My $32 short rib was cold and dry and went down like sawdust. The potatoes were cold, however the broccolini was excellent.. The hostess stand behind me kept placing the telephone and then empty drink glasses right next to me without even a word. Their were another 4 chairs on one side of the bar that was taken up by laptops and iPads. It seemed like the owner wasn't there and had the kids running the place. Finally, a gentleman who I assumed was the manager ran into my chair without even a glance. The drinks on tap... not made fresh were forgettable. The place looked very nice and I was hopeful it was going to be a nice dinner for my 1st night in Boulder. All in all $100 was way to much for one person.. This was a disappointing experience. read more

River and Woods - A chaotic bar scene. - New American Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

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Delicious all around. We shared many dishes and the gnocchi with short ribs was our favorite. We'll be back!

I absolutely loved my experience at River and Woods. My friend and I sat on the patio. The food and service were quite simply excellent. I had the short rib, it was crazy delicious! read more

I had the Bison sausage with a tomato based sauce on mashed potato. The sausage was very dry and the tomato paste was very plain. Not a great dish. They need to re-work that dish. read more

Went for my sons birthday and although most of the food was good, the service was less than mediocre and generally what I would call clueless and aloof. Upon arrival it took a little while to get seated as nobody was attending the desk. We were seated outside after a few minutes; but didn't see a waiter for quite some time. We were seated outside and standing up the room seemed quite warm due to the heaters, but it was quite cold once we sat down below the warm air. This is a concept the waitstaff needs to understand. I say this as virtually none of the employees would close the door all the way when entering/exiting. Some didn't even attempt it, and left it wide open, as others would give it a shove and get it nearly closed with a maybe a foot gap. We were the closest table to the door and constantly blasts of cold air were very frustrating. At least 15 times during our meal some guest got up to close the door. As it had taken so long to get a visit from our waitress, we ordered dinner and drinks together. When our apps arrived it sounded like the wine was coming, but we later realized they just meant more food would be forthcoming. By the time our mains arrived we decided to skip the wine we'd ordered as we'd surely be finished by the time it came. Around the time we got our apps, a waiter for another table bumped our table and knocked over the flower arrangement at the edge of the table. No big deal - except he didn't even acknowledge it, and then proceeded to lean in (literally) and left his butt leaning/on our table for the next 30 seconds or so. It was literally on our table - so much that we couldn't put the flowers back. We quietly waited for him to remove it before putting our arrangement back in the space he'd been occupying. The food was generally quite good. We were there for my son's birthday, and he really likes the duck wings and they didn't disappoint. Artichokes and polenta also got high marks. We ordered the Challah bread (a half loaf) which was marketed as fluffy - yet it was the most dense Challah I've ever had, and it was the size of a big roll; not nearly a half loaf (based on any loaf I've ever seen). In spite of this it was quite tasty - just odd that it was badged as fluffy; and the size was so off. We were also disappointed by the duck special. The fat was well rendered but the rest was essentially raw, which makes me think it may have been a bit frozen or something when they started cooking, as it didn't seem like the fat could be that well rendered being so raw inside. In this condition it was super tough and hard to eat; so I opted to bring it home and see if I could make it more edible at home. Another guest just ate the edges and left the rest. After the poor service and inconsistent food we opted not to get dessert as we weren't having a very good time. When the check arrived there was a note (attached) mandating a 20% surcharge for the staff. I usually tip around 20% but when service and food is so mediocre - and no manager ever comes around to see if everything is ok, my only real means of feedback it the tip. Even if I were inclined to tip 25% as I sometimes do; I don't like the surprise of it being added to my bill. It also appears that they then charged tax on the after tip amount (though that's not 100% clear). They also then added another 1% charge without any explanation. Not sure if that's regulated or another profit line. I find these tactics particularly frustrating as the motive for them is typically not the benevolent purpose stated. If an employer wants wage equity they have absolute control over that. What tips do is provide an opening for the recipient to under report their earnings hence pay less income tax- and for the employer to pay less payroll tax as the work wage and revenue lines are understated. So in This case it appears they're taking that ability to under report away from the waiter, secretly charging the customer more - while publishing lower prices and paying lower taxes themselves. This is a lose - lose - win strategy where only the employer gets any benefit. The customer and (potentially) the employees lose. I know this restaurant isn't alone in this tactic - but some are more up front about. What's most upsetting about it (and I'm a former waiter) is the positioning that this is for the employees and without it, they don't have a mechanism to fairly pay all employees - meanwhile there's opacity in how it's divided and they could simply pay more to the employees and charge higher prices transparently. If they use the common argument that customers wouldn't come if they raised their prices the. They're basically admitting two things 1, they need to be sneaky about the back door charge or people wouldn't pay it, or 2, if they did it above board all parties would Pay correct tax and total out of pocket to the customer would be even more. read more

