Here's a review that sounds like you--balanced, appreciative, and observant: Walking into the Crystal Restaurant is like taking a step back in time. Before you even open the door, the vintage neon sign proudly advertising "Air Conditioned for Your Comfort" makes you smile and reminds you of an era when air conditioning was a luxury worth bragging about. Inside, the restaurant has done a wonderful job preserving its history. The original pressed tin ceiling, beautiful woodwork, mosaic tile floor, vintage lighting, and classic booths create an atmosphere that is difficult to find anymore. You can tell this isn't a place trying to look old--it is old, and it has been lovingly maintained. If you appreciate historic architecture, take a few minutes to look around. It's worth it. Service was friendly and attentive throughout our visit. My daughter enjoyed her eggs, sausage, and toast, while I had a bacon, egg, and bacon sandwich on toast with mayonnaise, along with a bowl of oatmeal and a cup of coffee. Everything was fresh and satisfying. My only minor suggestion would be that I would have liked my toast a little more done, especially since my daughter's was toasted just the way I prefer. It certainly wasn't enough to take away from the experience. The Crystal Restaurant has been serving the Watertown community since 1925, and it's easy to understand why it has become such a local landmark. Places with this much history and character are becoming increasingly rare. If you're looking for a good breakfast served in a restaurant with genuine historic charm, the Crystal Restaurant is well worth a visit. read more

A historic institution in Watertown. My husband grew up coming here and we stop in whenever we visit. Very cool old vibes. Food is ok, the selling point is the low prices. Very friendly staff that remember regulars. read more

Stopped in for breakfast and ordered a drink while waiting for my meal. The orange juice tasted strange--definitely not fresh--and it made my stomach upset almost immediately. The overall vibe felt off enough that I decided to leave before the food came. I don't usually walk out of restaurants, but this experience didn't feel safe or clean. Management should take a serious look at their beverage quality and handling. read more

Cute little local diner that we stopped in for a late lunch. The place was hopping with people. First thing that caught my eye was the pay phone on the wall right when you entered. We each ordered a sandwich and fries. I got a BLT on rye and my husband ordered a reuben. My sandwich was just the way a BLT should be with. Ice crunchy bacon, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoe slices and slathered with mayo. The fries were nice and hot upon arrival. My husband seemed to enjoy his sandwich. There was no trace of it at the end of the meal. Beware, if you need to use the restrooms. They're down a steep flights of stairs. It was clean though. Our waitress was super friendly. Only thing that knocked it down to a 4 star from a 5 was the wait. It was over half an hour. I noticed another couple that came in maybe 15-20 minutes after us got their food at the same time. 2023-68 read more

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Food was ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE!! No care or effort in preparing, seasoning or quality. Very lazy! Most of the food seems right out of a box or can straight to the plate. Our waitress was a a doll, however. 1,000% DO NOT recommend!! read more

Didn't have a chance to eat here on this visit but my friends introduced me to atom and Jerry drink. It was a family recipe and is the most delicious Christmas tradition I've had. The server was wonderful and made a perfect drink. The restaurant is from the early 1900's and is owned by the 3rd generations of family. Beautiful inside with original tile roof, booths and had a historic charm about it. My friends said the food is also good. Definitely wanting to come back to try some of their home cooked meals read more

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GOOD FOOD AND PRICES ===================== My family and I had a really good lunch at Crystal Restaurant in August. It's in the picturesque downtown area by the fountain. You'll feel like you've gone back in time. The food, prices and service were great. There was an old fashioned telephone that rang the whole time we were there. I should have gotten up to answer it because it got a bit annoying. We'll definitely go back when in Watertown, New York. Contemplating their famous Tom & Jerry drink. read more

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The Crystal is an institution to downtown Watertown and a throwback to another era. They have transcended many ups and downs and have been a staple to good service and an equitable meal. Breakfast lunch and dinner are great. During the Christmas season everyone stops here for a Tom and Jerry. If you haven't had one you will have to stop in during the season. read more

Crystal Restaurant - Love this sign! - American Near Me - Watertown, New York

Fantastic food! excellent service and great staff! Nice casual ambiance. Reasonable prices! Food arrived hot and delicious!! Good portions! Great burgers read more

Crystal Restaurant - Reuben sandwich - American Near Me - Watertown, New York

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If you are ever in Watertown during the month of December you must stop and have a Tom & Jerry at the Crystal! A Tom & Jerry is like a whipped warm egg-nog (it's a secret family recipe) and if you don't like egg-nog, don't worry it really doesn't taste like it! You then can pick a liquor to go in it. It is seriously amazing and a must try! It's also a cute place and has been in business since 1925. Diner food, hubs got a patty melt when we were in here and enjoyed it. I just came for the drinks!! Great and friendly service as well! read more

