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Great Escape Reviews List
Great Escape
A casual restaurant located in a 200 year old jail. At one time this was the oldest active jail in the country being in service for 177 years.
See more Great Escape details
67 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 67 reviews
5 stars
(18)
4 stars
(35)
3 stars
(9)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(28)
- fit for foodies(27)
- good for groups(22)
- special occasion(18)
- romantic(9)
- great for outdoor dining(8)
Great Escape Reviews List
Review 1 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food!!!!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was the second time that we've been here. The food was amazing. We started with the Calamari which was great. My wife had the Calabrese. She was only able to eat about half of it. I had the Alcatraz which was excellent! The only thing that is keeping this from being 5 stars is the waitress. We had a hard time hearing her when she was explaining the specials to us. We sat there for close to 10 minutes at the end of the meal waiting for her to clean off the table. I gave the waitress the groupon that I had. She returned with the check and showed my wife that she had applied the groupon and gave her the check then walked away. The hostess and valet were very pleasant as well."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 2 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Mother's Day!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Made a reservation for our family for Mother's Day and the folks at Great Escape made it a memorable occasion. Great food, great service, and a fun atmosphere. We'll be back for sure!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 3 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great resturant. Food and service was very good!!!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 4 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
food was good ...
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"valet parking only. Since this restaurant is in the old jail in Salem I was expecting a little history or story about the place but there was nothing. Server was nice but not knowledgeable about menu."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 5 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice middle of the road place
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Interesting location in an old jail; much of the ambience is based on this. Food is nicely done modern Italian, with very good seafood and pasta dishes. Prices are moderate, perhaps slightly higher than one might expect at this level in this town. OK wine list is also moderately priced, with lots of wines by the glass. Service was friendly, but staff did not appear to be especially well trained or familiar with the menu."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, scenic view, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious Dinner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a delicious dinner. It was a Tuesday night so it was pretty quiet. The restaurant could use a little ambience. Maybe some candles on the tables would help. We had two great apppetizers, the fried calamari and the eggplant tower. Would definitely get again."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Love Great Escape. We've
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Love Great Escape. We've been there twice now and would definitely go back. Great service; delicious food; lively atmosphere."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 8 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Have never been to "jail"
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Have never been to "jail" before but this is the way to go! Went for an early Sunday night dinner, very welcoming staff, attentive and helpful. Our waiter, Matt, was knowledgable, able to describe the menu items in detail, and had a great sense of humor. Food was excellent...from appetizers to dessert. Will definitely be returning!"
Dined on 04/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 9 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Interesting ambience, being
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Interesting ambience, being in the former jail. Great service and good food overall. Some dishes were outstanding, especially the eggplant tower and cream of chicken soup. Waitstaff could not have been more accommodating and friendly. Music selection did not add to the atmosphere in our opinion. Too energetic and peppy for dining. Suggest they revisit playlist."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2007
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Review 10 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food very good. Swordfish
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food very good. Swordfish special was excellent. Veggies and salad good as well.
Martini weak and wine poor."
Martini weak and wine poor."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 11 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Food was horrible! It wasn't
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was horrible! It wasn't that is was under/over-cooked is was just bad! The atmosphere was like a dark cafeteria. Our waitress was very attentive and kind. I will not recommend or come back."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2013
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Review 12 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food was pricier than what
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was pricier than what it was worth (being charged). Boston prices for a mediocre meal."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2007
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Review 13 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Creme brulee=last meal
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Started off my dining experience underwhelmed by its ambiance. They definitely could play more off the old jail theme and change the seating to be more comfortable. However; what the Great Escape lacked in decor it made up in service and great food. My server Amanda was attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. The ball of arborio rice for an app is amazing! The Pan seared salmon and shrimp is tasty and came in a very large portion. If they change anything about this menu they should NEVER EVER get rid of the creme brulee! It was perfection in a cup, last meal worthy. Can't wait to check out this place in the summer when they open the outside."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2008
Special Features: late-night find
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Review 14 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
IT was just OK. Probably wouldn't
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"IT was just OK. Probably wouldn't recommend it to others. Too heavy on the sauces and entrees too similar to each other."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2005
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Review 15 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Converted Jail is a foodie
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Converted Jail is a foodie haven..Fresh pastas, excellent Broccoli rabe in garlik and oil...Nice Veal Selections.
The seafood risotto was great..
Seats are packed in here..less privacy than i liked..
Service VERY attentive and excellent
Prices are on the upper level for Salem ,Mass.
I would return,indeed."
The seafood risotto was great..
Seats are packed in here..less privacy than i liked..
Service VERY attentive and excellent
Prices are on the upper level for Salem ,Mass.
