Watertown & the Thousand Islands

Jessica
Watertown & the Thousand Islands

Food Scene

Maggie's is my fave. Great burger and beer joint, American sized (everything is big!) with a Cheers-like quality (well, they at least know my name) and a brand new imported pizza oven that churns out delicious individual sized pies. Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch (call ahead, brunch is seasonal). There's outdoor seating overlooking the Black River and if you hit it right you can watch the white water rafters and kayaks surfing the rapids. I host trivia there every Tuesday at 8pm and I'm happy to hook you up with one of my regulars if you ever want to play!
12 locals recommend
Maggie's on the River
500 Newell St
12 locals recommend
Maggie's is my fave. Great burger and beer joint, American sized (everything is big!) with a Cheers-like quality (well, they at least know my name) and a brand new imported pizza oven that churns out delicious individual sized pies. Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch (call ahead, brunch is seasonal). There's outdoor seating overlooking the Black River and if you hit it right you can watch the white water rafters and kayaks surfing the rapids. I host trivia there every Tuesday at 8pm and I'm happy to hook you up with one of my regulars if you ever want to play!
The cleverly named Thailand Thai restaurant is run by a sweet grandmotherly woman who will make off-menu items upon request. It's much more a sit down spot, rather than take out, but no liquor license (byob allowed). Try the Crispy Basil Duck or any of her curry dishes. Lunch and dinner available. Update: Change in ownership has not changed the quality - still great (it's run by the granddaughter after she graduated from culinary school)! Look for Wish Thai Restaurant in same location. Post Covid update - they continue to serve in house but in take-out containers, and it's still pretty delicious.
Wish Thai Kitchen
1857 State St
The cleverly named Thailand Thai restaurant is run by a sweet grandmotherly woman who will make off-menu items upon request. It's much more a sit down spot, rather than take out, but no liquor license (byob allowed). Try the Crispy Basil Duck or any of her curry dishes. Lunch and dinner available. Update: Change in ownership has not changed the quality - still great (it's run by the granddaughter after she graduated from culinary school)! Look for Wish Thai Restaurant in same location. Post Covid update - they continue to serve in house but in take-out containers, and it's still pretty delicious.
Coleman's is a Watertown standard. Newly renovated Irish pub with a nice selection of sturdy salads, sandwiches, apps and entrees. Try the Irish fries with whiskey gravy (no, they're not healthy, but you won't care). Great staff, immaculate bathrooms (these things matter) and quick service for a business lunch or family dinner. Seasonal outdoor seating under a landscaped arbor is particularly lovely.
6 locals recommend
Coleman's Corner
849 Lawrence St
6 locals recommend
Coleman's is a Watertown standard. Newly renovated Irish pub with a nice selection of sturdy salads, sandwiches, apps and entrees. Try the Irish fries with whiskey gravy (no, they're not healthy, but you won't care). Great staff, immaculate bathrooms (these things matter) and quick service for a business lunch or family dinner. Seasonal outdoor seating under a landscaped arbor is particularly lovely.
THE spot to grab a quick and delicious lunch downtown. Week day sandwich and soup specials, grab and go items and an extensive wrap/panini/sandwich menu. Eat in (or outside) or take away with ease.
Vito's Gourmet
3 Public Square
THE spot to grab a quick and delicious lunch downtown. Week day sandwich and soup specials, grab and go items and an extensive wrap/panini/sandwich menu. Eat in (or outside) or take away with ease.
Tin Pan (to me) is THE brunch place in the North Country. It is the standard, and has been going strong for 25+ years, or as long as I can remember. It is also a fabulous spot for a fancy dinner, with live music in the background of the beautifully landscaped court yard. My other favorite trick is to eat somewhere else in Sackets then stop for creme brulee at Tin Pan before heading home. As for brunch, Tin Pan is BUSY. Either get there early, or be prepared to wait (worth it). Sackets Harbor is thankfully adorable, so give your name and number and take a walk down to the water, shop at the hippie fairy store down the street (homemade soaps, crystals, crazy stuff but cute finds too) or try a tea blend at the tea shop directly across. When in doubt, order the Eggs Rosalie or Strawberry Marscapone Stuffed French Toast. 2022 - under new management, but the brunch still slays - limited dinner hours so be sure to call ahead!
32 locals recommend
Tin Pan Galley
110 W Main St
32 locals recommend
Tin Pan (to me) is THE brunch place in the North Country. It is the standard, and has been going strong for 25+ years, or as long as I can remember. It is also a fabulous spot for a fancy dinner, with live music in the background of the beautifully landscaped court yard. My other favorite trick is to eat somewhere else in Sackets then stop for creme brulee at Tin Pan before heading home. As for brunch, Tin Pan is BUSY. Either get there early, or be prepared to wait (worth it). Sackets Harbor is thankfully adorable, so give your name and number and take a walk down to the water, shop at the hippie fairy store down the street (homemade soaps, crystals, crazy stuff but cute finds too) or try a tea blend at the tea shop directly across. When in doubt, order the Eggs Rosalie or Strawberry Marscapone Stuffed French Toast. 2022 - under new management, but the brunch still slays - limited dinner hours so be sure to call ahead!
