River Room Restaurant & Tavern

I have been dining at the River Room for over 7 years now. It's always yummy. Shrimp and Grits are always a great choice. Service is never lacking.

Pros: Yummie!

Posted 09/20/09

My husband and I ate at River Room the day before Valentines and the food was excellent! I had the duck which was perfectly cooked and my husband has the shrimp and grits which were equally good. The service was wonderful--very helpful and attentive. If River Room was a moderately priced restaurant, I would of given it 5 stars. But when a restaurant charges high-end prices than I will have high-end expectations. The bar area smelled like a place a smoker goes to die. Can you still smoke in restaurants?? I thought that was illegal. The decor was awful! The first thing you see when you walk in is a huge arrangement of dusty FAKE flowers, ughhh. It's the day before Valentines, get an arrangement of real flowers. The dining area looked like something out of the 90's. And it was a bit too bright. Minor complaints, I know, but a restaurant's atmosphere is important when people are shelling out big bucks for a meal. I think it would be helpful to the owner to go to a restaurant like Trois or Parkers (in Decatur) to see what high-end decor should look like.

Pros: good food

Cons: ambience, smelled like smoke

Posted 02/14/09

I have been to the River Room literally hundreds and hundreds of times. It is a regular hangout for me and my friends after a good run by the Chattahoochee River after which this restaurant is named. Mind you there is no view of the river but only the surrounding apartment complex. No ordinary complex, this is a luxury, high end condo/apartment set up which has plenty of flavor on its own. The bar area is a great hang out with plenty of bar space and tables. On the weekends expect some live music. Plenty of regulars but also newbies. The restaurant side is very different, very high class. Then there is the food. Spectacularly good. I have enjoyed everything on the menu including the sides and I would recommend it all. Try the fish - it doesn't come from the Chattahoochee - the halibut and the tuna are great. Have the bartender whip you up a Manhattan or a Cosmopolitan and you'll be set.

Pros: Great hideaway meeting spot.

Cons: Weekends will be crowded.

Posted 01/21/09

My boyfriend and I went to the River Room for our anniversary last night and it was AMAZING. Not only was the food delicious, but the service was top notch and so was the atmosphere. Outside the restaurant was the beautifully decorated square with tons of Christmas Lights. I would highly recommend the yellowfin Tuna...Rare. This is by far in my top 3 best restaurants I have ever been to.. This place was so good that I wrote a review..which I dont think I have ever done :)

Pros: Great food, Great service, Great Atmosphere!

Cons: The valet guy was very slow, but the restaurant doesnt employ him :)

Posted 11/28/08

My girlfriend and I recently dined at the river room for dinner. Our experience was fantastic (for lack of a better word.) We were promptly greeted by our server ( Andre), and had a wonderful time with him. He answered every question we had about the food and wine list. Overall, we had such a great time, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to have a great dining experience. Highly recommend the halibut....it was so good, i got one to take home with me for the next day's lunch...hahahaha.

Pros: food, service, atmosphere, the outdoor dining, and a tavern you can smoke in!!!!

Cons: n/a

Posted 04/17/08

I took my mother to the River Room recently for her birthday and we had a great time. Right when you walk in the door the hostess was smiling and ready to take us to our table. Our server was excellent. You could tell she knew everything and then some about the menus (including the enormous wine list) and answered all our questions. All the food tasted great and was cooked perfectly. And at the end of our meal our server even brought out a special birthday plate with her name on it (I had mentioned it while making the reservation) and took our picture then printed our own copy. We had a blast! Afterwards we popped into the bar for another drink and the bartenders were a lot of fun. Highly recommend for any occasion!

Posted 04/07/08

I visited the River Room the other night for a business dinner and had a absolutely wonderful time. Our sever was outgoing and very friendly. She also helped us choose a great wine, because we really knew nothing about wine. I had the calamari and it was some of the best i have ever had as was the salmon. After dining we moved the the tavern were we got to watch the braves game on plasma tv that seemed to be on every wall. I will come back and bring friends next time.

