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    Sweetwater Tavern

    4.2 (1.3k reviews)
    ModerateAmerican, Seafood, Salad
    Closed 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

    Sweetwater Tavern Photos

    Business Info

    SWEETWATER TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Sweetwater Tavern

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    Reviews With Photos

    Chicken havarti
    Lyn L.

    Not typical of a GAR, service going downhill. Our server was friendly but we honestly didn't see him for a good 10 minutes when our full crowd arrived. Our group of 6 was patient but when a beer glass had a chip, and the server went to replace it, we didn't see that replaced drink for over 20 minutes. Food was good, consistent with our regular visits. Our seating area was roomy since they sit larger groups on their patio,

    Tiffany T.

    Service was good! Overall it's what I expect from sweet water but this location the quality seems a little lower than other locations Filet mignon had a nice grill and burn flavor from the sear but was a bit tough and even though it was pink for medium rare, a bit dry too Crab cake had sweet crab and crunch bits but felt pretty heavy Raspberry lemon drop martini is good! A little strong but sugar rim balances it. Not very sour Ozzie rolls were warm and bouncy no issues

    Community Bread Basket
    Michelle M.

    Sweetwater Tavern is one of those places that you go to because you know exactly what to expect and you get that. Our steak cravings brought us back to this institution tucked in Centreville. It was a crowded weeknight but we were able to secure a table a few hours before dinner. However, some (if not all) the tables have enough space and the ambiance is lively. We got the Community Bread Basket (never to be skipped I learned) and Crispy Fried Point Judith Calamari - both were fantastic! We both had rib eyes - Aged 5 Star Reserve Prime Rib and Drunken Rib Eye Steak. One needed to be re-fired but it was okay (cooking steaks is complicated) - it went back great! Both steaks were too huge for us. The sides were delicious as well. The service is excellent as always. Oh, if you don't want to drink alcohol, try their House Brewed Root Beer!

    Southwest Chicken Salad
    Caroline K.

    Always good food at Sweetwater! Delicious dishes from a plentiful menu so everyone in the group is sure to find something they like. Wait staff is always super attentive and fast. I really love their hustle! The restaurant is a great atmosphere to enjoy with a date, some friends, or family.

    Jambalaya Pasta and Sweetwater Roast Chicken Salad
    Claudine L.

    I have been to other great American restaurants and think I have had a better experience. We came in we were greeted with water and start with ozzie rolls. We asked for additional butter and the butter never came when we ordered (asked twice). We asked for extra plates and when the food came out, we had to ask again. The pasta we got was room temperature. The roast chicken salad is always a classic and my favorite item to order - no complaints there. It was busy on a Friday night.

    Ozzie Rolls
    Tiger T.

    Went there for lunch today. Great service. Good, clean environment. Awesome food as usual. Ozzie rolls are always recommended. The firecracker shrimp has a refreshing taste, making it a very good appetizer. Egg rolls are crispy but not dry, and are highly recommended. Artichoke dip is good too. Order Louisiana pasta for the entree. It is a very balanced dish, and has a small kick in it. And lastly, the turtle cheesecake is a must-try!

    Baby back ribs, Great American Fries, coleslaw
    Troy M.

    This place reminds of a fancier olive garden by design minus the Italian food. Food here was great! Having the mix bread basket, baby back ribs, and roasted chicken. Selection of alcohol is pretty decent too. I would like to see them add ciders to the list. The waitress we had was attentive and awesome! I can see why it was so packed when we arrived. I would highly recommend reserving.

    Warm White Chocolate Bread Pudding
    Latoya J.

    I love the GAR (Great American Restaurants) group--they consistently deliver some of the best dining experiences in the DMV area. This was my second time dining at Sweetwater Tavern, and once again, it did not disappoint. Because I've fully embraced the perks of adulthood, I started my meal with dessert--my all-time favorite, the white chocolate bread pudding. It's rich, comforting, and absolutely worth every bite. For my entrée, I tried the Louisiana Pasta for the first time, and it instantly became my second favorite dish from the GAR group--right after the Crazy Lasagna at Ozzie's. The flavors were bold, the portion was hearty, and it hit all the right notes. Their lemonade is also worth mentioning--refreshing, delicious, and perfectly consistent with what I've enjoyed at their other restaurants. Customer service was stellar, which is no surprise. I've never had a bad experience at any GAR restaurant, and this visit to Sweetwater Tavern just added another reason to keep coming back.

