You’re driving down Route 28 in Salem, New Hampshire. It’s that busy stretch of road where everything looks like a chain restaurant or a strip mall. Then you see it—Black Water Grill. It’s got that rustic, almost lodge-like exterior that makes you think of the White Mountains, even though you’re basically a stone's throw from the Massachusetts border and the chaotic sprawl of the Rockingham Mall.
People talk about the Black Water Grill Salem NH menu like it’s a local secret, but honestly, the place stays packed. If you show up on a Friday night without a plan, you're going to be staring at the host stand for forty minutes. It’s popular for a reason. But here is the thing: the menu is huge. It’s one of those "something for everyone" situations, which usually makes me nervous because it often means a kitchen is spread too thin.
I’ve spent a lot of time dissecting how these New England neighborhood spots operate. At Black Water Grill, they’ve managed to strike a weirdly perfect balance between "I just want a burger and a beer" and "it's our anniversary, let's get the steak." It’s comfort food, but it’s dressed up just enough to feel like an event.
The Appetizer Trap (And How to Avoid It)
Most people dive straight for the nachos or the wings. Look, the wings are fine. They’re jumbo, they’re crispy, and the sauces hit the mark. But if you're looking at the Black Water Grill Salem NH menu and you want the real experience, you have to look at the stuff they’re actually known for.
The Buffalo Chicken Wontons are a staple. They aren't traditional, obviously. It’s basically a fusion of bar food and a snack you'd find at a party. They’re hand-wrapped, fried until they have that specific "shatter" crunch, and stuffed with a spicy chicken filling that isn't too runny. It’s one of those dishes where you say you’ll only have one, and then suddenly the plate is empty and you’re wondering where your dignity went.
Then there is the Haddock Chowder. Now, being this close to the coast, everyone in New England has an opinion on chowder. This one isn't that gloopy, paste-like stuff you get at a cafeteria. It’s creamy, sure, but it tastes like actual fish and potatoes, not just flour and heavy cream. If it’s a Tuesday in February and it’s sleeting outside, this is the only thing on the menu that matters.
Handhelds and The Burger Hierarchy
Sometimes you just want a sandwich. The burger section of the menu is surprisingly robust. They use a proprietary blend of beef, and you can tell. It’s juicy. It’s messy.
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The Black Water Burger is the flagship. It’s got caramelized onions, mushrooms, and Swiss. It sounds basic. It sort of is. But the execution is what saves it. They don't over-sear the meat to a hockey puck unless you specifically ask for it (please don't). If you want something a bit more adventurous, they usually have a rotating "Burger of the Month" or specials that lean into seasonal flavors—think maple bacon in the fall or jalapeño jams in the summer.
But honestly? The Short Rib Grilled Cheese might be the sleeper hit. Short rib is easy to mess up; it can get greasy or tough if it isn't braised right. Here, it’s tender enough to melt into the cheese, and the bread is thick-cut enough to hold the whole structural mess together.
Main Courses: Steaks, Seafood, and Surprises
When you move into the "Entrees" section of the Black Water Grill Salem NH menu, the price point jumps. This is where you decide if you’re having a $15 lunch or a $40 dinner.
The Steak Tips are a New England requirement. If a restaurant in Salem, NH doesn't have steak tips, they might as well lose their liquor license. Black Water marinates theirs in-house. It’s a slightly sweet, slightly savory profile that isn't overbearingly salty. They’re charred on the outside but stay tender. It’s the "safe" bet that never actually feels like a compromise.
The Seafood Factor
Since we are talking about New Hampshire, the seafood has to be fresh.
- Baked Stuffed Haddock: This is the quintessential New England dish. They don't skimp on the seafood stuffing, which is the most important part.
- Salmon Entrees: Usually served with a seasonal glaze. It’s consistently cooked, which is more than I can say for most places in this price bracket.
- Fish and Chips: Massive portions. If you aren't hungry enough to eat a small shark, maybe split this with someone.
