Mercy Tavern

A Brief History: Mercy Tavern is located at 148 Derby Street Salem, Massachusetts in the Derby Wharf of historic Salem. Originally known as the In a Pig’s Eye, it was renamed to Mercy Tavern in 2017. Now, Mercy Tavern is a gastro pub with a hipster farm-to-table vibe that offers quality food, while still incorporating New England favorites and occasional live music. This is drastically different from when the building was originally established sometime in the 1770’s.  Derby Street was the center of the Red-Light district in Salem starting in the 1760’s, less than 100 years after the Salem Witch trials of the 1600’s. This structure was a brothel and served all the needs of local sailors including drinking and women. It was not uncommon for men to be shanghaied while enjoying drinks or women at this establishment. This was the act of kidnapping men while they were otherwise incapacitated and taking them to awaiting ships nearby to man their crews. This was made easier by tunnels built under the area for moving valuables and men, as well as being very near the water.

Haunted History: Most of Derby Wharf, where Marcy Tavern is located, has been reported to be haunted and Mercy Tavern follows the surrounding trend. It has been reported that a pirate can be seen in the bar, as well as walking along the waterfront in front of the bar and slowly disappearing along the waterway. Young sailors have also been seen in the bar area. Arguments, shouting, and fighting have been heard emanating from the tunnels below the bar (possibly from previously shanghaied men). This is even more vexing as those tunnels have since been closed off for safety purposes. Disembodied voices have also been heard by the staff when they are alone in the building.