Outstanding!! Service, ambiance, menu, prices! The carrot cake is to die for!! Great clam pizza! A must if your in the area or looking for a casual night/afternoon out with that special someone in your life. Music is great...80's R&B!! read more

River: A Waterfront Restaurant & Bar - View of the river. - Steakhouses Near Me - Wethersfield, Connecticut

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Let me preface this by saying my opinions are purely based on my happy hour experience and the selections my friend and I made from the Happy Hour menu. Our server was great-he recommended and brought me a sample of the Apple Harvest Sangria upon noticing my reluctance to try a Sangria with Jack Daniels Fire. He was right, it was good! My friend ordered a Toasted Almond which was not on the menu and quite frankly, I haven't heard anyone order one in years! Our server had never heard of it but returned with one very promptly! Our food selections, unlike our cocktails, were disappointing. None of these selections we made were particularly flavorful: Margherita & Sausage/Peppper flatbreads, Hand-rolled California roll and crab wontons. The Casablanca olives and cheese tasted so bad (something with the marinade it was drenched in was off) we actually said something to our server when he stopped by to check on us. He took it away promising it would be taken off the bill. To be honest, I'm not sure wether he did or didn't. We initially sat outside. The view was nice and there was a slight breeze. The wind picked up and since it was a Tuesday evening, and the place wasn't too busy, we were given the opportunity to be moved inside. Even though at this point it was evident we were not going to be ordering any more food, we were not rushed at all. The space is large, at the bottom of an office building. It can be confusing to find when you first reach the office park type parking lot. The decor is ok. The service was good. My first impression of the food was not a great one. While I'm not ruling out coming here again, I can't say I'm in a rush to do so. read more

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Great views from their outside area. We ordered some drinks which were great and the fried mozzarella was really good. The Lobster Bisque was okay but we both ordered pasta as an entree and I was not impressed at all. My pasta was certainly over cooked and just wasn't good. I got the chocolate crepe brûlée and it was more just like mousse. I'd recommend this place for drinks and apps but that's it. Was certainly way over priced just for being on the water read more

It's the most beautiful day so far this year and I was really looking forward to having lunch outside at River Restaurant. I anticipated the beautiful weather and made a reservation on Open Table many days ago. The site had a box to check off for an outside table reservation, which it confirmed multiple times. When we got there, we were told that outside is first come, first serve and said the reservation site states it. We were not the only couple that got blindsided to find out that we really didn't have a reservation. After around 45 mins we decided to cut our losses and find somewhere else we could go and be outside. The staff seemed very overwhelmed and could not give us even an idea of when our table would be ready. We feared that we'd be finally seated and service would be brutally slow. As we walked back to our car, we encountered a couple going in who asked how it was. When we told them, they said, "oh but we have an outside reservation." We left and went to another restaurant where we enjoyed a lovely late lunch outside. The reservation system needs to be changed to clearly state what the policy is. I do not plan on going back. read more

Absolutely the best ambiance around. We have been here 5 or 6 times and always wonderful service, excellent food and the owner stopped at our table every single time to make sure everything was ok. Outstanding. read more

I've been there for brunch twice. Both times it has been a fantastic experience. Our second brunch was the pre-Christmas day brunch. You would expect that with being so busy they would have some issues with service but they didn't. We had a pretty demanding table with high expectations and needs and the waiter remained kind, polite, and over all supportive of our asks. The food was excellent. From salmon terrine to New York strip, shrimp, oysters, breakfast items and so much more. Everything you could want in a special brunch. Definitely recommend this place for people that enjoy a delicious brunch or for a special event. read more

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Overall, very pleased. Service was a little slow, but it was a Saturday night so it was quite busy. The food was great including the special. Outdoor seating looked beautiful! read more

The dinner was good, we had a lobster roll and a filet mignon. It was served hot and quickly. The service was good, the waitresses outfit was very messy and unwashed, not professional looking at all. read more

I made reservations for Father's Day and the food came cold and service was so bad. We had a reservation at 5:30 but we left at 9pm. The live music ended before the scheduled time. I didn't have time to listen to the music. I don't recommend this restaurant. read more

So good! Went on a date here and loved the view! We ordered wine, a meat and cheese board, and the gnocchi. Everything was banging! The River is the perfect spot for happy hour and I'm intrigued by their brunch! read more

