This Ohio Riverside Restaurant Has Been Drawing Diners For Generations
Sitting along the Ohio River at 101 Front Street in Marietta, OH 45750, Riverfront Bar & Grill has been serving up memorable meals for years inside the historic Lafayette Hotel.
I first heard about this place from a friend who raved about the riverside views and old-world charm, so I had to see it for myself.
Walking through the doors felt like stepping back in time. The building itself tells stories of paddle wheel boats and river travelers from decades past.
What really caught my attention was how this restaurant manages to balance history with solid food and friendly service. From perfectly cooked salmon to their famous twisted fries, there’s something here that keeps locals and travelers coming back.
Let me take you through what makes this riverside spot so special.
A Historic Setting That Transports You Back in Time
Walking into Riverfront Bar & Grill feels like entering a living museum. The restaurant sits inside the Lafayette Hotel, a building that has watched over the Ohio River for generations.
Original architectural details surround you as you dine. Exposed brick, vintage fixtures, and period-appropriate decor create an atmosphere you simply cannot find in modern chain restaurants.
Several guests mentioned feeling like they were eating in a museum, and honestly, that description fits perfectly. The space honors its past without feeling stuffy or overly formal.
I loved wandering through the public areas before my meal. The hotel’s hallways and common spaces reveal layers of history at every turn.
This building has hosted countless travelers since the golden age of river travel. You can almost hear the echoes of steamboat passengers checking in after long journeys.
The musty scent some reviewers noted actually adds to the authentic historic feel. It reminds you that this place has real stories to tell, not just manufactured nostalgia.
Riverside Views That Make Every Meal Special
One of the biggest draws here is the spectacular view of the Ohio River. Large windows frame the water perfectly, giving diners a front-row seat to river life.
I requested a table by the window and spent half my meal just watching boats drift by. The natural light streaming in made everything feel brighter and more relaxed.
Many reviewers specifically mentioned how much they enjoyed their riverside seats. There’s something calming about watching water flow while you eat your dinner.
During different times of day, the view changes completely. Sunset dinners must be absolutely gorgeous, though I visited during the afternoon.
The location right on Front Street means you’re as close to the river as you can get in downtown Marietta. No other restaurant in the area offers quite this perspective.
Even if you’re not a nature person, the view adds value to your dining experience. It transforms an ordinary meal into something memorable and worth photographing.
The Famous Fish and Chips Everyone Talks About
Fish and chips appeared in reviews more than almost any other dish. After trying them myself, I completely understand why people keep ordering this classic.
The fish arrives hot and crispy with a golden coating that crunches perfectly with each bite. Inside, the fish stays moist and flaky, showing the kitchen knows exactly how to handle seafood.
What really surprised me were the fries. Instead of regular cuts or standard curly fries, they serve these unique twisted shapes that several guests called the best they’d ever eaten.
The portion size easily satisfies a hungry diner. I found myself taking home leftovers, which tasted great reheated the next day.
One reviewer specifically mentioned this dish after a long day of travel, calling it phenomenal. Another guest ordered it during a busy Thursday evening and praised how everything came out hot despite the packed house.
For a riverside restaurant, having excellent fish and chips just makes sense. This version lives up to the hype.
Salmon Prepared to Perfection
Salmon earned ten mentions in customer reviews, making it one of the most popular menu items. I decided to order it based on all the positive feedback.
My salmon arrived perfectly cooked with a beautiful sear on the outside and tender, flaky meat inside. The kitchen clearly understands how to handle this fish properly.
One guest called it top-notch and said it was paired with the best asparagus they’d ever tasted. Another reviewer traveling through on Route 77 specifically praised the salmon quality.
The dish typically comes with roasted red potatoes and vegetables. Everything on my plate felt thoughtfully prepared rather than just thrown together.
What impressed me most was the consistency mentioned across reviews. Multiple people ordered salmon on different visits and had great experiences each time.
However, one reviewer did mention disappointment with their grilled salmon, showing that even popular dishes can have off nights. Overall though, the positive comments far outweigh the negative ones for this entree.
Crab Cakes Worth Ordering
Crab cakes appeared in several reviews with mostly positive feedback. One guest found them delicious enough to earn a special mention alongside praise for the twisted fries.
These appetizers showcase the restaurant’s commitment to quality seafood. Made with real crab meat rather than filler, they deliver authentic flavor in every bite.
I watched another table receive their crab cakes and noticed the golden-brown exterior that promised a nice crisp texture. The portions looked generous for an appetizer.
However, not every review was glowing. One couple celebrating their anniversary had crab cakes that tasted off, which ruined their special evening.