I would return,indeed."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Don't Escape from the Great Escape!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Quality at the highest level from free valet, to hostess, to server and especially the food. Appetizer: we shared the special pesto bruscetta which was so well balanced with sweet tomatoes, smoked mozzarella and pesto drizzled with balsamic served over a delicate perfectly toasted disc of bread. For entrees we had the Veal Tower which was light yet filling with medallions of veal layered with spinach, broccolini and a thin slice of smoked Gouda served with roasted red potatoes. My husband had the pasta special (all pasta made in house)which was papardella with peas and seared shrimp in a creamy sauce. All portions were generous, but we even had room to share the best Tiramisu."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Gracious and Kind Staff!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It was our wedding anniversary and it was snowing. The power to the restaurant went out just as we arrived and the kitchen could not cook. The staff was so nice. They comped salads for us and we ordered our drinks and cold desserts that we paid for. The staff could not be more kind and gracious to us on our anniversary. The drinks were great, the salads good, and the creme brulee one of the best. We plan to return to actually have a hot meal soon!"
Dined on 03/07/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was good but have had
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was good but have had better."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 19 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was phenomenal. I've
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was phenomenal. I've been there four times and I always get Mafiosa. This time I shared the chocolate mousse that was out of this world!!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2012
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Review 20 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Escape was a very unique
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great Escape was a very unique location and the food was quite good. The service was slow getting to the table and more interested in talking to their friends at the server stand. Food was good and piping hot when it hit the table. It was a slow night in the restaurant as well."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 21 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Evan on a busy night like
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Evan on a busy night like Valentines day the food was excellent and the service was great!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Eat here .... really.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My husband and I went for Valentines Dinner. The atmosphere was fantastic, lighting was romantic. Our server was pleasant, and very helpful. We ordered Dijon Mussels for an appetizer, for dinner my husband had Filet Mignon with Jumbo Shrimp, I had "Al Pacino" (HUGE Scallops, asparagus and Risotto in a dijon sauce). Everything was beyond expectation. The whole night, including tip, cost us $100.00. It was worth EVERY penny, and we WILL be going back!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great birthday dinner...thanks,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great birthday dinner...thanks, Matt!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 24 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Escape to "The Great Escape"
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My wife and I ate at the Great Escape on Valentine's Day. Everything was just perfect. Our waitress, Stephanie was the best!! The decor was exactly what one would expect from a former Jail!! It was a joy to just sit and enjoy the surroundings. Very good selection to choose on the menue.
We would highly recommend"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food was excellent and the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was excellent and the staff was very friendly
and attentive. Definitely going back!!"
and attentive. Definitely going back!!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 26 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I went on valentines day so
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I went on valentines day so it was extremely busy. I still got my food fairly quickly and the wait staff was doing as well as she could. I will always recommend great escape to anybody who wants great food and a great atmosphere."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 27 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Our third visit. Pleasant,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our third visit. Pleasant, though we thought the food wasn't quite as delectable as on prior occasions. Perhaps an unfair observation as it was only 2 days following the blizzard, though there appeared to be no residual problems attributable to that."
Dined on 02/11/2013
2009
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Review 28 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I had grilled chicken and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I had grilled chicken and it was good. The service was outstanding. Our waitress was super attentive to us. Will definitely go back there again."
Dined on 02/07/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, hot spot
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Review 29 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The staff was great, the food
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The staff was great, the food just ok it was hot but really nothing special, it was extremely loud, tight quarters seating. If your going to charge 30 for a special it should be excellent."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2012
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Review 30 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Second visit to GREAT ESCAPE
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our second visit was again a success. Food was great. While our server was very good, she lacked proper training on pouring wine.
Perhaps the management can bring all of the waitstaff up to the same level of attention when it comes to the proper way of presenting and then pouring wine."
Perhaps the management can bring all of the waitstaff up to the same level of attention when it comes to the proper way of presenting and then pouring wine."
Dined on 01/11/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 31 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The Great Escape was a wonderful
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The Great Escape was a wonderful experience. Being a jail at one time provided a very interesting ambience making for great conversation. The titles of the entrees were fabulous as well. The food and portions could not have been better and our server Kelly had the best smile and was so attentive"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 32 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great place!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We walked to the restaurant from the Peabody Essex Museum on a Sunday afternoon. There were 6 of us (women) who wanted a place that had ambiance, great food, martinis and would not rush us as we caught up on events. We got it all at The Great Escape. I highly recommend it."
Dined on 01/27/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 33 for Great Escape
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A nice spot to visit while in Salem
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I'm local so I try almost all the eateries in Salem. I've been here several times from the first month of opening until now and they are finally hitting the mark. Their meat dishes are always exceptional, but my cousin and myself had the seafood this trip. She had the Mafioso which was served in a cassoulet and had muscles, clams, shrimp, fish, and scallops in a spicy, chunky tomato base. Delicious and enormous! I had the Mediterranean which on its face seemed like your traditional fisherman's platter (fried fish, shrimp, giant scallops, and calamari), but this was far better inboth flavor and freshness. Very well prepared. Glass of house merlot finished it off. Wish they would update menu though."
Dined on 01/24/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Great Escape
Based on the average of (34) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic