via YELP - and all of the good reviews. I have to say my expectations were met and then some. Atmosphere: First of all - the cafe was decorated for Valentine's Day from the outside and was warm and inviting. I enjoyed the atmosphere and decor - it was cozy, cute and simple - not overly decorated but just enough to feel cozy. I loved that there were different options for chairs - some cozy living room style chairs while others more like kitchen chairs. We had a relaxing lunch at a table for two with the most comfy chairs! Service: When we went up to the counter to order the woman who took our order was extremely friendly and patient! Overall everyone who worked there was courteous, friendly and helpful. Food & Beverage: Also I was thrilled to learn that they had ALMOND MILK LATTES! A lot of cafes offer soy milk but no almond. The Red Line Cafe has both! Their menu overall had plenty to choose from different coffee drinks to sandwiches, salads and crepes. I had a decaf almond milk latte and the turkey jive sandwich - delicious! My husband had an iced coffee and the Waldorf chicken salad sandwich. I usually don't like chicken salad but his sandwich was delicious - the chicken salad did not have much (if any) mayo and had the most flavorful dressing. My husband enjoyed his iced coffee but mentioned that the dark roast was very bold (he is used to drinking lighter coffees). I love dark roast - so I was in heaven. ' Price: Our lunch and drinks were about $25 and the portions were huge - I took half of mine home. So very reasonable considering the amount of food! Overall we had a lovely lunch and would definitely return. My only complaint is I wish The Red Line Cafe was closer to our home so we could go more often. To all of you who live in Salem - you are very lucky to have this cafe in your backyard!
(5)jay b.
RUDE. LOUSY ATTITUDE, COFFEE AND FOOD. first observation: i'm sorry to report that this place absolutely (obviously) has stacked ratings from reviews by friends - (ie: look at all the "5 star" reviews this place has by people with only one or two reviews apiece..) all of these 5 star reviews are the direct opposite of what myself and my friends all experienced - and it's funny how they all proclaim how friendly ("the friendliest!" the people are). um.. no. i don't think so. (more on this later). but first - the coffee was horrible, their drinks and food were horrible (how do you manage to fuck up a simple lunch and dessert???), and it was way overpriced and overrated - their food and portions leave much to be desired. price gouging and overhype at it's worst, and finally, the ABSOLUTE WORST SERVICE and UTTERLY HORRIBLE and RUDEST people own this place (not the staff, who were very friendly, just the owner) to boot - no wonder this place was - (seriously) COMPLETELY EMPTY on a beautiful saturday.. salem is filled with kind, respectful, hard-working business owners, and i will definitely be taking my business elsewhere after my HORRIBLE experience here. as a true flesh-and-blood, actual yelper, folks - i'd suggest you do the same. do yourself a favor and skip this lousy place! there's plenty of other establishments nearby that are so much better (and friendlier!) and so much more worthy and deserving of our business.
(1)Nicole F.
You won't find anyone nicer than Maria or her husband--and they have a habit of hiring truly incredible, friendly, upbeat staff to work for them. Their crepes, savory OR sweet, are to die for. Please try the Nutella one; or the farmer's one. Also the Freddo Capuccino is unbelievable (in the best possible way). They're a nice alternative to, say, dirty old Front Street with its slow and poor service. They are always clean, always ready to help & chat, and have the perfect balance down pat between efficiency and courtesy. Not to mention truly good product. Please visit them at Red Line Cafe. You won't regret it, especially if you're on your lunch break and need a caffeine pick-me-up--or if you want something delicious to eat!
(5)Kevin G.
Good food, nice and clean but their service does not sit well with me. First, their chalkboard menu is nearly unreadable. They offer print menu at the cashier, so they must know that their chalk board is unreadable. They ask for tips when they don't do anything to deserve them. First, they don't have any floor service, and they'll make you go get your own silverware -- that is kept no where near the pick up area. They made it clear to me where the silverware was, that I might need for my turkey club that is already cut into four pieces. This could be a four star place if they improve their service. The staff is good-natured, their just a bit lazy.