River and Woods - Note with the bill - New American Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Yummm the food here is fantastic. That cornbread is to die for! Came here for dinner on a Wednesday night a little before our reservation to see if we could get seated or grab a drink ahead of time. This was quite confusing for the staff so we just sat outside and waited. They were able to get us in on the patio a little earlier than our reservation which was great but they then called us after the time of our reservation to ask why we were late sooo I do think there is a little bit of front of house confusion that could be tightened up. Our waitress was super friendly and ready with recommendations and of course, the start of the show, the food was incredible. I will be back for sure but I'll show up at the time of my reservation to prevent any added confusion! read more

River and Woods - Pueblo Chile-Chevre Cornbread - New American Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

I enjoyed the ambience of this restaurant and it had really friendly staff. My boyfriend and I ordered the bison burger and ribs plate with a beer and a cocktail. Tasty cocktail and beer offerings! But then we proceeded to wait 40 minutes for our food... sure we didn't order apps but I thought it would be faster than that! Then, we finally got our food and I was disappointed by the burger. It was dry and overcooked. :( The ribs were good and not dry! Mac and cheese was amazing and the corn bread was yum! read more

Casual simple indoor dining with reservations. 20% fair wage is added to the tab which is fine. Now for the deliciousness we are coming back for: Duck leg apps, deviled eggs, crab cakes,pumpkin spice Thai curry soup, bison burgers, sweet potatoes with tahini sauce , short ribs with pasta and homemade bread, Old fashions, blue margaritas and for the 24th birthday a complimentary chocolate dip and churros. Good presentation, and like Boulder decor is fresh and simple. Be confident everything will taste delicious. read more

River and Woods - Montreal Duck Wings, Yummy Deviled Eggs - New American Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Loved this place. Went for a quick drink with my boyfriend. On our list to re-visit and try their dinner.

This is a great place. We got a reservation and unfortunately had to sit outside when it was a bit chilly but that didn't stop us from having a good time. Great wine list, good service, good food. read more

It was my first visit at River and Woods. They have an amazing backyard with tables nicely spread around to allow social distancing. They also have gas heaters so you don't get cold. I ordered a cocktail, a smoke salmon salad and a glass of house wine. We also shared a poutine as an appertizer. The cocktail sounded amazing on the menu with tequila, apricot jam, thyme and pomegranate. But it mainly tasted pomegranate. A bit disappointing. The poutine was delicious. Everyone at the table loved it. My smoked salad was okay but way too salty. The staff was super friendly. They all wore masks. I don't think I will go back. Overall, it was too expensive for what it was. Or if I go again, it will be just to eat a poutine in their amazing backyard. read more

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We sat at the bar and had a great time chatting with the bartender and enjoying delicious food and drinks. It was our last evening in Boulder after our elopement and honeymoon and was a great way to end an amazing trip. The gnocchi verde with grilled chicken was FANTASTIC, and the cheese plate was great. Short rib was very tasty, comfort food for sure. Definitely put this on your list of places to try! read more