This is not a baguette bakery, this is a cupcake and cannoli and tart and cake pop and cookie and lobster tail and loaded brownie bakery. Single handedly run by a sweet European lady with an eye for flavor combinations and perfect frosting application. Check out her beautiful special event cakes on display. Update - photo is from her old location inside the Paddock Arcade, she has since moved just outside to face the square, next to Vito's.
Europe Cakes
5 Public Square
This is not a baguette bakery, this is a cupcake and cannoli and tart and cake pop and cookie and lobster tail and loaded brownie bakery. Single handedly run by a sweet European lady with an eye for flavor combinations and perfect frosting application. Check out her beautiful special event cakes on display. Update - photo is from her old location inside the Paddock Arcade, she has since moved just outside to face the square, next to Vito's.
Because of $2 Wine Night Wednesdays. But seriously, Goodfellows has been doing brick oven pizza for decades and their extensive selection of thin crust individual pizzas, plus well chosen pastas and mains, not to mention their amazing antipasto for a crowd, make this a no-brainer recommendation. Be sure to check the specials before you order, they are always inspired and amazing.
17 locals recommend
Good Fellos
202 W Main St
17 locals recommend
Because of $2 Wine Night Wednesdays. But seriously, Goodfellows has been doing brick oven pizza for decades and their extensive selection of thin crust individual pizzas, plus well chosen pastas and mains, not to mention their amazing antipasto for a crowd, make this a no-brainer recommendation. Be sure to check the specials before you order, they are always inspired and amazing.
Wise Guys is happening when all the summer people invade Chaumont, and is thankfully open year round so that the locals can still get their favorite pizza. More of a sit down spot than a place to stop for a slice, but take out is available. Try the Luna pizza, garlic knots or any of their amazing pasta dishes. *new location in 2021 - absolutely gorgeous views of the bay from the upscale dining room, but try the welcoming bar if you're travelling solo.
19 locals recommend
Wise Guys
12208 New York 12E
19 locals recommend
Wise Guys is happening when all the summer people invade Chaumont, and is thankfully open year round so that the locals can still get their favorite pizza. More of a sit down spot than a place to stop for a slice, but take out is available. Try the Luna pizza, garlic knots or any of their amazing pasta dishes. *new location in 2021 - absolutely gorgeous views of the bay from the upscale dining room, but try the welcoming bar if you're travelling solo.
New to Public Square, Spokes is a welcome addition to the Watertown restaurant scene! It's a tapas/small plates place with literally 99 beers on the wall to choose from. The mini gyros, any of the flatbreads or the giant homemade pretzel will help soak up the suds and the atmosphere can't be beat. Parking located behind the entire row of buildings, use the lighted walkway up to the square and Spokes is the first door on the left.
Spokes
81 Public Square
New to Public Square, Spokes is a welcome addition to the Watertown restaurant scene! It's a tapas/small plates place with literally 99 beers on the wall to choose from. The mini gyros, any of the flatbreads or the giant homemade pretzel will help soak up the suds and the atmosphere can't be beat. Parking located behind the entire row of buildings, use the lighted walkway up to the square and Spokes is the first door on the left.
Local brewery housed in an old refurbished machine shop. Fantastic brews, farm to table food (try the wings and cauliflower pita/hummus!), communal tables and wonderful staff. Make yourself comfortable but remember that there is no wait staff - head to the bar to open a tab and towards the kitchen to place a food order. Play giant Jenga or skeeball in the back corner or Cornhole on their beautiful covered side patio! We love Garland (named for Watertown's vintage nickname, Garland City)!
Garland City Beer Works
321 Howk St
Local brewery housed in an old refurbished machine shop. Fantastic brews, farm to table food (try the wings and cauliflower pita/hummus!), communal tables and wonderful staff. Make yourself comfortable but remember that there is no wait staff - head to the bar to open a tab and towards the kitchen to place a food order. Play giant Jenga or skeeball in the back corner or Cornhole on their beautiful covered side patio! We love Garland (named for Watertown's vintage nickname, Garland City)!
Pete's is a long-standing Italian American spot down in the "sand flats" of Watertown. Unassuming outside, dark and classy interior with a small bar to accommodate a solo traveler. Great specials, but IMHO the best "Italian" classics in Watertown, where there are many others to choose from.
6 locals recommend
Pete's Trattoria
111 Breen Ave
6 locals recommend
Pete's is a long-standing Italian American spot down in the "sand flats" of Watertown. Unassuming outside, dark and classy interior with a small bar to accommodate a solo traveler. Great specials, but IMHO the best "Italian" classics in Watertown, where there are many others to choose from.
We were so excited to add this to the Watertown food scene! It's a delight and take-out or eat in is easy, just a few minutes away from my house.
Flavors of The Philippines
We were so excited to add this to the Watertown food scene! It's a delight and take-out or eat in is easy, just a few minutes away from my house.
No frills, no seats, take out only (as of 2022) but really solid Korean food at a reasonable price. I could eat their kimbap for days, and maybe I have. Fun and smokey Ramens plus the classics on a sprawling menu.
Koreana Restaurant
No frills, no seats, take out only (as of 2022) but really solid Korean food at a reasonable price. I could eat their kimbap for days, and maybe I have. Fun and smokey Ramens plus the classics on a sprawling menu.

