Watermark Hits the Mark in Miamisburg

A version of this article was published in Dayton Beer Advisor August 2023. Unfortunately, Watermark closed in January 2024 and their sister bar, Backwater Voodoo is closed as well.

Maria Walusis decided to pursue the culinary arts only after a successful, 25-year career as a dental hygienist. She approached the decision to become a chef with care, apprenticing with some of the best chefs in the area. When the time came to start a business with her new experience, she launched Nibbles, a catering company.

Nibbles took root in Miamisburg, providing meals for local events, weddings, and more. With the popularity of the catering company, the idea emerged in 2015 to start a restaurant. Nibbles had such a great reputation in the area, they chose to use the name for the restaurant as well. Miamisburg really sunk their teeth into Nibbles, and before long it became clear they needed a larger space.

The Erie building had a space available offering the room Nibbles needed to grow. They decided with this new start, they would change it up and rebranded to become Watermark, opening in 2017. “I always like to describe Watermark as ‘classy but inviting,’” explains Eric Walusis, Watermark VP of Operations and Chef Walusis’ partner. “Even though we emphasize a high level of customer service, scratch-made food, and craft cocktails, we still offer a relaxed, comfortable environment – we’re consistently ranked as one of the best date night spots in the Dayton area.”

The restaurant features artwork and wall treatments that emulate the ripples in water and much of the dim lighting is blue hued to create a moody, peaceful dining space. This beautiful restaurant may appear too nice for jeans from the outside, but it’s far from a stuffy, shirt-and-tie sort of place. One visit and you’ll be assured it’s a come-as-you-are type of establishment. Plus, it shares a large, outdoor patio with sister establishment, Backwater Voodoo.

The menu is updated frequently and features plenty of exciting, elevated options like their entrees such as filet mignon and salmon en croute. “What sets Watermark apart is that we offer unique dishes and ingredients that are freshly prepared and chef-designed, but at a very reasonable price point,” explains Chef Walusis. Despite some of the finer things on the menu, burger fans (including vegans) will feel just as welcome at Watermark. In fact, they offer a burger night deal every Wednesday.

“If you ask me, my favorite dish we serve at Watermark will always be the bone-in rack of pork that we do several times a year,” explains Chef Walusis. “It is brined for 24 hours and is so tender and juicy!” Eric Walusis prefers the Meatloaf Wellington: “It hits all the notes – a little bit of a comfort food feel, yet with a deliciously subtle sophistication.”

With mixologist Lisa Parker behind the bar, Watermark delivers a vibrant and creative cocktail menu featuring seasonal flavors as well as plenty of tried and true favorites. Order a cocktail with your meal or grab a seat at the bar for a spirited time. Regulars order a secret concoction called “The Recipe,” which is similar to an Old Fashioned.

“Since the very beginning, we have called our Cosmopolitan cocktail the ‘Best. Cosmo. Ever.’ and we stand by that name,” explains Parker. “Using the original recipe by Dale DeGroff, the Master Bartender from the famous Rainbow Room in NYC, we flame a fresh orange peel over each drink to ensure it has not just the taste but also the aroma.”

Wine pairing suggestions are included throughout the menu and they offer a rotating selection of beers on tap. “With a limited selection, we firmly believe it is important to support our local and regional brewers,” explains Parker. “We have great relationships with Yellow Springs Brewery, Warped Wing, Sonder Brewing, and others.”

Chef Walusis offers this advice for future restauranteurs in the region: “You must have a solid business plan that has been reviewed and vetted by some restaurant professionals who have experience in the Dayton area. And most importantly, listen to the advice!”

When asked why Miamisburg, Eric Walusis explains, “the people here are warm and friendly, and the city leaders truly care about making Miamisburg a great place to live and work. It’s such a wonderful small town, yet it is literally five minutes from the highway and the Dayton mall area. I tell people all the time – if you have not been to Miamisburg in the last few years, you do not know what you are missing. Come check it out!”

Watermark Restaurant
20 S 1st St, Miamisburg, OH 45342