Brew Box
131 Essex Street
A tiny but cute take-out only coffee shop near the PEM museum and the Armory Park (which is a good place to sit on a neolithic-esque stone bench and sip your brew). They have fun coffee specials with homemade syrups in weird combinations and always a couple vegan items on their food menu. If you get there early, you may find vegan pop tarts or other treats in their bakery case.
Lulu’s Bakery and Pantry
285 Derby Street
Lulu’s space is lovely, airy, bright and home to some thriving plants. They serve a range of regular and fancy coffees and usually have at least some vegan treats. In the warmer weather, they open the big door windows and also have some tables outside.
Odd Meter
60 Washington Street
A small shop with a bunch of places to sit. The decor in Odd meter, albeit simple, is just so calming and attractive. Such a lovely place to sit for a spell. They have absolutely fabulous coffee specials, tea and matcha lattes, and robust everyday coffee and espresso. Everyone who works there is exceptionally nice but also very nerdy about coffee and its preparation. They stock some vegan treats in the pastry case but they go very early in the morning.
Roseadela’s
7 Church Street
Coffee, tea and a nice space to sit. Roseadela’s always has some vegan pastries available and is in the process of adding some vegan savories. Try their tahini cookie, it’s different but yummy.
Sweet Java
539 Loring Avenue
Definitely not in downtown Salem, but if you happen to heading to Vinnin Square for shopping or are on your way to Lynn, Swampscott, or Marblehead, Sweet Java is a sweet coffee spot. They brew Jim’s coffee (an awesome local roast) and serve these yummy vegan “energy balls” in a variety of flavors. They also have bagels and sometimes other vegan treats.
Wolf Next Door Coffee
142 Derby Street
If you like excellent, strong, locally-roasted coffee, Wolf Next Door is for you. This tiny shop brews Jim’s coffee and offers the usual complement of fake mylks and even a vegan coffee special. They serve simple breakfast sandwiches to go, and these include some unfussy vegan options like hummus, avocado and/or Beyond sausage on a bagel. This spot is take out only — although if you go when the lunch and dinner place next door isn’t open yet, you can use their outside seating. Also a quick walk to a big grassy field and some spots to sit by the ocean. (Salem Maritime National Historic Site).