Wonderful. Atmosphere, staff, and cuisine. We are a family of eight and were treated as if we belonged there. Thanks to all and we'll see you next time we're in town. Bemidji has needed a high Quality restaurant.
(5)
Natalie C.
Sparkling Waters is a refreshing addition to the Bemidji area. It is classier than anything you normally find in the area. I love a good ambiance, and this place has impressed me. The first time I came was for early evening appetizers, drinks, and dessert for a family birthday celebration. Between the four of us we tried all (about 10) the appetizers on the menu and were stuffed. Everything was very good, and everyone has their favorites. The martinis were delicious also, and we had fun trying a variety of new drinks. The service was exceptional, partly because for most of our two and a half hour visit we were the only people there. The owner was very personable and spent a lot of time visiting with us. The bartender and wait staff were fabulous also. I have only eaten at Sparkling Waters since them once for lunch with great service, tasty food, and very nice setting. I'd be there more if I were able to pay a little more for a fine dining experience.
(4)
Isaac A.
I went here when they first opened. I remember I got a cedar wrapped sea bass and it was actually pretty good. The portion size was smaller which leads to 4/5.
(4)
Andrew C.
Sparkling Waters is absolutely amazing! This place made our whole evening. The sushi, walleye, and blackened mahi were perfect. Our waitress was the best we've ever had in northern Minnesota. Kudos Sparkling Waters on a job well done.
(5)
Tabi S.
A few people have complaints about the prices and ambience of this restaurant. I have to give them kudos-Bemidji can be a hard place to put a more upscale restaurant. The population here just does not appreciate what the restaurant is trying to do. While I find it an enjoyable restaurant, it would be nice if they distinguished beteween casual diners and those looking for a more elegant atmosphere. The service is amazing, and most of the food is pretty good.
(4)
Matt V.
Walked in to the dining side and waited there for sometime! Nobody came out to welcome us and there was nobody to be found to even help us! After 10 minutes we left. First time ever going there last time ever going there. Great start to a date night with my wife. Thanks green mill for a great dinner!
(1)
Sheila Z.
Absolutely wonderful experience all around. Amazing food- I has the cashew encrusted halibut with pepper coulis, welcoming ambience and excellent service. Wouldn't change a thing!
(5)
Jacqueline B.
This is my favorite place to eat when in Bemidji. Love the service and atmosphere. They have a unique Creamy Dill Pickle Chicken soup. It is my favorite so I need to force myself to try their other amazing soups. I recently had their Clam Chowder. One of the best I have ever had. Today I tried the Loaded Potato. Yet another with 5 stars. Something new on the menu is Frickles so of course I had to try them. They are deep fried pickles served with ranch dressing. For you pickle lovers put this on your must try list. If you are remotely close to Bemidji put this restaurant on your must stop in and try list!
(5)
Kathy C.
Came here during the World Cup and we called to see if the USA vs Germany game was playing and they said they would accommodate us. When we got there, the waitress immediately changed the channel on one of the TVs to the game. Great service already! I ordered the prime rib. It was delicious. Great place for a casual or fancy dinner. We sat near the bar but there is a view of the lake so I can see this being a romantic dinner option as well. I would definitely go back if I'm ever in Bemidji again.
(4)
Gael S.
We would eat dinner here every night. Dinner was amazing. Logan and Shauna made it special for us. It's a must go.
(5)
sharon c.
The meal started out well with salad and soup. They were out of their dill pickle soup though so that was disappointing. Then things went downhill. Our food was delayed for a significant time due to a screw up in the kitchen according to the waitress. I ordered scallops which were gritty and burned. My rice was also cold. Nice furnishings and view of the lake was the best part of the night.
(3)
Larry D.
The decor at Sparkling Waters is fun and inviting. The food, plating and service were all stellar with special kudos to Jenna (food server) and Reva (owner). We ordered butternut squash bisque soup, walleye and filet mignon - all terrific. Great artistry in food!
(5)
Leon F.
There was nothing lacking about this dinner. I had the shrimp cocktail. The shrimp were huge and had great taste. The main course was ribeye with garlic mashed potatoes. Outstanding. The view of the lake was a nice touch. I recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Sandra W.
