An Absolute Beachfront Delight: River City Cafe - Where Fresh Flavors, Friendly Faces, and a Surprisingly Delightful Cole Slaw Meet the Ocean Breeze! From the moment we arrived at River City Cafe, with the sound of the waves as our backdrop, we knew we were in for a treat. This isn't just another casual beachfront eatery; it's a vibrant, welcoming spot where the food sings with freshness, the service shines with genuine warmth, and the ocean air adds an extra layer of magic. Our experience was so exceptional, it deserves nothing less than a glowing review, especially considering their unexpectedly delicious twist on a classic side. The star of our visit, without a doubt, was the perfectly seasoned grilled mahi sandwich. The mahi itself was flaky, moist, and cooked to absolute perfection. But it was the seasoning that truly elevated this sandwich to another level. Each bite was a harmonious blend of savory spices that complemented the natural sweetness of the fish without overpowering it. Nestled in a soft, toasted bun with fresh, crisp toppings, this sandwich was a testament to simple ingredients treated with care and expertise. Enjoying this with the stunning beachfront view made it even more special – a true taste of paradise. Not to be outdone, the fresh handbreaded fish n' chips were equally impressive. You can immediately taste the difference that hand-breading makes. The coating was light, crispy, and perfectly golden brown, providing a delightful crunch that gave way to tender, flaky white fish inside. Absolutely no hint of greasiness, just pure, delicious fish. Paired with perfectly cooked, chunky chips (the kind that are fluffy on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside), this classic dish was executed flawlessly. It's clear that River City Cafe takes pride in using fresh, high-quality ingredients, likely sourced locally given their prime beachfront location. Now, let's talk about a side that truly surprised and delighted us: their unique cole slaw with a subtle hint of raisin. This isn't your typical, overly mayonnaise-drenched slaw. Instead, it's a vibrant and refreshing mix of finely shredded cabbage and carrots, tossed in a light and tangy dressing that allows the natural sweetness of the vegetables to shine through. And then, the unexpected star: a scattering of plump, juicy raisins. These little bursts of sweetness added a delightful counterpoint to the crisp vegetables and tangy dressing, creating a complex and incredibly satisfying side dish. It's a testament to their creativity and willingness to elevate even the simplest accompaniments. This unique slaw perfectly complemented the fresh seafood, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, all while the ocean breeze gently rustled the nearby palm trees. Beyond the exceptional food, what truly made our experience memorable was the attentive and friendly staff. From the moment we were greeted with a smile to the moment we reluctantly left, every interaction was a pleasure. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu, offered helpful recommendations, and checked on us just the right amount without being intrusive. Their genuine smiles and willingness to go the extra mile created a relaxed and enjoyable beachfront atmosphere. It's clear that the staff here are passionate about providing excellent service, and it truly makes a difference, especially when you're looking to unwind and soak in the beach vibes. River City Cafe isn't just a place to grab a bite; it's a beachfront experience. It's the taste of perfectly seasoned seafood, the satisfying crunch of fresh breading, and the surprising delight of a uniquely crafted cole slaw, all served with genuine warmth and the soothing sounds of the ocean. If you're looking for a restaurant that delivers on both quality food and outstanding service, with a few delightful surprises along the way and a stunning beachfront setting, look no further. River City Cafe is a must-visit. We left feeling completely satisfied and rejuvenated by the delicious food and the beautiful ocean view,...
Read moreWe come to MB every couple years. We come to River City Cafe every time. Always good food and friendly service. Until this trip! Our host Sam. Apparently didn't like the fact there were 10 of us, gruffly said she couldn't sit us all together. We sat on separate sides of the restaurant. As we were eating our food someone came with out a mask to pick up his order. She immediately started to berate him telling him to put his mask on. He told her he was picking up an order. She replied you still need your mask. Made him go out and in through another door. As she gave him his food she continued to complain about him. The man was much nicer than me because I would have told her were she could have put the food. After he left two more people came through same door as the man originally did. They had on mask and she brought food to them. No making them come through another door! Probably not any of my business but I feel this is a free country and Sam had no right to treat a paying customer that way. I am going to have to rethink going back there again! If anyone from corporate see's this I hope they remember Sam's name and deals with it the way she dealt with a paying customer. I would have wrote them a mail but they don't seem to want emails, so I had to share Sam's...
Read moreHave it as one star because at least the beer was cold. My family and I own a timeshare and have been coming here for over 12 years. Every year we eat here on our first night. Tonight was the last time that will ever happen again. Now for the timeline....arrived and got a table at 6:20pm. Placed drink orders and drinks arrive within 10 minutes. 7:00pm. Place order for appetizers. 7:20 placed dinner order. 7:30, appetizers arrive and are hot. 8:00, order more drinks as we are still waiting on food. 8:20, order more drinks since still no food. Mind you, we ordered hamburgers. 8:30, everyone around us, who came in after us, has been served and finished eating. Waitress has apologized multiple times and keeps stating that they are busy with carry out orders. 8:40, ask to speak with the manager as we are tired of waiting. Manager comes out and states he is trying to cook our food and blames waitress for not getting him the order in a timely manner. Offers 20% off order or says we can leave without paying for our drinks and appetizers. We opt for that. The waitress comes by a final time to apologize and blame the manager. Do yourself a favor, go to Finn McCools...
Read more