Waterworks Food + Drink

Incredible food at this very atmospheric restaurant. Great service from Allison and the whole staff! To start we had the Korean Meatballs, which tasted like heaven. “The Burger” was the best burger I have had with amazing truffle fries. My wife had the “Apple Braised Short Rib” which was divine and full of flavor. Everything was cooked to perfection.

We came here on our last night of our week long trip all around Vermont and out of every restaurant we’ve been to in the last 7 days this one is the absolute best restaurant we’ve been to in Vermont. Everyone was so attentive we were asked by almost every bartender and server that walked by if we needed anything at all very amazing service. The food was absolutely out of this world delicious The Burger is the best burger I’ve ever had from Florida to Vermont. The atmosphere of the kitchen was amazing compliments to the entire kitchen and restaurant overall. I’ll always be stopping by whenever we make our way back. This is a strong recommendation to have your next meal at this place.

Very fun and super cool decor. Restored mill building overlooking the river. Get a reservation for the window tables over the water. Food was served perfectly. Very attractive presentations and the favors were well thought out. Our service was excellent. They have a fantastic and reasonable wine selection. Cocktails are delicious. We loved the vibe.

Looking for a central, picturesque location to host our daughter’s wedding reception, we rented the Waterworks’ River House space. Situated right on the Winooski river, the venue boasts grand views of the water through its massive windows, which span the entire river-side wall. With high ceilings, wooden floors and plentiful suspended lighting, the room seemed massive and cozy at the same time. Kitchen and wait staff were extremely accommodating, providing vegan, gluten free, and dairy free options for starters, main courses, and desserts, all of which were plentiful, aesthetically pleasing, and delectable. Although a little sweet, my vegan Rainbow Rice Bowl and brownie were delicious. I highly recommend the River House if you’re looking for a venue to host a party of 50 plus.

We hosted our baby shower lunch at the River House. The venue is undoubtedly beautiful, with its high ceilings, chandelier lighting, and exposed brick, but what elevated the whole experience was the delicious food, the attentive and friendly staff, and the seamless booking process. Ben was really fun to work with, and the entire booking process was seamless. It was the only venue in our search that didn’t require a deposit, had no hidden fees, and offered very reasonable prices for the quality of the space and the overall experience. Photo credit: Amelia Marie Photography

Waterworks Food + Drink truly stands out as a unique gem, nestled right on the river with a captivating view of the falls. From the moment I stepped in, the atmosphere was a definite highlight – lively yet comfortable, with a moderate noise level that still allowed for enjoyable conversation. The indoor dining area and outdoor patio both looked incredibly inviting. The presentation of every dish was simply stunning, a solid five-star effort that promised an exciting culinary journey. While the flavors, at times, were a bit of a mixed bag – some dishes could have used a touch more salt or a slight adjustment in seasoning – there were absolute standouts. The 42k cocktail was, without exaggeration, one of the best drinks I've ever had, perfectly crafted. The burrata and street popcorn chicken appetizers were also phenomenal, bursting with flavor and generously portioned, which was a pleasant surprise. The dessert, too, left a lasting impression. Service was consistently excellent, attentive and friendly, making us feel well-cared for. There was a bit of a wait despite visible open tables, which led us to the bar, but even then, the staff was accommodating. Despite minor notes on seasoning, the overall experience was fantastic, and I'm already looking forward to my next visit to try more from their innovative menu, especially that cheeseburger!

I got the rainbow rice bowl for $26 & the pan roasted salmon for $30. I’d expect more of an intimate atmosphere considering how dim the lighting was, but the ambiance was very loud. The building itself is very beautiful, and the views were fantastic. Our server was fantastic, and service was great. Our food was wonderful as well! However, I think their menu could support more locally sourced products - or at least they could advertise it if this is the case, especially given the price.