Pros: Plasma TV (A lot of them)

Posted 04/06/08

My family and I dined at the River Room yesterday for Easter Sunday and we loved it! It was our first time at the restaurant and I heard about it from a co-worker of mine. Unfortunately we weren't able to get a reservation until 3:30pm (they were fully booked earlier) but nevertheless it was good. I was very impressed with the location and we took advantage of the beautiful scenery and took family pictures before our meal. The service was great and the buffet had a nice variety of items that even my picky four year old indulged! Kudos to the manager who was extremely friendly and even the Chef who came out to greet us. My husband and I will definitely be back for a date night! Thank you.

Pros: complimentary valet parking

Cons: can't think of any

Posted 03/23/08

My wife and I tried River Room for the first time yesterday (Valentine's Day) for the $80/person pre-fixe (without alcohol). I don't know about normal days, but we found the service to be slow (we were there for three hours in large part because of waiting for the food in between plates), there were too many tables packed into the room we were placed into, and the food was either bad (oily, etc.) or mediocre at its best. Aside from the wedge salad, there was nothing that was anywhere near worth the price. We have enjoyed restaurants twice as much for half the price. We will not be returning.

Pros: Nice ambiance outside the restaurant (all the streets are booming with lights)

Cons: Cost, slow service, mediocre food

Posted 02/14/08

I made reservations over the internet (easy for busy diner). We were met at valet service immediately, and greeted by both the hostess and a male employee (maybe co-owner?). He checked our coats and sat us by one of the big, beautiful windows for the spectacular view of the trees in the courtyard (lit with thousands of white lights for the holidays). I had requested a nice seat when I booked the reservations and they really came through. Our server seemed to really enjoy her job, and informed us of the evening's special. I began with the pumpkin soup and LOVED it! It was thick and flavorful and just the right temperature. For my main course, I enjoyed the chilean sea bass over sauteed spinich, cheese grits and a strawberry sauce. These combinations seemed so opposite, yet they worked together to create such an explosion of flavor, that I could not believe it! My husband enjoyed a ceaser salad, and the grilled lamb chops. He has not been exposed to lamb that much in his lifetime, but your lamb chops far out shine any I've ever tasted. I mentioned in my email that we were celebrating my husband's birthday, and before we ordered dessert, our server brought out a chocolate mousse creation with a candle, and "Happy Birthday" spelled out in dark chocolate on the plate. We both ordered desserts (Dark chocolate brownie tort with ice cream, and he had a wildberry mousse with mango-strawberry coulis) and thoroughly enjoyed them. When we were ready to leave, our valet had our car ready to go at the door. My husband and I always celbrate birthdays and our anniversary at fine dining establishments, and we will be returning to the River Room. Thanks for a fabulous evening-by the way, did I mention that one of the female employees (another co-owner?) personally welcomed us to the restaurant and wished my husband a heartfelt happy birthday? We've been to other restaurants in Atlanta that don't put that much effort into greeting their customers. YOU NEED TO EAT THERE!

Pros: Valet Parking, Ambience, Attention to detail

Cons: couldn't find any!

Posted 01/01/08

Every year we celebrate with tradition and the River Room is our place to enjoy the holidays. I have been bringing my family to the River Room for the past 5 years for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. We all enjoy it tremendously. This year we celebrated Thanksgiving at the River Room and are looking forward for Christmas dinner after church. Bill the GM always delight us with his hospitality and kindness and Chef Joseph is so talente that we enjoy his creations. Their staff is so wonderful as well. If you have not yet tried the River Room for any day of the week or for the holiday's you are missing a lot. Driving into the Post Riverside property is like driving into Wonderland. The lights, curbs, and decoration is out of this world. The River Room is the anchor place on top of that hill to enjoy and be delighted.

Posted 12/11/07

I won't be celebrating anything here EVER again. Where has all the friendliness gone?

$39.95 for 1 plate? I thought that we could get extra servings for the price. Management didn't seem to care---female forgot her name, but NOT nice at all. It wasn't very busy when we were there, now I know why.

Pros: This place needs to close.

Cons: Bland, boring food. No one here seems to care about the customers concerns.

Posted 11/25/07

Went to River Room for my birthday with my family and friends. Wanted to try a new restaurant and had read about this one. It was well worth the drive! The restaurant was comfortable and ambiance both inside and out were elegant. Everyone enjoyed their entrees but the standout was the Scallop with polenta. Outstanding. Beautiful plate honoring my birthday and delicious dessert to share. We would go back.