Parks & Nature

Designed by Olmstead, who created Central Park, our elevated Thompson Park overlooks the city. Plenty of green space to sit, play, relax, etc. There's also the Thompson Park Zoo, a golf course, the Paranormal Vortex (Area 51), the brand new Fort Drum monument, stone walled walks and a great playground. Highly recommend the new Splashpad in summer months - fun for all ages!
Thompson Park
Thompson Park
Designed by Olmstead, who created Central Park, our elevated Thompson Park overlooks the city. Plenty of green space to sit, play, relax, etc. There's also the Thompson Park Zoo, a golf course, the Paranormal Vortex (Area 51), the brand new Fort Drum monument, stone walled walks and a great playground. Highly recommend the new Splashpad in summer months - fun for all ages!

Essentials

It's in the corner of an awkward intersection, but just plan to take a right when exiting out of either entrance. My dry cleaner of choice with the usual terrible hours (closed at 3pm last I checked/stranded a dress there). They also have tux rentals, will steam your fancy dress, etc.
Nelson's Dry Cleaners
1171 Coffeen St
It's in the corner of an awkward intersection, but just plan to take a right when exiting out of either entrance. My dry cleaner of choice with the usual terrible hours (closed at 3pm last I checked/stranded a dress there). They also have tux rentals, will steam your fancy dress, etc.
One of our two great beer shops. This one has a massive walk-in cooler plus racks of singles for 6-pack mix and match. It's a convenience store in name, but a beer (and cigar) store at heart.
Bear World
22093 US-11
One of our two great beer shops. This one has a massive walk-in cooler plus racks of singles for 6-pack mix and match. It's a convenience store in name, but a beer (and cigar) store at heart.
I don't know why this guide doesn't allow for a beer/wine/liquor store category as "essentials." BottleCaps has a great selection and a knowledgeable staff. You'll find secret bottles of Cantillon, all the good local stuff and on-tap options for growler fill ups. One of the nicer liquor stores lives upstairs in the same building.
Bottlecaps Beverge Center
952 Arsenal St
I don't know why this guide doesn't allow for a beer/wine/liquor store category as "essentials." BottleCaps has a great selection and a knowledgeable staff. You'll find secret bottles of Cantillon, all the good local stuff and on-tap options for growler fill ups. One of the nicer liquor stores lives upstairs in the same building.
This Piggly Wiggly on Washington Street is super close to my house and has everything you would need. There's a liquor store, coffee shop and great pizza joint in the same plaza all right next to a Kinney Drug Store. Also, it's not as depressing as the stock image attached makes it seem.
Piggly Wiggly
This Piggly Wiggly on Washington Street is super close to my house and has everything you would need. There's a liquor store, coffee shop and great pizza joint in the same plaza all right next to a Kinney Drug Store. Also, it's not as depressing as the stock image attached makes it seem.
Just a mile from my house, we love our local Kinney's!
Kinney Drugs
Just a mile from my house, we love our local Kinney's!
Run by the Mayor's wife (small town in action) this is an efficient QuickMed right across from the hospital, just in case. I hope you never need to visit either!
QuikMed Urgent Care
Run by the Mayor's wife (small town in action) this is an efficient QuickMed right across from the hospital, just in case. I hope you never need to visit either!
Well maintained laundromat, locally owned and convenient. The pizza place next door is also great.
Colonial Laundromat
Well maintained laundromat, locally owned and convenient. The pizza place next door is also great.

