Zwiegs Grill opened Memorial Day weekend in 1946. It opened my Helen and Grover Zwieg. Glenn, their 2nd child purchased it in the mid 70's and has run it since then with his "Heart on her sleeve" wife. She has been the full-time morning cook for several years and a darn good one at that! They offer actual home cooked meals, the old-fashioned way, made there daily. Fresh patties are used for their burgers from a local butcher. If you are old enough to remember the show ALICE, that is exactly the type of place this is! A diner that is family, all the way down to the regular customers that come in. They say, "Home is where the heart is," and in my case, and many others, this is true..... Thanks for the great memories. Thank you for being my support group for the majority of my life and giving me a place to call home! Get a job you love, and it will never be going to work. It's just going home.... Carol Aka: short stuff, Ditzy and LB. read more

Love it! We like the burgers and fries. We have a great time everytime we go here. I recommend the burgers with onions.

Terrible food. Terrible service. Hotter than Phoenix in July. Was there with my wife and mother. It was 80 degrees outside and about 110 degrees inside the restaurant. Tables were too close together. My breakfast was perhaps the worst that I ever had. My hash browns were black, toast was cold, eggs were inedible. My wife's pancakes were charred. We had 3 or 4 bites then told the waitress that the food was awful. She said, "what am I supposed to do about it?" How about offer to remake the food or take it off our bill? I wanted to leave money for the sodas and leave. My wife insisted we pay the full bill even though we ate 5% of our atrocious food. It pained me to pay for such a terrible experience. I travel extensively and have eaten at restaurants in 36 of the 50 states and this is the worst breakfast and second worst meal at a restaurant that I have ever had. Only the Luxor Casino buffet in Las Vegas was worse and that's only because it made my wife and I horribly sick. I have to assume that based on the fact that the restaurant was packed, that most people around here have never left this area and actually experienced edible restaurant food before. read more

tl;dr Zwieg's is the definition of a greasy spoon. You can decide if that is a positive or not. I've had Zwieg's bookmarked for almost a year, so I was excited to finally be in Watertown around lunchtime. The interior is as expected for an oder joint. It's a small building with counter service, an addition with some tables, and that's about it. Everything is clean, just dated, which is just A-OK in my book for a place like this. I ordered the cheeseburger with grilled onions, as well as the onion rings and a soda. My mother ordered the reuben (she orders a reuben at every restaurant we go to), soup of the day which was turkey dumpling, and a chocolate milk. My mom felt the soup was too salty, so I finished it for her. I liked the thicker broth, the dumplings were good, and the turkey was a nice change from the usual chicken. Sure, it was a tad salty, but I'd order it again. Our main meals came out, and, well, my excitement for Zwieg's diminished. The reuben, for being one of the most expensive sandwiches on the menu, was one of the worst my mom has ever had. She said it was essentially a cheap grilled cheese with a few thin pieces of bland, perhaps even canned, corned beef. The cheeseburger was in dire need of seasoning. The burger was just a bland mess. On a positive note, they didn't skimp on the grilled onions. It was actually way more than needed, so I brushed a good chunk of them off and I happily devoured them with a fork. The breading of the onion rings were soft and fell apart as soon as you touched them. Somehow, our bill was over $20. I grabbed a menu and added it all up, and it was correct... but that was way more than we expected for a small and mediocre lunch. I doubt I'll be back... the only thing making me consider a second try is that they serve broasted chicken, which seems to have a good amount of positive reviews. read more

Zwieg's Grill - Cheeseburger with grilled onions, onion rings, and a cup of turkey dumpling soup. - American Near Me - Watertown, Wisconsin

Flattop grill- ordered a double cheese burger. The patties are premade 1/4 patties. Cooked with no seasoning Crinkle cut fries and soda. Soda was good and the fries also. The burger left a lot to be desired that wasn't there. What drew me in was the sign out front about being established 1946 Not worth the return read more

A cute little diner, kind of like the old days. Traditional foods with breakfast all day. I had a double burger and fries. AND THE FRIES HAD NO SKINS!! yeah yeah. My wife had a patty melt with extra cheese and she said it was excellent. The restaurant is clean and nicely decorated. The waitress (Carol) was friendly and rather funny. Our meal arrived quickly and was nice and hot. Prices very reasonable. Nice to go to a place that serves the basics without a bunch of weird things on the menu that are hard to pronounce! read more

