I went in with medium expectations, and was very pleasantly surprised. The three of us all offered different things, and we were all impressed. Each item on the menu has had an uncommon amount of care dedicated to it. read more

I stopped in here with a friend after we saw a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse, as we were looking for a bite to eat in close proximity to the parking garage. In very bright lights, we saw water bar. They have an open air patio that has the plastic sheeting to keep the wind and cold air out, but it was still pretty chilly on the inside as we weren't seated near one of the heaters, and both ends of the seating area are open to the elements. In terms of the ambience displays have very relaxed vibes where is comfortable seating areas as well as high top and bar seating. My friend ordered a peppermint tea and the shrimp and grits. I ordered the crabcakes. The peppermint tea was very interesting as the sweetener which I believe was a simple syrup comes in a shot glass on the side. Her main complaint was that mixing the tea with the sweetener dropped the temperature of her tea, so it was more room temperature/lukewarm than hot. She enjoyed the shrimp and grits although the breading on the tomato was a little heavy for her. My crabcakes were delicious although a little heavy on the breading/filling. I would've preferred them with a side or would've liked to have the option to add a side, but I understand that type of this restaurant is more bar menu/small bites. Both dishes were plated beautifully. Our service was wonderful from start to finish. We were greeted and seated promptly. Our server was friendly and attentive. I'll definitely visit again, but I'll probably just come for drinks. read more

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Amazing experience, great customer Service. Nilo was on top of everything. I'll be back

I had been wanting to come down to this area to try this Water Bar and I was not impressed. The restaurant was clean, spacious and designed beautifully. I appreciated that the chairs were cushioned and wide. Our waiter Leon was fantastic! He was polite, attentive, and personable. The menu was disappointing. I'm not sure if they were trying for small plates but the menu was limited. We ordered the trout dip and shrimp sandwich. Let's just say I would not order that again. They are coming out with a new menu soon so let's hope it's a better one. They are fairly new so it is understandable that kinks need to be worked out. We will be back and try it again. read more

Great location to people watch from above. Service was very attentive. While the menu is limited, it's perfect for a slightly more than bar type of place. The wings were awesome, the panini was very good. As our server suggested "tots are good" and they were, but can u really mess up tots? Our only minor complaint is that the cocktails had way too much crushed ice in them. Looking around this seemed to be universal. Perfect place to unwind at the end of a long day if you aren't expecting a full on 5 course meal. Looking forward to returning. read more

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We were given such great care and attention during our time. Plus the food was FANTASTIC! I am looking forward to returning to the apres-ski pop up before the Christmas season is over! read more

Water Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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I had a great time at Water Bar. I especially enjoyed sitting outside. It had a relaxed vibe the fresh air, casual atmosphere made it the perfect spot to unwind after work. The food was the highlight. The lobster was packed with lobster made perfectly seasoned on about buttery roll I also tried the shrimp and it was just as impressive crispy flavorful with just the right amount of spice , you're craving seafood or just a chill outdoor meal. This place is a must visit in Arlington Virginia. I'll definitely be back. read more

My company hosted a private event at The Water Bar earlier this week. We had around 100 guests. We worked with Caroline to reserve the event. It was effortless, as Caroline was extremely knowledgeable and flexible. Our team had a fantastic time! The staff is very welcoming and attentive. The venue itself is really lovely. It's conveniently located in Crystal City / National Landing, surrounded by food vendors. There is also occasionally entertainment in the park. Highly recommend Water Bar for your next corporate event, or a place to stop in and dine. read more

Would give 6/5 stars if I could! Top notch vibe, great neighborhood walk away for Crystal City locals and the food and drinks can't be beat. If you can, ask for Hunter; the man is dynamite behind the bar. Great conversations and a cocktail wizard. Dude has recipes front and back, can make custom cocktails in a pinch and is charming as hell. Will be coming back. read more

Big Vybez! Chunky guacamole, calamari! Very delicious. Really laid back place. Great place to go for quick bite.

