If you've ever seen animal house, then you are familiar with the Dexter Lake Club. This is the Detroit version. The bartender had his back to us, saw us off the bar mirror, and never turned around. It was like a anti-staring contest. We sat there for 10 minutes, and the place was dead silent confused by the presence of white guys. A look around made it clear that we were not going to be served. That's fine, I'm sure the owners/patrons feel they have carved out a spot for themselves, so be it. There were plenty of options. Head to Jacoby's next door, or any other number of bars a block or two over (Beaubien St.) or just further west of the river (Shillelagh, Marilyn on Monroes, Forans).

I visited Sweetwater for the first time three weeks ago, after a concert at Chene Park. I have been back to Sweetwater a total of four times in the past three weeks. The chicken wings are the best I have ever had! Right now I'm so hooked on the wings that I haven't tried anything else. I've never waited more than five minutes to be seated, it's a little cramped as far as seating, but the wings definitely make up for it. As far as the waitstaff, I was disappointed once out of the four times, I visited. The one time I was disappointed, the waiter had disappeared and didn't bring back what was requested. The other three times the waitresses were friendly and dependent. The gentleman that works at the door is very friendly and often times goes above and beyond his duties to make sure your visit is pleasant.
All in all I had a wonderful experience and I'm going for wings every week!!

If the wings werent so damn good I'd never come back here. So instead I never dine in anymore. I'm in the service industry myself so I always tip well, at the minimum 25%, for good karma of course. I can honestly say I've never left a tip over 15% at Sweetwater before. Rude and inconsiderate waitstaff. Most people would agree, don't believe me, find out for yourself.

The wait staff is atrocious, rude and not customer friendly. The manager on duty the evening of February 23, 2008 does not understand the value of listening to a complaint and trying to resolve it through compromise. Do not patronize this establishment. I have no idea what the food tastes like, after waiting 45 minutes for a class of water, I did not dare order any food. I cannot believe in this day and age that a restaurant does not have the ability to serve fresh vegetables. Anyone who expects a clean environment and to be served by a courteous staff should AVOID SWEETWATERS. There are too many other choices downtown where the customer is appreciated.

A family member recommended the Sweetwater to us as a great place for a casual dinner. We stopped in at about 6:30 on a Friday night before the Wings game. We were seated immediately and although it was busy, the service was both timely and friendly. The smells were incredible and the food and beer selections were great.
We ordered the "Big Pig" and the "Sweetwater" burger. Both were absolutely delicious and the portions were huge!
We parked at the Joe prior to dinner and had planned on going back to the arena via Peoplemover, but our host suggested their free shuttle, which was at the door as we were leaving the restaurant, so we hopped on. It was quick and comfortable.