Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Central Kentucky
  4. Louisville
  5. Downtown Louisville
River House Restaurant & Raw Bar, Louisville, KY

River House Restaurant & Raw Bar

4.6
4.6
5158 reviews
$30 and under
Seafood
Top tags:
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 booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 92 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Seafood, Contemporary American, Contemporary Southern

  • Hours of Operation

    Monday - Thursday 11:00 am-10:00 pm Friday & Saturday 11:00 am - 11:00 pm Sunday 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Christmas Eve 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Christmas Day CLOSED New Year's Eve Open til 1am New Year's Day CLOSED

  • Phone number

    (502) 897-5000

  • Website

    http://www.riverhouselou.com/

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress Code

    Smart Casual

  • Location

    3015 River Rd, Louisville, KY 40207

  • Area

    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

    Gluten-free Options

Featured in

Popular dishes

What 5,158 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

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

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

  • Central Kentucky

    Outdoor Eating

  • Central Kentucky

    Scenic View

  • Central Kentucky

    Most Booked

  • Louisville

    Outdoor Eating

  • Louisville

    Scenic View

  • Louisville

    Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

  1. BB

    BrettB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Always a nice seafood dinner. Have tried almost everything on the menu. Great ambiance, reliable service, and consistant food quality.
  2. L

    Lonach

    Louisville

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Quality service and food everytime we've visited. Our favorite Louisville Restaurant.
  3. PT

    PamT

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We ate on the patio overlooking the river. Food, service, view were excellent.
  4. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Great evening celebrating our 51st anniversary. A little pricey, but food and service were great. We were not rushed by our server and he was very courteous and helpful. We were seated some time after our reservation and there didn’t seem to be a good reason for the delay, but it was not terribly long and didn’t detract from our celebration.
  5. JK

    JasonK

    Louisville

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great time! Really cool place and we had great service
  6. T

    Tomcat88

    Louisville

    100 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    100 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Had pleasant setting on outside patio. Enjoyed dinner with party of 4 which included primarily several appetizers and soup for all. Cocktails and bourbon were the majority of drinks. Service was very good except a few menu items were not available at 7:00pm.
  7. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    16 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    We love the River House, especially when the weather is nice like it was on this visit. We were glad to wait an extra few minutes at the outdoor bar so that the staff could accommodate our specific request for a table. Thank you very much. The service is outstanding when you consider how far the waiters must travel to your table when dining in what has got to be a top 10 outdoor dining experience in the country. We each had a different fish special. Mine was not as much to my liking as I thought it would be, but only due to my individual tastes. I’m not a sticky rice fan and missed that in the description. The Grilled Peaches dessert made up for my poor choice of entrée. We will definitely be back and would recommend River House to everyone. Just remember to read and/or ask your waiter for a full description of what’s available.
  8. LG

    LarryG

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and response to a couple of dishes that weren't as hot we wanted. We were seated outside. They immediately replaced the dishes with apologies and smiles.
  9. RT

    RickT

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Overall great experience- oysters over rated and over priced (Most of the East Coast Oysters were very, very small) - lobster tails were succulent but again, very, very small. Plan to return (but not for oysters or lobster). Environment very noisy and hustle bustle- mgr (?) stopped by table but left right away without more than saying “food good?” Gentleman at the reception desk super competent and very nice - bar lady scowls alot
  10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service. Sitting outside in perfect weather was a plus
  11. L

    Lele

    Louisville

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    As usual, servers with personality, good memories, and dedication to their jobs, highlight the River House experience. Sure the food is always good, but when it is served with verve and pizaaz, everything is better.
  12. DS

    DavidS

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    River House is my favorite restaurant in the city of Louisville!!!
  13. C

    Claudia

    Louisville

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    The patio is a lovely setting when the temperatures are nice.
  14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    The food and atmosphere was very good, but I think it was overpriced.
  15. PV

    PamplemousseVanderbilt

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our group of locals, New Yorkers and New Zealanders thoroughly enjoyed our experience at River House! We sat outside on the top deck, with a wonderful view of the Ohio River. Food and service were both excellent!
  16. HW

    HaroldW

    Louisville

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great meal. Service was very good! The cherry smoke ribeye was next level!!!
  17. k

    karenw

    Louisville

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great dinner! Nice evening to be on the patio! Beautiful sunset!
  18. JC

    JacquelineC

    Naples

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great menu and service. Recommend the ceviche and grilled octopus.
  19. S

    Scheibel

    Louisville

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great fun!
  20. KV

    KatyV

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 9 August 2022

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    My Ruben sandwich was horrible. Meat was fatty and well, just an awful sandwich. Everyone else liked their food.
  21. J

