Bites Nearby: John Brewer's Tavern

Started in 1998, John Brewer's Tavern, at 39 Main St. (on the Watertown border, just across from the Gore Estate), deserves its popularity: the food is good, the atmosphere comfortable and the service fast and friendly. And of course there are plenty of TV screens in both the restaurant and the bar areas, although the establishment is spacious enough that they don't obtrude. There's also a patio and a function room that seats 40, and a sister restaurant in Malden.

What to eat: The menu is well balanced, with a good assortment of American dishes including seafood, red and white meats, "dinner" salads, a kids' menu and a "tavern" menu. Several regular customers recommended the wings, clam chowder, chicken pot pie and seafood dishes. "Everything seems fresh," said one regular from Newton.

The Vibe: Casual, lively and unpretentious. Good service.

Cool factor no. 1: There are enough regulars that owner Bill Honeycutt greets many customers by their first names.

Cool factor no. 2: The owner hustles from the reception desk to the kitchen, both seating people and serving food.

Cool factor no. 3: The booths in the large bar room each have a small TV screen in them. There's also free wireless Internet, although most people seem content to talk and eat.