The food was okay at best. I've actually never felt compelled enough to leave a review on any establishment but this place truly blew me away. The service was rude, rushed and I was provided the incorrect bill 3x. The view is amazing and the potential for this space is amazing, however it feels River on the River has no idea who they are. We arrived at 5pm to blasting techno music making it feel as if I was in a casino. People are dressed as if attending a wedding & the servers truly treat you as if you're eating at McDonald's. Unfortunately I strongly agree with previous reviews. I couldn't be paid to return. No one here seems to care about the customers or customer service. (Not to add I was extremely sick the next morning but I truly try to never blame that directly on a restaurant). I would just be aware prior to dining here. So many other great, customer friendly places nearby! Try another and save your time and $$$$$$ (and maybe a stomach ache). read more

Went for happy hour drinks, sat on porch. Very nice waitress, attentive service, and great food/drink at a great price!

This was my 3rd visit to River. The first two were very pleasant and food was good. Today's visit was a bit disappointing. I ordered the harvest salad which was described as roasted squash, lardons of bacon and pecans over arugula. The arugula and dressing were plentiful and good. However one needed a microscope to find the squash,bacon, and pecans. A small portion would have been fine but this was definitely beyond stingy. I left feeling hungry and a bit annoyed. read more

First time there. Place was fantastic but a little confusing going in. Wasn't sure what to expect. Server Amanda was amazing and tolerated my humor. Food was perfect. Can't wait to go back read more

Went to have dinner wt my bf, decided to check out this restaurant from what ppl say that it's very nice here. I order lobster ravioli, it looked horrible! The pasta was over cooked soft an just fell apart, an the sauce was drenched all over it as you can see, and clearly it tasted like lobster bisque soup . It seem like the pour the soup over the lobster ravioli!! Lol if you can't make the dish right, just say you ran out of it, instead of serving your customers something that looks like this, and for the price is also over price especially how it look an taste. read more

River: A Waterfront Restaurant & Bar - Lobster ravioli - Steakhouses Near Me - Wethersfield, Connecticut

Great service lovely location, great food and service .. Owner visited our table and very personable and our waiter Kevin was very attentive. read more

Glad I decided to travel a bit out of way from where I'm staying to try this place. The restaurant is a well designed open space that just feels right. There is also a breathtaking view of the river from much of the dining area. I'm a huge fan of New England clam chowder as you know if you've read past reviews. My server explained they call theirs southern New England clam chowder and have their own unique twist. She peaked my interest and I asked how soo... She went on to explain the use of calabrian peppers gave the classic chowder an interesting kick in the pants and to your palate as well. I absolutely loved this chowder, the brave/ bold addition of calabrian peppers is soo damn good. And this chowder was great in every way, loaded with clams and potatoes as you would hope for. I not only will absolutely make it a point to return for this chowder. I plan to experiment with adding calabrian peppers to my seafood chowder. I believe it could give the needed bite without using ground black pepper. I also had a caesar salad with grilled shrimp. The Shrimp were fairly large and cooked perfectly with great flavor. When you visit a great restaurant with a talented chef, it's more of an experience than a meal. This was an experience, and one I hope to repeat. read more

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Love this Place! Great ambience, food, service and view! However, question: who the heck ever told the chef that lacing the onion rings with garlic was a good idea? Good grief!!!!!!!! Had them here before and they were wonderful. Heads up: onion rings should taste like onion! Good grief!!! read more

I had a very pleasant time at the River last night. Evan the bartender was professional, attentive and helpful. The cheese and fruit plate with toasted points of grease was delicious! I had some left over and enjoyed it today with my lunch. I also enjoyed the beautiful piano music on Monday night. What a treat. I'll be back again! read more

Extremely disappointed in our experience here last night. We arrived at about 10pm and asked how late they were open, we were told 1am. By 11:30pm, every single chair was put up around the bar, and we couldn't get anyone to serve us. I was walking through the restaurant to use the restroom, and had to walk though a maze of chairs and tables that were being swept around, and a server legitimately swept over my feet, I could not believe it. The service was poor, staff was rude, and instead of serving us, we stood at the bar listening to how they've been there all day and wanted to go home. It's a shame, the view was nice (what we could see in the dark) and I had high hopes for this restaurant. read more

I'm a little confused about some of the reviews here. I think people tend to forget that this is a brand new restaurant still in the process of getting into their groove. It's literally 2 months old! People who try a brand new place and say they won't be back because they maybe had to wait a bit are so silly! I went here for the first time on July 4th and it was hot af but the view from the patio is too beautiful not to sit out there. It was not in direct sunlight which was awesome. The view of the river is just amazing! The grounds below are so lush and green and just makes the whole experience so nice. My friend and I sat down and our drink order was immediately taken. We weren't really sure what we wanted so ask for a minute and our waiter gave us the appropriate amount of time and came back to take our order. We had a couple of questions about the menu and some of the dishes and he was very patient and helpful. We also asked for some modifications and suggestions to our dishes and he was very patient and helpful. Being vegan, I was so thankful to see that they had vegan options on the menu and a nice assortment of dishes that would be good for anyone's palate. Our experience all the way through was very, very good. I highly recommend this restaurant and trust me on the view. Gorgeous! read more

