Undercover Diner Visits The Water Dog

1016 Jefferson St, Lynchburg https://www.thewaterdog.com/

I have been a frequent patron of The Water Dog since it opened downtown in 2016. It used to be one of the places that stayed open later than other bars and as a 20-something, it was an easy decision that my friends and I would spend some part of our weekend at The Water Dog.

Now that I am older, I don't hang around the bars too late at night, but I still enjoy exploring their ever-changing beer list and listening to music on their patio outside--and I enjoy their food and service. It is also one of the only places downtown where you can find good seafood it seems.

In the ongoing challenge where good staffing is hard to find and retain, I have never had any issues at The Water Dog, and I think much of that has to do with the management of Dave and Chris Henderson. People appear happy to work there, and it shows with their consistency over the years of tasty food and good service.

A few Fridays ago, I went to this establishment with a few friends, and we shared some appetizers including fried garlic cheese curds with house-made marina – a special they had listed – along with fried pickles and pretzel bites. The Water Dog has the best pretzel bites and fried pickles in town.

For my main dish, my boyfriend and I split the East Coast Trio which included three Chesapeake oysters, a half-pound of steamed cherry stoned clams and a half pound of steamed shrimp.

Our friends ordered the Crabby Papa Melt – seasoned crabmeat, roasted jalapeños and applewood smoked bacon with cheddar and a smoky ghost jack cheese – and the Fried Oyster Po Boy.

Between the flowing beers, fast service, delicious food, and entertaining company, it was a night to remember for all.