Located in the heart of Davis Square, Saloon is inspired by the iconic New York City pre-prohibition establishment. With a focus on brown liquors and local beers, Saloon calls reference to a time when drinks were serious and uncomplicated. In the early 1900s, the saloon was the standard institution prominently found on street corners across major cities in young America. The bar program at Saloon features whiskey-based cocktails inspired by the era's classic drinks.
Chef Derek Clough has created a menu intended for sharing that combines historic American fare with contemporary favorites. A native New Englander, Executive Chef Derek Clough has created a menu at Saloon that is inspired by the historic American fare that was brought to the US through European colonization. Infused with modern day elements, the result is a menu that pays tribute to the culinary story of the pre-prohibition United States. Enter through a sleek wood door underneath the blinking Davis Square Theatre sign.
"I had heard about Saloon's amazing cocktails, but I honestly wasn't entirely sure what the food situation would be. The guest of honor in our party (a groom-to-be) is a true foodie, so I was kind of gambling on the food being good...
We were not disappointed. The food was fantastic across the board (especially the bacon-wrapped dates!), and it was all a huge hit with the groom. The drinks were also exemplary, as expected. (Thanks for the recipe for the stylized Presbyterian!)
Finally, the service was fantastic. The whole table appreciated the responsive, considerate service from Ariel, our server. She also pretended that our jokes were funny, which was especially kind.
Basically, this was a huge win all around. Thanks!"
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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"I came here for my birthday with a reservation, but 3 people bailed and 1 was late. The waitstaff was very accommodating to this wrinkle in the plan. Some people got salmon, the vegetarian got the risotto, and many regulars recommended the steak which they ordered. I love burgers so I got the trio of sliders. I was pretty disappointed that the sliders were completely well done while I had ordered it medium rare. This was not just a fluke on my order, everybody (I think 3 in total) else who ordered the burger also didn't have them cooked to temperature. The steaks, however, seemed to be perfectly cooked. Also, it took quite a while to serve the drinks and to pick up the check. It's still a great spot if you have a big group."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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"We went to Saloon for our date night, followed by seeing the Great Gatsby. The atmosphere was excellent as were the drinks, and I was really surprised that the food was very good as well! They really have hit the trifecta. This is a very fun place and a nice change from our usual, more kid-friendly fare."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, romantic, late-night find, hot spot, special occasion
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"Saloon is an awesome scene. It's got that dark, sexy, old-fashioned vibe that truly made me feel I was in the prohibition era. The whiskey list and cocktails are fantastic. I love coming here for drinks. Food... not so much. It's a short and expensive food menu that didn't quite impress my palate. We had the stuffed dates wrapped in bacon and the trio of small burgers (blanking on the name). Everything tasted well, but wasn't memorable. I'd rather go somewhere else for food, but definitely hit up the saloon bar for drinks after!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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"Great service, fun ambience, wonderful service. Impressive help with finding wheelchair accessible features."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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"Very difficult to find--the only sign for the restaurant is on a small light outside the door. The food was good, although the dipping sauce for the special appetizer that we ordered was bland. Our server was great but I gave the service 3 stars because food runners tried to deliver something to our table that we didn't order twice during our meal. The short ribs were amazing. The strawberry and rhubarb crisp was too runny and had the consistency of apple sauce, but tasted great. I'd definitely return, just for the interesting ambiance and the short ribs."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem
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"Best. Martini. Ever. No, seriously... just a vodka martini with 3 olives… and it was the finest cocktail I've ever tasted. And that was the opening act.
Then the food came... lamb so tender it fell off the bone with a harsh glance, let alone using any utensils. The portions were less than my voracious appetite normally call for, but I may be an exception. The plating was artfully done, showcasing the entree without hiding the sauce and sides.
