We shared a bottle of wine recommended by the server. We also shared a small charcuterie board. It was fine. The bar itself is stunning. Very impressive. It's busy for a Sunday night. I think it's all faithful regulars. Not surprising. We had a great time. read more

Inviting homey cocktail bar including many sober options. The owner Ashley made us 3 great cocktails included a nice Sazerac. Quiet conversation upstairs or jazz downstairs. And we learned why Utica Club is the most popular local beer. read more

Five stars for being a place with sober cocktails. My husband doesn't drink and it was so lovely to go somewhere to get drinks together! I got a Pale Stranger and he tried the Cherry Hibiscus Sparkler - both were quite good! Liked the atmosphere in here. Nice relaxing place to have a drink but wasn't crowded or loud. I agree with another review about the "covid theater" but if it takes that to make some feel safe, what's the harm? I was mostly confused by the sign outside requiring masks but then the hostess didn't have one on... Free condoms (including female condoms) and tampons in the bathroom were a nice touch. read more

The Watershed - Pale Stranger and Cherry Hibiscus Sparkler - Two cocktails with ice are placed on cork coasters on a wooden bar counter, separated by a clear acrylic divider, in a bar setting. - Bars Near Me - Ithaca, New York

I was shocked by how bad the cocktails were. Both mine and my friends drink were undrinkable because of how badly balanced they were. Mine was pretty much a cup of fernet and hers had wayyy too much bitters. Really unfortunate since it seemed like an affordable cute spot for cocktails. read more

The Watershed is a refined yet inviting spot downtown featuring a list of local beers and some fantastic (and inventive) cocktails. The bi-level spot has soft lighting and plenty of exposed brick. If you're an indecisive sort, you won't go wrong with any choice from the list of long drinks (fine spirits + mixer) or boozy sippers. The Boo Radley (bourbon + cherry heering + cynar, bitter and bracing) and the Chrysanthemum (dry vermouth + benedictine + absinthe, bright and floral) were standouts read more

This place was fine, but there was something off putting about the vibe. Drinks were ok, but overpriced. Mostly, I was annoyed by the COVID theater. I'm a big fan of precautions. I wear a mask where required and I'm definitely vaccinated, but I am throughly annoyed by any place that makes a big deal out of putting on your mask every time you stand up and that is still placing random partial plexiglass barriers here and there. Folks, do you know what an aerosol is or how it works? I don't think you do. Also annoyed by the obligatory mandatory 20% tip, which they bizarrely described as a "commission." I'd generally tip about that anyway, but it's weird to make that decision for me. read more

Love it or hate it, it is unique. Their goal is to keep it full but not crowded. I can't say I have ever been to another bar that had that policy. We were a party of 6 who tried to enter the bar around 10. We were provided with 10% off coupons because the wait was long. We returned later with 4 people and got in. The guy told us he couldn't guarantee us 4 seats. Which surprised me because I never expect seats at a bar. People stuff notes in the wall for you to take out and read. The cocktails were good. I enjoyed the bubbles section of the menu. The decor was nice! read more

The Watershed - Prosecco spritz - Bars Near Me - Ithaca, New York

This place hosts a few monthly events that I like to attend but I really don't like it here. The bartender/owner makes you feel like you're doing something wrong by just existing. It almost feels like she has a very specific vision for exactly how the space should be in any given moment and is obviously agitated when it's not lining up with what she wants. I've seen her act friendly with people she knows but it's not a given for other customers. I deal with this so I can go to the events I like, but I'm always hoping that it gets a little more inviting here. read more

