I used to live around the corner and came here at least once a week and sat at the bar (always) for a few reasons: the staff- a few stragglers from the old crew are still around- yeah Jen! Love the pizza- good south shore bar pie. Cheap draft beers and burgers, good specials. I'm a bit farther away now but try to get back when I can. And no, THEY DIDN'T EXPAND THE DINING ROOM INTO THE SPACE NEXT DOOR! :) read more

Three stars because this is nothing special, just an average neighborhood pub place where you can get a beer and a burger. However, they have entertaining trivia on Thursdays at 8:30pm with a friendly host, it's not too crowded and not too noisy (considering there are TVs in every corner and then some). The basket of fries we got were good but $5.50 seemed borderline steep for the amount. My friends hadn't had dinner yet, so they ordered a burger and a sandwich. Those came with fries on the side and looked very greasy (but then again, who eats a burger for health reasons? :P). Bottom line: I think we'll be back, simply because it's convenient. We also liked the trivia dude. read more

Ehhh....I hate the halfway cafe, but living in Watertown sometimes it is a necessary evil. I hate that you walk in and all the locals look at you like what the F%^K are you doing here? I hate that they ALWAYS get my call in order wrong, even when I double check that they got it right. I hate that the servers and bar staff have ZERO personality. I hate that I have to fend off drunk old men while waiting for my to go order (actually, sometimes they are quite amusing). I do quite enjoy the boneless buffalo wings though, quite tasty indeed! So, go here if you are in the mood for bar food and some interesting locals watching. You will not be disappointed if those are your expectations! read more

I've driven past Halfway Cafe tons of times, and I've been meaning to try it out since it was mentioned in Beantown Bloggery. Today I finally stopped in for lunch and it was awesome. I didn't read any yelp reviews before going, it was just a spontaneous "oh yea, I've been meaning to try this place so let's go" type deal. What I expected was standard pub food. What I got was a new favorite place. Middle of the day Wednesday - lunch. We walk into what seems like a typical sports pub (I love pubs, by the way). It was pretty quiet, but from the moment we sat down and had a big bowl of free popcorn plopped on the table, it was obvious that lunch was going to be epic. My friend and I both ordered off of the 7 for 7 menu. There were signs for it everywhere, but we had to wait for the waitress to explain because no details were giving on the menu or anything. Apparently they have this menu of 7 entrees that cost $7. The 7 for 7 menu changes every month. You might be thinking that this is strictly a soups and sandwiches, cheapy type menu - hell no. I got an amazing (and filling) riblet plate and my friend got this tortellini thing (i have no idea what it was, but he loved it and it filled him up). On top of that, the fries are "endless" - definitely didn't need a fries refill though. I think drink refills are also free, but I'm not sure because I got water. I can definitely say that the water was free though. We weren't there to drink, but I took a look at the beer list and drink menu anyways. Cheap beer! Woohoo! I think PBRs were $1.75 and then Coors light, Buds, Bud Light, and some others were $2.25. So let's tally this up: Awesome food, good prices, free popcorn, endless fries and drinks (i think), cheap beer, good location, and friendly service. 5 stars, easy. read more

Hit this place again, today....for a little lunchie munchie action. Loved the place from before...so my bud and I headed down so he could check it out. We hit lunch just in time...as when we walked in, we were probably the 4th table there...plenty of room... However, shortly after, the place was hoppin'...and our poor waitress seemed to be the only one runnin' today...she had some help from somebody in the kitchen to run food, but she was definitely earning her keep today. I had to get the Pub Pizza again...with some pepperoni. I think I must have said I'd like a Pepperoni and Cheese Pizza...cuz somehow the Kitchen guy that was helping out came out with both a Pepperoni AND a Cheese Pizza. Before we could object, he was gone in a flash. The waitress noticed the mistake later...and boxed up the Cheese for us anyway...not chargin' us for the mistake...very cool of her, but we helped make up for the diff in the tip anyway. This pizza isn't the best pie ever, but for just about $6.50, this piping hot pub pizza is pretty good. My buddy, who is an avid pizza fan too, wasn't "quite" as impressed...but said it was pretty decent as it was fresh. We agreed that this pie might not be so good if you took it home or got it delivered. We both got the Steak Tips...he opted for the Mashed Potatoes and I got the "signature" french fries. Nothing fancy on my fries, like Chili-n-Cheese, Brown Gravy, or just Cheese...I just like mine straight up with a little salt and ketchup. Unless of course Malt Vinegar is available, which I don't think it is here. The Steak Tips were really good. I don't know what sauce they use, but it's sort of a BBQ/Teriyaki sauce...which is very tasty, but not overwhelming. The steak is cooked to your liking...might I suggest Medium...for some very tender slabs of meaty goodness. My bud wasn't crazy about his garlic-mashed potatoes. Probably not b/c they were bad, but like me, he is not crazy about garlic in his mashed potatoes either. Anyway, you'd think my bud might be sour about driving down there...having not loved the pie and not cared for his mash...but all the same, he had tried my fries and really liked them...and he commented he knew he would have loved the place, just may have ordered the wrong potato side. Our bill was a little high today...with both entrees and pies...but this place is not expensive. I'd put one $ symbol down, but I can't just order only an entree and a drink, so if you can...then yeah, you'll get outta there for around $10. Enjoy a great lunch/dinner down there some time...side it up with a drink of choice, (full bar), and watch your fave sport event. read more