Great restaurant with a view! The tuna appetizer was really good and the steak and salmon were cooked perfectly. Our server Wes provided great service and surprised us with cake at the end for my bday! Also really good cocktails! I would definitely come back here when visiting

I made a reservation for myself for a Friday night dinner while on a surprise visit. The reservation was set for 4:30 right when they opened and requested if I could sit near a window so that I could look at the river cascades. Parking was actually pretty easier than I had thought at the time as there were plenty of parking spots within a short walking distance. The lovely hostess sat me in the perfect spot to eat and watch the river. Tea Z, my server was amazing. Let me tell you about my eats: 1st alcoholic drink - Vermillionaire (Aperol. Montenegro amaro. fresh orange juice. house made grenadine. cava) . This was my second choice as I really wanted the Riverside Swizzle. It was bitter and delicious. 1st small plate - Maplebrook Farm Burrata (confit tomatoes. basil. crispy prosciutto. black pepper honey. balsamic. warm ciabatta bread)...OMG. I this was so good and a great opener. I probably should have asked for more ciabatta bread but I didn't care, I ate the burrata by itself. Also, this came out very quickly which was great. Entree - Salmon Risotto (Faroe Island salmon. lemon risotto. shaved asparagus. dill. marinated tomatoes. corn. goat cheese. white balsamic glaze) with added scallops. Just...yum. 2nd small plate because I was greedy - Buttermilk Fried Oysters (bacon ranch dusted. arugula. truffled tartar sauce. pickled red onions. dilly beans. fresh herbs). I had to try that bacon ranch dusted part and it did not disappoint, nor did the tartar sauce. By far the best tartar sauce I've had Dessert - I chose just an after dinner drink, the Late Night Talking (Disaronno amaretto. Averna. fresh lemon. maple). What. On. Earth. Is. This. Drink? My favorite drink of 2024 if not of all time. Definitely sweet, and the serving size is perfect. My gosh, how can I bring this home with me? I was full and I had an amazing evening. Thank you Waterworks for everything.

Atmosphere on the outdoor patio was most divine! I love the sound of the rushing water. And when it's cold outside they have heaters, which makes it totally cozy! The food was over priced and bland. Lack luster with the lobster and shrimp scampi dish, which my stupid phone didn't get, but I'd give it another shot and try something else. However, the fried oysters were yummy for the appetizer, as well as the fried brussel sprouts, and the garlic fries! Wait staff was super friendly and attentive. Overall, it was a great time and perfect atmosphere to get together with friends. The vibes definitely make up for the food! Ciao!!

Visited WaterWorks for an anniversary celebration. Got a really great table with a view of the river and a nice "Happy Anniversary" sign on the table. Our hostess and server both wished us a happy anniversary, which was nice. We ordered an appetizer of truffle fries, and beverages. The Old Mill Spritz mocktail my partner ordered was excellent as were the truffle fires. Sadly, our entrees were disappointing. We ordered the Braised Short Ribs ($32) and the special Dry aged Ribeye ($49). The ribs were tender and flavorful, but sat on a bed of butter whipped sweet potatoes that were overly seasoned with cinnamon. Instead of complementing the sweet potatoes, the cinnamon flavor overpowered them entirely. The steak I ordered (med-rare) had several problems. It was charred and black, had an odd cut that tapered on one side causing it to be well-done for 1/3 of the steak, med-well for 1/3 and medium for the remainder. It was also NOT a ribeye steak, it was missing the rings of fat that make a ribeye distinct, tender and flavorful. It was tough to eat and the char was overpowering. At best, it was a NY strip (which isn't on the menu) and at worst, it was an overcooked Boston sirloin (which is on the menu). If they had run out ribeyes, I wish they'd have told me instead of substituting an inferior cut and charging us $49. Our server didn't check on us for some time, so I suffered through half the steak. She apologized and tried to explain to me that what I had was indeed a ribeye that I must be mistaken. She didn't offer to re-fire it which was very disappointing. After we finished our meal, our server said she'd pick up a desert. We ordered the GF Chocolate Cake to go and paid our bill. Our bill had a 3% "Kitchen service fee" which we were fine paying. It would have been nice to advertise that on the menu. It's also part of the subtotal _before tax_ which means the service fee was taxed which I do not think is correct (and perhaps not legal). Overall, a disappointing visit to WaterWorks. I was hoping to have another local non-chain place in our "regular rotation", but the food quality sadly prevents that.

