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  • The Tavern at River Falls

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The Tavern at River Falls
The Tavern at River Falls

The Tavern at River Falls Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Elegant
  • Website: http://www.thetavernatriverfalls.com/
  • Email: michaelwilson@thetavernatriverfalls.com
  • Phone: (301) 299-0481
  • Hours of Operation: Monday - Wednesday: 11:30am - 9:30pm, Thursday - Saturday: 11:30am - 10:00pm, Sunday: 11:00am - 9:00pm
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Contemporary American, Seafood, Wine Bar
  • Executive Chef: Brian Nussear
  • Dress Code: Smart Casual
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Counter Seating, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Personal wines welcome, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine, Wine Bar
  • Special Events & Promotions: Well-suited for wedding parties, rehearsal dinners, business meetings and family gatherings.

Getting there

  • Cross Street: Falls Road
  • Parking: Public Lot
A word from The Tavern at River Falls
Located in the heart of Potomac Village; The Tavern at River Falls provides Modern American Cuisine utilizing the freshest ingredients in a Relaxed, Neighborhood atmosphere.
Foodspotting photos
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Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerNeighborhood Gem
Diner Reviews
  • "I have been here several times before, but this will likely be the last. There was no entree for less than 25 dollars, and dinner for 2 adults and 2 children ordering off the kids menu came to $154 before tip. My wife had a seared tuna, with interesting seaweed. My shrimp and grits was overwhelmed by a smoky sauce - could not taste the shrimp. A tasteless Tavern Burger and chicken fingers (heated up from the market) completes the main courses. None of the food was special, and half was sub-par. The crab dip appetizer and tapenade was good. But the toffee dessert (only one, the cost!) was too sweet. Next time we go the few miles to Bethesda, where for less than this price we could have spectacular food (Mussel Bar, Mon Ami Gabi...)."
    Dined on 2/27/2014
  • "The quality of the food here was good, and it was a pleasant atmosphere, but the prices were far out of proportion with the quality. A similar check amount could get you a 3 course meal with wine at pretty much any of the highest quality restaurants in the DC metro area, and this restaurant is just not at that level. My sense is that they are taking advantage of the absence of higher quality restaurants in the Maryland suburbs and banking on people being willing to pay a large premium in return for not having to travel too far. To be clear - we both enjoyed our food. It was just marked up about 20% above what it would have cost if it were in downtown Bethesda or in DC."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "The ambiance and service is great at this tucked-away Potomac restaurant. Reminiscent of a place you might happen into in Malibu; however, unlike CA, the food is heavy, over-salted and under-whelming. What appeared to be a signature, the crab dip, was piping hot, yet lacked consistency to place onto the spongy, dense, tasteless beer bread. The Shrimp & Grits were "MD Style" drowning in a mixture that resembled she-crab soup. Billed as "spicy," it was hot to the tongue but lacked depth. In contrast, the Tavern salad was under-dressed-oil and lemons all that covered the tasteless greens. After the heavy, unsatisfying food, we had no room for dessert. Most opted-in. Perhaps we'll come back just for an end-cap at this sweet, neighborhood spot."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "From the moment we entered the restaurant till we left, it was fabulous. We weren't rushed . The drinks were great and my scallops cooked perfectly. Great neighborhood gem."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "A great little spot tucked away in the strip mall. Food was very tasty, service was a little slow."
    Dined on 2/9/2014
  • "The regular menu is traditional, fresh and very well prepared - but the specials are often amazing. Perfectly done sautéed Halibut, incredible tempura fennel in squid ink, beautiful petite carrots and potatoe ovals on a bed of red curry sauce anyone? Find that somewhere else in DC in such a relaxed and comfortable setting. Kick back and enjoy this little gem."
    Dined on 2/7/2014
  • "This is a place that has great food and is local!! Easy to get to and they take reservations!! Will definitely be returning."
    Dined on 2/1/2014
  • "Business lunch for two on Friday 24 January 2014. Great food, served quickly...we had the crab cake sandwich and the fish tacos... Clean plates all around. Glad we made a reservation for 11:30 as the dining rooms were full by 12pm. Vibrantly noisy but not too loud...we could hear ourselves talk. Can't wait for spring so we can sit outside. Will be a great spot to return to after work. Cheers, LcH"
    Dined on 1/24/2014
  • "The food is always excellent, with a wide variety of choices. Not the typical up-scale pub/restaurant menu - there is always something unusual, plus the crabcakes are to die for."
    Dined on 1/5/2014
  • "Service was great and food was good but we sat in the dining room and it was way too loud. The booths along the far side of the bar are the best."
    Dined on 12/30/2013
  • "Good service, attentive and alert staff - very helpful in understanding questions on the menu, comfortable atmosphere, reasonable prices, comfortable, able to get caught up in having a long-time friend to dinner."
    Dined on 12/21/2013
  • "Arrived on time, but told we would have to wait for at least 20 minutes, however we could be seated in the bar area right away. Not a good start."
