The Water Works Restaurant and Lounge
640 Waterworks Dr.
Philadelphia , PA 19130
(215) 236-9000
Neighborhood: Art Museum - Fairmount
Parking: Valet parking nightly costs $10 (free at lunch). Free self-parking available on Waterworks Drive.
Related reviews:
Majestic. That is the only word that came to mind as I strode toward my seat on the ramparts of the Water Works Restaurant and Lounge.
I could hear...
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Cuisine type: European; Mexican
Meals Served:
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Style:
A quarter-century in the works, fine dining has finally landed at the historic Water Works and its spectacular terraced view of Boathouse Row. It has tremendous promise as a destination, but an inexperienced kitchen struggles to realize an ambitious Medi-Mex menu that ranges from seared watermelon and baked feta to whole fish with mojo.
Specialties:
Baked feta; grilled octopus; meatballs; seared watermelon; rack of lamb; whole fish of the day with mojo; house-made ice creams; chocolate truffle cake; strawberry financier.
Alcohol:
Small wine list for a restaurant of this scale and pricing. There are some good choices - Chateau de Sales ($56), an Aussie viognier called The Innocent ($40) - but it is full of holes in price points and selection.
Smoking:
No smoking, except for terrace.
Hours: Lunch Tuesday-Friday. Dinner Monday-Thursday, 5-10p.m.; Friday and Saturday, until 11 p.m.; Sunday, 4:30-9 p.m. Sunday brunch.
A group of us dined at the Water Works restaurant tonight and despite the bad review by Craig Laban and various mixed reviews on other food blogs we all had a great time. We were all so enthused with the experience we asked to see the General Manager. Apparently the restaurant has undergone an amazing transition since its opening. The new general manger is a Le Beq Fin alum and he seems to have a firm hand on his business. He was very gracious and gave us his card with cell phone number to call him next time we wanted to come in. We will be back for more and will recommend the Water Works to all our friends and family.