One of my new favorite date spots! The view of the waterfall/river is AMAZING, especially outside. The food was super delicious and service amazing. The price is a tad up there but nothing shocking for the winooski area. If you buy some drinks though you have end up racking up the bill. I love coming here during sunset hours and sitting on the patio. Reservations are super easy and detailed on their website!

Rainbow Rice bowl - they need to lay off on the curry, the seasoning was way too strong. Waterworks salad - good combination of fruit and nuts. It was pretty tasty. Korean BBQ meatballs - flavorful, may be slightly too crispy for some individuals. Pineapple rice - good when paired with the BBQ meatballs. The rice would be bland without the pairing. They charge a service fee, we were unsure why that was added. 3% The view is beautiful and the service is spot on. We loved the energy of the room and our server was super sweet. Little to no wait when we put in an online reservation. Overall a good experience.

An absolutely beautiful atmosphere with okay food and great service. I was able to make a reservation for Saturday night, which I highly recommend doing, because even at 8:45pm, the place was slammed. I can speak to parking because we walked over from across town where we were able to park for free on the street. We were seated immediately at the high tables around the bar. Service was quick, we ordered the tuna appetizer, burrata and gnocchi. The tuna was okay, I will admit, I had recently gone to Matterhorn in Stowe and their similar dish blows this one out of the water. It was good but not something I'd order again. The gnocchi was not good, way too much butter and not enough flavor, really wish the waiter had steered us away from that dish. However, the burrata was incredible. It was served on pureed squash and was perfect. Wonderfully seasoned, a great portion size for sharing, wow. I would return to Waterworks just to order that, enjoy a drink and the beautifully catered and curated space.

Food and service were great. Very lively ambiance and not a "quiet" place on the town, but a place to go for a nice dinner. They made us a cute anniversary sign. Loved the location next to the river - it would have been nice to see during the day, or at sunset! Make sure to get a reservation as they fill up on the weekends :)

Spacious seating, warehouse vibes by the water, attentive service and delicious food! Here was what was ordered: -Truffle fries($10)- Strong truffle flavor and fried to perfection -Lobster and shrimp bucatini($34) - Creamy lemon butter sauce and a strong aroma of herbs. The grilled bread was just a tad too hard for me, but that's not the star of the dish - Pumpkin Cheesecake - Smooth and rich in pumpkin flavor Waterworks Food + Drinks does get busy so book a reservation through Resy!

Gorgeous restaurant, helpful staff. I sat at the bar and got the burrata appetizer which was good but a bit on the sweet side. I got the Pa's sweater cocktail and I am sure it is good if you like absinthe, unfortunately I am not a fan and somehow missed that when I was reading the ingredients.

The best part of coming here is the view of the water. So definitely try to get a seat outside. From what I understand, you probably want a reservation because everyone comes here for their special event or day. Food is yummy and fresh. I might have to get the truffle flatbread my coworker ordered next time I'm in Vermont!

After a long day at work my colleagues and I wanted a delicious dinner outside of hotel food and we decided to give Waterworks a try. At first the wait was an hour but luckily we were seated 15 mins after walking in. I love the dark and inviting feeling when you walk in the door. The views are amazing if you are seated near the windows or on the patio. We were new to the establishment and my first question to my server is what do you suggest. Per her suggestion I ordered the braised short ribs and it's paired with charred broccolini and whipped sweet potatoes. Once it came to the table it looked amazing however once I took my first bite it was warm as if it was in the window for a while and it lacked SALT!!!!!!!!!!!! After adding salt and pepper to it the dish it was still just meh. The others at the table complained that their dishes lacked SALT. What I can say that was memorable was the Creemees we ordered at the end as we walked back to the car. OMG ... the twist was so damn good! Cleansing to the palate, the maple was very prominent with each taste. I thoroughly enjoyed it!!!! Perhaps if my food was seasoned a little better and was warmer than how I ate it, the rating would be higher.