My husband and I decided to have a nice dinner out, so we decided to go to sparkling waters and try it again, my dad and I had been here right after it opened and had lunch, we thought it was so inviting, the decor is fine dining. but, my dad was eager to order, I tried to tell him that it would probably be chef portions, and sure enough he left there hungry, but in my opinion we did a bad choice of ordering, I did think it was so cute how everything came in little portions and little bowls, it was some sort of full course meal, from appetizer to desert, but tiny and petite. My dad was not impressed so sad to say I did not go back till now, and with that note, If you think the restaurant is fancy you got to check out the bathrooms, my oh my, talk about super clean and elegant, you could probably eat off the floor, and such a nice perfumey smell. We had a house salad, with house ranch that was soooo good, then we had the 14 oz ribeye with twice baked potatoes and fresh green beans dusted with parmesan. perfectly cooked steak, melted in the mouth, after it started getting dark the lights got dimmed, and what an atmosphere, think it will be dinner and close to dark when we go again. Such a special night. I would have given them 5 full stars if our table was not next to the conference area with a bus load of seniors having fun, which was ok, but kind of took away from our little quiet corner, but by the time our meal had arrived they cleared out. so all was great. Next time we will ask for a table further away from that area just in case. The only negative I would have on the meal is that the green beans were just a little too al dente. One minute longer and they were have been perfection.
Ordered oysters which were really fresh and nice sized...but they were served with what appeared to be straight tabasco sauce! Totally ruined the oysters, and put our mouths on fire. My caesar salad was quite good. My partner ordered the scallops which were a bit fishy, and small portion size. Great location with a view of the lake. Maybe try it again if we're in the area.
(3)
Grace L.
Happy hour was limited for food but the drinks were on point and all were included. Staff was very friendly, especially the owner who made us feel right at home. Reasonably priced for the fine dining atmosphere. Definitely would visit again.
(5)
Sean G.
Just passing through.....checked YELP and BINGO! What a find....what you folks have here is a fantastic local restaurant- period. I ordered the Seared Tuna and all I have to say is WOW! I travel extensively and without a doubt it's one of the top 10 places I've eaten at.
(5)
James H.
A bit surprised to be the first one to Review this establishment, but here goes... Traveled to Bemidji for work and visited this eatery for dinner based on a positive recommendation from a colleague/friend. Firstly, you'll quickly notice the fine dining vibe from the building inside and out along with the nice 2nd floor view to the nearby lake. Definitely an indication that the food would be a cut (or two) above the typical local fare. I ordered the Butternut Bisque (overly sweet), 8oz Filet (good cut but undercooked), and Chocolate Molten Lava Cake with Vanilla Gelato (that's just one dessert and simply amazing). As our team had an opportunity for one final dinner the following evening, we found ourselves back again (after calling ahead, the owner mentioned that Sat closing is typically 10PM but offered to stay open for our group without any prompting). Had some wine this time (a fair list with some surprisingly decent choices) to accompany Tomato and Mozz Salad and some shared apps that included a fried sampler plus cheese sampler. Food was better than the previous night, and to top off the evening was another one of those Lava Cakes (what else?) this time with a scoop of vanilla ice cream which goes better than the gelato. Great service (with a smile) and commendable food marks this spot as a gem in a sea full of fast food joints and forgettable chain restaurants.
(4)
Edwin L.
clean cut, nice, with a pinch of elegance, although the raised booth seating seems somewhat out of place. i've dined here a couple times and it is the nicest place in bemidji. nothing spectacular, but the food and cocktails are solid and the owner and staff more than make up for any shortcomings with their attentiveness. certainly recommend it for anybody looking to dine with a nice view of the lake and a touch of refinement!
(4)
Bryan J.