The food was absolutely delicious, service was quick and the staff was amazing. Our waiter was perfectly attentive and they even helped us tremendously with a birthday surprise. The location, music and ambiance were exactly what we needed for a fun night out. read more

Please avoid Water Bar if you can. If you do go, please avoid drinking from their tap water. This is by far the most horrible and disappointing experience I've had as a patron. My fiancée and I went to Water Bar this past Saturday for a quick early dinner before going to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema to watch a movie. We made a reservation and got to the restaurant about 10 minutes early. As we walked in, a gentleman who had a terrible attitude greeted us and pointed us to be seated at one of the cocktail tables. We had to ignore his behavior not to mess up our day. Towards the end of our meal, we noticed a small packet in the water bottle that we had been drinking out of. They serve their tap water in a glass bottle and it's kept on the table in a chiller so we were not able to see the bottom until we picked it up to pour ourselves another round. We immediately brought it to the l attention of the same gentleman that sat us who turned out to be the manager. This inexperienced manager was super defensive and quick to try and convince us that it was just a piece of paper floating in the water and that he would comp our meal and everything should be fine. He picked up the bottle and immediately walked out of the restaurant with it while ignoring us asking why he is leaving with it. The item that was in our water turned out to be a Tobacco/Nicotine Pouch according to the so called Manager himself who's name is Armando(the same person that was very certain it is a piece of paper) and the police officers that later on joined the scene. Armando kept down playing the situation repeatedly stating that it's just a 'Tobacco Pouch' and firmly kept insisting that it 'was okay'. Given that it was impossible for this person to communicate to us in a respectful manner, we asked him to get an incident report filled out for us since we called the police and would like their report to match the restaurant's report. Armando unsurprisingly suggested that if he has to go get the paperwork it will take so long and we would have to be sitting there waiting so as long as our bill was taken care of we should just call it a day. We still insisted he fills out the report so he left and came back with the form in 5 minutes and proceeded to tell us he needs us to leave the restaurant so we can go talk some "quieter". To which we also declined. Shortly after, another manager came to our table. This manager, Camron, told us that Armando is new and that he obviously didn't handle the situation properly. We ended up having to go to a clinic to get tested. Armando is a disgrace to the hospitality industry. He profiled us thinking that we were trying to get a free meal when we were scared for our lives thinking that the pouch could be a harmful substance. As someone who have worked in the hospitality industry for several years, I am so disappointed by how we were treated at this restaurant and I will make sure that I tell everyone I know to avoid going there. Please train your managers better, teach them to respect all people and most of all take issues like this seriously since it can damage your restaurant's reputation and someone's wellbeing. Thank you for messing up our weekend. read more

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We came here after seeing all the rave reviews and the menu. However, the view and concept is romantic and modern along with the perfectly placed table games found throughout the restaurant in a posh way. Not the tacky games but think custom wooden games that were actually clean and regal. This is where the experience ended. My group came here expecting the menu seen online which included the short rib grilled cheese, crab empanadas, and fried oysters but we were told that they are under a new owner and new management and the old staff and head chef were all fired about 3 weeks ago. Big mistake the menu is now extremely limited with only 5 apps including hummus, guacamole and wings and 6 sandwich options which included a chicken sandwich, lobster sandwich and cheeseburger. None of the items we came for were a part of the new menu. I ordered a glass of wine while my group contemplated what if anything we wanted to eat, I was literally served maybe 3 ounces of wine no more to the point people from the other table asked if I had requested a half pour. I mentioned this to the waiter and she IGNORED me. We ended up leaving and heading across the street for a proper meal. read more

When you walk up, the waterfall is the first thing you see. It's a nice touch and the area is very well kept. We were greeted and seated almost immediately. We were able to pick where we wanted to sit, so of course we chose a table with the best view. We only came for appetizers and drinks. The menu items were a bit pricey but after eating the crab empanadas, it was well worth it. Definitely a place to hang out when the weather is nice, or a quick drink after work. read more

