My friend and I stumbled upon Water St. Tavern while trying to catch the World Cup finals and we got lucky - snagged the last two seats at the bar right before kickoff. Great spot to watch a game, TVs around the bar and the volume was turned up perfectly so we didn't miss a moment of the action. Food was decent - we tried the arancini, grilled steak skewers, and truffle fries. Everything was solid, though the truffle fries could've used more actual truffle flavor. Cocktails were nothing fancy, but they got the job done. What really made the experience was the staff - genuinely attentive even with a packed house for the game, checking in enough without being overly attentive. My friend and I had such a good time watching the finals here. A great place to catch a game with good energy and great service. Would definitely come back for another match. read more

Water St. Tavern - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Came here after having attended a pop up event and it was a great stop. Drinks were good and refreshing. Can't speak about the food as I didn't try any. Service was quick but there wasn't many people read more

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My son and I were spending a spring afternoon in Brooklyn. As a brooklynite and also formerly from this area, I am always astounded by the changes to this neighborhood. It has become an epicenter to so many with so much to do and see. So of course as a reviewer I wanted to try a restaurant in the area. We decided on water street tavern with its cute outdoor seating on a beautiful evening. The waiter was very attentive to us soon as we sat down. We ordered the steak frites, sautéed spinach and shrimp skewers. Everything paired very nicely and it was very tasty. The steak was a nice size and cooked as ordered. I'm assuming they've been around for a while and now I know why. If you're in the area or in town visiting this fantastic borough, take a seat and bon apetit! read more

Water St. Tavern - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Kicking around Dumbo towards Vinager Hill, wife and I spotted this welcoming spot, with very high ceilings and an old Europop soundtrack. Italian inspired mains with other dishes making appearaces like an excellet Chicken Schnitzel. Good variety of cocktails and wines by the glass, including a Nebbiolo which loved the braised short ribs over gnocchi I had. Do try the truffle fries. just enough of the tuber to add to the fries, not dominate them. (And the serve Mayo with it. YES!) read more

Very very slow service. The food is ok. But way over priced. It's clear that this is more of a tourist trap than anything else. Just go to the Mexican restaurant next door. read more

Wowee! Expensive for the tiny portions. Slow service, and we were the only table (two people at the bar). They were out of mussels, so we ordered the steak skewers as a appetizer... don't plan on sharing them with anyone... Food wasn't bad, but the prices were too much.... some crazy extra charge at the end, but didn't want to even ask, as I didn't want to wait. It's a shame...it could be a great hangout. Looks nothing like a "tavern" on the inside.... looks like fine dining. read more

Great service and ambiance! Our server Manuel was very kind and helpful. Everything we ate was delicious! read more

Water St. Tavern - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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No food on the happy hour menu... Happy hour is only 2$ off the drinks.. They burnt my truffle fries after they took a long time to come out... Restaurant is cute though... read more

Hey, is it amazing? No. Is it better suited on Long Island? Yes. While it was completely empty, for parents with a stroller on an early Sunday evening it was perfect. Reading the bad reviews actually made it more fun because the food was slightly above average and some guy who worked there held the door open for us to leave. Maybe some of the staff had an attitude but if you work in the service industry why wouldn't you since most people suck. Place looks stuck in 2015 but that's the vibe. WILD read more

Bad drinks. Bad bar tender. No water. Not worth it in the area. Drink tasted like it had soap.