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Great outdoor deck and view of the river. Good ervice but food lacking. I had d cheesesteak sandwich recommended by server. LOTS of bread, chunks of beef which were hard to bite (expected shaved beef). Not much cheese, hardly any onions. Proportions all wrong. Companion had flat bread that was not really flat although flavors were good. I was disappointed since I'd heard only great things. read more

One of the better outdoor restaurants in the Greater Hartford area. Great vista of Connecticut river. We were seated promptly, and our order taken promptly. You can see tables being cleaned. We had steak tips and Rigatoni bolognese. Food was delicious, and served in a timely manner. Beer menu is limited, but they did have Counterweight. Overall a very enjoyable dining experience. read more

Amazing place. Food was delicious and drinks were yummy. What an awesome place to enjoy a relaxing meal. The patio was perfect. Service was great. read more

I've been a couple of times for the brunch buffet a couple of years ago. They no longer offer that. Decided to try it again for the first time post Covid. Was seated and we waited over 20mins for anyone to come. No water nothing. Meanwhile 4 other groups came after us and got helped before us. I almost walked out at that point but decided to stay as I really wanted breakfast food and it was starting to get late. When we finally ate.... Sausage was dry and thick... bacon wasn't cooked at all no salt or pepper. I tried to find something and it's not easy for me to get this frustrated but we won't be back. read more

Enjoyed the view and the experience of finding a different type of restaurant setting. The offerings were not what we expected. Lobster bisque had no flavor and the risotto was super-charged with sodium. I have no restaurant/kitchen experience but I can only imagine a factory assembly-line manufacturing our main dishes as the 3 items on each plate were at 3 different temperatures. I requested a complete redo on my meal as the steak was barely tepid but the super salty risotto was steaming hot. Well, the meal came back 30 minutes later, steak warm, broccoli rabe steaming hot and risotto luke warm. Salty too! I ordered my steak prepared medium but it came back ranging from rare to well done. In other-words, not evenly cooked. I would suggest that instead of kindly responding to this review, take the time to improve your processes of preparing and serving your dishes. I'm sure we'll be back, but not for a meal. read more

If I could give negative stars I would. This place and the service is DISGUSTING!!! I had to send back the very average burger I ordered for being over cooked 3 TIMES!!! I should have went to a McDonalds for a $3 burger instead of that $23 TRASH!!! Not to mention I had to wait over a hour to even see food on the table. There was also fruit flies everywhere. I am very unsure on how this place has more that 2 stars considering all things. Not to mention the consistent screaming of someone in the kitchen. Beautiful location is the only thing they have going for them and a decent bathroom. DO NOT GO... food is not worth the price or the VERY slow service. read more

First time here. Decided to check it out for Happy Hour. I seriously can't wait to go back. Great feel to the bar and restaurant, great food and drinks and our server, Chelsea was awesome. Great view of the river and we even saw two deer walking by. Well done! Check it out read more

Great, easy to get to spot! Went for a friend's birthday dinner earlier this month. Sat inside which I thought could be a little more cozy. We got the lobster bisque, cheese plate, and calamari which were all really well prepared and tasty. For an entree I got the Tunisian chicken and Parmesan risotto. OMG the risotto is soooo good. Like shovel it in! read more

River: A Waterfront Restaurant & Bar - Course 1! - Steakhouses Near Me - Wethersfield, Connecticut

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Great food and the service was great. Although it was a very cold night my wife and I wanted to sit outside (COVID precautions). The staff and service were super accommodating & friendly. They turned up the heat (heated patio). Food was perfect and they were constantly checking up on us. Very impressed & highly recommend. We'll def return. read more

Recently tried River. The view from the back deck is really pretty, but I was not super impressed with the food. Two things I love: calamari and Caesar salad. They were just okay here. The salmon I had for dinner was delicious! My husband got the lamb special and it was way overcooked. read more

Good food, service and ambiance! Everyone was very kind and attentive and there was just enough options to not make you feel overwhelmed.

Great food, service, and ambiance. Food is decently priced as well. Will def go back.

