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he experts all seem to agree that there's a good thing brewing at the Watch City Brewing Company. Sample some of these local media reviews ... or add your own. We want to hear your opinions, so drop in, try one of our flagship or specialty brews, and let us know what you think of Watch City. Satisfying Tastes of All Shapes and Sizes Watch City Brewing Co. is not a one-word restaurant. Offerings range from fried oysters and seared salmon to roast turkey and meat loaf to chocolate chip cookies and Key lime pie. At first I tried to peg the place as having a seafood slant, then I veered to "comfort food," then nouveau -- until I concluded that Watch City is one of those restaurants that simply want to satisfy tastes of all shapes and sizes. But unlike others that strive for diversity only to achieve mediocrity, Watch City seems to take care not to sacrifice quality for quantity. Watch City eschews most typical, deep-fried appetizers; those that remain have a welcome twist on tradition: grilled marinated shrimp are accompanied by pineapple and honey-mustard sauce, calamari are tossed with balsamic vinegar and pepperoncini, chicken wings are rubbed in spices and served with roquefort sauce. Our evening was thoroughly enjoyable. the food was presented artfully and service was quick and efficient, with wait staff quick to clear empty plates without seeming to hover. Though still a youngster, Watch City Brewing Co. will surely add to Waltham's reputation as a choice destination for diners. Sacha Pfeiffer, Boston Globe Calendar (no date) Friendly and Smooth Service Friday night in the Watch City, aka Waltham. The young and the restless suburbanites are two-deep around the U-shaped bar at the WCBC, the tables and booths are packed, and there's a line leading to the harried host. Don't expect the baseball-cap-and-ripped-jeans crowd here. "Everyone asks, 'Why Waltham?' '' says general manager Frank McLaughlin. "But this isn't necessarily for people in Waltham. It's for people who come to Waltham. A very professional crowd.'' Indeed. The beer they're drinking is quite good, and you should order it based on what you're eating. The light-bodied but malty Tick Tock Ale, for example, goes well with salads. The slightly bitter and hoppy Orient Ale is about right for giving a slight kick to, say, the mild three-sausage sampler. The full-bodied, well-balanced Titan Ale is good with substantial dishes like the homespun meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy. And the coffee-flavored Moody Street Stout is the one to have for the road. . . . we liked a number of dishes, especially the chewy but not tough calamari tossed with balsamic vinegar and pepperoncini ($5.95), the fresh tuna salad with lemon herb vinaigrette ($7.95), the lightly spicy fish and chips ($7.95), and even the basic burger-on-a-bulkie with fries ($4.95). And that meatloaf ($7.95) would have been downright perfect if it had been hotter. The service is friendly and smooth at WCBC, which is not always the case with a new restaurant. You'll have to speak up, however, so your waiter or waitress can hear you above the din. The young and the restless have already discovered this place, particularly on weekends, and they all seem to be talking at full volume. Cheap Eats, Boston Globe Calendar A Menu Ranging from Homey to Trendy A brewery might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of family dining. But the new generations of brew pubs offer (relatively) sophisticated food in respectable surroundings, and some even make accommodations for children. Watch City is such a place. There's a kids menu, crayons and place mats to color; no reason to feel as though you're endangering the morals of a minor if you bring your children here. The menu ranges form homey (chicken pot pie) to moderately trendy (roasted portobello mushroom salad). The salmon teriyaki ($9.95) was cooked just right and arrived very hot . . . the garlic working surprisingly well with the sweet rice. A roasted vegetable sandwich ($5.50) was a good vegetarian choice. it was substantial, served on multigrain bread and stuffed with melted cheese and a nice array of vegetables in a balsamic vinaigrette. You can't go to a brew pub without trying a brew. The Tick-Tock ale was as advertized, light-bodied, cold and refreshing -- probably a good choice for novices. A.C. Stevens, Boston Sunday Herald, August 11, 1996 A Lively Atmosphere and a Growing Reputation The Waltham restaurant and pub, located in the historic JC Penney Building in the heart of the city, has already won glowing reviews and a growing reputation for its home brewed beer and diverse menu of dining fare which includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees. While the large, open seating area and horse-shoe shaped bar contribute to the lively atmosphere at Watch City, it is the four home brews, each distinct in flavor and body, which has earned the brewery a steady clientele. Each brew, served by the glass, pint, or pitcher, nicely complements the various menu items, which range from pepper-crusted beef tenderloin and roasted chicken pepperonata or simple pub fare like classic fish and chips and burgers. Watch City Brewing Company serves both lunch and dinner, and specials are offered daily. Seasonal brews offered along with the five flagship house brews are always available. Walden Publications, Profiles Awards & Distinctions 2001 Best Brewpub nomination - Citysearch.com 2000 Best Pub nomination - Citysearch.com 1998 1st Place - Microbrewed Beer category- (Middlesex) News Tribune Readers' Choice Award 1998 Honorable Mention - Bar category - (Middlesex) News Tribune Readers' Choice Award Show your good taste with a Watch City Brewing Company t-shirt. Available at the bar. Return to Top © Watch City Brewing Company