    Jedi

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 7 August 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved the patio but, it was just a little hot in the direct sunlight.
  22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 7 August 2022

    overall5food4service2ambience5
    Nice place with good atmosphere. Hidden gem!
  23. CR

    CarlosR

    Louisville

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 7 August 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    El lugar es fantastico, la comida extraordinaria, el camarero muy muy amable y amigable, pero en la entrada lamujer que nos atendio, cuando llegamos nos dijo que si teniamos reservacion, dijimos que no, entonces nos mando al patio y havia exagerado sol, le pedi si nos podia sentar en la sombra y nos dijo que no porque tenia 300 personas que habian reservado ya y estaba lleno todo, entonces saque la app de OPEN TABLE y empeze a hacer la resevacion, eran ls 4:10 y agarre resevacion a las 4:30, le mostre la reservacion que acababa de hacer hace 2 minuto y entonces mire que molestos nos tuvieron que llevar a la sombra! El lugar es muy bueno en genera pero si van a ir hagan reservacion antes para evitar que los sienten en un mal lugar o quisa hasta les nieguen la entrada! 😂
  24. AE

    AnnE

    New Orleans

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on 7 August 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The entire meal was fabulous!
  25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 7 August 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Celebration for our daughters 25th birthday
  26. SS

    SusanS

    Louisville

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on 7 August 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    I enjoyed our meal. Some of the wait staff could be a little more modestly dressed for a nice restaurant. The food and drinks were okay but not amazing. The seafood salad po-boy was not in my opinion a po-boy and I had my heart set on one. The drinks (loaded bloody marry and a coffee with Irish Cream) were a 6 on a scale of 1-10. Our waitress was great.
  27. JM

    JoeML

    Louisville

    56 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    56 reviews

    Dined on 7 August 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great outdoors seating by the River …. Food selection is great!
  28. PD

    PamalaD

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 7 August 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful experience at the River House Restaurant the food was excellent. The service was fast and very personable . Very nice staff . 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
  29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Nashville

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 6 August 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    excellent experience!
  30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 August 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Waiter was one of the best we’ve ever had
  31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 6 August 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Kevin was the absolute best! His service and personality are awesome and made the night and food even better.
  32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 August 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was amazing! Second time here. Will keep coming back. Food & drinks were excellent. Staff was super friendly and kind, especially our server Jewell.
  33. RC

    RicC

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 5 August 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was excellent, the menu options were very nice!
  34. S

    Sara

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 August 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service and food was great! The cocktails are amazing!
  35. D

    Dkay

    Louisville

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 5 August 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Seafood pasta was great. The steak also great per my husband
  36. TL

    TarynL

    Houston

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 4 August 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Huge thank you to Tyler and the team at River House!! It was my mom’s birthday and her first visit there and the food and service was top notch from beginning to end. Delicious cocktails and gorgeous view too! Thank you to everyone for making it a great celebration!
  37. MD

    MaryD

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 4 August 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went here for our anniversary, and everything about the restaurant was wonderful. The service was very good, the view of the river was nice, and the food was some of the best I have ever tried. So glad we took the recommendation to come here!
  38. AL

    AndreaL

    Louisville

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 2 August 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    We went there to celebrate my birthday. When we arrived they asked whose bday it was and my husband pointed to me. And that was it ! I didn’t want them to sing to me , but whenever we have been to an expensive restaurant for an occasion -there was some sort of complimentary dessert. Nothing ! And our bill pre too was $210. Very disappointing
  39. C

    Colmel53

    Detroit

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on 2 August 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Want delicious food and cocktails in an amazingly beautiful setting? The River House Restaurant & Raw Bar is the answer.
  40. RS

    RyanS

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 1 August 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Waitress was awesome. Made the experience great. Food was so good

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 4.6 stars by 5158 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 92 times today
Google Map for River House Restaurant & Raw Bar

3015 River Rd, Louisville, KY 40207

Additional information

  • Cross Street

    River Rd.

  • Area

    Downtown Louisville

  • Hours of Operation

    Monday - Thursday 11:00 am-10:00 pm Friday & Saturday 11:00 am - 11:00 pm Sunday 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Christmas Eve 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Christmas Day CLOSED New Year's Eve Open til 1am New Year's Day CLOSED

  • 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

    Gluten-free Options

Featured in

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Careers
More
Our sites
Businesses
Delight more dinersRestaurant Blog
Join us on
Copyright © 2022 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 700, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking LogoPriceline LogoKAYAK LogoAgoda LogoRentalcars LogoOpenTable Logo