Watertown tips?

[blink617]

So, I'm moving from East Somerville to Watertown next month. The new place is near Red Lentil and Deluxe Town Diner. What spots do I need to know about - both restaurants and markets - and what do I need to try at them? Any tips would be appreciated.

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Deluxe Town Diner
627 Mt Auburn St, Watertown, MA 02472

Red Lentil
600 Mt Auburn St, Watertown, MA 02472

[hiddenboston]

Jasmine, which is in that block, serves up some good Persian dishes. Stella, which is in the same block, has very good thin-crust pizza. Deluxe Town Diner is great, with some of the best corned beef hash I've had anywhere. Donohue's is a couple of blocks south of the diner and has decent pub grub (the wings are good).

[okra]

Lots of Markets and Fordee's makes damn good Falafel. Not that far from Shangri La either.

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Shangri-La
149 Belmont St, Belmont, MA 02478

Eastern Lamejun Bakers
145 Belmont St, Belmont, MA 02478

Fordee's Grill
555 Mount Auburn St, Watertown, MA 02472

Sevan Bakery
599 Mount Auburn St, Watertown, MA 02472

Arax Market
585 Mount Auburn St, Watertown, MA 02472

Massis Bakery
569 Mt Auburn St, Watertown, MA 02472

[Science Chick]

Check out Spot Cafe in Main Street for wonderful breakfasts, soups. I second Stella's pizza, but make sure you order the 18", otherwise you don't get the thin crust (they use the 16" dough amount and stretch it thinner). Shangri-La, just over the Belmont line, right near where Arlington St. meets Belmont St., has awesome Taiwanese food. Fordee's for falafel and Arax grocer for spices, fruits, veggies, olives, oil (heck, all things Mediterranean). I prefer Sevan for prepared foods and baked items, far above Massis IMHO. Travel over the bridge into Nonantum section of Newton for Antoine's bakery (rivals any NorthEnd italian bakery) and DePasquale for homemade sausage. Newton Corner for Amarin Thai.

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Shangri-La
149 Belmont St, Belmont, MA 02478

[bella_sarda]

I second the prepared foods @ Sevan. Their spicy hummus, in particular, is out-of-this-world. There's also Russo's supermarket, of course, with amazing selection of produce, cheeses, baked goods, etc.

[StriperGuy]

YES to Russo's. Probably the best produce in greater Boston.

[Allstonian]

And don't forget Russo's on Pleasant Street (before you cross over that bridge into Nonantum) - the biggest and best greengrocer in the greater Boston Area. Also good for cheeses, breads of all kinds, deli meats, dairy, and bulk coffee, not to mention a florist section and garden center.

[veggielover]

Sofra has great lamb shwarma and baked goods.

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Sofra
1 Belmont St, Cambridge, MA 02138

[Bob Dobalina]

Sort of a major culinary shift - from Mexico/Latin America to the Med / Middle East - can't think of any good Mexican in Watertown.... although there are a number of places in Waltham that fit the bill.

Good sushi at Super Fusion II in Watertown Square.
Tabrizi Bakery next door has Persian confections and foodstuffs, that are a little different than the other markets up the road.

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Tabrizi Bakery
56 Mt Auburn St, Watertown, MA 02472

Super Fusion II
54 Mt Auburn St, Watertown, MA 02472

[StriperGuy]

For a second I thought.. a thread on Watertown, and I have nothing to add. Snif... my work is done here ;-)

But noone mentioned Demos. Total dump with excellent food on Mt. Auburn near Watertown Square. Great Skewers of lamb, chicken, or beef, and I love their black bean soup.

Also, just a bit further afield, Golden Garden in Belmont is awesome Manchurian Chinese food and worth the trip a few blocks over to Belmont. Also just barely over the Belmont line is Sophia's Greek grocery, try her homemade goat milk Yogurt!

And just cause I can't let a Watertown thread pass without plugging them: I love Arax for produce, yogurt, and prepared foods.

And the new Wing place (opened by the Sevan kids) just a few doors down is decent.

There, I feel better now.

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Golden Garden
63 Concord Ave, Belmont, MA 02478

[lc02139]

If we are talking Belmnot you might want to try the ice cream at rancatores on leonard street. http://www.rancs.com/
I'll second or third Sophia's for yogurt and sweets, Shangri-La and Golden Garden also not far from the freshpond Iggy's bakery store.

