Deyon Johnson
Google
The Water Park at National Landing offers a fantastic concept, akin to a food truck city but with brick-and-mortar establishments lining a vibrant strip. With plenty of outdoor seating, it's an inviting spot, especially on a hot day. You can find solace under shaded umbrellas or strike up a conversation with strangers at communal tables, just as we did.
Our culinary adventure included duck fat fries and a meal from Tikki Thai. While the variety of food options is impressive, our experience was mixed. The meal for two nearly cost us $100, totaling over $80 once parking across the street was factored in due to limited street parking. The Thai food, while flavorful, was excessively spicy, leaving us desperate for water. On the plus side, the Thai tea was delicious. The duck fries, however, were bland and needed a generous helping of ketchup and pepper to be palatable.
We couldn't help but feel that we might have been better off at the pizza and wine spot. Additionally, the burger offerings being exclusively plant-based was a disappointment. This location would greatly benefit from a traditional beer and burger option to round out its offerings.
The water bar itself is stunning, with a serene ambiance perfect for a calming break. Despite its beauty, it lacks substantial food options outside of oysters, though it would make an excellent spot for happy hour. The bar is impressive, and the water feature adds a relaxing touch to the environment.
A word of caution: be prepared for a bit of a trek up the hill or a shortcut through the grass to reach the park. Overall, the Water Park at National Landing is a visually appealing spot with potential, but the food experience leaves room for improvement.