The Vibe and the "Hidden" Bar Menu
One thing that people get wrong about the Black Water Grill is thinking it’s just a dining room. The bar area has a completely different energy. It’s darker, louder, and honestly, a bit more fun. They have a solid craft beer list that actually highlights local New Hampshire and Massachusetts breweries like Stoneface or Fiddlehead.
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They also do a Late Night Menu or bar-specific specials that sometimes fly under the radar. If you’re just there for a drink, the flatbreads are the way to go. The Fig and Prosciutto Flatbread sounds a bit "fancy-pants" for a grill in Salem, but the salty-sweet combo works perfectly with a cold IPA.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Prices
I’ve heard people complain that it’s "pricey for a grill." Let’s be real for a second. You can go to a fast-food joint and spend $15 on a meal that tastes like cardboard. Or you can spend $22 on a massive burger with high-quality beef and hand-cut fries at Black Water.
The value here isn't in "cheap" food; it’s in the portion sizes and the fact that the kitchen actually cares about seasoning. You aren't just paying for the calories; you’re paying for a seat in a place that feels like a getaway from the traffic on 28.
Dietary Restrictions and Nuance
If you’re gluten-free or vegetarian, the menu is... okay. It’s not a vegan mecca. Let's be honest. It’s a grill. They do have gluten-free buns and can accommodate most allergies, but the heart of this menu is meat, potatoes, and seafood.
Vegetarians will likely end up with a salad or the Vegetable Pasta. The salads are actually quite good—the Beet and Goat Cheese Salad isn't just a pile of wilted iceberg. It’s fresh, it’s vibrant, and it actually feels like a meal if you add some protein to it. But if you’re a strict vegan, your options are going to be a bit limited compared to a spot in Portsmouth or Manchester.
Why This Place Still Matters in 2026
The restaurant industry is tough. Places open and close in Salem every single year. Black Water Grill has staying power because they don't try to be something they aren't. They aren't trying to be a Michelin-star molecular gastronomy lab. They’re a neighborhood grill that does the classics better than the chains.
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When you look at the Black Water Grill Salem NH menu, you’re looking at a map of New England comfort. It’s the kind of place where you can wear a flannel shirt and work boots or a nice dress and no one blinks. That versatility is rare.
Real-World Advice for Your Visit
- The Timing: If you go on a Thursday night, it's "Date Night" for half the town. If you go on Sunday afternoon, it’s families. Plan accordingly.
- The Parking: The lot is a bit of a nightmare when it's busy. Don't get frustrated; just be patient or park a little further down if you have to.
- The Specials: Always, always check the chalkboard or the insert. The kitchen usually gets more creative with the specials than they do with the permanent menu. That’s where you’ll find the seasonal risotto or the fresh catch that just came in.
- The Desserts: Honestly? Most people are too full for dessert. But if you have a second stomach for sugar, the Bread Pudding is the only logical choice. It’s dense, it’s warm, and it’ll make you want to take a nap immediately.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
Don't just walk in and order the first thing you see. To get the most out of the experience, follow this loosely structured plan.
First, check their social media or website before you leave. They often post daily specials that aren't on the printed Black Water Grill Salem NH menu. If there’s a seasonal seafood dish, that’s usually your best bet for freshness.
Second, if you're with a group, order the Wontons and a Flatbread for the table. It’s the best way to sample the "fun" side of the menu without committing your entire meal to fried food.
Third, ask your server about the steak tips' marinade if you’re sensitive to sweetness. Some people find it a bit sugary; if that’s you, go for the Ribeye or the Haddock instead.
Finally, make a reservation if it’s a weekend. There is nothing worse than smelling that wood-fired grill and being told it’s an hour wait while you’re standing in the entryway. Get your name on the list, grab a seat at the bar if one opens up, and enjoy the fact that you’re at one of the few places in Salem that still feels like a local haunt.