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Shangri-La
149 Belmont St, Belmont, MA 02478

[lc02139]

Since this is a Watertown thread what do people thing or Strip T's ?? it doesn't look fancy or anything but was just wondering how it was.

[Taralli]

Strip T's is a very homey little storefront w/homemade soups and lots of blackboard specials everyday w/b&w license. 6/22 lunch menu shows soft shell crab po'boys w/kimchi for $12.50 and lobster roll for $16, veggie bahn mi, roast pork loin, etc. More choices, for sure, on the dinner menu. Portions are generous, prices reasonable., service friendly & always lots of newspapers to browse: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Strip-T...

[veggielover]

I haven't been there for a few years, but I have always enjoyed it for good food at reasonable prices.

[bizkat]

On the subject of Strip T's:

http://www.bostonchefs.com/news/2011/...

[bear]

Wow. I haven't been for a couple of years but need to head back soon. Sounds really good.

[Pia]

Wow, thanks for the tip! Looks like the menu is getting a lot more upscale but the prices are not. (Plus, poutine in my neighborhood!)

[itaunas]

Trini's at the Arsenal Mall is pretty good for basic made to order taqueria fare. That is a somewhat dated opinion because they close early (by 6:30 _sharp_) and Taqueria El Amigo is such a quick ride to Waltham from there so I almost never make it on evening forays. But its a decent lunch or Saturday (Home Depot) option in Watertown.

The proximity to Allston/Brighton opens up a _lot_ of chow, plus there are places in Waltham which don't get mentioned as much because a lot of us are used to lunching there. Taqueria El Amigo is superior for taqueria fare, but Taqueria Mexico is definately worth a visit for their Birria, having aguas frescas, a bar. Panela de Barro can be simpler than Cafe Brazil because of the buffet (vs a la carte) service, but the bar is also a good option at Cafe Brazil for trying a few appetizers and having a full dinner.

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Taqueria El Amigo
196 Willow St, Waltham, MA 02453

[Ruprecht]

Welcome to the neighborhood. The only things I have to add to the exhaustive lists below are:
Celebrity Pizza (for the soft-serve ice cream, and some like their fried seafood though I have never tried that)
Wild Willy's for good burgers, onion rings and fries, and great raspberry lime rickeys.

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Celebrity Pizza
684 Mount Auburn St, Watertown, MA 02472

Wild Willy's
46 Arsenal St, Watertown, MA 02472

[Jenny Ondioline]

Personally, I think the super cheeseburger at Celebrity beats the pants off Wild Willy's!

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Wild Willy's
46 Arsenal St, Watertown, MA 02472

[Pia]

Eh, I'm not a fan of Wild Willy's. The food is good enough, but it's slow and a little expensive for what you get.

Have lived here for nearly a decade and still haven't tried actual food from Celebrity Pizza. Maybe we will.

Another nearby ice cream shop is Brigham's -- not that it's that wonderful but it's walkable (a fairly long walk) for when you feel like ice cream.

Also, two places that notably no one has mentioned, but are near you: Porcini's is overpriced and mediocre, and Green Peapod is just terrible.

Victor's on North Beacon hasn't been mentioned yet, I don't think -- great diner food, and usually no crazy lines like Deluxe. Lots of diners in Watertown but I think those two are the best. Uncommon Grounds on Mt. Auburn, a block or two from Deluxe, is good for breakfast too.

And! Since we're talking Belmont now -- VICKI LEE'S. It's a bakery cafe. We recently started getting dinner takeout from there on occasion. I find it better than most restaurants. A few weeks ago we had a pricey meal at Savino's around the corner from there, and a few days later paid a third as much for takeout from Vicki Lee's that tasted better, was more varied because you pay by the pound, and fed our toddler too. So convenient for when you don't feel like cooking dinner, even though it's too expensive to do all the time. All the baked goods are excellent too.

I live in the same neighborhood and I see from your profile that you have a baby too. My email is in my profile -- contact me if you want a local chow partner!

By the way, to everyone on this thread: I want to host a Watertown taste-off, maybe some time in July, to finally settle the debates on who has the best lamejun, hummus, mouhamara, etc. I'll start a new thread on this, but let me know if you're interested!

