I have lived in Waltham for four years. I have to say that I love this city! Rent is affordable, people are down-to-earth and neighborly. The local hot spots are located on Moody St. Here are the places I have checked out:
Watch City Brewery - The first time I went here was for a Howard Dean meet-up the summer of 2002. No eating or drinking that time. Then I started seeing this guy, Mike, and we went here for our first date. The beer is very good - even for a wine snob like me. The food is typical greasy pub fare but sometimes they have a hidden treasure for an entree. That date with Mike, I had salmon with this amazing Indian spiced yogurt sauce. Also, getting their beer sampler is worth it!
The Skellig - I've only been here once, at the end of that first date with Mike. It's cozy and the booze is pretty cheap. The music is not too good. We saw a horrible 90's cover band.
Margaritas - Sarah introduced me to this place last summer. Ugh, we wound up having dinner the day that I found out that HR and my boss at my old job had read my old blog. I didn't know how much I loved tequila until I went here. Their original margarita is pure heaven and the food is nice spicy, cheesy and calorific.
Bison County - The buffalo burgers are awesome - it's their signature dish but what gets overlooked is their scrumptious barbeque. The grill in the back room is very impressive. Going here, you'll come out smelling like smoky meat. The waitstaff is a bit hit or miss.
Lizzies Ice Cream - homemade, thick, yummy ice cream plus they sell different desserts. They have a banana on a stick that looks so phallic, I will order it on a date just to see my date's reaction.
Solea - I can't count the number of times I've been here. Seriously, I think I have tried half the tapas menu. This place introduced me to ceviche and I actually liked it! Their sangria is delicious. The decor is gorgeous and the waitstaff are absolute perfection. They patiently, seriously listen as people try to order in Spanish, God bless them.
Tempo - Been here 2 times in two months. I might wind up becoming a regular! Their martinis are divine but the food is overpriced for the standard unremarkable dishes you get. I haven't tried their desserts yet. Maybe I'll try that out Wednesday night? Yes, that will make it 3 times in two months for those of you keeping track.
Embassy Cinema - this cute little cinema is off of Moody, behind Watch City Brewery and it awesome. It's tiny and the movies are an eclectic mix. Regular patrons are big cinephiles
Not on Moody:
The Chateau - a quaint family restaurant. The food is good (how can you screw up Italian food?) and the place is huge. They have color coded rooms and hideous paintings of famous Italians. It's a good place to take Grandma for lunch.
The Naked Fish - I haven't physically been to the restaurant but I have ordered out their food. I'm very picky about fish and this place does it to perfection.
Lily's Kitchen - simply the best Chinese food in the city.