Another reviewer mentioned the crab cakes were just okay compared to other menu items. This suggests the dish might be hit or miss depending on when you visit.
Despite mixed feedback, enough people enjoyed them that they remain a popular choice. If you love crab cakes, they’re worth trying, especially given the restaurant’s riverside location and seafood focus.
Service That Shines Despite Challenges
What really stood out during my visit was how hard the staff works, often under tough conditions. Multiple reviews mentioned nights when just one server handled the entire dining room.
I met Mirande during a busy evening when she was both bartending and serving 27 customers. Somehow, I never felt neglected or rushed.
Another server named Amber received praise for staying attentive despite juggling multiple tables. Julie was called a rock star by guests who appreciated her efficiency and friendliness.
The team’s positive attitude makes a real difference. Even when the kitchen is backed up or the dining room is packed, servers maintain their smiles and professionalism.
Of course, not every experience was perfect. Some guests complained about inattentive service and empty drinks, showing that understaffing can sometimes hurt the experience.
Overall though, the staff clearly cares about making guests happy. Their dedication shows, especially considering the challenges of working in a historic building with what seems like frequent staffing shortages.
Those Incredible Twisted Fries
I need to dedicate a whole section to these fries because they genuinely surprised me. Several reviewers called them the best fries they’d ever eaten, and I’m inclined to agree.
The unique twisted cut creates more surface area for crispiness while keeping a fluffy interior. They’re not quite curly fries, but they’re definitely not regular cuts either.
Seasoning was spot-on during my visit, though some guests mentioned they arrived overly salty. Your mileage may vary depending on who’s working the fryer that day.
What makes them special is the texture. Each twist provides multiple crunch points, making them fun to eat and satisfying in a way regular fries just cannot match.
They pair perfectly with the fish and chips but also come as a side with burgers and other entrees. I saw them on almost every table during my visit.
If you’re a fry enthusiast like me, these alone are worth the trip to Marietta. They’ve clearly become a signature item that sets this place apart from competitors.
Finding Your Way to This Hidden Treasure
Locating Riverfront Bar & Grill can feel like a small adventure. The restaurant sits inside the Lafayette Hotel, so you’ll need to enter the building and explore a bit.
One reviewer mentioned wandering the hotel hallways until they found the dining room. While this might sound confusing, it actually adds to the experience of discovering something special.
The address is 101 Front Street in Marietta, right along the river. Parking is available nearby, though you might need to walk a short distance depending on where you find a spot.
Hours vary throughout the week. They’re closed until 11 AM most days, open until 11 PM Monday through Thursday, midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 10 PM on Sunday.
Sunday hours are different, with service starting at 2 PM instead of 11 AM. Plan accordingly if you’re visiting on a weekend.
The phone number is 740-373-5522 if you want to call ahead. Checking their website before visiting helps ensure they’re open, especially during holidays or special events.
Menu Highlights Beyond the Classics
While fish and chips and salmon get most of the attention, the menu offers plenty of other options worth exploring. I spotted everything from steaks to salads during my visit.
The Lafayette salad earned mentions from multiple guests. One person ordered it before their fish and chips and enjoyed it enough to specifically name it in their review.
Stuffed mushrooms appeared as a bright spot for one disappointed diner. Even though their steak and chicken fell flat, those mushrooms were the highlight of their meal.
The BLT satisfied one guest who appreciated the classic preparation. Sometimes simple sandwiches done well are exactly what you want.
Asparagus comes as a side with several dishes. Multiple people praised it, with one calling it the best they’d ever had, though another found it too salty.
Steak options exist but seem to be hit or miss based on reviews. Some guests loved them while others complained about quality and preparation, so proceed with caution on those items.
Why This Place Keeps Pulling People Back
After experiencing Riverfront Bar & Grill myself and reading through countless reviews, I understand why people return generation after generation. It’s not just about the food or the views.
The combination of history, location, and genuine hospitality creates something you cannot replicate in newer establishments. This place has soul that comes from decades of serving travelers and locals alike.
Sure, there are occasional service hiccups and menu items that miss the mark. No restaurant is perfect, especially one dealing with an old building and staffing challenges.
What matters is that when things go right here, they go really right. A perfectly cooked salmon paired with riverside views and friendly service creates memories that last.
The 4.4-star rating across more than 100 reviews tells the real story. Most people leave happy, satisfied, and planning their next visit.
Whether you’re passing through Marietta or you’re a local looking for a special meal, this riverside restaurant delivers an experience worth having. Just maybe skip the steak and stick with the seafood.