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Vicki Lee's
105 Trapelo Rd, Belmont, MA

Celebrity Pizza
684 Mount Auburn St, Watertown, MA 02472

Porcini's Restaurant
68 School Street, Watertown, MA 02472

Wild Willy's
46 Arsenal St, Watertown, MA 02472

Savino's
449 Common Street, Belmont, MA 02478

Green Peapod Restaurant
557 Mount Auburn St, Watertown, MA 02472

[blink617]

Thanks for the tips! A Watertown taste-off sounds fun, and it would be great to meet people in our soon-to-be new neighborhood.

[Taralli]

I live just up from Coolidge Sq & would like to do this. Thanks.

[threedogs]

I'm here in Watertown & would love to join in, too.

Great thread, btw.

[Madrid]

I'd love to join if I could. Can you add olive oil to the list, pita bread, cheese, olives, etc. If I can't join, which would be for child care issues (very special needs older child adopted from foster care), I would so eagerly await the response and especially hear the sort of recent debate.thread about olive oil continue!

I live in East Somerville and would move right next to Arax in a flash if it could all be worked out (so unlikey).

[threedogs]

Well, I bought the Olympic Extra Virgin Olive Oil that someone mentioned here on CH sometime back. The original poster was removed (but I had it saved in the notices in my email :D). Got it at Marty's nearby in Newton (and found another awesome place for cheese & chocolate - Marty's Liquor, of all places!) Don't know anything about that thread way back when - all I know is, d!@#$ that's good olive oil!

Sophie's in Belmont sells it, too. Both these places are very close to Watertown.

I'm still in awe of where I live. Oh, yeah, last week I even walked my dogs to a farm - Gore Place over the line in Waltham (just for info: not *in* the farm - dogs aren't allowed). Looking forward to getting some produce there when the veggies really start growing.

Still have to laugh at the thought of being so close to a real, working farm. :D

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Marty's Liquors
675 Washington St, Newton, MA 02458

[Madrid]

please, if you could send details about the olive oil I would really appreciate. Aforementioned specail needs child is fliphpig out and I need to get to him; otherwise I'd do the search myself. If we can get him to school tomorrow, may have chance to forage for the it.... thanks!.

[threedogs]

Ah, my heart goes out to you - you've taken on a big responsibility.

Well, it's Olympic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Originally, I couldn't even remember the name, but I knew that Marty's was mentioned. Sure enough, they carry the large (3 liter?) metal containers. I just did a search & I see that Sofra's sells it now, and they're at the Cambridge Farmer's Market, too:

http://extravirginfoods.com/news/

also, a bunch of other places:

http://www.extravirginfoods.com/where...

Take care (of both yourself & your child!) and I hope you can manage what I am sure would be a well-deserved treat w/your fellow Chowhounds.

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Sofra
1 Belmont St, Cambridge, MA 02138

[Madrid]

thanks so much, Threedogs...it's been hard these past 4.5 years but so worth it.. I really appreciate your message...he's adorable, and the best thing that's ever happened to me, despite all the stress and problems. He is at a therapeutic school at McLean now though on a reduced schedule...sometimes it makes it easy to forage at Arax, Russo'sS etc. while we are in the hood waiting for his all too short school time to be over. I want this olive oil. thank again for your compassion. I'll check out all these links. Unfortunately for the parents, he has multiple food trauma experiences, so we don't exactly have a chowpup here.! But he talks about food and recipes in a really chow way so one day, we hope.......

[StriperGuy]

Heck, there is a farm much closer on Grove Street in Belmont. Great stuff.

Sergi Farm
34 Glenn Road
Belmont, MA

[LovinYankeeBarbecue]

Yes! Sergi's tomatoes and cabbages were amazing last summer. Sometimes banged-up tomatoes (for sauce) go down to $1/lb.

This year the management structure is a little different. People who know seem to expect things to be even better.

All I know is that the snap peas I got in our first farm share of the year were the best I've ever had.

[beetlebug]

Sergi's also has the best corn.

[Pia]

How have I never been there? It's a mile from my house! Thanks!

[threedogs]

Gore Farm is closer for me, but boy, I'm getting out to Sergi when I can (great name, btw - reminds me of one of my mom's fav singers of years ago - Sergio ... oh dear, can't remember his name now... I'm officially old, I guess, lol).

