Sweetwater Tavern — Restaurant in Merrifield

As a big fan of the great American restaurants I can't say that there is anything in their menus that isn't worth the elevated prices, most definitely the quality and flavor matches their prices. Their food is by far one of the most consistently delicious foods in the DMV. Kudos to their talented chefs.

Unfortunately when it comes to consistent quality service (and this review goes specifically based on my experience with head bartender MARTHA on more than two occasions) there are different levels, dining in takes a team to bring the best service experience as they team up to make sure guests are taken care of in the best way possible, I've never had a bad dine in experience; but when you sit at the bar you have more of a one on one experience with the two bartenders. Martha at first sight seems to be pleasant and social with her bar guests, but based on my experiences ordering from the bar she can be very selective, and if you happen to have the misfortune of not passing her visual pre qualifications of whatever physical appearance she looks for to treat you nice, she is more than rude, passive aggressive and obviously fake with their friendly and hospitable culture within this great company. On my last experience she saw me standing at the bar waiting for "someone" to notice me as she was standing almost in front of me chatting with a bar guest, she made visual contact with me (no smile, no facial gesture, not a word) and continued to pleasantly talk with her guest, when she was done with him, she walked away, checked on somebody else ... and then came back to me faking a smile, and took my order. When I came back to pick up the food just as she said it would take about 15 minutes, I stood at the same place and observed when the food was delivered to the bar, a nice young lady immediately came to get Martha's attention with food bag in hand (standing next to her) to indicate the food was ready, of course sweet Martha went on to ignore the young lady, and continued talking with her client, after a few minutes of the lady standing with the food bag she proceeded to leave the bag on the bar in front of Martha and moved away, when Martha saw that this action puts her in evidence of how rude she is by not even acknowledging her co-worker, she turned and audaciously between teeth nagged on her, only then she grab the bag and look straight to me and said: "Ma'am your food is ready". I walked away thinking how's it possible that this type of behavior is obviously being ignored by management when obviously this behavior goes against their basic hospitality requirements? Just a question to ponder on.

Other than the disappointment of having to experience the same with the same person for more than one occasion, all my other experiences...

Sweet Water, like every restaurant in the Great American Restaurant group never ever disappoints. I had one of the feature Lagers - it was crisp and fresh, the perfect temperature and served in a clean 9oz glass. For my dish, I had the 6oz. Filet Mignon, requested Medium, which was served more leaning toward Medium-Well - but remembered that Sweet Water has a slightly varied scale of their cook levels for steak. Nevertheless the Filet was delectable, juicy, accented with a little bit of char, and had a full body seasoning that was perfect just for that naturally good steak taste. The mashed potatoes were whipped softly and buttered and garlic-ed just right and with Parsley garnish. The cremini mushrooms were freaking divine! If steak wasn’t on the plate I could have mistaken them - they were so savory, thick and plump, and swirled in a seasoned brown gravy - they quite literally tasted like a bit of the filet! I subbed the salad compliment with broccolini- which I had high appreciation for since it was not overcooked and lightly tossed in olive oil. I know we are smack dab in the height of “shrink-flation” but the side portions even though completely delicious seriously left me wanting more. If it’s possible to increase the side portions, the amazing goodness of the food will keep you overflowing with patrons which inevitably brings more loot! My friends had the kids chicken tenders and fries- very good and crispy with REAL chicken, plank salmon, and tuna salad for which the tuna had a cook option my friend ordered rare. All gobbled up - 10/10...

Sweetwater Tavern(Americana) is one part of a group of nice restaurants which also includes Ozzie's(Italian) and Coastal Flats(Seafood). I was actually going for Chicago-style pizza at Uno's, which shares a food alcove just off hwy 50 and Gallows Rd, but had never been to Sweetwater Tavern, so decided on impulse to give it a try. Am I glad I did. When you walk into the place you realize just how large a restaurant it is with its open kitchen proudly showcasing the talented chefs and staff cooking and plating customers meals. There's a steakhouse rustic yet elegant feel to the place with its red leather seating and young servers in crisp aprons walking by the tables with plates of hot food and cold drinks on trays. Its all very professional. I ordered crab and corn chowder, a beautifully cooked pork chop(bone in) served with whipped potatoes and broccolini. They include a light creme gravy and a corn chutney to the side of the chop. So good! I would've preferred fresh asparagus but its really not the season so didn't ask. Just like the other restaurants they serve baskets of those wonderful Ozzie rolls with sweet butter. So good! I must say this chop has to be the best chop I've ever had! Ever!! I didn't get pics for you bc I hadn't planned to review tonight but now wish I had. I'll get pics for you next time I'm there. I may even order the flourless chocolate waffle with ice cream next time! Go check them out. You will not regret it. Be prepared though; the prices are high end. But definitely worth every...