Solid experience at this restaurant. The Waiter Halim was pretty cool and was playing F1 on the tv so we chatted about that for a while. Burrata was pretty good (7/10), Devil Eggs (7/10), Spicy Rigatoni (8/10). read more

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The bar is beautiful, restaurant was Extremely loud (nothing to absorb the noise, everyone yells) oysters were great but waitress didn't even know the price (menu was confusing) I asked for my pasta el dente and got extremely overcooked. Waitress never came back English was not her first language but made commutation difficult. Seems like she needed a lot more training. read more

FYI: they charge 22% gratuity without warning if you have more than 4 people. Never heard of that but okay lol

We were going to a show at St Ann's, so we made a reservation based on a recommendation I saw online, looking at the menu, and general proximity to the theater. Once we arrived, I tried to tell the waitress we had a reservation. It was totally dead, but I wanted her to check off that we'd shown up, and she completely ignored me. Okay, fine, maybe she didn't hear me, perhaps due to the very loud music. There was absolutely no one there aside from two guys at the bar, and a guy who looked like maybe he owned the place (or just hangs out there, idk) sitting at a big table next to the bar by himself, not eating. Incredibly weird vibes. The waitress gives us way too long to look at the menu even though there was no one else there, so we ordered our drinks and food at the same time. I had to point to the menu to get her to understand the drink I was trying to order. My husband tried to order a different drink, and she said "Oh, no, sorry, we are out of that and these (points to three other drinks)". Okay... so why not say that when you sit us? Or modify your menu to cross them out? It was like 1/3 of the drink menu that was unavailable. The food order was uneventful. She brings us drinks, and spills a good bit of my husband's drink on him, the floor and the table. She said "oooh, I'll be back", brought a napkin to clean the table, and didn't bother replacing the drink, cleaning the floor, or apologizing to my husband. I was pretty annoyed at this point, and asked for some club soda so we could clean the drink off his pants, and then she brings us a plastic cup of ice. I said "no, we want some club soda, please", and she brought a small bottle, along with a glass with lime, like we were going to drink it. It was like something out of a bad comedy. The food was edible, but not great. My steak was supposed to be medium rare, but was closer to well done and a bit tough. The fries tasted like old oil. The silverware was wrapped where some bundles had steak knives and others had butter knives, so we had to search for a steak knife. She never asked if we wanted another round (we did not!), and took forever to bring the check. I was convinced the club soda was going to show up on the check, but thankfully, it did not. So yeah, I would not recommend this spot, and am genuinely unsure how this place stays in business with how many other great restaurants exist in this city. read more

If you're going for drinks, this place hits for sure. I got the All Things Good and it was both delicious and strong... Ty was our bartender and he was great... doesn't miss... check them out. By the way... Ty just got thee has has completely remade the drinks and is in process of upgrading the drink menu every more .... He don't miss read more

Water St. Tavern - All things nice - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Good food, good drinks, good music. Probably has some of the best food in the neighborhood and the other touristy spots do not compare at all. French fries and burger are especially delicious. Highly recommend. read more

I popped in here to have a quick drink at the bar. The bartender was super nice and the martini was okay. I would go back to eat as the food looked good. But the service is quick. read more

We were in dumbo for ice skating and this spot was well worth the walk for a welcoming atmosphere, good music, warm food and a cocktail list that will make you tipsy. Gerald, the manager was the most excellent host. We were seated at the bar and we had a great conversation. He even made a cocktail for me off of the menu. From the food menu - get the spicy rigatoni pasta! It's Carbone level, without the reservation hassle. read more

My first impression was that the restaurant had a romantic ambience. There was music playing lightly in the background, which was perfect for having a great discussion with friends or loved one. The drinks were great and strong as mentioned in previous reviews. I ordered the "All Things Good" drink and my friend order a glass of Rose. I tell you, One cocktail was enough for the whole meal and we finished our meal with a latte and a cappuccino (they only have whole milk and half-and-half). I ordered the gnocchi sparerib dish and my friend ordered the tuna tartare with a side of truffle fries. The fries were great. I'm glad I got my dish which is very filling and flavorful with the herbs and cheese sprinkled on top. I really enjoyed the texture of the gnocchi, I wish the spare rib wasn't as oily as it was. I tried the tuna tartare it was tasty. I didn't see the avocado part that it usually comes with. It was served with tortilla chips. I would recommend not eating it with coffee that has dairy at the end of your meal because it the tuna tartare has lemon in it. Ultimately I would definitely recommend the cocktail menu. The service was great, our waitress was kind and attentive and my food came out steaming hot which was very appreciated read more

