Okay, so I went to the Salem Common Food Court today, and let me tell you, it was quite the experience. I had heard a few things about it, mostly mixed reviews, so I figured I’d check it out myself and see what the deal was.
Getting There
First off, getting there was a bit of a mess. I decided to drive, and parking was, well, let’s just say it wasn’t easy. I circled around the block a few times before finally finding a spot a bit of a walk away. Note to self: maybe take the bus next time.
First Impressions
When I walked in, I was immediately hit with a wall of noise and the smell of, well, everything. It’s a pretty big place, with tables and chairs crammed in the middle and a bunch of different food stalls lining the walls. It was packed, too, with people everywhere.

Exploring the Options
I did a lap around to see what my options were. There was a ton of variety:
- Pizza Place: Looked pretty standard, with slices as big as your head.
- Chinese Food: The usual suspects, lots of noodles and fried rice. Smelled pretty good, though.
- Burger Joint: Big, juicy burgers that looked like they could solve world hunger.
- Taco Stand: A long line here, which I took as a good sign. The tacos did look pretty authentic.
- Salad Bar: For the health-conscious, I guess. Didn’t spend much time here.
- Ice Cream Parlor: A huge selection of flavors, and the scoops were massive.
Making a Decision
After much deliberation (and another lap), I decided to go for the taco stand. The line was still long, but it was moving pretty fast. I ordered three tacos: one chicken, one beef, and one fish. They were made fresh right in front of me, which was cool.
Finding a Seat
Now came the next challenge: finding a place to sit. I eventually found a spot at a table with a few other people. It was a bit crowded, but hey, that’s part of the experience, right?
The Verdict
The tacos were definitely worth the wait. They were packed with flavor, and the portions were generous. I especially liked the fish taco, which had a nice crispy batter and a tangy sauce. I also grabbed an ice cream cone on the way out, because why not? It was the perfect way to end the meal.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Salem Common Food Court is a solid choice if you’re looking for a quick, cheap, and tasty meal. It’s not fancy, and it can get pretty chaotic, but the food is good, and there’s something for everyone. Just be prepared for a bit of a wait, and maybe bring some earplugs. Would I go back? Yeah, probably. But maybe I’ll try the burger joint next time. Or the pizza. Or maybe both.