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    The Waterman Fish Bar

    4.1 (941 reviews)
    ModerateSeafood
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Order The Waterman Fish Bar Takeout or Delivery

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    THE WATERMAN FISH BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Touristy
    Trendy

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    Recommended Reviews - The Waterman Fish Bar

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    Fish N' Chips (3/5)
    Ian N.

    Fish N' Chips (3/5): Pretty lackluster. The fish wasn't seasoned and the batter to fish ratio was too high. There were also quite a few soggy spots. The fries were also soggy and cut up into bits that were too small. RATING SYSTEM 5 - Great (Need to get this again) 4 - Good (Would get this again) 3 - Ok (Might give this another shot) 2 - Not Good (Won't get this again) 1 - Bad (Telling people to avoid this)

    Clam chowder or potato soup?It was warm even though I asked for it hot. She seemed bothered even questioned me.  Usually I love this place.
    Paul R.

    Totally not a good experience this time . Big chunks of potato. Wasn't sure I ordered a clam chowder or potato soup. Was treated rudely. Usually love this place. Ambiance is great

    Na'Shota L.

    Came here on National Cocktail Day. Although they didn't have any specials, I did partake in the Happy Hour oysters for $1.50. Service was quick. I also couldn't partake in their Manhattan, because they didn't have the liquor for it. My daughter came for the 1st time and she enjoyed it. Still a solid place to come to!

    Fried Chicken Biscuit
    Sterling F.

    I stopped by The Waterman Fish Bar on a beautiful Sunday afternoon and it did not disappoint. I ordered a half dozen charbroiled oysters which were great! I also ordered the fried chicken biscuit with crawfish gravy, which was good also. I took a chance and decided to order an oyster shooter for the 1st time because...why not. I wasn't a fan but that has nothing to do with the establishment itself. All in all, it was good food, and the service was amazing. I'll be back when they open the rooftop area again!

    Shrimp and grits
    Kayla P.

    Soooo good! I love getting shrimp and grits everywhere I go and this one definitely lived up to the hype. My partner got fish and chips and they were super good as well! Everything was cooked to perfection. I love the vibes inside and out. I definitely need to come back and get a drink on the rooftop. The service was super quick and the staff is friendly. The portion sizes are great, and the price is great for a nice seafood restaurant. We will definitely be back. I'd recommend for food, service, and vibes! We didn't get drinks this time, but it seems like a great drink and date spot.

    Shrimp & Grits , Fish & Chips
    Jessica R.

    Delicious food and great atmosphere! Beautiful views of the city skyline as well! Service was great as well!

    Trout
    Hadja T.

    This restaurant was so disappointing. My friend and I decided to try a different restaurant in South End with outdoor seating. The pictures and other reviews made this pick a candidate. Since this restaurant is located in a strip mall, there was ample parking. The tables and chairs lend to a nautical vibe. The hostess was friendly and seated us right away. Our waiter, Ryan, was also fantastic and accomodating. I ordered the salmon spinach salad and my friend ordered the trout. We asked for coffee and lemonade as well. The coffee was cold when it arrived. The lemonade was very syrupy, that is the best way I can describe it. The salad did not look appetizing at all. The salmon was well seasoned and the greens were crisp. This dish could have used more dressing. The cream on the trout took away from its mild flavor. The other patrons raved about their food. Maybe we picked the wrong things off the menu.

    L to R: "Sailor's Delight", Beer (?)
    Rose E.

    I haven't been here in years...so decided to make it a date night! First of all, the place was busy as ever. Unlike my first time here, it had this chaotic ambiance this time...with staff members running around everywhere. This could have been influenced by being seated in a booth right next to the cashier station. What an awkward placement! Anyway, we started by ordering the Crispy Calamari...and drinks. My husband got beer as usual, and I decided to try this "Sailor's Delight". Well, this frozen drink was basically undrinkable...in that it was so creamy and thick that I was unable to suck any liquid out of it. ?!? It was also way too sweet!! I barely touched this drink. Then the bad batch of Calamari. It took a long while...but when we finally got this delivered, it was like 80% tentacles (not sure what you call them, but look at the picture, and you'll see what I mean). We didn't pay $16 to have mostly these tentacles...we wanted the rings! I finally tagged down the waitress, and they took this bad plate of Calamari back, and replaced with mostly, if not all, Calamari rings. We appreciated this...however, it was rushed, so the Calamari wasn't fully cooked the way we like it. Meaning, it was a bit too chewy...and the fried batter wasn't quite right. Mostly flaked off. Oh Well. As for the entrees, we both got the Connecticut style Lobster Rolls (warm with butter!)...and my husband got Fries for sides, and I got the Broccoli (extra $2). Well, we both loved the rolls. These were truly lush rolls with a ton of Lobster, a ton of butter, and these thick, soft breads. However, my husband felt that the Fries were too greasy...and I thought my Broccoli was too tasteless. I wondered why they couldn't add a bit of flavor to it...Chili, Soy Sauce, something?? No matter, we were happy with the Lobster Rolls. Another thing that somewhat bothered me was their sloppy, slapstick presentation...everything with these paper wraps over the plates. Were the plates just not cleaned? Why all these paper wraps?? Maybe I'm missing something...but I just didn't see why they couldn't just deliver the foods on the plate...Would have made for a much better presentation. Instead, everything looked like cheap fast food! I remember they used to deliver the foods on the plate (no paper!) years ago...but now, this new crappy format. Why?!? Aside from the really good Lobster Roll (thank God for that!), everything else was a mess. Well, the waitress was good...no issues there. However, the bad drink (I should have sent this back too!), the bad Calamari and the cheap paper presentations all left me feeling a bit cheated. I mean, the foods here are quite pricey....yet they looked and tasted cheap on the most part. Again, the only redemption was their Lobster Rolls...and for that I'm not dropping 1 star...but 2. Frankly, for the price of the Lobster Roll, think I'd rather turn to Sea Level (equally delish rolls)...where you don't get things delivered on paper, and better fries. Unfortunately, I don't see myself choosing this place again.