Drinks were good, but this place and our experience was so bizarre. Came here on a Sunday night with a group of 10 - most of the group had gone to college in Ithaca years ago and we were in town for a very special wedding. We swing by after getting dinner somewhere else. It wasn't busy at all, so we grabbed the big communal table in the back and first sat down, but maybe half the party made their way to the bar to order. We were told to order from the counter at the end vs in the middle of the bar which is fine whatever (granted nobody was sitting in the area we were trying to order from). The bartender which I've found from the reviews was apparently the owner w the bangs - asks us how many ppl are in our party and a guy in the group nicely counts and lets her know and lol she goes OH WOW THATS A LOT and kinda makes a face like that's inappropriate which was really odd. She proceeds to give us ten waters that we didn't want or ask for and tells us we can go sit down and then come back and order - but we had literally just sat down and gotten up to come order drinks so I'm like I don't wanna go sit down again and come back to order like I'm here to order. It was laughable and at the same time confusing. The whole experience was straight out of Portlandia (the chicks w the bookstore esque). Two members (a couple) from the group actually sat at the bar bc they wanted to sit at the bar (so crazy apparently) and the bartender interrogates them asking them and making absolutely sure they're not with our group - like it was clear she wasn't going to serve them if they were with us so they just said they weren't with us. We went downstairs after bc there was some live music and it was completely empty which is sad - prob would have had some more ppl down there to enjoy the music if the vibes were not so insanely off putting. I read up on the place after and I guess I get the vibe they're going for, but there are plenty of places that are able to pull this off (all over the country) and can do so without trying too hard, being so insanely uptight, pretentious, and elitist. That sort of attitude and overall vibe is fostered, not strictly enforced w a heavy and pretty condescending hand. On the way out I got the whole schpeel about the tip being included which is great but also came with a bit about how f'ed up America is and capitalism and the man or something or other. Not that I don't disagree, but again - this was all straight out of Portlandia. The whole experience and reading other peoples reviews has provided some good entertainment. Before closing my tab I also ordered a glass of wine - only my second drink and she tells me that they have the wine downstairs and I should order there, but I'm like - my card and tab are up here so?? Lol common sense isn't a thing at this place apparently and customers should run in circles to just order a damn drink. It's also really weird to me if they're going for this library conversation place - why does it open so late in the day? Like it's a bar serving alcohol that doesn't open til early evening - in the commons area of a college town. Bizarre sums this place up pretty well. The owner doesn't seem to really like people either so idk why this was the industry she chose. Also news flash - being rude to customers (scaring them off) and enforcing this insane limit on customers and party size is not helping your workers make any more money regardless of whether or not a 20% commission is automatically tacked onto the bill. If you really want to treat your workers well, maybe pay a flat salary esp if you want to keep the place fairly dead so people can read novels at the bar. read more

If there is one thing in life you need to hear, it would be NOT to patronize this bar. I came here with a couple of buddies for graduation and the bartender was an arrogant prick the whole time. What could have been a relaxing night of downing pints of suds with the boys turned into a night filled with tension between the patrons and the staff... and I'm not talking about sexual tension. One star for this joint. read more

I created a yelp account just to comment on how absolutely horrible this place is. Despite being completely calm, paying customers, my group of mid 25 year old friends and I were told we were "invading the space" of a patron trying to read a book at the bar top and asked to move.... why you would ever accommodate to that is beyond me. the bartender was absolutely nasty and bitter, swearing at us for saying it was an unreasonable request. Do not come here if you're under 40, they will be incredible horrible and looking for a problem when there is not one. Very reminiscent of the crazy old neighbor bat who screams at harmless kids trying to play catch. Only fun if you're 65 and trying to quite literally read a novel at the bar read more

I was in Ithaca for the weekend and had a couple drinks here after dinner. It's just the type of place I'd like to have in my area. It's a bar that has a grown-up, yet casual atmosphere. There's music, but not so loud that you can't have a conversation. The drinks I had were great. I like how they're divided into "long drink" and "boozy sipper" categories. The bartenders were very friendly. read more

DO. NOT. GO. HERE. unless you're willing to risk being discriminated against. I wish this was an exaggeration, as this bar's attitude does not reflect the spirit of our Ithaca community, but here we are. The employees are so snobby about who they will serve and which customers will receive their respect. I have never seen any business owner conduct themselves with such a lack of professionalism. The woman bartending at this establishment SWORE AT and FLIPPED OFF customers after telling them they were occupying too much space in her bar, singling out a particular demographic of people while prioritizing an older, less diverse crowd. I have never in my life had such a negative bar/restaurant experience as I did here. read more