I don't think I've ever eaten here, but they have 10-12 beers on tap and usually have some interesting choices. The service is solid and they have PBR on tap. Plus, they give you free popcorn if you sit at the bar. Can't beat that. read more

The place is really nice inside, I have eaten there at least a DOZEN times, However there food had gone down hill, watch out for the nasty tasting Turkey burgers , the fries had so much salt on them, i had to drink 2 waters down,. they really went down hill. read more

I'll come here for lunch/dinner and trivia nights on Tuesdays. Great environment, awesome beer selection, and friendly staff. Food is better than comparable American restaurants. They always serve complimentary popcorn which is awesome. read more

Halfway Cafe is a great spot for takeout or if you just want a casual night of dining in a bar. The restaurant is full of tv's, keno and great people. The food is even better and you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Halfway Cafe takes bar food to the next level by having exceptional dishes. Only con - there isn't one closer to my house read more

Great prices on draft beer to start with, I usually get Budwieser or a PBR for $2--they serve complimentary terribly tasty perfectly over salted popcorn which is the BOMB! I have had primarily their burgers which are all very tasty and cooked to your order- my favorite burger is their "Smokehouse" burger, try if you love BBQ sauce and hickory bacon. Chilli cheese fries are also on the menu, and are #Awesome! I'm bias towards them because they are good and loaded with chunky chilli and melty cheese on a big plater. I typically sit at the bar, so I can't speak to table seat, however this place is very cool, can be get a little crowded, but never uncomfortable, so that being said I am sure the service is equal bar/table. Jenn and Tim are two bar keeps / servers I know from dinning -- highly attentive to an empty glass, or requests for anything. Prices are very fair, portions are bigger than anywhere else, the food is always good. There are a lot of TVs there, Keno too. Parking is never an issue in this area of Watertown. Get there and Enjoy! read more

Never disappointed when I walk into halfway. I always enjoy the nachos with Buffalo chicken :) Food is very yummy!

I loved everything about this place. A great bar type scene for casual family or friend dining. The staff all was so friendly and they all clearly worked very well together. They also would assist each other's tables and were always willing to help. Great prices. Great service. Great popcorn! I will most definitely return. read more

I would have left a 5 star review, as their food is good enough to bring me back every week, but they got rid of downeast cider without consulting their customers, and don't have any plans to bring it back. Bring back the downeast! read more

Halfway Cafe wants one thing from their customers: They want you OUT. (And the next customer in.) Here's what they blast through 200 table-side speakers: . Livin' La Vida Loca . Chaka Khan, I Feel For You . Pump Up the Volume . Macarena . We Built This City on Rock and Roll . My Humps . James Blundt - You're Beautiful. Otherwise, good food, good prices, good people, good times. read more

This was my neighborhood bar when I lived in Watertown. Perfect mix of people: Young and old, townie and effete liberals, perfect smiles and toothless. Only one thing you need to order: SAFARI DOG. This kielbasa-esqe hot dog is so big that no plate can contain it. It droops off the ends and touches the table. I defy anyone to finish it, bun and all. This will give you a meat hangover. read more

