The Benches at Settler

If you've been to Settler for dinner, you've probably noticed the benches outside.

Every evening, they become a gathering place. Because our dining room is intimate, there isn't much room to wait inside. Instead, guests grab a drink, catch up with friends, and settle onto the teak benches while we prepare their table.

Over the years, we've loved watching that little ritual become part of the experience.

It got us thinking.

What if we could capture that same feeling during the day?

That's how The Benches at Settler came to be.

Rather than opening the dining room for lunch, we opened our windows. Guests order from the sidewalk, find a seat on the same benches that have welcomed dinner guests for years, and enjoy a menu built specifically for warm afternoons in downtown Salem.

The food is inspired by the same Mediterranean flavors that define our dinner menu, just reimagined for lunch. Fresh pita pockets, grain bowls, house-made dips, seasonal snacks, and a few sweet treats - all designed to be enjoyed outdoors or taken on the go.

One thing hasn't changed: our commitment to thoughtful ingredients and making as much as possible in-house. From our sauces and pickles to our desserts, lunch receives the same care as dinner.

The Benches aren't meant to replace the Settler experience. They're another way to enjoy it.

Whether you're stopping in after a walk along the waterfront, exploring Salem for the afternoon, or meeting a friend for lunch, we hope you'll grab a seat and stay awhile.

Open Saturdays 11am - 2:30pm, all summer long!