MY ONE COMPLAINT: They need some frickin' fiberglass panels in there. It was a tolerable din when we sat down, but by the time the dessert menu was offered we were screaming just to be heard. I can't imagine what that place would be like with live music…"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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"Very accomodating for last minute additions to our already large group on a busy Saturday night. Food was very good and exceeded our expectations. Cocktails were fantastic."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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"speakeasy style bar/restaurant with a large cocktail list. The food choices aren't extensive, but there is something for everyone. Very neat atmosphere and style. Louder than anticipated, but it didn't seem too loud."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Everything was great except for the very odd fact that they don't offer coffee. We found that hard to believe in a bar where many cocktails are coffee based and coffee can really help sober someone up before you send them out the door. The server's reason made no sense as she told us the kitchen does not have hot water. Obviously the coffee maker would heat the water. The desserts were really lacking in flavor largely because we didn't have a hot cup of coffee to enjoy them with (we ordered all three desserts). Instead we had table water. How hard is it to buy a coffee maker?"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"We got to Salon for a 7:00 dinner and it was quite. By the time we were finished with dinner at 8:30 the place was filling up and getting a little crowded and noisy. Diffidently a later night crowd. Food was great."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, hot spot
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"We have been here before and thought it would be great to get drinks before a show. We were right. The food was great. The drinks were well made and we enjoyed everything."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, hot spot
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"Excellent whiskey selection, at least if your taste runs towards Bourbon / Rye / Tennessee. The short irish and scotch list also had some gems and rarities. Very nice ambiance, low key music . Tasted only the finger food menu, was quite good but no surprises. Observed at least three birthday parties."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Made reservations for dinner on a weeknight. All five of us had a great time and were impressed with the level of service as well as the food quality at a reasonable price. As others have mentioned, great atmosphere to the subterrean english library feel. Everyone loved their food - Hake was outstanding."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Terrific collection of whiskys and interesting cocktails. Liquor prices were actually fairly reasonable. Food prices a bit high - I was craving oysters and paid dearly for a dozen, but they were very fresh and very cleanly shucked. Tiny bottle of Tabasco was a nice touch. Nice charcuterie. I am sure the entrees are very good, judging by our overall experience. The space itself cannot be beat. Downstairs into dark wood and leather and an impressive bar. Our waitress was very good, knowledgeable about the menu, and had the best judgement of when we needed her of any server we've had in years.
I was disappointed that they were out of several of their signature cocktails for the night, but the one I tried was great."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"-Great to have the Saloon & theatre together - makes for an entertaining evening out.
-Love the atmostphere althought the noise level was extremely loud that evening, not sure if there was music and the crowd that made that the case but it was difficult to converse in only a party of two.
-Food was delicious from start to finish (and the martini cost worth the size)!
-Only slight disappointment is, we had told our waitress we had tiskets to the show and wanted all to be timely yet she ran behind and we were late getting into the show so missed the opening. - that was unfortunate."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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"My husband and I decided to try this restaurant just based on the reviews and on the drinks list. We don't go out a lot, and I thought it sounded fun. We were seated right away; it was a Friday night but relatively early (7). The service was very good. Our waitress had good suggestions, was attentive but not intrusive. I tried two different cocktails, and enjoyed them both. My husband stuck to beer, but had a decent selection. The food was very good, my only complaint was the Hake En Brik seemed a bit salty. It was delicious otherwise.