Turns out, sometimes the bartenders only know you by face (haha). Lunch and beers on a Sunday, nice and quiet, plenty of TV to watch. I got all you can eat wings, but barely cleared a plate, though I thought they were good (spicy)... I had just filled up on beer. read more

We LOVE Halfway Cafe! Our go to spot for consistently delicious food, great beer and friendly staff. Definitely recommend the veggie burger (my personal fave) or the chicken parm sub. read more

After a long day of family holiday parties my boyfriend and I went here looking for a drink; we found great wings, and a nice bar to go to in the future. The food was delicious, staff was good(they share responsibilities so there is very little to be missed) and the place is clean compared to some of the other locations that I have been to. Unfortunately, we tried to go back here on a weekend night and it was so packed that we couldn't get any parking so we left. If you drive there, enter the parking lot with caution, very easy to bottom out a car because there seems to be a pothole at the entrance. read more

Halfway actually has a pretty decent lunch meal. I came back in here a few months ago for one of my co-workers birthdays and we all enjoyed our meals thoroughly, so much, all of us cleaned our plates. Their lunch menu is all under $10 and they also have a menu of 7 for $7 in addition to their lunch menu. And yes there is free popcorn! While I want to bump them up a star for all this, I can't. Let's make it 3.5 but keep it 3. Mostly due to it's clientele during the evenings. It would be 4 stars for lunch and 3 for late night, so an avg. of 3.5 stars at best. read more

If the Halfway was listed as a bar instead of a restaurant, I definitely would have given it that fifth star. It's either a restaurant with solid family restaurant-type food, or it's a bar with absolutely fabulous pub food. Either way, the people there are incredibly friendly, the drinks are made perfectly, and the TVs are always tuned to whatever the best thing going is. I love this place. If I hadn't moved out of Massachusetts, I'd probably be there right now. Oh, and the boneless wings are so good they haunt my dreams. read more

When we're in the mood for some good American, we go to the Halfway Cafe in Watertown. The food is pretty cheap, and they have a good selection of beers and a full bar. Try the sweet potato fries as a side with your entree. If you're in a rush though, the service isn't always the fastest. read more

The Halfway Cafe goes all the way. They have your standard bar food, but at a whole other level. We went to check it out because we were told about a half pound hot dog. We didn't order it but had seen it when someone else ordered it, it was very big and we almost wished we had ordered it. Instead my boyfriend ordered a burger so big even he couldn't finish it. I had a swish chard ravioli, it was unique and different, I'm not sure I would order it again because the burgers were so perfectly cooked. You get a lot of food for a very fair price. We had the sampler trio and almost didn't make it to the main course. The wings were great, they were spicy and sweet, and a little crunchy. fried pickles were not for us, but they were the only time I had ever tried them and the batter stayed around the pickle and didn't fall off. The staff made our experience great, they were always available to answer questions or bring more sauces. They were very friendly. read more

Hmm. My experience here seems to have differed from a majority of the Yelpers here. I'd describe this place as a cramped. dive bar-y setting. The decor is a little erratic, and there are a ton of tvs broadcasting the sports event du jour. But it's a sports bar, so that's pretty much par for the course. We had great service. Our server (Tameia?) was super friendly, efficient, and made sure our glasses were never empty for long. I ordered a small pizza with buffalo chicken. It wasn't fantastic, but well, it's bar pizza. If I wanted great pizza, I'd go to Emma's (I'm just too lazy to cross the river). This sufficed. They certainly didn't skimp with the topping. I actually had to scrape some of the chicken off (though note that I'm not a big meat eater). My fellow Yelper ordered buffalo wings and actually liked them; he's usually pretty difficult to please when it comes to this sort of thing, so score one for Halfway. I've been here once, so it gets a tenuous four stars, up for further review. I plan on returning and updating this review if it seems that I got lucky tonight. read more

I love that this restaurant has 2 different sizes for Downeast Cider, and fresh popcorn from a popcorn machine while you wait for your food or just drink and watch the game. Several TVs make for watching whatever game you're looking for relatively easy. Both times I've gone we did have to wait a little while to have our drink/food order taken, and it took quite a while to come out. The bartenders have been pretty good, making sure our drinks were refilled when they got low, though it seems they may have been understaffed from time to time. I was kind of expecting more of a coffee house aesthetic based on the name, but overall a good place to get a drink, an app, and watch a game. read more

