For the best view of the Bay Bridge from the Embarcadero, most people walk, run, or get dragged by their overexcited dogs. But at Waterbar, all you need to do to enjoy the sound of lapping waves is sit on the patio. The American seafood restaurant sits so close to the water that during high tide you may want to roll up your pant legs. While the dining room has its merits—a floor-to-ceiling fish tank fit for an elementary school field trip, plenty of natural light, and some window-facing tables—the best seats are of course on the covered and heated patio. Aside from wandering bypassers, views of the Bay Bridge and the water are unobstructed. For the most part, the food supports the beautiful sightseeing experience. The small plates, especially the beet salad, are the strongest, but entrees are more mixed, with a duck that’s flavorful but tough and a halibut that’s well-cooked but bland. We probably wouldn’t come back to Waterbar if it weren’t for the patio views. But if we can have a guaranteed outdoor seat, we’ll see you there tonight. Just be sure to bundle up—the heaters can only do so much.