(3)Christopher T.
My wife and I stopped in here for lunch. We ordered a Caprese ALT and an iced cappuccino. The sandwich was delicious and the iced cappuccino was also very good. The staff was very friendly and didn't hesitate to make you feel welcomed. We especially liked that they had some seating that faced the street so that you could see the happenings outside and do some people-watching (it was amusing watching Nosferatu chase after unsuspecting tourists).
(4)Kristy S.
I really enjoyed this cafe. The sandwiches are unique and tasted awesome and the service was very friendly. Best of all, they don't have the incredibly inflated tourist prices we found at a different place in Salem. Would highly recommend to anyone.
(5)Nick H.
Incredibly friendly with the most delicious pistachio muffin eeevvvaaa! All their muffins are homemade and served warm! Coffee great, atmosphere great, would highly recommend
(5)Jen S.
I speak only of the service, ambience, and coffee, as I've yet to order food here. Five stars on all accounts. The girls who work here are some of the friendliest, most helpful I've come across in my search for the perfect cup of java in Salem (which I think I've found thanks to Red Line). I had some strange requests for my tea the first time I came in here, and they accommodated all of them with a smile - even offering to re-make it if it wasn't to my liking (which, of course, it was). Same for the coffee I ordered a couple days later. Great place to sit down with a book or get some work done. Fantastic cup of coffee (comparable to Mary Lou's on the South Shore, which is my favorite). Lovely staff - greeted when you walk in, told to have a great day by every staff member on your way out. Comfortable chairs and enough light to work by without getting a fluorescent headache. Wonderful. I've found my coffee shop.
(5)Less H.
They have transformed the shiny white, red and green of Rita's to a warm inviting and cozy cafe. The walls are warm earthy colors. The cushions of the bench are covered in coffee bag burlap. The tables are a warm wood color. The staff is warm and inviting. Customer service is clearly a priority here. The food is good. They get bread and bagels form Iggy's so if you don't like Iggy's bagels you won't like the bagels. I'm not a huge fan of Iggy's bagels but mine was warm and toasted which made it much better than a plain Iggy's bagel. I do like Iggy's bread so next time I'll have to try a sandwich, which really seems to be their specialty. The coffee is pretty good. It's Lavazza, which is to say it's not local but it's pretty good. Lavazza espresso has a very distinct flavor that is nice. Was my Americano as good as one I could get from Gulu or Jaho? It's entirely different to be honest. The espresso is vastly different to the espresso from Gulu or Jaho. This is not to say it's bad, in fact it's pretty good. I was more than pleased with my Americano. Next time I'm in (after the hordes of tourists leave) I'll try one of their specialty drinks. The music they play? Meh. It's a non-offensive yet boring blend of greatest hits from the 80s to now played at just the right volume that it can't be tuned out. Bring headphones and your MP3 player for quality music. I'll be back with my headphones. I do think they have a hard spot to carve out. You've got Gulu nearly across the street offering up similar food but with a hipster vibe. Jo' freedom serves up boho hipster art scene flair right down the street. Jaho offers coffee snobbery with a Euro flair. Atomic offers up art school filth. The Red Line? Cozy, friendly, and comfortable but lacks a defined personality. I think that will come with time. I really dig the warm atmosphere so I hope that the Red Line makes it over the black line and stays open.
(4)Susan L.
I work up the street but seldom eat out at lunch. Several times lately others in my office have gotten stuff from Red Line so I decided to try a pressed panini sandwich. I got the Caprese ALT with no peppers and it was delicious! I have stopped in a few times in the morning for a ham and cheese croissant and they are delicious too. I find the ownere to be very warm and welcoming,
(5)Steven H.
Stopped in for lunch prior to a visit to the PEM, having found the spot on Yelp. The many five star ratings are deserved. I had a very good cup of coffee along with a delicious, fresh and inventive salad, all served up with great service in a nicely appointed setting. Will definitely be back.
