Arsenal Yards

Arsenal Yards in Watertown is an incredible destination with something for everyone! It’s the perfect blend of retail, dining, and entertainment, making it an ideal spot for a day out. The variety of stores is impressive, from popular brands to unique local shops, catering to all kinds of shopping needs. The restaurants are diverse, offering everything from casual bites to fine dining, ensuring there’s always a delicious option no matter what you’re craving. What I love most is the lively, community-oriented atmosphere. The outdoor seating areas, green spaces, and events create a welcoming vibe where you can relax, shop, and socialize. The development is well-designed, with plenty of parking and easy access to all areas. Whether you’re looking to grab a coffee, catch a movie, or do some serious shopping, Arsenal Yards is a one-stop destination that truly enhances the Watertown area. Highly recommend checking it out!

They have everything.. everything but reasonable parking 🥲 Hotel parking is going to cost you! It’s a nice outdoor shopping space with great atmosphere but apparently they didn’t plan for the amount of people who want to go here. Especially since people also live here

UNREAL. In a good way. Amazing outdoor experience. Walking through just brings a great, fun vibe. There are so many fun things to do here. So many restaurants with great food, so many good shops, and such a great area. So much more stuff to come and there is always something new every time.

I really enjoyed this area of mixed development and everything. Was a lot of good food and vibes and overall just a nice area for a good night out that isn’t too fancy but isn’t too casual either. Had great and easy parking and good accessibility for wheelchair users. Very positive experience and hope to come back in the future for sure

I've watched this area over the years go from a beautiful indoor mall to being destroyed by an overdeveloped mess. I dred going there only because the way the roadway is designed. Thin, narrow road with parking along both sides and crosswalks in all your blindspots as your driving. Your trying to focus on where your going along with praying a car isn't pulling out of a spot or a person is trying to cross to the other side. Very nerve-wracking experience and it's only a matter of time before someone is hit by a car. Very bad design! Unfortunately they have lost all my business along with everyone I know. Nobody wants to be in a situation where someone could get seriously hurt or in a fender bender. The stress navigating threw just isn't worth it!

The renovations are coming together nicely. Plenty of parking and places to walk around. Looking forward to more shops and activities. They need to renovate the park behind, and add a fun activity store like Level99 or something similar. Otherwise, it's mostly leisure shopping stores.

Absolutely amazing outdoor entertainment and shopping mall that includes a theatre, shopping, and varied and eclectic restaurant choices. Members from three different families picked up food from 6 different restaurants (Shake Shack, Chipotle, Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, Sweetgreen, and Pokeworks) and we all ate in the fabulous outdoor dining area and enjoyed the festive autumn decorations. I highly recommend spending a few hours here.

Arsenal Yards in Watertown, MA, is a vibrant mixed-use development that has transformed the historic Arsenal Mall into a modern urban destination. With over 40 stores, including popular retailers like J.Crew Factory and Roche Bros., it offers a diverse shopping experience . The area is also home to a variety of dining options, from casual eateries like Shake Shack to more upscale venues such as City Works . Visitors appreciate the clean, well-maintained environment and the convenience of free parking. The outdoor spaces are thoughtfully designed, providing a pleasant atmosphere for shopping and dining. Additionally, the development includes entertainment options like the Majestic 7 cinema, enhancing its appeal as a one-stop destination for leisure activities . Overall, Arsenal Yards successfully combines retail, dining, and entertainment in a cohesive setting, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking a comprehensive urban experience.

Wow, all I can say is that Arsenal Yards has really been stepping up their game, and I'm impressed. Arsenal Yards is adding variety to the suburbs, once again giving you that downtown Boston feel for less traffic. The shops and restaurants here are really curated in a way that it draws you in, as most of these places are one of a kind in this neighborhood...its really cool! Lots of new places since my last review...especially for all you foodies out there (& myself). Some of my favorite additions are Chip City and Blackbird Doughnuts. More on the way too, Jersey Mikes is coming as well as a new restaurant called ButterBird. The clothing store J Crew is opening soon as well. There's also a lot of fitness places I want to try, esp Rumble Boxing. Also the James Joseph Salon and the Skin Laundry place look cool. There's really something here for everyone, both of which are useful for everyday living, or just for a fun night out of new places to explore.

This place has changed so much over the years! There are so many shops and restaurants that they've built out so it's a very convenient place to meet up with people. There's also a grocery store and plenty of free parking! This is one of my go to shopping centers! Some of my favorite spots are as follows: - Ulta for beauty and salon - Home Depot if the closer one doesn't have item in stock - Majestic Theater - Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh - Kura Revolving Sushi Bar - Taffer's Tavern - Buttermilk & Bourbon we've ordered Door Dash plenty but actually haven't dined here. We've tried the one in Boston too in person.