River: A Waterfront Restaurant & Bar - Beautiful view and yummy salads! - Steakhouses Near Me - Wethersfield, Connecticut

We have been to this restaurant at least 3 times and each time we hope that it improves. Great view. First of all, no need to ask every time we go, if we have a reservation. They seem to be obsessed with reservations even when the restaurant is empty. (and don't even try to get a table outside without a reservation even when there are open tables). We were corrected when we tried to get a table outside and were told that we have to have reservations for that. However, you cannot even book a table outside on opentable.com. Each time that we have gone to eat, they sit us right next to other occupied tables even when there are many other tables open. This is a rookie management mistake, we did not choose your restaurant for the convenience of your wait staff, River needs to get their seating chart organized. If there are tables open, give people space and some privacy. The last time we went for lunch, they asked if we want "flat" or "sparkling" water. We told her flat and got charged $6.95... Flat water to me means free tap water, however, River must have another definition for flat water and we were never offered "free" tap water. The table next to us complained too when they got their bill. I must agree with others that the wait staff needs to be trained. I am pretty sure that this is due to lack of management skills since both times the management assigned our seat. The servers have all been nice but the restaurant needs improvement. Also, we have seen the owners each time we have visited, and not once have they come over to ask how things are or to introduce themselves. As owners of a new restaurant, that would make a lasting impression. One last comment, the ceiling is horrible. It looks like they cut cost and it does not fit in with the rest of the decor. There are many other great restaurants very close by: Bricco, J. Gilbert's, Lucky Lou's, Carbone's Restaurants, and Max Restaurants just to name a few...so I hope they improve. Otherwise, we will not be back. read more

Love their outdoor seating! Great views and very well heated for the fall/winter months. Food is delicious!

This is our first time here. It was amazing. Kaylie was our waitress, and she was one of the best waitresses we've ever had, and we go out to eat a lot. The food and drinks were fantastic!! We had the tuna, short ribs, and seafood fra diavlo. Best rye manhattans. We will be back!! read more

Great views and nice place, but the owner, manager, and whoever decides the menu should go to Market Grill take a lesson. Change the menu and train the staff. Don't make us ask for bread. Don't send the meals out before you clear the apps off the table. Don't forget to bring out 1 of our parties meals. (15 minutes later) Learn how to make a Martini. You have potential but it needs work. I will wait awhile before going back but I will give it another chance. read more

I've eaten here quite a few times since they've opened. The food was never very good-we would come more for the outdoor seating and drinks in the summer. I've been a few times in the past few weeks and the food has gotten SIGNIFICANTLY better. It was delicious. They must have a new chef or some changes in the kitchen. Highly recommend! The service still can use some work. read more

Arrived here on a Thursday evening about 6:45 with two other girl friends. Went into the bar area which is large, but was not crowded but was noisy We sat down at the corner of the bar and had a great view of the CT River. That was nice... but it was the only nice thing as we must have been invisible. Sat there for 15 minutes without even being acknowledged by bartenders who were too busy running tabs on the register or joking with each other. Finally got up and left. Told the hostesses we were ignored and will not return, and we will not! read more

Let's just say...I can't wait until someone buys out this place and does a complete redo of the menu and the staff. Such a beautiful spot to have horrible service. They are kind people, I just think non of them have ever worked in a restaurant before. The food....very unpredictable. Some things were good and some things were just not. Visited twice. read more

The place and the food is good. But the server that we have she needs more training on how to tend to her costumer.she is lacking of personal interaction towards her costumer. Me and my kids done our a lot and I always study my server she's not one of the great one. Our glasses were empty and she pass us multiple times did not ask how are we doing and look at our table if need a refill on our drink we have to ask for it she. read more

Excellent food and wonderful service. We had a party of nine and we were all very glad we chose this restaurant. Beautiful views of the Connecticut River. The owner Martha stopped by during dessert to make sure we were enjoying our dining experience. I will definitely be back again. read more