    Fisherman's pick (fried cod sandwich)
    Abbie B.

    The food here was super good. It was very heavy though so just be mindful if you go anywhere after. I split the seafood dip and it was really good. Everything came out very hot and fresh. The service was honestly really good considering I was with a large party of 12. I like the vibes inside. I feel like I would like it even more on the rooftop but it was unfortunately raining so the top was closed.

    Warm lobster roll
    Tony M.

    This is a decent choice for a meal in the Charlotte Airport. Service is on top of things throughout the meal, my glass was never empty. It's a nice space with a view of the runway, and relatively peaceful (although the music was a little loud). I started with clam chowder, which was very nice and chock full of clams. The lobster roll was also very good, although it needed a few squeezes of lemon to give a little pop. Some more butter would have also been good. Still, the meat was good and the bun was nice and toasty. The cole slaw was very plain, I'd suggest skipping it. Check out the Waterman next time you're flying through.

    Lobster roll
    Chelsea C.

    Paid nearly $40 for this amount of lobster. The amount of lobster is not worth the price. I hate to leave a bad review, but this is just really unacceptable.

    Menu
    Charity R.

    Amazing food, amazing service, amazing time. I will definitely be going back!! I enjoyed everything about being there!

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    10 days ago

    Food was good! Charbroiled oysters, shrimp toast and citrus glazed salmon. The service was good as well!

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    4 months ago

    Not worth the visit the clam chowder was sour and after waiting ten minutes for silverware. The food was not exactly warm anymore.

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    Ask the Community - The Waterman Fish Bar

    Do i need reservations for the rooftop bar?

    The rooftop is open so it's closed this time of year. When weather is nice, you need reservations, but there best to have in general.

    Is there still happy hour for oysters? This Friday?

    Yes, $1 Oysters M-F 2-7!

    Is this restaurant wheelchair-accessible? How about the top floor?

    The indoor ground floor is, but the access "ramp" begins quite a few parking places to the right of the stairs from the parking lot and their entry door. They have outdoor patio tables before you get to the front door. Interior ground floor space is… Read more

    Is there a happy hour, bar menu or wine specials day?

    Happy hour is Monday-Friday 4-7.

    Does Waterman have high chairs?

    Yes they do have high chairs

    How much is the Seafood Platter?

    What I had was 24 or 25 dollars. Worth every dollar

    View All 9 Questions

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    The Southern Pecan

    The Southern Pecan

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    I relocated to Charlotte from Louisiana and this place is spot on from food to service.read more

    As a girl born in Texas, a really good chicken fried steak is practically part of my DNA. It's one…read moreof those comfort foods I don't eat often because it's so rich--but when I see it on a menu, it absolutely catches my attention. That's exactly what drew me to The Southern Pecan in SouthPark. Here in the South, they call it country fried steak, and I'm happy to report this one did not disappoint. I met a colleague there for lunch, and everything about the experience felt easy from the start. The restaurant is located in Phillips Place, a lovely little shopping area that feels a bit polished and upscale--with shops like Orvis, Tory Burch, and even a Restoration Hardware restaurant nearby. They do offer valet parking, which is a nice touch, though honestly parking is easy enough on your own. We had reservations through OpenTable and were seated on the patio, which was absolutely delightful for this time of year in Charlotte. The weather was perfect, the setting was relaxed, and the service started off warm and welcoming right away. Now, the food. The country fried steak was beautifully cooked--crispy on the outside, tender inside, and served with creamy mashed potatoes and gravy that hit all the nostalgic notes from my Texas upbringing. I paired it with a vegetable side (I believe it was broccoli or corn), and it was a classic Southern plate done right. We also enjoyed a couple of cocktails, and to finish, we split a praline bread pudding, which felt like the perfect Southern ending to the meal--sweet, comforting, and indulgent without being overwhelming. The staff was friendly and attentive, and one of the things I continue to appreciate about Charlotte is how easy it is to connect with people. We even chatted with diners at nearby tables, which added to that welcoming, community feel that makes dining out here so enjoyable--especially for someone coming from the Bay Area. Prices felt fair for the quality, the setting, and the portion sizes, and overall the experience left a great impression. Bottom line: If you're craving a solid Southern classic like country fried steak--or just want a relaxed patio lunch in a charming part of SouthPark--The Southern Pecan is definitely worth a visit. And as someone happily eating my way through Charlotte and the Southeast, this stop was another reminder that the journey has been a delicious one.

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    Cornmeal coated fried shrimp

    The Waterman Fish Bar - seafood - Updated July 2026

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