Pros: Ambience, food selection, quality of food and presentation.

Cons: Some of the entrees were better than others, service good but not over the top.

Posted 11/02/07

We had a family birthday party with about 30 people. What a GREAT spot. The Private Banquet room was perfect. The service was superba nd all of the food was excellent! Try this place for a romantic evening! Really fun! Great location and really good drinks....

Posted 10/31/07

The River Room is an excellent restaurant, the service is excellent and the atmosphere is top notch. They have an excellent selection of food that has a taste of it's own! They also have an excellent wine list to choose from and they make some of the best mixed drinks in town. I have been there for many special events and if you are looking for a classy place for a big occasion I definitely recommend it! They also have a really cool side bar with tv's and solid bartenders. Go there and you will not be disappointed*****

Posted 07/10/07

I recently took a date to the River Room and was treated with exceptional service. The chef chose a bottle of wine that paired extremely well with the entire meal. Afterward, we were treated to a desert that was out of this world. My date (and I) left very impressed!

Pros: Abmience, menu, overall dining experience

Posted 07/10/07

Having dinned here on a Wednesday night, we might have had it good with the reservation and amount of people. I called two days ahead to plan a 7 o clock dinner reservation for our anniversary just in case. While on the phone, I was asked if we were dining for a special occasion, so I told the hostess it was our 6 year anniversary. When we arrived, we were swiftly seated and also asked if we would prefer a booth, table, or to be seated outside. Our server, Brooke, was excellent. She was very kind, courteous, and quick with menus, refills, our food, and check. I would recommend her to anyone who plans on dining here! We ordered calamari and the usual bread to start, and steak for the main course. Both were excellent, and you can choose any side you wish from the menu; entrees come with 2. Brooke was informed by the staff that it was our anniversary so she took a moment to congratulate us and give us well wishes. If you're celebrating something, desert is complimentary. We decided to have the cookie dough cheesecake, which was incredible. The chef wrote "Happy 6 Year Anniversary" on the top if the plate with chocolate; how it looked so neat is beyond me, I know I would definitely make a mess trying to do that. They also put a candle in the cheesecake. It was hand delivered to our table by the manager and he also congratulated us. In addition to the dessert, they also took our picture which they put in a bi-fold car for us to keep. Overall, the River Room was excellent. Everything including the staff, our server, the food, and the dessert and photo was wonderful. It made for a great anniversary dinner and was well worth the $70 tab before tip. I chose this over Canoe, which we have yet to visit, and was definitely not disappointed whatsoever. I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone, even if its for business or just have a taste for something other than the local restaurants. The bar has a different menu with burgers and such. Thank you River Room!

Posted 05/01/07

I've been to the River Room many times over the last few years, and every time I walk away with a smile on my face. The food is amazing from start to finish and the service is always great. It has a nice upscale atmosphere without being presumptuous. An excellent place for a date, guaranteed to impress.

Pros: Ambience, Food, Bar, Service

Posted 04/29/07

About every three months, my best friend of 57 years, and I spend a weekend in Atlanta. The first time we got together we went to the River Room for Sunday brunch. We have been back on every "girl weekend". Every staff member is gracious and serves you in a timely manner. The food is WONDERFUL! On one of our visits, they found out it was my birthday week. The owner and head Chef brought out a special dessert and the hostess took our picture. They made a copy for me and my friend. WE LOVE River Room!!

Posted 04/06/07

It was my family's first time to go for Sunday brunch. We were seated upon arrival and the waitress was quick and attentive. Our food was beautifully served and was exact to our requests. I usually have to send the bacon back to have it cooked more, but, my bacon was perfect! My mother-in-law said it was the best bacon she had had in a long time at a restaurant. The side orders were very generous. My belgian waffle was cooked without very crispy sides as in some restaurants.We also enjoyed the omelettes and potatoes. We left satisfied and full. The atmosphere is friendly and seating is comfortable. We are looking forward to our next visit.