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An absolute gem, so happy we stopped in here on our drive home! So much history here! We got talking with our waitress who had been working there since 1963 and she told us all about the history. It was obvious that after all those years she still enjoyed working there. It is a family run business, currently run by the third generation. Typical diner food done very well, very reasonable prices and the decor, much of it original, including the flooring make it a must stop place in Watertown when driving through or visiting! We went simple with a patty melt and chicken salad platter but throughly enjoyed both. They serve Tom & Jerry's during the winter which is a fabulous old time hot toddy. We've only seen it one other place in NY, so definitely have one if you stop in during the months they serve them! read more

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The Tom and Jerry was good and the hostess was nice. We were a party of 4. We ordered one basic drink each, 2 orders of buff chicken tenders and a side of fries. We waited for over 45 minutes for the food after ordering and the wait staff looked upset (but I won't assume) when we asked about the food. They were not apologetic at all. The food was okay but I wouldn't go back. read more

Good stop for breakfast or lunch, or for a Tom & Jerry during the evening in the cold winter months. Highly recommend stopping here for a Tom & Jerry before heading over to Spokes or the Paddock if you plan to go out for the night! As far as food goes, my personal favorites are the chicken gyro & the BLT. However, they have all sorts of main dishes & sides - lots of homemade / savory / "feel good" options. The prices are excellent, as they have been for the past several years. This place is great for parties of 2-10 - although the restaurant is on the smaller side, they always seem to accommodate. Only downside is the bathroom is down a flight of stairs - not easily accessible. read more

Crystal Restaurant - Chicken pita & sweet potato fries - so tasty! - American Near Me - Watertown, New York

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Good old fashioned service and setting. A classic early 20th century restaurant with booths and an uber cool hammered tin ceiling. Beware: toilets are down a virtual cliff face. read more

Service was a bit slow, but they were fairly busy which took as a good sign. Among our group, we had the Brunch Burger, fried Haddock, and a couple of bowls of French Onion soup. The food was excellent, and the 1920s atmosphere in the dining room would be difficult to replicate anywhere else. read more

Food is disgusting at best. Similar quality can be expected from canned / frozen / reheated foods... several of our meals were served cold. Not even the "homemade" Mac n cheese was warm. The "specialty drinks" were not being served/ available for our dinner. Waitress/service was fine, but would not recommend anyone waste their money at this establishment. read more

Original firstvwatertown restaurant. I usually get fried clams mashed w gravy. Prices are reasonable. Jeannie waitresz been there long time. Friendly. read more

Had a great Turkey dinner last night. Waitress was super. Nice cool A/C. Not really busy so it as a nice quiet dinner. read more

The yelp information related to operating hours is not accurate. We tried going here for breakfast but it was closed. You're gonna want to call before making the trip. read more

Granted the leg of lamb was only ten dollarish it was still pretty sad looking and very dry . I had high hopes for this place! read more

Crystal Restaurant - Leg of lamb - American Near Me - Watertown, New York

Great food at great prices! A step back in time, with atmosphere of an older era and walkable to other places locally.

Four of us got the turkey dinner. 2 sides included, but a side salad or soup option wasn't one of them. I'll return, but tablemates said they won't be back. Very disappointed with their meals. Mac salad not good, pickled beets were far from pickled. Stuffing was old or something but not good. One lady got Mac and cheese for a side and it was delicious. I'll be back in for fish fry w/ mac and cheese. read more

The nostalgia of this historical restaurant is lovely. The service was great. The food is less than subpar. I was honestly taken back by it. There is no flavor. It is the cheapest ingredients. I don't see how this place has been open since 1925 they need to hire a cheif to revamp the menu and show them what food is supposed to taste like. read more

Prices are great ! Food is good! Great local spot. I love the authentic feel of the restaurant and the service was really good!

This Restaurant is a gem! The food is amazing , the staff is so polite and on point with everything. The passion fruit dessert is so soft and flavorful. The bread is always warm and soft. This is definitely a mom /pop establishment, and it's a town favorite. -Snapple fact ! It's the oldest established restaurant in watertown,timeless ! Amazing food, some many different options to choose from. I love coming here with friends and co workers after a long days work. The staff is friendly and upbeat. I'll be back tomorrow and the day after that. -Breakfast is so good, the chocolate chip pancakes and french toast are so good. I just wish they had turkey bacon, i'm kind of allergic to pork, so i'm limited on breakfast meats! But the food was amazing nevertheless read more

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They have spent a small fortune restoring this historic restaurant in downtown. It is gorgeous, even if we found the seats very uncomfortable. We are newish to the area and really, really, really wanted to like it. The food though - it's so bland. Like mayonnaise on a saltine cracker kinda bland. Service was good, ambiance was good, but a little flavor would go a long way. read more