    DELICIOUS!!!
    Charlotte K.

    This is a great restaurant! I have been here 3 times. Every time I have been here it has been lovely. The food comes out relatively fast. The food is amazing. I got the southwestern chicken salad it was the best salad I have ever had. The service was excellent. The water was lovely and attentive. The ambiance is amazing! We sat outside and it was super warm. Overall this is an amazing restaurant definitely go!

    Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork
    Chris V.

    I went day after Valentine's Day very busy. Been going here for 25 plus years only 1 problem. Had other problem waiter took order to people who came 5 minutes seated after us. No problem. Here is the kicker waited 45 minutes for appetizer. Ask the waiter the forgot to put in our order. We did not complain however gave us free appetizer and dessert that was nice. Went back next week for lunch here is a restaurant hack, $14 bbq sandwich with fries. Best lunch deal in Centreville get it before 1130am they run out. Still giving 5 stars.

    Short Smoked Salmon Filet
    Tiara M.

    I love the salmon here always cooked just right. Broccolini always cooked right as well so many other places cook it till it's mush. This was just right. Service is great as usual. They have a new drink the Sangarita a mix between sangria and a margarita very good.

    Wood Grilled Chicken Breast

    I had to take my wife to Dulles Airport for a late evening international flight, so we gave Sweetwater Tavern in Centreville VA a try. I hadn't been there in over 20 years, but it looked the same inside. And the ambiance was that it was a very happening place on Friday night during prime dinner hour. We had a 6:00pm reservation on a Friday night, and they were plenty busy when we walked in. But we were seated within minutes of 6:00pm, well before the expectation that their website sets of seating you within 15 minutes of your reservation. Our young waiter was very nice. The comedy highlight was when they were out of the draft beer we requested, and we suggested his help picking a similar beer. It was obvious he knew NOTHING about the beers on the menu when he gave us suggestions. Food was quite good. The prices were "Fairfax County prices", i.e. way higher than we expected in a chain restaurant, but I'm guessing that that is not a problem specific to Sweetwater Tavern. The most interesting thing was that we got charged $1 for the bread before the meal, which was offered and we asked for. I've heard of restaurants charging for a generic pre-meal bread basket, and I think this is the first time it's ever happened to us. It was definitely worth the $1, especially compared to the prices of everything else on the menu. All in all, a good experience. I wouldn't hesitate to go back, but there wasn't a "wow factor" that would make me actively seek it out.

    Firecracker Shrimp, Roasted Half Young Chicken, and Jambalaya Pasta. Perfecto.
    Jada C.

    Yelp Reviewers, you've done it again !! I located this place on Yelp in advance. I knew I'd be in the area, and I needed to pick somewhere yum. Easy to locate, free onsite parking lot parking, welcome hostess station upon entrance. This place has an onsite distillery. It's a win win for beer drinkers They feature all of their beers on the menu. The hostesses were amazingly kind. Hubby and I were taken to our seat. This place is a Winter Wonderland. Beautiful Christmas tree, lights, and gorge poinsettias EVERYWHERE. They were huge and gorge. We were sat in a comfy spacious booth. We were immediately greeted by Alexis. She was great! Super quick, and efficient. Collectively, we ordered the following. Firecracker Shrimp - Highly recommended. Nice sized shrimp, flavorful. Roasted Half Young Chicken - Amazingly seasoned. Cooked perfectly. Tender. Jambalaya Pasta - Great sauced entrée. Robust flavor, great flavor, tender protein. An absolute treat. This may sound a little different for a review BUT, the bathrooms are so clean and comfy. The heat was at the perfect temperature and made me forget it was 30° outdoors!! Hubby and I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this visit. I highly recommend and we'll definitely be back!! Oh, I highly recommend you make reservations. They use Resy reservation system. You can access from their website for convenience. bon appétit !!

    Short Smoked Salmon Filet  Not a fan 2/5

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    1 year ago

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    3 months ago

    Great American rarely fails. Always good food, great service, alot invested in the atmosphere in their many locations.

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    6 months ago

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    7 months ago

    Good place to go. Loved the salad. I was hoping for more food selection esp for steaks but it was good for a casual date night.

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    Page 1 of 32

    Ask the Community - Sweetwater Tavern

    Do they have a brunch?

    They have lunch but not any breakfast items! Lunch runs from 11-4

    Happy hour burgers?