River and Woods - Braised Shortrib; gnocchi verde with grilled chicken. - New American Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Beware. They now tack on a 20% "fair wages fee" on your check without any indication of such on their menu (this was for a party of 4). I almost ended up tipping 40% before noticing this shady move on their part. Tssss.... Bad move, River and Woods. read more

Our waiter was a great kid, but the food was disappointing. It was over priced and under delivered quality wise. what a disappointment. Will never go back. read more

Really good food; kind of expensive for the portion size; sweet potato dish was absolutely phenomenal Outdoor seating is really a heated tent so don't expect too much Expected more ambiance for the price Cool place to definitely try though..... read more

Delicious drinks and well thought out seasonal menu. Tried the casserollette and it was a fantastic fall dish!

This is a cute little restaurant and Boulder tradition. They have excellent food and ambiance. Great wine selection. We went in late spring to celebrate my birthday and they had these cute dome tents with heaters in them out back. We were able to enjoy the outdoors and have a private dinner feel. read more

We stopped by on a Tuesday night in June with a party of 4 - make sure to make reservations during these COVID times! We were seated outside around the corner, pretty private and tucked away. The appetizer we got (onion rings) were delicious and so were the drinks. I was kind of shocked that the wine carton we got was $70 - kind of pricey! We ran into some issues with our entrees as half the party got theirs and we didn't get the other half for about 2 hours. The shrimp skewers I got were cold by the time they made it to me too. I ordered the bacon Mac and cheese as well and found it to be overly heavy - wouldn't recommend getting that. We'd give this place a chance again as we enjoyed the ambience and understand they are still working out their operations under COVID. read more

Food and service are both superb!! We love this place! Came here for dinner one night with a group and we were seated outside in the heated tent which was very interesting. Our server came over right away and went over the items on the menu with us and explained how the recipe came from different families and sometimes they would use two recipes on the same dish. I think the stories were very cool and if you look at the back of the menu, and actually talks about the story and the family that submitted it. We got a bunch of appetizers to share, and different entrées to share as well. Our server was extremely attentive and came by often to explain things and he was also very funny and entertaining. All of the appetizers and entrées we ordered were absolutely delicious, and amazing. I don't think there was anything that wasn't good. That is generally pretty surprising. For dessert, we ordered a bunch of different ones to share as well. The churros is a definitely must have! The s'mores I would recommend skipping, the marshmallow was way too big, it was very hard to heat up. And we had a hard time with that and we ended up leaving pretty much the whole thing or not eating. The cheesecake was a little funky as well, didn't really taste like cheesecake. I would skip that too and only order the churros. Over all a wonderful experience, prices are not too bad. Bathrooms are clean. read more

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I went here for a date this past weekend and it was great! Both the date and the dinner. We went later on a Sunday evening and it wasn't super busy. The atmosphere was fantastic and nice and quiet and romantic. The decor inside is just GREAT! We started off with the bacon wrapped dates as an appetizer and omg make my mouth drool, they were so yummy! For an entree I got the gnocchi. It was fantastic!! It wasn't made out of potatoes like traditional gnocchi. I can't remember besides spinach what he said it was made out of. The sauce was creamy and decadent but light and delicious. Our waiter Bobby was fantastic! He was friendly, helpful, educated us about the menu as we were first timers. He suggested a great wine that went well with my dish. Overall this place was fantastic and I'll definitely be back! read more

Great environment whether sitting inside or outside. Food is amazing. Service has been good in the past but has not been the best lately. Would still continue going for the food if you can be patient with the service read more

