It doesn't get any better than this for a local bar/pub. The menu has a nice diverse set of options, not just the standard boring American pub fare. There's something for everyone, and the food is solidly good. The lobster salad was fresh with not too much mayo and had the perfect flavor. The side salad included nice greens and a good assortment of veggies; the balsamic vinagrette deliciously homemade. One minor glitch--the steak tips arrived over cooked, and so we sent them back to the kitchen. They returned rare and juicy. The buffalo calamari (a fun alternative to the standard preparation) was perfectly fried (despite slightly too much battering). The mud pie dessert left something to be desired as it seemed to be having an identity crisis. It was sort of part-mousse, sort of a brownie, but nothing like a traditional mud pie. But when you put chocolatey gooieness and vanilla ice cream together, it can't ever really be too terrible. Overall, though, I think they got a little too creative on that one. We try to stay away from dessert anyway...and who really needs it after some good and fairly priced drinks and all the yummy food. Nice lively atmosphere, friendly service...we'll be returning!
Review Source:My husband and I have been to River Rock many times. Its a great place for a double date, which we've done often. Can't complain about any of the food we've had. Nothing too special, but always good. We've had lunch, appetizers and dinner here and are always satisfied. The atmosphere is nice and we've enjoyed listening to the live music on a couple of occasions. The buffalo calamari is a personal favorite!
Review Source:Disclaimer: this experience was months ago and I hope the there have been some significant improvements since, such as a complete turnover in staff or else I would expect the same treatment.
I rarely have a dining experience that is poor in all aspects, as my prior reviews will show. River Rock managed to disappoint from the moment we stepped through the door. The hostess acted as if we were requesting a table for 35 even though it was 3 adults and 2 kids at 630 PM on a Saturday night. I have always read poor reviews with a grain of salt because a waitress can be having a bad night or the kitchen staff may have some recent turnover making for a less than pleasant but understandable experience. After feeling like we were imposing by walking through the door, we were seated. Despite having a 2 year old, we were never asked if a high chair was needed, which my wife later retrieved herself. We waited for 45 minutes for our meals including a cheese quesadilla and mac and cheese for my kids. One order of flatbread with hummus was given at the beginning of our wait and we never were asked if we wanted more bread or water. Too long to wait without any attention at all. The meals were overpriced for the quality of food (my bouillabaise was mediocre - the mussels were inedible due to sand and very poor taste) and the unanimous sentiment among the 3 adults was that 1) the hostess did a very poor job 2) the waitress did a very poor job 3) the chef did a mediocre job and 4) the prices were much too high. The average meal was $18-$20 dollars, which I am more than willing to pay, but not when all the above is factored in. At least bring the kids meals out first, it couldnt have taken more than 10 minutes to microwave a quesadilla and cook mac and cheese. If the owner lets go of the entire staff, the restaurant may survive, otherwise it will end up on the long list of Maynard restaurants that have gone under. As a Maynard resident, I cannot recommend this restaurant to anyone. The staff knew that we were frustrated by the experience and made no effort change it. How about taking a drink or two off the bill, or a complimentary dessert? Try Cast Iron Grille or Blue Coyote if you want consistent service and food. Skip this likely to fail eatery.
So, did you know, that my favorite dish here isn't actually made from a vegetable? Â It is made from a berry.
In Italy, it is called a Crazy Apple. Â So basically Gwenth Paltrow's kid when she turns thirteen.
If I decided to eat 20-40 pounds of this incredible appetizer I would be consuming the same amount of nicotine as one ciggarette. Â Hmmm. Â One Virginia Slim Ultra Slim just doesn't seem to compare to 20 pounds of this delicious meal.
The eggplant is a wild and crazy vegetable. Â Here, at the River Rock Grill, they make a mighty fine dish with it. Â They bread it in panko and serve it up with Goat Cheese, roasted red peppers and a balsamic reduction.
I always sit at the bar and have been with folks and have lounged around on my own. Â The service is always friendly. Â The male bartender I had one night was talkative and fun. Â The most recent time I popped by I met the owner who mixed me up a killer pumpkin pie beer. Â
The bar and restaurant had a facelift that rivals Bruce Jenner. Â The new bar sparkles like Mariah Carey in Glitter. Â God that was a horrible movie. Â But I promise this isn't a horrible place. Â It is as clean as Tim Tebow. Â Ok. Â I am done.
Go here. Â Try it out. Â Order that eggplant dish.
