I am re-writing this review to take into consideration the 2 thorough replies from Riverside I received about my review. I was not coerced to do so but feel it is the right thing to do. It does not change my rating of the place as a whole because I still feel there are better options, but a more fair review was in order.
Ok. So I've been here mostly for Yelp events..and based on those events I would have given this spot minimum 5 stars...maybeeee even 4 stars but definitely not less.
But as a paying customer, when they clearly had no clue I was a Yelper... Yeeesh.
I spent damn near 100$ there the last visit. And at first I tipped (the most option available on credit card) 20% ... But when they decided that 20% wasn't worth good service ... (As demonstrated by even sh*ttier service than the already not-worth-20%)... I decided it was time to tip the minimum available via CC 15% (which I would never tip under, out of principle). The service here offends me at those prices! Taxes are included which is nice but it's still pricey.
Service: as mentioned, not fabu. Riverside was less than pleased with my original mention of barmaid's appearance as a factor for the slow service and I can see how it could be seen as offensive so I have removed this part here. *le sigh* Everyone is so sensitive these days. I was also informed that this is not a place one should expect to be served at your seat so going to the bar to get your own drink is advised. This was apparently the actual reason as to why service was slow and I believe I understood that this is something they are working on for the near-future.
Also they roofed-in their whole gorgeous back terrasse...boooooooo!!!! I mean I'm sure we would have been grateful if it was one of those terrible rainy cold-a$$ days which seem to be the norm now...but it wasn't. It was the first beautiful gorgeous terrasse Friyay we've had this year and we spent it in an enclosed box. *sad face* #MaybeIllSeeYouInAutumn
Addendum: Riverside explained this was a temporary set up for a special private event and they will be back in the sun afterwards. They do get bonus points for hosting seriously kickass events: 5 star establishment for events, I would definitely attend events here in a heartbeat.
They still have Yappy hour (when dogs are allowed!!!) and they've increased it to EVERYday between 5-8pm (not just Thursdays like last year), but they seem to have gotten rid of the big open grassy places (aka"dog park") they used to have in lieu of an outdoor 'dance floor'?!
Addendum: Riverside explained that while they won't be bringing back the dog park they will be adding a beach volleyball court which is actually a really kool idea!
I originally wrote: "Reading this it makes me wana just give them 2 stars."; I must retract that statement taking into consideration the responses from Management, the people here are genuinely trying to please as many customers as possible and that is obviously not always possible...they do not deserve 2 stars at all, clearly demonstrated by them taking the time to write, not 1, but 2 replies to my message in which, though i clearly upset them with my initial review, were written professionally and with intent to solve issues.
I maintain the bit about the amazing pitcher of sangria (see original review) HIGHLY reccommend!
Also tasted a few of their cocktails to date: definitely not their forte. They're ok and more or less generous with the booze... But not what I would come here for. Management did respond to this as well stating they are adding more cocktails and to definitely ask them to whip up something special for us based on our preferences, which is seriously kool. So I will explain my opinion a bit more: I have tried a good 4 or 5 ...maybe actually 6 of the cocktails here on separate occasions and none of them really wowed me or made me want another one of the same, it's possible I just never tasted the right ones, but it's why my opinion is: their cocktails aren't their forte.
Re: my " #WTFIsDuckTruck?! " : I have been reassured that apparently Duck Truck will be the next big thing so we'll see how that pans out. P.S. I was just trying to be kyoot n funny with the " #WTFIsDuckTruck?! " I meant no offence or disregard for what may be an excellent choice.
Sidenote: gentrification sucks. ... No response from Riverside on this but "So do better", sounded too harsh to me, so instead let's say: it would be great to see some kinda great local initiative get started at this place too (for example they could say when X amount of cocktails are sold they will donate X amount to building low income housing in the area, or something else obviously, but just an example). read more