    No happy hour specials but it doesn't matter because their burgers are wonderful!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Uptown Cafe

    Uptown Cafe

    4.9
    (211 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$

    Stopped by for lunch on a whim. Was pleasantly surprised by…read morehow cozy and intimate this place was despite the small size. It was also snowing out so it made it feel esp warm. Me and my cousin had the chicken fajita wrap and turkey avocado panini. Both were delicious and fresh. We got to meet and chat with the owners who are a lovely, kind Korean couple. Thank you for making us feel welcomed! Go support this local business!

    Omg what delicious food!…read more Uptown Cafe is a small family owned business in a busy plaza with plenty of parking. The seating is a bit limited as it's a small place but I always order to go. But let me tell you this is some of THE BEST Food I've had in a looong time. It hits all the marks: fresh ingredients; perfect spicing, flavors and mixes; healthy options; tastes homemade because it is; and has a variety of food to choose from. I usually get the Caribbean Jerk Chicken bowl which is amazing because its individual components are just as tasty by themselves as they are complemented by each other in the bowl. It has grilled dark meat chicken which is packed with a unique jerk flavoring special to this place; I literally don't like chicken most of the time and especially have a hard time with grilled chicken, but at uptown cafe I would eat that chicken for every meal by itself that's how much flavor it has! Then it is complemented by house made pico de gallo (I always get extra) always fresh, seasoned white rice, corn, shredded cheese, grilled onions (I don't get these as I'm not a huge onion fan), lettuce, and homemade chipotle sauce that is particular to Uptown cafe (I haven't tried another like it) and so good it's addicting! To top it off they always have a soup of the day which is made from scratch. My favorite so far has been the vegetable dumpling soup which included carrots, scallions, onions and a tasty broth. They also have had tomato bisque, chicken noodle, chicken pho, and spicy chicken tortilla. They offer a range of other food items like salmon poke and beef bulgogi bowls, wraps, and breakfast burritos which I hope to try soon. They also have a huge variety of unique drinks and bakery items that change day to day. The portions are huge and definitely filling. I usually can't even finish my bowl by myself, so the value for the quality and quantity of food is excellent. The service is amazing as it's run by the sweetest owners who are always very kind and accommodating and truly care about you and your order. They always make my day with their smiles. TLDR: A small cafe with plenty of delicious food options and owners who make your day and truly care. Definitely try their Caribbean jerk chicken bowl and their homemade soups! I have been so obsessed with this place since I first went and go there at least once a week now. Their food is so good I literally crave it all the time!! Go, you won't regret it!

    Photos
    Front counter
    Front counter
    Vegetable dumpling soup
    Vegetable dumpling soup
    Iced Coffee

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    Iced Coffee
    Cafein Centreville

    Cafein Centreville

    4.6
    (258 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    I always come here when I visit my parent's house because they serve delicious and consistent…read morecoffee and food. They are always packed and there's a reason! Everything is reasonably priced and the service is quick. Usually I get coffee, but today we tried the food and it did not disappoint! I would come every time to get that chicken mushroom - Butterscotch latte: sweet (but not too sweet) and delicious! The size is very small tho (you only have one choice) 4.5/5 - Honey Cinnamon Latte: tastes like cereal, which wasn't my favorite but still good. 3.5/5 - CHICKEN MUSHROOM ON FOCACCIA: bacon, swiss cheese, mushroom, caramelized onion, ranch - THIS WAS MY FAVORITE. It was one of my favorite sandwiches I've ever had! So so delicious with the caramelized onions and the crunch of the bacon. 1000000/5 - CHIPOTLE CHICKEN ON FOCACCIA: swiss cheese, sun dried tomatoes, arugula, chipotle crema - delicious but the chicken mushroom had that extra flare, this one tasted healthier and more fresh. 4/5 - THE BURRATA ON CIABATTA: burrata cheese, tomato, arugula, basil pesto, fig spread, balsamic glaze, fresh pepper, olive oil - I'm a sucker for burrata, this had flavor and a great veggie option. 4.5/5

    Came back here recently and dined in. You order at the front and they bring you the food and drink…read moreat your table. I got the breakfast burrito with sausage links and the butterscotch latte. Both were delicious! My burrito was filling and tasty, while the latte was sweet and creamy. The salsa that comes with the burrito is solid, just a pain to get on the burrito without getting your hands dirty. I was lucky and grabbed a seat to work from. It's a chill atmosphere, with tons of people doing schoolwork or working from home. There is plenty of parking too, just gotta hope you can grab a seat on the weekends.

