John Brewer was a noted innkeeper. He owned and operated The Brewer Tavern, located directly across the street from our Waltham restaurant at the corner of Main and Gore Streets. Brewer ran the Tavern from 1770 until the early 1780s. After he sold the Tavern, the building was divided, and half was moved to the property where our Waltham location stands today. The original building was ultimately torn down in 1922.
Honoring that history and the importance of community, Bill and Sue Honeycutt named the restaurant after Brewer when they opened John Brewer’s Tavern on September 5, 1998. Under their ownership, the restaurant grew into a true neighborhood institution and, for a time, expanded beyond Waltham with additional locations in Malden and Newtonville.
In January 2026, ownership of the Waltham location passed to longtime employees Michael and Hannah Morse. Both began their careers at John Brewer’s Tavern many years ago, where they met while working side by side on the floor. With the guidance, leadership, and support of Bill Honeycutt over many years, Michael worked his way up through the company—learning every aspect of the business over many years and ultimately serving as General Manager of multiple locations. Throughout that journey, Hannah’s many years of service tending bar and working the floor played an equally important role, helping shape their path forward and the relationships and culture that define the restaurant today.
Today, John Brewer’s Tavern is proudly focused on its original Waltham home—continuing the tradition of being a locally owned, independent neighborhood restaurant. Our focus remains simple: great food, well-crafted drinks, fair prices, and a welcoming atmosphere. Most importantly, you’ll be served by our greatest asset—our friendly, hardworking, and loyal staff.
We hope to see you soon.
Cheers!
