What to do when faced with piles of beautiful breads and pastries, all of which are probably amazing? Panic and point. It'll turn out ok no matter what you order at this Salem staple, which has been open for over a decade. There's always something new to discover; there are plenty of daily and seasonal variations on the menu as A&J focuses on sourcing everything locally, from grains to eggs to fruits and beyond. In addition to a wide range of breads and pastries, A&J also serves coffee and tea, made-to-order sandwiches, and more.Pictured: a delicate palmier, ordered as the successful result of panicking and pointing at the first thing that looked great.

Team Eater has fallen desperately in love with Bambolina's "neo-Neapolitan" pizza, from the wood-fired char on the perfect crust to the fresh mozzarella and excellent toppings. Save plenty of stomach space for pizza (pictured here, the soppressata), but don't neglect the appetizers. Over the summer, for example, there was a mind-blowing asparagus starter.

The Bambolina team's next project, Kokeshi, opened in March 2017 just a short walk away. Give it a try for ramen and more.

Classic arcade games, booze, fun snacks — what more does anyone need? The menu features some over-the-top options, including an elk burger served on a doughssant (doughnut/croissant hybrid) with black garlic icing, but consider keeping things simpler with a dish such as the sesame nori-crusted tuna bits (Sriracha aioli, jalapeño, and sweet soy glaze) and a bit of afternoon gaming.

Bit Bar opened in June 2016 in the Old Salem Jail and features more than 30 arcade games and pinball machines. Most of the games are from the 1980s and 1990s.

Don't leave Salem without stocking up on almost-too-beautiful-to-eat French pastries at Caramel, owned by siblings Dimitri and Sophie Vallier, who hail from southern central France. Dimitri has studied under chefs such as Paul Bocuse and Daniel Boulud.

Pictured here, an excellent kouign amann. Be sure to try some macarons as well, particularly chocolate mint and salted caramel.

Dairy Witch has been serving up ice cream for more than 60 years, and while tales are told of its signature banana whipped frappe, the sundaes are also strong contenders here. Pictured: the top half of the gigantic Reese's Peanut Butter Cup sundae with peanut butter sauce and hot fudge. Vanilla soft-serve makes a great backdrop for all the toppings, but you can choose whichever ice cream flavor you fancy.

While this is technically walkable — it's about a mile from the train station — take a car if possible. It's a bit removed from Salem's store-packed main area, and it's an outdoor ice cream shack with no seating, so those who arrive on foot will find themselves eating a giant sundae on the edge of a parking lot (or while walking).

Far From the Tree's cozy tasting room (and spacious patio) is the perfect spot to try a flight of generously poured ciders in fun varieties, from Lei (pineapple jalapeño) to Ember (toasted chai). Samples and full pours are also available, as are growlers, bottles, and cans.

Well-behaved dogs and children are welcome, per the company's website. While Far From the Tree has a few bar snacks available for purchase (nuts, beef jerky, and the like), customers can also bring food in or order delivery.

A nearly endless selection of teas, served hot or iced. Tea flights. High tea. Macaron pairings. Bathroom wallpaper that will make you feel like you're Alice in Wonderland. This is Jolie Tea Company, and it is adorable. If you're a tea lover, this is a necessary addition to your Salem itinerary.

Just a two-minute walk from the train station, Melt is the perfect spot to hit on your way into or out of Salem (or both, perhaps — there's no shame in a double ice cream day). There's a scoop of salted caramel and sea salt brownie ice cream hiding in this photo. Other fun flavors that have appeared at Melt include potato chip toffee, banana with caramelized white chocolate, peach with blackberry sauce, and strawberry balsamic.

Head downstairs to Opus Underground for live music, and you'll also find a psychedelically decorated arcade room and excellent snacks, particularly the pork belly tacos (tamarind barbecue sauce, banh mi pickles, red cabbage, and cilantro). For a vegetarian entree option, try the coconut curry tofu — a giant portion served with scallion ginger rice and seasonal vegetables. And be sure to drink a cocktail or two or explore the interesting beer list. The knowledgeable bartenders are eager to talk about their favorites.

Team Eater came up to Salem from Somerville — and found a little bit of Somerville in Salem. At the end of summer 2016, the Rover Bagel pop-up debuted at Bambolina (and the Swampscott Farmer's Market). The people behind Rover Bagel are Kimberly Chaurette (an alum of Somerville's Journeyman, Backbar, and Forge Baking Company) and Alec Rutter (also a Forge alum). They're making Montreal-style bagels from a four-year-old sourdough starter and baking them in Bambolina's wood-fired oven — that's why you see that nice char on the pictured bagel.

Rover will ramble on up to southern Maine to open a permanent location later in 2017 but is currently still popping up at Bambolina, so check out Rover's Facebook page for scheduling updates.

Located in the heart of Salem, this gastropub serves up hearty comfort food, from smoked gouda mac & cheese to chicken pot pie. Pictured is the short rib poutine, a hefty snack that pairs well with a sturdy beer on a cold winter's day. The Naumkeag Ordinary is known for its fun cocktail selection as well, but you'll have to visit in the summer to check it out; during the off-season, the restaurant has a beer-and-wine license, not a full bar.