What's better than good food and even better service? Nothing! These are some of my four favorite north shore restaurants. I've spent one too man paychecks at these places and it's not because of the menu. The staff on board always makes me feel well fed, well liked, and well served. It cannot go without recognition, so I with the highest of recommendations ask that you see for yourself at any one of these four locations!
Opus:
This restaurant is on the top of my list, not just because they have some of the best truffle fries I’ve ever had the pleasure of devouring, but because of their superior service. The staff at Opus is in one word: unprecedented. They are attentive, quick, patient and so genuinely friendly it’s no surprise I spend two if not three nights a week there.
Wednesday nights they are home to Wreckshop Movement’s open mic night where various artists from many different genres come together to showcase their talents. This is what first brought me in. I sat down at the bar, ordered a glass of wine and this charismatic bartender named Jeremy asked me how my day was. He suggested I try the fried calamari plate and I was hooked. I'm used to bartenders making me wait to order a drink and then not speaking to me until it was time to pay. Every one of Opus' staff members is friendly, takes pride in their work and is more than willing to go above and beyond to ensure your experience is the best it can be. 
The general manager, Danny Giddings, brings nothing but excellence into the restaurant. When you come in to eat at Opus, you can just look around and see the satisfaction on every customers face. They've created an atmosphere that is so welcoming and consistently pleasing that people come in for all different occasions. It's the type of place you could host your company dinner one day and then the next day stroll in for a round of karaoke. There are two parts to the restaurant. One part is the main floor upstairs where you will find a fully stocked bar and open windows overlooking one of Salem's busiest streets. The second part is Opus Underground, the lower level where live music shows take place and there's even a separate room where customers can kick back and play some video games. 
Let’s start with the food. From burgers to sushi to calamari, you will not be disappointed. Joey Marino, rounds-man, says “the Maverick Burger is our big new draw. It’s our burger that is constantly changing. We legitimately get people coming in multiple times a week just to try what we come up with. The most notable one has been the one I did with house made Bacon Jam, grilled pineapple, spicy Louisiana style remoulade and truffle parmesan covered arugula. We typically change the burger at least twice a week to keep people interested and keep them coming back to see what we’ll do next.”
Trust me when I say I have had more than my fair share of French fries and Opus’ are wicked awesome, kid. The fries are hand cut and then soaked in a water bath which removes most of the starch which leads to a better fry. Once fried, they come out piping hot, get a dusting of salt and their house blend of herbs and then tossed with parmesan cheese and a blend of Italian olive oil and white truffle oil. And to top it all off, their drink list is compiled of concoctions that the staff themselves created. It’s no surprise Opus just won six, yes, six, of North Shore Magazines, Best of The North Shore awards.
I have never been to a restaurant where I feel more taken care of and at home than Opus. The people working there really care about what they bring to the table and ensuring they keep coming back.
Howling Wolf:
If you’ve ever searched for a Mexican style restaurant that tastes just like abuelita’s cooking, you have found it. I grew up in a Spanish household, so my taste buds are very picky when it comes to Mexican style food, and the Howling Wolf exceeds my expectations. Their carne asada puts me in a whole new world, it’s not too juicy but never dry. It’s paired with Spanish style rice, pinto beans that just melt in your mouth and a side of guacamole. The guacamole is fresh, and packs a spark in your taste buds. The Howling Wolf also features a late night “wolf bites” menu which includes things like chicken taquitos, avocado fries and “The Howlah." The Howlah is described as the best of the best platter of wolf bites (chicken taquitos, fried cheese, chicken wings and bacon jalapenos).
What I love most about this restaurant is that I’ve been going there for years and the staff hasn’t changed. There is very little to no turnover at the Howling Wolf which speaks volumes on their part. The restaurant business is a hard one, and for a restaurant to retain its staff, it shows they treat their employees right.
My first visit to the Wolf, I had no idea what to order. I'm a very picky eater so i usually stick to what I know. My server that day not only suggested I try her favorite mixed Margarita (strawberry-peach) but she took the time to ask me how hungry I was, if I preferred mild, medium or hot, what meat I like. She suggested the chimichanga, and when it arrived my life was changed forever. Fried to perfection and smothered in queso sauce, the chimichanga will have you in a trance. The crunchy outer layer paired with the soft-seasoned rice on the side makes for a satisfying and savory dinner.
Now, what’s a Mexican restaurant without a good margarita? Their margaritas are big, strong and unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for an after work wind down or pre-gaming for Murphy’s, this is the place to go. The restaurant itself is a piece of art. Hanging on the walls are various paintings and portraits from local artist. And guess what? If you like a piece enough, you can buy it off the wall! Supporting local artists and local food lovers, what more could you ask for?
Doo Wop Diner:
I’m a breakfast lover. My typical order is eggs, bacon, freshly buttered toast and fluffy pancakes and no one does it better than the Doo Wop Diner. They are a family owned diner located in Malden off of Centre street. There’s lots of diners in the area, but none give you a “taste of the '50s” like this one.
“The whole staff has a sense of comradery,” says Katie, a hostess/waitress. “I feel as if all of us go above and beyond. There’s more regulars than there are customers that just come off the street. It’s a family owned business and it feels like that all the time. We all help each other out and make the best out of every day.” This is exemplified the second you walk in the door. You’re greeted with the most chipper and sincere smile from their hostesses, the waitresses are super attentive and never leave you to wonder where they’ve gone.
And it’s not just the front line employees that make it a great experience. I can’t recall a time I’ve gone into the diner and seen Sam without his signature smile, making jokes and talking to all the customers.
The best thing on the menu by far is the corned beef hash. It’s homemade and made out of real corned beef (not that freeze-dried stuff). My personal favorite is the Belgian waffles, topped with fresh fruit. Although you may spend a couple minutes waiting for your table, it’s always worth it.
Tasty Foods:
Located in the heart of central Peabody, Tasty Foods is just that; tasty. From the reaches of west Peabody to the back streets of south Peabody, Tasty’s pizza and loaded fries leave you satisfied to the point of no return (food baby and all). I’ve been going to Tasty’s since 2006 and may I say they never disappoint. Here you’ll find everything your typical sub shop has and more. Genuine Greek food, fresh salads and the hardest working staff out there.
From their delivery drivers impeccable timing and manners to the front counter staff, Tasty’s is the perfect mix of quality food and fast service. My favorite part of ordering from Tasty’s was opening the door to see Kevin Jenkins and hearing his booming voice telling me to have a great day. I asked Sara Diogo, who works two jobs, what her favorite part of working at Tasty’s is and who really makes a difference working there and she responded “I love working at Tasty’s because we’ve all become a family and I love all my co-workers. Lisa, the owner, is our number one person. I’ve never been to another restaurant where the owner is there 24/7 to make sure everything is running smoothly.”
One thing I must mention if I’m praising Tasty’s is their gyro. They are one of the few places in the area that offers an authentic Greek gyro.Tasty's also has a promotion on Facebook every Friday! Like and share their post on the Tasty Foods Facebook page for a chance to win a free large cheese pizza! The winner is chosen at 7 p.m. that night (pick up only!). Hustle on down to Tasty's for a hot cheesy slice of pizza, fresh and crisp french fries and the best Greek gyro in town! 
