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River House Restaurant & Raw Bar, Louisville, KY

River House Restaurant & Raw Bar

4.7
4.7
6365 Reviews
$30 and under
Seafood
River House Restaurant and Raw Bar is Louisville’s premiere riverfront dining destination. It is the vision of award-winning chef and restaurateur John Varanese and seats 330 in its main dining room, raw bar, and patio. Guests experience a charming “home like” atmosphere as they enter the restaurant from the front porch garden area. Enter through a 20-foot tall by 40-foot wide water wall, and enjoy intimate decor, and a floor-to-ceiling glass wall overlooking the back courtyard and river, River House is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. The menu features regional cuisine with a Southern flair and an emphasis on fresh seafood including Grilled Oysters on the Half Shell, BBQ Braised Beef Short Rib, and the Maker’s Mark Bourbon Barrel Smoked Salmon. Our 15 foot raw bar features assorted raw oysters, king crab, and jumbo shrimp. Reservations are recommended. We look forward to serving you!

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 84 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Contemporary American, Contemporary Southern
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (502) 897-5000
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown Louisville
  • Cross street
    River Rd.
  • Parking details
    Ample parking is available adjacent to the Restaurant. Valet parking also available.
  • Entertainment
    Located adjacent to the River House Restaurant and Raw Bar, Levee at the River House is the perfect spot to share a meal with family and friends and to enjoy some choice River night life. At Levee, the emphasis is on live entertainment with some of Louisville’s most exciting local musicians and singers on an intimate stage.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Takeout, Wine

What 6,365 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Central Kentucky

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Central Kentucky

    Great for scenic views

  • Central Kentucky

    Most Booked

  • Louisville

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Louisville

    Great for scenic views

  • Louisville

    Most Booked

6,365 Reviews
  1. TonyH

    Louisville

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great outside dining venue. Good food, fabulous views of the river. Service can be a little inconsistent.

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  2. Bill

    Cincinnati

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Our food was very well prepared and tasted wonderful.

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  3. BENS

    Louisville

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    We love the place. Like all restaurants these days, staffing was short so parts of the dining room were not open, but even so, wait was short, food and service great, and outside seating available and delightful. Not cheap, but you get what you pay for and this place never disappoints.

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Tyler provided great service. Scallops were so delicious.

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our 2nd time at Riverhouse and again it did not disappoint. We sat out on the patio and it was amazing. The river view was amazing. Food was excellent as always. Our waitress was knowledgeable of the menu and even recommended a cocktail that my wife loved. 10/10

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  6. Art2008

    Louisville

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Our birthday celebration was fun and food very good. Our server was a bit more dramatic and full of himself than we would have preferred.

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  7. MommaGrams

    Louisville

    38 reviews

    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My crab cakes and my husband's steak were prepared to perfection. Natalie, our server, was very pleasant and checked on us at all the appropriate times. Highly recommend River House for any dinner or special occasion.

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  8. ChristyM

    Louisville

    8 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    The service was fast and friendly, we had a larger group so tried most of the entree menu and everyone was happy with the meal!

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  9. Diana

    Louisville

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a favorite for us! It had rained and area looking over river was closed, but still enjoyable. A fire pit was burning nearby and we had a great time.

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  10. Kenn

    Louisville

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were very happy with our food and presentation. Very nice and attentive waiter.

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Service was above excellent. Food was mostly very good except the fried grouper cheeks, didn’t like the breading. Shrimp cocktail was the best!!

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    Palm Springs

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Got right in with a party of 6. Our waiter was great & the food was delicious.

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    Indiana

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious. Watching the river was lovely.

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  14. HollyB

    Louisville

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Andrew was THE BEST server ever! He made our girls night extra special with his energy, recommendations and it was bonus to get a photo session for my birthday! What an amazing time has by all! Thank you so much!

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  15. JimP

    Louisville

    28 reviews

    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent. I had the seared scallops and they were delicious. Tyler served us well.

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I listed on the reservation that it was our anniversary, and several people congratulated us. We sat on the patio and enjoyed the nice weather. Service, cocktails, food and dessert were excellent. Always a great visit.

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  17. MattP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Phenomenal experience every time, however, last night was probably the finest yet. The ceviche was as good as any we’ve ever had. So good, in fact, that we’ll likely be back for the ceviche itself. I’m struggling to remember or server’s name, which is a shame. She was an absolute jewel. We’ll be back ASAP.

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  18. brett

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience5
    View and location outstanding. Service was good, not great. Food was average and a bit overpriced.