Four of us went to The River last Friday night. The setting is beautiful and we were on the outside deck. It was very busy but our waitress was great and we felt well taken care of. Three of us had terrific meals, only one of us was a bit disappointed as his food was just average. We certainly plan to return soon!! Jan S read more

Poor service and inconsistent food quality. Had a business meeting over a meal. I had been very clear about my order but the waiter on his own decided to give me the smaller portion that was on the menu. He decided this because the larger portion was 'so expensive. ' And then he proceeded to announce to the table how disproportionately expensive he thought the larger serving was. Why does the waiter think it is his job to 1) tell people what a bad value he thinks the restaurant offers and 2) decide what my portion size should be. Since I was at a business lunch I decided not to make a fuss. So I was stuck with an appetizer for lunch thinking that I would fill up on the side dish that I ordered. Unfortunately the side dish was cold and soggy so I only ate a little of it. I left the restaurant starving. I called to speak to the manager and the woman taking the message clearly was displeased with taking a message for the manager. I was never called back. Best thing about the restaurant is the view. read more

What a sweet gem!! We came here on a warmer winter night before Christmas, and it was a treat! The restaurant was beautifully decorated with holiday decor. The ambience was nice and elegant. The service was wonderful. Despite being a winter evening, the view of the river was spectacular! The drink options were on point. They offered a spiked warm apple cider that was delicious! Great seafood and vegetarian options as well. The gnocchi was amazing as was the Asiago-crusted salmon. They apparently do Sunday brunches as well, and I will be returning for brunch and other dinners! read more

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Very disappointed, tried to make a reservation for 12 and the hostess on the line for a reservation 3 weeks out said I'm out of luck. Looks like a great place but service and reservation management is horrid, hope they can make it up. read more

Good stuff! Takes a little while to get your food, but well worth the wait. Had the chicken and took the best nap after haha

I like to give a restaurant a couple of tries before I draw a conclusion about a place. Every time I have been to the restaurant the service has been extremely slow. Takes about 15, 20 sometimes 30 minutes to even get your drinks here. The workers here are always unhelpful. When we asked to be moved to a different table that was closer to the water, the hostess's response was that "she wasn't sure because it was different servers station" yea ok I get that, how about going back to the front desk to see if we can move there? Such a dumb and lazy response. And said table sat unoccupied for most of our time there so we very well could have sat there. All in all the food is fine, certainly nothing memorable. But the staff and service here is deplorable. read more

Absolutely loved this restaurant. They made COVID times look classy. The service was excellent as was the food. The manager even stopped and had a conversation with us. I also recommend their specialty cocktails. I'm a wine drinker, but went out on a limb and tried something new. I'm so glad I did because I wasn't disappointed. Double thumbs up! read more

Great location, view and staff. However, I would not recommend coming for any buffets, as the quality of buffet food does not live up to the expectations (or the price). read more

Food was terrible. The calamari was like eating a bowl of salt and the dip with it was so spicy hot my mouth burned for 10 minute. Other apps we ordered were plain and flavorless. Don't waste ur time or money read more

We recently attended their Sunday brunch for a last minute family get together/belated birthday celebration. Party of seven. No problem accommodating us. Easy to get to, right off the highway, but in its own very elegant business location/oasis. Easy parking. Beautiful lobby and setting. Food was delicious and plentiful. Staff was overwhelmingly attentive and friendly. A very talented piano player made it all the more special. Can't wait to come back in the warmer months to enjoy the outdoor patio and river views. A great spot. read more

We were seated late even though we had a reservation. As soon as we were seated, we were immediately informed that the kitchen was backed up (points for transparency I guess). The restaurant did not appear especially crowded for such a back up. The servers were friendly despite appearing stressed and overburdened. The food reminded me of food served at an old folk's home, both in presentation and taste. The view was maybe the only redeeming quality, and still would not make a return trip worth it. read more