(5)Alexandra G.
Excellent experience from food to service! Came here for lunch on a Saturday with my husband and kids. The staff were very helpful, answering our questions and accommodating our requests. Definitely five stars for customer service! The food and drinks didn't disappoint either. I tried the Freddo Cappuccino and it was very tasty. I also had the ALT sandwich which was just right. I asked for no pesto and they had no problem accommodating this request. My husband had the Farm House crepe and he liked it very much. The kids were happy with their chicken melt sandwiches. Definitely a place we would come back to again.
(5)Lily Y.
I came to this cafe after visiting the wonderful Peabody Essex Museum. It was an appealing menu so this is where I chose to go. The girl at the counter was so friendly and happy, she made my first impression of the cafe perfect. I ordered an iced tea, which is jasmine tea with a splash of lemonade, (it was suggested by the girl working) and it was delicious! I got myself a panini which was to die for with mozzarella, avocado, pesto, and arugula. There was no problem that I didn't want tomatoes or peppers. Price was reasonable and I would absolutely return here.
(5)Ashley J.
I totally agree with another reviewer, Lara, who said this is the place to go for HOSPITALITY. So true! We're in here almost every day with our toddler and they make her feel like she's the queen of Salem. :) Everything is delicious, FRESH, quality ingredients, excellent. Bacon and egg (with hard boiled eggs) breakfast sandwich is delicious. The muffins and croissants are always still warm from a fresh batch. I'm a big pain and customize everything and they're so accommodating. (wish i could say it's allergies, it's not, i just like what i like!). I've had a prosciutto and mozzarella sandwich, as well as a as a strawberry and nutella crepe - both my own creations (what a pain I am!!) and they were exactly what I was craving. :) Love it here. Hope it's Salem forever.
(5)Ellen M.
When I was in Salem yesterday, I was a bit early for an appointment and decided to stop for a cup of coffee. I had not been to the Red Line before and had a great cup of coffee, the staff was polite and made my coffee just right. Sat down and had the best cup of coffee I have had in too long. Great place, wonderful service and free wifi.... will go back there when I am in the area.
(5)R K.
We walked in and there was a line from the register all the way to the door. There was only one person taking orders, but it was surprisingly fast. We only waited a few minutes to place our order. They were also quick with the food, which was great. And it was delicious. We had the Bella Nutella, Smore's and Buffalo Chicken crepes. Amazing. And great presentation. The sweet crepes were filled with fresh fruits and Nutella, and the savory crepe was loaded with fresh lettuce and chicken. Definitely filling and not thin at all. Haven't tried anything besides the crepes, since this was our first visit. But if you're looking for good crepes in the NorthShore, this is by far the best place to go! They have a huge menu selection, so chances are if you're craving something, they've got it. Only wish they were open all day. Also, customer service is shockingly pleasant. You don't see too many places with good customer service anymore. The staff is genuinely kind and welcoming. Definitely check this place out.
(5)Michael L.
Ate the Panini Melanzana... bread okay, filling awesome. (Roasted eggplant, tomatoes, basil, mozzarella and goat cheese on focaccia bread)
(4)Melissa S.
So far, so good! I've only gotten muffins, coffee and one crepe here so far but every visit has been awesome! The staff is very nice and friendly. The coffee is awesome. The muffins are delicious (especially when you go early in the morning when they are fresh out of the oven and still warm). And I tried the Oreo crepe last week which was amazinggggg!!
(5)Susan B.
Absolutely wonderful addition to Salem's breakfast scene. And probably lunch and dinner but haven't tried those meals here yet. I met a friend here because I wanted a change from the usual egg/bacon offerings and she had eaten there the night before and loved it. We both got the spinach, mushroom, goat cheese crepe which was light and very healthy. My friend was able to change the goat cheese to brie so they will accommodate alterations to their menu with no hesitation. I also got probably the best iced cappuccino I've ever had. The owners are friendly, accommodating and helpful. Best of luck to you both! I'll be back!