The ambience was incredible. Very soho. My husband has mentioned this place to me from one of his work retreats and I was curious to try it. They have some amazing Impossibles on their menu. The beer has a wide range of selections as well. The service staff was very hospitable and the vibe was great.

I love the new Arsenal Mall probably because that nobody goes there which I don't think it's a new thing because the mall was also empty the first time and that was Black Friday but anyways many things have opened at Arsenal such as a movie theater, Ben & Jerry's, and City Works. Plus Frank Pepe and Ulta are opening this summer.

I lived in Watertown for quite a while and I still like to go to Arsenal Yards -- parking makes shopping much easier! AND will all the new development going on, I know this place is going to be so lit with all the new stores!

I go here because it has everything I need and I don't have to fight for a parking space or though a crowd of people during the holiday rush. Its not a HUGE mall like South Shore Plaza but who needs another one of those. Its an average mall that many locals including me go to. I think there are more sales offered here and affordable places to shop at. The aldo in this mall is an outlet so everything there is so CHEAP!!! I got rainboots there for 9 bucks. My grandpa would take us here since I was a little kid so its a bit nostalgic for me. Over the past few years, the mall has def improves in stores.

Hatch at the arsenal project. A fairly new. A maker space for all makers, dreamers, crafters, artists, and tinkers.. this place is for you. Sponsored by the watertown public library. And the best part it free. "mostly" there is small fees sometimes on things like project kits..nothing over $10. and again that's a rare situation..so it's pretty much free.. Watertown citizenship is not required. A watertown library card is a plus or if your local library is in the minuteman library network..check your local library to see if they are. A plus but not required. everyone welcome. Hatch offers various classes and workshops for adults, children or both. You can check the Hatch schedule here. http://www.thearsenalproject.com/hatch.php Some classes that Hatch teaches include. 3D printing, screen printing, sewing, wire soldering, basic electronic projects, chainmail weaving, and more to come. Hatch has all the supplies & tools you need to build your projects.. The staff at Hatch are all volunteers and very nice. So stop by and check it out. Hatch is wheelchair friendly..a bit tight, but it works. The Hatch staff are more than willing to help you..

This review is for A&M variety So I was yelled at for taking this picture of my favorite candy at A&M Variety the owner said it was like coming into my house and taking pictures. Who talks to customers that way? Shop elsewhere, we did and judging by the completely empty store I suppose everyone else is as well.....

The Arsenal Mall / Project has changed so much over the years. It really is one of the better malls in the area. I love the Mall @ Chestnut Hill, but every time I go there I drop so much cash! Here, I can good deals and have a good time as well. The Arsenal Project sits on a large plot of land on Arsenal Street, by Greenough Boulevard, in a previous site of the Watertown Arsenal in the Civil War. It used to have Ann&Hope and some other stores like Filene's Basement. It also used to have B Dalton, Hallmark, Things Remembered, Reebok, Olympia Sports, FYE, Now it's changed a bit, with the main anchors being Marshalls and Sports Authority. The mall in general is actually quite large (not like somewhere like the Natick Mall, but still...), much bigger than it looks from the outside. The advantages of the Arsenal Project are: it's ability to be not too big (sometimes it's nice to come to a smaller mall, than deal with the busy crowds in Natick.... it depends upon what you're looking for on that day...), and be larger than a "useless mall" (the Walpole Mall is an example of useless). Anyway, the interior of this mall is clean, user friendly, and is pleasant to shop around in. They don't have too many great eating options, the food court has a Burger King, Subway, and CoffeeTraders, and there are Dunkin Donuts and Chipotle on the lower floor. Overall, just a good mall that I enjoy spending my time and $$ at. Here is a list of all of the stores in this mall: Sports Authority Marshalls Forever 21 HomeBasics GAP Outlet Ann Taylor Factory Store Bath & Body Works Victoria's Secret Dollar N Things Golfsmith Yankee Candle Old Navy GNC HATCH Home Depot (not accessible in the mall though...) Aldo GameStop Foot Locker Famous Footwear Express Charlotte Russe Outlet Stride Rite Gymboree Outlet Claire's Pearle Vision SniP The Threading Spa A&M Variety Store Verizon Piercing Pagoda and more. Check it out. Not great, but not awful. 3 stars.

This mall is way past its prime. I'm sure that it was nice a few years ago... like maybe 10. But as far as now is concerned, the place just sucks. I can't believe the stores are still in business. It has grown into the gloomy, quiet mall that not that many people go to. There's a crappy food court and the rest is just stores that no one really cares about except for maybe Gap and Foot Locker. I'd never go window shopping there and this dispair mall needs a heavy renovation procedure, new stores and a heavy marketing campaign to get back on track. It has potential, but that potential is very, very, very hidden.

