Holiday Happenings - Salem, MA

Trade House Salem MA | Neighborhood Pub & Dining on Derby St

Discover Trade House, Salem’s newest neighborhood gathering place, where good food and cold drinks bring people together. Located at 156 Derby Street in historic downtown Salem, Trade House opened in spring 2025, breathing new life into a space that has served as a community hub for over a century. This modern American pub combines hearty comfort favorites with bold, globally inspired dishes, all made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Whether you’re a Salem resident looking for your new local spot or a visitor exploring downtown’s culinary scene, Trade House offers the perfect blend of familiar warmth and fresh flavors in Salem’s historic Derby Street neighborhood.

The name Trade House pays homage to Salem’s rich maritime heritage as a bustling port town where goods and stories arrived from around the world. With extended hours throughout the week and a prime location steps from Salem Maritime National Historic Site and Pickering Wharf, Trade House serves as an ideal base for your Salem experience during the holiday season and year-round.

🎄 For holiday hours, seasonal specials, and events, follow @tradehousesalem on Instagram and Facebook.

It’s festive.
It’s nostalgic.
It’s the holidays, Trade House style.

The restaurant’s dining room has been transformed into a glowing holiday escape, decked out with over a thousand colorful ornaments, twinkling garlands, wreaths, and seasonal touches.

• Permanent Sunday Brunch
  Now served weekly a creative brunch fare, warm drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families, friends, and festive meetups.

• Brunch with Santa – Two dates! Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 21
  A family-friendly celebration on select December Sundays featuring kid-approved brunch dishes, cocoa, and a joyful setting for holiday photo ops — no mall lines required.

• Sip & Shop at Trade House – Sunday, December 14 | 12–4 PM
  A cozy pop-up market featuring local artists, makers, and Salem small businesses offering handmade gifts, holiday treats, and festive sips — all inside Trade House’s twinkling dining room.

• Holiday Craft Nights & Workshops
  Seasonal events like wine & gingerbread decorating, ornament-making, and more. Event listings and registration are available online.

• Private Holiday Rentals
  From festive dinners and company parties to family celebrations, Trade House offers a one-of-a-kind space for private events, already styled for the season.

Why Choose Trade House

Trade House represents everything that makes Salem’s restaurant scene special: deep historical roots, commitment to quality, and genuine community spirit. The building itself tells Salem’s story—from its origins as a neighborhood provisions store in the early 1900s serving customers near bustling wharves, through its years as a beloved local pub, to its current incarnation as Trade House.

The menu strikes the perfect balance between no-fuss pub favorites and adventurous, globally inspired plates. Every dish reflects the kitchen’s commitment to fresh ingredients and bold flavors, sourced locally whenever possible. Whether you’re craving classic comfort food or ready to explore something new, you’ll find crowd-pleasers alongside creative surprises that showcase culinary influences from around the world.

Trade House embraces the philosophy that everyone belongs. Come as you are—whether stopping by after work for a beer, gathering with family for dinner, catching up with friends over cocktails, or finding a quiet spot for a solo meal at the bar.

The Menu: Hearty Favorites & Global Flavors

Signature Dishes

Braised Beef Short Ribs – Tender short ribs with port wine red cabbage, garlic whipped potatoes, and crispy onions ($33)

Trade House Burger – 8oz patty with cheddar, house-made burger sauce, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion ($18)

Korean BBQ Bao Buns – Steamed white buns with Korean BBQ beef, kimchi, cilantro, and miso ($15)

Ahi Tuna – Seared ahi tuna with ponzu, cucumber, avocado, wasabi aioli, and wonton chips ($17)

Starters & Shareable Plates

Rhode Island Calamari – Tender squid with pickled Italian peppers and Pomodoro dipping sauce ($16)

Mediterranean Dip Board – Onion, pimento, and eggplant dips with peppadew peppers, pita, and Kennebec chips ($13)

Crab Cakes – Griddled crab and vegetables with New Orleans remoulade and mixed greens

Craft Cocktails

Trade House features rotating signature cocktails highlighting seasonal flavors. Recent offerings include Cosmocopia—a fall-inspired twist on the classic Cosmo with pear vodka, cranberry, and cinnamon.

Follow Trade House on social media for announcements about weekly specials, new menu additions, and limited-time seasonal offerings.

Hours & Location

📍 Address:
Trade House
156 Derby Street
Salem, MA 01970

🕐 Hours:
Monday – Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM

🌐 Website: tradehousesalem.com
📱 Instagram: @tradehousesalem (1,700+ followers)
📘 Facebook: Trade House

Getting to Trade House

Trade House sits in downtown Salem’s historic waterfront district on Derby Street, easily walkable from Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, Salem Common, and most downtown hotels. Salem Station (commuter rail) is less than 15 minutes on foot.

Parking: Validated parking available—check with staff. Additional options include Museum Place Garage, Church Street Garage, and street parking along Derby Street.

Nearby Landmarks:

• Salem Maritime National Historic Site (adjacent)
• Derby Wharf and Lighthouse (walking distance)
• Pickering Wharf (short walk)
• Essex Street Pedestrian Mall (5-minute walk)

The History Behind Trade House

The building at 156 Derby Street carries over a century of Salem’s community history. In the early 1900s, this space operated as a neighborhood provisions store serving residents near Salem’s busy wharves. Derby Street was the heart of Salem’s maritime activity, with ships arriving from around the world.

By the late 20th century, the space had evolved into a cherished local pub. When the previous occupant closed, Trade House opened in spring 2025, designed to balance historical character with modern comfort. The goal: create a space that attracts locals as much as tourists, serving Salem’s year-round community.

“A bit old, a little new, and full of stories,” Trade House honors Salem’s trading past while creating a contemporary gathering place where people exchange stories and good times over great food and drinks.

Plan Your Visit

Before Your Visit:

• Check social media for current hours, specials, and holiday closures
• Review the menu online at tradehousesalem.com
• Trade House accepts walk-ins; inquire about reservations for larger groups

Make It a Salem Day:

Trade House’s location makes it easy to combine dining with Salem exploration. Start at adjacent Salem Maritime National Historic Site, walk Derby Wharf to the lighthouse, browse Essex Street Pedestrian Mall shops, or visit Pickering Wharf boutiques. During the holidays, attend Salem’s Tree Lighting at Lappin Park, participate in Wassail Weekend activities, and admire decorated storefronts before warming up with dinner and drinks at Trade House.

Connect With Trade House Salem

Website: tradehousesalem.com
Instagram: @tradehousesalem
Facebook: Trade House – Salem MA
Location: 156 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970

Follow Trade House on social media for weekly specials, seasonal menu additions, signature cocktail spotlights, event announcements, holiday hours, and real-time updates.