Fun, cute, down-to-earth bar in a great location in Ithaca. It's just hipster enough without being precious, over-priced, or exclusive-feeling. They have great gin cocktails; any place making things herbal and vegetal wins my heart, and they're doing some bangin' stuff with beets here. Strong recommendation. read more

This is a wonderful place, and absolutely my go-to bar in Ithaca now. The cocktails, their specialty, are delicious (and thankfully tend not to go for much more than $9 - try the perennial favorite maple tinged Toronto, or one of the fruitier sippers), they do a nice hot toddy during the winter that's not on the menu, and when it gets cold they wrap their teapots (yes, you can also sit here sipping tea or coffee) in adorable sweaters. The service tends to be very attentive - as even the negative reviews acknowledge - when they get around to you, which never takes that long. Note the negative reviews tend to be down on the Watershed for not being the kind of spot you can bring a huge group of people and make a lot of noise. That's because it's a quiet bar that's best for small gatherings or even reading/working alone (note the lending library). It was definitely an overdue addition to the Ithaca bar scene when it opened - grad students in particular seem to enjoy it - and the people who want a college or townie bar experience have almost all the other drinking establishments in Ithaca at their disposal. The Watershed does tend to get kind of popular on weekend nights even with small groups, and there can be bouncers posted to ensure it doesn't fill up too much. I've rarely had to wait at their behest, though, and on those occasions have usually found it a better environment as a result of keeping the crowds away once I've gotten inside. read more

I visited the watershed in 2019 not long after it had opened, and was pleased to have found a sophisticated cocktail lounge in an upstate college town. I remember liking it then, and talking with the owner before leaving. I didn't make my yearly visit to the fingerlakes in 2020 for obvious reasons, and when I returned this year I was again happy to find the Watershed open. Again, the owner was there to chat, which I think reflects the attentiveness of the staff. The menu is vast and definitely has something for everyone, even non drinkers. The drinks are strong, and if you're from a big city, they might even seem cheap, but what I tried was well crafted and very full. The bar and shelves are a beautiful wooden creation, something to admire when you're not reading a paper note that's been slipped into a crack in the brick interior wall. Is the concept of this lounge a little pretentious? Sure, but it's welcoming in spite of that and the execution makes up for any culture shock one might experience finding a place like this on a quiet block in Ithaca. read more

One of my favorite spots in town. Ithaca has long been overdue for a cozy spot like this to grab a drink with friends and not be inundated with college students. The cocktails are pretty straightforward, but consistently hit the spot. Ambiance is equally straightforward, not trying too hard to be one way or another, just cozy and just right. I especially appreciate the bars sustainability ethos. Well done! read more

First time in downtown Ithaca and stopped in to grab a drink after buying a few books at the adorable store up the street. As I walked in, it seemed like a large group of gals were being forced out. They were being being told to leave by some dowdy female. The party wasn't intoxicated, obnoxious or loud. I understand the right to refused service but it seemed like this was based on an arbitrary snap judgement. The whole situation was unprofessional on their part and created a very unwelcoming atmosphere. I left shortly after. Side note - the bartender was wonderful. She greeted me immediately and was super knowledgeable. read more

Nice place, but they have the worst service in the entire Ithaca area. Rude bartender (male) and bad drinks read more

The Watershed - The worst service in the entire area. Rude bartender and bad / expensive drinks. - Bars Near Me - Ithaca, New York

They have good drinks, albeit a bit pricey. But I would prefer to not get accused of "doing cocaine" every time I have to use the restroom?? Not sure if it's because of my piercings or tattoos, but it's wildly inappropriate either way, and makes me not want to go in anymore, so. read more

What a great bar! It's located in a beautifully retired historic building in the middle of downtown Ithaca. The bartenders are so attentive and knowledgeable and make fantastic cocktails. They are assuring the safety of their staff and customer during these trying Covid times and really making the best of it. Love the zero waste concept. read more

Amazing cocktails and great service (read some other reviews but we go here a lot and I've always loved the staff!). They are really committed to sustainability which we love. No paper menus, real emphasis on local products, and small details like the way they've designed their business to handle ice and citrus - be sure to ask someone if you are in to the green stuff! Highly recommend any of the whiskey based cocktails. Come here and read by yourself, grab tea with someone who avoid alcohol, or catch a few rounds of boozy somethings with your team. We love this place because it's great for whoever we're with. read more

