Isaac Newton’s Fun Food & Drink

After having three not-​so-​great experiences, I gave it a fourth try. Not that I wanted to but the first two places I tried were either packed or I couldn’t find a parking spot. I hadn’t eaten all day so I took look inside Isaac’s and saw a seat available at the bar. More importantly, I saw a bartender I didn’t recognize. Two of the times I was dissatisfied with this place were because the service at the bar was horrible (It was the same bartender both times). Once, I didn’t even order; I waited at the empty bar for the bartender to acknowledge me and then gave up and left. This time the bartender was Jason. He immediately acknowledged me, gave me some insight on the available beers, and took my food order when I was ready. The burger I got was outstanding and as usual, there was a great beer selection. I definitely will go back assuming I do not see the bartender that was there my first two times.

The food is average at best. The bar has a good selection of beers. But it is always over crowded. Sodas are horrible (do they clean the lines?).

For the most part the food is very good. They have the best ceaser salads. Steak ceaser is my personal favorite my ex use to be obsessed with the French dip and my current girlfriend is obsessed with the mussels

Excellent brew selection. Menu is huge. Food is good, nothing spectacular. It’s a solid place and a staple when I’m in town and can swing by.

You know how there’s always one place that your parents like for no apparent reason. This is my parents, «I dunno, I just like it there» place.
My parents love it, but for me, it’s an overwhelming «Meh, it’s alright». I won’t not go, but I won’t suggest it to a friend (unless someone very specifically says «I want a burger in Newtown»).
It’s like a local, better version of one of those Ruby Tuesday/​TGI Fridays chains.

Just went here tonight with 2 others and had a great experience! Although I did try to make a reservation, as it was for my dad’s birthday, and they don’t take reservations on Saturdays so that was a slight setback. However, we only waited for about 30 minutes to be seated.
We got the combo platter for our appetizer and everything was delicious! My husband and my dad got the Blaine’s Burger and they both raved about it. I got the calzone and Caesar salad combo. The calzone of the night was pepperoni and I don’t eat pepperoni so they subbed chicken for me which I appreciated very much! It was good but also kind of plain — it needed more spice/​flavor. We got all of our food in a very timely manner and were all pleased.
Our server was very attentive but not overbearing. Overall, it was a great experience and we will definitely be back!

Horrible hostess/​service. My husband was parking the car and they wouldn’t seat me unless the «whole party» was there. Meanwhile, the bus must have unloaded and about 20+ people came in. My husband walked in 10 min later and they told us it would be at least a 15 min wait… Needless to say, we left. Obviously me sitting at a table waiting for my husband and having a glass of wine doesn’t count as a «customer». Won’t be back. Walked over to Temperance House and got seated right away — with a much better menu!

Exceptionally amazing food and the selection of craft beer is On point.
The service not so much. If you can handle your drink bring empty for a few and walking around looking for your waitress you’ll be okay in the restaurant/​bar seating. If not def get a seat at the bar. (Bar tenders are okay).
The atmosphere is cozy and great for any occasion and time of day

Went out with another couple for an early dinner mid week. We usually like to sit at the bar but it was packed so we took a booth in the restaurant.
One of the things we like about this place is the wide variety of beer selections and the knowledgable servers. Unfortunately this time we were disappointed. About a third of the beer offerings listed on the menu were «out». Our server did not know the difference between a Pilsner and a lager and basically said every beer was bitter. I ordered an Imperial stout which was delicious. The food is not gourmet here but that is ok as we have our expectations properly calibrated. I made one simple request, at least I thought it was simple, that was to have my fries crispy not soggy. They came soggy and were sent back. I got another plate of fries but they were no better.
This place has a reputation as a pretty good beer pub but the food and service are not good. Perhaps it was our server on this day. Maybe that is why we usually sit at the bar.

The cozy atmosphere and amazing beer collection of Isaac Newton’s were absolutely ruined for my friend and I by an exceptionally rude bartender.
It was my first time in the place, so I was excited to drink some good beer — and that I did. However, the bartender tonight shut down every attempt of mine at conversation — and proceeded to give me quick, brief answers on questions that I was asking in attempts to start a conversation about beer. It would have been one thing if those answers were correct — I appreciate sassiness in the right context — but I was told that Delirium «doesn’t really make dark beer, almost all their beer is more pink than red» — and every attempt that was made to talk about the variety of beer at the establishment was literally shut down. I may as well just picked a random brew and tried it, the way the bartender answered my questions — she quite arrogantly made me feel as if i should already know exactly what i want — completely ignoring her responsibility of accurately guiding me around the beer list.
I would not have gone through and written this 1 star review if it didn’t get worse from there– unfortunately it did. While talking to my partner, I overhear the bar tender «talking shit» on our conversation with her friends — more than once. Apparently we were a little too «intimate» for them. Needless to say, I can handle some good shit talking — but when you are making it a point to TALK NEGATIVELY about your PATRONS while they are AT YOUR BAR — that is just completely unacceptable.
At this point I was still planning on leaving 20% — I figure, the place is nice, the bartender probably had a long day and that is understandable — if she can be nice about closing us out she deserves a decent tip. but NOPE — my TWO attempts to ask for a water for my partner (who was the only noticeably african american in the establishment; while there was a mere 3 other patrons at the bar) were COMPLETELY IGNORED.
While waiting for the water that I had asked for 10 minutes prior (there was literally 4 people tops at a 30+ person bar) I decided to leave a 7% ($ 3.5 on a $ 49.50 check — since obviously it really matters to this bartender) tip; to reflect the horrific hospitality I had received while in this establishment. I wish I could say that was the end of things.
While waiting for my car to warm up; the bartender proceeded to come outside and give me $ 2; for what reason I can only assume — apparently i should «just keep my change»? from now on.
Sorry sweetie, part of being a professional means taking your job seriously. Taking your job seriously means thinking about the REASON you received less than a 20% tip prior to making your whole establishment look bad by acting out on some irrational behavior.
Part of being a professional means realizing that sometimes, when someone gives you a shitty tip, its because they had a SHITTY EXPERIENCE — and that tip you got, you deserved…
I wish i could have written a happy review about this place, because the selection was perfect and the atmosphere was cozy — but whoever was bar-​tending on Sunday October 18^th just completely ruined my entire experience for the place.
It is a shame that this happened because based on other reviews I was expecting top notch service to coincide with the top notch selection and atmosphere.
Respect (& its counterpoint) go a LONG, LONG way.
Best of luck with your business.

