I read the mixed reviews and was a little leery of going for lunch. I went with a friend on a beautiful sunny day and am I glad I did. We both had the Blackened Grilled fish tacos. They came with a scoop of cole slaw and a bag of chips. Hand cut fries can be substituted for $1.00 extra. I was tempted but I'm glad I didn't because I was very full with just the tacos. The blackened seasoning was not overwhelming and the tacos were delicious. Our server, Sebastian, was very helpful and friendly. I guess I could deduct a star because of the small bit of water view but it was still a nice day to eat outside. I wouldn't hesitate to go back. read more

River Grill - Fish tacos - Seafood Near Me - Tonawanda, New York

I didn't realize having a service animal would create such animosity here nor did I realize it would pigeon hole us where we can sit in the blazing sun when there's so much covered patio space. Not only that but the food was mediocre. There's too many solid places to eat to waste time here. read more

I was not a fan of the restaurant on my recent first visit. We, like many people, saw the restaurant from the thruway and said we should try it. Last week we decided to do just that. We walked in to the restaurant and the band was rocking, so we decided go out to the patio. When we first walked out to the patio area it looked mellow, spaced out and relaxed. This was unfortunately not the dining area like I originally thought, but maybe the bar area. When we were finally seated on the real patio it was loud, packed tight like a can of sardines and directly next to the parking lot. Not ideal for a meal. We ordered a combo which consisted of a half a chicken and half a rack of ribs. We were informed about 5 minutes later that there wasn't half a chicken, but the did have bbq chicken breast. We said that was fine. About 10 minutes later, we were told they were out of ribs and that we would need to order something else. We decided on wings and spinach and artichoke dip. After 30/40 additional minutes our food came out. The dip was ok, it seemed to be your average pre-made dip. The wings were cooked well crispy, but not burned. There cajun. Wings were good, but the mild were bland. Service outside of what could be blamed on the kitchen wasn't too good. My plan is not to return if I can help it. As a side note, even in the back in the mellow area the view is not what you would expect. It is just a view of the marina, with very limited water views. read more

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BEAUTIFUL location and everyone who ordered meat or seafood was extremely happy with their food. There were no vegan options so I got a salad without cheese (why there is cheese on the salad I don't know), and it was terrible. Truly the worst salad I've ever had. But honestly, it was a fun spot and I can't expect vegan food everywhere I go. read more

You've seen the neon palm tree draped over the Niagara section of the thruway for forever. Finally last summer, I got curious and ventured in. What you have is a restaurant that doesn't take itself too seriously. Laid back to the point of almost being in a coma, it's not the venue for a quick bite to eat. If you enjoy a little people watching and taking your time over informal fare, you'll do okay. Another review mentioned crab cakes with faux crab, that doesn't suprise me as you can only imagine how expensive they would be otherwise. The River Grill is a fine venue for refreshing adult beverages and straightforward stuff like their fish frys. You're seated at picnic tables, so that should tell you that no michelin stars are going to be awarded any time soon. But two people can eat well with approriate adult beverages and an earful of decent soul and r&b classics on a sunday afternoon. It ain't the cordon bleu, but that's okay. Good food, cold drinks, along the water, that worked for me today. read more

Amazing venue for live music....always top shelf...excellent atmosphere, excellent food!! Jimmy and Patty know how to throw a party! See you there! read more

Worst service, I have ever had. Hostess never called my name went by what I was wearing, needless to say I put a jacket on and she assumed I left-wrong. Well I put that aside because ots beautiful out and it happens-i guess. Well we get to the table and th3 server doesnt come for 20 minutes and the first thing she says is "sorry I was digging through the garbage for a check." If I didnt love their food I would've walked out. My damn, how do people not think before they talk. BAR SERVICE WAS AMAZING THOUGH. read more

