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The River Social, Providence, RI

The River Social

4.5
4.5
455 Reviews
$30 and under
International
The River Social is a International Restaurant and Bar destination being the only restaurant with direct frontage on the Cobblestones River Walk area of Water Place Park. We offer an inventive menu, hand-crafted cocktails, impeccably professional service and a stunning International-Influenced interior with Waterfront outdoor seating. The River Social Is a unique and exciting dining option in Downtown Providence.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 7 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    International, Mediterranean, Contemporary Southern
  • Hours of operation
    Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (401) 548-6688
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Private party facilities
    We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
  • Private party contact
    our Private Dining Coordinator: (401) 548-6688
  • Neighborhood
    Providence
  • Cross street
    Memorial blvd
  • Parking details
    The River Social has Discounted Parking available at the 1 Citizens Plaza lot nightly. There is also the metered parking available on Exchange Street and several Public Paid parking lots available at the surface including the lot directly across the street in front of the Citizens Bank building, which is free on Sundays.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Water Fire

    Multiple dates available
    PLEASE BE ADVISED DURING WATER FIRE EVENTS CHEF MAY DESIGN A SPECIAL MENU AND THE REGULAR MAY BE LIMITED/NOT AVAILABLE. ALL GUESTS IN PARTY MUST PURCHASE DINNER AND ARE NOT ALLOWED TO ONLY SIT AND OBSERVE. DINING TIME IS 90 MINUTES AND TABLES WILL ONLY BE HELD FOR 10 MINS FOR PARTIES RUNNING LATE; THEN THEY WILL BE RELEASED. FAILURE TO CALL AND CANCEL RESERVATION WITHIN 24HRS OF EVENT WILL RESULT IS A $25 CHARGE PER PERSON TO THE CC ON FILE. THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING US FOR YOUR WATER FIRE EXPERIENCE!
    Water Fire Photo

What 455 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Providence County

    Great for brunch

  • Providence County

    Great for scenic views

455 Reviews
  1. paulb

    Greater Boston

    22 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    22 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Nice vibe on the river. Enjoyed the smaller plates.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great dinner with a nice view of downtown Providence’s most iconic buildings

    Is this helpful?

  3. KateS

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Food was excellent although they had run out of seafood for the seafood Benedict. Food arrived but no silverware. Sides ordered came late after reminding our server we had ordered them.

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  4. JessicaC

    Greater Boston

    25 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Food and drinks were really good. Loved the different flavor of mimosas

    Is this helpful?

  5. PamW

    Greater Boston

    9 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall1food2service2ambience1
    Not a favorite. AMAZING LOCATION but otherwise disappointing.

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  6. TomD

    New York Area

    18 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience4
    STAY AWAY! Such a disappointment (except for the cocktail) All of the food was served cold. The female manager threw the chef under the bus. All excuses. No solutions. I will not go back.

    Is this helpful?

  7. AnnaKayC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    First time and I'll definitely go back!! Good food. Nice ambience. Family friendly!

    Is this helpful?

  8. JohannaHussey

    Greater Boston

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thank you for a great brunch! Omelettes and mimosas were delicious!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Mosey

    Greater Boston

    62 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    62 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Busy spot for brunch. Pleasant server. Simple American fare.

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  10. Noname

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall3food1service2ambience4
    We were very disappointed as the food was cold and the second course was salty.

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 4, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great little place on the water in water place. Bartender Alex was outstanding, definitely would go again.

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  12. MarkM

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Even with a "limited" prix-fixe menu during Water Fire, the options were excellent and the quality and originality of the ingredients was exceptional; sure to please the most demanding foody. Rayna's service was correct and attentive and the entire staff was active in getting our courses out at exactly the proper times.

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  13. GiannaP

    Baltimore

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    I love the food here. Staff was pleasant. My only complaint is they don't have gluten free bread.

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  14. KarenN

    Edmonton

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was great from start to finish. The location is right along the river and walking distance from anything downtown. You feel like you're away from the noise and traffic of downtown which is great. The food was fresh, delicious and expertly presented. The service was fabulous as well. My water was refilled, I was checked on just enough and my food was served hot. I highly recommend the River Social if you're in the Providence area.

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    I always have a great experience at this restaurant. The food is consistently good. The Mediterranean egg rolls are a favorite. The hummus is delicious.

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  16. Dban

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience5
    The place was nice, staff were friendly and hard working but the food was not the best.

    Is this helpful?

  17. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I went here for the first full water fire of the year, and our first water fire ever. Could not have asked for a better experience. The drinks are strong and tall, the food is exquisite, and the view is unrivaled.

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  18. CorrieG

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great views, atmosphere and service. We will be returning!

    Is this helpful?

  19. LouisJ

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Recommend turning down the outdoor music when WaterFire is performing. Too much noise.

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  20. KarenK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a really delicious meal here! Portions are large and ingredients really fresh. Will definitely be back on out next trip to Providence!

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  21. JayA

    Rhode Island

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    An Amazing time!! So grateful for the warm, welcome felt from Raina(hostess) Our server, Natalie was terrific...best we have had in awhile. Incredible Dinner & will be recommending the River Social to family & friends. See you soon!!