(5)Ryan Christopher R.
Went here 2 days in a row and was very consistent. The 2 times I came was for breakfast/coffee. They really renovated the ice cream shop that was there before doesnt look anything like it. Very modern but with some historic touches. Both times I was given warm hospitality and they want feedback to please the customers which I think it huge! Also very good coffee!!! For those of us out there who are vegetarian/dairy-free the coffee drinks have the option for Soy or my favorite Almond milk! Next time ill be trying one of their crepes! Keep it up Red Line! Maybe to get your customers coming back, introduce a frequent coffee club card, 10 punches and you get a free coffee! It worked for Howling Wolf and look at them now!
(4)Lisa G.
Stopped in for a quick bite and was pleasantly surprised with the great crepes and sandwiches. We had the blt sandwich and buffalo chicken crepe which was big enough to feed 2. For dessert, we shared the Nutella banana and strawberry crepe- it was awesome!
(5)Stephanie H.
Went here today, opening day, and was happy with what I got. This morning on my way to work I saw some lights on but it was so dim I didn't think they were open yet. Found out later in the morning they were. I went for lunch. They have a good variety of salads and sandwiches that are already "decided" for you on the menu but you can also build your own in both senses. In additon they have crepes. For drinks they have soda, tea and coffee (hot and iced) I got the Chicken Melt Sandwich (pressed sandwich). It was good. It said it was buffalo chicken so I was expecting more a kick of dress on a chicken breast but it was chicken salad and didn't have much buffalo flavor to it. But it was still yummy. Had nuts and grapes in it. Came with pickle and chips. Prices for sandwiches and salads range from $8 to $10. Coffee depending on size range from $2 to $5. Fairly comprable to other local coffee and sandwich shoppes on the more high end of things in Salem. I will go back for sure.
(4)Sarah A.
A great atmosphere!! Very inviting and modern. A cool hip place for people of all ages. Great menu selection of drinks and cafe food. Couldve stayed here for hours!
(5)Matthew C.
My GF and I come here all the time, and there isn't much I can add that the other yelpers here haven't. The coffee, food, and service are all top notch. The next bad experience we have here will be the first. They don't even judge when seeing us twice in one day/weekend wearing the same sweats they saw us in just hours before. The only bad thing that ever happened to us here was when we showed up hungover on New Years to find out they were closed for the day because of some rule at the mall! We had to suffer through another cup of coffee. Definitely check this place out!
(5)Kalesy M.
Seems as if I am not the only Yelper THRILLED that RL moved into town. The food is fantastic and it offers a much different (I would say better) vibe than the Hipster Heaven that is Gulu Gulu. The owner and all of the staff are extremely friendly and accomodating. They really go out of their way to find out exactly what you want and how they can make it for you. And they are eager to fix any problems. Earlier this year, my SO ordered a fruit-infused iced tea and it just wasn't what he was expecting. A staffer must have noticed he wasn't drinking it because she came out from behind the counter and offered him a free regular iced tea instead. Service! I'm hooked on the Caprese ALT and I love the Panzanelle Salad. You can tell they put a lot of care into their menu and everything tastes extremely fresh. I'm glad to see them still busy into the "slow months" of Salem and I don't think anyone who gives it a try will be disappointed!
(5)Sarah H.
Not from the area. Ordered a coffee with caramel and it didn't taste right. They then were nice to offer me a regular coffee. My fiancé and I thought the coffee tasted burnt and like it came from the bottom of the cup. There were a lot of coffee grounds on top of both of our cups. I felt bad but I told then again what was wrong with our coffees. The manager then very aggressively said, "do you even drink coffee? Our coffee is voted the best and we will not fix this cup. You have to buy your next coffee. You could give that coffee to a man on the street or throw it out. Apparently you don't know what coffee is." I said, " I'm not trying to start a scene and i drink coffee a day. I don't think you should talk to customers in that way." And as I was leaving I saw the coffee pot had coffee in the bottom of the pot with coffee grounds. I threw out my coffee by the door and the manager gasped. This was so dramatic for a cup of coffee. I think they could at least been more polite and not so cocky. If I spend $5 on a cup of coffee I would like to enjoy it.
