Inside: River Brasserie & Bar

Metromix restaurant reviews

We take the guesswork out of food

Tucked away in a cozy spot along the Cuyahoga River, The River Brasserie & Bar (formerly LeFever’s River Grille) serves up innovative American contemporary cuisine, but what sets it apart is the emphasis on local produce and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Along with views of the falls and a large bar area, “The River,” as it is known, is definitely the spot for a sophisticated night out.

Food: The menu changes with the seasons to take advantage of the freshest local produce available. The poultry comes from Loudonville, the lettuce and other produce from Orrville or Norton and the fish from Cleveland. Their focus on fresh allows them to change the menu often and devise innovative appetizers, sides and entrées. This year’s fall menu features pumpkin seed-crusted walleye with celery root and apple slaw and chargrilled venison loin with creamy goat cheese polenta and Swiss chard, among other entrées. Although the entrées are generous enough in size to comprise a full meal, you can also dine on sides like the crunchy steak fries and bleu cheese or rock shrimp risotto, with pickled onions and parsley.

To start off, we tried the “French picnic”—puff pastry wrapped baked brie, fresh fruit, French bread and shrimp cocktail ($13), which was delicious and just enough for two to share. For the main course, the Atlantic salmon with butternut squash risotto, sautéed mushrooms and spinach ($23) was very good—especially the risotto and the scallion cream sauce drizzled on the salmon. The squash was fresh and the flavorful risotto was soft and creamy—a great complement to the salmon.

Drinks: The wine menu, though a bit limited, does have some interesting local choices, like the Ohio Riesling from DeBonne Winery in Madison. There is also an interesting selection of martinis to choose from, including a few after dinner favorites like the milk chocolate martini with Stoli vanilla vodka, Godiva chocolate and Baileys.

Décor: With its dark candle-lit interior, exposed brick walls, colorful light fixtures and high walls around its booths, the River is an ideal spot for a romantic dinner. The large interior of the restaurant makes it possible to feel secluded in your booth, making this a great date spot. If you’re lucky enough to get a spot along the window, you’ll get a view of the Falls and the Cuyahoga River. The restaurant is very large, with two areas for dining guests and a separate bar area with TVs and live music on certain nights. There’s also a private banquet area that can accommodate up to 50 people.

Service: Fitting the high quality of the food, the servers are at the top of their game. The staff is attentive and available and the manager walks from table to table to check on guests. And, despite the fanciness of the food, the atmosphere is laid back and cozy.

Insider tip: The River is a great place for dining and for drinking. Although it has its romantic side, it’s also great for the sports lover. The bar airs Big 10 games and serves up complimentary appetizers before every Monday night football game.

Bottom line: The entrées may not be cheap, but the fresh, innovative dishes are definitely worth it. If you’re looking for a special occasion spot or a place for a romantic dinner, this is the place.

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