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    River: A Waterfront Restaurant & Bar

    3.2 (721 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 9:30 pm

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    River: A Waterfront Restaurant & Bar Photos

    RIVER: A WATERFRONT RESTAURANT & BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Intimate

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    Menu
    Enxhi B.

    Hubby planned a date night here to surprise me one evening. It was a good dinner. We started with a bottle of red wine and an appetizer. For entree I got the short rib and it was delicious. Hubby got the steak. We had a lovely dinner. Waitress was nice.

    Belgian waffle (sweet special)
    Madeline Z.

    This is such a hidden gem. It's a bit tricky to find this restaurant on the opposite side of an office building, but so worth it! We visited for brunch, and it was fabulous. The inside of the restaurant is nice, but on a summer day, sitting out on the deck is great. There's such a pretty view right on the water. The food was delicious and we plan to head back. I got the sweet special - a Belgian waffle with a chocolate-like mousse on the inside, served with fruit and homemade ice cream. I was debating between two options and asked our waiter and he was so friendly and recommended the sweet special! So glad I got it.

    Shanina S.

    My friend and I wanted to dine by the water and have lunch, so we decided to come here. We wanted to sit outside, but they told us to sit at the bar as dinner wasn't being served yet, and the outside area was not open yet, and I'm glad we did. It was happy hour, and we decided to order drinks and appetizers at happy hour rather than go outside for appetizers. We had appetizers at the bar and had dinner outside. I ordered a happy hour drink called a Glass of Ambition, and my friend ordered the River Margarita. The drinks had a punch, but they were good. We ordered the Parmesan Truffle Wings, Sweet Chili Wings, and Calamari. The wings are not on the regular menu and only on the happy hour menu, so I'm glad we got to try them. The wings were delicious. They were flavorful, and the Parmesan Truffle was a dry type of wings, but full of flavor. I don't eat calamari often, but I tasted it and it was okay. They could have been more fried in my opinion. The wings were so good that we decided to get another order of Parmesan Truffle Wings. When we had the second wings that came out, they didn't look like the same ones we ordered the first time. The wings were more of a wet sauce instead of the dry rub wings, and they seemed like they didn't have the same fry as the first order. Consistency is everything, so I was disappointed with not having the same consistency. We decided to sit outside, so we were seated outside. The outside was relaxing and beautiful, overlooking the river. There is also a view of another restaurant located downstairs, which is owned by the owner of this restaurant and serves Mexican cuisine. I ordered the Salmon with Risotto, and the service outside was a little slower than the bar, but it was packed outside. The Salmon came out, and it was okay. It needed flavor, but it was cooked well. The Risotto was good. It had a nice flavor, but the food came out lukewarm. The customer service was great, and the staff was friendly and outgoing.

    Spicy Clam Chowder
    Jim R.

    Tried this restaurant on a Sunday and appear to have caught them in transition. The waitress explained that the chef had quit that week and was the reason they were out of several menu items. Most noticeably, anything made with lobster (counted at least three items on the menu) and the short ribs. Seemed they only had cheesecake for desert. We both started with the clam chowder which was a little spicy but very good. Then we both had salads with either salmon or shrimp. The salads were fine. The outdoor patio was near the river which was nice. Odd location situated in business park building.

    View from the bar!
    Jenni F.

    I feel the need to confess that we only tried this restaurant because we were given a gift card. I also need to confess that after parking our car, we literally could not find the restaurant and only persisted looking because we had a gift card. Just my opinion, but they really need to improve their signage. The restaurant is located at the back of an office park. It creates a lovely view of the river, thus the name, but it sure is hard to find. We were there on a very hot day, so opted to sit inside at the windows in the bar area. I really liked the ambience. The umbrella is hanging from the ceiling were adorable. Both our drinks and food were delicious. Both my husband and I ordered the summer salad. He put salmon on his. I got shrimp on mine. It really was outstanding. For what it is, it felt a tad pricey. Two salads with protein and two drinks was over $100. The service was friendly and prompt, and the place is lovely. You should give it a try.