Bravo to the bartender who manages to create a tasty margarita out of readymade mix. She was also helpful at suggesting drinks to one of my friends who could not make up his mind. I was sad that they no longer serve the Key Lime Martini that's on their drink menu.. something about no longer carrying one of the ingredients. The bar food being served around me looked pretty good, and they seem to have late night eats available (at least according to a menu I spotted). The crowd was a nice mix of people at the younger and older ends of the age spectrum. I'd go back any time. read more

Free popcorn! The food is yummy, definitely above average, atmosphere is cosy, and price is pretty cheap (look around for beer special, usually there are some ... like $2.25 Miller Lite Draft). I'd watch the Sox game there anytime if a friend ask. and munch on wings or tator skins and such. Or splurge on "Seven for Seven (7 items on the menu that are $7 each)" dinners... Burger is good, too, and you know what, I really don't mind those "Pub Pizza" either (I know it doesn't sound good). I even crave it sometimes, to tell you the truth. read more

Half way is wicked good. They serve popcorn while you are looking at their menu which is kinda nice(and salty.) Everything i have eaten here i have really liked and i have gone here quite a bit, don't know why i didn't review it earlier! my favorite is their special 'Buzz Sauce" for their bone-in or boneless wings. they also have very good burgers, and a full bar which is nice. sometimes it gets a little crowded in there but if you really hungry then you can deal. they also take orders for pick up. yummy yummy. read more

My wife and I saw the half way cafe on phantom gourmet and decided to try it. Very happy that we did, and we will be returning. The service was amazing, the food was really good and the portions were big. It was very clean inside, and the wait staff was prompt and friendly! read more

When one goes to out to eat, you generally have a few feelings after you finish. You are either still hungry, not hungry, pleasantly full, or feeling bloated. This was a feeling bloated kind of place. This isn't to say that the food wasn't tasty, it was, but the food is heavy, and that can lead to feeling overfull. So overfull in fact, that this morning my girlfriend and I didn't eat breakfast, because we were still not hungry from the food the night before. This was actually the second time we've been at the building, the first time it was jammed packed and we didn't feel like waiting for a seat. Last night we got in and got a seat right before a rush happened. They gave us popcorn to start while we wait. Shockingly enough they asked for ID for alcohol. While my girlfriend didn't have her ID with her, we were actually cool with this, because hey, it's a place of business, and they want to make sure that they aren't serving minors, I give them props for that. We started with the sampler platter. We got our chicken tenders with buffalo sauce. Their chicken tenders are really like boneless wings as they have just deboned the two parts of the wing and kept the meat locked together. They were pretty good. The Potato skins were so so. The mozzarella sticks were okay, and the nachos were, well, there. My girlfriend got the spicy pineapple wings. A single serving was either 6 tenders or 11 wings. Looking at the size of the tenders, and the wings, if you want more for the money, get the wings. She thought it was good, though it could have had more pineapple in the flavor. I got a burger and fries. It was charbroiled, but honestly I couldn't tell until about the last bite of the burger. I was expecting a little bit more. The services was pretty good (though I believe I was given a diet coke instead of a regular coke in my refill). We have other places to try while in the area, but we didn't leave the place thinking "OH MY GOD We have to come back!" we left the place thinking "Thank god we are walking cause how rich the food was is not a pleasant sensation" and talking about other places we would want to try before going back. So, for bar food, to say split an appetizer or two with it is fine. Just realize that if you eat beyond that, you might be paying for that with your appetite later. read more

I miss my Halfway Cafe Steamers! I haven't been here is a while but when I could afford the gas for more trips to Watertown, I really enjoyed the steamers here and so did my Dad. When I went out with the girls a couple of weeks ago someone mentioned being here and it stirred the tummy emotions to want to come back for those yummy little steamer treats. Steak here was decent and I like the air popped popcorn too. You have to like the smell of popcorn to come here though since you can't miss it. Parking was always a bit of a problem because the lot is pretty small and street parking is usually scarce but the steamers were worth the effort. Great place for all generations - kids love the popcorn as well. read more

