The Watershed
Review of The Watershed
The Watershed: A Zero Waste Bar with a Unique Atmosphere
The Watershed is a bar and tea house located in the heart of Ithaca, New York. The establishment prides itself on being a zero-waste bar that focuses on inclusivity and sustainability. The Watershed has a unique atmosphere that is perfect for those looking for a conversational atmosphere, a sober cocktail menu, and free books.
The bar is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM. The Watershed is closed on Mondays. The bar has a primary category of Bar, but it also serves as a tea house. The Watershed has a great selection of beer, including non-alcoholic options, and a variety of mocktails.
The Watershed has a mixed reputation among customers. Some customers have praised the bar's unique atmosphere, great drinks, and friendly staff. Others have criticized the bar's service, treatment of visitors, and rude staff. Despite the mixed reviews, The Watershed remains a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
If you're looking for a unique bar with a zero-waste policy, The Watershed is definitely worth a visit. The bar's atmosphere is perfect for those looking for a quiet spot to read a book or catch up with friends. The Watershed's commitment to sustainability is commendable, and it's a great place to grab a drink and support a local business.
From the business
"Featuring conversational atmosphere, a sober cocktail menu, and free books! The Watershed is a zero waste bar focused on inclusivity and sustainability."
Amenities
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Jennifer-Stankonia Brown
This place is awful.
I was visiting from Kentucky, in town to see my daughter. This was maybe a year ago. I never felt more unwelcome, as I was made to feel in this bar.
First, an ineffective surgical mask was handed to us at the door. Future trash for the landfill or local lake. It wasn't an option to not wear it. From what I could tell from my visit, this was the only business in town still performing this theater.
Next, we were escorted to a table in a very strange, regimented fashion. Funny plastic dividers were placed between tables. I haven't seen any other place in the country do this. A small group of girlfriends joined us, and this was maybe 8:00 on a Friday evening. After some conversation and laughter, a VERY rude and arrogant manager (I assume) came over to our table-cage to tell us to be quiet. No one was being loud. I have never seen this happen at a bar on a Friday evening. Our party left.
Fast forward a year or so. I recently came back to Ithaca for another visit, and decided to give it another chance. The bad atmosphere was still the same. Slow service, rude management.
Only now, there's an automatic 20% gratuity added onto all checks!
That's bold for such mediocrity.
Zero stars.
Dan F
Great mocktails and very charming atmosphere. They seem to really care about their staff. It's very clean and has lots of options for restrooms. Great beer selection and NA beers as well. Wonderful spot to bring your laptop or a book. 5/5, love this place as a local.
Robert Hoal
Horrible experience. A couple of Cornell grads and I went out to have a lovely, calm, yet celebratory night. We were met with incredible ageism and rudeness. The bartender was flipping us off on the way out and the woman at the entrance was insinuating that we did not belong just because some of us were from out of state. I truly think this bar is staffed by discriminatory people who are lying to themselves thinking they are cultivating a welcoming space.
Domenick Zerilli
Love this place! A nice break from the other crowded, loud bars in ithaca. Was able to enjoy conversation with friends over amazing drinks. Also try getting a pot of coffee for the table as a finisher, the presentation is really beautiful and its a great way to end the night. The Watershed rocks!
Chelsea Collins
Loved the vibe- the distressed walls, the tables with the windows facing the Commons, being able to get a cocktail or a mocktail or a pot of tea (with a sweater!), the games and books and the notes in the wall! Great to have a place like this to go to on a weeknight when there isn't much else open. I only wish the seats were more conformable (or they had a couch) and there was a bit more to eat so I could stay longer :) Would love to know where they get their cherry hibiscus tea from!
Daniel Morgan
Quite possibly the worst bar I’ve ever been to. Service extremely rude. Drinks are poorly made and overpriced. If you go, you will have a terrible time and wish you stayed home. I regret spending a dime here.
Bart Johnson
It's the only bar in Ithaca with a full set of rules on their website and rude staff to boot. Many better bars in Ithaca that don't think they are above the average folk.
Selome B (SwaiteSpot)
The atmosphere really does feel like a watershed! A hathering of studious, garrulous and discerning tastes. A book reading corner, unique and local beers, ciders and wines, and Tammy's famous pickles. Community permeates this place, and is evident in the ads and local events posted. Co-owner Ashley has a levelheaded vision that I appreciate, and is a genuinely sweet soul! Looking forward to their lower level culinary expansion!
Gabe Schiffer
Super good bar if you’re a drunk flunkout college student. Service rude and high strung. Avoid if you want a good time.
Katie Moring
Went here before a concert at State Theater. It got pretty busy and there was only one bartender - he was pretty short and rude with the customers.
Drink wise, prices were reasonable and had a variety - mixed drinks, beer, and non-alcoholic sodas and teas.
Some small snack items available, prices seemed a little high for those. Someone near us bought a cheese plate but you had to buy crackers or bread separately, which seemed strange.