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    River Street Tavern

    3.9 (443 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    River Street Tavern Photos

    Business Info

    RIVER STREET TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - River Street Tavern

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    Alisa M.

    The food was a three star, had a potential, but some of the items were overcooked, and all of the items were poorly presented like slop on a plate. I paid for the meat upgrade for my burger, and I can't imagine how far the meat would have been without the upgrade for a tavern and the price that they are charging for the burgers it would be nicer if they just had quality meat for all of them. But, the house made chips were five stars However, the service was five stars and complete quality. She was lovely and very attentive. The beer selection was also five stars, and they even let my partner sample before ordering the full pint. The server was great at making suggestions.. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambience was good, our Tavern style, but everything clean and nothing sticky. That was nice![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Not a lot was open on a Tuesday night, so we would potentially come back if in a similar circumstance, however there are other restaurants which are better in the area. Overall, the food felt expensive for what it is and how it was presented.

    Smoked Trout Dip and Reece Cider
    Tammy M.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]We needed a dog friendly restaurant for our dinner.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It was our first day in Ellijay and we were hungry. We checked the app "BringFido" and the River Street Tavern was recommended. They were very dog friendly. Water and a dog treat was brought to our table almost immediately for our dog and the server was great. We ordered the smash burger, caprese salad and smoked fish dip. All of it was delicious. We also tried a Reece cider which was also very good. So much so that we went to the cider company the next day to purchase some for home. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We really enjoyed our dinner at the tavern and more importantly they loved our dog![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Bar decor
    Alex P.

    There is a lot to love about the town of Elijay. It's one of the few remaining small towns in Georgia that have a thriving business scene, where storefronts are not remnants of what once was, but the story continues to live on. River Street Tavern is one of those classic places that belongs here in ways that no sushi place or salad spot could. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The building of River Street Tavern dates back to early 20th century as a general store and for the last several decades has been a pub that in 2014 transformed into the restaurant it is today.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] There are plenty of beers on draft and all the classic pub fare. While the food could use some quality oriented improvements, it's satisfying. For example, the bun used for chicken sandwiches is the cheap and plastic feeling "Sunbeam" style bun, likely loaded up with dozens of unnecessary ingredients. That takes away a lot from the sandwich, as bread is such an important foundation. Onion rings are great. The bartenders on a Saturday night were a bit understaffed, but everyone was pleasant. As a whole, River Street Tavern is a good spot to visit for classic American food.

    Menu
    Kamale D.

    Visiting Elijay for a few days and found a cool bar to have shots and watch football. Nicole the bartender was amazing very attentive and recommended a great appetizer; Mexican street corn dip. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance was inviting[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. I'll definitely return on my next visit.

    "Late night" (6:30 on a Tuesday) dinner.
    Taylor B.

    Needed something that wasn't fast food in a town where everything closes at 7. Found this local spot downtown on my way back from Roos winery and it was just what I needed. A warm grilled cheese and a night cap. Would've loved a soup on that cold night, but they didn't have any. Everyone was supper friendly and supervise was quick. They even thoughts his to throw a dollar bill to the ceiling and make it stick! It was oddly satisfying lol.

    Jonathan L.

    1. The ceiling has dollar bills stuck to it. My kids loved that! 2. The wings were really good! My kids loved that too! 3. I ordered the burger with the 2 different game meats and a side of onion rings. The onion rings were huge and tasty and I got enough to share with my table (which is typically my measure of whether or not they are worth it). We will be back again!

    Ceiling full of dollar bills
    Debbie J.

    You need to sit at the bar and interact with the bartenders. The chicken sandwich was fried and very tasty. Hubby had the Octoberfest Burger that had apple chutney and local mushrooms and he loved it. Get one before the month is over!

    Dj L.

    Stopped here as plan B, as the restaurant we wanted to go to was full! It unseeming appearance can fool you, as the food here was super good! I was impressed. But, this is a typical tavern/divey type bar. But good vibes, service and food!! Wings were exceptional!!!