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  19. saltzydog

    New York Area

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and drink.. my favorite is the Octopus

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  20. CarolineR

    Louisville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    River House was 10x better than expected. Our server was attentive without being overly present at the table. The food and drinks were incredible and the atmosphere for outside seating was beautiful.

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  21. JeffM

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall1food3service2ambience4
    Terrible. Large group got served and we sat for an hour. It was my wife’s birthday. We are very upset.

    River House Restaurant & Raw BarResponded on September 14, 2023

    Hello Jeff I am very sorry to read of your experience from last night. It was not one of our best nights executing for sure. Can you please call my cell to discuss? I would love to make this up to you. Thanks for your time. Dan O'Connell- Operating Partner 804.399.9875

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  22. Oldie

    Louisville

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    I took Sheldon’s advice and ordered the salmon special. Really good! Started the evening with a ginger Manhattan, my new favorite mixed drink.

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  23. luvgreatfoodandMakersMark

    Louisville

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had the pan fried oysters appetizer that was excellent. We also had the Maker's Mark Salmon and the Seafood Po Boy without the bread. Both were also great.

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  24. DebbieN

    Louisville

    57 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    57 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    We did request to sit outside since it was such a lovely day. This was a business luncheon - food was fine. Service very slow. The flies were terrible - we would take a bite - and swat a fly. So, bug zappers or something to control the flies would be nice. It was embarrassing.

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  25. DonS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We come from Lexington to dine at the River House on a regular basis. The food is always great as well as the atmosphere. Our favorite is the steamed king crab legs and they are the best. We typically order an appetizer, drinks and eat the king crab as our entree. My wife and I each ordered a second round of king crab as we always do. The server returned to the table and said her manager wanted us to know what they cost before she placed the order??? We don’t dine out or order based on the price of an item. Told the server to tell the manager we are good with the prices and we always tip generously based on the food we order. The conversation was a little insulting.

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  26. Jenna

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our first visit to Riverhouse did not disappoint! Great service, amazing food and a nice little evening spent away with my husband!

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    Indiana

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service was top notch. I could not be happier with choosing River House for date night!

    Is this helpful?

  28. JuanF

    Louisville

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food and service were great. The seared scallops dish is very fulfilling and seasoned. Sitting outside on a nice night is very enjoyable. Only thing that could have been better is the music at king fish, we can do without that. This is definitely a place to go for a nice dinner outing.

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  29. MarH

    Cincinnati

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The seafood dinners are delicious - perfectly cooked! Excellent service as well.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service, food was delicious and the atmosphere is so fun!

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome food and drinks. The steak and potatoes were cooked perfect. The crab meat was wonderful

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Indiana

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    Thanks. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

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  33. LisaB

    Louisville

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    River House never disappoints! Such a lovely outside dining area, delicious food and prompt service with a friendly, helpful server . Perfect night!!

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  34. MichaelF

    Atlanta Metro

    14 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    my wife had a fainting spell - the staff were very kind & helpful especially the manager Kim - I am very grateful for this prompt response to this unexpected event

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  35. JennaR

    Nashville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the best service I have ever had. It was my husbands birthday dinner and Cassie was our waitress. We loved her, she was amazing and will request her when we come back. Highly recommend!

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  36. JeanmarcD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I was so pleased with the service!! They were quick and easy to work with! We felt welcome and appreciated. Thank you for good service

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  37. StephanieC

    Louisville

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Beautiful atmosphere and a lovely outside area near the river. The price matches the quality of food and service. Raw bar and cocktails are my favorite things!

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  38. TammyF

    Louisville

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience2
    We ate outside and realize flying pests are possible but the constant flies and bees around the table when the food was served resulted in a less enjoyable lunch.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome place to eat, food is top notch as is service. Highly recommend

    Is this helpful?

  40. CherylW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful anniversary dinner. Service was impeccable, and the food was delicious. He had a steak, and I had the short rib. Upon arriving, we received a Happy Anniversary greeting from the hostess and our server delivered a complimentary dessert to acknowledge our special day.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

River House Restaurant & Raw Bar offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (502) 897-5000.

River House Restaurant & Raw Bar is rated 4.7 stars by 6365 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 84 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for River House Restaurant & Raw Bar

3015 River Rd, Louisville, KY 40207

Additional information

  • Cross street
    River Rd.
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown Louisville
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Contemporary American, Contemporary Southern
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Ample parking is available adjacent to the Restaurant. Valet parking also available.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Entertainment
    Located adjacent to the River House Restaurant and Raw Bar, Levee at the River House is the perfect spot to share a meal with family and friends and to enjoy some choice River night life. At Levee, the emphasis is on live entertainment with some of Louisville’s most exciting local musicians and singers on an intimate stage.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Takeout, Wine
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