I have wanted to try out this local place for a few weeks and finally had the chance on a recent Thursday evening around 8:00. Â I was a bit concerned as I waled up because there was a STENCH outside the restaurant like fish/shrimp that was bad - but I don't think that had anything to do with the restaurant - there is a who nearby that sells meat and fish that probably left some trash out on a very hot day. Â It was not very crowded, and the bar was practically empty - but it was also wicked hot out and people may have been too lazy with the extreme heat to do much that night. Â I know they also have a patio/deck - but I didn't venture out there to see what it was like. Â The bar area was really pleasant and I think it would be a good place to watch a game or something.
I was actually a bit upset about something unrelated when I went inside - which I think the hostess could sense because she seemed a little concerned about me and was very kind. Â I was fine - just a long hard day with a lot off stuff on my mind still - but it was nice to see someone care about a stranger. Â My waitress was equally pleasant and kind - giving me space to decide what I wanted - but also attentive.
I ordered a bottled beer which was very cold - although the glass was a bit warm - probably out of the washer - and I wish it had been cold also - but I don't really know if ANYTHING could stay cold on a day that reached 100 degrees in parts of the Commonwealth!
I ordered too much food - I was alone and I had no business ordering an appetizer - but, I couldn't resist the crab & shrimp dip. Â It was really delicious - served with crisp baked pita triangles - served in a small soup cup. Â It doesn't LOOK like much - but it is wicked rich - so, beware! Â I almost licked the bottom - it was fantastic. Â BUT I AGAIN SAY - VERY RICH! Â I should have just stopped right there...
My entree arrived, shrimp scampi - and had a nice presentation with some green beans and garlic bread. Â I wasn't hungry at this point because the dip was so rich...plus a beer...but I ate my shrimp out of the pasta because those don't really keep well. Â I was impressed that they had a nice flavor and were not over cooked as so many people do. Â The pasta was not really flavored as much as I would have liked - but I wouldn't trust me on that particular score because folks, I was QUITE full at the point I tried to choke a bit of it down! Â Also, I have to say, almost every time I order scampi I think the same thing no matter where I am - so, perhaps it just isn't the right dish for me - I try it about once a year - and always I wish it had a bit more oomph! Â Anyway - the takeaway to that is that the important part - the shrimp - were delicious.
The waitress boxed up my leftovers as soon as I was ready and didn't push the check on me, but was very attentive when I was ready to pay. Â
In all - VERY pleasant staff (even on a MISERABLE DAY) - nice atmosphere - great appetizer - cold beer - and I am willing to bet other great food. Â I will absolutely be back!
Had lunch here today! Second Friday in a row with my girlfriends! Â Great atmosphere & fabulous food!! Â Definitely recommend!
Last week I had the Cobb salad with grilled chicken, amazing! Today the buffalo chicken wrap, fabulous! Â Also last week the group got the Middle Eastern Platter for an app, said it was delicious. Today we got calamari, so good! Â Everything was great!! Â Definitely going back!!!
I'm not going to rate the food but say that this is a nice bar. Â Granite countertop great selecton of liquor and quality bartenders. Â My only problem is getting there early enought to get a good seat. Â I loved the old place, the Sit 'n Bull pub, but this is something entirely different and wonderful in it's own way. Â If you like a high end coctail every so often swing by and see what I mean. Good but not loud music makes the place even more comfortable.
Review Source:We haven't had a bad meal at River Rock yet. The menu and beverage variety doesn't knock your socks off, but I'd prefer quality to quantity any day of the week.
Every time we go, we find seats at the bar (which is crisp and clean) and the service is courteous and casual. The outdoor patio is also fab when the weather is nice.
In particular, I'd recommend the Grilled Jalapeño Poppers, Mussels, Caprese, and the Filet Oscar. These are just a handful of savory staples that we order and enjoy, time and time again!
Two thumbs up, thank you very much.
Simply put, this restaurant and bar is amazing! It suits everyone. My first experience was with family and friends, including children, and it couldn't have been more perfect. Others were there enjoying a beautiful bar with friendly service. There is also a nice outdoor patio. Our appetizers included the Eggplant Capri and the Middle Eastern Platter, our entrees included the House Chop Salad, Bouillabaisse, Moroccan Fish Tagine and Steak Tips and everything was prepared perfectly to everyones' preferences. The service was great, our server would always attend to us every 5 to 10 minutes asking how we were doing or if we needed anything else. They also had nice music playing just to set the mood to hang out a bit after dinner and lounge around by the bar and mingle and catch the end of some sporting events. If you are in the area, a lunch or dinner at River Rock Grill is well worth it!
