Welcome to The Ugly Mug Diner
Nestled in Salem, MA, The Ugly Mug Diner is a vibrant American diner where comfort food meets creativity. Known for its hearty breakfast and brunch offerings, this family-friendly establishment serves a delightful array of dishes, from sumptuous blueberry pancakes to the exceptional huevos rancheros. The diner strikes a balance between casual charm and modern amenities, including outdoor seating and free Wi-Fi, making it a welcoming spot for everyone. With options for vegans and a unique selection of hearty breakfasts, The Ugly Mug Diner invites you to indulge in a memorable dining experience, where every plate tells a story of love and tradition.
- 122 Washington St Salem, MA 01970 United States Hotline: (978) 745-6844
Welcome to The Ugly Mug Diner, a charming spot nestled in the heart of Salem, MA, where the aroma of breakfast wafts through the air and the clatter of silverware blends into a comforting symphony. This diner expertly captures the essence of classic American breakfast and brunch, infused with a dash of creativity that makes every meal a joyful experience.
Located at 122 Washington St, Salem, MA 01970, The Ugly Mug Diner is not just your average eatery; it’s a gathering place that embodies warmth and inclusivity. Open to all, this restaurant welcomes families, groups, and individuals alike, offering a casual dining atmosphere complete with outdoor seating options. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick breakfast or enjoying a leisurely brunch with friends, you’ll find a diverse menu that caters to every palate, including vegan selections.
The diner’s breakfast specialties are not to be missed. I was particularly captivated by the Jon Negretti Blue Plate Special, featuring fluffy blueberry pancakes paired with home fries and crispy bacon—all for just $8.50. Each bite burst with flavor, embodying the diner’s dedication to quality ingredients. Another standout is the Huevos Rancheros, a vibrant dish combining black beans, poached eggs, and a delightful medley of toppings, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a little spice to kickstart their day.
- Steak & Eggs: Indulge in skirt steak marinated to perfection, served with eggs and toast for $13.50.
- The Hungry Chef: A comforting dish of duck confit and brisket hash, done right for $12.50.
- Dan Maclean's Scotch Egg Breakfast: Two delectable scotch eggs served with horseradish aioli, toast, and home fries at $10.00.
Beyond breakfast, The Ugly Mug Diner offers a plethora of omelet options, each crafted to cater to both classic tastes and adventurous ones. The Western Omelet, with its rich blend of ham, cheddar Jack, and an avocado topping, is a crowd favorite priced at $9.00.
Moreover, The Ugly Mug Diner ensures a accommodating experience for everyone, providing amenities such as wheelchair accessibility, gender-neutral restrooms, and a generous military discount. With a focus on sustainability, patrons can feel good about dining in a space that offers compostable containers and reusable tableware.
So, if you’re looking for a place to relish breakfast or brunch in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, The Ugly Mug Diner is the perfect choice. You’ll leave not just satisfied but eager to return, as every meal feels like a warm hug on a plate.
For inquiries or reservations, feel free to call (978) 745-6844. Dive into a delightful dining experience that promises comfort and flavor—save a spot for yourself at The Ugly Mug Diner!

This place is so good! I grew up on Reds but would come here instead anytime. That's big if ur from Salem. I'm back in Salem after 15 years so this place is new to me. The Elvis waffles were so amazing and the eggs were delicious.

The atmosphere and decor is like walking in to a page from cloudy with a chance of meatballs! It is so thoughtful and imaginative. I was seated quickly at the counter. May quickly brought me water and took my order. Made suggestions and even described some of the options. When I asked for a substitution you kindly accosted and sent in my order. I ordered the hash Benny 2 ways with gravy instead of hollandaise. While I waited for my food May was attentive checking in to see if I needed more coffee or anything else. I ordered coffee, and an apple cider mimosa. Both were very good! The hash benny was great, I definitely preferred the corned beef over the sweet potato side. The gravy was very flavorful and the entire meal made for a great start to my day exploring Salem.

I love a no frills diner experience. We made our trip to Salem slightly post season and left NY at 7am. This put us in Salem a little before noon. My friend arrived a little earlier and was able to snag us a table right away. We finished parking and walked over. Immediately knew we had the coolest waitress! I noticed her "Leatheface" tattoo and I was sold! And then.....drum roll please, she showed me her leg! I am obsessed! Horror movie fanatic central, took me after we left to figure out it was from the tattoo artist I love, STEGA! She also gave us tons of great Salem tips! I truly felt so at home in Salem in this trip! I was in the mood for lunch! And the crab sandwich sounded perfect with some fries. And how could I resist a Nutella Latte. It was just what I wanted. I ordered my meal so fast that I didn't realize it came with bacon, had to pull that right out and my boyfriend was more than happy to assist. The food came out super fast and was the perfect base for running around Salem. I was tempted by the huevos rancheros and the eggs Benedict's. Until next time! And I hear there's pentagrams on the Gimme S'more! I'm here for all the gimmicks! No shame in my game!

Party of 6. Got in pretty quick even though it was the day before Halloween. Sat at 2 tables. Service was good and food was ok. Nothing really wowed me. Tried to order Scotch eggs but told they were out but 20 mins later someone else got one who was sat after us. Maybe they had to make more but I feel we should have been offered it once they were available. My S'mores Latte was blah. Chicken and Waffles was the best thing I had.

Such a cute spot to grab breakfast! I got the western omelet. The potato's were definitely the star of the show. The seasonings on them were delicious. My omelet was just okay, nothing amazing but not bad either- just average. I also got the wheat toast which was fantastic.

Cute little breakfast spot right near the Bewitched statue. It was busy but the service was quick. I wanted to try the seasonal fried green tomato Benedict but they were out so went with the eggs florentine. They also had the choice of regular and sweet potato home fries or mixed. I could have used more hollandaise, maybe because other restaurants don't have the egg cooked as long so you get the yolk mixed in too.