Watertown Burger And Ice Cream Business Closing After 22 Years

WATERTOWN, MA — A longtime Watertown burger restaurant is permanently closing its doors after 22 years in business, with ownership thanking customers and employees for their support over more than two decades.

Belle's Burgers and Ice Cream announced the closure this week, describing the decision as a difficult one. The restaurant at 46 Arsenal St. will close for the final time on Friday, Sept. 25.

"For more than two decades, we have had the privilege of serving our community, meeting so many wonderful people, and becoming a small part of countless family meals, celebrations, and memories," the Belle's Burgers family said. "This was not an easy decision."

The restaurant has operated in Watertown since 2004, although longtime customers may better remember the business by its former name, Wild Willy's Burgers. The restaurant was rebranded as Belle's Burgers and Ice Cream in 2024, retaining its focus on burgers while expanding its ice cream offerings. The Belle's name was inspired by the owners' dog.

"A restaurant is so much more than a building or a business — it's the people who walk through the doors, the employees who become part of the family, and the customers who return year after year," ownership said.

Over the years, the restaurant became known for made-to-order charbroiled burgers, offering Angus beef, grass-fed beef, bison, chicken, vegetable, and Impossible patties. Its menu also includes several items named after areas around Watertown, including the Arsenal Burger, Watertown Square Burger, Westland Burger, Saltonstall Burger and Mt Auburn Burger.

The 2024 rebranding also placed a greater emphasis on ice cream, with the restaurant offering sundaes, milkshakes and banana splits alongside its burgers and fries.

"We want to sincerely thank everyone who supported us throughout these 22 years," ownership said. "Whether you were a regular, stopped in once while passing through, brought your family in, celebrated a special occasion with us, or simply recommended us to a friend — we are truly grateful."