The River Oyster Bar

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1. MB

   MrBrickell

   Austin

   117 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   117 reviews

   Reviewed on February 15, 2017

   overall4foodserviceambience

   I've been living in Miami for 3 Years and by far is my favorite restaurant up to date!
   

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2. MK

   MeganK

   Baltimore

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Reviewed on November 22, 2016

   overall4foodserviceambience

   We had reservations for 7:30 on a recent Saturday evening. We arrived at 7:16. The hostess asked us to give her 10 minutes. That was not a problem. We found 2 seats at the bar and got a drink. Matt, the bartender asked us if we wanted menus and we told him that we had reservations. He told us that we were welcome to stay the bar if we wished. We kept watching the hostess as she walked past us several times but never told us that our table was ready. It is a very small restaurant and we were able to see from our seats at the bar that there were at least two 2 tops open. People who came in after us were ultimateley seated at those places. We just watched in amusement. It actually became a game to see if she was ever going to seat us at a table. The bartenders were awesome so we just decided to have dinner at the bar. It was at 8:05, almost an hour after we arrived, when I went up to the hostess stand and told her that we had just decided to eat at the bar. She asked me what time my reservations were for and I told her "7:30 and when we arrived at 7:16 you told us it would only be 10 minutes". She was frazzled and didn't even apologize. I didn't get the impression that the staff was thrilled with her either. She approached 2 employees while they were waiting on drinks at the bar and we watched them roll their eyes at her as she walked away. They were justified in their eye rolls. We found the whole experience funny but we probably would not have if there were not two seats at the bar and we were forced to stand for that long waiting on a table. The food was awesome and the bartenders made the experience even better. Besides the hostess, our dinner and bar experience was fabulous.
   

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3. b

   baysalo

   Key West

   56 reviews

   vip
   2.0

   56 reviews

   Dined on October 4, 2015

   overall2food2service3ambience4

   Went to River Oyster Bar to enjoy oysters, however they were not the usual fresh oysters one gets there and recommendations from waitress were not accurate.
   

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4. PT

   PTLPW

   Miami

   5 reviews

   3.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on October 4, 2015

   overall3food3service4ambience3

   We thought we had chose a restaurant with a water view. Or that, hopefully, we might dine outside overlooking the water. No. This restaurant is a block from the river. No direct views in sight. We didn't think the restaurant was all that special, and the costs were a bit high.
   

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5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Tampa

   7 reviews

   4.0

   7 reviews

   Dined on September 19, 2015

   overall4food4service4ambience3

   Food was excellent but the dining room needs an update.
   

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6. QG

   QuarterG

   Miami

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on September 16, 2015

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Can't go wrong with a place that uses local farms for its ingredients. Everything was outstanding.
   

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7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Miami

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on September 9, 2015

   overall4food4service4ambience4

   We had a great meal and very good cocktails. The oysters were a bit on the smallish side and were not as flavorful as I would like. But the main entree (yellowtail snapper Chinese style) was excellent. Very busy, hectic, and loud. And it's in the middle of a construction war zone, and I hear that it is going to close soon. Hurry and get in while you can.
   

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8. MI

   MIAfoodie

   Miami

   39 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   39 reviews

   Dined on September 7, 2015

   overall4food5service5ambience4

   Excellent seafood restaurant.
   

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9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Miami

   3 reviews

   1.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on September 6, 2015

   overall1food2service1ambience2

   We waited over an hour for our food and it was not worth the wait. The manager was rude when we complained. The food was expensive and very average. Don't waste your time or money
   

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10. MH

    MHATexas

    Dallas

    30 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2015

    overall2food3service1ambience3

    This was our last meal in Miami and we were looking forward to it after a day on he boat. However, we were disappointed. Not to go into too much detail, but our server John just was bad...one of the worst waiters we've encountered. He was awkward and not personable...and flat not good. It took at least 20 minutes to get our first round of drinks, and an hour to even get appetizers (oysters on the half shell and shrimp cocktail). All in all he food couldn't make up for the service...food was just ok. We will not be able to recommend it to friends traveling here (and I'm the go-to for recommendations for friends). Really disappointing.
    