If you ever want to fight for a parking space for too long and then be disappointed by the selection of stores in a mall, head on down to Arsenal Mall! The food court is sad to say the least, but always busy. The bathrooms are scary, to say the least. I have really only been here a few times in the last couple years, because I have a little sister who doesn't have a car, but has an affinity for shopping and likes Forever21. I grew up in Cambridge and can remember making epic trips by bus to get here and shop. 10-15 years later, things are still the pretty much the same inside. I drive here now and usually leave feeling pretty disappointed. I always make my little sister take a photobooth picture with me here, cause it's the only draw for me... They seem to move it around every once in a while, but... Mmm. Good luck if you are a serious shopper, or have been to a more modern mall in the past decade. It's not what you'd expect...

The name is the only thing that has changed with the Arsenal Mall. While this place has some affordable stores it is mostly filled with sub-par options. Lots of vacancy in this mall too, they should probably consider tearing it down and turning it into condos. It is probably good for a visit if you want to feel better about your own life because this mall is just sad. It also has the smell as if it was just cleaned with strong chemicals.

This mall is a total hidden jewel. It's not for the Abercrombie wearing, scamming on hotties while waiting for mom to pick you up crowd but that counts as a positive. Sure it's a tad gloomy but don't judge a book by its cover, judge it by its deals! This mall is the perfect place to go when you want to power shop for bargains. There's a Filene's Basement AND a Marshalls, and if that doesn't satisfy you the Gap Outlet and Ann Taylor Factory Store are in there too. I once got a fancy dress from the ATFS for ten dollars. TEN DOLLARS. The Aldo in there is also magical. I don't know whether the specials are that crazy or the sales people can't do math (I'm guessing both), but I once got an awesome (faux) white leather bag that was originally $60 for $7. I ran out of there like that woman in the Ikea commercials.....START THE CAR!

Want to experience time travel? Well now you can... just head to the Arsenal Mall and be simultaneously transported back to the fashions and interior designs of the late 1990s, whilst also going 30 years into the future to 2035 when urban areas and retail have been abandoned by the masses leaving only a handful of desperate survivors struggling on. An apocalyptic vision of the future? Seriously - it's here now. Shop after shop surviving on 5 customers a day. It's great. It's like visiting the set of a disaster movie. With a Dunkin Donuts.

have you even been to middle america, i mean one of those states with a huge economic downturn? ok, have you even gone to the mall out there? if you did, it would be exactly like this. heres my rundown (pun intended!) crappy store, empty store, crappy store, empty store, ubiquitous dunkie, empty store, asian 'gift' store selling lucky bamboo and ricin tainted baby toys, empty store, ruby tuesdays, etc. the only saving grace for this dumper is the gap outlet that i guess we like......

Despite being a New England-liberal, Wal-Mart hating, Tofu-loving, studious patron of counterculture, I don't harbor the intense hatred of malls that so many of my friends adere to. I mean yeah, they stifle local businesses, and are often a beacon for vapid teenagers with Amex Platinum cards cosigned on by their parents to congregate to after school. Ten years ago, it was to wax ecstatic on how much better they were than everyone else cause they wore a BUM equipment sweater and liked Third Eye Blind, and nowadays, it's to mope about in Converse All-Stars looking for Invader Zim memorabilia, whining about how everyone hates them. Oh, the times, how they change! I don't know what the hell is up with Arsenal Mall. The Cambridgeside Galleria, the Prudential Center, Fanieul Hall... they all play host to the same shops, and they're all in fairly populated areas, so, why should they differ at all? Malls are weird like that. Don't get me wrong, I don't go to a mall to find a sense of community or deeper meaning beyond "sweet, I can get a Cinnabun and munch it down while pushing buttons on the stereos at Cambridge Soundworks!" But Arsenal Mall must have been built on an ancient Indian burial ground, or have a construction worker encased in cement somewhere in its superstructure or something. The place is so freakin' dead! I don't get what it is. I've been up at the food court, surrounded by somewhat jovial mallgoers, watching my friends eat burgers and there's this sense of forboding waste. Maybe it's something with the way the place is laid out: the place is reeeeeally long, and the space between either wall is quite wide; you could probably fit three lanes of traffic in there. Because of this, no matter how many people are in the place, it feels empty. Maybe it's just that it isn't as bright, open, and cheery as other malls: the ceilings are fairly low for a shopping center,and while some storefronts are bright and shiny because that's what the owner or chain dictates it should look like, the mall itself is just kind of "eh." There's a really dead, tiny strip mall across the street that houses a DMV and some other miscellaneous little shops, and it seems about as lively. For some reason, every time I've been here, it's been grey out; even on days where initially everything was bright and sunny. In fact, I recall the last summer I was there, I'd had enough of the heat, and drove to the Best Buy across the street where I managed to get the last air conditioner they had, and then took my '86 Saab 900 Turbo hatchback across the street for an oil change and service at Charles River Saab. Instead of waiting and looking at new Saabs I couldn't afford, I went over to Arsenal to grab a bite, and when I came out, it was no longer hot and bright and sunny: it was grey, blustery, and rainy. I mean what the hell is up with that, Arsenal Mall? So as far as I'm concerned, this mall is, in fact, evil. Or at the very least hexed. Hence, one star... the one star being because it has a roof, walls, and bathrooms.

