Water Works Restaurant & Lounge

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Address:
640 Water Works Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19130

Neighborhood:
Art Museum

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Cuisine:
Mediterranean

Price: $31 to $50

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Water Works Restaurant & Lounge Details

Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Website: http://www.waterworksrestaurant.com
Email: info@waterworksrestaurant.com
Phone: (215) 236-9000
Hours of Operation: Lunch: Tuesday - Saturday: 11:30am - 2:30pm
Dinner: Tuesday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 9:00pm, Friday - Saturday:5:00pm -10:00pm, Sunday: 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Brunch: Sunday: 11:00am - 2:30pm
Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Mediterranean, American, Steak
Dress Code: Business Casual
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine, Wine Bar
Catering: Please contact us for details.
Special Events & Promotions: The Water Works Restaurant and Lounge is the perfect venue for special events of all kinds! This historic landmark offers unique options for both indoor and outdoor affairs of all sizes. Please email events@waterworksrestaurant.com for more information

Getting there

Cross Street: Kelly Drive
Parking: Valet
Parking Details: Complimentary valet parking for lunch & brunch. $10 valet for dinner. Public parking also available.

A word from Water Works Restaurant & Lounge

Nestled on the banks of the Schuylkill River, the Water Works Restaurant and Lounge is Philadelphia’s Landmark Dining Experience. Built in 1812, the Fairmount Water Works was an engineering and architectural marvel, pumping fresh water for Philadelphians until 1860. Today, this National Historic… Landmark is home to world-class cuisine, impeccable service and the magical dining experience that is the Water Works Restaurant and Lounge. Dine beneath the high barrel-vaulted ceiling of the Engine House or the glass enclosed Solarium boasting the most spectacular views in town. Relax with intimate dining in the Breezeway and cocktails in the Caretaker's Lounge. Our outdoor terrace and riverside veranda offer Philly’s best outdoor dining experience. Saveur Magazine proclaimed the Water Works as “One of the Top 100 Dining Experiences in the World.” Experience the Water Works Restaurant and Lounge and discover that this enchanting place that once made history now makes unforgettable memories.Continued

Foodspotting photos

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerMediterranean
Diners' Choice WinnerScenic View