    Photos
    Crème coffee
    Crème coffee
    Butterscotch latte and iced rose latte
    Butterscotch latte and iced rose latte
    Beans for purchase

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    Beans for purchase
    Jarern Thai Cuisine

    Jarern Thai Cuisine

    4.9
    (11 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    TL;DR: tasty Thai food with great service…read more This place changed ownership/rebranded over the past year, so we decided to give it a shot. Thank goodness we did, because it is our new go-to Thai place around us. The interior is cute; the menu is extensive but not crazy; and the portions are great. We have been here a few times, and the food is consistently good. Service is always super friendly and attentive. FOOD: ~Thai tea (4.5/5): flavorful and creamy with a great balance of sweetness ~Drunken noodle (4.5/5): usually get this with beef which can be hit or miss. The flavor of the drunken noodles is perfect though with good spice ~Pad see ew (5/5): probably the best pad see ew we have had in this area or anywhere ~Pad thai (4/5): we got it with shrimp which was cooked perfectly. We got this a little spicy, and it was very good ~Guai tiew kua gai (3.9/5): basically the same as pad see ew, but less sweet and with mushroom and green onion instead of broccoli. This one wasn't as flavorful in our opinion thought. ~Crispy pork belly (3/5): flavor was great but a bit too dry/chewy for our preference ~Jumbo Lump crab meat fried rice (5/5): tons of crab meat, seasoned well, and gets better the more you eat it This place is our new favorite Thai spot.

    I based all my reviews on my expectations walking in. The best sushi I've ever picked up at a gas…read morestation is not gonna make the cut at Nobu. That said, northern Virginia has a very strong Asian population and influence and so I do expect quite a bit from a Thai restaurant. We have visited here several times. First time was just dropping by because we had a craving for some pad Thai. Should be easy. First of all the interior is beautiful. It's like a very homie dining room room with lots of character. There is a small bar offering full service beer and cocktails. I had a drink while I waited for my takeout and the takeout was ready so quickly that I barely got halfway through my drink. After being impressed, we came back for a full sitdown dinner, and ordered a dozen menu items taking plenty with us. Everything was amazing! If you are in or near Centerville, and are in the mood for great Thai cuisine in a very welcoming atmosphere. I recommend you give Jarern a try

    Photos
    Jarern Thai Cuisine
    Crispy pork belly (3/5)
    Crispy pork belly (3/5)
    Thai Iced Tea

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    Thai Iced Tea
    Tropical Smoothie Cafe

    Tropical Smoothie Cafe

    3.9
    (114 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $

    This Tropical Smoothie has gone downhill as far as food is concerned. Their quesadillas used to be…read morevery good, but my latest order was very disappointing. The quesadillas were mushy and tasteless. There was barely any chicken. I had other issues with this location as well. Even though they have a sign that says you can combine a smoothie with a meal for a discount, they refused to help me when I placed an order online. The order did not give me the discount so I asked about it when I got there, and the crew refused to help. They just told me to call an 800 number. The final issue was with their new offer of boba to a smoothie for a pretty steep price of $1.49. Even so, we ordered two of them. Got them home. No boba whatsoever. So there is $3 more wasted in exchange for nothing. So, no help at the store with a pricing issue, no boba even though got charged for it, and the food was sub-par. I did contact corporate and they told me this location refused to issue any refunds, although they (corporate) were willing to give me a $25 gift card for my troubles. So, thank you Tropical Smoothie Corporate, and boo on you Centreville. I will take my business to a different Tropical Smoothie in the area - there are plenty to choose from. Just because you are a franchise doesn't mean you can't extend customer service to your local customers.

    Love tropical smoothie and this is a great location. Order is always correct, service fast and…read morepolite. My favorite smoothie is the island green (so fruity you can't taste the spinach or kale). My favorite flatbread is the pesto or chipotle chicken club.

    Photos
    Tropical Smoothie Cafe
    Pair & save meal.
    Pair & save meal.
    Mango Monsoon™ Smoothie & Tropical Dragon Passion Smoothie.

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    Mango Monsoon™ Smoothie & Tropical Dragon Passion Smoothie.

    Sweetwater Tavern - tradamerican - Updated July 2026

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