Okay, so I used to work at the Arsenal Mall - Yankee Candle - Assistant Manager..... ehhhhh there were candles. :-) But.... this mall is only out of convenience. Same goes to the Watertown Mall.... My suggestion back when I was working there is to knock down both malls and create an Outlet Center. NO ONE LISTENS TO RONI!!!! Instead of going to Wrentham, why not go to Watertown for an Outlet?! Heh? Heh? ::nudge nudge:: Anyway, the mall is ready to fall apart. Don't eat anything in the food court, unless you're ready to get sick immediately afterwards. I know for a fact that some of their employees do not wash their hands after the restrooms - I've seen 'em! The ceilings are always leaking.... I'm surprised this place hasn't been sanctioned to be demolished and failing some sort of building code or violation....

Probably one of the worse malls I've been to. The only good stores here are Marshalls, Best Buy, and Target.

I don't understand the Yelper-hate that the Arsenal Mall keeps getting! The stores include ones you'd expect from any mall (Gap, Old Navy Outlet, Express, Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, Forever 21, Game Stop, Claire's Accessories, Famous Footware, to name just a few...) and there are places to eat and kiosks galore (including eyebrow threading!). The hours are reasonable and there is a ton of parking. If you want a sensory-overload mega-mall experience, you won't get it here - go to Natick or the Cambridgeside Galleria! - but it's a great spot to get some shopping done.

I really enjoy this mall. I don't really understand why it has become the Arsenal "Project", but that doesn't stop me! This Victoria's Secret is bigger than the Chestnut Hill one, so that is my main destination. And the Bath and Bodyworks! Forever 21 is huge and usually pretty great. The Old Navy is considered an outlet so they ALWAYS have great sales! They have a Gap outlet which sometimes has cheap treasures. I LOVE the Marshall's hair product section here. They also have a Famous Footwear with good deals. Pizzeria Regina! Chipotle! I know there is a pretty small assortment of stores, but I seem to find myself there pretty often. I like that it's not an overcrowded mall. I can pretty much do my thing and get in and get out. Being right across the street from Target is also an added bonus! Quite convenient! Hate to say it, but I'm a big fan!

I am not sure why so many people are down on the Arsenal Mall. For me this place is pretty amazing. Yes it is dark and weirdly empty. I would never eat food court food anywhere I go. So I am sure that is just has sketchy as any mall. There is plenty of parking (at least during the day) and I have yet to be overwhelmed by strollers but can understand this is annoying. They do however have a great selection of hit or miss discount stores. Old Navy, Marshalls, Gap Outle, Aldo outlet, Filenes Basement and Ann Taylor Factory Store. They also have a Yankee Candle, Bath and Body Works and a Victoria's Secret with a good selection. Really I see no need to go to any other mall. This place is great for what I need. I guess that is because I am a 27 year old woman who is more interested in finding a good deal then my former teenage Abercrombie wearing self who loved to hang out at the mall.

Not really a mall. More like a cesspool of retail. Perhaps the strangest, most inconvenient layout I've ever seen. Littered with mall carts like the sneaker slipper and the electronic cigarette operated by apathetic "employees" playing on their cell phones. Random and offputting massage chairs abutting each entrance/exit. A ghost town of outdated and on-the-brink-of-bankruptcy businesses like Radio Shack and Gamestop. Desperate attempts to lure preteens via cheesy arcade games like the "Hurricane Simulator." Foul, utterly unusable restrooms. ....+1 for Master Wok.

