River City Ale Works

Stopped at River City because it was one of only a handful of placed open after a snowstorm and was pleasantly surprised. The reviews were mixed and I can kind of see why because they are sort of having an identity crisis with the menu, but overall I liked it.
For starters, the place is large and open. The have a big bar and a big bar seating area along with a tiered restaurant section. On the night we came, they were clearly short-​staffed due to the storm, but the staff worked together well and everyone just did what was needed. Everyone was friendly and I didn’t feel neglected at all. The only evidence that something was amiss was the lack of hostess (she was pitching in waiting tables) and the large collection of un-​bussed tables that had to wait until someone got a minute to do it.
The beer selection satisfied my boyfriend and the server was knowledgeable about the selections. My cocktail was good. The food was good, albeit a little under-​seasoned for my taste. There is certainly a lot to choose from and there’s a pretty diverse mix of different foods (for example, the appetizer section has ahi tuna and crab cakes sitting next to 6 kinds of chicken wings and loaded cheese fries.) It’s a weird mix, but there really ought to be something for everyone somewhere on there.

Stopped here after being treated like a peasant at Metropolotan. Will never go back there. River City was completely opposite. Pleasant staff, very welcoming. The atmosphere is nice and the tables are far enough apart to where you have privacy. Onto the food, i ordered tge Crabcakes. Delicious! I want to give 5 stars and they deserve it for the great service and excellent food. The only reason i am giving 4 stars is the portions are small especially for the price. That said, will i return? You betcha.

Amazing atmosphere but the service and food is very poor. Such a shame because the location and atmosphere is perfect. Good bar though.

Was at a wedding reception here on November 27^th. It was beautifully done. Took place on the 3^rd floor and was gorgeous with a red and white theme. Draped lighting, red sashes on the chairs which were covered in white. The bride said that the manager in charge was very good at taking care of details, both big and small. Bar on one end and food on the other in an intimate setting for a wedding of about 65 people. Staff was very attentive and friendly. Really good food catered by River City with the bride being able to make and bring in 2 Lebanese dishes. Only 2 concerns that prevented the 5^th star was the room was too hot so windows were opened and the staff could have have been dressed a bit more professionally.

Bad, bad beer here tonight.
Sick and Sicker; had to leave the blues fest after One porter here.
DO Not Drink Here… ask whether the beer was bad this past week…
Beware.

I liked this place. I’m not from this area, but I thought the location was pretty cute.
It was a weeknight so not very crowded at all. We sat at a table near a window and a waitress was right over for our orders. We had some appetizer which I can’t remember. Wings maybe?
The star of the show for me were the long islands. They were good and they were strong. They are probably why I can’t remember which app we ordered.
Anyway, then I had the fish & chips which was surprisingly good because for some reason I have found fish & chips to be hit or miss at places. I’m usually nervous about ordering it but it was definitely good.
Will be back the next time I’m in town.

We came here before a hockey game and nothing but disappointment. Service was slow, food was less that appetizing and the bill was high. Server tried to argue that a grilled crab cake dinner was indeed a 19 dollar sandwich. I was proven correct and there was no offer of any comp. won’t come here again. Only plus side was the beer.

Took the family there today, spent $ 60. Got a couple appetizers and two kids meals. Barely ate anything due to the food tasting like crap. Kids didn’t even eat theirs. Service was bad also. Left there with most of the food still on the table.

Love this place!!! 24 draft beers. Nice selection on menu. Beautiful place. Old history everywhere. Candlelight tables. Fresh cut fries not fries that come in a bag. Servers say alot of dressings made in house. My Philly sandwich was excellent. They have plenty to choose from for lower budgets and more extensive ones. Always have nightly specials that usually includes surf and turf. Friendly, courteous, prompt service. Stop in and check the place out for yourself. Everyone has different opinions build your own.

Beer selection was fine. Service was good. Food was almost inedible.
First the salads were drowning in cheese. Not vegetables. Just cheese. Second the «spinach artichoke dip». I use quotations here as neither spinach or artichokes could be found. The dip wasn’t even green so it isn’t like it was blended in. The dip was actually a over powering garlic cheese soup with crusty crusty bread. Next up were perogies. They were pretty bland and swimming in what looked like fryer oil. Another member in my party actually wiped off the oil with a napkin. Finally the calamari. Again bathing in the mysterious and unwelcome fry oil. They weren’t even crispy because they were so so oily and smothered in banana peppers. My stomach felt so unhappy after eating here. It is really a
it is. a nice location and atmosphere.