5 months ago, September...copied from my Google review The food had always been good, i have always enjoyed lunches here by the river and until this past Friday i would have recommended RG heartily, but the "waiting list" policy on the weekends is for the birds. We had a party of 9, including out of town guests. We knew that there were no reservations on the weekends. We contacted RG on Thursday night to inquire about the best way to deal with the wait list and when to call to make sure we were on the list and would be seated promptly bc we knew we were a big party that would take up allot of tables. A woman told us 3:00 for a 6:30 arrival. We called at 3:00 Friday and the man who answered said that whomever we had spoken too must have been confused bc it was too early for a waiting list and that we should call back at 5:30. We called at 5:30 and were told that there was no wait and therefore no list; call when you're 15 minutes away. We called shortly after 6:00, on our way early for our 6:30 arrival, and were told by the woman who answered the phone that there was no wait list. What luck! We arrived at 6:20, the parking lot and street were PACKED and the woman with the TWO PAGE LONG wait list said we should have called ahead bc there had been a list since 5:00 and our wait would be an hour or more! We said that we had called and her only response was, "Well i don't know who you talked to but..." We put our party of 9 at the bottom of the list and immediately tried to find somewhere else to go. Meanwhile, I called again to ask if there was a wait list and was told "Yes, since 5:00." When I asked why that hadn't been the message when we called 20 minutes ago, she replied "That's how quickly we fill up on a Friday. You should have called when you were on your way." Jumping up and down in the parking lot, I said, "THAT'S WHAT WE DID!" Her curt response, "I'll ask you not to tell at me sir." "You have to understand how frustrating this is, don't you? I am bringing 9 ppl that are going to eat and drink in your restaurant and the wait list that didn't exist when we called 20 minutes ago because that's how quickly you fill up on a Friday has actually existed for almost an hour and a half!" "I don't know what you want me to do for you, sir, this is our policy on the weekend. Are you on the list now?" OMG! Get it together RG! If you're going to implement this insane policy then at least do so consistently. Have a single point of contact who knows what they're talking about! Or take reservations for larger parties only or something. Readers: I recommend the Bommerang Bar and Grill on Niagara St. They don't have a River view, a band or a day-glow palm tree but they have food they're willing to serve a large party upon request. read more

When we arrived we were seated right away which was nice. Our server came right over and introduced herself, we ordered two apps and a fish fry, along with two drinks. I guess you could say things went bad from there because when the apps came out the nice experience went out the window. The Clams Casino were really bad, like, the worst I've ever had. Undercooked and oddly flavored were the two things that come to mind, so of course I didn't eat them. My hubby forced down two and was like I can't do it. That left 2 1/2 out of 5 on the plate. The server never asked why we didn't eat them, and came and took them away without any questions. The other app was decent, shrimp on a skewer so they get that as a positive. Next came the waiting game, we waited about 30 minutes for the fish fry. When it came more disappointment came with it, mushy and watery fish is never good, and since we were sharing it we both agreed something was amiss and stopped eating the fish, the sides were edible so there's that. The big issue was the waitress seemed to know, but didn't care. I can't support that. You can't always be on point, but you should always recognize when someone isn't happy. We didn't complain, paid the bill and left, I guess I should of said something myself but I don't like to fuss. I'll say we won't go back to be fair. Kind of a bummer too because it's a cool place. read more

Small but popular patio, fills up fast so get there early or go later. Live music every day. Seasonal place right on water ( part of the marina ). Parking stinks but worth the walk. Food is "ok" so just grab some clams and a beer and enjoy the music on the water. read more

Great music place. Real local bands. Went there for drinks reasonable prices. Older crowd so felt very comfortable. Tucked away, parking can be difficult but worth it. read more

I love going to the River Grill on sunny summer afternoons or warm evenings. The food is a little pricey and the service from the bar is usually slow but when the sun is shining and there's live music playing what's the diff! This last visit I had the clams Casino and the Jimmy steak sandwich. It was the first time I've had little neck clams that way and they were excellent. The steak sandwich had a stuffed Hungarian pepper covered with cheese on top of a nicely cooked 1" thick steak. The flavor was excellent and it was cooked medium from end to end. Not an easy task with a hunk of meat that thick. The drinks were cold, the food was tasty, the music was cool. Good enough for me. read more

We went to the grill last night, after perusing many different menus online, for an anniversary dinner. Being a beautiful night, it was busy so we were told it would be an hour wait. So, we went to the bar and hung out there. The female bartender was very friendly and attentive, can't ask for more from your tender. Once we were seated, it was a bit cramped, but it worked. We ordered bacon wrapped bbq shrimp and the clam/mussels pot. Both were tasty, although I've had better mussels. Our entrees came quickly, and were wonderful. I had the fisherman's platter, broiled fish, scallops and shrimp. And my husband had the walleye special. Waitress was quick and attentive, and I will definitely return! read more

Food was good. Service was good. Just stopped in for lunch on a nice summer day. Nice location overall and I would return because I had a good meal and nice overall experience. What I ordered was good but nothing spectacular. It's a good place at a nice location. It does seem like it would be a nice place to get drinks at if you're in the area. read more

