Tuesday, July 8, 2014

A visit to Salem Willows for a Chop Suey Sandwich

Our next road trip has an interesting beginning…

Last year in the fall we were visiting Salem, Massachusetts and my wife wanted to make a quick stop at Salem Willows. This area is right on the ocean and has a small amusement park with a few kid rides including a merry-go-round. We go (of course) for the food and usually head over to EW Hobbs for their delicious flavored popcorn bars.



After picking up a couple as we were leaving my wife noticed that one of the Chinese restaurants had an extremely long line. What is this all about I thought? But alas it was soon forgotten.

Fast forward to the winter of this year and I was talking with my father-in-law and the subject of Salem Willows came up. I mentioned the line at the Chinese restaurant. He said that this was Salem Lowe and from memory (he hadn't been there for years) they had delicious Chinese food but customers visit from all over especially for their chop suey sandwiches.


Apparently, when he and my mother-in-law were dating, they would go to Salem Willows and he recalled eating them then. Naturally, I was all over this considering they have been married for almost forty nine years. Could these sandwiches have stood the test of time? I was more than intrigued and looked forward to taking a trip in the warmer weather so that I could try one for myself.

Finally, the day arrived and with my in-laws officially joining the road trip team we planned their maiden voyage. To prepare, I made sure to load up on cash as the stand doesn’t take credit cards. For those who are wondering what the heck is chop suey, it’s a Chinese-American dish that is a combination of meat such as chicken, pork or seafood along with vegetables in a thickened sauce. We ordered five chicken chop suey sandwiches, four beverages, an order of egg rolls, and a chicken lo mein. When the cashier asked my wife if we wanted the sandwiches in a container or a wrapper, all I could think of was how am I going to eat this if I don't have a container? Naturally, she chose the container. With $100 bucks in hand and ready for a huge bill the grand total came to (you're not going to believe this) $20 dollars. Each sandwich was only $2.01.

A chicken chop suey sandwich in all its glory.


For dessert don't forget to visit as we do on each visit EW Hobbs and load up on their popcorn bars.


Looking for something to do, in addition to the amusements and food, there is a large park where many people have cook outs. You will also find beautiful views of the ocean and a dock.



Want to know how far it is from you to a chop suey sandwich at Salem Lowe? Click on the map below for directions!
Salem Lowe on Urbanspoon