This is by no means a good restaurant. My boyfriends ribs were cold. The fish and chips were decent. The beer selection was decent. The service was horrible. The male barkeep straight lied when I asked if they had a cocktails menu. How do I know he lied? Cause the menu was on the wall behind him and his female counterpart was able to produce one. He was just lazy. The guy next to me had to ask for a menu and had to ask to have his order placed and had to ask for them to take his drink order. Lazy and distracted service.

Nice place– and it was open! Score. Not much still open in Wheeling, especially 4^th of July. Waitress /​service was bright and friendly. Oriental salad was heavy and not typical but fresh and enjoyable. My friend enjoyed his beef ribs. Raspberry tea was perfect. Downtown area must have been beautiful at one time, the architecture is artful. I hope it is revived.

Really good service! Been here twice and both of the bartenders we met were absolute dolls. The sautéed pierogies were very good but I had the Oriental Chicken Salad, chicken was very dry and the lettuce looked old and the tomato tasted like a walk-​in cooler… Also the salad dressing was really gross but the sauce they had on the chicken was yummy. Boyfriend had the Philly chicken sandwich and he didn’t care for it.

Nice lay out, food was good. Had a s’more Russian, which it’s a white Russian with s’more vodka. Good night

I have lived in Wheeling my entire life, and Wheeling benefits from a large tourist trade, so it pains me to dis a local business, but this place just does not get it.
I have eaten here many times over the years since it opened in the early 90s and consistently have endured mediocre food at greatly inflated prices. My most recent visit, this past Saturday (Feb. 2, 2013) was after the OVAC cheering competition at the Wesbanco arena. This is a major event drawing thousands of participants and attendees therefore the restaurant knew it was to be a busy day.
I ordered coffee, was promptly served, and drank it in about 5 minutes, prior to my food order was taken, nevertheless throughout the entire stay (about an hour and a half) my cup was not refilled, nor was I once asked.
I, as well as two others in my party of 14 ordered the Buffalo Chicken wrap, and my side was steamed broccoli. When the orders arrived there were two Buffalo Chicken wraps, and on Grilled Chicken Wrap with a side of broccoli. These two dishes are totally different as to the content.
I pointed out the mistake and the waiter kindly returned the plate and returned about 90 seconds later with the same sandwich now covered with copious amounts of Texas Pete sauce. I did not feel like sending the food back a second time, so I consumed the grilled chicken wrap drowning in hot sauce, which by the way was cold. I smiled and left a tip on the 9.95 cold sandwich which I did not order.
This is a typical River City experience. Wheeling has many, many great restaurants. Ye Olde Alpha is a one of a kind experience. The Casino and the Metropolitan offer fine dining choices. Oglebay and Stratford Springs are great choice with phenomenal views. The Highlands has everything from chain restaurants to Japanese Steak House. Undo’s has some of the best family style Italian you can find. Go to these places. Don’t waste your money here.

Huge spot right in the middle of town. Clean and kind. 20 different beers on tap. There was a wedding reception on the top floor, and since the place is very open, we had to listen to «Brick House» and the like. There’s a huge center atrium where a band was playing. Pool tables and good times.

I really loved the old building. This place is seriously cool. The problem is the food. El crapo. My steak was tougher than I would ever expect to eat in a restaurant. The side dishes seemed like reheated prepared food.
I’d go get my drink on here but I’d pass on dinner.

We didn’t want to eat in a chain restaurant, so we checked this place out based on the Unilocal reviews. It’s a really cool old building that was renovated in 1996. When we got there at 5:30, we were the only customers in the restaurant. Service was pretty slow, and our waitress disappeared for nearly half an hour after we were done eating. There was a big event going on upstairs, though, so maybe that had something to do with it.
The food was decent, and the beer selection was pretty good. It was nothing to rave about, but better than if we had gone to Perkins.

I’ve gotta say, River City’s a great place for Wheeling. The food was good, and the beer selection was the best I’ve found in the area. They used to brew their own beer, but stopped many years ago after the place was flooded. They should start brewing again. This town needs locally brewed beer!
The place was clean and well-​lit. An entertaining fella by the name of «Smokedaddy» was playing some covers in the bar area when we got there, and he apparently plays every Friday night. After his set, a heavier band went on behind the bar. They weren’t really my style, but it was nice to continue having live music.
Overall, I really enjoyed River City and would recommend it to others.

Maybe at two star rating is a bit harsh but when you call your restaurant an «Ale Works» and you don’t make your own beer or serve anything local or special on tap you’re setting your guests up for disappointment.
The food was alright. I’d order the fried pickles again. The came out crispy, not soggy. The entrée’s we ordered ended up being good. The seared tuna appetizer as a dinner meal was great. The steak we ordered came out well done even though it was ordered medium at the most. The second time the steak was a much better cut of meat and cooked to order.
I can’t say anything about this place is that exciting. I would probably seek out a different venue with better beer on tap.