    Mozzarella Sticks
    Carla S.

    I went here during our first day in town. It was late, so there were few options open. The main area was packed, so we sat on the side-covered outdoor area with heaters, perfect for a chilly night. A server came quickly to take our order and kept checking on us. We ordered the mozzarella sticks as an appetizer, followed by The Tavern and All-American Burger. I was craving a burger so bad, but the meat was missing flavor, so we were not huge fans. However, the portion was large. I'll give this spot another chance next time we are in town.

    Menu
    Steve C.

    Small tavern downtown. We came here around lunchtime and grabbed a couple seats at the bar because there was a 20 to 30 minute wait. Seating is very limited in this place. It was a chilly autumn day, and unfortunately, inside this restaurant is no better. Unbelievably, the staff had the air conditioning running at 62°. I had the grilled chicken sandwich with a side of potato salad. The sandwich was rather blandand not noteworthy, but the potato salad was fairly good.

    Garden Salad with Chicken (way overcooked) we thought it was blackened at first.
    D. R.

    Wait staff was very nice. We called ahead with a party of 7 so they took us right away upon our arrival. Food was good but the reason for the 4 stars is: 1) fried chicken on both salads was way overcooked and too crunchy. 2) the chips and queso appetizer for $8, we ordered two and they both looked like they were from the bottom of the bag, barely large enough to scoop up the queso and salsa. The salsa was good but I believe the queso was out of a can. Would not order the chips appetizer again. The food took a while but then again we had 7 people. The kitchen here is pretty small. We ate outside and it was nice since the temp was under 75°.

    Inside

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    4 months ago

    Great burger cooked perfectly and potato salad was very tasty can't wait to go back and try other items

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    5 months ago

    Great service and friendly staff! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Good food and vibes![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Excellent beverage selection. Will be back!

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    2 years ago

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    8 months ago

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    8 months ago

    Pork Rinds with dehydrated hot sauce were A +. Decent place, server was a little unenthusiastic but was nice. Onion Rings were also good

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    4 months ago

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    11 months ago

    Service was turtle pace today. I will be back but 2 strikes and you're out. Pretty disappointed

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    Ask the Community - River Street Tavern

    We are in the area around Thanksgiving week. Will the tavern be open wed the day before the holiday?

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    The Door Ellijay

    The Door Ellijay

    4.8
    (26 reviews)
    0.0 mi

    Super neat and comfortable place. Staff is so friendly and knowledgeable. A must go.read more

    Very cool place. shh it's a secret. It's like you were…read moreinstantly ported back to the 1920's right in the middle of prohibition. A very charming unassuming little boutique store front with some tee shirts and souvenirs when you first walk in. Then you whisper the magic password and the gentleman escorts you through a narrow little doorway, a vestibule and door then opens to a perfectly recreated 1920's prohibition speakeasy. The motif is perfect from vintage art work on the wall to the hanging chandeliers and the big leather couches and chairs all in a very dark lighting. There is one way glass so you can see whoever comes into the store ( police or significant other) but they can't see you! Lol. And you can't leave through the front where you came in. You are guided to the back of the establishment to the back door which lets out into a narrow gangway then to the alley. I think Al Capone himself was going to jump out at me. lol. The bartenders/ mixologists further raise your experience by providing enjoyable banter and well made cocktails. Espresso Martini's and a Donut Raspberry Cheesecake were the drinks and dessert of choice and both were amazing. If you wind up going I suggest for you gals, a flapper dress with the beads and sequins with a cocoon coat and some tee strap heels. Guys your fanciest fedora and some two tone lace up oxfords. Either way you're gonna have a Roaring 20's great time. Let me know if you're interested and I'll tell the password or yiu you have dinner upstairs at The Roof, tell them you want the password for The Door.

    Photos
    Interior shot
    Interior shot
    Bar area
    Bar area
    The Door Ellijay

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    River Street Tavern - tradamerican - Updated August 2026

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