I was a little disappointed, reading the reviews on here it seemed like this would be the greatest thing to hit the Bemidji area since sliced bread. Not so much, I'm sorry to say. It appears they tried to build a fine dining establishment, but it is a little hard to enjoy the ambiance or your company if you are seated in the area right in front of the open kitchen with all the banging and clanging. The waitstaff were fabulous, very friendly and helpful. The food was comparable to say a Ground Round or some other quasi fine dining establishment. I had the Sirloin Steak which was slightly over-cooked with just a hint of pink when I ordered it done medium. More disappointing was the fact that the meat was not seasoned at all, it was simply a cooked piece of meat. If you are the type of person who likes to douse your meat in steak sauce, have at it... I prefer eating a meal prepared with some forethought on how it would taste and not need to add anything to cover the blandness. The baby red potatoes were likewise prepared: cut in half and fried in butter, but no seasoning was used. The green beans were the best part of the meal, fresh with Parmesan cheese and garlic. My wife had the sampler platter, which was better than my meal. The walleye (breaded) was good and the chicken strips battered with coconut were very good! I liked the sweet potato fries and the frickle (yes, it is a deep fried pickle). Our meal including a glass of iced tea and a tap beer came to $40. Not a bad price if it would have included some seasoning on the food. So in closing, while it wasn't bad enough for me to say the place was awful, or swear to never return, I did not like it enough to go rushing back. It is unfortunate that as of yet there is not a really good place in town to get a steak!
(2)
Sophie J.
Upscale atmosphere but the food is over priced. Went on a Monday so maybe the service is mediocre on "off days" but the bread served with my garlic shrimp plate was fresh from the microwave. You could tell because the bowl was very hot and the bread was so hot that you could barely touch it. Once it finally cooled off, it was so hard that crumbs were all over the table. My dish and my friends dish were both luke warm and had to be sent back to the kitchen to be reheated. In terms of taste- the meal was bland and nothing to write home about.
(3)
Lori R.
Would recommend this restaurant for Happy Hour. Limited 1/2 price appetizer menu (many of their best appetizers, like the bruschetta we ordered, were not on it) but they had a good bar selection and service. Appetizers were incredible; fresh and well-prepared. Portions were not generous and more expensive than I usually pay at a restaurant of similar style in the Twin Cities (where I live). I would go back, however, and would recommend the place to others.
(5)
Gail B.
Wonderful dinner! Everything from food to drinks were spot on! The pet friendly patio saved us an evening of carry out. more restaurants should offer this service! Best restaurant in bemidji!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner, Dessert Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
Devin S.
Wonderful. Atmosphere, staff, and cuisine. We are a family of eight and were treated as if we belonged there. Thanks to all and we'll see you next time we're in town. Bemidji has needed a high Quality restaurant.
(5)Natalie C.
Sparkling Waters is a refreshing addition to the Bemidji area. It is classier than anything you normally find in the area. I love a good ambiance, and this place has impressed me. The first time I came was for early evening appetizers, drinks, and dessert for a family birthday celebration. Between the four of us we tried all (about 10) the appetizers on the menu and were stuffed. Everything was very good, and everyone has their favorites. The martinis were delicious also, and we had fun trying a variety of new drinks. The service was exceptional, partly because for most of our two and a half hour visit we were the only people there. The owner was very personable and spent a lot of time visiting with us. The bartender and wait staff were fabulous also. I have only eaten at Sparkling Waters since them once for lunch with great service, tasty food, and very nice setting. I'd be there more if I were able to pay a little more for a fine dining experience.
(4)Isaac A.
I went here when they first opened. I remember I got a cedar wrapped sea bass and it was actually pretty good. The portion size was smaller which leads to 4/5.
(4)Andrew C.
Sparkling Waters is absolutely amazing! This place made our whole evening. The sushi, walleye, and blackened mahi were perfect. Our waitress was the best we've ever had in northern Minnesota. Kudos Sparkling Waters on a job well done.
(5)Tabi S.
A few people have complaints about the prices and ambience of this restaurant. I have to give them kudos-Bemidji can be a hard place to put a more upscale restaurant. The population here just does not appreciate what the restaurant is trying to do. While I find it an enjoyable restaurant, it would be nice if they distinguished beteween casual diners and those looking for a more elegant atmosphere. The service is amazing, and most of the food is pretty good.
(4)Matt V.
Walked in to the dining side and waited there for sometime! Nobody came out to welcome us and there was nobody to be found to even help us! After 10 minutes we left. First time ever going there last time ever going there. Great start to a date night with my wife. Thanks green mill for a great dinner!
(1)Sheila Z.
Absolutely wonderful experience all around. Amazing food- I has the cashew encrusted halibut with pepper coulis, welcoming ambience and excellent service. Wouldn't change a thing!
(5)Jacqueline B.