Thanks for the tip, StriperGuy!

[gourmaniac]

What a coincidink! I used to go to Marty's all the time when I lived nearby and was back just last week to get EV olive oil, cheese, chocolate and coffee. For olive oil, I tried a bottle of Lebanese that was on sale. very good, balanced and fruity but lacking the peppery taste that I prefer. I got a small container of Lindt white chocolate pieces that were excellent and an inexpensive Havarti. The coffee which used to be great value is now similar to other places (Russo's, Harvest Co-op).

[kimfair1]

I use Illy coffee, and Marty's has it for the best price $11.99 a can, $13.99 and up everywhere else I've seen it.

[stomachofsteel]

I'm not sure I would call the Gore Place a farm. To clarify, it's first and foremost a historical estate and museum (early 19th c. summer home of Governor Christopher Gore), which happens to have a working farm on site. I believe it's only recently that they have been selling what they grow; I'm not sure for how long (post 19th-century) they've actually been farming it. I'd be interested to hear if others have bought food from them.
http://www.goreplace.org/index.htm

And there's another working farm not far from the Watertown line, also in Waltham: the Waltham Fields Community Farm, on the site of the old UMass Agricultural Field Station. However, I think the food they grow is only available through their CSA program (which always sells out).
http://communityfarms.org/

[threedogs]

Gore Farm donates a lot of their produce to local food banks (which is totally awesome, btw). I missed the Sheep Shearing Festival this year, but hope to catch it next. Haven't been there to take a tour of the house, but I will, eventually.

And yes, good you mentioned the Waltham Fields Community Farm. Read about that but forgot.

Terrific info!

[StriperGuy]

Yah, that farm in Waltham does not have a stand.

[fantundo]

Since you're talking Belmont/Cushing Square, I would also mention Kitchen on the Common, a small, homey place across Common Street from Savino's, open for lunch and supper. Family-owned; you'd think from the menu that mom was in the kitchen, tho actually they have a chef. Inexpensive, no liquor license.

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Savino's
449 Common Street, Belmont, MA 02478

[katzzz]

Celebrity's fried seafood is good, definitely worthwhile if you're in the mood for it and don't want to drive to the North Shore or Kelly's. I usually opt for the seafood plate, which gets you a piece of two or fish, clams, scallops and a shrimp or two, also a heap of fries, onion rings (included; ignore the note on the menu which says subbing rings for fries is $2), and a little paper cup of cole slaw. The fish is fine, the clams are average or slightly better, the scallops are very good and the shrimp, surprisingly, tastier than most. For $20 you'll get a seafood dinner for two (or three) as well as an overview of Celeb's frying skills.

[Madrid]

Sophia's Greek pantry for amazing yougurt, in Belmont very near Watertown.

[bear]

Great suggestions here. Lots of great chow in Watertown. Right over the line in Belmont on Belmont St. is Fiorella's Express. They have the same excellent red sauce that the Newton Fiorella's has, along with very good wood-fired pizzas and calzones at really great prices.

The son, who owns the Newton restaurant, recently took over when his dad retired and completely renovated and changed the menu to reflect the Newon offerings. It's a little bright for my taste but great for takeout or a quick bite in.

Actually, you're not all that far from the Newton Fiorella's. I haven't been since they recently expanded, but would recommend it based on past experiences when you're looking for a casual, warm red sauce place.

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Fiorella's
187 North St, Newtonville, MA 02460

[StriperGuy]

I was underwhelmed by their pizza the one or two times I tried it... perhaps will give it another whirl.

[bear]

Actually, I find the pizza at the Newton location good but lacking in salt. I'm assuming Express is the same recipe. With Stella's near by, you might want to stick with them since I know you like a well-fermented, flavorful dough. That said, it's still a good pie in my book with a little char and smoke from the wood oven, but I tend to get a flavorful topping like pepperoni or salami to up the flavor a bit.

I do like the red sauce dishes, though...pasta with meatballs, eggplant or chicken parm, etc. Normally I'm not a big fan of a pronounced oregano flavor in sauce, but this works for me.

I also love the bread sticks, which are thin strips of pizza dough baked with garlic and cheese accompanied by more of the red sauce.