OMG I expected this restaurant to be fine but it totally exceeded expectations. Lively atmosphere. Grown up food choices. Awesome view. A delightful place for a wonderful dinner while traveling through Burlington.

I made a reservation here for my graduation in May 2022 and I was a little nervous because my family has had some sad experiences dining all together in other popular VT restaurants, but I was so thrilled with our entire experience at Waterworks! They were very accommodating of our larger party, and I asked if the table closest to the water was open, and they were able to accommodate this request which helped make the evening more special. Our waitress was fantastic and gave great suggestions on food and drink to my parents and grandma. Their menu has a great breadth without being too clunky, so there's definitely something exciting for everyone. The food is fantastic, the drinks are strong and well made, and the scenery is beautiful. The staff all do a wonderful job in taking care of their customers and I was so happy with the evening and quality of food and drink. We ordered a few rounds of appetizers, entrees, and desserts, and all of them were delicious. I know their menu rotates seasonally which is a detail I really appreciate, so just know it's really hard to go wrong here. Highly recommend snagging a reservation here for any celebratory event or even just for your next night out.

Simply superb. It's hard to imagine a more picturesque setting for a meal. Somehow, the food and the service were just as good. Loved the burrata + sun dried tomatoes, and the potstickers were spot on. For an entree, the scallops and fingerling potatoes were perfectly prepared. Can't recommend this place highly enough.

This place was so beautiful in Vermont. It has a view of whether rivers that loggers would use to transport wood in the past. Aside from it being beautiful the food was delicious. The appetizers to the main meal, and while I did have the burger they made a nice gourmet burger with truffle fries. The Brussel sprouts appetizer was delicious and you have to go check this place out and see for yourself. I recommend as the sun goes down which is a beautiful view from the enclosed patio facing the river.

This is a must go for any celebration. The set up allows for more private, reserved dining in the window area next to the water or more lively dining in the main area. They have the most efficient, professional staff of anywhere in Burlington without the need for formalities. We come here every time my family is in town and had never had anything less than a perfect experience. You can go wrong with nothing on the menu, and we tend to go for the current specials when we attend.

Absolutely amazing!! The place is gorgeous, the location and the actual restaurant. We didn't make reservations so we sat at the bar but had no issue finding a seat. The bar table is quite large as well so it wasn't hard to eat there. The food!!!! Is so!!! Good!!!! I love crispy and the fries and Brussels delivered. Both were amazingly crispy. The aioli (garlic for fries, lemon for Brussels) was so yummy. The mocktail was delicious as well and I was happy to be able to order a drink :) If I lived in Vermont then I would definitely be a regular here.

This is hands down my favorite dinner spot in Burlington, especially for birthdays, anniversaries, etc. They have a bunch of drink options and plenty of fun cocktails to try. The food is beyond delicious, you HAVE to try their Brussels sprouts starter and I always get the salmon because, well, it's perfect. The building is so cool and directly on the Winooski River providing some pretty awesome views.

They glutened me. Great ambiance. Food? So so. I wasn't sure I felt safe eating there either. I registered in advance as Celiac. But they forgot.

I waited for 3 years for a memorable burger from Waterworks..it was amazing! Quality product, savory presentations, juicy, perfect bread etc. Watching the kitchen is always a pleasure at this upscale local eatery ideal for large parties. Make a patio or be seen at the bar. Mocktails and Cocktails, desserts and selfies all around. Best Restaurant in Burlington year after year. Delicious stop for foodies. Don't miss their theme nigbts and specials.

I was visiting out of town and omg this is the place to go. I wish we had more places like this in Los Angeles where everyone from the host to serving staff is so kind. the food and drinks! do not even get me started every thing is delicious! I had about 4 drinks from the menu some marinated items and a yummy lobster roll! Thank you Emily for being so kind!

Beautiful venue, solid food and lovely staff. Ideal location right on the water with a beautifully designed dining room with a variety of seating options. The food is consistently good and the staff is great. The drinks are also very fun and delicious if that is your thing.