Drinks & Nightlife

Mostly martini bar, part nightclub, plus a dash of restaurant. I heart the Paddock. It's dark, sexy, classy, fun, and they pour a great martini (any one from the multi page menu of options will do, but check for their specials). The first room is your classic cozy martini bar, second a fire-lit lounge with couches and booths, the third space is for live music or events (like Sex Ed Trivia ;). If the kitchen is open try the panko crusted goat cheese with pomegranate glaze and fried pita chips (do it!). Actually, almost everything on their menu is both well conceived and executed. Kitchen hours are somewhat limited, so be sure to check before you plan to eat there.
The Paddock Club
1 Public Square
Mostly martini bar, part nightclub, plus a dash of restaurant. I heart the Paddock. It's dark, sexy, classy, fun, and they pour a great martini (any one from the multi page menu of options will do, but check for their specials). The first room is your classic cozy martini bar, second a fire-lit lounge with couches and booths, the third space is for live music or events (like Sex Ed Trivia ;). If the kitchen is open try the panko crusted goat cheese with pomegranate glaze and fried pita chips (do it!). Actually, almost everything on their menu is both well conceived and executed. Kitchen hours are somewhat limited, so be sure to check before you plan to eat there.
The Warp is definitely a straight up local dive bar: the jukebox may scratch when you walk in the door. However, stay strong, steal a spot at the middle bar, and put in a wing order. They have the BEST wings in town, always fresh/never frozen, with a ridiculous list of sauces. Local faves are Black Betty or Hackers, but they're all good. You're in luck if the FFOG Band is playing, or any other of our local bands. It's also a great place to watch the game, with many a tv screen and NFL Sunday Ticket, plus the most rabid Syracuse fans you'll ever find.
Time Warp Tavern
302 State St
The Warp is definitely a straight up local dive bar: the jukebox may scratch when you walk in the door. However, stay strong, steal a spot at the middle bar, and put in a wing order. They have the BEST wings in town, always fresh/never frozen, with a ridiculous list of sauces. Local faves are Black Betty or Hackers, but they're all good. You're in luck if the FFOG Band is playing, or any other of our local bands. It's also a great place to watch the game, with many a tv screen and NFL Sunday Ticket, plus the most rabid Syracuse fans you'll ever find.
This place is a trip. They actually built out an old car shop, but they did a great job and the food (not one healthy thing on the whole menu) and the staff (ask for Elena) are great, not to mention the cold drinks and outdoor seating. They stay open late for a nightcap too.
Bad Apple Garage
This place is a trip. They actually built out an old car shop, but they did a great job and the food (not one healthy thing on the whole menu) and the staff (ask for Elena) are great, not to mention the cold drinks and outdoor seating. They stay open late for a nightcap too.

Shopping

Plus our one movie theater, which shows ZERO indie flicks but is otherwise quite nice and new. Sigh...
12 locals recommend
Salmon Run Mall
21182 Salmon Run Mall Loop W
12 locals recommend
Plus our one movie theater, which shows ZERO indie flicks but is otherwise quite nice and new. Sigh...
(This place closed, but I can't bring myself to delete the listing just in case it comes back. I miss it so!) Some people know about the bulk food stores of this world, perhaps those who hail from Amish country. Little Barn is a little gem (and one of our three in-county bulk food stores - all fantastic). It's literally in a little old barn with rough wooden floors and poor overhead lighting. It's run by a lovely family (one of the school age girls will likely check you out) who are super helpful and friendly. It has a full service deli with fresh cut steaks, giant marinated chicken breasts, slab bacon (the ONLY bacon I buy), an olive bar and great subs. There's spices, baking basics, homemade granola, fresh ground peanut butter, hot sauces, local cheese, popcorn, local produce, and you best not let your kids spy the candy and snacks aisle.
The Little Barn Bulk Foods
17939 NY-3
(This place closed, but I can't bring myself to delete the listing just in case it comes back. I miss it so!) Some people know about the bulk food stores of this world, perhaps those who hail from Amish country. Little Barn is a little gem (and one of our three in-county bulk food stores - all fantastic). It's literally in a little old barn with rough wooden floors and poor overhead lighting. It's run by a lovely family (one of the school age girls will likely check you out) who are super helpful and friendly. It has a full service deli with fresh cut steaks, giant marinated chicken breasts, slab bacon (the ONLY bacon I buy), an olive bar and great subs. There's spices, baking basics, homemade granola, fresh ground peanut butter, hot sauces, local cheese, popcorn, local produce, and you best not let your kids spy the candy and snacks aisle.
You're in dairy country folks, this is just one of two cheese stores I stop at regularly. This one, however, is where I regularly find legit parm and Humbolt Fog. Recently closed then re-opened under new ownership, but you can't go wrong with cheese!
The Cheese Store of Northern NY
You're in dairy country folks, this is just one of two cheese stores I stop at regularly. This one, however, is where I regularly find legit parm and Humbolt Fog. Recently closed then re-opened under new ownership, but you can't go wrong with cheese!

