This Ohio Restaurant By The River Is Worth Planning A Weekend Around
Picture yourself sitting by the Ohio River, watching the lights dance across the water while the smell of slow-cooked barbecue fills the air around you. That’s exactly what I found at Montgomery Inn – The Boathouse, located at 925 Riverside Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
After hearing locals rave about this place for years, I finally made the trip to see what all the fuss was about. What I discovered was more than just another restaurant serving ribs and sauce.
I found a Cincinnati institution that has been perfecting its craft for nearly 75 years, combining mouthwatering food with stunning riverfront views. From the moment I pulled up to the valet stand, I knew this was going to be something special.
Let me take you through everything that makes this Boathouse location absolutely worth building your entire weekend plans around.
A Cincinnati Legacy That Started in 1951
Montgomery Inn began its journey decades ago and has grown into one of the most beloved dining destinations in the entire region. Walking into the Boathouse location feels like stepping into a piece of Cincinnati history.
The walls are covered with sports memorabilia and photographs that tell the story of this restaurant’s deep connection to the community. I spent a good ten minutes just looking at all the memorabilia before I even sat down at my table.
In 2026, Montgomery Inn will celebrate its 75th year of operation, which is truly remarkable in the restaurant business. Very few places manage to stay relevant and thriving for that long.
The fact that they’ve maintained their quality and reputation through multiple generations speaks volumes. Families have been coming here for three quarters of a century, creating memories over plates of ribs and Saratoga chips.
The Ribs That Made Them Famous
Everyone told me I had to try the ribs, and now I understand why people drive from other states just to eat them. These aren’t your typical smoked ribs that you might find at other barbecue joints.
Montgomery Inn oven roasts their pork loin back ribs and glazes them with their signature sauce, creating something entirely unique. The meat literally falls off the bone without any effort, which is exactly what you want from great ribs.
I watched person after person at nearby tables wearing the complimentary bibs they provide, which tells you everything about how messy and wonderful these ribs are. The portions are incredibly generous too.
One order could easily feed two people if you’re not extremely hungry. The tangy barbecue sauce has a flavor profile that I’ve never tasted anywhere else, making these ribs truly memorable and worth every single calorie.
River Views That Steal the Show
Sitting on the balcony overlooking the Ohio River changed my entire dining experience from good to absolutely unforgettable. The restaurant sits right on Riverside Drive, giving diners an unobstructed view of the water and the Kentucky shoreline beyond.
I visited during the evening, and watching the sun set over the river while eating dinner was magical. The lights from the bridges and buildings across the water create a shimmering reflection that’s absolutely stunning.
Barges occasionally float past, adding movement and interest to the already beautiful scenery. Several reviewers mentioned watching fireworks from the nearby baseball stadium while dining on the patio, which sounds incredible.
The outdoor seating area is covered, so you’re protected from the elements while still enjoying the fresh air and views. I highly recommend requesting a table on the balcony when you make your reservation.
Saratoga Chips That Changed My Mind About Potatoes
Before visiting, I had no idea what Saratoga chips were, but now I dream about them regularly. These aren’t regular potato chips from a bag.
Montgomery Inn makes their own version of these classic thin-sliced, crispy potatoes that are served fresh and hot. They come as a side dish with most entrees, and you can also get them as part of appetizers like the pulled pork nachos.
The chips are perfectly crispy without being greasy, which is harder to achieve than you might think. They hold up incredibly well under toppings like pulled pork, cheese, and jalapenos without getting soggy.
I found myself eating these chips long after I was full, which rarely happens to me. They’re addictive in the best possible way, and I completely understand why so many reviews specifically mention them by name as a highlight of the meal.
Seafood Options That Surprised Me
Walking into a famous barbecue restaurant, I didn’t expect the seafood to be anything special, but I was completely wrong about that assumption.
The salmon is outstanding and comes as their Bronzed Salmon, with Coho salmon specially seasoned and served on a bed of tri-colored couscous, topped with sautéed Brussels sprouts and finished with a rich, savory cream sauce.
The fish flakes apart effortlessly and is cooked to absolute perfection. Several reviews praised the broiled fish options, which tells me the kitchen takes their seafood just as seriously as their barbecue.
