Watershed Distillery

1145 Chesapeake Ave, Columbus
(614) 357-1936

Recent Reviews

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Robert Webb

I’m not sure where to begin I guess at the beginning we booked reservations for New Year’s Eve had looked at the menu prior to going seemed reasonable and food looked good. Once we arrived. We realized that we couldn’t order off of the normal menu. They had a set meal in place for all. There was no pricing on the menu there were prices for cocktails, but not for the dinner. It was a gastrointestinal. Nightmare, my wife ordered lamb. It was a piece of fat. No meat just fat. I had a choice of lamb or duck which I don’t like either so I went with the duck which was greasy we went with my brother-in-law and his wife between the four of us. None of us liked the food. It was terrible for a grand total of $500 I wouldn’t mind spending that kind of money if I enjoyed the meal, but we didn’t I would give zero stars if that was possible. Hopefully your bourbon is better than your food.

Jon Marco

Had dinner with friends who were excited the share this unique restaurant while visiting OSU. Wow - really neat place with lots of great food options. Draft beer also great. This is a stand-out restaurant with an equally stand-out menu. Highly recommended.

Lisa Stork

We had a group of 15 celebrating a birthday for the tour. Our guide Joe was knowledgeable and personable. He definitely made it feel like he was leading but part of our group. There was a good balance of the history of the distillery and the process and just enjoying the experience.
The restaurant was very accommodating. We ended up with a larger group staying for dinner than expected. They were able to get us all together on short notice. The food and drinks were all amazing. A little on the pricey side but well worth it.

Cory O

So I’m a bar manager for a new restaurant in Cleveland & was on a one day trip to Columbus. My guy, Tony Thomas, a sales rep for Watershed & I are meeting tomorrow to discuss their spirits so I figured why not come here & have dinner & some drinks?

Man, was I impressed.

The restaurant is located in a random back alley just off of 5th Avenue, which may seem a little strange while you’re driving here, but once you walk in the doors, the atmosphere is intimate & cozy with a gorgeous long wooden bar. I love dimly lit places, as to me personally, makes you never want to leave.

The bartender who served me tonight, Johnathon, was awesome. A bit shy at first, but once I let him know I was in the industry we shared great conversation throughout the night. I’m a big cocktail guy, & as a curator myself, I let John take the steering wheel, allowing him to showcase the cocktails he’s put on the menu & one of his favorites that wasn’t his.

My first cocktail, “The Pressure Drop” features my favorite product made by Watershed, The Bourbon Barrel Aged Four Peel Gin. But wait, did someone say split based? With RUM? Sign me up! Combine those two spirits with a unique aperitif, the herbal & bitter blend of Genepy/Jäegermeister while sweetened with a smoky lapsang tea syrup. Man. That drink was an incredible way to prepare my palate. Big kudos to whoever crafted that.

Next, once getting to know John a little & finding out about his contribution to the menu, I had to try the “DIY Basement Show,” a subtle riff on a Oaxaca Old Fashioned. Who would’ve thought Nocino would pair so exquisitely with Mezcal? I myself, featured Watershed’s Nocino in my restaurant’s fall cocktail menu as an OF variation, but never would I have thought to pair this with Mezcal. The smoke level was perfect, & balanced tremendously with the Demerara & mole bitters.

In between my cocktails, I had the Smash Burger as an "appetizer" & I swear I ate the entire thing within 5 minutes after the delightful food runner dropped it off to me. For $12, just get the damn thing, you won't be disappointed.

Putting all my faith into John once more, I asked him for his opinion between the Short-Rib or the Pork Shoulder Steak, curiously wondering if he could bat 1.000 or if he was just gonna upsell me and have me go for the higher ticket item (The short-rib). My guy told me to go with the Pork Shoulder Steak instead, in which I respected his honesty.

Guys, when I tell you this meal may have been one of the best I’ve had in all of Columbus, I’m not kidding lol (I used to live here for 2 years). The steak was tender, seasoned extremely well, & had this wonderful charred crust. The coconut rice? Cooked perfectly with just the right amount of coconut that didn’t overpower the dish. The greens & tomatoes were also a wonderful addition. My only “picky” suggestion, & I want to emphasize on picky, is I wanted a little more from the chicharrónes, but I understand why they were there.

While eating this entree, I was sipping on the “DIY Basement Show” & my friends, it was an excellent pairing as the smokiness of the drink worked fantastically with the charred Pork Steak. Chef’s kiss.

Finally to end my night, I told John I wanted one more cocktail, & which one he would recommend that were his. We went with “The New Kid Ink Album.” I was a tad on the fence, but I will say John was adamant that I try it. The dude was literally 4/4 how could I say no?

I love a tequila drink, but I saw tequila, soda & habanero & thought meh, not really in the mood for a spicy soda filled margarita. My brother in Christ, do not ever judge a book by its cover or ingredients & just shut up and listen to your bartender.

This thing is one of the best drinks I’ve had, maybe ever? It is so simple, yet refined,

Nikki Barren

Joe gave us an outstanding tour! He was fun, knowledgeable and patient with all of our questions! Highly recommend this experience

Brittany Wasmus

My fiancé and I had dinner at watershed tonight. The service was great. We had the short rib and halibut. Fantastic! The wings were so great! We can’t wait to go back.

Rochelle Stapp

Came here for dinner and to pick up a few bottles. You’re able to do tastings up front prior to buying any alcohol which was really nice. As for dinner, there were plenty of gluten free and vegetarian options. If I remember correctly, there were a few vegan options (other than just salads). We had a great time and the food was very good!

Ian Clouse

Went on a tour yesterday and it was a very good experience. Joe was very knowledgeable and the history of the distillery was fun to learn about. We got to taste their vodka multiple gins whiskeys and their premade old fashioned. They were all excellent

Michael Goldman

Incredible bourbon and dinner! The tour was so good, our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Can’t recommend enough!

Robert Gambill

Friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Jon S

As a child did you ever get excited for Christmas and hope you get that Amazing Lego set, but then you opened the gift it was just a pair of socks.. that was my experience with this restaurant, the drinks tasted like spice, the food was over salted, the pumpkin dish tasted like sugar and nutmeg.. i guess i got Christmas at my grandparents. #fail

Jessica Seckel

Had an amazing tour with Michael and Wes. Very knowledgeable and really was a good time!

Lillian Miller

Did a tour of the distillery and was pleasantly surprised with all of the tastings that we had. Joe was a excellent guide. The restaurant was even better great drinks, fantastic food. Our waitress was superb. A great way to celebrate my anniversary with my darling husband. Can't wait to go back

S G

Abby was our tour guide. Abby is amazing. We had a great time. If you ever need black walnuts; I know a non profit that has plenty in a 320 acre Ohio park. ??
I have wait to share the 4 year with my dad this weekend.

Michelle Normand

First time eating here and everything was cooked and seasoned perfectly. Was really impressed with chef, bartender and waitstaff.

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