Entertainment & Activities

(Ugh, also closed, and the restaurant was SO good. Anyways, it's in the middle of some tax fraud issue, but the owner has maintained the greens and you can now walk a gorgeous course for free!) Also, that deer in the pic 100% ate my landscaping on the way to that sand trap. A beautiful golf course, pretty much in my backyard. The bar is cool and classy with good food options, a surprising beer selection, and a professional staff. The walk home takes about 30 seconds, which can't be beat.
Ives Hill Country Club
465 W Flower Ave
(Ugh, also closed, and the restaurant was SO good. Anyways, it's in the middle of some tax fraud issue, but the owner has maintained the greens and you can now walk a gorgeous course for free!) Also, that deer in the pic 100% ate my landscaping on the way to that sand trap. A beautiful golf course, pretty much in my backyard. The bar is cool and classy with good food options, a surprising beer selection, and a professional staff. The walk home takes about 30 seconds, which can't be beat.
Every Wednesday from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. Multiple food trucks, Heidelberg Bakery, live music, kettle corn and sometimes the pickle guy (my favorite). Charming and fun, with a side of slightly annoying parking/traffic on the square.
Watertown Farmers' Market
Every Wednesday from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. Multiple food trucks, Heidelberg Bakery, live music, kettle corn and sometimes the pickle guy (my favorite). Charming and fun, with a side of slightly annoying parking/traffic on the square.
With the rabid downfall of our malls upon us, maybe an Axe Throwing spot will help? For reals though, I've heard folks have a blast here and I hope to try it myself soon!
Kiss My Axe - Watertown, NY
With the rabid downfall of our malls upon us, maybe an Axe Throwing spot will help? For reals though, I've heard folks have a blast here and I hope to try it myself soon!
A quaint little zoo with local fauna and some really, really, really cute otters. I'm not going to lie, quaint means small, but they could use your patronage and the nature setting up on Thompson Park is really lovely.
13 locals recommend
Thompson Park Zoo and Conservancy
1 Thompson Park
13 locals recommend
A quaint little zoo with local fauna and some really, really, really cute otters. I'm not going to lie, quaint means small, but they could use your patronage and the nature setting up on Thompson Park is really lovely.
Haven't tried it yet, but I hope you can find your way out!
Escape the Mystery Room
21182 Salmon Run Mall Loop W
Haven't tried it yet, but I hope you can find your way out!

Sightseeing

The Paddock Arcade is the oldest covered shopping mall still in existence (or something like that). It's adorable and houses this antique shop, a Vietnamese coffee shop, Europe Cakes, a brand new creperie, Johnny D's, the Paddock Arcade, a yoga studio and more.
Paddock Art & Antiques
1 Public Square
The Paddock Arcade is the oldest covered shopping mall still in existence (or something like that). It's adorable and houses this antique shop, a Vietnamese coffee shop, Europe Cakes, a brand new creperie, Johnny D's, the Paddock Arcade, a yoga studio and more.
Even locals take the Uncle Sam Boat Cruise to Boldt on a regular basis. Boldt Castle is a must-see gem of the Thousand Islands.
91 locals recommend
Boldt Castle and Yacht House
1 Heart Island
91 locals recommend
Even locals take the Uncle Sam Boat Cruise to Boldt on a regular basis. Boldt Castle is a must-see gem of the Thousand Islands.
Yes, it's really this cute in person. Cape Vincent is sleepy, but certainly worthy of a visit. There's quite a few seasonal restaurants, a great gift shop (locally made pottery and glass), the ferry to Wolf Island/Canada and it claims the fame of the official meeting point of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
Tibbetts Point Lighthouse
Yes, it's really this cute in person. Cape Vincent is sleepy, but certainly worthy of a visit. There's quite a few seasonal restaurants, a great gift shop (locally made pottery and glass), the ferry to Wolf Island/Canada and it claims the fame of the official meeting point of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.