Water St. Tavern - a candle, salt and pepper shakers - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Wonderful Place . Looks Great - Ty Makes Amazing Cocktails And Very Knowledgeable. Food Menu Is Good For You to Bite on. 3rd Time Here And Always Goood. Thanks Ty! read more

Water St. Tavern - two cocktails on a bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Horrible food, ambiance and service. I asked for a refund. I got no refund. In edible food. read more

Water St. Tavern - Short rib gnocchi with 0 flavor. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Awful service they wouldn't let me use the bathroom unless I would spend more money. Avoid at all cost! read more

Our second time here and we've had the pleasure of having drinks made by Ty the bartender. The man knows his stuff! Glad they have food here now, the oysters were very good and plump. You want a solid drink - pull up to this spot! read more

Water St. Tavern - Purple rain + oysters - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I've walked past this street several times and somehow I never noticed this spot until today and I'm so happy that I did! Highlights - solid list of wine, cocktails, and beers that isn't overwhelming or underwhelming - happy hour is M-F 4-6pm - price point outside of HH is great - service is fab - the vibe is cozy yet elevated Highly recommend checking this place out! read more

One star is a generous rating for this seemingly upscale and cozy bar/restaurant and I would do zero to no stars for this experience. Not only does the owner not allow service dogs in(I have no dogs) , no one is allowed to use their laptop in the space! It's 2022 and you're not allowed to use your laptop in a restaurant !!! The menu is extremely limited and never changes leaving much to be desired in preparation, freshness of ingredients and flavors and is extremely over priced for what you get on a plate. To the server and bartender's credit, they're extremely kind and attentive, one black and one Latino in a space that is predominantly White. It makes zero sense that a patron would attempt to send something via laptop or access a document on my laptop (at 6pm in a nearly empty bar) and be told it's not allowed ...despite spending money... is the epitome of absolutely ridiculous. I can understand if this was a club or if someone came and sat for hours on their laptop without spending but to be told as soon as I opened my laptop that it "wasn't allowed"because the "owner doesn't want people to get comfortable " didn't sit well with me. If that is the policy then it needs to be indicated clearly in signs etc so that patrons know exactly what they're getting (much like Cash only places, "no laptops" ). If it is an issue with tech, I asked if the policy is the same with phones to which they replied no. If it makes sense to them so be it, neither I nor my staff will be back to fund illogical lunacy ! read more

I had my wedding reception here years ago. Trendy, upscale, yet warm atmosphere. Food was yummy and all of my guests had a wonderful time!

Awesome place great service, everyone is very friendly. Drinks are great and the food was really good, and the bartenders were great. I enjoy my night here. Definitely worth it read more

Water St. Tavern - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Came with my family last night. We were the only diners inside, as we want to try it out and live in the neighborhood. They need to use real napkins, not paper ones with blue tape around it, which is the same ones they use at Pedro's on the corner. Service was ok, somewhat of a language barrier by asking for a Shirley Temple for my daughter, also asked for olives for my drinks, but I somehow pronounced it wrong in his mind. My wife and daughter both had the burger, was tasty but the burger was much smaller then the much larger bun. I had 1/2 dozen, large and really tasty, then the black linguine, (seeing the picture of the pasta on line first picture made me order it, third picture is nine but what I got was totally different, see both pictures) the little neck clams were the size of my pinky nail, in the picture were much bigger!!! Wile looking at the menu on line and in person, I did find several spelling errors, especially on the specialty cocktail list. Go then you can decide. read more