    Dined on 12/28/2013
  • "Crab cakes are excellent as expected for a restaurant owned by a fish market. But the tartar sauce and the vegetables, all home made, were far better than at most restaurants. Creamed spinach with artichokes was super. Sometimes the noise level is high, but not when I visited. Spouse has swordfish tacos with lots of tender moist fish and tangy filling."
    Dined on 12/27/2013
  • "Combines excellent food with a comfortable setting. Nothing fancy, but serious attention to food. The bar is lively, the music too loud."
    Dined on 12/22/2013
  • "It's in a small kind of a mall with a Safeway and a Starbucks and a CVS - but don't let that deter you. It's excellent food and wonderful wine in a very modern setting. Even eating a full meal at the bar is a pleasure."
    Dined on 12/14/2013
  • "Had a lovely dinner here for my birthday. My husband and I went with my in-laws, my mother, and our two kids (ages 2 and 6). The dining room is small, so I was a little concerned about how noisy my kids would be, but they were well-behaved and we did not feel uncomfortable with them there at all. Service was excellent and they brought food for the kids very quickly. The food was delicious. I had the french onion soup, spinach salad, crab cakes, and butternut squash. The crab cakes were fabulous! My kids went nuts for the crab soup (and also had chicken tenders and fries). Hubby had a perfect filet mignon, mom had a delectable ribeye, and the in-laws had scallops and seabass. Though pricey, everyone was delighted with their choices!"
    Dined on 11/30/2013
  • "When the Tavern at River Falls first opened, my husband and I enjoyed frequent meals there, great fish tacos, seasonal risotto, etc. Lately the food seems to be more bland. If you stick to a basic burger or sandwich for lunch, it's fine (nothing noteworthy), but I wouldn't go out of my way to have dinner there anymore. Would love to see the meal quality return to what it was when it first opened!"
    Dined on 10/26/2013
  • "Good location for a business or personal lunch. Menu for lunch is extensive with something for everyone. Just didn't understand why French fries were put on salad."
    Dined on 11/19/2013
  • "A friend recommended that we have dinner at the Tavern because he had dinner there recently and had had "the best crab cakes I've ever eaten." I am very glad we did, the crab cakes were quite delicious. The specialty cocktails were quite tasty too, especially the bourbon one, the name of which escapes me, probably because I had a couple while I waited for my friend to show (stuck in Beltway traffic)."
    Dined on 11/14/2013
  • "Service is always excellent and the menu has lots of variety. Both entrees and side dishes are wonderful."
    Dined on 11/17/2013
  • "My husband and I came here for a special occasion lunch and I really should have checked the lunch menu in advance. It was mainly salads and sandwiches with limited, if any, entrees. The french onion soup was delicious, with the requisite pound of cheese on top. The cheeseburger was tasty and cooked as requested. The onion rings were mediocre, without any great taste or crunch to merit the calories. We sat in a booth in the bar area and the bartender managed to balance his table with bar duty. The staff is friendly and welcoming."
    Dined on 10/30/2013
  • "My wife and I have enjoyed the Tavern many times since it opened last summer. Always a great meal, friendly and efficient service, and great specials like the oyster bar during the summer and seasonal menus. It was when I took my six-year-old daughter there to kick-off a special a night out with her that the staff really stood out. I had mentioned when making our reservation that anything they could do to make it special for her would be great. From the moment we walked in the door, everyone on staff with whom we came in contact made her feel like an absolute princess. What a wonderful, welcoming, and delicious place to have in the neighborhood - thank you!!!"
    Dined on 11/15/2013
  • "Great food - creative, tasty, very nicely plated. Excellent service. Very good beer selection, both draft and bottles."
    Dined on 11/3/2013
  • "Came for a quick meal and glass of wine with a friend before driving downtown to see a play. We both picked a just a starter and a salad (mussels and calamari) as we wanted to just eat light. The dishes were delicious - packed with flavor and obviously the seafood was fresh. Will come back!"
    Dined on 11/3/2013
  • "Food and Service are very good. Place is very small- reservations a must. Wish they would change the menu a bit more frequently."
    Dined on 10/27/2013
  • "Had been wanting to try this neighborhood restaurant for a long time. Food was excellent, but the service was lacking. From the minute we walked in we felt overlooked. Put us in a high top at the bar because we were only two people even though booths were open. Fifteen minutes later they seated a couple at the booth we asked about. More notable was our waiter who asked questions but never waited for the answer and seemed utterly disinterested in us. If we clocked him, he probably came by 5 times, each for no more than 15 seconds. We wil go back for the food, but if this happens again, that will be the last time."
    Dined on 10/19/2013
  • "Very intriguing combination of flavors (spices, herbs, veggies, and oils)"
    Dined on 10/11/2013
  • "My spouse and I have gone twice for dinners. Service remains slow (but still good when it does come). Likewise, our dinner reservations, both times, were not honored on time. Both were weeknights -- a Wed. & a Thurs. The first delay was 30 min & we left after complaining about overbooking. Second time it was about 10 minutes--we waited, got our table, had a nice (slow) meal. I've also been with friends at lunch. Duck breast salad is a stand-out; crabcakes are excellent, & she-crab soup. Sadly someone decided to squeeze 1 more booth into bar-area so all booths are tight: I'm not overweight but my friend and I both had to sit very 'upright' to not overlap the table. Dumb. Great visuals of the canal/local scenery, great stonework."