Went here for my birthday, not sure why they ask if it's a special event if they aren't even going to acknowledge it. We had a reservation but still had a wait once we arrived. The hostess mumbled something then left so we weren't even sure if we had even checked in. The food and drinks were subpar at best. We had the trout which came recommended and it was okay, fine but not worth over $30. My husband had the STL ribs, being from STL these are NOT STL ribs. There was barely any meat on the bone and he was still hungry after his meal. The shark attack drink was spicy? Even though nothing on the ingredient list indicated it would be spicy. Our waiter was not paying attention, not attentive, and had to be asked multiple times for simple things. Since my husband was still hungry we ordered the table side s'mores for two, and the graham crackers tasted like soap. I would have preferred the $2 box from the grocery store every time. As if this meal wasn't bad enough we discovered after paying they add on a 20% fair wage tax automatically, which we are in support of, but we're not informed at all so we tipped as if that was not on there. I just wish this would have be a transparent transaction so I don't feel like I was cheated. Overall, it's overrated and I won't be back. read more

Really worried that my favorite restaurant is not the same. We came for brunch and our coffees tasted like water, our eggs and potatoes were not cooked, nothing seemed seasoned. Very disappointed. I used to love this place so I hope they figure it out. We also could not believe that the coffee was six dollars. It came from a pot on a hot plate. This is more than a delicious cup from Boxcar. read more

Great service, awesome food for brunch. Great ambiance as well. Would recommend for sure

Come first for the dinner (very good) but keep coming back for the breakfast (amazing). It has everything a good breakfast place should have in good coffee, range of sweet and savory dishes, homemade sauces and seasonal specialty items. I've gotten all sorts of things here but the standout dish is the smothered burrito. Definitely come hungry (perfect for after an early morning flatirons hike!). There are so many great restaurants in the area but what makes this place stand out is the intimate atmosphere. It's a cozy little house with gentle lighting and beautiful ceramic dishes. Kinda wish I could live here! read more

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Amazing local stop with oodles of foodie food options and tasty bevy's. Drop in for happy hour and try the poutine and short rib fries! Perfect for a date night. Sexy indoor seating or heated outdoor patio (covered of course). Thursday brings a burger and beer special! Weekends being a brunch for the ages. Staff are at the ready with suggestions and menu guidance. They are also super nice (they were so nice when my cat when missing in the neighborhood). Seriously stop in and take a load off at their bar or settle down for some tasty bites. read more

Amazing space, vibe, food & drinks. It's beautifully cozy, with excellent music & attentive service. We loved our drinks (Mai Paloma, Gin Ruby) and food (especially the crispy artichokes & brown butter trout). The staff went above & beyond to make our evening a very memorable birthday experience. Loved it all, and will definitely be back! read more

Fantastic food in a beautiful, quaint setting. Service: great waiter, low key, casual vibe. Location: looks to be a previous home, turned restaurant- such a cute idea and so well done. There is also a spacious outdoor area in the back/backyard. F&B: we order the Short Rib and Bison Burgers. The Short Rib is a must order. Please don't pass on this. So incredible of a dish. The bison burgers were also good. Would definitely go back!! read more

River and Woods - Front entry - New American Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

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Came during covid- the duck wings with teriyaki sauce was Wayyy too salty. The sauce made it almost inedible. But the wings themselves had potential, very juicy. Bison burger was good. The caprese salad was good too but it was a little light on the tomatoes to be a true caprese salad. read more

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Spent a beautiful evening dining with friends outdoors, under the pergola. Delight all around from the six of us for the service, atmosphere, meals and drinks. Rarely do you have an evening of universal praise! Such a nice thoughtful environment. read more

We were in Boulder for their fall festival. After a wonderful day on Pearl street. We met up with an old friend who had moved to Denver. He recommended this restaurant. It is a quaint little restaurant with unique decor. The service was top notch. The menu is small, but food was not your run of the mill meals. I had the Gnocchi verde with chicken, it was one of the best dishes I have had in a long time. The gnocchi was melt in your mouth tender. The Reggiano cream sauce was absolutely delicious! My husband had the short ribs, they were tender and very good. Desserts looked good but we were too full to have any. read more