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I have never given a review on Yelp before, but felt compelled to do so after the experience I had here. If I could give this establishment zero stars I would. We came in for a drink at the bar during the Five Boro Bike Tour and the restaurant was completely empty. Three of us ordered a beer each and while the rest of us were looking at the menu, we asked for tap water. The bartender claimed they didn't have any - meanwhile, both the bar and all the tables behind us had open bottles of water on them. The staff was very rude and made us feel extremely unwelcome and uncomfortable, even while we were asking questions about the drinks menu. They made us leave after not ordering enough drinks (candidly none of us wanted to order anything else from them and were trying to drink what we ordered as quickly as possible to get out of there) and continued to yell at us and call us names on the way out. For an empty restaurant, the fact that they were asking people to leave just speaks to how they run their business and treat their customers. They even sent us the attached message after we responded to their email questionnaire asking for feedback. It's baffling that anyone would speak to anyone like this, let alone a restaurant. For the record, a few of us put our jackets down at an empty table next to us and not once did anyone ask, particularly by the owner who was just standing in the corner, if we could move them. We parked our bikes next to their outdoor set-up and in no way "messed up their outdoor cafe." It was also raining outside so no one was even sitting there. It's comical they even note to "never come back." Unless you are looking for a restaurant with rude staff and an unwelcome atmosphere, do not go here. There's a reason people are commenting the same. Please listen! read more

Water St. Tavern - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Worst restaurant experience ever. The owner and servers were so rude and disrespectful even though the restaurant was completely empty. Definitely empty for a reason. read more

Water St. Tavern - Owner sent this to me this message after leaving - so extremely rude - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

shockingly poor food and even worse service! One of the most awful dining experiences I have ever had in NYC. No wonder they were empty on a Saturday night...I would give it ZERO stars if only that were an option. DON'T GO read more

The bartenders are fantastic - knowledgeable and kind. Ilde and Ty are exceptional! The drinks - balanced, smooth and elevated The food - fresh, well seasoned and delicious Vibe - Modern, chic and approachable A+ all around read more

BEST PLACE FOR DRINKS IN DUMBO! We ran into this place by accident and call it serendipity because it was awesome ! From the Bartenders putting on a show making magical drinks and the beautiful ambiance lighting the mood it was hands down the best bar we've been too. Definitely going back before I leave and every time I'm back in town! read more

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We live in Dumbo and have been so impressed by how delicious the food is. Scratching our heads on why it's not more full - maybe a bit hard to notice from the street? We're quickly becoming regulars ! read more

I came back again for the burger! I had the same server. his name is Blake. he gave the best Service again. only two employees on a busy night, but they worked well together and, despite them being understaffed; they did a great job. this place is getting better everyday! I wish that they had more than one bathroom, but it's a great space and really good cocktails. I hope that In summer they bring back live music. I don't know if they ever had live music, but it said on the website they have. If the service stays the same, this place could be a go to destination for locals, tourists, and maybe old school nyc people that know where hot spot is. Oysters and very good. I will continue to tell my co workers about this place If it doesn't go back to service 2 months ago. Good luck water st tavern I brought my friends here and we had a great night read more

The place used to be much better. The food is still good but the waiters and atmosphere at low level now

Popped in with my bf before dinner for a quick drink -- we loved our "night in tulum" drink that the awesome bartender Ty made for us. The ambiance was awesome as it felt fancy but still home-y/casual. A great neighborhood bar I'd recommend! read more

My family and I went here last night. We have a toddler and a newborn, and couldn't have felt more comfortable. We chose to sit outside and our server was very accommodating. My wife absolutely loved her cocktails, and I'll definitely be coming back for the summer watermelon salad and prosciutto plate! Finally, and extra special thank you to our exceptional server, Jonny! read more

Have been here a few times for creative cocktails and tulum like vibe love it. Their espresso martini is fresh and perfect

This place refused to serve me and my colleagues, a racially diverse group of educators from across Brooklyn. It was 5 pm on a Thursday and the bar was empty. The owner was exceptionally rude and would not serve us. Do not be fooled by the fancy cocktails. Spend your dollars elsewhere. read more