'Naumkeag Ordinary' Opening Soon in Former Cafe Polonia Space
The Naumkeag Ordinary is expected to open sometime next month.
Photos
Work is underway inside the former Cafe Polonia space on Washington Street that will reopen next month as Naumkeag Ordinary.
The restaurant's co-owner, Matt Brady, was nice enough to invite us in for a quick tour of the progress Monday afternoon and painted a picture of a downtown hangout offering comfort pub cuisine made from all-organic ingredients.
Although he said interior work will be mostly cosmetic, Brady pointed out that one of the biggest changes will be moving the bar area to the center of the room.
"We're going to do some painting and get some new furniture in here," Brady said. "We're even going to be using the old bar as a tabletop."
Why Naumkeag Ordinary?
Naumkeag is the name of the Native-American tribe that lived in Salem and an ordinary was the Colonial term used to refer to a tavern.
Naumkeag Ordinary will offer primarily American pub cuisine with entrees ranging between $8 and $15, according to a menu that Brady said is still a work in progress.
The goal, he said, is to open by mid-April.
Brady will be opening the Naumkeag with fellow co-owner Dan Bitler. It will be his first time owning a restaurant.
The pair most recently worked together at Coda Bar and Kitchen in Boston's South End.
Is there a food item or beverage you're hoping will end up on the menu at Naumkeag Ordinary? What do you think of the name?
Let us know in the comments section below.
Salem Patch will be sure to let you know when an opening date is set.
Man About Town
7:50 am on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Liquor License info, if you please. Seasonal or yearly?
I am sure me and some others, who prefer an occasional Gin & Tonic or Martini would like to know if this place will be serving spirits when it opens?
Drew Meger
8:13 am on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
I'm hoping for a more cocktail-oriented drink list as well. There's been a hole since the closing of Greenland and much as I roll my eyes at the term 'mixologist' I find myself yearning for one in Salem!
Besides, Flying Saucer and Gulu have that corner covered for beer. I'm not sure what sort of beer niche is missing if they decide to go that route. English style ales?
Sinead O'Brien
8:26 am on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Organic food! This is progress! I will definitely be among the early visitors.
Bill
11:23 am on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Sounds really great - glad to see someone investing in the spot
Don Nadeau
12:40 pm on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Always angling for more gluten-free options, myself! My colonial ancestors owned ordinaries in Newbury, so it will feel maybe more like home!
Letty C
12:42 pm on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Love the name! Would love to see traditional food and drink, as traditional as the name.
There are enough places to drink in Salem. We certainly don't need more!
ly don't need more.served
Man About Town
2:50 pm on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Uh... speaking for myself and Harlen. Sometime we find ourselves looking for a new watering hole.
Kristin S
4:21 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
I definitely think Salem needs some more Good places to eat and drink - with good service...for us locals - I'm looking forward to this new place!
Jes
1:12 pm on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Sounds interesting, and good luck to the new owners! Look forward to checking it out. What I think would go over is a soup of the day (esp chowders and french onion w/cheese), 1/2 sandwich combos, and big salads.
Man About Town
2:51 pm on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Also liking the between $8-$15 price range for entrees.
Liz
2:52 pm on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Best of luck to the new owners, but I'm personally suspicious that it sounds like more of the same. Though most menus lack the cache of Organic, Salem is already covered for burgers and steak tips. Here's hoping they prove me wrong, and that "American pub fare" ends up being varied and tasty.
adrienne
6:45 pm on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Agree, Liz! What Salem does not need is another "Tavern". There's nothing wrong with creative, comfort food but do something that is not already being done in Salem. Maybe the owners can dig up some old recipes of home cooks from the 18th century & put a modern spin on them?
joanne kelleher
4:34 pm on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Bravo! Sounds like a great addition to the neighborhood. Joanne
Diane Wolf
9:08 pm on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Man About Town,
Since they bought Polonia, they should have the same liquor license(s) that they did: a year-round home-rule beer & wine license and then a seasonal all-liquor license. Meaning, they cannot serve the hard stuff between January 15th and April 1st, just like Brody's Seaport, 62 on Wharf, Howlin' Wolf Taqueria, and Beer Works.
Bill
9:05 am on Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Thank heavens for government control and regulation. Could you imagine what would happen if those four places could sell a vodka tonic between 1/15 and 4/1 - mayhem, Sodom and Gomorrah, Dogs and Cats living together in sin....
J. L. H.
11:56 pm on Tuesday, March 5, 2013
I'd love to see some good vegan options on the menu! Salem has a pretty big vegetarian and vegan crowd and I think it's a smart move to cater to a growing market. I am definitely more likely to patronize a restaurant where I can get drinks and an actual vegan meal instead of a measly side salad.
Lisa Connolly
9:27 am on Wednesday, March 6, 2013
So true! The market is obviously growing here. Whenever you go to Life Alive it's always so packed & for good reason, it's really great & healthy fresh food! Looking forward to trying out this new venue!
Matt
10:39 am on Wednesday, March 6, 2013
As a big fan of Coda in the South End, I hope they bring the same quality of food...and SERVICE...to Salem. Sad to say, but service quality is severely lacking in many recent Salem dining additions.
Naumkeag Ordinary
11:03 am on Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Thanks everyone for the great feedback! Our mission is to bring eclectic cocktails, craft beer, and creative comfort food in an inviting setting. Naumkeag will have a full year beer and wine license, and seasonal full liquor license. We will pride ourselves in providing outstanding food and drinks, as well as professional service. Hope to see you all soon!
Kristin S
4:22 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
Can't wait!
Joseph Kaye
1:30 pm on Saturday, March 9, 2013
Paleo is a huge trend. Gluten free. Organic and hopefully local. Great ideas. I will be a regular if you can do this. I miss Greenland...
Joseph Kaye
1:31 pm on Saturday, March 9, 2013
What's with these seasonal liquor licenses? Seems like it is a business killer to me
CMONORTH
4:11 pm on Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Having an organic menu is key. Having a menu that caters to meat eaters, gluten free diets, vegetarians AND vegans is also huge. It's an easy way to increase sales and is not going to hurt labor or food costs. I hope that Naumkeag Ordinary will have something for all diets.