River Boat Grill

While it’s conveniently located, the River Boat Grill is lacking.
SERVICE: Slow, but generally friendly. However, we came once when it was unusually busy, and the waitress lectured those who didn’t read her sign instructing customers to wait to be seated. Afterward, when customers did read the sign and wait, they stood for a long time as they watched the same waitress replace napkins and silverware instead of seating them.
FOOD: Nothing special — we have been here for happy hour and lunch several times. (Hint: if you’re ordering their grilled cheese and want the extras for «pennies» more, it will cost you a lot more than pennies.) Just recently, we had made a point to show up for dinner as they only serve entrees after 4 PM. On their site, it says that happy hour runs from 4 – 7 and it closes at 8. We showed up at 7 and the boat was CLOSED. So much for making a special trip — we won’t be doing that again.

The day my husband & I stopped the sun was setting and we thought we’d hop aboard for a quick beverage. Our server kept checking his watch. Keep in mind it wasn’t that late probably 600 pm? It wasn’t by any means busy.
The view of the city was nice. The service not so nice.
We drank our beverages left and walked down to the dock. As we were coming back this sweet elderly couple was just about to board the restaurant. Our server came flying down the steps and abruptly told the couple «we’re closed ! «He grabbed the sandwich board thingy, put the rope accross the entrance, turned around and left. The poor couple turned around with a look of «what did we say» and walked back down the dock.
We were shocked and disgusted at that display and haven’t been back since and doubt that we will be. For a small family run business I expect more of a welcoming feel than what that poor couple received.

!Update! Wow. did they read my review from last year as things have changed!
This year finds the Riverboat Grill rather ‘spiffed up’. Menu is new with more items, vegetarian options are plentiful or they will happily add/​delete on request. WiFi! Still have those precarious steps which can be troublesome for older or less mobile folks and strollers w/​babies but talk of a lift system/​elevator is in progress. This year I’ve been for breakfast, lunch and dinner and enjoyed them all. Works even if the weather is a bit rainy as they have clear ‘drapes’ that prevent wind/​water from disturbing your meal. This is the real deal if looking for ‘patio dining’.