Review Source:Went here on a Friday night for drinks and dessert with friends. Â The entire restaurant is clean and up-to-date, but I like the bar area best. Â We were seated right away at a high-top table and received good service. Â Those who tried them said the cheesecakes were good (they tried two flavors: mango and orange ricotta). Â The beer selection was nothing too special, but above average (at least a couple local brews on tap). Â Prices were fine, and the dinner menu looked good. Â There were a few flat screen TVs tuned to sports, and we had a clear view of them from our table. Â There was also some live music when we arrived---good enough that I didn't even notice it was live until patrons started clapping between songs.
This isn't the most charming or romantic restaurant in Metrowest, but it isn't trying to be. Â It's just better-than-decent food and drinks in a fresh atmosphere. Â I'll go back, and hopefully I'll get to sit outside on the patio (with the luxurious but eco-disaster heat lamps) next time!
if only I could give zero stars. Other reviews paint the picture of the poor service, mediocre food and horrendous wait times. Ditto. The source of all these problems is an owner/manager who is completely clueless and hostile towards his customers. After waiting 45 minutes for a burger and salad, I asked the  manager to explain what was going on (and to get some bread). The manager actually blamed ME for the problem, saying that if people like me would make a reservation then he would be able to plan better. Huh? it's a saturday night and you can't figure out after being open for more than a year that your pub/cafe might actually get a little busy?  I need a reservation for you to put bread on my table? I need a reservation for you to order french fries so you don't run out on the weekend? What a dope. If this place survives it's only because it's the only game in town. If you can drive a bit further,then find an alternative because this place is a kitchen nightmare.
Review Source:I have been here twice for lunch and don't think I will ever go back. I was personally drawn to the fact that they have an outdoor patio but that didn't make up for my overall poor experience.
To start, the lunch menu is very limited and they don't seem to ever change it. The options are very basic, think burgers and chicken. While the menu is limited and the meals simple, the food is actually quite tasty. That's not to say that it's worth the price, lunch will run you around $10 before tip.
The main draw back for me is the service. The last time I went there I showed with some co-workers around 11:45 for lunch and the restaurant was completely empty. We figured we had beat the rush and would be able to be served quickly. We were so very, very wrong. It started with us waiting to set up a table which took about 10 minutes after we had finally gotten a server to come over and greet us. This was followed by another 10 minutes before a waiter came over and ordered our drinks. Cue another 15 minute wait for our drinks and ordering our meals. That's 35 minutes, there's no other patrons in the restaurant and we just got to order our food. The kicker was the 45 minute wait for our meals to come out and at that point a few people in my party had seriously started talking about leaving and getting food somewhere else.
When our food finally came out some of the meals were cold and the waiter was pissed off about us wanting our check immediately and split.
All said and done I had the "privilege" of waiting over an hour in an empty restaurant for overpriced food and a waiter with a bad attitude. I will not be going back and I would advice potential customers to not waste their time with this establishment.
It started out promising, although they decided to close early and we got the impression we were imposing. We definitely were not made to feel welcome. The dinner was so-so, but the worst part of the night was when the waitress decided to watch American Idol. Watching it wasn't so bad, but she turned it on so loud, using surround sound, that none of us at the table could hear one another. It was horrible. Not likely to go back any time soon.
Review Source:Was expecting a nice experience, but on Sunday the bartender had the football game on, at a volume a deaf person could perceive. Unfortunately the cook had no idea how to cook filet mignon, torturing a good piece of meat into tough and overdone. Took all the romance out of a night out with Sweetie
Review Source:Ate at the River Rock a few times and the food was marginal at best. Place is always empty so that is a sign that the place sucks. Â
 The vibe from the management is poor and very un-inviting..It was  more fun and the food was better when it was the Sitting Bull. If stuck in Maynard and starving to death, I would not eat there! If you wait a while I am sure it will go under and become another restaurant and perhaps somebody with business sense and half a clue about how to run a restaurant will do better there.
Clean comfortable place. All the staff were really friendly.
We ordered a couple beers and some boneless buffalo wings. The wings were great; just the right amount of hot and good chicken... but... $9 for 4 buffalo tenders is a bit overpriced.
Good selection of beers on tap, and good variety of bottles.
A couple TVs at the bar and live music. Cool spot, we'll probably go back.
If the prices were more realistic to the food I would rate 4 stars.