Don't bother having drinks with friends here or sharing a few laughs, that is, unless you enjoy being chastised by a (man) bartender and/or repeatedly reminded to speak in a "conversational tone." In all honesty, I wasn't sure if I was at a bar or grade school. One would figure that drinks + card games = laughs, but not here. I suggest renaming the bar "The Discipline Room," or better training the staff to understand that they are speaking to adults, not children. Also, the cheese board was subpar (at best). read more

Staff had a problem with one of the IDs presented by one of the people in my group. Rather than having a civilized conversation the staff and owner came off as aggressive and rude. It's a shame the staff and the owner did not know how to de-escalate a situation. In addition, one of my friends laughed a bit loud and the staff came to tell us to please keep quiet or leave. Hard to believe this is a bar. Poor customer service leaves a lot to be desired. read more

This is a special place. I hesitate to even write this because I don't like to share nice things. Best spot in Ithaca...maybe in America. This is a great place to relax and ponder how to make the world a better place. I'd love to have a drink with Bernie Sanders here. It classy with great ambiance, tea, coffee, snacks, drinks, and amazing staff and service. I love coming here to work on my laptop or hang out with friends. Even their water is the best--seriously. I hear they're building the downstairs level into a beer bar; I don't know when that will be open for business but I know it will be great. read more

This place has been so, so for some time now and I had probably one of the off putting experiences the other night. After paying and and leaving a cash tip, a waitress whom didn't even serve me, came over and asked if my experience was positive. After looking confused and saying yeah; waited a while for me drink but whatever, she processed to announce to the entire table "well you didn't leave a tip so I wanted to see what was up with that". Now feeling very embarrassed in front of my party I told her I left cash to which she replied I didn't see any there. The fact that there was even this conversation but that she needed to have it in front of my party is just down right disrespectful and annoying. Totally get that you're living off these tips but not only did I tip in cash but I also tipped 30% because of the holidays. Let's just say I will not be going back any time soon. read more

I've never been to a more elitist bar. I walked in with my friends we were celebrating our graduation from college. We were promptly kicked out because of "invading the personal space" of the people who were sitting at the bar (aka how you order a drink at a bar??). My friend ordered us one round of drinks and a patron started harassing us about how long we were staying before the drinks even reached us. The bar staff was no help and did nothing about this rude, disrespectful behavior from one of their patrons. It was incredibly inhospitable and felt racially motivated. I've never received such blatant disrespect and distain from a bar staff. If you're under 50, I would NOT recommend going to this bar. If you're in the 50+ and looking for a place to drown your sorrows about your pathetic life as a cog in the capitalist machine, then you *might* enjoy your sad time at the watershed. 0/10 stars. read more

my sister in law and I went to this bar to meet my Ithaca graduate. we drank water and sat at a table the entire night. at one point the door man asked us to leave and accused my sister in law of throwing up. she did not. they asked us to leave as if we were being disruptive when we sat at a table and drank water the whole night. drew was disrespectful and aggressively suspicious even though we sat in the same spot the whole night. the condescending and rude treatment of the personnel does not warrant any positive reviews of good cocktails. this was the worst experience in a bar I have had in my 50 year life. do. not. go. to this. bar. read more

My new favorite spot in Ithaca for a while. Unlike some of the other popular spots, The Watershed remains a chill place to go with people you actually want to talk to, whether day or night (or late night). Unlike so many bars willing to cash in on the college event crowds or concerts, the Watershed limits the number of people who can come in. So it is always a good experience whenever you go. Also when groups come in and start getting loud, they ask them to quiet down. This may seem lame when you have 4-8 drinks in you and feel like everything you say needs to be broadcast to everyone in the bar, but the rest of us are really thankful we don't have to scream in the face of our friends (or dates). read more