The Gulf Shrimp Cantonese appetizer is another popular choice that comes with hot mustard and plum sauce. I watched a couple order the salmon, and they were absolutely delighted with every bite they took.
Having quality seafood options makes this restaurant accessible to people who might not be huge barbecue fans, which is smart. Everyone in your group can find something they’ll genuinely enjoy eating here.
The Smoked Brisket That Rivals Texas
One reviewer who moved from Cincinnati to Austin specifically praised the brisket portion sizes, which caught my attention immediately. Texas is known for brisket, so earning that comparison is no small accomplishment.
The smoked beef brisket dinner comes with a massive portion of meat that’s incredibly moist and flavorful. While it doesn’t have the distinctive bark that Texas-style brisket features, the overall beef flavor is excellent and the tenderness is spot-on.
I ordered it with mac and cheese on the side, which was creamy and delicious. The portion was so large that I took half of it home, giving me another amazing meal the next day.
For the price, you’re getting an exceptional value compared to what you’d pay at most barbecue restaurants. The brisket is slathered in their signature sauce, making every single bite a savory treat you won’t forget.
Service That Makes You Feel Like Family
Outstanding food means nothing if the service falls short, but Montgomery Inn absolutely nails this aspect of the dining experience.
Server after server gets mentioned by name in reviews, which tells you how memorable and personal the service is here.
Jordan, Ally, Ron, Amanda, and Kim all received specific praise from customers who felt genuinely cared for during their meals. One reviewer mentioned that their server didn’t just serve them but took time to actually get to know them and make friends.
That level of personal attention is rare in restaurants, especially busy ones. Even the busboys are attentive, with one named Troy getting praise for filling water glasses multiple times throughout the meal.
The staff handled large groups of 14 and even 20 people with no mistakes and fast service. They make you feel welcome whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just stopping in for dinner on a random Tuesday night.
Desserts Worth Saving Room For
After eating a huge portion of ribs or brisket, finding room for dessert seems impossible, but you need to try anyway. The Chocolate Volcano Cake is warm, gooey, and absolutely decadent in all the right ways.
They serve it with Graeter’s ice cream, which is a beloved local Cincinnati brand that makes the dessert even more special. The combination of hot chocolate cake with cold, creamy ice cream is absolutely perfect.
One couple celebrating their anniversary got an extra scoop of the special Midnight Snack flavor, which shows how the staff goes above and beyond. The key lime pie and carrot cake also received glowing reviews from multiple customers.
Choosing just one dessert from the menu is genuinely difficult because everything sounds amazing. My advice is to share a dessert with your dining companion so you can taste it without feeling overly stuffed afterward.
Convenient Valet Parking and Easy Access
Nothing ruins a good meal faster than struggling to find parking, but Montgomery Inn makes arrival completely stress-free with their valet service. You can hand over your keys and walk straight into the restaurant without circling the block.
Multiple reviews specifically praised the valet parking as being easy and convenient, which matters more than people realize. You can also park on the street if you prefer, giving you options based on your comfort level and budget.
The restaurant is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly when scheduling your visit. They open at 4 PM on most days, with slightly earlier opening times on weekends at 3 PM.
Making a reservation is highly recommended, especially during summer months and holiday seasons when the restaurant gets extremely busy.
The combination of easy parking and flexible reservation options makes planning your visit simple and straightforward.
Perfect for Any Occasion You Can Imagine
Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, celebrating a 75th birthday, hosting a business meeting, or just grabbing dinner with friends, this restaurant works beautifully. The atmosphere is warm and inviting without being stuffy or overly formal.
You can dress up or come as you are, which takes the pressure off and makes everyone feel comfortable. I saw families with kids, couples on dates, and large groups celebrating special occasions all dining happily at the same time.
The relaxed dress code and versatile atmosphere mean you don’t need a special reason to visit, though it certainly elevates any celebration.
One group celebrated a birthday with 20 people and had an absolutely wonderful experience with perfect service.
The combination of delicious food, beautiful views, and excellent service creates the ideal setting for making memories. This is the kind of place people return to year after year for their important moments and casual dinners alike.