(1)Robyn G.
Beside the fact that they have gingerbread coffee, lattes and other fancy drinks which can be made with soy or almond milk, the women who work there are extremely friendly, welcoming and gracious. They really know how to give good customer service. I think alot of restaurants could tke a lesson from them.
(5)Joselyn Y.
Solid place for a cup of coffee! When I went (November) placed was pretty packed but thats normal for a cafe. Now, their food looked great so I would love to try it next time I stop around this area.
(3)Tomas Y.
The espresso drinks here are off the hook. Oh man. I wish this cafe was in Philly. We wandered in here practically by accident, and were glad we did. The pastries were delicious, but the coffee? Fantastic. The wife and I both had a small latte with an extra shot. It was creamy, carmely, with just a touch of bitterness. So good. It's the kind of coffee that you talk about hours later, that you still can kind of taste the golden goodness in your mouth without much effort. I agree, the two young ladies working were very personable, and pretty cute too, I can't deny. So now that's out there. But hey, I gotta look out for my Salem brothers (or sisters, depending on..). it's part of the review. Lastly, if the weather's good, they have tables outside on the little paseo, which makes for a very cool, Euro setting.
(5)David T.
Delightful crepes, friendly staff, and an attentive owner assures a nice casual dining experience, good change of pace in an location close to the museum and cinema.
(4)Chris F.
I am currently so sleep deprived that it took my dumb ass weeks to realize the name wasn't a nod to the subway and that was only after seeing the red line on the floor. Coffee is life to me these days. While there is a steady flow of customers I still feel it needs to be more crowded in here on the weekdays!!! I come in almost every morning and it irritates me to no end when I see people spilling out of Dunkin donuts instead of walking 2 more minutes for good coffee by a local business. Their coffee is never burnt, never gross and everyone here actually looks happy to see you when you walk in. The coffee is always consistent which is key. The shop is immaculate. Their specialty drinks are yummy and the muffins and bagels they offer are quite tasty also. The sandwich offerings are awesome and they are good sized sandwiches. Plus they are so friendly. There's no pretense, no bullcrap just good coffee. I usually wander in here half dead pushing my baby who has recently declared war on sleep so this place is my savior and I would cry if the coffee sucked. Check them out, you won't regret it.
(5)Christine R.
I stopped in due to another Yelper's mention that this cafe had pumpkin muffins. My mother had a piece of homemade pumpkin cheesecake, and the coffee was very good. All the baked goods were fresh and homemade, and the staff were friendly and efficient! We didn't stay long, but it would be a good place to hang out with a friend or with a book.
(5)Jo-e M.
Delicious strawberry smoothie for me, and a excellent roast beef sandwich for him. Nice atmosphere, right downtown, super friendly staff and every customer I could over hear in there was raving about their meals. Apparently it just opened! (We just moved to Salem) def. will be back!
(4)Missus F.
the red line cafe is officially my new favorite coffee shop in salem. this place is the total school fundraiser double-sided wrapping papered package, man. the coffee is consistently great tasting, never burnt/acidic/watery. the staff is exceptionally friendly, helpful, attentive, and personable. the wait, even when they're busy, is never long. they play good music and the mood lighting is just right. free wifi (and the password is posted at the counter, so you don't have to be awkward about it)! rainbow flag sticker at the entrance! cutecool decor! nutella crepes! soy and almond milk!!!!! weeeeeeeeeee! it's super spacious with a ton of seating. it'd be rad if there were a few more couch/easy chair options, but i don't know where they'd put them so don't listen to this part of the review. they comfied up the bench seating, and honestly, with all the rad food they serve, you need upright, tabled seating in order to avoid spilling everything down the front of your shirt. i can't tell you how much food i find in my bra. speaking of... this place is the tits.