Been a few times and food seems inconsistent. Truffle fries more truffley sometimes than others. Pork tenderloin was a bit dry. Staff is really great, though!

This visit was for our 50th Anniversary, with a thoughtful gift certificate for $150.00 from our son and daughter-in-law. We had a nice table overlooking the falls...that and the drinks were the only good things about the visit. We ordered Korean Meatballs to share as an appetizer - hard as a rock and dry as a bone! When I told the waitress how dry they were, she just shrugged and said she would "mention" it to the kitchen. Never got rolls/ butter...don't even know if we were supposed to. My Husband ordered ceasar salad...never got it. He ordered a 28 day dry aged strip steak medium ($44.00) on special. I ordered lobster and shrimp scampi ($34.00) with a side of broccolini ($6.00) which came cold. When his steak came it was well beyond medium... nothing less than well done. When the waitress appeared and asked how things were, we complained about the temperature of the steak. She informed us that because it was dry aged it looked different but would taste medium....not so, again dry as a bone. When she came back to ask if we wanted anything else, she couldn't have cared less... and she smiled and said she would tell the kitchen. The cook staff, waitress and, I guess, management are all sub par. We will not bother to spend our's or anyone else's money there. There are plenty of better restaurants nearby. Save your time and money, eat anywhere else!

Great service, Excellent food and Exceptional dining atmosphere. Lots of drink options: wine, beer and speciality drink options. We arrived around 5:30 immediate seating, 90 minutes later reservation suggested or expect a possible wait, Can't wait to my next dinning experience, 4.5 Stars

Sometimes when a place has such great ambiance, they don't need to have good food or service. Luckily, Waterworks does all 3 quite well. The setting overlooking the river is lovely, and the menu is great. We actually dined here twice over the course of four days, and we'll definitely be back on our next visit.

Good food. A bit loud for table conversation. The night we went it was busy so the service was slow but still did a good job.

Excellent all around! It's worth coming here. Highly recommend making reservations AND for daylight hours to enjoy the water view. They're usually at full capacity but the service is so efficient and truly attentive. This is the go-to destination for a special occasion or no occasion. If you're going for a special occasion, inform them when making reservations and they add little special touches. Props to the staff and managers for managing this place in such a noteworthy manner!

The ambiance is beautiful, but the entree was off by a mile. The coffee encrusted pork loin looked under cooked and was flavorless. The flavors did not mesh well. I wanted to love it, but it was a no go.

The ambiance, service and food were outstanding at Waterworks in Winooski! I have nothing but wonderful compliments, particularly for my server, Willow, and the chef. The food was exquisitely prepared and presented. The menu was extensive and well crafted, and the wine list complimented it well. Pro tip: Reservations aren't required, but there was quite a wait on Sunday evening, so I highly recommend making one!

Three stars for the service! Our server was awesome. The food...not so much. Seriously, I ordered the lobster & shrimp scampi & was underwhelmed. Salt, pepper, pepper flakes, & tabasco couldn't convince me otherwise. It's a beautiful restaurant & service is it a excellent.

Went for Easter. All food was cold. 75 people in line for a poorly run buffet. Runny cold eggs. Cold potatoes. Cold sausage. This restaurant could benefit from some professional guidance . I worry about their understanding of safety standards. Very sad.

The ambiance is better than the food, but the food and service is arguably the best you'll find in Chittenden County!

This place... is the place. It gets busy, but they will make it work for you. The food is freaking outstanding and they have a wide range of options and pricing. And it's an overall chill atmosphere.

Alway excellent food and service! Great spot for date night or gatherings. The view of the river is beautiful

Sydney, our server could not have been more attentive or helpful. The food was outstanding! The frites were a particular stand-out, but everyone enjoyed every bite from salads to cheesecake. Very clean, upbeat atmosphere. Perfect for a Friday night!

