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Watershed at the Owl

The Watershed at the Owl opened late last year, after a lengthy renovation of the historic restaurant and bar in downtown Grass Valley.  The Farm to Fork movement meets restaurant dinning experience.  Using as much local food as possible, co-founders Nate Overstreet, Ashly Amador and Ian Moll are passionate about the slow food movement, serving local sustainable grass fed, grass finished beef and the entire dining experience.  With the change of seasons will bring more variety in local farms, but so far Watershed has been able to support local farms include: AM Ranch, Crest Point Farms, Family Friendly Farms, James Ranch, Mountain Bounty FarmSon of Something Farm and Riverhill Farm.

“We do whole animal in house butchery and charcuterie. The menu changes based on season, what looks good and what cuts are available as we work through the animals,” explained Ian.

The Parker House rolls are a must, but the constantly changing menu may include: Pan Fried Halibut, Chicory Caesar Salad, Fried Sunchokes, Lardo Burger or Oysters.  Open for dinner 6 days a week, bar opening at 4pm, full dinner service available Wednesday- Sunday, with Tuesday featuring the Bar menu only.  Have you been?  What’s your favorite recommendation?  Post a comment and one lucky InnSide Nevada City blog reader will have a chance to win a $25 gift certificate, winner will be announced Monday, March 10th.  **Edited to say the winner is Lora Robb.

© 2019 InnSide Nevada City, Photos © by Erin Thiem

48 replies
  1. Lew Sitzer
    Lew Sitzer says:

    Did a walk through the other night. A lovely and creative renovation and a tasty menu. Already a crowd of curious folks wanting to try the place out.

  2. Tara
    Tara says:

    We went for drinks and dessert. The peach sour on tap and poached pears with caramelized hazelnuts and miso cherry ice cream. Super yummy and great ambience.

  3. Randi Pratini
    Randi Pratini says:

    My experience at The Watershed could not have been more fulfilling and delightful. The renovation has created a delightful, homey and comfortable place, whether at the bar, the lounge or the family style dining room. Food wise? WOW! I could live there and fill up on the chewy, crusty and tangy bread, accompanied by the roasted cauliflower. Taste sensations! Will be returning again and again and again!

  4. Debbie
    Debbie says:

    Looks beautiful and what an awesome approach for the menu. Looking forward to checking out Watershed.

  5. Elizabeth
    Elizabeth says:

    I love this new restaurant – a great addition – creative food and really professional staff.

    • erin
      erin says:

      Thanks for the comment, opening a new restaurant is always a challenge, so glad to hear you had positive experience.

  6. Celine
    Celine says:

    My whole experience there was fabulous! The ambience, service and food exceeded expectations. The fried sunchokes were delicious and the coffee pot de creme dessert was unbelievably good. So happy that Grass Valley has this new edition.

  7. Rachel C.
    Rachel C. says:

    I have really wanted to try out this restaurant! Farm to fork is totally up my alley and I love seeing these amazing restaurants popping up around our town. it makes you feel good about what you are eating. I hope that our town continues to learn and grow and see the importance of fresh foods ❤️

  8. Deanna Reardon
    Deanna Reardon says:

    Ive been but only for a drink and app- I had the chicory cesar- delicious!! Would love to go back!

    • erin
      erin says:

      Cheers, I went for a drink and an app the first time too… although I like Tara’s idea of a drink and dessert…

    • erin
      erin says:

      Thanks for the comment, I try to showcase new things (can’t share ’em all), but always good to know that the blog is helping folks know what’s out there.

    • erin
      erin says:

      Thanks for the comment, always good to remember how many options we have… I got so many comments on the end of the year giveaway about restaurant info, I’m going to see if I can eat my way through a few more options in Nevada County.

  9. Denise Bryant
    Denise Bryant says:

    I have not been in yet, but I’d love to try the Chicory Caesar Salad and some Parker House Rolls! And the Chocolate Pave sounds divine!

  10. Katrina
    Katrina says:

    I’ve never been there .. would love to go .. especially after seeing slow cook and mountain bounty farm produce!

    • erin
      erin says:

      Always good to know where things are grown and how they’re cooked. And you, and your lucky streak, you just might win!

  11. Lora Robb
    Lora Robb says:

    My grandparents make ved to Grass Valley in 1975 so it’s been “home” forever. I’m excited to visit something new and different in downtown!

  12. Lora Robb
    Lora Robb says:

    Mt grandparents moved to GV in 1975 and I’vespent years loving downtown. Super excited to try this new spot!!

    • erin
      erin says:

      It’s fun that it’s not a new spot at all, the building has so much history, but great to see a new business in the place.

  13. Kim Johns
    Kim Johns says:

    We had the opportunity to dine here for my husbands birthday dinner in January. I must say that this was one of the most enjoyable meals we have had in a very long time. We will certainly return again soon and look forward with anticipation to check out what is in season on the menu. We both wish them continued success.

  14. Vanessa
    Vanessa says:

    Can’t wait to try this place out! The food sounds amazing. Have heard great things about them.

  15. Meg
    Meg says:

    Thanks, Erin. I will put the Watershed Owl on my list of new places to check out We are so lucky to have so many good choices!

  16. Steve
    Steve says:

    We had (and loved) their “preview” at Polly’s Paladar and are really looking forward to eating at the restaurant proper.

  17. Martha R Kirishian
    Martha R Kirishian says:

    We went there twice in one week and had fabulous, delicious meals both times! It is fun to share plates with each other…makes everyone connect even more. Sun chokes were yummy as was the chicken (very moist and well seasoned).

  18. Shannon
    Shannon says:

    Oh Watershed! So yummy! My favorite was the Oyster Mushroom dish…buttttt the Parker house roll

  19. sharon
    sharon says:

    I haven’t been yet. I am looking forward to trying everything! i am so proud of our local community!

Comments are closed.