Riverside Cafe and Diner — Restaurant in Newburyport

We arrived to beautiful outdoor seating which we decided ahead of time that we didn't want to sit in the sun. We went inside, the waitress gave us the option of two tables, one by the door and the other by the window in the glowing sun, then told us she prefers we sit at the one by the window, handed us our menus and pointed us to our corner table. We waited the normal amount of time for her to come take our drink orders. Today is June 4th 2017, I ordered a soda. She brought over the bottle, opened it and rushed away saying she would bring over ice. Upon looking at the bottle, noticed it had a date on it "best by February 3rd 2017" when she returned we let her know it was 4 months beyond it's still by date. She asked if I wanted something else (unexpired soda would be great buttttt) so I ordered water. The water glasses are cute little round glasses which end up holding about a half measuring cup of water. We order our food... 2 meals nothing tricky She leaves, we get her attention moments later to add french toast to our order, she says the french will be out after our meals because it's at the end of the line... totally fine. My glass is empty. We get our food. She rushes around the restaurant bringing people their side plates that weren't delivered with their meals (also understandable) she brings us over the french toast, asks then sprinkles some powdered sugar on it and leaves. She continues to bring out several side plates with various sides on them to other tables. I'm just waiting on some wheat toast which never arrives. We eat our food and have enough left overs for a take out container, we sit and wait. 25 minutes go by with customers coming in and customers leaving. I decide to head to the counter to ask for a container and the waitress hands it to me and says "I'm coming right over, this is yours" (holds up the check) I let her know (since she has our check) that I never received the toast I ordered. She follows me to the table to tell me the toast is included in the price and she can get me some to take with me. (no thank you) I go back to the seat and start putting the food in the container. She puts the check on the table and says "do you want me to do that or are you all set?" (putting the food in the container) "I'm all set thanks" my table mate takes the check to see if they take cards or just cash and the waitress leaned in and said "I didn't charge you for the soda and things like that... just checking right" So thank you for not charging us for the expired soda. I'm not sure what "and things like that" was, because I still got charged for toast. The food was good. The french toast was very undercooked and custardy/eggy so we just ate the cooked edges. 3 stars is where the rating falls We probably will never be back but it doesn't really seem like this staff cared either way. I understand we are all over worked and under staffed and under paid and working with the public can be no fun! We are not difficult to please at all. Hope you have better service, yummy food and non...

Food - 5 Atmosphere - 5 Wait staff/Service - 2

The restaurant decor and atmosphere was so nice. The food was so flavorful and did not disappoint! Coming from southern Louisiana, it is hard to find well flavored food like Biscuits and gravy.

This would have been 5 stars total but our server was not the most professional. As someone who has spent 15+ years in customer service, I can empathize with someone not have a good day and the person not being perfectly bubbly but A ( our server) was overwhelmed and did not hide it. A also said the business was unorganized and was upset with the kitchen staff. A did not hold back on her frustration with the business and fellow coworkers.

We were not upset and relaxed with waiting and enjoying the company at the table - the vibe that she brought to the table was not pleasant and we had to remind A for several things like water, coffee, toast that we previous requested.

We will definitely return if in the area again but food and decor only get you so far.

Thank you for a...

Riverside Diner and Cafe is a true local gem! There’s plenty of parking, which makes it super convenient to stop by, and the atmosphere is always warm and inviting. The breakfast here is fresh and delicious, and it’s clear they take pride in using quality ingredients. The coffee specials are some of the best around and are a perfect way to start the day.

The staff is amazing—always friendly, attentive, and quick to make you feel welcome. There’s plenty of seating, though it’s usually pretty full, which speaks to how popular the place is. Despite the crowds, the service is still excellent, and you never feel rushed.

If you're looking for a great spot for a fresh, satisfying breakfast with fantastic coffee, Riverside Diner and Cafe is definitely worth a visit. I can't...