Our first meal on our trip was Waterworks. I don't know what was better, the service or the food. Everything we consumed was so flavorful! My son ordered the kids mac and cheese and it was one of the best mac's I had ever had! **AND IT WAS ON THE KIDS MENU**

Food and ambiance was incredible. You can't beat the view! More upscale. Highly highly recommend

The setting is what makes this restaurant worth visiting. Right next to the Winooski falls, parking can sometimes be challenging. We've been here a few times and the food is just okay. Very overpriced for what you're getting imo. Safe bet is the burgers. Desserts are pretty decent too. Family friendly. Service is usually good. Menu items need work.

I love this place! It's super cozy yet also elegant inside. The food is always fantastic and it's my go-to for special occasions or nice dates

Very nice setting and good food however 4 unjustified taxes added to bill 1) Winooski City Tax 2) Vermont alcohol tax 3) Kitchen service 3% 4) Meals Tax This in addition to 20 % gratuity See this kind of thing alot now

This would've gotten 5 starts but the bartender asked us to stand after we sat at an open seat at the bar so his mom could sit. Not an appropriate thing to do on a busy Friday night. Other than that, our server Zach was great and the food was good.

MUST COME. Our family ordered a wide range of food tonight. We had two appetizers: Korean bbq meatballs, veggie potstickers. Dinners: Happy Tuna, Lobster Roll, "The" Burger, Salmon, 2 kids Mac n cheese (appears to be actually made in house which made mama and kiddos happy)! Everything was cooked perfectly. Possibly the best fries I've had. The tuna was a beautiful med rare, lobster roll filling - salmon YUMMY. We came with three kids and sat on the deck looking over the river. Great views. Wonderful atmosphere. 100 recommend. Service was fast and friendly and helpful! Thank you Abby for great service!

Friendly, great service, very short wait for an outside table at 6. Beautiful views of the water. Good drink selection of wine beer and cocktails.

Love this place! The food and drinks are always top-notch, and no matter where we sit the service is always phenomenal! You can't beat the view, whether you're inside in the plant filled dining room or outside overlooking the falls. Highly recommend!

During our Vermont anniversary getaway, we had dinner at Waterworks to celebrate. We were so happy that our reservation put us at a table next to a window overlooking the river, and even though it was dark out, it was still beautiful. Our food was excellent - the steak was cooked perfectly to medium rare as I asked, and I really liked the garlic aioli it came with. The short rib risotto special was fantastic, and the Brie was a perfect portion for an appetizer. Our waiter was friendly, all of the food came out quickly, and we appreciated the gesture of them wishing us a happy anniversary. If I lived up there, I would be at Waterworks all the time!

What a marvelous experience ! I cannot say enough good about Waterworks Restaurant ! Not only the food was top-quality and delicious, but the ambiance was delightful . The dining experience was memorable!

One of the best restaurant locations in Burlington with fantastic outdoor and indoor dining. Food was pretty good. I had the pork that was okay; I think the ribeye choice would have been better as indicated in the photos. Seafood pasta was also a good choice. Inside dining area was spacious. Four stars though for the tragically managed host staff. We arrived fifteen minutes before our reservation outside and despite our table being clean and empty we had to wait ten minutes past reservation time to be seated that results in a WTF? With some training and motivation, this place has a lot of potential to be an outstanding dining establishment.

My dine at waterworks food + drink did not disappoint. When dressing for the occasion I was unsure of what dining room temperatures I'd be facing. In other words, I was terrified. When I arrived on the beautiful waterworks food + drink patio, there was a chill in the air, a chill my corduroy button up just couldn't combat. But I never had to fear. Without a word spoken a fantastic team of waterworks employees came to my rescue. Turns out the waterworks food + drink patio has an extravagant array of outdoor heaters!! I spent the rest of my time at waterworks the perfect temperature. Everything else was awesome too.

Waterworks is a great place for a special occasion, for a date, for celebrations. The location, ambiance, service, food, and drinks are impeccable. Make sure to make your reservations in advance as they fill up fast and it's difficult to get a table at the last minute. Everything served here is delicious and of high quality including their list of yummy cocktails. This is a must visit restaurant in the Burlington area.