    Andres A.

    Really nice spot! Great views! As you dine you are able to have a really nice River view. The food is excellent. When you first walk in, it is a bit weird because you think you are going to an office complex. The staff is really helpful and nice. For my meal I had the burger which was cooked perfectly at a medium rare temperature. The burger was very filling, it was a big burger with all the fixings.

    Chicken spinach salad
    Xenia M.

    I was really excited about trying River because of the beautiful atmosphere, but was a little disappointed with the food. I ordered the salmon salad and was shocked at how small my piece of salmon was. Especially since they charge an additional $14 for protein. I was disappointed and left still hungry. I would say the food here is just average but the views are nice.

    T L.

    So we came to this restaurant for the lobster rolls. We both ordered the lobster rolls with truffle fries. The lobster roll was ok however we were expecting a different taste in Connecticut. The truffle fries were awesome. Not a do over for us. The restaurant is beautiful, it sits on the water and our server was great.

    Bolognese
    Kate L.

    I was debating between a 2 and a 3 for this place. Decided on a 2 because it was such a strange experience. 4 for the view. 2 for food and everything else. Online it said they were full so we made a reservation for the "Mexican restaurant" onsite for 7:15 and showed up early so we could have a drink at River. Note - it's in an office building. We walked into the building and there was chafing dishes set up in the lobby so it appeared there was a private party, and there's a boardroom right there - clearly a working office with a restaurant onsite. Awesome for the office staff. Weird for guests coming to the restaurant. We walked up to the hostess stand at River and they ended up having a table open so we got a table outside and were able to enjoy the nice view. I ordered the Cioppino and you pick either the garlic sauce, fradiavolo sauce or marinara sauce. I chose the garlic sauce and gluten-free pasta. The dish was bland and had these massive clams in it which were quite chewy. I also didn't get a spoon and asked for one and didn't get one until I was done eating - was hard to enjoy the broth without a spoon. Wine is priced well. $9 for Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc. Place isn't insanely expensive like a lot of restaurants are so that's good. Boyfriend liked his Bolognese, but was excited for the fresh pasta that they advertise and he said he wasn't sure it was fresh. Then we walked down to the "Mexican restaurant" which is down below the restaurant to grab a drink and realize that it's a food truck with a portable bar and quickly realize that there's no way we would've ate there or had a drink down there. We thought it was a restaurant??? I guess it should be advertised better that the Mexican place is not a restaurant. We did see some tables walking up to River INSIDE that looked like could be part of the Mexican place but it looked closed as the chairs were turned upside down and the place didn't have lights on. Maybe they only use the inside portion if it's raining outside? There's also a tent outside for private events that does not look very appealing. I saw they were hiring for an Event Manager. No way I'd do an event there. Whole thing was just strange to me.

    Patio
    L M.

    Restaurant is hard to find, hidden at the back of what looks to be a large office building and there are no signs outside to guide you. But the inside is a nice surprise as the view of the river is relaxing. There is a large outdoor patio, which must be great during nice weather. Server (Kat) was attentive, helpful and very pleasant. Actually most of the staff was like that. Meals weren't bad -- people in our party had the pulled chicken wrap, burger with fries, rigatoni bolognese & fried chicken sandwich with house-made chips. We also enjoyed our $9 mocktails. The burger was ok, topped with a large slice of winter tomato and giant onion ring ~ the truffle fries were quite salty ~ the pulled chicken wrap was basically chicken salad ~ the rigatoni bolognese was over-seasoned ~ the fried chicken sandwich was moist and everyone liked the house-made chips. But the lunch portions were pretty decent and the presentation was on point.

    Loryl S.

