Watertown’s newest restaurant has been over 20 years in the making.
Restaurateur Kyle Lalim says he opened The Local in December 2025 with the goal of introducing distinctive flavors, crafted beverages, and a warm, inviting atmosphere to downtown.
Lalim and executive chef Robert Johnson combined their decades of seasoned backgrounds in the food and beverage industry to create a revolving menu inspired by memorable culinary moments in their lives.
“The menu was inspired by many of the things I’ve eaten while traveling,” said Lalim. “We wanted to offer dishes you can’t get locally.”
HARRY’S HOMAGE
The Local is located at 16 West Kemp Avenue, which was previously home to Harry’s bar and restaurant. In memory of Harry’s, they do Burger of the Week that changes every Monday.
The Local prides itself on house-made, chef-inspired ingredients in dishes like the Coffee Crusted Pork Tenderloin with pork tenderloin on chef ’s choice of potato with vegetables, drizzled with demi glace.
Lalim’s favorite is The Mediterranean Pasta.
“I love it because it’s light and vibrant with a lot of amazing flavors,” he said. “I love the combination of sun-dried tomatoes and the briny pop you get from the feta cheese and kalamata olives.”
Other items that are a must for Lalim are the Gochujang Pork Belly for an appetizer and the S’more Balls for dessert.
Johnson’s go-to on the menu: The Spicy Bolognese Pasta.
“The recipe is fun to prep, and the flavor is absolutely amazing,” he said. “I virtually eat a small portion of this every day I’m in our kitchen.”
MORE ON THE MENU
STARTERS
Caprese Salad
Mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes, and chopped basil drizzled with olive oil and 18-year-old balsamic.
ENTRÉES
Pan-Seared Halibut
Served with lemon caper beurre blanc sauce, market vegetables, and accompaniment.
Coffee-Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin perched atop accompaniment and market vegetables, topped with a drizzle of demi glaze.
DESSERT
Chocolate Hazelnut Crepe Cake
Chocolate hazelnut mousse layered between crepes with whipped topping and fresh mint.
S’more Balls
A puff pastry filled with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham cracker crumble, sided with a bourbon caramel and cayenne chocolate dipping sauces.
Shrimp Cocktail
Large Tiger Shrimp served with a house-made cocktail sauce with a grilled lemon wheel.
The team has just as much fun with experimenting and handcrafting the drink menu, which they describe as “meticulously crafted pre-Prohibition cocktails.”
“We pride ourselves on our ingredients,” said Lalim. “We make our own grenadine, simple syrup, and squeeze juices fresh daily. That attention to detail comes out on your palate.”
Some of their craft cocktails include the French 75 with Beefeater Gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and Prosecco, and the Sazerac with Overproof Rye, muddled sugar, bitters, and Absinthe.
Whether it’s in a cocktail, on the rocks, or neat, guests can explore more than 60 bourbons.
The Local also has a rotating selection of 36 beers on tap with local favorites, regional craft brews, and seasonal selections, and has a curated list of wine by the bottle or glass.
“This place is the one I’m most proud of.”
KYLE LALIM of his restaurant portfolio
The name The Local reflects the restaurant’s community focus and hometown pride, Lalim says, and is intended as a place for residents and visitors alike to enjoy quality food, drinks, and downtime in the heart of Watertown.
Additionally, The Local name also plays off of the rotating menu, which will begin offering fare and flavors from different parts of the country and world.
“For example, when crawfish season is in full swing, we will tailor a menu to reflect what you would eat if dining locally in Louisiana,” described Johnson.
The décor of the restaurant is described as “Gatsby-inspired” with dark and moody colors with gold accents.
Need a shave or cut? Harry’s Haircuts and Hot Towels is still open for business!
“We teamed up with some friends that have a storefront just down from The Local to assist us in bringing my vision to life,” said Lalim. “They have been instrumental in filling in the space with unique pieces.”
This month the crew hopes to launch their second floor renovation of the building—the Rendezvous Bar. With speakeasy vibes, Lalim describes the setting with blue walls accented with red velvet curtains.
“It features cabaret-style seating and leather or velvet couches for a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere with views of downtown,” he said.
There will be a tapas food menu, including charcuterie boards, and craft cocktails, beer, and wine.
The Local also offers a private dining room, which can seat around 40 guests. Lalim says he hopes to host an event at least once a month in the space.
“These will include multi-course wine dinners, beer or tequila tastings, and beer vs. wine dinners,” he said.
“Downtown Watertown continues to gain momentum, and The Local is a great example of that growth. We’re excited to see another locally owned business bringing new energy, flavor, and experiences to the heart of our community.”
ANJELICA UTHE, Executive director of Visit Watertown
Speaking of intimate settings, the team stresses the importance of reservations, as the restaurant has 11 tables with the seating capacity of 72.
“Although you don’t need a reservation, we highly recommend making one,” said Lalim. “Whether you’re looking for a celebratory dinner, hosting business colleagues, or want to have a fun place for a drink and amazing food, we hope you automatically think of The Local.”
FORE MORE INFORMATION, VISIT VISITWATERTOWNSD.COM AND WATERTOWNSDLOCAL.COM+