yeahhhh ... i don't know if it's because I am a grown up now, or because this was always a crappy mall, but man this place went dowwnnn hiiiillll. It wasn't so bad once!! Why is it that this mall is so horrid, even if it has places like bath and body, gap outlet, vickie's secret.... could it be the the dollar store that really isn't a dollar store? You go in, pick something up, it's like $14.99,lol ... or is it that dream catcher store which makes you very sad about the fate of the Proud Native American? There is this perpetual kiosk near the decrepit Things Remembered that has a basin in it, and it says: Win a Bathroom Make Over (or something along those lines). No one has ever won the bathroom make over. Then there is this one store which is always either (a) a cheap shoe store, or (b) closed ... also, there is this other place right across the unlucky dream catcher store which used to be an "Afterthoughts," which as an after thought was turned into "AS SEEN ON TV" store, and then Radio Shack. Near the Old Navy is this store which has some of the tackiest dresses you willl ever see on display ... many times the sheer horridness of these dresses makes me want to go in and investigate, but then i get really embarressed at the thought of being seen in there.

When you go to the Arsenal Mall, you can't act like you ordered lobster when you know you ordered fried clamstrips. And not even like, good fried clamstrips. I mean like those frozen ones that you eat on the side of the road at a food shack on the cape when you're desperate and starving. There's not lobster here. Just go with it. On another note, it sounds like they are updating it, so there's that.

1 star for Gap Outlet 1 star for a Marshalls with some incredible finds. We are talking a Calvin Klein dress for 50 bucks that was original 150 AND a beautiful trench coat for 40 that I saw TWO DAYS later in Macys for 200$. NO JOKE. 1 star for a HUGE Forever 21 with all the chachki jewelry you could EVER want 1 star for Ann Taylor Factory store with amazing deals The only reason I can't give 5 stars is because of ALL The moms with strollers everywhere. Seriously. Those are dangerous!

I want to defend my local shopping establishment from all of the haters (Save for Jeffery H's review which I thought was spot on) but I really can't, save for one point I'm going to get to in a minute. There are a few vaguely decent shops (and not all chains, which is refreshing for a mall, but not being a chain and selling utter crap doesn't really redeem you that much), the place was obviously laid out by an urban planner on crack, but things seem to be changing. Though for the worse of better is really up for grabs. The "Random Native American Crap" store was recently replaced by a Claire's (now my cheap ass jewelry and hair accessory needs can be fulfilled) and the tacky as hell prom dress store has been replaced too (though that makes me honestly sad, as I kind of liked peering in the windows to look at the lime green taffeta creations they had for sale. There is also now an "Open Box Store", which means that you can buy stuff that was damaged in transit or is missing a box for cheap. Going in that place gives me the creeps, it makes the Dollar Store seem posh. Maybe soon we'll get a Hot Topic and a Cinnabun to complete the mall requirement of the trifecta of suck (the first being Claire's if you weren't paying attention). HOWEVER! There is now a threading kiosk in the middle of the mall. Can you imagine anything more pleasant and relaxing than getting your eyebrows THREADED in the MIDDLE of the MALL? I certainly couldn't, so I decided to take one for the team and try it out. Honestly, for $10, she did a great job, and very quickly. Yeah it was disconcerting getting hair pulled out of my eyebrows in the middle of a mall with people walking by staring at me like a circus freak, but for $10 and a ton of convenience, I guess I'll give up some dignity. One other thing I will give the Arsenal Mall is that it's always empty. Kinda creepy, but kinda convenient too, if you don't like tons of crowds. There is also a food court, but I've never stuck around the mall long enough to build up an appetite for random unidentifiable fried food. However, my esteemed Yelp friend Peter G. would like it pointed out that the Arsenal Mall is within walking distance of the epicurean powerhouse that is Bugaboo Creek.

Its a bit sketchy, dark and dingy. There is Marshalls, Old Navy, Gap, Filene's Basement, Home Depot with Target and Best Buy across the street. . The Gap is actually kinda of nice and well stocked in comparison to other Gaps, but the rest is pitiful. There is an interesting mix of peoples here. Theres BC students and yappy suburban moms pushing their $900 strollers yapping on their cell phones. By the way, they will run you over in the parking lot. Parking lot is an another disaster. But also sometimes it feels like the police comes here to pick and choose fillers for their lineups (if you know what I mean). They also have a few of those tacky sparkly jewelry carts and cellphone cover cart. Well, Im sure the local tweens are a big fans of this. Also, if you are in the area and are in a dere need of a bathroom break dont stop here. The bathrooms are similar to those in Mumbai slums. I think they hire a special poop person who smears poop all over the bathrooms, so watch where you step.