(5)Gina H.
Another amazing meal in Salem. It's hard to pick my favorite but this is definitely in the running. The coffee cake muffin was delicious, the croissants are perfect, and the Nutella, banana and strawberry crepe was one of the best I've ever had. My son ordered it and because it was HUGE he didn't mind sharing.
(5)Nicole L.
This place has the best cap rear pressed paninis. So good! And they have such a nice vibe when you walk in. Definitely a place to go for a quick bite for lunch.
(5)Maxwell M.
Great food, great people, clean windows (because my dad cleans them) kinda pricey but worth it
(5)Ashley D.
Friendly staff, great service, clean and cozy cafe with DELICIOUS food. I ordered the chicken melt sandwich, which would normally be a boring choice, however this was amazing. My friends each got crepes and loved theirs as well. Definitely going here next time I need lunch in Salem. There was no changing table in the restroom, which would be nice, but not enough to take anything off this five star rating.
(5)Marissa S.
Wonderful service - so friendly! Great location and atmosphere. Get the spinach pie - delish and you can't go wrong with one of their many flavors of lattes.
(5)Sean K.
Fantastic. I tried the Melanzza panini for luch. The goat chees really set this sadnwich apart...look forward to trying the intersting selction of sweet/savory crepes as well. Service was inviting and very friendly. Try this place.
(5)Christy C.
We just got home from a trip to Salem and this was a favorite find while we were there. The staff are warm, friendly, make you feel welcome, and eager to make your order just as you like it. Their coffee and tea are WONDERFUL, but my favorite were the crapes! Whether you're in the mood for sweet or savory you won't be disappointed. We visit Salem every so often and this place will be on our list.
(5)Reddglove G.
Fantastic! My six year old and I stopped by for a treat after visiting the PEM and are already thinking about our next visit! The owners are the sweetest people. Food and drinks were amazing. The atmosphere was so relaxing that my little guy was sorry to leave. My son enjoyed his experience so much that he persuaded me to join Yelp in order to post this review. Can't wait to visit again!
(5)Amanda B.
I love crepes and I love coffee, so naturally I've been to a lot of coffee shops and creperies. The Red Line Cafe is one of the best coffee shops / creperies / cafés I've been to. It's super comfy, super delicious, and super friendly. Actually, I have never met a sweeter staff--makes me wish I worked here!
(5)Lady B.
I landed in this fantastic coffee shop for the day after choosing to work in a coffee shop outside of Cambridge. What a treat! The food is excellent and gluten friendly (they can make all their sandwiches on gluten free bread that actually tastes good), the staff warm and kind, and the coffee rich and smooth.
(5)Hannah D.
I stopped in to Red Line Cafe this afternoon to get into some air conditioning after a walking tour and yes, to have some lunch. I was impressed by the great variety of menu offerings, but wanted something very light, so chose a spinach (they call it The Popeye) salad. The very delightful young woman at the counter told me that it might take 5 to 6 minutes to prepare, and I'm pretty sure it came in a little under that. Salad was beautifully arranged, very fresh, and perfect for a light lunch. In spite of the outside temp, I ordered hot coffee, and that was just fine too. I'm very impressed by the decor and the hospitality. A welcome addition to downtown Salem. Next time I'm going to order a crepe!
(5)Charlie M.
Don't know what to expect?..... Expect amazing food, good prices, great staff. Felt like one of the family. Highly recommend as a staple Salem stop! Cold chocolate drink (with whipped cream) yum.
(5)John B.
MUST GO and try the FREDDO CAPPUCCINO!! I've never had an iced cappuccino before and it was awsome. I also had the turkey blt which was just as good. Overall, it was a great surprise and addition to Salem. It has a good atmosphere and friendly staff. I definitely reccomend it.
(5)