10 Best Riverside Restaurants in the US – Updated

When it comes to combining delectable cuisine with breathtaking views, riverside restaurants in the United States stand out as hidden gems waiting to be explored. From the East Coast to the West Coast, these dining establishments offer not only mouthwatering dishes but also a unique ambiance that enhances the overall dining experience. In this article, we’ll delve into the 10 best riverside restaurants in the US across the country, covering everything from their famous dishes and locations to operating hours and frequently asked questions.

1. The Riverside Grill – New York, NY:

• Location: Nestled along the Hudson River with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline.
• Famous Dishes: Try the Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce or the Lobster Ravioli.
• Operating Hours: Open for lunch and dinner, Monday to Sunday.
• Nestled against the backdrop of the iconic Manhattan skyline, The Riverside Grill offers a culinary escape along the Hudson River. Delight your palate with the Grilled Salmon adorned with Lemon Butter Sauce or indulge in the richness of Lobster Ravioli. This establishment opens its doors for lunch and dinner, ensuring you can savor its delectable offerings seven days a week.

2. Riverfront Bistro – Charleston, SC:

• Location: Overlooking the scenic Ashley River, providing a charming Lowcountry atmosphere.
• Famous Dishes: Indulge in the Shrimp and Grits or the Southern Fried Chicken.
• Operating Hours: Open seven days a week, serving brunch on weekends.
• Immerse yourself in the charm of the Lowcountry as you dine at Riverfront Bistro, overlooking the Ashley River. Signature dishes like Shrimp and Grits and Southern Fried Chicken showcase the restaurant’s commitment to Southern culinary traditions. Open throughout the week, with brunch served on weekends, Riverfront Bistro invites you to experience the warmth of its hospitality.

3. Waterside Grill – San Francisco, CA:

• Location: Situated along the Embarcadero with stunning views of the Bay Bridge.
• Famous Dishes: Don’t miss the Dungeness Crab Cakes or the Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bread Bowl.
• Operating Hours: Open for lunch and dinner, closed on Mondays.
• At Waterside Grill, located along the Embarcadero, patrons are treated to stunning views of the Bay Bridge. The menu boasts culinary treasures such as Dungeness Crab Cakes and Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bread Bowl. This waterfront gem welcomes guests for lunch and dinner, with Mondays as its day of rest.

4. Riverside Tavern – Austin, TX:

• Location: Located on the banks of the Colorado River, offering a laid-back Texan vibe.
• Famous Dishes: Savor the Texas BBQ Platter or the Pecan-Crusted Catfish.
• Operating Hours: Open for dinner from Tuesday to Sunday.
• Enjoy a laid-back Texan vibe at Riverside Tavern, perched on the banks of the Colorado River. Signature dishes include the Texas BBQ Platter and Pecan-Crusted Catfish. Open for dinner from Tuesday to Sunday, this establishment beckons with the promise of Southern hospitality and savory delights.

5. The River’s Edge – Portland, OR:

• Location: Boasting a waterfront setting along the Willamette River.
• Famous Dishes: Enjoy the Northwest Seafood Linguine or the Grilled Oregon Lamb Chops.
• Operating Hours: Open for lunch and dinner, closed on Mondays.
• The River’s Edge, situated along the Willamette River, captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest. Delight in the Northwest Seafood Linguine or savor the Grilled Oregon Lamb Chops. Open for lunch and dinner, with Mondays marked as a day of closure, this restaurant offers a fusion of flavors amid breathtaking views.

6. Harbor Lights – Providence, RI:

• Location: Overlooking the Narragansett Bay, offering a maritime-inspired dining experience.
• Famous Dishes: Try the Lobster Mac ‘n’ Cheese or the Rhode Island-style Calamari.
• Operating Hours: Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.
• Overlooking the Narragansett Bay, Harbor Lights creates a maritime-inspired dining experience. Signature dishes such as Lobster Mac ‘n’ Cheese and Rhode Island-style Calamari showcase the best of New England flavors. Operating seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Harbor Lights invites you to explore the richness of its culinary offerings.

7. Riverwalk Café – San Antonio, TX:

• Location: Situated along the famous River Walk, providing a lively and vibrant atmosphere.
• Famous Dishes: Indulge in the Chicken Tortilla Soup or the Riverwalk Ribeye.
• Operating Hours: Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Along the famous River Walk, the Riverwalk Café provides a lively and vibrant atmosphere. From the Chicken Tortilla Soup to the Riverwalk Ribeye, the menu caters to diverse tastes. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this café ensures you can savor its offerings at any time of the day.

8. The Boathouse – Orlando, FL:

• Location: Offering lakeside dining at Disney Springs, perfect for a magical meal.
• Famous Dishes: Dive into the Cedar Plank-roasted Salmon or the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes.
• Operating Hours: Open daily for lunch and dinner.
• For a magical dining experience, head to The Boathouse at Disney Springs. Lakeside dining is elevated with dishes like Cedar Plank-roasted Salmon and Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes. Open daily for lunch and dinner, this restaurant combines culinary excellence with the enchantment of Disney.

9. River’s End – Jenner, CA:

• Location: Perched on a bluff overlooking the Russian River meeting the Pacific Ocean.
• Famous Dishes: Feast on the Grilled Local King Salmon or the Dungeness Crab Cakes.
• Operating Hours: Open for dinner, closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Perched on a bluff overlooking the Russian River meeting the Pacific Ocean, River’s End offers a sensory delight. Grilled Local King Salmon and Dungeness Crab Cakes are among the culinary treasures waiting to be savored. Open for dinner, with closure on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, this restaurant invites you to experience coastal elegance.

10. Riverside Café – Milwaukee, WI:

1. Location: Situated on the Milwaukee River with a lively riverfront patio.
2. Famous Dishes: Sample the Beer-Battered Walleye or the Wisconsin Bratwurst Platter.
3. Operating Hours: Open for lunch and dinner, closed on Sundays.
4. With a lively riverfront patio, Riverside Café in Milwaukee offers an inviting atmosphere. Beer-Battered Walleye and Wisconsin Bratwurst Platter showcase the flavors of the region. Open for lunch and dinner, closed on Sundays, this café beckons with a menu that reflects the heart of the Midwest.

FAQs About Best Riverside Restaurants in the US

Q1: Are reservations required at these riverside restaurants?

A1: While some establishments recommend reservations, others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s advisable to check with the specific restaurant for their policy.

Q2: Do these restaurants cater to dietary restrictions?

A2: Yes, most riverside restaurants are accommodating to dietary restrictions. It’s best to inform the staff of any specific requirements when making a reservation or upon arrival.

Q3: Are these restaurants family-friendly?

A3: Many riverside restaurants are family-friendly, with kid-friendly menus and a welcoming atmosphere. However, it’s recommended to check with the individual restaurant for their family-friendly offerings.

Conclusion on Riverside Restaurants in the US

In conclusion, the 10 best riverside restaurants in the United States present a tapestry of culinary excellence woven with scenic splendor. Whether you seek a romantic evening, a family-friendly outing, or a solo gastronomic adventure, these establishments promise an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit, immerse yourself in the beauty of riverside dining, and let the flavors and views captivate your senses. Each restaurant is a chapter in the story of culinary exploration, inviting you to partake in the perfect union of great food and stunning landscapes.