Coming out of the city to the Arsenal Mall is always a ... treat (to say the least). Let me back up, I'm so used to the hustle and bustle of Newbury Street, Copley Place, and Harvard Square that these suburban malls seem so foreign. Whenever I walk into the Arsenal Mall, I wonder "where did these hicks come from?" Alas, does that make me a hick? Who knows. One of my favorite parts of the Arsenal Mall is the diversity of the shoppers. That being, high schoolers, senior citizens, "trashy folk", and people on a mission to buy something (like myself). With that being said, the food court is absolutely pathetic (but thank God for Burger King) and the stores are less than exciting (although I do have a soft spot for the Gap Outlet). One word can sum up the experience of Arsenal Mall: underwhelming.

They have a decent enough selection of stores here at Arsenal. But the layout seems kind of cramped when you're walking through, and unlike a lot of malls that have the "cross style" layout this one is just one long winding mall. So if you don't park in the middle you're probably going to end up doing some walking. The parking isn't too great either. There's a lot of lanes and curbs, making the lot like a maze. The parking lot on the Home Depot side is much easier to navigate. All that being said, they have two non-mall related features that are pretty awesome in my book. The first is that they have a Regina Pizza here, which is pretty common in mall's food court, but the cool part is that it has "curb side pick-up." So convenient! And the second is that they have, hanging over their food court, is the old score board from the Original Boston Garden! As a lifelong Bruins fan, I have to admit, it's pretty cool to sit under that while having a slice of pizza.

Not BAD...not great either. The stores are decent, although there are a bunch of ghetto-looking shops that looks like they're there temporarily. The kiosks take up a huge portion of the walkway starting from Forever 21, so it may seem crowded there. Once you get past Bath & Body Works, it gets really spacey. The layout is a little odd. It's narrow, then you'll have a nice, open space, then there's also places that looks deserted (at this point, Linens-n-Things and Ruby Tuesdays are closed, so the Old Navy side is extremely deserted). There's only one public restroom in the entire mall. Ample parking spaces (I suppose the holidays will always be a problem for all mall traffic). I'd come here if I want some peace and quiet. The stores aren't too crowded...I was surprised at how quick I could check out at F21! If you don't mind middle-aged women or just old people in general, this mall is for you.

I had to chime in here and say that I, too, love this place...probably because I hate malls to begin with. There are never crowds ("no one goes there" is, in my opinion, the prime reason to visit), parking is always decent, and its limited size means I get my shopping done in a reasonable amount of time. The price tag here never scares the crap out of me (seriously, how do people pay $300 for jeans??) and the stores are simple and straightforward. Oh, and it's easy to keep track of your mileage - one lap = 1/2 mile.

The Arsenal Mall seems to bring out the worst in reviewers. Classist, sexist, and anti-developing nation comments abound. Sadly, I can see why. I didn't grow up far from Watertown, and we used to come here when we wanted something closer than Natick and didn't care about actually shopping. 10 years later, not much has changed. Filene's Basement has expanded and there's a gigantic multi-level Forever 21 in what used to be a Footlocker, a coffee shop, a Yankee Candle Company, a Lady Grace, etc. (I can't believe I remember that all those stores used to be there!) Otherwise, though, it's basically the same mall I grew up with. Old Navy is still there, and Contempo Casuals is now Wet Seal, which is more or less the same thing. The only reason a came to the Arsenal Mall was to check out the Forever 21 (note. I was not impressed with this location), and the only reason it gets three stars instead of two is for Filene's Basement and Old Navy.

If all malls were exclusive, pricey and upscale like Copley Place, where would the rest of us go? I like having several discount stores in one place like Filene's Basement, Marshalls, Home Depot, Gap Outlet with Best Buy across the street. You can come as you are, no need to look stylish or well-to-do. I agree that the Arsenal is not laid out well. Be prepared to walk and walk. The food court is unappetizing. but there is a Dunkin Donuts where you can relax and have a cup of coffee. You can always feel comfortable shopping here and you might find a real bargain at Marshalls. Yes, it is often empty but so nice to have the place to yourself. Window shopping in expensive malls where you really can't afford to buy seems like a futile waste of time. I am not always thrilled with the Arsenal Mall. I find the endless schlepping from one end to the other to be draining and often end up feeling tired. However it is conveniently located and easy to get to by public transit. The 70 and 70A buses from Central Square go right down Arsenal Street. As malls go the Arsenal is more than adequate and it serves a purpose for a large and very diverse number of people.

I'm surprised people are so down on this place. I'm not a mall snot I just go there for the stores. There are definitely misplaced ghetto stores that are good for a laugh but if you hike between to the two ends of the place you do well. You have your essential clothes shopping with Marshalls, Filenes Basement, Gap Outlet, Old Navy, Vic Secret, Express, etc, etc. Add on Linens n Things and Home Depot and it has a one stop all you could need bargain shopping. I'll head to Snewton when I need something nicer but for the basics it's convenient.