If you are making a reservation for more than 6 people I do not recommend this restaurant. I called on Friday 3/10/23 stating I needed to increase the number of my reservation to more than 6. I was informed by the hostess on duty because it was a party of more than 6 a manager would be calling me. Friday came and went without a call from a manager. A guest in my party arrived on Saturday 3/11/23 for brunch and was asked several questions by the hostess that should have been handled when a manager was supposed to call me on Friday as they had my number and I verified my number was correct with the hostess. We were told upon arrival we would need to purchase a "brunch package" because we were a party of more than 6. This would have been fine had the manager actually called Friday. The manager decided to "let it go" because a return call was not placed which was appreciated. There was a fee of $3.00 per person that was applied for handing out cupcakes which is fine, but they were specifically told to put it on my bill. Instead of doing so as asked each person was charged $3.00 for receiving cupcakes I made and handed out. I will say our waitress Monica was pleasant but the manager and how she handles business left a bad taste in our mouths. I've had issues previously with this specific manager on duty as a guest which is disappointing and she clearly should not have her position. Additionally, service was rather slow for a barely packed restaurant and some of the food came out cold. Needless to say, we've given this restaurant a few tries and probably won't be coming back. read more

Only been open for 3 weeks so I think they are working out the kinks. The front of house is very disorganized and the hostesses couldn't figure out where to seat us (plenty of open tables) so after waiting we finally sat. We got the Alfredo and it was not what you would expect. It was spicy and very watery, not what an Alfredo should be. Noodles were undercooked. Beautiful view from the restaurant but very loud. We will be back, hoping the steak is good. read more

Food was okay but the drink sizes are very small for the price they are charging literally one sip

This was the 4th time we tried the river and yet again the service was terrible. Hoped they would have gotten their act together but service is no better than a year ago. The service staff lacks appropriate and effective training on how to greet guests in a timely manner. Having eaten there previously, the food isn't worth waiting for when the service is poor. Great location and parking but we have given up. read more

We just held our son's wedding rehearsal luncheon in the Atrium of this restaurant and I couldn't be happier. The events staff set everything up beautifully and were happy to provide everything I requested. The food was delicious and they had no trouble accommodating special dietary needs.When the weather didn't cooperate with our plan to hold the rehearsal on the lawn outside, they came to me and offered to let us use another room across the hall as well as the Atrium. When our guests were late arriving, they held off serving the meal and let us stay longer than planned so we could extend the festivities. They even gave us mimosas when they learned it was our 45th anniversary the day before our son's wedding. LaChanna and her staff did everything with smiles and kindness. I'd give them 20 stars if I could read more

Location, location, location! The waterfront view of the Connecticut River makes this the perfect spot for lunch on a beautiful late summer weekend. Limited and interesting menu and fun cocktail choices. read more

I have eaten here a few times. The first time, I ate one of the salads and it was ok. The second time, I had a burger, and it was ok. The third time, I actually went for a holiday and had their specialty menu and that was great! As for the location, I love the spot and the first time I sat on the deck. It was beautiful and enjoyable. The second time, I sat at a table that straddled the deck and the bar area. That was terrible as it was so loud I could not hear my dinner companions across the table. The third time was dinner in the dinning area. That was more enjoyable but it was a quieter night and less people flooded the bar area. It seems that the bar is large and enjoyable as it has been packs two of the three times I have been there. read more

I can only comment on the service, as I never actually got to eat any food. We went for lunch, and it was not super busy, although there was one large party, and 4-5 regular size ones. The wait staff needs more training, a lot more, and they need to be more consistant with what is offered. The table behind us was offered a wine sample, while we were not. We purchased a bottle of water, and not only did the waitress spill some of it, she didn't wipe it up, my nephew had to do it. My friend's tuna melt was cold, and we were informed (by the manager) that it was panini pressed, which didn't mean that that it was served warm. I would have asked questions about it being a tuna MELT, but he had already told me twice to keep my voice down (even though I wasn't yelling) and we had been kept waiting over ten minutes for him to come over in the first place. My meal (which I did not eat) was a tuna wrap, which was served hot. I don't enjoy hot tuna, so I returned it, and with the amount of time it took for the food to come out the first time, I didn't want it remade. They only took my sandwich off the bill when I asked, and so we paid $23 for water and the French fries my nephew ate. His steak burger was bland, and it is obvious the kitchen doesn't know how to cook a rare burger, as his was horrible. I would have given this place a second chance, except for the terrible treatment I received from the manager Mark. He was condescending and completely dismissed any issues we had with the meal or the service. read more

Wow. What a gem. The food is sooo good. I'm very picky and tough on where I eat out. This is a top notch place. Service was prompt, polite and knowledgeable. Veronica our waitress was very happy and fun. Her suggestions about the drinks and menu were spot on. The food was delicious . Hats off to the chef. read more

