Tom's Watch Bar - Navy Yard/Nationals Park — Restaurant in Washington

I recently visited this location on Sunday January 12, 2025 at 7pm; this was my first time visiting this location. Upon arrival it was busy for Sunday football, but nothing too crazy. When my friends and I arrived we noticed a few four high top tables throughout the establishment. When my friend inquired about sitting at one of the tables (there was no wait at the door) we were told those tables were for large parties of eight only (even though these tables were separated and would have to be pushed together). We said that we understood and simply regrouped to see if we could find seating at the bar or would have to find another location. During this time, a group of four white men walked in and were able to sit at one of the tables immediately. Interestingly enough, I jokingly said to a friend as these men walked by “watch they seat them at one of those tables.”

Once this happened, I went to the hostess and asked for clarity again about the table policy. She rudely insisted that she didn’t seat them. I said “fair enough. May I please speak to your manager.” At this point, we had already decided we would be leaving, but with this being my first time at this establishment I wanted more information about the table policies or to see if perhaps this group had a reservation of some sort (which still would not align with the policy as it was explained to us).

A manager by the name of Alaura (this is the name she provided) walked over visibly irritated. I greeted her and asked how she was doing. Thereafter, I explained the situation to her and asked if she could give me some information about the policies so that I know for future reference since I’ve never been to this establishment before. She began explaining that there was a party of eight in the top golf stimulator and they were being seated at that table (full stop). I then informed her that we literally watched those men walk in from outside and be seated so there was no way they could’ve come from the top golf stimulator. She then responded with a very rude tone “before you cut me off!! … I was explaining that the full group of eight did not stay so that opened up a table of 4 and had your friend stuck around a few minutes she would’ve been seated.” I again explained that this did not make sense because my friend was in there the entire time waiting. Additionally, this was not the policy as it was explained to us.

While I won’t include my entire exchange in this review because it will get lengthy, I was truly shocked by the service exhibited in this establishment; especially when I approached the situation calmly and with respect. I did tell the manager that I noticed this is a male forward establishment and as a first timer things can be perceived a certain way which is why I wanted to speak with her to change that perspective and get more information.

I would not recommend this location. I hope this is not a representation of this business as a whole. I will be sending a detailed letter regarding this experience.

/s/...

Tom’s Watch Bar is clearly a go-to spot for fans before and after games, and I recently visited for the first time with friends—grabbing drinks both pre- and post-game.

Before the game, a friend and I grabbed a table, which meant we were assigned a server. The place was packed, and service was understandably slow. Our server seemed to be covering nearly the entire floor—including both bar sides and the back—which made it feel like the staff wasn’t prepared for the crowd that comes with a big game.

When another friend joined us for a quick drink, we suggested he order directly from the bar. However, bar staff refused, saying they couldn’t take payment since we were seated in a server’s section. Even when we asked to close out and move to the bar, we were told we still had to wait for the server. We ended up ordering just one round and then closing out. I understand the intention of not cutting into server tips, but when service is that slow, it becomes a frustrating experience.

After the game, we returned to let the stadium crowd thin out. This time, service was a bit more attentive—the server checked in more frequently during our shorter visit, which was appreciated.

One thing that stood out on both visits was how hot it felt inside. Before the game, the doors were closed and the space felt stuffy. After the game, the garage-style doors were open, but instead of providing relief, they let in more warm air, making the space uncomfortable either way.

Overall, Tom’s has a fun, energetic vibe and is clearly a popular game-day spot. Just know going in that service may be slow when it’s busy, and the indoor temperature can be...

I’m so done with Tom’s. Tried the Navy Yard (since my experience with the National Harbor one had been horrible) location to watch college football semi final game. The service is so awful, I’m starting to think bad service is their goal! Just like the Harbor location, servers aren’t friendly and inefficient. Several people in my section literally had go up to our server (where she was just talking to coworkers) to ask for basics like condiments and napkins (after dropping off several plates of bbq wings…SMH). One woman said she was waiting to ask the server for “food” after she’d been there for 30 min. already! One of the biggest games of the year was being played that night, but they weren’t prepared. Had the game showing on the Pat McAffe Show rather than the ESPN broadcast; and when asked to change it, my friend had to tell them how to do it. My friend’s Impossible Burger was impossible…to eat. She said it tasted like the freezer and the bun was so old and dry, it crumbled when she cut the burger in half. Overheard another woman saying the meat on her nachos was burnt and it looked it, too. My $19.99 burger was decent but for $40 total for a burger, 22 oz beer and a soft drink), the service and audiovisual should be outstanding. Left at halftime because we couldn’t take the abysmal service any longer. I will never go to Tom’s, at any...