[StriperGuy]

Hmmm, will give it another whirl for sure. Wood fired certainly wins points.

This place is also pretty decent, owned by the brother of the guy who own's Sabatino's in Arlington (different crust, with no semolina in the dough, but a decent pie:

Gerry's Italian Kitchen
1074 Belmont Street
Watertown, MA 02472
[phone]

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Sabatino's Restaurant
735 Broadway, Malden, MA 02148

Gerry's Italian Kitchen
1074 Belmont St, Watertown, MA 02472

[LovinYankeeBarbecue]

This question inspired me to create a Chowhound account and make my first post.

A hidden gem in your area is Coolidge Variety, right across the street from the Deluxe Town Diner. Nick, the co-owner, is an excellent butcher with some creative tricks up his sleeve. He's tied custom roasts for me on several occasions for no extra cost. He will also sell you raw meat for Ghayma, an Armenian steak tartar. Other butchers look at me in disbelief when I ask for something to serve raw.

Coolidge Variety is not the place to go if you want elk tenderloins or need everything to be local and grass-fed. But the meat is fresh, well-cut, and priced below the supermarket. They also have cold cuts, beer and wine, and a decent selection of packaged foods.

Highly recommended!

The Deluxe Town Diner is also one of my favorite restaurants.

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Deluxe Town Diner
627 Mt Auburn St, Watertown, MA 02472

[StriperGuy]

True, true. He is also a GREAT source for lamb (legs, steaks, whole lamb).

[Bob Dobalina]

On the subject of Nick, stopped in last weekend to price out lamb - the loin was $16.99/lb - thoughts on whether this is a high/med/low price?
Nick, of course, could not be nicer.

[StriperGuy]

Yah, I kinda feel his pricing is getting a bit out of whack. I mean seriously it's not like the joint is Savenor's or John Dewar.

[Bob Dobalina]

He said something about lamb being expensive now...I have no idea.. but there probably is a lamb season...spring?

[LovinYankeeBarbecue]

Nick has mentioned several times this spring that the price of lamb is outrageous right now. He was worried about how his Greek clientele would react at Easter. Didn't stop me from getting a delicious boneless leg from him for my own (non-Greek) Easter dinner.

But truthfully, I don't worry much about the price of lamb. I'm trying to feed a family of four, so I hardly ever buy meat that cracks double digits in price per pound. When Nick has a good piece he wants to move, he gives me a great price. Otherwise, it's sirloin tip ($6.99), chicken ($2), freshly ground burger ($3.50), or whatever else is good.

Actually, the sirloin tip and hamburger are worth mentioning again. In three years of shopping at Coolidge, I have never gotten sirloin that's anything less than meltingly tender straight out of the package. This is in contrast to supermarket cuts that often have to be marinated for a day or more. And since Nick will grind the burger fresh if you ask, you can cook it medium-rare or however you like. Again, a huge improvement over the supermarket.

Can you tell I like this place?

[okra]

Last year he was carrying Island Creek oysters in the case - this year, so far they've been from VA, and not my cup of tea.... but ask when you go!

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Coolidge Variety & Deli
4 Bigelow Ave, Watertown, MA 02472

[Pia]

Yes, great tip! My favorite Chinese in the area is Wonder Cafe on Mt. Auburn Street, on the same stretch as Demos and Super Fusion II.

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Super Fusion II
54 Mt Auburn St, Watertown, MA 02472

[stomachofsteel]

Also not far over the Belmont line is Ohlin's Bakery for doughnuts.

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Ohlin's Bakery
456 Common St, Belmont, MA 02478

[StriperGuy]

AND Linda's.

[LovinYankeeBarbecue]

Not just donuts, either. Linda's makes a great breakfast all around, and Ohlin's is a fantastic source for bread, rolls, etc.

[StriperGuy]

For bread and rolls I prefer Iggy's which is right near by, though Ohlin's is good for soft, american style bakery bread.

Whoops also forgot Danish Pastry House, but only for the Danish breads, don't really care for the pastry.

Who knew Watertown rocked it so good!

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Danish Pastry House
205 Arlington St, Watertown, MA 02472

[LovinYankeeBarbecue]

Ohlin's is definitely more of an old-New England bakery. It's not the place to go if you need a hand-shaped loaf with 1/4-inch thick crust covered in seeds.

