Riv Chip Stand — Restaurant in West Nipissing

It's a popular spot for fries, and a few other items, across the street from another fries seller. I'd heard about it from my sister and Mom who'd visited it in the past while driving between North Bay and Sault Ste. Marie. I was looking forward to the visit while vacationing in the area (at either chip seller).

I ordered the Poutine (mixed) size medium, and a cold Pepsi. They were a bit busy so it took maybe 10 minutes to get the order. They called out my name, but it was the French version so I didn't initially react until I saw no one else was answering. I guess the large French population in the area can make that happen. Anyway, it was a reasonable sized box and was overflowing with fries, cheese curds and gravy. I'm sure there were enough calories for the whole day in that one serving!

As for the taste, it was pretty bland frankly. The fries weren't that great on their own (I don't think they double-cook their fries to get them crispy) and the gravy was just brown, and not much else. The amount of cheese was okay. I think the French's Poutine gravy mix that I use at home is better than what I got that day.

That being said, It's a nice spot to meet your friends on a summer day for lunch, but not on my list of places I have to...

My first time trying RIVS. I'm not a huge chip stand person, but I was travelling with some friends who were jonesing about it, so who am I to deny them this.

I got a baby pogo, baby poutine, and RIV burger.

Baby pogo: really really good. Wish I got a regular sized one. Unfortunately, Elon has not invented a time machine yet. The batter has a nice texture of crispy exterior and a fluffy pillow interior. They use Lester's hotdogs, never heard of it before but ilit must be like Nathan's brother or somrthing. They didn't lather up my logo with mustard or ketchup or anything. I had to put it on myself.

RIV burger: this appeared to be a substantial burger. It was very large and had 2 patties. If looked tasty. However it was a miss. Burger appeared to have limited char on the so called fresh patties. They looked like they were steamed, if u can picture that color. The ingredients were fine but the flavor was lacking.

Poutine: it was ok. It was a poutine. Tasted like some fries. They were not ultra crispy or anything. Just a regular potato fry with regular crispiness ,with good cheese curds and a good gravy. This poutine did not keep me up at night and I don't have a jonesing for it a week...

2021 Update: When Ford opened up travel in Ontario - allowing Ontarians to travel within our own province while being 100% respectful of COVID protocols, my accomplice and I drove from Ottawa to Sturgeon Falls for Riv chips. What a beautiful drive too (Ontario is such a beautiful piece of our planet).

The Riv blew it out of the water!!! Best fries! The box was loaded - no way the lid could be closed on it. I always ask for mine extra crispy - and every chip was to perfection! My accomplice had fish with his. His must have been pretty good too - as he was completely unresponsive to conversation while he was eating his. Definately a good little place to drop in for some fast food fare when passing through Sturgeon Falls along the 17 (it's in the town proper and very close to the 17).

Busy spot / lots of fast food options. Reasonably priced.

They offer a decent veggie burger, and offer gluten-free hamburger buns. ...