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I stumbled on this place about a week ago and since I was going to be kind of in the area I stopped and I put it on my list of old school places I was going to try that day. This place is more than 50 years old so they must be doing something right. The place is small with an l shaped old school lunch counter with a small dining room on the side. There is a grill area behind the lunch counter and a kitchen in the back. The place looks like it has expanded over the years with additional add on to the building that don't match. I know they are known for the burgers but I saw a broasted chicken dinner on the menu I knew what I was having. It is a half children, 4 pieces with a fresh roll, potato, coleslaw and cranberry sauce. I chose the mash and gravy as my potato and knew minutes later that I made a mistake because I saw a box of hungry Jack instant potatoes in the kitchen so I got worried about the whole meal. One very good sign is that the chicken is cooked to order, thank you and see my pictures. The chicken took a little while so I chatted up the servers and everyone was very nice with the whole service I received. The chicken looked and smelled good I must say. The mash and gravy were was just ok with the potatoes being very loose for mash potatoes. The food was served hot so be carefully especially the chicken. OMG, OMG, OMG was the chicken super moist and juicy with a nice thin crispy coating of what ever they coat the chicken with. The chicken was tender and juicy and not tough at all like some lay around fried chicken can be. Over all the chicken was very good but it could have been seasoned better and I did have the option to salt it up but I didn't because it was still good. The broasted chicken was a great example of broasted/fried chicken that had everything going for it that I like. I would definitely try to get over to them again when I'm in the area and probably never have there famous burger after having the broasted chicken. Great job and two thumbs up. read more

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Was passing through Watertown, had skipped lunch, and really only needed a snack to hold me through until dinner. Was planning on getting some sort of value menu deal from Hardee's but they let me down. But what's this hole in the wall dinner that looks unchanged since the 1960s? I love those type of places. I walk in, there's a lunch counter, a menu on the wall, and a griddle right in front. Cash only. I'm the only customer and the server is friendly. I ask for recommendations but she's no help in narrowing it down. So many things are good. Prime Rib burger catches my eye. Never heard of that, but I need to try it. Bacon and grilled onions? Yes. It was good enough to not need any sauce and I ate it en route to my next appointment, grease dripping into my beard. I dont know what reason I'd have to be in Watertown but dammit I'm going to find one. read more

Great little place in Watertown we found when passing through. Our granddaughters said their chicken strips were the best ever. I tried one and agree. Nice seasoning and juicy on the inside. There is a nice patio for eating outside with flowers all around it. read more

Prime Rib Burger Fresh Roll Pizza Burger Reuben Slider Smothered Chicken Sandwich Swiss Steak Chicken & Dumpling Soup Broasted Fish Cheeseburger Chicken Strips Dumplings read more

Greasy spoon to the max! A quintessential small town diner. I loved everything about this place and could only wish that my Dad would have been able to experience this joint with me (RIP). The place itself was cute! Around since 1946 means they can't be too bad... right? This is the type of place with friendly folks with big smiles on both sides of the counter to welcome new faces. I am a firm believer that you have to have a cheeseburger with grilled onions when you see a diner grill (or is it a griddle? ). The Husband asked some folks what they were having or what their favorite thing to get was so we could make sure to get the 'good stuff'. That lead us to the pizza burger. There was only pizza seasoning and cheese...no sauce. That was... different. At least we can say we tried it. I'm glad we stopped and experienced old Watertown! read more

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This is the type of diner, greasy spoon joint that I live for. Killer food, killer prices, small and cozy, full of great personality workers, and worth the drive no matter where you are from. Burgers are made fresh and right behind the counter. This place has been around for 69 years and they definitely know what they are doing and will easily be around for another 69 years. read more

Zwieg's Grill - Double with bacon and fried onions. - American Near Me - Watertown, Wisconsin

This was my first time here and I thought it was just okay. However, I did not order the chicken which I learned is their go to dish. I ordered a grilled ham and cheese and it was good. My family who was with me swear by the chicken and broasted potatoes so if you conne, order that. The burgers looked good as well. Starting is limited as well as parking. They only accept cash for payment but they do have an ATM onsite. read more

Zwieg's Grill - Martin eating area - American Near Me - Watertown, Wisconsin

Interesting to watch them cook. Server shoves food in her face as she is cooking from containers. Caught other cook from the back resting her hands on open trash can. Not happy Bob. read more

Nice little place. We had the chicken dinner which was perfect, crispy outside, juicy inside. Try the pie! Had the strawberry rhubarb a la mode. read more