Diner Reviews

"Upon arrival seated immediately. The chef was not ready for me knowing I was responding. Service was slow at the start. Once the chef selected my options, all became smooth. Manager Mick was helpful."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"An imposing building and a stunning view make a trip worth it, but the inside is a bit Grecian and austere in winter, with the exception of the very sympathetic little bar. The food is good but there are plenty of better places in Philly, but few with a setting to rival this. A summer evening would be best for this place, but the experience is worth having any time of year."
Dined on 3/1/2014
"Great food,service. Always a great view even in the winter."
Dined on 2/27/2014
"Ate hear with my hubbie and enjoyed the quiet. Food was very good and excellent service. Manager was very welcoming."
Dined on 2/18/2014
"I had a great experience here at the Water Works. The service was exceptional, the staff knowledgeable, and the scenery was perfect. Some of the food pairings weren't quite to my tastes, but on the whole I would say they were solid. The wine pairings were close to perfect, I would have liked a slightly less strong wine with dessert though. A good, if not great choice none the less."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"This was the first time at Water Works as a) I've always wanted to see the view during the day, and b) I'm a big fan of brunch. The overall selection isn't mindblowing by any means, which is why the $40 pricetag still makes it worth it. I still don't understand how mimosas are included with the price, but regular OJ is not. Overall, the quality of the food is good, and the view is great. Saw lots of smaller groups/families at brunch which make me think that this is the place to go if you have some out of towners you'd like to entertain with the view and have a leisurely meal.."
Dined on 2/16/2014
"Brunch was $40, it was just okay. Not memorable. Mimosa's were just okay, if you could get your server to acknowledge you. Ours was too busy talking very LOUDLY to another table trying to impress them with his flamboyant style. He wouldn't even look our way unless we called to him, and even then he pretended he didn't hear us."
Dined on 2/16/2014
"The service was the only positive aspect of this experience."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"My first time here. Heard a lot of good things about this place. I was just a little disappointed. Although the restaurant wasn't very busy, I thought service was just a tad slow. My lobster was missing the lobster flavor...seemed more like tomato base. That was my biggest disappointment..it didn't taste bad just not lobster. Overall the meal was good ...not spectacular. We may give it another try but I'm not running back. Nice views of the river and boathouse row. Would probably lovely on a spring or summer evening."
Dined on 2/16/2014
"Had a reservation for 2-16-14, between snow days. We will return, but during better weather to experience more of the restaurant. It looks like the perfect place for outdoor dining. As it was, our evening could not have been better. The hostess seated us at a private table looking out to the river. Perfect. Our waiter was attentive without being overly so. Our dinner selections were great. Thanks to the chef. We look forward to our next evening at The Water Works."
Dined on 2/16/2014
"Coming from the suburbs, I would've never found this restaurant if it weren't for OpenTable. It was everything I expected from a five star buffet experience."
Dined on 2/16/2014
"I want to be as respectful as possible so I will say that my server and the staff were very polite. That is where the positives stop. The prices were outrageous for everything from drinks to food. No one informed me that Valentines day would be a Fixed Menu with a fixed price. My first course was salmon tartar which was o.k.. My second course was a stale half of a bread stick with a tiny piece of prosciutto and 2 tiny pieces of arugula. The main course was a "Filet" which looked and tasted a lot more like a piece of prime rib then filet. Finally dessert was a red velvet cake which tasted like it had been sitting in the fridge for well over a week. Including tax and tip for 2 it was $240. They should send me $200 back and keep the tip"
Dined on 2/15/2014
"Excellent restaurant one of the best in the city ....thank you."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"The food was great and the service was good. There were a few bumps in the service in that the waiter brought the wrong wine and forgot to bring the intermezzo so we never got it. The servers who tended to us were very friendly and accommodating. It was very busy since it was Valentine's day and we weren't very happy with our seat location, the end of a row close to the entrance door which made it busy. We were not able to enjoy the setting overlooking the river and were placed in a large open room. After dinner we went to the bar and the bartender was excellent and made us feel real comfortable near the window for a great view while we were enjoying our after dinner drink. We would return to the restaurant the next time we are in Philly."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Food was only ok and yet very expensive ($100 per person). Service was the worst I've had in a long time. We sat for over 10 minutes before our server made his first visit, then only made two more visits the whole night, even though we could clearly see him across the room doing nothing. We had to ask managers to get us drinks and anyone we could grab for silver wear. Will not eat there again."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Unfortunately, my husband and I made reservations for 9:30 and were not seated until 10:45. It took at least 20 minutes to be served at the bar while we waited for our table and then we felt rushed through the dinner experience. It's unfortunate because the atmosphere was adorable but we wouldn't go back."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Our Valentine's dinner here was beautiful and romantic. We had an amazing view of the Schuylkill River. The service was also really nice. The wine pairing special (1 per course on a 5 course meal) was excellent. However the entrees were both warm in temperature... a Filet Mignon should be served hot. The only course which had much flavor was the salad and the desert. Everything else was bland including the entree sides. The food, although not horrible, tasted as if it had been sitting for a while... maybe even precooked. For $75 per person plus an additional $5 for the steak and an additional $25 for the wine, it should have been nothing less than perfect."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Great food, great service! Pre fixed menu was a hit with a great wine pairing! Highly recommend for special occasions!"