I really want to love this place. After the most recent experience, however, I'm done trying. We only went because we were invited by friends. Next time I'll suggest an alternative. The hostess was visibly upset when I asked if we could have a table not in the center of the dining room. We had a reservation and the place wasn't busy when we arrived. She did seat us at a bar table which was better at least. The food is fine- nothing to rave about or go back for. The "gnocchi" is a dense flour ball; certainly not a pillowy potato recipe. Just set your expectations accordingly if you're envisioning traditional gnocchi. Otherwise I didn't, and haven't ever, had anything that I couldn't easily make at home. Again, for the price, I want a bit more wow factor. Not run of the mill chain restaurant quality. The service is pretty bad for the price. We ordered 2 bottles of wine. The first was bubbles. I would have expected that it be put on ice while we were working on it. It wasn't. Again, for the price, and assumed service levels that go with that point, the servers should at least refill wine glasses periodically. The staff & service delivery in general left much to be desired. The most off putting piece was the "fair wage fee" added to the bill. If you're going to do this, fine, and I don't mind paying it, but consider alternatives. Rename it or just increase your prices 20% and have a no tipping policy. By calling it a fair wage fee - that is explicitly called out to the customer as such - you're very much saying that as an employer, you don't pay a fair wage and depend on your customers to make up for you choosing to pay unfair wages. Given this description, the logical, and better message, change is to increase prices across the board, pay your employees a fair wage, and drop any expectations for gratuity from customers. If you're on the fence, look elsewhere. There are plenty of much better places in Boulder. read more

LOVED THIS PLACE. I would love for the owners to come decorate my house, it was decorated so cute. I liked the menu options, they had vegan and GF options. The Bloody Mary was amazing. One of the best ones I have every had. They also had other nice non alcoholic drink options like craft cream soda, and ginger beer. Can't wait to go back! read more

River and Woods - Double Bison Cheeseburger and Fries - New American Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

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Really bad. Terrible service and food. Overpriced. They also have not returned my reservation fee which is suppsoed to be refundable. Needs serious improvement. read more

This is the 3rd time my husband and I have eaten here. We make sure to have dinner here anytime we visit Boulder and we've never been disappointed. The service has always been amazing and the food is delicious and the atmosphere is fantastic! read more

We made reservations for our large party of twelve at least a month or two in advance but upon our arrival there was a scramble to rearrange tables despite the restaurant being half empty. Normally I would expect a forewarned restaurant to be more prepared unless they are dealing with an unexpected rush in business outside of their control. The front of the restaurant is reasonably charming until you are funneled through a laid bare kitchen to get to the 'backyard' seating area. I live in a college town so I understand the desire to go for a quaint vibe but I don't normally expect to see how the sausage is made to such an extent. The menu lacks variety with most of the more interesting items associated with the restaurant online no longer on the menu. I had the trout and while it was well seasoned the stuffed squash served with it had an unappealing odor and dull brown appearance so I left it untouched. Glancing around the table only the salads ordered by my friends and family had any appealing vibrancy. Ultimately nothing I saw on our table matched the presentation of the food as photographed on review sites. I hope that my step daughter enjoyed her graduation party. We are very proud of her achievements. But this is by far the worst dining experience we had during our three day stay. A quick emergency brunch at IHOP earlier in the day was more appetizing. read more

Family birthday celebration - all food was FAR above expectations - creative, perfectly seasoned and the spinach ricotta gnocchi with lemon cream sauce - OMG wow. Waitress was a sweetie and took photos of our group. Just a great evening all around. read more

River and Woods - The.Best.Spinach gnocchi I have ever had!! Just superb! - New American Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

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Excellent food & service. Great w/ food allergies and for an evening w/friends. We'll be coming back.

Amazing Sunday brunch- and dinner outside in the back ! Highly highly recommend Staff is super nice and menu is amazing read more

This is a cute place that was perfect for brunch. We had reservations and were seated right away. The food, service, and mimosas were all good and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. read more