Zwieg's Grill - American Near Me - Watertown, Wisconsin

I've been going to zweigs since I was a little girl. My favorite memory is going there every week with my dad. This place will always feel special to me and their food is amazing. Their burgers are my favorite! read more

I love litl family owned eating establishments. My fiance's friend works here, so we popped in one day for lunch. The place is TINY but not cramped (we didn't sit at the counter because we got a litl one) which is great, because nothing is worse than bumping elbows with the person at the next table... i absolutely *MUST* put emphasis on those deep fried broccoli cheddar squares. They are seriously, honestly, matter-of-factly the best appetizer i have ever eaten. Not too much cheese, not too much broccoli, not too much breading. It is the perfect combination of all three flavors. The portion size is right too, you get 5 to an order to share and quite frankly, even if you ate them all by yourself, they're so rich in flavor you'd have a hard time polishing off an entire order alone. I also ordered a bowl of chicken & dumpling soup which, with a dash of S&P definitely was what my hunger was in search of. It's really hard to find a chicken/dumpling soup that isn't either a watery mess to eat (and be like caveman and drink rest) or a super heavy cream based soup that makes you feel miserable as it sticks to your guts halfway through. The consistency was JUST RIGHT! Our servers (both times we were there) were very nice, helpful with suggestions, and kept our drink glasses full. Definitely and easily one of my FAVORITE places to eat in watertown. read more

Zwieg's is legendary in the Watertown area. They do breakfast like the best old-school diners, and have a pretty fantastic burger for lunch. Sit at the counter...trust me. read more

It's definitely a greasy spoon, and I know a lot of people who adore the old-style diner feel, but my burger was a little too greasy. My husband got the Patty melt and french fries, a little bland but decent none the less. The best part was when I also got the fried pickles and wow they were good. Small space, older building, only takes cash. Not my favorite place but an ok stop. read more

Great little place with awesome staff and food! We ended up finding this place through help when staying in a small town nearby. The food was just like mom cooked it! Highly recommended!! read more

Zwieg's has decent food but the experience is truly unique. Sit at the counter and you will be mingling with regulars shooting the breeze. I initially was impressed by our sole waitress who was taking orders (without writing a single thing down she even remembered my choosing no cheese on my sandwich), grilling up/preparing food, running the cash register, operating a mini dishwasher, and getting updates on the lives of Watertown locals. I first ventured to try a fried pickle; it was okay but the batter was slightly undercooked and too squishy to be appetizing. For my main course I had the smothered chicken sandwich; grilled chicken breast (precooked and not very "meaty") with nicely grilled peppers, mushrooms, and onions served on a roll. On the side I got a slice of Wisconsin cheese which I am told by my friend who ate it, that it was delicious. The sandwich was good (chicken breast would have been better if it was fresh cooked) so I had to go for desert. The diner consensus on desert was to get the "chocolate cream pie". A flaky pie crust with a chocolate filing similar to chocolate pudding topped with Wisconsin dairy cream. The chocolate part was ok, but the cream was amazing; fluffy, sweet, with a creamy taste, this cream would be great on any pie. The décor, size, decent food and dining experience take you back to a 1950's diner making it well worth to make it out here! read more

Zwieg's Grill - Welcome back to the 1950's - American Near Me - Watertown, Wisconsin

Burger in under 5 mins during a busy lunch time. Awesome homemade soup. Should be on DDD read more

Zwieg's Grill - Homemade chicken dumpling - American Near Me - Watertown, Wisconsin

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Short version: small greasy spoon with good food at a good price. Long version: This place has a great old-school diner feel, and the food to match. We stopped here for lunch while traveling for work, based on what we read on Yelp. We both got cheeseburgers and fries, which arrived piping hot and wonderfully greasy. Nothing fancy about either, the perfect combo of white bread, white potato, and American cheese that just works so well. We also had a piece of coconut cream pie, and it was delicious. Food came fast, service was friendly, prices super reasonable. We make this trip once a year, and plan to stop again. read more

From the bar counter and stools to the flies buzzing around the food. Classic small town dinner serving grease food and fond memories of an era gone by. Stick to the breakfast items or burger and fries. Cash or check only - otherwise you'll leave with dishpan hands... read more

Zwieg's Grill - Dinning area - American Near Me - Watertown, Wisconsin

Neighborhood diner family owned. Nothing special or unexpected on the menu. Good food, great prices, friendly FAST service. Cash only! Sausage gravy tasted pre-fab not homemade. Stop in for the hometown atmosphere. read more

