Holiday Happenings - Salem, MA

Holiday Dining Salem MA | Gulu Gulu Cafe Bohemian Eatery 

Experience the magic of holiday dining at Gulu Gulu Cafe, Salem’s beloved bohemian gathering place on Essex Street in downtown Salem, MA. Since 2007, this eclectic cafe has been the heart of Salem’s artistic community, offering an award-winning craft beer selection, European-inspired cuisine, and live music seven nights a week. Whether you’re seeking a cozy spot for holiday brunch, a casual dinner before Salem’s seasonal festivities, or a warm refuge with expertly crafted coffee, Gulu Gulu creates the perfect atmosphere for celebrating the season.

Located at 247 Essex Street in downtown Salem, Gulu Gulu brings European coffeehouse culture to the North Shore. Under the stewardship of owners Jessica and Eric Crescimano, the cafe welcomes artists, musicians, families, and visitors into a space that feels like your favorite living room—complete with mismatched furniture, local art on the walls, and genuine community warmth. Visit us for holiday dining that nourishes both body and spirit.

Why Choose Gulu Gulu for Holiday Gatherings in Salem

Gulu Gulu Cafe stands apart as one of Salem’s most authentic and welcoming spaces. This isn’t a corporate atmosphere—it’s a genuine community hub where locals gather daily and visitors feel instantly at home. Owners Jessica and Eric Crescimano are deeply committed to Salem’s community, maintaining Gulu’s inclusive, eclectic character while championing local artists and musicians.

The cafe’s flexibility makes it ideal for holiday visits. Come for morning coffee, return for lunch with craft beer, stay for dinner with live music, or pop in anytime for an atmosphere you won’t find at conventional restaurants. Whether you’re dining alone with a book, meeting friends, or bringing family for brunch, you’ll find a genuine welcome here.

Holiday Dining & Menu Offerings

European Fare & Craft Beer

Gulu Gulu’s menu focuses on wholesome, flavorful comfort food with European influences. The signature dish is house-made Czech-style beef goulash served with toasted sourdough—perfect for cold winter days. Other favorites include house-made meatloaf, three-cheese mac and cheese, and an expansive crepe menu with sweet and savory options. Daily soups are made in-house, often paired with the popular cheddar and sourdough grilled cheese.

Beer enthusiasts know Gulu Gulu for its exceptional selection—the Boston Globe noted their jaw-dropping beer list. The cafe specializes in hard-to-find craft beers and maintains one of the most impressive Belgian selections north of Boston. The knowledgeable staff can guide you to perfect pairings. Beyond beer, enjoy wine, cordials, craft cocktails, mocktails, and festive spiked lattes.

Weekend brunch features breakfast sandwiches, crepes, Belgian waffles, and the “Lumberjack”—Belgian waffle with scrambled eggs and bacon. Coffee drinks range from classic espresso to specialty lattes made with locally-roasted beans. Open at 8am daily for early risers exploring Salem’s holiday events.

Inclusive Options

The menu clearly marks vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, with the kitchen accommodating food allergies. Reviewers consistently praise options for plant-based eaters—the house-made vegan ranch is legendary.

Visit Gulu Gulu Cafe This Holiday Season

Location & Holiday Hours

Address:
Gulu Gulu Cafe
247 Essex Street
Salem, MA 01970

Phone: (978) 740-8882
Website: gulugulucafe.com
Instagram: @thegulugulucafe

Hours:
Monday – Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Getting Here

Gulu Gulu sits on Essex Street, Salem’s main pedestrian corridor in the heart of downtown. Street parking is available on metered spots, or use the nearby Museum Place Mall Parking Garage. The cafe is a 10-minute walk from Salem MBTA Commuter Rail station and easily accessible from the Salem Ferry. The central location makes it perfect before or after exploring Salem’s holiday shopping and attractions.

Live Music & Arts

One of Gulu Gulu’s defining features is live music seven nights a week, featuring local and touring musicians across genres—pop, rock, folk, electronic, soul, and country. Thursday nights offer open mic. Weekend shows sometimes clear tables for dancing, other nights invite intimate listening. The 95-person capacity creates closeness with performers. Check the website or Instagram for schedules.

Beyond music, Gulu Gulu functions as an art gallery with rotating displays by local visual artists. The cafe also hosts crafting events, board game nights, and community programming. This cultural commitment earned Gulu the Salem Chamber of Commerce Long-Term Achievement Award.

A Community Gathering Place

Gulu Gulu has built its reputation as a place to work solo, meet friends, enjoy art, hear music, or simply be yourself in welcoming space. The cafe embraces its community hub role, creating inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. Reviewers consistently mention the warmth and acceptance, with LGBTQ+ visitors noting they feel “very comfortable and safe here.”

The cafe’s dog-friendly patio occasionally welcomes the mascot dogs whose paintings adorn the walls—including Charlie the Space Pug, Rosie Pickle the Frenchton, and beagle rescues Butterbean and Jellybelly.

Holiday Dining That Feels Like Home

This holiday season, experience dining that prioritizes authenticity, community, and genuine welcome. Gulu Gulu offers the antidote to corporate holiday excess—a real place serving real food and drink in atmosphere that celebrates Salem’s creative character. Whether you’re a Salem resident or visitor seeking authentic local culture, Gulu Gulu provides the perfect refuge.

The extensive drink menu accommodates all preferences—craft beer, wine, specialty coffee, or mocktails. The food focuses on satisfying comfort over formal dining, perfect for gatherings where conversation matters. Choosing Gulu Gulu supports Salem’s creative community through the cafe’s ongoing commitment to local artists and musicians.

Visit Gulu Gulu Cafe at 247 Essex Street in downtown Salem. Open daily: Mon-Wed 8am-10pm, Thu-Sat 8am-1am, Sun 8am-5pm. Follow @thegulugulucafe on Instagram for daily specials and live music schedules.

About Holiday Happenings Salem

Gulu Gulu Cafe is proud to participate in Holiday Happenings, Salem’s premier holiday shopping and events guide. This initiative brings together the best of Salem’s local businesses, holiday events, and seasonal experiences in one comprehensive platform to help residents and visitors celebrate the season in historic downtown Salem.