    Dined on 10/11/2013
  • "This was our first time dining at The Tavern at River Falls and we were very pleased with the menu and the service. Excellent food, moderately priced."
    Dined on 9/28/2013
  • "My experience would have been better if the hostess had not told people in the bar that they were waiting for our table. One of those patrons actually had the nerve to come over and ask us to leave. If they needed our table so quickly, they should not have sat us there in the first place. We had a reservation and were entitled to be there. I will think twice before choosing the Tavern again"
    Dined on 9/21/2013
  • "This neighborhood restaurant is great for fish dishes. The crab appetizer was superb, as were the fish entrees. However, the filet mignon, at $31, was tough and chewy. The homemade ice cream was yummy, but the chocolate ganache cake was stale and dry. The staff was pleasant and friendly. Although the fish is terrific, need improvements in non-fish dishes."
    Dined on 9/21/2013
  • "Very pleasant - good service & very attentive - great salads & burgers - fish is very fresh"
    Dined on 9/8/2013
  • "I made the reservation through Open Table on the day we ate there. Upon arrival, the hostess told me because we had made the reservation through Open Table ( same day) we would have to eat in the bar at a high top which is both uncomfortable and a very different ambiance. There was a lot of available seating inside and out. When I asked to be seated at a regular table, the hostess said we could eat in the dining room but we'd have to give the table back to her in an hour, .then of course no one waited on us for 15 min. It all worked out...we ate fast and then left but it was uncomfortable and it made me a bit skeptical about reserving through Open Table at this restaurant. I have never had a restaurant treat our reservation this way."
    Dined on 9/8/2013
  • "Ironically, after asking to eat inside, someone in our group wanted to eat outside, and it was lovely, though I was afraid it wou;ldn't be as outside is in a little courtyard in a shopping cen ter."
    Dined on 9/5/2013
  • "The fish tacos were the best my husband has ever had!! He kept raving about them. I ordered the crabcakes which were also very, very good. They came with my choice of two sides. The waitress brought complementary breadcrisps with two dips; one was sun-dried tomato and the other was with feta. We enjoyed sitting in the outdoor area; the noise level was much quieter than it was for the few minutes we waited inside. We will definitely go back... Really enjoyed our meal."
    Dined on 8/17/2013
  • "I have no complaints with this restaurant except that it closes too early...sometimes you want a late bite. But other than that, I love the ambience, the food, the drinks, the service, the location...and I am a repeat diner and have not stumbled or had a complaint..yet!!"
    Dined on 8/24/2013
  • "Food was yummy as always, but the burger was so salty I couldn't finish it. A lighter hand on the salt would be appreciated. Oysters were delicious."
    Dined on 8/16/2013
  • "A nice local eating establishment in the middle of old town potomac."
    Dined on 8/5/2013
  • "Finally another good dining option in Potomac. I took an out of town colleague here for dinner and we both loved it. I had the Halibut and he had the Salmon but were delicious."
    Dined on 7/31/2013
  • "Pleasantly surprised, the food as greatly improved the swordfish tacos were packed with tender fish and not too much sauce to mask the flavor, the sea bass was outstanding moist and flavorful. They expanded their menu since the opening and I think its better than before. Will be returning to try other dishes. A real neighbor gem, close and convenient and i don't have to hassle with Bethesda parking."
    Dined on 7/22/2013
More reviews ›
  • Happy Hours at The Tavern
    Monday-Friday 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM›
    Join us every Monday through Friday for our Happy Hours from 4-6pm. Half Price on all drinks, specialty cocktails, bottles of wine and specially priced nibbles such as flatbreads, calamari, wings, nachos and potstickers. Includes Tax and Tip. Happy Hour prices observed at the bar stools only. Special valid Dec 27, 2013 - Mar 27, 2014 on Fridays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Offer valid December 27, 2013 - March 27, 2014
  • Prime Rib Mondays at The Tavern!
    Monday 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM›
    A generous cut of Prime Rib served with Au Jus, Whipped Potatoes and Haricot Verts for only $27. While supplies last!. Excludes Tax and Tip. Special valid Dec 27, 2013 - Mar 27, 2014 on Mondays from 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Offer valid December 27, 2013 - March 27, 2014
  • Twin Tails Tuesdays!
    Tuesday 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM›
    Join us Tuesday nights for a taste of Downeast. Get Twin Grilled Maine Lobster Tails with French Fries and Cider Slaw! Market price may vary!. Excludes Tax and Tip. Special valid Dec 27, 2013 - Mar 27, 2014 on Tuesdays from 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Offer valid December 27, 2013 - March 27, 2014
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Diners' Choice Awards
  • Maryland - DC Suburbs Winners
  • Neighborhood Gem
Learn more ›