The atmosphere was appropriately 'speakeasy', though a bit dark (hard to read the menu!). The bar became very noisy and boisterous as the evening went on. Quiet dining this is not, but as advertis"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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"Good food, nice atmosphere. Quieter early, but the action picks up after 7:30. Despite the energetic bar scene, we were able to talk and hear each other without shouting. Friendly, helpful staff."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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"The atmosphere is AWESOME. They've done a really nice job with the bar, arches, woodwork, etc. It's a cool place to be. That said, the prices are a bit high for both drinks and food, and the portions are small. The risotto and gnocchi (which the women in our party got) were reasonable portions to eat and not have to take home leftovers, but they were $18 - not that reasonable, and my guess is a guy wouldn't be as satisfied as a woman with the portion size. The guys got a boar special and the short rib and both left not feeling completely sated, which feels not great at ~$24 a plate. Drinks were tasty and interesting, and probably larger than they looked in the period-piece glasses, but not amazing. Not sure if I'd give it a 3rd try."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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"The round table I reserved in the back was perfect for our bachelorette. And the staff remembered the occasion and surprised the bride when we arrived. Very pleased with the service."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2007
Special Features: late-night find
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"Saloon has fabulous ambiance. Very cool place. Table wasn't ready at reservation time. Waited additional 15 minutes for table. Waitress was a bit slow. Took too long to actually place out dinner order. Food was very good."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Gathered a crew of 15 for a birthday celebration, and had a wonderful time. We had reservations at 9pm, but unfortunately didn't get seated until 9:50pm. Luckily, the hostess and waitstaff were incredibly nice, and it turned out to be a fantastic setting for a birthday. Truly a neighborhood gem."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 27 for Saloon
Overall rating
(Very Good)4/5
A little noisy and a little
OpenTable Diner Since
Dined on 02/28/2013
2007
Dined on 02/28/2013
2007
Food
(Very Good)4/5
Service
(Outstanding)5/5
Ambiance
(Good)3/5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A little noisy and a little dark where we were sitting. Amazing experience though otherwise. The bar was able to make a drink that my dining companions loved from Foundry, and that gesture alone won my business. On top of that, I had a gift card worth $50 from Christmas that was given to me because my friends know I love Foundry. It wouldn't run and they took my word for it on the value. The food was great, service great, and cocktails well crafted.
Be back in a couple of weeks."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"I've had a half dozen or so great prior experiences at this restaurant. This time was totally lacking. It took 20 minutes for anyone to acknowledge our table - later our drinks stayed empty for longer than that - and the food was subpar. Our duck was served ice cold (and after all the tables around us, who were seated after us, got their main dishes - and after SIX other entrees came to our table first - clearly something was going wrong). The soup tasted only of cream, there wasn't even a hint of another ingredient in it. The pate was hard and not at all spreadable. The only think that was actually "good" was the croquette."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2004
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"The vibe between dining room and bar scene feels a disjointed. However, the food is very good--not amazing, but very good quality and tasty. The mezcal cocktail was delicious. We went here for dinner but the crowd (primarily Tufts students, my guess) standing around the bar kept getting larger and ultimately felt intrusive as it spilled into the dining room."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, hot spot
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"We waited over a half hour for our first drinks. We could see our waitress chatting at the bar and assumed she was waiting for our drinks to be made. She then came by our table and you could see her realize that she had forgotten about us. She finally came with our drinks all apologies explaining that our slip had been misplaced. She told us that the drinks would be on the house. She later came with the manager and delivered a small shot of some concoction for each of us apologizing again saying it was a gift because of the long wait. When we received our bill we realized that we were charged for all of the drinks we ordered-the only drinks that were on the house were the shots we didn't ask for or want. Very poor and not very classy."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
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"Went here for a valentines day dinner. It was actually much quieter than it has been when I've gone by for late night drinks, they had turned the music down and there were just less people so you could actually talk without yelling. We had the cheese plate app- it was a brie with toast and a marmalade. The beet gnocchi was good, softer than I ever remember gnocchi being (almost like paneer) so the texture was weird but it was very tasty. The mini sliders were good but they were all identical, I like places that give you 3 different type of toppings (but identical is good for sharing). I had the red house wine which was good but I did not like that they serve it in a juice glass, it looked like I was a kid with a juice cup!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"Go for drinks and to admire the lovely conversion of the space. The food, like upstairs at their sister restaurant (Foundry on Elm) is mediocre comfort food that sounds much better on the menu than it tastes/looks on the plate."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2002
Special Features: hot spot
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"We had a corner table in the alcove with all the beautiful old woodwork. Lovely room and a bit quieter than the main dining area, I think. Service was fine, very friendly young lady. Food was great, as was the wine. Wish I'd had room for the sticky toffee pudding! No coffee available, though, something I love after a meal. Oh well. We will be back."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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