Around Town

Local Brewery Opening Taproom & Kitchen at Arsenal Yards

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Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.Mighty Squirrel Brewing will be serving its creations at the new biergarten at Arsenal Yards. Beer lovers will soon have a new option when Might Squirrel, which started in Waltham, opens a new location in Watertown. See more information in the announcement provided by Arsenal Yards, below. Arsenal Yards is thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co. taproom and kitchen at Arsenal Yards in Watertown, MA.

Around Town

Anoush’ella: A Sweet Taste of Armenia in the Heart of Watertown

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Manakeesh, a flatbread with za’atar and cheese on top, served at Anoush’ella Cafe in Watertown. (Photo by Maya Shwayder)

Tucked inside the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC) in Watertown, the café Anoush’ella — a name that translates to “may it be sweet” in Armenian — has quickly become a beloved weekly fixture, serving more than just food. Run by Nina Festekjian and her husband Rafi, alongside community center manager Vatche Seraderian, this gem of a spot blends culinary delights with cultural pride, providing a space for the Armenian community to gather, share stories, and reconnect with their heritage through shared space and food. Though the café only opens its doors just once a week on Thursday, it’s already establishing itself as a key part of the community’s rhythm. The story of Anoush’ella started as a personal passion project for Nina and Rafi.

Business

Belle’s Burgers Takes Over Wild Willy’s Spot in Watertown

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Belle’s Burgers announces it will take over the Wild Willy’s location in Watertown. (Photo from Belle’s Burgers’ Facebook page)

A favorite spot for burgers in Watertown will continue to be a burger joint, but will have a new brand. Wild Willy’s has become Belle’s Burgers and Ice Cream. Belle’s promoted the change on its Facebook page (formerly the Wild Willy’s Watertown page) saying that they will have “Same Great Food, Same Great Staff.” The Wild Willy’s website has a message saying that the restaurant at 46 Arsenal Street is no longer affiliated with Wild Willy’s.

Around Town

Fit-Z’s Bar and Grille Will Close at the End of September

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Fit-Z’s Bar and Grille, a fixture on the Westside of Watertown since 2007, will be closing at the end of September. Co-owner Jim Fitzgerald wrote the following post on Facebook on Sept. 15. “I’m sure that most of you have heard that we are selling the bar . It looks like our last night will be Monday September 30th.

Business

Fast-Casual Middle Eastern Restaurant Opening at Arsenal Yards

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NAYA will be serving Middle Eastern dishes at Arsenal Yards. (Contributed Photo)

The following announcement was provided by NAYA:

NAYA, the celebrated Middle Eastern fast-casual restaurant known for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, will be joining the Arsenal Yards neighborhood this winter in Watertown, MA. This exciting addition to the Arsenal Yards community marks a significant expansion for NAYA, bringing its authentic, health-conscious Middle Eastern dishes to New England for the first time! 

NAYA’s mission is rooted in the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East, offering a menu that emphasizes freshness, quality, and customization. Diners can expect a diverse selection of mouth-watering dishes, including signature bowls, wraps, salads, and mezze, all crafted with the finest ingredients. Each dish is designed to be both nutritious and delicious, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences and lifestyles. 

In addition to the Watertown location, NAYA has future expansion plans in Boston at 95 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02110 and 500 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116.

Business

New Indian Restaurant Opens in Former Location of Strip T’s

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A restaurant serving Southern Indian dishes has opened in Watertown on School Street. Chennai Eats moved into the former Don’s BBQ/Avenue Deli/Strip-T’s space at 93 School St. in Watertown, the Boston Restaurant Talk website reported. The menu features dosas, chaat, biryani, Indo-Chinese dishes, as well as a variety of curry and other Indian dishes. Meat and vegetarian options are available.

Business

Persian Restaurant in Watertown Closing After 16 Years

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Shiraz Persian Restaurant has closed. (Photo from the Shiraz Facebook page). The owners of Shiraz Persian Restaurant in East Watertown announced they will be closing down their restaurant after “16 wonderful years.” The eatery located at 72 Bigelow Avenue published a message to its customers on Facebook in late August, and the closing was announced on Boston Restaurant Talk on Tuesday. The message reads:

Dear Valued Customers,

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closing of Shiraz Persian Restaurant after 16 wonderful years.

Around Town

Watertown’s Revival Cafe Combines the Talents of Two Experienced Restauranteurs

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A sandwich served at Revival Cafe in East Watertown. (Courtesy of Revival Cafe)

One of Watertown’s newest cafes combines creative forces of two people with culinary pedigrees in the Boston area. The cafe, which is tucked in a corner of East Watertown, melds the vision and taste of the two owners. Nookie Postal and Liza Shirazi opened their newest location of Revival Cafe in January at 99 Coolidge Ave., in the back of a recently constructed life science building on the former site of the Mount Auburn Club. Postal owned Commonwealth in Kendall Square, which closed last year after 10 years.