The Old Spot

The Old Spot is a strange little place. Broken up into two main areas - the first upon entry is a dreary bar space with high tables. After turning a corner in the back of the room you are confronted with the waitress station before entering the more conventional dinner area. Dark maroon paint throughout. Service is abysmal. We went for dinner, were seated in a central location, and I only had one beer the whole time I was there as it was impossible to get the waitress’ attention as she beelined past us or returned from the kitchen. Beer selection was middling to good, with about 10 draft offerings . Unfortunately there were a few specialties that were not on the menu that I only noticed upon exit on tap handles. Fish and chips were overcooked, dark, greasy and mostly breading. You are much better served by hitting the BeerWorks around the corner. I will not be coming back.

Now in addition to Salem Beer Works, there is an Old Spot diagonally across from the Hawthorne Hotel. Formally known as McSwiggan’s, this had a really nice tap offering. Tucher, Otter Creek, Sierra Nevada, La Chouffe, Guiness and DuPont Saison in a bottle to name a few. Just had a bread pudding (Spotted Dick) for dessert but the menu seemed interesting enough for a returnlunch/dinner visit. 1/27/07: Dinner-Ploughman’s Lunch was excellent with cheeses, chutney, pate, apple, egg and bread. Wings good as well. Had braised pork shoulder with an overwhelming onion gravy, however potato/cheddar pancakes were very good. Berkshire Brewing on rotating tap.