This is clearly a bar first and a restaurant second. We went here for lunch. I had the fish tacos which were absolutely disgusting. I couldn't even eat one of them. Additionally they only had two servers working for a full house of people eating, very poor management. The people I were with ordered frozen drinks, and there was too much ice in them. Would not go here again, and would not recommend. read more

Made a reservation for 6:30 had to wait in line. Got to the reception at 6:35 and they gave our table away. Horrible disgusting lady at the reception area. read more

The service here is the absolute worst!! I have never had to constantly ask for service... a second plate... a second drink... a check. Omg! Please don't go to this restaurant... the food doesn't make up for such a horrific experience read more

River Grill is my favorite Spot, I have been coming back for several years, During the summer season, The food is great and you will find really good music 7 nights a week, Kim really does an exceptional job Serving, from taking your order to making sure you have drinks and anything you need, I highly recommend it the River Grill read more

Went to celebrate an 80th birthday with party of 7. Called in advance to make certain ok to bring a cake. APPROVED !! 2 in the party arrived 20 minutes early and were seated right away. In 1 hour 20 minutes we were advised our time was up and had to surrender the table. Could only keep table for 1 1/2 hours as posted at hostess station (did not notice that on line)!! What party this size can order, receive and consume food and drinks and serve and eat a Birthday cake in an hour and one half ?? We hadn't even finished our dinner, let alone cut and serve a cake!! Served it up real quick, left the table, found a spare chair by the bar for our 80 year old guest, within 10 minutes it started to rain!!! We had to leave! Happy Birthday!!!!!!! I know they were busy but we WERE spending money on food and drinks and left a very decent tip in spite of it all--will not repeat !!!! Food JUST OK !!! read more

Went there this weekend and have been there in the past. The bartender on the inside has a real attitude, if he hates his job he should go work somewhere else. Poor customer service! read more

I am going to be blunt - this place sucks. After seeing it a hundred times off the thru-way, and with its neon signs and colorful atmosphere, it draws you in and you can't WAIT to try it out. Well, needless to say the menu items are way over priced and really aren't that special. The service is beyond words. It took 45 minutes to order and receive an appetizer, some cajun style fried shrimp, and basically never received our dinner because after 2 1/2 hours, we got tired of waiting. The waiter was pretty attentive for the first 1 1/2 hours and even gave us a free drink, and kept appoligizing for the way. But by the 2 hour mark, he basically disappeard..finally, after that, we waited a bit longer and ended up tallying what we owed, dropped some $$ on the table and left, pissed off. Full of amature service and amature food. I usually like giving everything a 2nd try, but when service sucks, it sucks, and I don't bother going back. read more

LOVE THIS PLACE !!! Love the burger and fish fry . Steamer platter is huge and fresh ! Also the freshest tasting raw clams in WNY.

This restaurant did not live up to my expectations. The atmosphere is cool being near the water but you weren't next to the water as we had imagined. You're sitting right next to a marina and the smell of gasoline was very prominent. There is also only outside seating so keep that in mind. The food was definitely subpar. The appetizers (we ordered fried pickles and calamari) were very delicious and awesome. The main dishes my friends and I ordered were not inspiring which is why we will probably not ever go back. The shrimp scampi lacked flavor, the mahi mahi was over cooked and dry and the scallops were unimpressive. The salads were good. This place is definitely not a go-to. read more

My 1st time at River Grill. Drove from Toronto on U.S. Memorial day and it was WORTH the 1.5 hour drive each way! The food was very good. I had their fish fry and the wife had the Grouper. She also loved her meal and the entertainment. The patron's are very friendly and its like a big family. The staff are very polite and courteous. Will I go back?? Within the next 3 days. Yeah, the River Grill is that good! read more

This the most unwelcoming place I have ever been to. Went to see a buddies band and because we were not drinking. So we decided to get something to eat and they if there was only two of us we would have to move. The place is overpriced and not welcoming at all read more

please, drive past this place! ordered the pina colada shrimp, was battered in cement and covered with some sweet coconut sauce, Gross. also had the seafood chowder, they must have opened a can of stewed tomatoes, added frozen (3) shrimp minced clams and 3 small frozen scallops.... did not know a place like this could stay in business. Our waitress was excellent! read more

Great place for a summer dinner! We got the spinach artichoke dip and for dinner I got the Fruitti di Mare. Amazing. Usually I'm weary to order a pasta and seafood dish but there was almost more seafood than pasta! They also had live music throughout dinner too. Will definitely be back. read more