Are we considering both of the strip malls on this street Arsenal Mall? If not I need to give the other one a bad rating too. Arsenal is SUPER depressing and ghost town-esque. there is a weird half-sibling of Express at this mall, Express International. i think what they are selling is the rejected ideas of regular Express designers. there are many dollar stores and the old navy is sad and dirty and cries itself to sleep every night. now that i think about it, that one has strange offerings i don't see in other old navy's either. weiiiiirrrdd. highlights include home depot (which has a pathetic gardening section) and linens n things which tries not to associate itself with the rest of the mall. Across the street is another equally frightening mall with a papa ginos, a gap outlet and a RMV. and a strawberries/best buy. i'm betting that target regrets having a mall entrance every single day.

I want to give this 1 1/2 stars but I can't do that here. Good: Marshall's, Claire's, Filene's Basement, Tello's, Old Navy, Home Depot, Linens and Things. yes I am a girls and will go to most of these places on a regular shopping rotation. Bad: All these stores however are the worst versions of them. It has a Marshall's but is the worst one I have ever been in, etc, etc, etc. I rarely go upstairs but I guess there is a food court and a lot of sneaker stores and an ghetto arcade place. It makes me sad when I go there and after reading past reviews, I think it's super sketchy that there are needle disposers there!

I like this mall. It's big. Lots of mall-type stores and pretty clean. Their bathrooms are large and in charge although their food court leaves something to be desired. Parking is awesome - what a great lot. And the staff that I have encountered has been friendly enough without being creepy.

Why is it call the Arsenal Project? This "project" makes me sad. Very quiet, very antiquated, barely noticeable. Big stores here are Sports Authority, Forever 21, Aldo, & Marshalls. Barely a food court. Escalator only goes up (not down) Bathrooms on first floor. The layout is weird and shoddy.

we, at my nearby workplace, call it "the mall of depression" it is just sad. BUT we go there, because of Marshall's, Filene's Basement and sometimes the Gap Outlet and Old Navy. It's not fancy, and I definitly wouldn't spend a significant amount of time there, BUT I'm glad it's there when I need shop fast on my lunch break.

Ok, it's kind of a ghost town of a mall and at first I underestimated it because I didn't get the layout and missed half of what was there. What is there is Old Navy, Gap, Marshalls, Filene's Basement and Home Depot. Across the street is Avenue and Target. This is not to say that I would use Home Despot or Target, but fyi. It's the closest mall to me in Brighton although it drives me nuts that the 70 bus line which goes past it, is so infrequent. You are better off taking the 86 to Western/Mackin and then walking the rest of the way.

Not sure why they call this the Arsenal Project. Still not clear on that. Is it an experiment? Is it not a mall? I just don't get what they are trying to do. It is mostly deserted and not a great variety of stores. It is just boring and nothing to get excited about. This "project" s at such a good location I am just not sure why they have not been able to make this modern and use full and an exciting destination. Please keep working at it. It could actually be something to draw people to Watertown instead of avoiding it.

Ok, so this mall reminds of the Puente Hills Mall in California, which I used to frequent in high school. Now, the Puente Hills Mall is a sad place with some stores that are good, but others not so much and that is what the Arsenal Mall is to me. A sad place with empty store fronts and kooky/shady stores (I saw the shoe place with $4.99 shoes umm..) It isn't the classy of malls BUT They do have some great stores: [especially for me, I'm always looking for deals!] Forever 21 - Why isn't there one in Boston? I have to trek over here to get my Forever 21 fix. REALLY?! Anyway, they have some good stuff and its two floors. Gap Outlet - SCORE! I like their stuff - though it's not exactly the same as what you'd get at the Gap Store, they have cute stuff and the baby and children's clothes are such a good deal. And when I went today I had an extra 30% off coupon! EVEN BETTER! Filene's Basement - who doesn't love Filene's? Marshalls - hi, more bargain shopping I'm in! Ann Taylor - Factory Store - YES! When I need work clothes, get em here and a good price. Gymboree Outlet - I don't have children, but hey, I have enough little cousins who need clothes so I can just buy them here. Old Navy - not a big fan of their clothes, but they do have good deals. I found $14 jeans for my Aunt here and a $4 shirt for my cousin. Didn't try the food court. Four stars for good stores that aren't too pricey. But too bad, I have to rent a zip car to go here, bum a ride, or take two buses to get here.

The new Chipotle is the best thing that could've happened to this mall. Aside from the Gap Outlet and the new Chipotle there isn't much of a reason to go here if you're a guy. My wife enjoys the big Forever 21 and there used to be a Filenes Basement to go along with the Marshalls, but overall this place shouldn't be a considered a shopping destination. It's more of an after thought if you have time after getting some shopping done at Target across the street.