The service was non-existent. After our initial drink order, our server said our table was being handed off to someone new. We waited over half an hour for her before asking the hostess to please have someone place our food order. Yet another employee arrived to take our food order and then we never saw him again. Finally, we flagged down a busser because we just wanted to pay and leave. The food was okay - certainly not worth the hassle. read more

We had some issues, but they were quickly resolved. The chef is cool too! Very friendly and efficient. I would totally go back when I'm back in NOVA. The setting was wonderful too. We didn't check it out at night. But we suspect it's a vibe. Check it out! read more

Really lovely place to enjoy a great meal in a relaxing environment. Very friendly staff with attentive management make this my go to spot on a sunny day. read more

LEON was the absolute best! There was a gentleman from corporate, Scott that was wonderful! The hostess was super helpful. Food was decent...scenery great! Worth a visit. read more

Went to Water Bar this past weekend, and was not impressed. Love the location and the set up but the food left a lot to be desired. Anya, the bartender was wonderful. it was chilly so she made us some hot toddies which were delicious. We tried the crabcakes and the crab melt. If you actually like crabcakes you won't like either of these. More filling than crab meat. Not sure why they are open when it's so cold out because when that wind hits it rips right through the restaurant and nobody is safe. I will come back when it gets warmer out. also, the menu is very limited, but they will be introducing a new menu soon. I look forward to that. read more

Went for my birthday!!! Food outstanding...staff excellent..! Don't believe the hype.... Go for yourself!!! read more

Gross company. GM is awful. Food is very mediocre. Super hot in the restaurant as well. Also, good luck having a conversation with the loud train in the background! read more

Was skeptical about visiting due to reviews. But we had to check it out to see for ourselves. We weren't disappointed. Due to limited menu the chef still found a way to accommodate our desires. Everything pictured was great.No long waits. With hopes that the summer is a success we will be back! read more

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Water Bar hasn't been open that long but it's obvious they still have some kinks to work out. While the wait staff was friendly, they were terrible servers. I saw several people sit for a few minutes and leave when no one came to take their order. I had to ask for everything... a drink, water refills, to order food, and to ask for the check at the end. If they can figure out the service issues, this place could be great. The restaurant was not busy... Aside from the service, the food was good! The crab empanadas were delicious and filling. I'll give it a few months and give it another try. read more

Great drinks. Great vibes. Great people. There's nothing better than a bar that delivers on all levels and this bar does. Hunter is an absolute gem! read more

I went to water bar on Friday with a couple of friends for Happy hour and it was amazing. The food, drinks and service were amazing. we started at the bar with Diamond who is a gem. Then we moved to a table were Leo was our server and did an amazing job. The managers checked on us. we felt well taken care of. The prices were inexpensive compared to other places in Arlington and DC. we will be back for sure sooner then later read more

place is awful. as soon as we walk in, the hostess had major attitude. she needs to fix it. understaffed, and everything looked awful anyways. i left after her attitude. they had no waiters and it was empty. who owns this place? LOL close it. read more

Very poor service. Here for an event and the bartenders completely ignored me for 20/25 minutes. I finally got in contact with a server and she ordered drinks for me. I stood in front of a bartender making drinks and she ignored me for 20 minutes straight. If there's an event, staff should've been properly staffed. Horrible service for only two drinks. I will never patronize this establishment again. read more

This place had a rough start. Now, on the third manager and a new menu, I give it rave reviews! Salmon and lobster rolls were delicious and the server was awesome. read more

Great location, awesome vibe. Terrible service -- sat there for 35 minutes with nobody asking about us. Decided just to leave.

Very great environment and the executive chef is A1 and is a very great environment loved how the chef had a conversation with his customers very good customer service keep it up read more

Lovely bar near Crystal city metro. Talented bar tender adapted my cherry blossom drink to my specifications. Great service from Julio (and on his first day, too!), and nice selection of appetizers. read more

Hunter and EJ took great care of me. The drinks were great and they took great care of me!

Beautiful park with many food options. Leon was a great server in the Water Bar and the food was fantastic. Fun to watch the trains go by.

was good until they changed the menu. even less options now. still dreaming about that swordfish risotto.