I'm a huge fan. A little pricy and a bit small but for a place on th water with great seafood and live bands its a winner in my eyes. I've had almost everything on the menu and have no complaints. They don't take reservation but we called them a hour early with a party of 12 and they set us up right on the patio on a Friday night whilel they were busy. Treat yourself and go!!!!! read more

Last night was my first time visiting the River Grill and it was a beautiful evening for dinner by the water. We were seated quickly by a friendly hostess, and our server came right over to set our table and take our drink orders. I felt like it took her a while to come back with our drinks, but we were in no rush, so it didn't matter. We ordered the calamari and the fried pickles as appetizers and both were out of this world. The calamari was very fresh and both were served very hot. We each ordered a fish fry with fries, because I had heard such wonderful things about the fresh cut fries. Unfortunately, the fries were cut too thin, more like a shoestring, and way over cooked for our liking. The fish was very fresh, breaded rather than batter dipped, and cooked perfectly. They serve cod and I prefer haddock, but it was still good. It was also served with both coleslaw and macaroni salad which were also very tasty. One thing I wasn't happy with was I was out of water when our server brought our dinner and she never asked if I wanted another, but that isn't a deal breaker for me, as it was very busy on the patio. Overall, I would say our experience wasn't a bad one and I look forward to returning to try one of their many other menu dishes. read more

Good crab cakes. Service was good also. Here on a Thursday night had a blues band playing.

If you have a lot of time to spare this place is for you! Don't come thirsty or hungry the service is horrible! Waited over 30 minutes after placing our order for our food to arrive. On the bright side the food was good. read more

I found this place by riding on the back path. I decided to give a try. They have an extended menu and the food is good. I've ordered a variety of items over the years and they have consistently served great food. Live music 7 days a week, which is great. It tends to get an older crowd and the motorcycle set. But cool to boot. I was waiting for a table recently on a packed Sunday and overheard an older couple at the indoor bar complaining that "they" are everywhere." Well, they were complaining because the were people of different ethnicities in the place. Really??? Wow. Perhaps they should spend time with their own kind, you know, Nazi's/skinheads or something. Get over your bigoted selves. But back on topic: great place, but you'll have an hour wait on weekends. read more

We love going here. It feels like we were on an island, down south. Great food. Coconut shrimp is the best.

We've been coming here for years as a family and we have always had very good food and very good service (although it can be slow when they're really busy). As far as the prices, they are a little more expensive, but we usually get 2 or 3 things and share it as a family and it feeds all 5 of us with food to take home. We love their clams and mussels. read more

Just have to say wow - our family came here for lunch. We had fish tacos with cajun grouper, wedge salad with mahi mahi and the kids with 2 BLTs and burger. We are big foodies and this satisfied all of us!!! Sebastian was our server and he is probably one of the best servers in buffalo. Price was perfect and for feeding 5 with beverages - under 75.00!!! Great food awesome view and super service!! read more

I have been in buffalo for 5 yrs from Fredonia I have been wanting to go here for quite sum time I brought my mom yesterday for Mother's Day n we were both very disappointed with the service beretta unorganized staff after me being served 1st n my mom not getting her food for at least 10 min after me 3 dif servers brought our food never asked if we needed anything I had to hunt sum1 down 3 times to get stuff we needed then we went out on the deck to smoke our waitress decided to find us hand us our bill cleans our table n sat new people not letting us finish our drinks on our table or asking for dessert so we decided instead of complaining to leave we enter the building multiple workers passed us without asking if we needed help as we stood there obviously confused then iur original server entered looked at us and proceeded to write a dif tables bill then looked up n said oh there u are I was wondering y you were staining at me I handed her the check with money n left it was the worst service iv ever received read more

River Grill - Seafood Near Me - Tonawanda, New York

Enjoyed a very relaxing and quite delicious dinner at your restaurant last night... Our waitress/server was very pleasant and very accomodating. We will most certainly be back!! Thank You. read more

I love this place but my first visit this year was very disappointing. Great location, great ambiance, great entertainment, but the reason I went there was to have a nice meal. That's where everything fell apart. My shrimp scampi had no taste at all. My wife's chicken dish was over cooked, I guess it's time to move on. read more

Went on a Friday around 5:00. Parking was difficult and line to leave a name was long with servers threading the needle of people lined up. Unimpressed. We left. Poor set up. read more

Waited over 45 mins for a menu. Then another 30 mins for tacos and a sandwich. Received broiled fish tacos although I ordered fried fish tacos. No need to come back here. read more