IT SMELLS AWFUL! I know the place has been around forever, but really - could someone clean the grill? Our burgers also tasted like 40 year old grease. We ordered a malt - (a rare treat) and there was no malt that we could taste. It was just a milk shake. Our server was nice. I had to get up and refill my own water, though. Apparently the servers are also the ones to cook and make the "malts", so there's no time for them to refill sodas and waters. Just the smell alone makes me positive that I won't go back. read more

I hadn't been to this Watertown icon in years, and now I remember why. It stinks. The waitress was incredibly rude. She literally said "good morning... well it's not really good so I guess it's just a morning" then walked away. She was not capable of taking our food and beverage order at the same time - literally told us no. Our sodas were all flat. I just couldn't bring myself to even stick around for the food. We paid for our $2 (yes $2 each) sodas and left. read more

You know how, when you get a McDonalds cheeseburger, on the first bite you think "hey, this is pretty tasty!"; on the second bite you're not so sure, and by the third bite you realize you've made a huge mistake? Zweigs' cheeseburger is like having the first bite all the way through, except fresher and more flavourful - i.e. the ideal diner cheeseburger. Highly recommended. read more

Best burgers around hands down. Love the unchanged atmosphere. Old diner feel is definitely there. A must try is your in town

It's ok, nothing special about the steak and eggs I got. I received someone else's OJ and waited for the cup of coffee that I ordered as soon as I sat down only a few minutes before my breakfast arrived. An FYI, they ONLY except cash or checks from locals. They have an ATM, but of course there's a fee and if you get fees from the bank it can cost you $7 just to get money. I remember going with my grandma as a child, it's really the only reason I stop by once every 3-5 years. read more

Burgers and mozzarella sticks are decent, and the prices are affordable. Nice staff with a diner environment.

I basically grew up with Zweig's Grill. This place is a major Historical Landmark that Still is OPEN, Thank GOD! I stopped in again today March 10th, 2012 around noontime. The place was jam packed! No an open seat anywhere, but that didn't discourage me. I forget the names of the 2 fine waitress/counter/grill cooks, but they were Hopping! The one young lady took my order. I ordered it to go, seeing as there was nowhere to sit. This gave me a chance to watch 2 young ladies 'knock it out of the park' so to speak. WTG!! They were bustin' their humps bigtime to keep up and what an Outstanding job they did!! I tip my hat to them! The fact that the place was jam packed is, to this day, a fine testament to this awesome business kept going since the late 40's, if my memory serves me correctly. But i got the usual 2 burgers with fried onions, french fries, and a chocolate malt. OMG! So delicious!! The wait was so completely worth it!! If you are ever in the Watertown WI area, this is a MUST visit! You won't regret it! Take a Bow ladies. There is the one who works in the back also, must not forget her! 3 women were going like crazy to keep up and did a superb job!! Many many thanks! You know I will be back! :) Thanks for an awesome Lunch!! :) Paul Johnson Lake Mills resident now, but born and raised in Wttn WI read more

Great cafe with awesome personality! The staff are super friendly that you'll want to go back just to say hi! Homemade real mash potatoes!! A lot of great homemade food. And fast service!! read more

Everything I had here was great, they burgers, breakfast, Swiss steak, everything !!!!!!!!!! A must try spot & tha service was great one of my favorite in town..... read more

Zwieg's grill manages to pull of the old fashioned diner feel really well. Between having a food counter and a rather small dining room, the waitstaff they do have manages to make your visit extraordinary. Often times, there is one person working the whole restaurant, taking care of serving, taking orders and running the cash register all while catching up on the lives of the locals. Low prices and high quality of food make Zwieg's grill a worth while stop, if you're in the area. read more

Stopped in randomly on a visit from Madison. Hands down one of the best cheeseburgers I've ever had. It's a joint that has been run by the same family for over 50 years. A great experience. Food was very inexpensive. People should cherish places like this and should frequent them often before they are all completely gone. If I lived in Watertown, I'd be there once a week or so. read more

Although the atmosphere has a lot to be desired, they have comfort food that tastes great!

We've never had a bad experience here. The food and service are always good. Friday fish fries are great and a lot of food for the money. Their burgers are fantastic, too. read more

Small 50s diner with both the feel and food that goes along. Reasonably priced, but can get pretty crowded at times. Comes with popularity and a good location. read more

Food are of mediocre quality, overpriced. Service is above average, this place is overrated and not recommended.