Tried this place out for the first time as it is right down the street from my house. After reading some of the other reviews on here it seemed like a decent place to grab a bite to eat on a lonely sunday night. I was right. The place is kinda small, but not sooo cramped that ya feel claustrophic. The waitstaff are all very friendly though I must say not the most attentive I've ever been served by. They didn't offer to refill my drink till I was done with my meal. And then it took another couple minutes for them to get me my check. The food itself was pretty good. Nothing spectacular but worth how much it cost. Which was about average for pubfare between 7-10$ for most things on the menu. Overall I will probably come back to this place due to it's convienience but I dont think I would go out of my way for it. read more

I haven't been here in forever! But it was the first bar I'd ever been to, and to me, this was the template of what ever bar should have been like. I'll never forget the popcorn they serve you for free! That's genius right off the bat! And they're good, too. A little buttered, but nevertheless a great snack to snack on while you wait for the cavalry to arrive. The burgers here were of a good size too if I'm not mistaken, and were damn good! I used to get a philly burger all the time. And I remember when I was 16, when I came here for the first time, my friends made a bet with me that I wouldn't go talk to one of two really cute twins at the bar area. I did. Nothing happened after that. Why am I mentioning this? Because... if you're single, I'm trying to say that good looking girls do come by here once in a while! Everytime I've gone, there have been some hotties. The only bone I can pick with this place is the fact that it's too small; finding a seat will be a little tough. But otherwise, this is the place to watch a sports game or hit on women if you're in my hometown- WATATOWN! read more

I've lived in the neighborhood for quite a few years, but was not aware of this place. About three weeks ago, a few of us decided to go there for dinner and drinks. The place is small but the staff is great. We were served by a friendly Bartender name Chris and welcomed by a wonderful guy name Jose. Only later on I found out he was actually the GM. Definitely enjoyed my first visit there and left with a smile. That was my absolutely first time there. As you can see I don't have a common name. A few of us decided to go back last night. Was thrilled to see both Jose and Chris working, however I was totally amazed when they welcome me back by calling my first name. This is not common in service industry since they see several customers every night. Jose and Chris were on their toes making sure anything we needed, they were there to assist. Noticed the other staff also friendly and working hard, including friendly cook from Mexico (Sorry, don't remember his name.) Quality of the food and cleanliness of the place are important to me, but how the customers are being treated is probably more important to me. I would recommend Halfway Café in Watertown to my friends and family. They also have a Trivia on Tuesday night. read more

Very solid, inexpensive pub food. Would recommend. Loud, but fun atmosphere. Popcorn served when sat down, good to pacify toddler. Good beer list. Burgers average, but good. French fries good. read more

@HalfwayCafe I patron at your #WatertownMA establishment tonight. Your male bartender overcharges me 2 beverages. I asked him to correct the bill and he says this: "You're gonna teach me a lesson because I fucked up. You leave no tip .Get the fuck out of here!" My following now knows. read more

Good beers on tap, solid food, nothing special. Thats about it. Oh, free popcorn while you wait for your food. Which has been upwards of 30 minutes on at least one occasion. I'm not sure if they made us wait because we were drinking bar-ordered beer at a table and wanted us to order another round on the table's tab, but the waitress conveniently came over the second our beers got below 1/2 way and asked if we wanted another - on her tab. She made sure we knew that part. The 7-specials-for-$7 is a decent list of food, and the quality isn't bad. I'll go back once in a while just because it's convenient, and they've got a ton of TV's to watch the game. read more

Free popcorn, friendly staff, good prices and huge portions! The tv's are always playing some sports games, but it's not overly loud. I enjoy the friendly atmosphere. The bar always looks really busy. Sign up for their email club and get a free meal for your birthday! I love their steak tips with "buzz" marinade. read more

Wonderful place. Food is always great, waitresses are fast and friendly, though it is constantly busy, never need to wait more than 10 minutes. And you cannot beat the 7 for 7. Trivia there is a blast. Bartenders are willing to put on any game you want. Men's room is always spotless, unlike a lot of restaurants in the area. great prices, tons of parking, great location, definitely a first choice when I want a casual night out with some pub fare. read more

My son & I stopped by today for a late lunch/early dinner. Enjoyed a delicious burger with great fries - and only $5 Thank you halfway cafe. Question: my rewards card would not work, originally signed up in Marlboro. When will they combine restaurants? read more

The food specials were great! Service was fantastic and our server/bartender Katie was so personable and very helpful! Definitely recommend to stop by if anyone is every in the area. read more