First time at River on Christmas Eve 2019, they had a prix fixe menu for the night. I was a bit bummed to discover that as I had called twice to ask first if they were open on Christmas Eve, and the second time I called to make our reservation for 6 people, and neither person that answered the phone mentioned that they were serving prix fixe and I didn't see anything clearly stating that on the website. I went back and looked at the website the next day to see if I had missed it and I did find it buried deep, multiple pages in, and definitely not clearly advertised. Anyway, we all decided to stay and ordered, even though none of us were too excited with the options they were offering for the night. The full menu had other dishes we were all more excited to try. The service was just okay, our server was a little neglectful and they weren't overly busy, but it was Christmas Eve, so maybe they were understaffed, whatever. The cocktails were good, bartender knew what she was doing. Salads were good, fresh, soups were too salty, not sure if they were made in house but they felt "canned", didn't finish the soups. For the most part it was all "okay" until the entrees. Not sure if this is what they did, but it felt like all the entrees were prepared and plated the day before and just warmed in the oven. Our table got two prime rib entrees, two roasted chicken entrees, and two crab stuffed shrimp entrees. The prime ribs were no where near hot, it took us a long time to flag down our server to send them back, she brought the plates back in a flash, didn't make a difference to the temperature at all, we just decided to eat what we had and bring the meat home for left overs. The shrimps were very over done, tough and chewy, and the crab stuffing had very little canned crab, definitely not lump meat, and it was just overly salted mushy filler bread crumbs, didn't finish those. The risotto that came with the shrimp had a thick sort of rubbery film over it but was quite good once we mixed it a bit and re-homogenized it. The roast chicken was okay, the menu didnt mention that it came on the bone and it was a real struggle for the elderly person in our party who ordered it to eat it on her own, she was upset as she said she would have ordered something else so she didn't need someone to help her. She tries to keep as much independence as she can, but needing to have her son cut her meat off the bone for her at Christmas Eve dinner was embarrassing for her. Restaurant should state in the menu whether or not meats are served on the bones. Any way, chicken was alright, a little dry but fine, the stuffing was overly salted and pretty mushy, no one finished their meals, and we didn't want to take the chicken or shrimp leftovers home. Overall the food was pretty rough. We were originally excited to try River as we heard good things from friends, but based on this experience I don't know if I'll be back. It might just be that the prix fixe nights are bad because they're understaffed and taking shortcuts, but the food was pretty bad, not sure if we caught them on a regular dinner night if they do any better. read more

River: A Waterfront Restaurant & Bar - White chocolate raspberry cocktail, don't recall what they named it but it was well composed. - Steakhouses Near Me - Wethersfield, Connecticut

I start this review by saying the food was good. The food was really good! Flavorful and portions were respectable. I am really giving them 3 stars based solely on the food. The issue I have was with everything else. From the hostess station to the servers and wait staff. They were all pleasant and kind, but something, well everything was just off. I do not belive it was the because of Covid-19. We start with, you NEED reservations to The River. I mean it's a must. Especially considering they have a beautiful location within an office building on the river. The ambiance once you enter is great. Warm, inviting, well appointed and the bathrooms were clean. Most people were well dressed for a nice summer night. We had reservations for 8pm. We arrived at 7:50pm. We check in, confirm our reservation and are told we must sit inside because they couldn't accommodate a reservation for 6 outside. No big deal. 8:30pm and we STILL are not seated. So within those 30 minutes of standing at the hostess station we watched couple after couple get turned away due to no reservations. Walk ups on a weekend are not going to work. Not to mention within the 30 mins at the hostess station the social distancing was just thrown out the window. It was awkward and annoying. Once we were sat, a brief apology was made. We made reservations, you knew we were coming. I asked to speak to the manager because I could see where this was going. Asking for the manager turned into a game of who's on 1st base. Now we were in a good mood and let it slide that we are 30 mins late getting sat for our reservation and never saw a party leave that would've had our seats. In this time of waiting for the manager we are also waiting for our server. Ten to fifteen minutes later our server finally introduces us. I say we are ready for our drinks and would like to see the manager (second ask). He says, "OH, I'll get him", leaves, never takes our drinks, and is gone for another 10-15 minutes. As you can tell, this is not going smoothly. Again everyone at the table is still taking it well. When he does finally come back at this point we throw everything at him because we don't know when we will see him again. We give him drinks, appetizers, salads, meals all at once. We even tell him when we want this to come out. At this point, our reservation was for 8pm, our first bite takes place around 9:15-9:30pm. Again still no manager. So I stop someone who looks like he might be the manager (third ask). He heard my frustrations at this point said he understood and he needed to get the other manager. Huh? What? At this point, get me someone who can make a decision. I order a steak. My dinner finally comes out. Only problem is, they were 4 for 6 on dinners. So politely we wait for the other dinners so as not to eat until everyone has their meals. Another dinner comes out. Now we realize not only are we missing a dinner but we are missing an appetizer too? And still no manager. You can tell they messed up the dinner that was missing, a salmon meal special, completely forgot the appetizer, sort of apologized and scrambled to get it prepared. Salmon was not fully cooked my food which came out with the first batch was getting cold and dry. Again, I ask for the manager. This isn't a fast food restaurant. I've been blessed to eat at really great restaurants across the world. Things happen, I am patient and understanding. However you know what also happens at great restaurants, the manager would bring out the meal, apologize, and just offer to take it off the meal, or offer drinks, hell just offer an opportunity to make it right. At this point the bill comes, as you can imagine, every single item is on the bill, even the salmon and I'll forgotten appetizer. At this point I take the check, get up, and go looking for the manager myself. Four people went looking for this manager. Finally the server tracks me down, says he took care of a round of drinks. Not the salmon or the appetizer, just a round of drinks. At this point we just pay and leave. Guess what, I still have yet to see the manager, which at this point I have to believe is a fictional character. Bottom line, the food was really good, the location and ambiance is great. They are also opening a tent that will have a menu that is Mexican themed. Hopefully the tent is better situated with the proper servers and a "manager". read more