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11. LG

    LuisG

    Miami

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    There hasn't been one time that I/we don't leave with overexcited taste buds. I have been going for years, sometimes only for oysters at the bar, other to enjoy the great service of the staff siting at a table with friends. I am happy that with all the construction craziness in the area, this great restaurant is still there pleasing us.
    

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12. SS

    ShellyS38

    New York Area

    98 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    98 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    MY WIFE AND I HAD AN EXTRAORDINARY DINNER AT THE RESTAURANT. FROM THE LARGEST SELECTION OF OYSTERS ANYWHERE IN MIAMI .TO THE BEST CORNBREAD AND BREAD ANYWHERE .INTERESTING DRINK COMBINATIONS AND GREAT WINE LIST. PRESENTATION AND PREPARATIONS WERE TERRIFIC AND THE SERVICE COULD NOT BE BETTER.
    

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13. HB

    HokieBaby

    Richmond

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 24, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Top notch service from our server Kenny. This was my first time dining at The River and my date and I were blown away by the food - taste, presentation, timing - and the server. Just a wonderful treat.
    

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14. E

    Escena

    Phoenix

    38 reviews

    3.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on August 22, 2015

    overall3food4service3ambience4

    This place has great seafood, in particular. Their whole fish dishes like the yellow-tailed snapper cooked Asian style make exceptional meals. Appetizers like the baked oysters are great, too. The whole place has almost a New Orleans ambience about it. The very worst thing about the place is parking, which was always difficult in the one-way roads around there, but it is notably worse right now as there is a tremendous amount of new construction going on all around the restaurant. At least, before, even in the presence of one-way traffic, there was always a valet option, which isn't possible at this time.
    

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15. BF

    BrickellFoodie

    Miami

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 21, 2015

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Great seafood as you would expect at this unassuming place. Good atmosphere and a decent wine list.
    

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16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Miami

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2015

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    We had the oysters. They were delish! Everything was Great but the noise level was way to loud, couldn't hear my husbands convo. But will def come back. Loved their food!
    

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17. S

    Steaklover

    Tampa

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had the oysters, fish ceviche, tuna poke, snapper tartare, and blue crab gnocchi. All were delicious. The oysters, ceviche and gnocchi were exceptional. I am craving more! The service was wonderful! Outside does not look very appealing due to the nearby construction, but it is totally worth going inside and dining.
    

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18. t

    thefoodie

    Miami

    28 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2015

    overall4food5service3ambience3

    Well priced surprising flavors
    

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19. L

    Lloyd

    Fort Lauderdale

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on August 8, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Probably the best Miami Spice meal we have tried over the past 5 years. Great food and we look forward to returning.
    

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20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Best seafood outside of Joes in miami
    

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21. TP

    TresonneP

    Cincinnati

    16 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2015

    overall4food4service3ambience2

    This restaurant had a great happy hour. We stayed through dinner, too. There was a lot of construction going on in the area, so it was a little hard to find.
    

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22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    i love oysters. So that was exactly what i was looking for - oyste bar. however, as i was traveling with my son, i had to find food for him too. This place was just perfect combination. moderate price, great food and ambience - what else would you need. I would like to mention really great selection of oysters, perfectly balanced menu. and the quality of food is really great. we had, besides oysters, seviche and asparagus, plus a dessert - everything was so tasty that we did not leave anything on our plates.
    

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23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Amazing prices for top shelf oysters! I am from New England and to find Cape Cod oysters here for half price (before 7) that were AS GOOD IF NOT BETTER THAN home--amazing. My server, Manny, was knowledgeable and easy on the eyes. Very great meal. Worth braving the construction in Brickell.
    

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24. j

    jb14377

    Miami

    44 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on July 18, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was amazing and service was even better, superb. Getting to the restaurant was a little hectic due to all the construction but it was well worth it. We had some oysters and the tuna for appetizers then the grouper with green beans and mushrooms and my husband had the gnocchi blue crab delicious then for dessert the toffee pudding excellent. A+
    

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25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Miami

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on June 22, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Awesome service. Delicious food. Never had a bad experience here.
    

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26. L

    Lisalisa

    Miami

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on June 22, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was fantastic and served hot. Our server was personable and knowledgeable about all menu items provided us with wonderful attentive service. Love this place!!
    