    This restaurant is located by the water with a good sized indoor area and a heated outdoor area as well as a generous bar seating area. I went for brunch where they offered a nice selection of drinks and food both breakfast and lunch. The waffles were really good, the bacon was cooked to perfection. That sausage and home friends were good as well. I got the eggs scrambled, they were a little watery for my taste but the rest of the food was great. The drinks were good and the ambiance was quite nice. They a bunch of Christmas trees setup giving it the right amount of Christmas spirit.

    River margarita

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    1 year ago

    Weird location, inside what seems to be a commercial style office building. Food was just okay, bit overpriced. Wouldn't return.

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    2 months ago

    Man this place is awesome, by far the best wings I've had from a local place, service was great too, cant wait to go more

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    3 months ago

    Went for Thanksgiving dinner. Food was great, service was excellent, and I loved the ample parking.

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    11 months ago

    Absolutely the Worst Lobster roll EVER. Came for brunch. Nice server. pretty view. probably wouldn't return.

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    Page 1 of 19

    Ask the Community - River: A Waterfront Restaurant & Bar

    Is the restaurant/Bar decorated for Christmas?

    It is currently decorated for Halloween.

    Is there a private dining area? I'm planning a surprise dinner in 2 weeks?

    They have two areas. We used the larger one for a work dinner meeting. The staff and food were great.

    View All 3 Questions

    Maple Cafe

    Maple Cafe

    4.0(3 reviews)
    2.6 miSouth End
    $

    Outdoor dining in summer, plenty of beer and shots, games, all sorts of Irish up in here... what's…read morenot to love? After being dragged here once we've returned two more times and just enjoy the pure mayhem of it all. Irish-American folks and wannabees all running amok. The real acid-test of this bar was the fact that staff as well as customers are friendly and fun-loving unconditionally. Our first go-around was in the company of a local celebrity -- the drinks came fast and kept coming. Several customers ambled over to meet & greet our friend. Next visit we went without him and yet found the service swift and the atmosphere quite friendly. One in our party became rather obviously drunk -- and but for being shut-off he was not made to feel uncomfortable nor were we. Mind you, our crew is usually very well-behaved. But, hey, this place brings out the lush in all of us, I guess. On a recent afternoon we discovered there was some kind of food, roast beef with potatoes and gravy, I think. It smelled awesome but we were here for the booze. Cheerful, efficient bar staff kept 'em coming. Our visits were all week-end afternoons, so can't comment on the night life. Irish bands are featured.

    The last authentic neighborhood Irish bar in the area. Good selection of whiskey, private area for…read morea group available or belly up to the bar for a nice chat or to watch the game. This isn't a hip trendy spot like some of the other "Irish" bars, it's a nice stop on the way home from work or on the weekends. The outside seating is comfortable and relaxing. Great staff is attentive and doesn't rush you along if you have a question.

    Photos
    Maple Cafe
    Maple Cafe
    Maple Cafe

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    Pig's Eye Pub - Bar area

    Pig's Eye Pub

    3.7(107 reviews)
    4.2 miDowntown
    $

    Definitely divey but conveniently located next to the train station and Bushnell Park. Not…read moretypically my vibe, but I was meeting a group of friends before heading out for the night. Their drinks are pretty cheap, especially the 2/$5 Jell-O shots. They didn't seem to have any flavors except watermelon, which was fine. I got a margarita as well. the flavors were pretty good and I love a bartender with a heavy hand. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that the space is excessively friendly. Just note that you will have to go up the stairs in order to get in.