Pros: Seating comfortable, friendly staff, excellent food

Cons: no problems

Posted 03/20/07

My wife and I go out very frequently by ourselves or with friends and clients. The River Room is among our best and favorite restaurants in Atlanta. We always feel welcomed and well served. It is the ideal place for a nice evening out. You can be casually dressed or dress up more. Parking is never a problem. There is valet parking in addition to ample self park areas. The dinning room is nice and comfortable. The tavern area is always a welcome place to have a nice drink, watch the big screens or just meet people. When the weather is nice, sitting on the patio is like being in a resort. The fountain is so pleasant sometimes we don't want to leave. If you want to enjoy a nice meal, excellent service, great ambience, the River Room is always a great destination.

Pros: Service, food, ambience, parking

Posted 02/23/07

We went here with a large group for a Sunday brunch. First of all, it was about 29 degrees outside and they left us waiting OUTSIDE for 30 minutes, even though we made arrangements about 3 weeks ahead of time. Then, the service was just bad. Some members of our group were served within 45 minutes and others did not get served for over an hour. When we were served, the food was average and the portions were small. My recommendation: go to Waffle House and save yourself $20.

Pros: the pretty space

Cons: price vs food value, service

Posted 02/17/07

My husband, mom, brother and his wife and children and I went to River Room for brunch for our 1st visit and it was wonderful! The food was excellent and the service great. We've been back a couple of times and it's just as good each time we go. They have a great little patio I can't wait to use when the weather is nice.

Posted 01/28/07

I took my boyfriend to the River Room for his birthday. We were seated immediately and the food was excellent--especially the crab cakes. The drinks were NOT weak and the customer service was wonderful. I recommend this restaurant for the lunch and/or dinner. We utilitzed the bar where a gentlemen played wonderful tunes on the piano. Yes, we intend to visit this restaurant next month. It is definitely a "10" in our book.

Pros: Dining, Ambience, Valet Parking

Cons: You do not want to leave!!!!

Posted 08/28/06

Fine cuisine in a beautiful setting. Very reasonable prices. Highly recommended even with children.

Posted 04/29/06

We went to this place on a regular weekday. The service and food was good.
However one slightly unusual fact re: the entre. The Steak came with No sides. . Strange as I have seen steaks accompanied by at least one side at most places.
Either way, The food and the environment were just awesome!!
The restaurant also accomodated us on some special requests so KUDOS BILL!! Thanks!

Also look for free parking just behind the restaurant, incase Valet is not available.

Pros: excellent service, good food

Posted 11/04/05

The monthly wine tasting diner is first class all the way. Everything was fabulous from the wine to the food to the ambiance. The service was top shelf and the level of attention that we received went above and beyond the call. This is a great place to have diner or even just for drinks. Parking is ample; the location is great if you are in Marietta, Vinings or Smryna. It is a well kept secret on the square.

Pros: Food Quality, Service, Decor/Ambiance

Cons: No Cigars at Bar

Posted 09/28/05

This restaurant is worth the trip from any part of the city. I attended a 6 course Wine Dinner and enjoyed the whole experience. Some unique and tasty dishes, great service from the chef and the waitstaff and nice atmosphere.

I am heading back to check out the new Sunday brunch!!

Pros: good parking & valet, variety on menu, live music

Posted 09/20/05

We live a couple of blocks away and this place is great to get away to and avoid traffic and all the hassles that come with eating out in trendier areas. Come here to sit outside and enjoy a terrific dinner.

Posted 02/17/05

An excellent restaurant - we enjoyed for the first time tonight: a pretty drive, a cozy location, and casual drinks at the bar with good music from the guy with the guitar. A happening spot on a Saturday night with just the right size crowd. Our waiter - Troy - was full of great factoids about the menu, the restaurant itself, and even some movie reviews! We had a little of everything: the mussels are good, but the calamari with soy sauce is to die for. The steaks are great, and the fish dishes couldn't be more delicious. All in all, a wonderful time for dinner with friends or a date. Just tell them they should keep the outside lights up full time - they add so much to the already great ambience!

Pros: atmosphere, service, food

Posted 01/21/05

Wow - hidden away in the Post Riverside - Great Bar - great steaks - great seafood - pretty people and regular folks enjoying nice food - nice wine - in a very nice setting- worth the trip over to Vinings -!!! Do not stand in line to get god food when you can enjoy top tier Atlanta food at the River Room -

Pros: Value, Casual, Seafood

Posted 07/11/04