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River - Steakhouse in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

River

4.5 (660 reviews)

1650 Jack Warner Pkwy, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Southern restaurant (US)
American restaurant
Beverage distributor
Brunch restaurant
Fine dining restaurant
Restaurant
Seafood restaurant
Steak house

About River - steak house in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Riverside bistro serving Souther plates & local beer in stylish, rustic surrounds with patio seats.

Customer Review Summary

River consistently receives high praise for its exceptional service, delicious food, and pleasant atmosphere. Many reviews highlight specific servers, such as James and Haley, for their attentive and accommodating service. Appetizers like the Sausage Board and mussels are recommended, while entrees such as seafood pasta, shrimp & grits, and Filet Mignon are noted for their quality. Desserts, especially the made-to-order bread pudding, receive positive remarks. Though some diners mention prices being a bit high, the majority feel the experience and food quality justify it. Customers appreciate the lovely patio setting and overall ambiance, making it a favored spot for special occasions. Overall, River is regarded as one of the best dining options in Central Alabama, with many eager to return.

Key Features

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Fireplace
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Great tea selection
  • Great wine list

Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Happy hour food
  • Hard liquor
  • Healthy options
  • Small plates
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating

Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Romantic
  • Trendy
  • Upscale

Crowd

  • Groups
  • Tourists

Planning

  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Children

  • High chairs

Parking

  • Free parking lot

Customer Reviews

Rating Distribution

4.5 out of 5
5
461
4
117
3
47
2
15
1
20
Based on 660 reviews

Danielle Richardson

3 weeks ago

Thank you James for working my table. Your recommendation for appetizer and entrée were delicious choices. You made a birthday dinner welcoming, fun, and overall delightful. My guest and I appreciated you matching our energy and keeping up with my birthday shenanigans. Again, thank you James for a great evening. Thank you Ms. Lauren for the party accommodation. We truly loved everything tonight.

Terri Head

1 month ago

We had an early Valentine’s dinner at the River. We arrived at 5:30 in the afternoon and were seated promptly on the patio at our request. Haley was our server and she was A+! We ordered the Sausage Board as an appetizer. The spicy mustard sauce set it off. It was great. My husband had the seafood pasta and I had the shrimp & grits. Both were good portions and cooked perfectly. The made to order bread pudding with ice cream and caramel was over the top with a fresh cup of coffee for dessert. We really enjoyed the sunset, the patio, and dinner tonight.

Madeline Enos

1 month ago

Consistently incredible. Hands down my favorite restaurant. Service is prompt and pleasant but not intrusive, food and drinks are impeccable, and the ambience can’t be beat. Truly an amazing experience every time. You HAVE to get the mussels

Therron Brown

4 months ago

Arrived early after a Football game. Started out with Burnt Ends, Muscles and Clams. I ordered the Fried Chicken Breast . My daughter had the Filet Mignon. Steak was cooked perfectly. Overall, it seemed a little pricy to me, but it was a special occasion while visiting my daughter at the University of Alabama. I wanted the NY Strip, but am not willing to spend $75 dollars on a steak at a restaurant that I am unfamiliar with. Maybe I have high expectations, however I thought the food would be a little better. My meal wasn't served hot. The potato cakes were flavorless and disappointing.

Stephen Head

1 month ago

My wife and I had a early Valentine's date , the River was perfect, food atmosphere and service,Haley was our server and was Awesome!!

William Weck

7 months ago

First time here last Tuesday - excellent experience and atmosphere… and mouth watering menu options overall. Maria was an amazing server and I cannot wait to return to try it again when I’m back in Tuscaloosa.

Scott Heslop

All great. The staff members and manager show they have a great team and serve their customers accordingly. The staff accommodated my party, when I went a few months ago for my first time. We asked to be outside and they helped us move tables. The food is the best in Central Alabama. I would highly recommend this restaurant that serves the T town area.

Melissa WD

1 year ago

No words can explain how wonderful this place is. We sat outside at noon on Sunday and it was gorgeous. Cool with nice breeze. Food was incredible and service can't be beat. Tyler was the best!!! 2nd time for our anniversary!! Preston was the best!! Food was amazing like before. Never disappointed and on A DAY no less. We didn't wait long and the drinks were good at the bar. Just as good as last ti.e. fat and happy thanks so much !!

Location

Contact Information

Hours of Operation

Friday 4–9:30 PM
Monday Closed
Saturday 10 AM–1 PM, 4–9:30 PM
Sunday Closed
Thursday 5–9 PM
Tuesday 5–9 PM
Wednesday 5–9 PM

Price Range

$50–100