Came here for the first time today. Food was very good and the portions were huge! The atmosphere was great too. Friendly staff and spot on service. Definitely will be back to try other things on the menu.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been here and this time they excelled. The bartender, Tim, is super attentive and really friendly. I’m a pain in the butt and asked for my arugula salad to be customized by adding steak and subbing the cheese. Not only did the kitchen do that, but it was delicious. I can honestly say that for the first time in my life I got super full off a salad.
I’m surprised at the bad reviews, based on this experience and the others I’ve had I’ve over the years I’m definitely coming back here when I’m in the area.

Nice atmosphere! Great beer selection and the bartenders are lovely. I accidentally spilled sauce on my shirt and without asking, one of the them came over with club soda and a towel — awesome!
Food came out relatively quickly and was nice and hot. Got the fries and calamari as an app — very tasty. Overall a great experience!

Nice bar, cozy indoor atmosphere, gorgeous outdoor atmosphere, great and friendly staff, good food, and fair prices. 5 stars.
I’ve been to Isaac Newton’s a good number of times. The staff is friendly and courteous; bartenders are happy to let you sample. Newton’s cuisine is innovative and delectable. At most bars, I have to shout to be heard in conversation; however, at Isaac Newton’s, speaking at a reasonable volume is sufficient.

I’ve been coming here for about 10 years now and it’s never ever ceased to make me happy. The selection of beers is obviously endless and the bartenders are very friendly. They have so many seasonal ones, my favorites are the harry potter ones around the fall.
food wise: my go to is their ceasar salads; whether it’s with the calzone of the day, quiche of the day or crabcakes/​london broil/​or chicken fingers. idk what it is, i love their dressing.
the belgian fries and the brie wheel are also my go to’s. i’ve never had a burger here but everyone always says it’s amazing. the only thing i wish is that their outside seating would be bigger. in the summer time it’s perfect, but there’s only a couple tables out there.
ISAAC DON’T EVER STOP BEING YOU

Isaacs is a favorite go to place in Newtown. Why? Put simply, great beer. The food is solidly executed pub fare, a good something to chow on while drinking one or two of the many drafts on tap. They also have an exceptional list of bottled beers and cans (please, if you read this bring back the Strongbow. Seriously!).
A note of caution, this is one of those places that is almost 2 different establishments under one roof. To the left a good bar scene, to the right a clean family restaurant which is mostly character free since it was rebuilt after the fire a few years ago. Just like when boarding a wide bodied jet, you always want to turn left at the door if you can.

Came here this evening for dinner before the Shady Brook Holiday Light show. I found out about this place and the fact is is tucked behind State Street using my trusty Unilocal app.
On Tuesday Newton’s offers a 2 for $ 22 special which include 1 starter and 2 entrees. I ordered the steak salad, it was steak, blue cheese, onions, and fries on top of spring mix. Initially it was undressed but once I asked for some dressing (balsamic)it was pretty delicious. My girlfriend ordered a Blaine’s Burger it had blue cheese, onion straws, and bacon on it, it came with a generous portion of fries. Everything was great, the dining room was decorated for the holidays, it was an extremely good experience.
My only issues with this place is that in some areas it is hard to see the draft list, I ordered a Stone brewing Go TO IPA which was delicious, I wasn’t really drinking tonight but the beer list was pretty good. The restaurant was a little hard to find as it is tucked off of the Main Street.

Tried this spot again this weekend. Had a few beers at the bar. Enjoyed the spinach artichoke dip again. Still good. Also, had the delicious butternut squash quiche with Caesar salad.
Good bar service, too.

The first review did not take into account the real centrum of Isaac’s — its beer.
As my awareness and taste for craft brews evolve I am developing a richer appreciation for Isaac’s Bar and Newton’s Natural Laws. I have returned often enough to realize I have become a fan.
The choices are extensive and the additions well conceived.
4 Stars for what there is. 5 Stars for what it could become.

Stopped in for a quick bite, which turned out quite nice even though the place was packed! We had the seasonal soup along with the Blackened Chicken Sandwich and they were both quite good. My wife tried the House Cab, which was so-​so and I had a Hoppy Super Hop draft, which was excellent. Left early because our table location was not ideal.
My wife is not a beer drinker, let alone Craft Beer, but I love the bar area and could easily spend an hour or so sampling one of their many, many offerings.