I drove into the parking lot and heard myself thinking, didn't I just leave the office? Why am I at the office?? Don't let the office building full you. There's a trendy restaurant with the best customer service, great atmosphere and live music (I was there in a Thursday evening). I'm really digging this place. The fried calamari was perfectly cooked and made my palate wish I'd ordered my own versus sharing. Wish the portion size was larger,however; when cooked to perfection and served with a special sauce....I must admit, I was satisfied. Wasn't over stuffed. Everything is made fresh so you are able to order and alter your dish to your liking. I ordered the lobster ravioli and it was good. I've had better BUT they are not stingy with the lobster. I can't remember the dish my husband ordered but it was chicken with cheeses wrapped with beacon and something else. He loved it. It came with two sides and the portion size was perfect. My husband is a big guy and didn't have room for dessert. Let's get to what's important....the Brussels sprouts. Yup, you're reading it correctly. Brussel sprouts. They're the best. You must try the beacon Brussels sprouts. The menu has something for everyone and the staff goes above and beyond to ensure your visit is not your last. There's something special about the River. Trust me. You can't go wrong. Enjoy!! read more

The atmosphere for the location is extremely welcoming. Reservation was easy to complete online. Online reservation stated 1.5 hour due to Covid. When we entered to check in, we were informed that we had an hour. The waitress and waiter was super friendly and kind. They were attentive and quick paced. We ordered calamari and it was prepared well. The lobster bisque was unflavorful. Within 5 minutes, the entree arrived. The individual who brought the food out stated, "I'm sorry I have to clear the table" and suggested that we put our food in a box in the event that we would like to continue to share the appetizers. The steak was not cooked how it was requested (came out rare when asked for a well done- pregnant individual orders and therefore could not finish the meal). Steak pasta came out burnt. Fish and chips was made well. read more

The food is very fresh and flavorful got the beef short Rib delicious the pesto and wild mushroom risotto is very good the steak Skewers were excellent the Servers are professional the Owner Martha walks around and personally asks patrons how the food is the view of the Connecticut River is beautiful definitely will be back on my road trips to and from Boston and New York it was definitely a random pit stop and hit the jackpot Rose our server was very professional and down to earth she definitely made us feel at home 5+ Stars Thanks Martha ! read more

I came here for my 35th birthday with a lady friend and was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere inside. Yes, it's an office building, but....get inside and you see a nice, modern, clean interior with a stunning patio and river view. I started with a cocktail called "lavender lemonade" which was a gin drink with lavender liquor and fresh juices. It was gorgeous and tasty...so good we added it to a picnic menu as the signature cocktail! We had 2 appetizers (arancini and chicken scarpariello bites) that were delicious. For the main entrees, we had a lobster ravioli (perfectly prepared al dente) and chicken scarpariello (gnocchi was also perfectly cooked!). Full disclosure: we felt a few things were lacking the basic spices; would have loved a salt shaker on the table just for that little extra. Some people like salt more than others! * UPDATE: 2nd time here, this time for happy hour. We had a happy hour pizza with roasted tomato and cheese. Served with mouli and crushed red pepper. It stands up to any brick oven pizza in the area...flavorful, beautiful and satisfying. It did get warm in the room like others have stated but everyone's drinking and it's hot outside. What do you expect? In conclusion, we will be returning. We would recommend this place for happy hour or lunch/dinner to friends. The comments about service are probably one-offs and not representative of the staff. Give it a try. I think we're going to stay for another round and order of tater tots :) cheers! read more

never written a bad review for a restaurant before, but this was worth it. Please save your money. Drinks and food took forever. (no one at bar and restaurant was not busy) For the prices on the menu I was expecting a great meal. The portions were very small, got 7 bites of meat out of the short ribs and the tuna was previously frozen low quality. We were told we were going to be brought bread which never showed up. Only saw our waitress three times, so couldn't order more drinks(very small and mostly ice). AND to top it all off, we were brought the check unexpectedly after a long wait after dinner, without ever being asked if we wanted more drinks or desert. I understand the need to make money to pay rent at this place, but this is no way to stay in business. Wont be returning. read more