Watertrade

1603 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, United States

Watertrade

About the Company

rating: 4.6

Watertrade is an intimate japanese-inspired cocktail bar, attached to OTOKO in the South Congress Hotel. It features an extensive list of specialty japanese whiskies, sake, and craft cocktails curated around ingredient seasonality.

Categories

  • Bar

Contact Information

Phone: +1 512-994-0428

Website: https://otokoaustin.com/watertrade

Address: 1603 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, United States

Working hours
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 5–11 PM
  • Wednesday: 5–11 PM
  • Thursday: 5–11 PM
  • Friday: 5–11 PM
  • Saturday: 5–11 PM

Photos

Reviews

Review №1

Rating: 5

I had a fantastic time hanging out here all evening Friday and Saturday last week. Im in town for a work trip and came in on my own, which is a roll of the dice at a bar. At Watertrade, it was the perfect decision! I loved getting to chat with the bartenders, trying what theyre working on, try their favorites, try the food...Id spend another few evenings here if I was in town longer! I think getting in can be tricky if youre not a person coming in solo at 5pm like me, but I highly recommend putting in the work to make it happen. In two visits, its become one of my favorite bars; I felt like a regular, like a friend, after only a few hours. Ill be back next time in Austin (and I might come to Austin just for this, tbh).

Date: a week ago

Review №2

Rating: 3

I was initially quite impressed by the discreet entrance, the sleek design, and the conceptual menu, but the drinks my friend and I shared left much to be desired. The double rainbow surprise was boozy and both sour and bitter, and maybe the ingredients could have blended much better as a milk punch instead of the in-your-face combination of strong flavors it has. The hanagasaku was more refreshing and easy to drink, but the flavors still felt discordant and awkward. The hamachi and wagyu were savory and delicious. We later went to otoko for dinner and those two pieces were among the best of the night.

Date: a week ago

Review №3

Rating: 5

Your discreet bar is a true gem, where minimalism meets artistry. This is the third time my bride and I have visited and your warm wooden accents and intimate ten (?, twelve?) seat counter & relaxed seating area create a serene atmosphere. Every cocktail, crafted with seasonal ingredients, and each omakase dish, perfectly balanced, made our experience exceptional. The service was attentive, yet never intrusive. What truly stood out was the seamless blend of tradition and innovation. Your servers & bartenders, with their personal touch, shared insights that deepened our appreciation for each creation. The modern twists in the omakase, like the smoky take on a Negroni with wagyu nigiri & nasu frites, were delightful surprises. Thank you, Team Watertrade, for an unforgettable evening.

Date: a month ago

Review №4

Rating: 5

My fiancé brought me here to celebrate an amazing accomplishment. The drinks and staff were absolutely fantastic. Max and Steve came over to explain each cocktail in detail. I loved every moment of it. Will definitely be back! #newfavbarinATX

Date: a month ago

Review №5

Rating: 5

I have no idea how or why I ve never been here but I will definitely be coming back. Best beverage program in Austin. Also get the Nasu frites.

Date: 2 months ago

Review №6

Rating: 5

Amazing drinks and bites! My friend and I came here for cocktails and were amazed by the restaurant. The bar is very dark and ambient, I absolutely loved the intimate atmosphere. Drinks were amazing. Don t miss out on the bites they gave from their sister restaurant, my friend and I had the best sashimi in our life here!

Date: 2 months ago

Review №7

Rating: 5

Very nice atmosphere, service, and drinks

Date: 4 months ago

Review №8

Rating: 5

It was absolutely incredible! The drinks were amazing it is like they knew exactly what drink best suited each person! And the food was to die for!

Date: 4 months ago

Review №9

Rating: 5

Great atmosphere. Variety of drinks and chill relaxed vibe. Vane ask for more. Plus the service was amazing.

Date: 4 months ago

Review №10

Rating: 5

just loved this spot. the food was amazing and the drinks were super good. staff was really knowledgeable about the menu and drinks.

Date: 5 months ago

Review №11

Rating: 5

Absolutely amazing ambiance, experience, drinks, and food. Couldn t have asked for a better experience. Wonderful date spot or place to take family or a friend for a quiet conversation in an incredible environment.

Date: 5 months ago

Review №12

Rating: 5

Date: 5 months ago

Review №13

Rating: 5

It s a well crafted experience. The decor, lighting, and even bathroom are thoughtfully designed. The bartenders are knowledgeable - Xteven and Dean are masters of their trade! There is also an enticing and delicious mocktail list which I appreciated. Annie and Caroline were super warm helpful as well. The best bite of the night was the hamachi with bronze fennel - smokey, savory, buttery smooth - it makes your eyes light up!

Date: 5 months ago

Review №14

Rating: 5

Date: 5 months ago

Review №15

Rating: 1

I had booked a table for 6, two weeks prior to my reservation. 2 days before the reservation I get a cancellation email and call them to see what happened. I left 2 voicemails and called three times and never received a call back. This reservation was to celebrate my bday and it was hard enough getting something for this many ppl during SXSW. Put a bad taste in my mouth and won t be trying to venture out there again.

Date: 6 months ago

Review №16

Rating: 5

Date: 7 months ago

Review №17

Rating: 1

Im sure its great they said they would text us when our seats were ready. We responded within 5min and then walked over within 3 min and they said they gave the seats away. Very unprofessional, do not recommend this place since they dont respect your time!

Date: 7 months ago

Review №18

Rating: 5

My friend and I went there last night and it was such a great experience. We had Max for our bartender and he was so informative and helpful- to the point We trusted him to make us custom cocktails. They were delicious, he listened well and knew exactly what to make us. Later on we spoke to Steven who told us about some of the new cocktails they were going to put on the menu soon also very informative and talented. Theres a great cocktail with Jasmine essence that will hopefully be on the menu soon. I hope to be able to book when it does as Im sure this place will be booked up quickly. Very impressed with the service, knowledge and of course the cocktails! 5/5.

Date: 7 months ago

Review №19

Rating: 5

Such a great experience! Loved the ambience. The service is exceptional for people interested in food and cocktails. The staff is super knowledgable and friendly. All the food was amazing for the price point and the cocktails are really thoughtful and interesting.

Date: 7 months ago

Review №20

Rating: 5

Most excellent.

Date: 7 months ago

Review №21

Rating: 5

Parking: WaterTrade validates parking at the South Congress hotel parking garage. Food

Date: 8 months ago

Review №22

Rating: 5

Date: 9 months ago

Review №23

Rating: 5

Date: 9 months ago

Review №24

Rating: 5

Knowledgeable bartenders , super nice folks! Learned and tasted a lot about Japanese Rums ! Amazing cocktails as well!

Date: 10 months ago

Review №25

Rating: 5

Date: 10 months ago

Review №26

Rating: 5

Saved my life more than once

Date: 11 months ago

Review №27

Rating: 5

The best place for sake, Japanese whiskey and authentic and simple food. A big thank you to Edy!

Date: 11 months ago