Empire Square

Empire Square brings a taste of the South to the heart of Watertown with a unique dining experience centered around Southern fusion cuisine, fresh ingredients, and a Bourbon and Prohibition-style cocktail bar. Located at 63–65 Public Square, Empire Square draws inspiration from the Southern roots and culinary training behind its kitchen, serving up everything from Southern staples like fried green tomatoes to their signature chicken and waffles, alongside specialty cocktails and mocktails. Their food is made fresh to order, with options and accommodations available for a variety of dietary needs. But Empire Square is about more than what's on the plate. The restaurant calls a historic 1850s building on Watertown's Public Square home and embraces the fascinating history within its walls, including artifacts uncovered during renovations and even Prohibition-era bottles discovered hidden in the building. Since opening as Empire Square in 2021, the restaurant has blended that history with Southern hospitality to create a distinctive downtown destination for breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and gathering with friends and family—all overlooking the heart of Public Square.