Sweetwater — Restaurant in Boynton Beach

If I had to pick one word to describe Sweetwater, it would be PERFECTION. I almost didn't even want to write this review because I don't want everyone in the world to know what a gem this place is and make it even more crowded than it already is on some nights, but I can't help but support them and share the love...

Let's start with the atmosphere. We relocated to Florida a couple of years ago and were really looking for a busy, New York City style bar that we could people-watch at and this is the spot! It's the perfect place for a date night. There are tables and chairs for traditional dining, but there is also two bars with ample seating (although the tequila bar is not typically open on the week nights). It CAN get crowded on the weekends and you may have to stalk people at the bar to get a seat, but we've never had to wait longer than 20 minutes. Perfect for us, probably disappointing for Boomers. There is also additional seating outside, so you can order your drinks and take them out on the patio to enjoy. The lighting sets the mood for romance and conversation and I would describe the decor as classy, just like the bartenders serving the drinks. Speaking of which, the bartenders are amazing. They take their craft very seriously and make very well-balanced, strong drinks. You will not need to worry about requesting "spirit forward" drinks or something "less sweet". Each drink is crafted to perfection, depending on your tastes. Their memories are incredibly impressive as well. One particular bartender remembered our drink orders and the way we order our water after only having him one other time before! That's top-notch customer service.

It's also worth noting that there is a public parking ramp with ample parking behind the bar that is free.

Onto the drinks! My personal favorite is the French Carpenter, which is an Old Fashioned, but somehow so much better. Perhaps it's the love they add when making it? You'll have to see for yourself. If you're looking for something a little sweeter, a little more dessert-like, the Whiskey Ultimatum has just the right amount of sweetness from the jam with the whiskey punch you need. If you like elderflower, Death & Taxes is the right drink for you. The lemon and pine really round out this drink making it quite refreshing. If you like tarragon and grapefruit, the Pachuco is a must. Honestly, I could go on and on about each drink, but the point is, there is something for everyone.

The food is where we were really impressed though. The first thing we ever had here was the Hand-Pulled Mozzarella. Sure, it sounds like a Caprese salad pulled apart, but it is SO MUCH MORE. The ingredients are so fresh and the mozzarella just melts in your mouth, but my personal favorite part is the olive tapenade. I could order this dish every night until the day I die and die happy. The Cauliflower Hushpuppies are the perfect crunchy bar snack without feeling super guilty because they are made from cauliflower! Plus, the presentation is so lovely. We love splitting the House Steak Salad. The portion size is perfect for two and the steak is always cooked to perfection. If you don't want to commit to the full Charcuterie Board, which is phenomenal, the Baked Brie is another perfect snack when drinking and mingling with your friends. Just last night, we had the pleasure of trying the Scotch Quail Eggs and I can't stop thinking about them!! The egg is surrounded by the most delicious crunchy coating you've ever eaten. Honestly, I could go on and on about the food, but I am not a food critic and my words just can't do it justice.

This place has become a weekly staple for our date nights and although I would love to keep it just to myself, I hope you'll give it a try because you will NOT be...

It was my SO’s birthday and we decided to go to Sweetwater. We heard many good things about this place and the online reviews were stellar. Sadly, we left disappointed and highly doubt we’ll give this place another chance.

It wasn’t packed, but quite busy for a Wednesday night. Which I thought was a good sign. It took about half an hour for our food to arrive. Even though we asked that our food come as they are ready, it all came at once. It seemed like my entrée was prepared last because it was the warmest. We ordered the Korean BBQ Taco to share, cauliflower steak for him and duck breast for me. The taco was good, but not spectacular. A little bit on the salty side for me. $16 for two tacos is a tad pricey. The cauliflower steak tasted good (quite hard in the center, but it’s a matter of personal preference I suppose), but we would not order it again. The portion was very small. The “steak” was only an inch thick which equaled to 5 florets. The whole entrée looked a little lost on the plate. For $18, they can certainly put two of those “steaks” on the plate.

Now for the duck, this is where we’re the most disappointed and displeased. Usually (at other establishments), the server would ask how one would like the duck prepared. In this case, the server did not ask. I thought it slightly odd, but was not too concerned. When the duck arrived, I thought it looked a bit too pink. I like mine pretty pink, but this one looked red/blue. The two pieces I had on the thinner side of the duck breast was perfect. It was succulent, seared and seasoned wonderfully. However, when I got to the thicker parts of the meat, it was too chewy and undercooked. My SO likes his steaks blue. He tried a piece and said it’s not good and I shouldn’t eat it.

Now here’s the kicker. I called the server over and asked if the duck is usually this rare. She didn’t even look at it but brushed me off by saying this is how it’s cooked here because if it’s not cooked this way, the meat is too dry and rushed off. Don’t talk to me like I never had duck cooked properly. The guy next to us also ordered duck and it was definitely less red. When she collected the plate, she asked if I wanted to pack the duck and take it home. I said “most definitely not”. I was clearly not happy with my entrée but she made no attempt to rectify the situation. This aside, she was not attentive to us at all.

I noticed the server who took care of the table next to us was much nicer. She told them right from the beginning that an item was out when she handed them the menu while we found out when we wanted to order it. The table next to us was seated after we ordered and their order came shortly after ours. I very much regretted that I tipped her 18%. She definitely did not deserve it. One star for service we received. Three and a half star for the food. We took one star off due to the duck being mostly inedible. 3 stars for the price. We left feeling barely NOT hungry. We probably would have had a much better experience if I ordered something else.

Overall, 2 stars because we spent over 80 dollars and neither one of us were wowed, happy, nor satisfied at the end...

Ok there are Pros and Cons! I loved this little spot and the whole history behind the place and how it got it's name. However, as a Foodie there were a couple things outside of the actual food that affected my dining experience. The food was yummy! Great portions. The brussel sprouts were delicious. Tried the blackberey cider since they were out of pineapple. The salad was huge. The tuna soba noodles were the best my company had. These are all things i loved. We liked our waiteress very much....i usually give a place 4 stars because theres always room for improvement. But then it went to 3 because of the 3 cons. The 3 things that really bothered me were there was a point our table had not been touched in a significant point of time. I had run out of water and had to ask several times from different people for more water. Simple solution is drop off a quick carafe to the table if you dont have time to pour and be personable. Instead i watched as they served other tables around me water and i actually choked on some food while waiting. I had to drink the remainder of my companys water. 🤦‍♀️ i had asked the host/manager? Our waitress? And a busser. But by the time the water came i had already had my incident. The 2nd thing was people watching as i was waiting in between service. The waitress next to our section was wearing short shorts and had long hair. I was so thankful she was not our waitress. She would walk by and legit be pulling out wedgies or adjusting her shorts. 🤯 Then be flipping her hair and all this then go serve food without washing her hands. The 3rd was when it was so cold in our section. The big table next to us was making comments but my company had not arrived yet. So when a table cleared, i asked if i could move tables because the fan wasnt on in that section and i wouldn't be under a vent. The host/manager guy said he couldnt because he was going to seat a party of 4. So i said ok. Then he went and later sat a party of 2. I would still be back but maybe for late night bar or something. Too many other places for good food and service. I dont want to compromise on one or the other....