Clearly the owners are listening to feedback! Fabulous host staff, welcoming and efficient. Our waitress Justine was wonderful and attentive. We ate off of the sister restaurant TequilaRio menu this evening- they are knocking it out of the park with this! Crabmeat empanadas were perfect - wonderful crusts and beautiful blend of flavors. Salsas and guac were all delicious- salsa verde is HOT! Habanero shrimp tacos were so flavorful and also very hot!! Delicious. Didn't care much for the taco shell however; a little dense. Our margaritas with top shelf tequila chosen by bar staff at our request were fantastic- not too sweet, smooth drinking. Definitely planning on revisiting this sister restaurant which should be opening in it's own space (per the owner) as the weather gets warmer. 5 stars this time!! Felt very Covid safe as well. read more

Just sitting here at River, having finished the most exquisitely prepared asiago crusted salmon, enjoying the warm July evening, and the scenic views of the CT River. What could be more delicious? Salmon was so moist and cooked to perfection. Waitstaff was most gracious and personable, making our dining experience that much more delightful. Looking at our calendar right now to decide when we shall soon return. Maybe as soon as tomorrow ! read more

Almost cancelled my reservation after I read bad reviews: glad I didn't! Atmosphere, food and service were all very good. Great spot on the CT River and the menu had great variety. My wife had the lobster roll and I had the filet: both were very good. We will recommend and return. (Most of the reviews were about service, we had our 7-week old daughter in-tow and would have reacted pretty strongly to terrible service...). Nice job, River! We'll most certainly be back! Only criticisms: the house rose (wine) was not great (our opinion, not fans of dark rose's) AND.... would love a changing table in the restroom. But that's it! Thank you! read more

Food is okay and drinks are okay the only thing going for it is basically that's it located on the water.

Such a nice restaurant! Food was excellent! And our server, Heather was amazing & attentive! Will definitely be back! :)

Honestly I'd give this a 2.5. We called in advance and were told outdoor seating so first come first serve... then arrived and told us the outdoor dining was reserved. The service was delayed my friends lobster roll arrived before the soup he ordered. Overall, food was very good, fries a little salty, lobster roll delicious!! and calamari as well. But the service goes a long way. read more

Made a reservation for 8:30p on a Saturday night, arrived 15 mins prior and was told there would be approx. 30 min wait for our table outside. We were offered an inside table, but declined as it was a nice summer evening and we, of course, wanted the view! Our party of 4 had drinks at the bar, was waited on promptly and servers were cheerful! Seated at our table within 20 mins and it was worth the wait! Gorgeous view of the river! I love the choice of music too! Oldies classics! Our waitress was lovely, attentive and well versed with the menu. All of our apps and entrees were beautifully presented and absolutely delicious! As dusk approached, the mosquitos started closing in (summer by the water!) literally after the first bite, a server came around passing out mosquito repellant wipes! What a GREAT touch!! We enjoyed the rest of our meal pest free and are excited to return to sample other items from the menu! Reasonable prices, good portions, clean and calming atmosphere, great service and great food! read more

We lucked into finding this place last Friday while visiting some family. The patio seating was wonderful with a nice view of the river. The service was smooth friendly and the food was delicious. We had the chicken saltimbocca and the lobster malfald both recommended by our server Ryan, who kept us smiling all night. Couldnt be happier with out choices for the evening! We'll definitely be back. read more

Four of us arrived in time to get outdoor seating for dinner. Our server, Darlene, was pleasant and answered all our questions about the entrees. The meals were served without too long a wait. We exchanged comments about the food as we ate: 1. Her Asiago Crusted Salmon was "very good"; 2. His Rigatoni Bolognese was "good" (but most of the sauce was left in the bowl at the end of the meal); 3. Her Fish & Chips had to be returned (whatever sauce that was used on the battered fish was too spicy). It was replaced with a River's Pat Lafrieda Burger, which was very good, except that the batter fired onion ring that topped the burger contained the same hot sauce that was used on the Fish; 4. My Seafood Linguini with white sauce lacked flavor. The white "sauce" must have been the water the fish was cooked in. The scallops that were in the linguini was dark brown/soggy on the top and white/soggy on the bottom, obviously they had been sitting in the white sauce for quite awhile. Neither of the pasta diners was offered grated cheese, but some was provided when requested. Same goes for the bread, warm from the oven, but with a crust so tough that it was impossible to slice it. For two of us, this was our second visit to The River. No complaints from the first visit, which was for lunch, indoor seating. Not sure if we would return, but definitely would not do outdoor seating in the evening. The mosquitos and black flies did not add to the ambiance. read more

You know this place has potential but a few things should be changed in my opinion. A great after work need a drink kind or spot but after say 8 it gets super awkward and dead. I think this place would benefit to maybe live music whether it be a band or one man band Thursday-saturday to maybe bring in more people. I've been a few times now and love the location as I love anywhere with a good view and food/drinks are great. The times I've been i would have loved to stay longer but everytime ended leaving and going elsewhere due to the awkward ambiance the place gets when late. read more

Gorgeous restaurant, perfect for a date night. Some of the best food I've ever had and unique desserts.