The food is made for "old people taste buds", the coffee was okay, and the service was average. We were the youngest people in here by no less than 35-40yrs (no exaggeration), so the food tastes made sense. The interior is "antique", but really it just needs to be updated. There are no decorations on the walls (minus a rest rooms sign & a penguin to the left above the bar). As all the tabletops are probably the exact same ones since this place opened, it's concerning-health wise. This place would be on Restaurant Impossible, certainly not Diners, Drive-in's and Dives. Although the food is cheap, I'll probably not come back. With all the other food options in Watertown, it's nothing to write home about. read more

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After reading reviews in Yelp, we went to Crystal Restaurant with expectations. Located in historic site Public Square, the restaurant is maintained as a vintage diner from the decoration to the menu. Also, Crystal Restaurant is one block away from Paddock Arcade (the 1st glass ceiling mall in US). So it was very nice that we could do some sightseeing after the meal. Coming to the food, I'll say it could be better. We ordered salmon with French fries and green beans, and lamb leg. What I got is 2 thin slices of lamb, French fries and overcooked green beans. The salmon was obviously frozen before and it had fish stinks. So I believe it's not a good choice to order entree in Crystal restaurant since it's such an old restaurant. Also, food is cheap comparing to other restaurants. Service is good too. Overall, it was an interesting experience and I like the restaurant. read more

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Typical diner food. 8 day old potatoes, 45 minute wait for a breakfast sandwich with home fries, miserable & rough looking waitresses... The only positive was the total bill $$ read more

We ate here few nights ago! Staff and food was amazing!! We sat down, order was taken and food was instantly out!! Can't beat the prices or the service!!! Def will go eat there again!! Love the old time atmosphere too! read more

Crystal Restaurant - Outside - American Near Me - Watertown, New York

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Amazing Restaurant!!!!! The Tom and Jerry are delicious. We had the fish fry and it literally came out in 10 mins

One of my must hit places when I go to Watertown. Everything is DELICIOUS but the burgers are my favorite. If it's Christmas time, try one of their Tom & Jerry's. read more

Crystal Restaurant - American Near Me - Watertown, New York

Walked in family of 4 and not one staff member had the curtesy to acknowledge we were waiting to be seated. Realizing one booth was open and finally stopped someone to ask she said full - it wasn't, We will not be returning. read more

I always thought this was a fancy place because of the window display and it turns out it's a super casual family restaurant. I love that they have so much original decor/architecture in there. The prices are so cheap! However they upcharge for everything (I think it was 75cents to add a slice of tomato to a sandwich lol) so if you're changing your meal they'll be priced more average. That Tom & Jerrys everyone raves about is a sticky delicious mess that I hope to get another of before they go out of season. Definitely coming back! read more

I stop here whenever I am in Watertown--have been going for 40+ years. Great food, great price, great people. A MUST experience while in Watertown. read more

Exactly what I expected. We've stopped in here before when visiting relatives in Watertown. Prices are vintage, just like the atmosphere. The food is exceptionally unremarkable. No complaints at all. read more

The restaurant looks like it is filled with character. It is old and shows it but not in an entirely bad way. The server greeted me. I sat down and asked if there were any pilsner or lager beers. She didn't know. I asked if there were any local or regional beers. She didn't know and didn't ask anyone. She got a menu and I ordered a Utica pilsner. No water was served or offered. I ordered a house salad which was very good, and fried clams with fries. The fries were excellent; however, the clams were tiny and the serving was small. They tasted good. The positive side of the dinner was the check. It was less than $10. I asked the server if everything was included. She said yes. In spite of the small serving of clams, it was a bargain. read more

This was first and last time we will ever go there. After seating and taking orders ( only 2 other tables were seated, and already eating) it took 45 mins to get the appetizer- after reminding the waiter who was very busy gossiping with his fellow servers in the corner- told our lunch would be another 10 minutes and watching the table who came in after us get their meal, and the bar tender bring his own plate of food behind the bar. If you decide to go I will at least recommend you avoid the "lamb" gyro. It was gray, flavorless- possibly freezerburnt and not like any Lamb I have EVER seen. I mentioned that it was not good and I would not be eating it, he offered something else but honestly the whole experience put a sour taste in my mouth and I just wanted to leave. I also didn't have an hour to wait for another mediocre sandwich. generally when a customer is unhappy its usually comped on the bill, no we were charged. I asked about it and was told he would ask the cook, only to come out and say no, it won't be taken off the bill. I just wanted out of this establishment so I paid, I even tipped but I will 1000% share my awful experience with everyone who mentions this place. fool me once, shame on you but never again. read more

We love this place. Its just like food mom cooks at home with some fun extras. It is dirt cheap, but the food is good. NOTE: the restroom is not handicap accessible, it is down a flight of stairs. read more

This little place has been an establishment in Watertown since 1919. Although its look is a little dated, the taste of the food is not. With a simple menu the cook is left with all the time to make sure the food comes out tasty. Coffee was hot and fresh as well. I gave the restaurant a 4 only because their Tom and Jerry home brew was not yet available to try and it was not yet lunch time. I will most assuredly be come back to try out the home brew as well as lunch and possibly the dinner menu. read more

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