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    I’m annoyed I have to type in this box. Especially after learning I need 50 characters. UGH

    Is this helpful?

  23. NICE1DAVE

    Los Angeles

    125 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    125 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    Feels like a new restaurant trying to figure out who they are. Menu for brunch was limited. Salmon Benedict was cold. Salad was great. As was the French toast. The place was trying to hard to be hip and didn't need to. Their location is great. Service was good but menu was limited and no selection of teas. They only had herb teas non caffeine. It could be a GREAT restaurant if they get their food right. Also their music selection was too loud and needed to match the beautiful location during brunch. Right now this joint has no soul but does have the potential. Am rooting for you!!! Work the menu more and create the experience.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dined here during waterfire. Everything on their menu was delicious. Accommodating for vegetarians. Service was on point. Would highly recommend.. book early for waterfire!

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  25. SimplyDevine2014

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Birthday & WaterFire

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The coconut espresso martini was delicious as was the farm Benedict!

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  27. NicoleM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Dinner was outstanding!!! Loved the variety and great drinks!

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  28. ELop

    Greater Boston

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience5
    My food was burnt, the waitress took quite some time to come see us when I needed her. Neither of us liked our food, pretty expensive for so-so taste

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  29. NeuroscientistEd

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 25, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We were celebrating our 27th wedding anniversary. It would be nicer to have disparate options on a prefixed menu for main courses. The were two strongly flavored seafood options (salmon and muscles). Many would consider to be limited for those with an acquired taste, and thus risky for the main course. This forced our choice to the chicken bowl with shredded meat, a meat texture that is not our preference. A milder seafood selection like cod would have helped. Overall, the food was amazing. We really enjoyed the location during Waterfire. On a scale of 100, we would rate this an 85%. On another night with a different selection, or without a prefixed menu, we speculate it might be in the high 90s for a grade. We plan to come back in the future.

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  30. MarkN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful time at the River Social for one of their Water Fire menus. Our server Rachel was awesome!

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  31. LeaS

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    We loved the cocktails, fixed price menu choices, view and our server, Rachel, was fantastic! Would love to return!

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience5
    Came for a dinner on the River before waterfire. Had a fixed menu, which was fine but we were told multiple times our dining time was only 90 minutes. Ok, fine. It’s prime real estate on the water. However, the food kept coming out way too fast. Barely had a couple bites of my salad and then my next plate came out. Then the main came before we even finished the first two courses. Felt very rushed even though there were multiple tables empty. The food was just ok. Barely any crab in the crab cakes and the mussels were too sweet. Maybe they added sugar? It was a great flavor at first but quickly became way too sweet and there was no bread to soak up the sauce. Saw the owner and he always looked angry. Not sure what the deal is with this place but they definitely need a reboot. Given the location, they have great potential but I wouldn’t go back. Weird vibe, felt rushed, food was just ok, and they added a 20% gratuity on a table for 2 in an empty restaurant. Meh

    Is this helpful?

  33. PatrickA

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Food was delicious and the presentation was spectacular, but a little pricey for breakfast.

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  34. Honest

    New York Area

    28 reviews

    4.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Simple and well located with nice view of the river. Inside dining a bit loud with music. Nice place to relax.

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    8 reviews

    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience3
    I got the chicken and waffles. The chicken was dry and unseasoned waffles were also dry and tasted like styrofoam

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  36. LorenaC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    My friends and I went there for brunch for the first time! The weather was great so we set outside. Our food was delicious and the server Nataly was great! We will definitely return!

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  37. JoyceL

    Greater Boston

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Really nice place and location is ideal for summer. Bartender was our server and she was fantastic. Great service and she was just the right amount of attention. It was quiet but it’s also mid week. This is a place to visit and I would definitely go back

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  38. JohnO

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Food was outstanding, we sat outside and a bit noisy, but that can't really be controlled. Little slow with food coming out,again it was very good.

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  39. AdamH

    Poconos

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Server was excellent. Food was great. Would definitely eat here again.

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  40. RickP

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love the location and atmosphere! The overall service was excellent and food worth going back for. The River Social Shrimp is a go to along with Surf and Turf. Being our first time, I was very impressed and will definitely go back.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from The River Social using the Order Online button. The River Social also offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. The River Social also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (401) 548-6688.

The River Social is rated 4.5 stars by 455 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 7 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The River Social

200 Exchange St, Riverwalk Level, Providence, RI 02903-2621

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Memorial blvd
  • Neighborhood
    Providence
  • Hours of operation
    Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:30 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    International, Mediterranean, Contemporary Southern
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    The River Social has Discounted Parking available at the 1 Citizens Plaza lot nightly. There is also the metered parking available on Exchange Street and several Public Paid parking lots available at the surface including the lot directly across the street in front of the Citizens Bank building, which is free on Sundays.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (401) 548-6688
  • Private party facilities
    We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
  • Private party contact
    our Private Dining Coordinator: (401) 548-6688
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