    Upon going to enter the Pig's Eye Pub on 4/17/2026 at approximately 11:00 p.m., Eric Drouin, who…read morewas stationed at the door, indicated to me that I was not allowed to bring my service dog in the establishment. I informed you that because my dog is a service animal, she is permitted under ADA to accompany me in all public places. Charlie Brown, who was also at the door, then asked me the appropriate questions allowed under ADA, and after I responded, allowed me to enter the establishment with my service dog. However, after maybe 30 minutes, Mr. Brown approached me and asked that I leave the premises and return without my service dog. I declined this request since my service dog was not misbehaving in any way, barking incessantly or at all, and not being disruptive to any other patrons. After about another 30 minutes, Mr. Drouin approached me with Mr. Brown and demanded that I leave because according to him my dog was too young to be a service animal and therefore must be in training, and I was being disruptive by talking to patrons who asked me about my dog. I informed Mr. Drouin he was incorrect, that my service dog is fully trained to provide the service for which she is required, and the law does not prohibit me from interacting with patrons who approach me about my dog. He and Mr. Brown still demanded that I leave. I was with a group of five other people who all witnessed all of these exchanges. We all departed the establishment at that time. I have filed an official complaint #758150-TWD with the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division for this violation of 28 CFR Sec. 36.302(c). This violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act can result in civil penalties up to $75,000 for a first offense and $150,000 for a subsequent offense. Despite me informing these ignorant and insolent employees of this, they still demanded that I leave. I will also be filing a complaint with the State of Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities for this violation of CT General Statutes Sec. 46a-44 & 46a-64, which is a class C misdemeanor, which Mr. Drouin and Mr. Brown will be individually charged. I will also be contacting Mr. James Verano, the listed Principal for Pig's Eye Pub, and Mr. William (Bill) Morrissey, the listed Managing Member regarding these federal and state violations. I will also have my personal attorney contact Reid and Riege, PC, the listed agent for Pig's Eye Pub. Being denied service while accompanied by a service animal is illegal, humiliating, and emotionally draining experience that no one should have to endure. What these imbecilic employees did was not only illegal but morally reprehensible.

    Photos
    Pig's Eye Pub - Booths and darts

    Booths and darts

    Pig's Eye Pub - Giant Jenga

    Giant Jenga

    Pig's Eye Pub

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    Chez Est - A few examples of the local art that's displayed at The Chez and rotates throughout the year

    Chez Est

    3.8(33 reviews)
    2.5 miSouth End
    $

    "Kind of a drag When your baby don't love you"…read more(The Buckinghams) When one of your closest friends invites you to a drag show, you step out of your comfort zone and go! That's what eight of us did today as we headed over to Chez Est for a 90's themed "Brunch in Heels" featuring Loosey Laduca's crew of three singing and dancing drag queens. Loosey was the emcee, had an entertaining patter throughout the show, introduced the performers, and gave a stirring rendition of "the greatest song of the 90's" - My Heart will Go On from Titanic. So what other songs did we hear as the performers danced, did some bone cracking splits, strutted around the stage, and worked the crowd for tips? We heard Lady Marmalade by Li'l Kim, Lose My Breath by Destiny's Child, Let's Get Loud by J Lo, Barbie Girl by Aqua, Groove is in the Heart by Deee-Lite, Donatella by Lady Gaga, and Shoop by Salt-N-Pepa. We even heard a medley of 90's kiddie TV shows including Animaniacs and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The show was very entertaining and included an audience participation segment where birthday boys and girls crashed the stage for a dance-off and a beer chugging competition. Oh, and we also had brunch there -the food menu is very reasonable and ranged from $8 to $12 a plate for eggs, waffles, breakfast tacos and the like. Eight of us ate and drank for $300 including tip. That doesn't include the scores of singles we spent tipping the entertainers. I thought the staff at Chez Est was very accommodating and helped us move and consolidate our two tables so we had a better view of the stage. But even if you sit way in the back, the entertainers strut their stuff throughout the premises to hit every table, and there are a few strategically placed flat screens on the walls showing the stage action. It was quite a fun time.

    have fun there. The environment was nice. I felt safe. I enjoyed my time. I would definitely send…read morefamily and friends there.

    Photos
    Chez Est - The Chez's stage

    The Chez's stage

    Chez Est - The Chez's newly built stage & lights (during daylight)

    The Chez's newly built stage & lights (during daylight)

    Chez Est - The Chez's bar is always fully stocked

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    The Chez's bar is always fully stocked

    River: A Waterfront Restaurant & Bar - steak - Updated June 2026

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