Ask a Watertown local where to get pizza, and you’ll get an opinion — usually a strong one. Pizza and wings are the North Country’s comfort-food currency, and Watertown’s independent shops take the competition seriously. No chains on this list: every spot below is locally owned (or a small regional), verified to be operating, with addresses and phone numbers confirmed.
The Pizza Contenders
Art’s Jug — 820 Huntington St, (315) 782-9764
The family-run Italian-American restaurant plenty of locals call the best in town. The pizza menu runs from their famous classic pies to white pizza, and wings show up under appetizers — so it covers both sides of this list. Reviewers consistently praise the pizza. If you only try one spot on this list, the local money says start here.
Cam’s Pizzeria — 25 Public Square, (315) 779-8900
Thin-crust NY-style pizza from a shop that’s been at it since 1996, right on Public Square. Wings come in about a dozen flavors. (Note: Cam’s is a small regional chain with a handful of upstate locations — but the Watertown shop is a downtown fixture.)
Tony’s Pizzeria — 222 N Massey St, (315) 786-0000
Family-owned by Sicilian-born owners, doing authentic NY-style pizza — and the menu’s “famous Char-Grilled Wings” are reportedly the most popular item in the house. One of the strongest pizza-and-wings combos in town.
Papa Tino’s Pizzeria — 716 Mill St, (315) 782-7272
Famous for its giant 30-inch pies — the answer when you’re feeding a crowd. Also does wings (including Suicide Wings) and pizza-and-wing combo specials. A Fort Drum-area favorite for party orders.
Bernardo’s Pizzeria — 702 Coffeen St, (315) 782-9500
Neighborhood pizzeria known for Sicilian pizza, plus a chicken wing pizza and boneless wings for the indecisive. Solid, no-frills, local.
Alteri’s Italian American Market — 948 Bradley St, (315) 782-7323
A fifth-generation family Italian market, bakery, and deli that also makes pizza — including a Sicilian Sausage Pizza that reviewers rave about. Not a pizzeria in the traditional sense, but the pizza earns it a spot. Grab cannoli while you’re there.
The Wings Specialists
1812 on the River — 500 Newell St, (315) 405-4239
The riverfront brewpub from 1812 Brewing Co. (formerly Maggie’s on the River, same address). Known for big wings and tenders with a Black River view. More of a night-out wings destination than a takeout joint.
Time Warp Tavern — 302 State St, (315) 775-7459
Sports bar that bills itself as home of the “award-winning Black Betty Wings” — and plenty of reviewers call them the best wings in Watertown, some comparing them favorably to Buffalo itself. Wings-first destination.
Bad Apple Saloon — 545 Arsenal St, (315) 405-4067
Wild West-themed bar and grill with creative wing flavors (Blueberry Sriracha BBQ among them) and a reputation for huge wings. For the adventurous wing order.
First Round — 498 Factory St, (315) 405-4504
Local dive bar and wing haven known for its “Infamous Jumbo Wings” — and the kitchen stays open late (food until around 1am), making it the answer for late-night wing cravings.
Watertown Pizza & Wings FAQ
Who has the best sheet pizza in Watertown for parties?
Papa Tino’s giant 30-inch pies are built for exactly this. Call ahead for big orders: (315) 782-7272.
Where can I get wings late at night?
First Round keeps food going until around 1am — the latest kitchen of the bunch.
Any of these deliver?
Delivery policies change often; call ahead. Most of the pizzerias on this list do local delivery — the bars and brewpub are primarily dine-in.