Dined on 2/14/2014
"In order of perfection: Great valet parking, pleasant bar-area wait, table location with view, kind and reliable waiter, great food combination and pairing, worth every penny."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"I think they tried to cram a bunch of more tables in got Valentines Day. As a result the kitchen and wait staff were greatly overwhelmed. Food was not great when it did come. For example, my fillet (medium rare) was charred and black on the out side."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Delicious food, pricey but worth it for a special occasion."
Dined on 12/27/2013
"Went for the Sunday buffet before a show. The food was delicious. Lots of choices. My family especially loved the crepes and waffles. Price is a little steep, so it's definitely a "special treat" day, but I hope to return soon."
Dined on 2/9/2014
"I have truly enjoyed the Water Works no matter when I have been there. Sunday Brunch is superb and quiet lunches are memorable. During my last visit is was almost impossible to choose from the many enticing menu items. A trip to the art museums is not complete without dining at the Water Works!"
Dined on 2/8/2014
"We enjoyed our dinner. Menu wasn't huge but everyone enjoyed their meal. The service was good and portions were generous. The best part was the million dollar view."
Dined on 2/8/2014
"On a night when the weather was inclement, the restaurant still honored the reservation. This was to my advantage since my husband and I were the only patrons for the entire evening in the restaurant. Our dinnerswere great, and so was the staff and service. Can't wait to go back to restaurant."
Dined on 1/28/2014
"My girlfriend and I had a marvelous time dining here. The customer service was so excellent, that we were actually surprised with the measures taken to ensure we had the best experience. Not only did the wait staff collaborate together in order serve us to the fullest potential, but they were also personable and sociable at the same time. This provided a sense of comfort and security during our dining experience. They were perfect. Not too clingy, yet always there before we even needed anything. The food, of course, matched this awesome standard. The whole timing of the process from when we sat down, to when we finished our food, was perfect."
Dined on 2/1/2014
"We went for lunch so we could take a friend(just moved to Phila) to a scenic restaurant. We had a lovely view of the river. The food and the service was excellent."
Dined on 1/31/2014
"After dining at the Waterworks, I was very impressed with the wide variety of foods - perfect for all tastes. I was especially pleased with the vegetarian selections. The restaurant has the feel of a classic restaurant which includes beautiful art work, spacious rooms, wonderful employees, and excellent service. My friends and I made numerous requests to the servers. Every menu substitution, check option, and other tasks were fulfilled promptly and with a smile. Waterworks has everything that makes a restaurant special - delicious food, amazing atmosphere, and attentive servers. I will definitely be returning in the future."
Dined on 2/1/2014
"This was my second time at waterworks and I was very impressed both times with the menu and atmosphere. Everything was prepared well above my expectations and the wait staff were very knowledgable and attentive."
Dined on 1/30/2014
"In celebrating a 60th birthday, this was a wonderful choice. The view of Boathouse Row, the falls and snow made for a spectacular backdrop. The ambiance, food and service was excellent. We are so looking forward to our next visit."
Dined on 1/25/2014
"We had a great time. It was a bit crowded, however, we survived. Food was delicious. Looking forward to going back. Mary"
Dined on 1/19/2014
"Starting with the free momosas and/or bloody marys, the brunch begins beautifully. The breakfast or lunch buffets (or breakfast and lunch for those incapable of choosing) offer something for everyone and all delicious. Waffles and crepes can be dessert or breakfast (or dessert and breakfast -- life is short so eat dessert first). The desserts are always just enough to perfectly cap the food fest without leaving you overstuffed. They also make a great cup of coffee. For the price and the view and the phenomenal staff, the Waterworks is a place you'll find yourself going back to."
Dined on 1/19/2014
"What a lovely restaurant! We were group of friends, 4 diners in all with a reservation on a Sunday evening. Luckily for us the restaurant was not busy and we secured the best seat in the house with a breathtaking view of the water and the art museum. The menu selection was perfect for our diverse palates. The food presentation was visually appealing and the choices we made were all quite delicious. The wait staff could use a bit of polishing. Our server abruptly interrupted our conversation on several occasions. He wasn't able to give any valuable feedback on most of the menu items beyond " yes, that is good". That struck us as unusual for such a highly regarded restaurant. Overall it was a delight, and we look forward to another visit."
Dined on 1/19/2014
"Went on a rainy Tuesday night, so there were only 2 other couples there. Service was great and food was good. Had no complaints."
Dined on 1/14/2014
"Phenomenal Sunday Brunch buffet! Although quite pricey, I will definitely come again. Went for a special occasion / nice day out in Philadelphia with my mother"
Dined on 1/12/2014
"That about sums it up! We really enjoyed our dinner at the Water Works."
Dined on 1/12/2014
"We had a nice private table with a great view. Great fast attentive service. Yummy, but pricey, food. I had the bison ribeye and was disappointed with whatever sauce was put on it. Honestly tasted like A1."
Dined on 1/12/2014
"Me and my boyfriend went here for our anniversary and everything was amazing! Great food and drinks... and the view is beautiful."
Dined on 10/19/2013
"Everything was good all around. The servers were very attentive. We had a wonderful time."
Dined on 1/5/2014
"Wonderful restaurant to celebrate a special occasion or have a quiet romantic dinner. The staff was very attentive and friendly. I would recommend going on a warm day or night to be able to fully appreciate the deck, architectural features of the building and surrounding scenery."
Dined on 1/4/2014

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