Salem Street Pub

Salem Street Pub: Burgers, Brews, and Moonshine in Historic Downtown Apex

Walk down North Salem Street in the historic heart of downtown Apex and you will find Salem Street Pub, a lively, family-friendly bar and grill that has become one of the area’s most reliable spots for a great meal. With brick-lined walls, a patio spilling onto the sidewalk, and a menu built around gourmet burgers, saucy wings, and a signature list of moonshine cocktails, this independent neighborhood favorite lives up to its motto: burgers, brews, and moonshine. It is casual, welcoming, and unmistakably local.

A Neighborhood Bar and Grill in the Heart of Apex

Salem Street Pub anchors one of the most walkable and charming stretches in the Triangle. Apex’s downtown is a designated historic district known for its beautifully preserved storefronts, and the pub fits right in, occupying a warm brick space at 113 North Salem Street. Inside, the mood is relaxed and social, the kind of room where families gather for dinner and neighbors linger over drinks at the bar. The kitchen focuses on delicious, quality American food at affordable, family-friendly prices, making it equally suited to a quick lunch, a lingering dinner, or a night out with friends. Outdoor patio seating along Salem Street is a draw when the weather cooperates, and takeout keeps regulars fed on busy nights.

Gourmet Burgers and Pub Favorites

The burgers are the star of the show. Every one can be built to order through the Build Your Own Burger Masterpiece, where you choose your protein, cheese, sauce, and three toppings, but the pub’s personality really shines in its specialty creations. The All American keeps things classic with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle, while the aptly named “My Wife Said It Would Never Sell” piles a beef patty with peanut butter, honey, cheddar, and bacon, a sweet-and-savory gamble that has become a genuine conversation piece. The Spicy brings jack cheese, Cajun seasoning, jalapeños, and grilled onions, and the Patty Melt, singled out by local news as one of the best around, layers grilled onions, American cheese, and mayo on Texas toast. Cheeseburger Sliders on pretzel rolls round out a lineup that rewards repeat visits.

Wings, Loaded Fries, and Shareable Starters

Beyond the burgers, Salem Street Pub knows its way around shareable comfort food. The South of Buffalo Wings arrive eight to an order with a range of sauces, from mild and hot to honey habanero, BBQ, and lemon pepper, plus ranch or bleu cheese for dipping. The fries alone are worth the trip, whether you reach for Bacon Cheese Fries smothered in house cheese sauce and crumbled bacon, Parm Truffle Fries, or Buffalo Fries tossed in wing sauce. Other starters range from crispy fried Brussels sprouts with bacon and Fresno red pepper jelly to warm pretzel bites with cheese sauce and a rich Old Bay crab dip served with warm baguette. Soups, built-to-order sandwiches, and fresh salads round out a menu with something for everyone.

Moonshine Cocktails and Craft Beer

True to its name, Salem Street Pub takes its drinks seriously, and the moonshine cocktails are a real specialty. Fruity, easygoing pours like the Blueberry Moonshine Sour, Strawberry Shortcake, Southern Peaches, and Blackberry Sangria showcase flavored moonshine in creative, refreshing combinations you will not find just anywhere. Classic-cocktail fans will find an SSP Old Fashioned and a Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita, while the rotating taps pour a mix of local craft brews and familiar favorites. Live music on select nights adds to the atmosphere, making the pub a natural gathering place after work or on the weekend.

Visiting Salem Street Pub

You will find Salem Street Pub at 113 North Salem Street, right in the middle of downtown Apex’s historic district and an easy walk from the town’s shops and events. The kitchen is open Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am to midnight, and Sunday from 11am to 10pm; the pub is closed Monday and Tuesday, so plan accordingly. No reservations are needed, as walk-ins and takeout are the norm, and online ordering is available for nights when you would rather stay in. Whether you are a longtime Apex local or exploring the Triangle’s small-town downtowns, Salem Street Pub is a warm, welcoming stop for a burger, a beer, and a taste of the moonshine that gives the place its name. Call 919-387-9992 to learn more.