This is my dream bar. Well-lit, reasonably priced alcohol including a variety of cocktails, wine, and beer, options for people who don't want to drink, WiFi, secret messages tucked into a brick wall, delicious spreads. It breaks my heart that I don't live here; I'd be here once a week to journal or share space with friends. Thank you, Watershed, for existing. read more

Simply put, this is an outstanding addition to the Ithaca Commons bar scene. It's a light, easy place to sit and have a few drinks at, whether you enjoy a unique cocktail or a locally-brewed beer from a microbrewery. The atmosphere is what's sold me on this place. It's quiet but lively; the decor is subtle yet vibrant. Nothing is overdone. It feels like a speakeasy in the 20's. The tables are real wood and have an authentic feel. Everything seems new, yet comfortable. The bartenders were friendly and accommodating as far as our lack of intense beer knowledge went when asking for a recommendation. There's a wonderful "lending library" lining a few of the walls (some great reads too, for my fellow literature nerds). It adds to the aesthetic, though I didn't have the courage to take a book home with me. If you're looking to expand your beer palate, they carry a Bacchus Brewing Fly South WPA that I enjoyed immensely. I'm not sure how long it'll be available, but it's a grapefruit-infused ale that sips full and deep. We tried an Irish Stout from Bandwagon that we didn't like as much, but it was worth trying. The one drawback is that the place isn't massive. We had some trouble finding a table, and had to share one with two other couples. It's not bad, as it forced us to meet others, but... not always ideal. This was a Thursday night around 9:00, so a relatively busy time, and I would imagine this isn't always the case. They give you nice wine bottles full of water with your drinks, a nice quirk. We'll be coming back, sooner rather than later. I'd recommend The Watershed to friends. read more

Fell upon the Watershed during Ithaca Fest and wish I found it sooner. Great atmosphere! Fantastic beer and cocktail selection! Excited to have another option for bar scene in Ithaca. For folks traveling through or visiting the area, check it out. read more

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Cozy and sophisticated townie bar. Books everywhere, friendly staff, great drinks. Don't miss it.

The bartender was nice. The owner was a needlepointing judge with bangs who turned away my sixteen person bachelorette party. We were laughing and having drinks and she was offended by our existence. She made two comments to us when we decided not to spend our money there. Several people in our party have a long history in the service industry and we were highly offended. We will not recommend this place to anyone. read more

We've been long-time customers at Watershed, but not during COVID. On our first attempt to visit, now that we're vaccinated, we were 'greated' in an unbelievably hostile manner because we did not know their COVID procedures; even though we put on masks as soon as we were asked to in the lobby. We were told to leave because we were not 'enthusiastic' about it. We had not even been given a chance to say hello or be welcomed by the hostile staff. Really miss the nice vibe this place once had. read more

The one star is 100% for the EXCELLENT bartender. The bar itself is fine if you are a very quiet party of 1 or 2. Otherwise, skip this place entirely. The owner does not want the business of any larger parties...just keep walking down the street to any number of better bars on the street. read more

I got the cool lavender drink and it was delicious. The atmosphere is very laid back and it was a nice place to come after a week of classes. read more

My favorite bar in Ithaca. Nice cocktails, great atmosphere and friendly staff. Not a bar for a party, but a perfect location for a few quiet drinks. They also have a large selection of non-alcoholic beverages, including teas. The pickles are delicious too! read more

The only bar in Ithaca I enjoy going to. The Watershed has a cool atmosphere, decent cocktails for a reasonable price, friendly bartenders, no TVs, and it's usually quiet enough to carry on a conversation. A nice change from most of the characterless pubs around Ithaca. read more

This place, just no...the drinks are not good and neither is the food. Despite my insisting we not return, I've been here 3 times with friends. The most recent time I ordered from the eats menu. I got the Watershed Sammy. I'm not sure this can count as an "eat" or an "edible" or a "food". I watched as the woman behind the counter grabbed a premade sandwich from the fridge. Unwrapped it and slapped it on my plate. The bread was so hard it made the rest of the "sandwich" inedible. My friends laughed as I attempted to bite into the rock hard baguette. I gave up after two tries. $5 in the trash. I also think their drinks are trash. Watery, and overpriced for the quality. read more