This is my favorite place to eat when in Bemidji. Love the service and atmosphere. They have a unique Creamy Dill Pickle Chicken soup. It is my favorite so I need to force myself to try their other amazing soups. I recently had their Clam Chowder. One of the best I have ever had. Today I tried the Loaded Potato. Yet another with 5 stars. Something new on the menu is Frickles so of course I had to try them. They are deep fried pickles served with ranch dressing. For you pickle lovers put this on your must try list. If you are remotely close to Bemidji put this restaurant on your must stop in and try list!
(5)Kathy C.
Came here during the World Cup and we called to see if the USA vs Germany game was playing and they said they would accommodate us. When we got there, the waitress immediately changed the channel on one of the TVs to the game. Great service already! I ordered the prime rib. It was delicious. Great place for a casual or fancy dinner. We sat near the bar but there is a view of the lake so I can see this being a romantic dinner option as well. I would definitely go back if I'm ever in Bemidji again.
(4)Gael S.
We would eat dinner here every night. Dinner was amazing. Logan and Shauna made it special for us. It's a must go.
(5)sharon c.
The meal started out well with salad and soup. They were out of their dill pickle soup though so that was disappointing. Then things went downhill. Our food was delayed for a significant time due to a screw up in the kitchen according to the waitress. I ordered scallops which were gritty and burned. My rice was also cold. Nice furnishings and view of the lake was the best part of the night.
(3)Larry D.
The decor at Sparkling Waters is fun and inviting. The food, plating and service were all stellar with special kudos to Jenna (food server) and Reva (owner). We ordered butternut squash bisque soup, walleye and filet mignon - all terrific. Great artistry in food!
(5)Leon F.
There was nothing lacking about this dinner. I had the shrimp cocktail. The shrimp were huge and had great taste. The main course was ribeye with garlic mashed potatoes. Outstanding. The view of the lake was a nice touch. I recommend this restaurant.
(5)Sandra W.
My husband and I decided to have a nice dinner out, so we decided to go to sparkling waters and try it again, my dad and I had been here right after it opened and had lunch, we thought it was so inviting, the decor is fine dining. but, my dad was eager to order, I tried to tell him that it would probably be chef portions, and sure enough he left there hungry, but in my opinion we did a bad choice of ordering, I did think it was so cute how everything came in little portions and little bowls, it was some sort of full course meal, from appetizer to desert, but tiny and petite. My dad was not impressed so sad to say I did not go back till now, and with that note, If you think the restaurant is fancy you got to check out the bathrooms, my oh my, talk about super clean and elegant, you could probably eat off the floor, and such a nice perfumey smell. We had a house salad, with house ranch that was soooo good, then we had the 14 oz ribeye with twice baked potatoes and fresh green beans dusted with parmesan. perfectly cooked steak, melted in the mouth, after it started getting dark the lights got dimmed, and what an atmosphere, think it will be dinner and close to dark when we go again. Such a special night. I would have given them 5 full stars if our table was not next to the conference area with a bus load of seniors having fun, which was ok, but kind of took away from our little quiet corner, but by the time our meal had arrived they cleared out. so all was great. Next time we will ask for a table further away from that area just in case. The only negative I would have on the meal is that the green beans were just a little too al dente. One minute longer and they were have been perfection.
(4)Kai S.
Highlights: Great atmosphere Great service service and the owner is very nice Their steak is on point Apple tartin and creme brûlée was great Things to be aware of: Service takes a little bit to come out with food The Alaskan king crab was not what you would expect for 50$ A little expensive for what you get but there are reasonable options (ask for the light menu) I would give sparkling water a 3.5 maybe even a little higher but overall if your taking out a date it's a great place with a variety of options. FYI we did come in with a rowdy party of 8. I also don't give out high ratings unless I fully feel they deserve it hence the 3/5. Don't be afraid to go here but it is a steakhouse so stick with what they're good at.
(3)Kathy M.
Ordered oysters which were really fresh and nice sized...but they were served with what appeared to be straight tabasco sauce! Totally ruined the oysters, and put our mouths on fire. My caesar salad was quite good. My partner ordered the scallops which were a bit fishy, and small portion size. Great location with a view of the lake. Maybe try it again if we're in the area.
(3)Grace L.
Happy hour was limited for food but the drinks were on point and all were included. Staff was very friendly, especially the owner who made us feel right at home. Reasonably priced for the fine dining atmosphere. Definitely would visit again.
(5)Sean G.