I'm no shopping expert, but when two of a mall's anchor stores are Marshalls and Filene's Basement you know you're in trouble. I'm staying in Waltham on business and needed a few basics: dress pants, winter gloves, etc. I had heard this was the main mall in the area so I figured there would at least be a decent department store. (I know...I should have checked yelp first) By the grace of God, I was able to find most of what I needed at reasonable prices so I have to give at least 2 stars, but there wasn't much selection and I wasn't able to find a few things that I would have expected to find. If you're in the area and looking for a bargain, it's worth checking out, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come here again. One cool thing to check out if you do happen to shop here is the food court. Not so much for lukewarm Chinese meal I got to experience, but for the giant scoreboard that is hanging above the tables. It is the actual scoreboard taken from Boston Garden when it closed. It was a nice little surprise during an otherwise ho-hum shopping experience.

I got to say I love this mall... Its so small, so dead, and the store selection isn't great at all. But i always find my self coming back. However I find this mall to be peaceful and convenient, and even though most of the stores here and restaurants are pretty blan, It still has pretty good stores. I'll find my self going to GNC, marshalls, olympia sports, and the brand new sports authority is a step up. I actually think this mall may be improving. All in all if your looking for a nice, quiet, decent mall, with a meh... decent selection, rather then a packed, overbearing mall. Then come on down here. Also the watertown mall is right across the street, just incase you cant find what your looking for.

When you walk into this mall, the floor plan is a little odd. You can't see how far it goes or get a feeling of what sorts of stores there are. When I first walked in, there were so many ghetto stores. However as soon as I got to the center, there was a Victoria Secret, GAP, and an Ann Taylor outlet. On the other side, I was happy to see a Forever 21 that was spreading like a rash upstairs and downstairs. Huge! The food court was quite small compared to the all-encompassing Forever 21 swallowing up its floor space. The whole mall was dark and a little gloomy.

I'm really surprised that this is a Simon Mall. I always thought Simon malls mental quality since they typically nice. This mall is a 2.5 but I'm feeling generous so I'll round up to a 3. This is a fair mall but def lacking quality. I go there to go to Old Navy and Gap Outlet. Occasionally I go into game stop (for wii games) and forever 21 (for inexpensive accessories and nail polish). I breeze by a lot of the other stores and def the food court. There are like 5 places to eat in the food court so you better not go when around lunch- unless you like Burger King, 'Chinese' food, and burritos. While this is not a great mall it makes itself even crappier with this hours. It opens very late and closes very early on Sundays. It closes at 6 on Sundays but a lot of stores close even earlier, even though it still is pretty busy there. Don't bother trying to park close to the entrances. It's a waste of your time to wait and circle the parking lot. Stop being lazy and park like 100 feet farther away and you'll be in there so much faster- and you might burn off some of that junky lunch. Once this mall is re-branded and gets a bit of a face lift I'll give it some respect.

Yes, it's scary here. BUT, it still has that quick "in and out" charm... you don't want to spend TOO much time here, but it's useful to have nearby, ya know? And, around Halloween there is a store that comes in for Halloween goods - I've been there several times for that last minute costume on oct 31st.

This mall is like a has-been superstar of the 80's that has never caught up with the times. When it opened in the 80's, this place was pretty happening and the place to go in the Watertown area for Bostonians and suburbanites. And being a former WW II military arsenal added to its mystique. Then the 90's hit. A somewhat sketchier and teenage crowd started hanging out there. Ann & Hope, the huge anchor store, couldn't hold its own anymore against the Walmarts and Targets. The Cambridge Galleria mall opened. And the rest is history. Now it's looks like such an out-of-style place with the 80's rainbow logo still there, a ho-hum set of stores, and a lame food court. Sure there's still Home Depot, Filene's Basement, Marshalls, etc. but nothing too exciting. I think they should just knock down Watertown Mall and put Target and Best Buy in Arsenal Mall to spruce it up. Bottom line: It's like an 80's one-hit wonder still thinking it's cool and hip enough to draw big crowds. Yawn.

I'm not sure this qualifies as a mall. It's more like the big department store that used to anchor it, Ann and Hope. Granted, I go to the Arsenal Mall on a pretty infrequent basis, but every time I'm in there, it seems like three or four stores have closed their doors. There seem to be more kiosks than actual stores. Comforting to know that the market for tacky jewelry and cornea-stingingly colorful cellphone covers is doing well, while the bookstore and the music store are in the midst of shutting their doors. Weird, wild stuff. One extra star for the Marshall's, and because it's the only 'mall' (I use that term loosely) in the area with parking.