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27. S

    Stevie

    Orlando

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 21, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Really enjoyed the Oysters and the crispy skin Snapper! Also a big surprise was how good the Kale salad was, seriously.
    

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28. K

    Kimbo

    Miami

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 12, 2015

    overall3food3service1ambience3

    Service was unattentive. Food was not as good as it used to be. I have dined there about 6 times previously. The place is starting to feel aged. Fried oysters, which is why I like the place, were over done and the remoulade sause recipe is a bit different- maybe a little sweeter than I prefer. What is with the website saying we have moved??!!
    

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29. k

    km123

    Miami

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 12, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I love River Oyster Bar. The oysters are amazing. I really love the mussels with coconut milk and lemon grass and the Thai BBQ Ribs. One of my favorite restaurants in Miami.
    

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30. AT

    ATME

    Miami

    23 reviews

    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on May 30, 2015

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    The food is great. I have been going there for a long time. At this time, it is a challenge because of all the construction going around it. It was well worth it.
    

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31. C

    Capecodder100

    New York Area

    89 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    89 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2015

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    Wonderful seafood served. The portions huge and the preparation excellent. Be prepared to wait for your order, since it is cooked to order. Well worth the wait.
    

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32. FF

    FFMboy

    Kansas City

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My business partner and I had a wonderful surprise in downtown Miami. Referred by a local acquaintance, we found a nice treat in a very nondescript building in the middle of a construction zone. Starting with the Crispy Calamari (you won't believe the spicy anchovy aioli) and ending with the Toffee Pudding Cake, everything exceeded expectations. I had the Salmon (blackened) and my friend had the Linguini and Clams (with the crispy pork belly and smoked chiles) and both were excellent. My friend commented that even the Beans and Shiitake side was one of the best he's had on the road. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.
    

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33. RT

    RodTia

    Fort Lauderdale

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    It was my wife first mothers day. I can not thank you enough; the whole experience was great
    

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34. T

    Terri

    Orlando

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We visited River Oyster on May 2nd. We visit our son monthly in Miami and always look for new restaurants, (particularly in the Brickell area) In the 3 years we have been coming, this was one of our favorite meals. The oysters were perfect and our server Nicole was outstanding. No rush, no fuss. We are returning for an encore this month!
    

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35. MN

    joliMN

    Minneapolis

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2015

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    We enjoyed the oysters broiled with chorizo and manchego as well as the raw oyster selection! Great rose wine which is fun for the season! The whole fried fish with Asian veggies was AMAZING!
    

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36. J

    Juan

    Miami

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Best raw bar in Miami. Simply put. The only negative is the hostess, She is determimed to be Rude That aside, everything was great.
    

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37. BP

    BP13

    Miami

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 28, 2015

    overall1food3service1ambience3

    I have been coming here for at least 4 years and decided to celebrate met fiancés birthday there again after we had such a great experience last year. Huge mistake. From the start the hostess was very un polite. The server Eli was a complete disaster from the start. He forgot a few of our food and drink orders. He was pushy and rude the whole time. When my fiancé asked him about some sauces for our whole fried fish he looked at her lime she was insulting him and that she was asking a stupid question.. To top it off he totally forgot even after I told him several times it was birthday to prepare something special. I had to at one point go find him at the bar to remind him that he forgot our drink order and reminded him once again about the birthday. All and all a very bad night to spoil dinner. We left very dissatisfied and no one made any apologies. I would certainly think twice about going there again. I guess this place has really gone down hill.
    

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38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Miami

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 21, 2015

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    Overall this restaurant was great. Very fresh seafood and many unique menu options. I had the mushroom crusted grouper and it was the best grouper I've ever had. The fish itself was delicious. My fiancé has the blue gnocchi (she loves gnocchi) and she said it was the best shes ever had. And the guava cheesecake? Best we've ever had! Do not let the construction going on around the area fool you, this place is great!
    

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39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Miami

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on March 20, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My absolute favorite restaurant in Miami.
    

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40. L

    Live2luv

    New York Area

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Excellent food, the tuna tartar was beyond delicious. Octopus app and lobster main 5 star.
    

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