Just passing through.....checked YELP and BINGO! What a find....what you folks have here is a fantastic local restaurant- period. I ordered the Seared Tuna and all I have to say is WOW! I travel extensively and without a doubt it's one of the top 10 places I've eaten at.
(5)James H.
A bit surprised to be the first one to Review this establishment, but here goes... Traveled to Bemidji for work and visited this eatery for dinner based on a positive recommendation from a colleague/friend. Firstly, you'll quickly notice the fine dining vibe from the building inside and out along with the nice 2nd floor view to the nearby lake. Definitely an indication that the food would be a cut (or two) above the typical local fare. I ordered the Butternut Bisque (overly sweet), 8oz Filet (good cut but undercooked), and Chocolate Molten Lava Cake with Vanilla Gelato (that's just one dessert and simply amazing). As our team had an opportunity for one final dinner the following evening, we found ourselves back again (after calling ahead, the owner mentioned that Sat closing is typically 10PM but offered to stay open for our group without any prompting). Had some wine this time (a fair list with some surprisingly decent choices) to accompany Tomato and Mozz Salad and some shared apps that included a fried sampler plus cheese sampler. Food was better than the previous night, and to top off the evening was another one of those Lava Cakes (what else?) this time with a scoop of vanilla ice cream which goes better than the gelato. Great service (with a smile) and commendable food marks this spot as a gem in a sea full of fast food joints and forgettable chain restaurants.
(4)Edwin L.
clean cut, nice, with a pinch of elegance, although the raised booth seating seems somewhat out of place. i've dined here a couple times and it is the nicest place in bemidji. nothing spectacular, but the food and cocktails are solid and the owner and staff more than make up for any shortcomings with their attentiveness. certainly recommend it for anybody looking to dine with a nice view of the lake and a touch of refinement!
(4)Bryan J.
I was a little disappointed, reading the reviews on here it seemed like this would be the greatest thing to hit the Bemidji area since sliced bread. Not so much, I'm sorry to say. It appears they tried to build a fine dining establishment, but it is a little hard to enjoy the ambiance or your company if you are seated in the area right in front of the open kitchen with all the banging and clanging. The waitstaff were fabulous, very friendly and helpful. The food was comparable to say a Ground Round or some other quasi fine dining establishment. I had the Sirloin Steak which was slightly over-cooked with just a hint of pink when I ordered it done medium. More disappointing was the fact that the meat was not seasoned at all, it was simply a cooked piece of meat. If you are the type of person who likes to douse your meat in steak sauce, have at it... I prefer eating a meal prepared with some forethought on how it would taste and not need to add anything to cover the blandness. The baby red potatoes were likewise prepared: cut in half and fried in butter, but no seasoning was used. The green beans were the best part of the meal, fresh with Parmesan cheese and garlic. My wife had the sampler platter, which was better than my meal. The walleye (breaded) was good and the chicken strips battered with coconut were very good! I liked the sweet potato fries and the frickle (yes, it is a deep fried pickle). Our meal including a glass of iced tea and a tap beer came to $40. Not a bad price if it would have included some seasoning on the food. So in closing, while it wasn't bad enough for me to say the place was awful, or swear to never return, I did not like it enough to go rushing back. It is unfortunate that as of yet there is not a really good place in town to get a steak!
(2)Sophie J.
Upscale atmosphere but the food is over priced. Went on a Monday so maybe the service is mediocre on "off days" but the bread served with my garlic shrimp plate was fresh from the microwave. You could tell because the bowl was very hot and the bread was so hot that you could barely touch it. Once it finally cooled off, it was so hard that crumbs were all over the table. My dish and my friends dish were both luke warm and had to be sent back to the kitchen to be reheated. In terms of taste- the meal was bland and nothing to write home about.
(3)Lori R.
Would recommend this restaurant for Happy Hour. Limited 1/2 price appetizer menu (many of their best appetizers, like the bruschetta we ordered, were not on it) but they had a good bar selection and service. Appetizers were incredible; fresh and well-prepared. Portions were not generous and more expensive than I usually pay at a restaurant of similar style in the Twin Cities (where I live). I would go back, however, and would recommend the place to others.
(5)Gail B.
Wonderful dinner! Everything from food to drinks were spot on! The pet friendly patio saved us an evening of carry out. more restaurants should offer this service! Best restaurant in bemidji!
(5)