But for any soft baked good, they rule.

[Jenny Ondioline]

I've long said that if I were going to live anywhere in Boston other than Allston, it would be Watertown, and the food is a primary reason why.

[StriperGuy]

Arlington is doing pretty well these days too.

[okra]

Literally just finished a Linda's Honey Dew donut, while sipping their coffee. Great mid-morning pick-me-up.

Re: Victors - it's changed a bit in the past couple months - go back, and let the group know what you think.

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Linda's Donuts
247 Belmont St, Belmont, MA

[carneyvore]

Strip-T's is reasonably priced and well-prepared food, serving all 3 meals. Grappa is a decent Italian restaurant.

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Strip-T's Restaurant
93 School St, Watertown, MA 02472

[fantundo]

I'm also a Strip-T's fan. The people couldn't be nicer (or funnier), the prices are reasonable, and the food is always fresh. Regulars seem to develop their own favorites - I have friends who will always order the fish specials, and I'm pretty partial to their ribs and their teriyaki steak wrap, when they have it.

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Strip-T's Restaurant
93 School St, Watertown, MA 02472

[cpingenot]

I used to live right there, and I'll 2nd or third Arax. The family that runs it is super friendly, in contrast to some of the other shops in that row, and they have amazing produce for ridiculously low prices.
I'll add Fastachi, for the freshest nuts you'll ever find.
Don't miss the greek festival this weekend for amazing grilled meats.

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Fastachi
598 Mount Auburn St, Watertown, MA

[hyde]

i think you have to try them all and then pick one and be loyal to it. i am an arax guy.

[okra]

Link to the menu for this weekend's Greek Festival (Fri-Sun)

http://www.goarchangels.org/Home_Page...

[lergnom]

Tabrizi is a tiny but excellent bakery in the square. Great macaroons. Next to Demos, which some people like for it's dated dive quality. They do have good skewers that come with a decent Greek salad.

My favorite restaurant in the square is Stellina's. Consistent, relatively creative, moderately priced, northern Italian in a nice room with good service and many locally sourced ingredients.

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Tabrizi
Watertown,MA, Watertown, MA

Stellina Restaurant
47 Main St, Watertown, MA 02472

[teezeetoo]

Spot Cafe or Deluxe Town for breakfast, Tabrizi and Antoine's bakery, second/third Russo's, Arax, Sevan, Fastachi for candy, nuts, etc., Stellina's, and then go explore Waltham which is just up Main Street and has some grand options too.

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Fastachi
598 Mount Auburn St, Watertown, MA

Tabrizi
Watertown,MA, Watertown, MA

Stellina Restaurant
47 Main St, Watertown, MA 02472

[blink617]

Thanks for all the recommendations, everyone! I'm excited to have so many new places to check out.

[teezeetoo]

I think I forgot Victor's Diner, North Beacon, for absurdly over-sized, immensely friendly, and calorie-laden breakfasts.

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Victor's Diner
214 N Beacon St, Watertown, MA 02472

[LovinYankeeBarbecue]

Almost forgot ...

Conley's, on Belmont St., is a FANTASTIC local bar. Good food, cheap enough beer (at least PBR), and plenty of seats/TVs. Plus it's stumbling distance from my house, which doesn't hurt.

Across the street is Shangri-la, my favorite Chinese food around.

In case you can't tell, you're moving into a great area!

[hiddenboston]

Conley's has really good pizza, by the way. And excellent steak tips.

[grahams]

And, imo, the best bone-in buffalo wings in the greater boston area.

[StriperGuy]

Better than Buff's Pub? I give the edge to Buff's.

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Buff's Pub
317 Washington St, Newtonville, MA 02458

[grahams]

Definitely better than Buff's. I never understood the love for that place.

[StriperGuy]

I've had the wings at both many times and I give Buff's the edge by a long shot.

To each his own.

[Crazy Egg]

Not mentioned yet is the Persian restaurant, Molana on Spring Street by Watertown Square. I give them the edge over Jasmine. Only exception is that Jasmine has tahdig. Haven't tasted the tahdig myself, but just do not venture to Jasmine anymore.

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Molana Restaurants
5 Spring St, Watertown, MA 02472