Sunday 14th of July 2013 12:41:35 PM

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Watch City Brewing is a tall one-story street corner building with black siding, large windows, and a red neon sign. There are several other restaurants and a cinema theater nearby. One hour parking is free along the crowded streets, or there is a pay lot nearby. Open since 1996, Watch City is a proven establishment. Near the entrance there is a brick insulated brew kettle on the left and further back are wood-sided brewing vessels. However, I could not see where the fermenters are located. Near the arcing front windows and on the left are plenty of dining tables. Directly ahead behind the host stand is their two sided 16 chair composite topped bar. On the right are tall angular wooden dining booths and the kitchen is in the back. The place is decorated with beer related posters, the floors are wooden and the ceiling is high. Chalkboards overhead and on the walls display the house beer list. They have 8 brews on tap, which can be tried in four beer sampler flights, pints or growler fills. Their beers span a good diversity, and while some tasted very plain, others were interestingly complex. Their beers include: Rescue One Kolsch, Bitchloden Wheat Lager, Clockwork Summer Ale, Titan Brown Ale, Shillelagh Irish Red Ale, Bitter & Jaded ESB, BABES Doppelbock (9.0% abv), and a very drinkable Breakfast of Champions Espresso Milk Stout (3.6%). The food menu is expanded pub fare with appetizers, salads, sandwiches and a variety of entrees. The service is adequate and knowledgeable. Good music plays in the background and this place has the feel of a family friendly cafe.

Wednesday 28th of September 2011 09:04:25 PM

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Watch City is not worth the effort. I feel bad, because I do like to support local craft beers, but this past weekend was the first and last time I will visit there. When my friends and I asked for a sampler rack, you had thought we just asked the bartender to put down his dog. The initial service and the fact that this place was dead on a Friday night (while the rest of downtown Waltham seemed jamming) should have been a clear indicator to get out. But we sampled the beers- and there were several that I couldn't even finish (not something I do too often). The Beejesuz Botanical Ale tasted like it contained parsley- one of the worst beers I've ever had. The IPA, which is typically a favorite, had a strong floral taste to it that overpowered it. I first thought the bartender may had gotten it mixed up with the Saison, but after tasting the Saison, he clearly did not. Won't be going back there- but judging by the business they were doing, I can't imagine them staying open too long.

Saturday 13th of November 2010 05:17:58 PM

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beer and food were good. some interesting belgians and a very good "northwest style" brown ale. I made the mistake of sitting at the bar. the bartender was one of the least attentive I've ever had. I had to get his attention to request my samplers, food order, and pint. He left my empty pint glass sitting on the bar for 10 minutes, then cleared it away without asking if I wanted another. It's like he didn't want to sell beer! The other people sitting at the bar got the same passive-agressive treatment so no one stuck around too long. Just bizzare... never had a bartender who didn't at least ask his customers what they wanted. If I happened to be out in the crappy environs of Waltham again I would go back, but make sure to sit at a table.

Saturday 8th of August 2009 01:29:56 PM

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Located in the "downtown" area of a Boston suburb, relatively close to a major highway and several businesses. The place is about medium-sized but doesn't stick out too much. Parking can be found on the street or at a close-by parking garage (about $.50 per hour) on Pine St.

There is a good list of beers on tap, maybe 6 or 7 from what I recall, ranging from lighter styles to dark stouts. I ordered the IPA which was well done. Prices are fair. The service was quick and attentive and the food came out quickly.

The seating is restaurant-style with a large bar in the middle, equipped with TVs. There are a lot of seats available. There are also fans on the ceiling, which when running at high speed tend to blow the paper menus around.

The food was decent with the standard pub fair, nothing too pricey. There are appetizers, burgers, and salads.

Not a bad place, and I can imagine this being a staple for my future visits to the Waltham area.

Friday 3rd of April 2009 06:16:18 AM

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This person needs 3 or more reviews on the site for their scores to start counting.

This place is the bomb! I make the beer here so come down and visit! We have all styles of beers made here and 8 fresh , rotating ones on tap always! A new cask ale is available every week. We are open seven days a week and plenty of parking in the back. This week we put on the Chocolate Thunder Porter and the Rye, Rye Captain! The atmosphere contains a lot of local artists!