Salem Tavern, Historic tavern in Old Salem Historic District, North Carolina, US.
Salem Tavern is a two-and-a-half-story brick building in Old Salem, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, that served as both a lodging house and a dining establishment. The ground floor held public rooms for meals, while the upper floors contained private sleeping quarters, and a separate kitchen was built at the rear of the structure.
The current building replaced an earlier tavern that burned down, and it was completed in 1784. It was built at a time when the settlement of Old Salem was still growing and needed a reliable place to receive travelers coming through the region.
The tavern operated under Moravian Church rules, which meant alcohol was served in moderation and guest behavior was closely watched. Travelers and local residents shared the same dining rooms, which was an unusual arrangement for the time.
The tavern is part of Old Salem Museums & Gardens, and entry is included with the general site ticket. Guided tours are available and are the best way to access the interior rooms, since some areas are only open with a guide.
The rear kitchen still has its original vaulted ceilings and stone floors, built by mason Johann Gottlob Krause, and they remain visible today. These features were rarely seen in buildings of this size in the region at that time.
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