I went to River Rock once and will never go back. Strange smell. Very weird vibe from management/staff. And oh so mediocre food - and that's putting it mildly - from the stale pita bread and icy refrigerator-tasting hummus they plunk on the table before the meals to their entrees that just taste amateur. If you're looking for food in Maynard, though, you're in luck. There are many options. For American cuisine, I'd suggest heading a few doors down to Cast Iron Kitchen. NO, I don't work there! But I have eaten there many times. They know how to run a consistently good kitchen.
Review Source:Started off promising with a good selection of draft beers (but then beers were flat, which I don't mind but I know most people do).
Calamari was great, light on the batter, good marinara and spicy peppers on the side. Â Chopped salad was great too.
Ordered Casablanca Beef, which was $18, came with about 4 ounces of braised brisket, mostly sauce and couscous. Â Good thing the salad was so big. Â $18?
Wife ordered 'Seafood Fra Diavolo' pasta special it is made with dried boxed pasta, and she specifies it is important to her that the pasta is a little Al Dente. Â Waitress replies they precook the pasta for speed, and we say we're not in a hurry and can wait for water to boil and the 5-10 minutes that it takes to cook, so please ask for Al Dente, and waitress says no problem. Â Pasta arrives really mushy, but she doesn't want to complain. Â I nicely inform waitress of the problem. Â She goes over to speak to owner/manager (not sure which), who turns and scowls at my wife. Â Really. Â Waitress tells us all restaurants precook the pasta and that's just how it is. Â Again $18 for this, not priced like fast food, but cooked like fast food.
Would have just refused it but contempt for customers was so apparent wife didn't want to risk retribution in a new dish. Â What a great feeling. Â Avoid this place.
This place is great. I come over just about once a week late at night in a small group and we get served like kings. The beer selection is pretty good and although their kitchen closes at 10, the beer keeps flowing and you can get unlimited snacks to munch on. There is also live music on Thu-Sat nights which isn't overwhelmingly loud like some other places. You can sit in the dining room if you want more quiet.
Review Source:A light dinner out on a hot night was not worth the trip: The mussels were spoiled, and we sent them back -- the one I ate wouldn't stick with me long. We barely received an apology. The calamari we ordered in place of the mussels was lackluster. My cold fruit soup was good, but our salads were nothing special.
In the end, nothing was comped, despite the spoiled food, or anything else offered. The service was ridiculously slow, and that on top of the attitude we felt we received for ordering only water for beverages and no entrees. No extra bread, but at least the hostess refreshed our water. We watched other tables receive efficient service.
At least I made it home to lose the meal.
the decor is ok (other than the bathroom being downstairs and through a labyrinth - bring your token for the minotaur), and so is the food. the prices were pretty steep for the portion size, and the drink mixing was amateur at best (everyone should know what a dirty martini is). i don't think i'm going back - i'd rather go to the cast iron kitchen.
Review Source:Wow! Â I am very surprised at the negative reviews. Â First off - the decor was great! Â It was warm and cozy and yet sophisticated. Â We sat in the bar area and our server was really outgoing and happy to make recommendations. Â The seafood tagine was wonderful!!! Â The portion was huge, and came with a ton of fresh, brilliantly cooked scallops, shrimp, mussels and clams. Â The price was also extremely reasonable! Â Not sure what the price point is for other restaurants in the area - but compared to what I am used to - the prices were more than reasonable!
Review Source:It has potential, but it needs a LOT It's aof work. Â Occupying the space previously held by the venerable (though decidedly more dressed down) Sit'N'Bull Pub, River Rock Grill at least has piqued people's curiosity. Â ttractive, scrubbed clean, but much too spare in appearance. Â If they wanted the focus to be on the food, they either have to do a better job of being a restaurant, or else put very exciting artwork on the walls. Â
On our first visit, the place was nearly deserted when we walked in, but the service was surprisingly slow, as if the waitress kept forgetting she was responsible for our table. Â It never improved.
The menu is fair. Â Not bad, not great, just nothing special. Â The preparations are nice, but again, nothing special. Â The service remained anemic, and so combined with a forgettable menu and prices at least two levels higher than the quality of the food and service we were paying for, I don't see this place being anything out of the ordinary, and in fact it becomes a poor deal. Â For the money, we've had FAR better meals, and FAR better service, at FAR more reasonable prices at JoJo's West, less than a mile away on Powder Mill Rd.
I might try this place again, but most likely not. Â I certainly wouldn't take anyone here that I was trying to impress, because there's nothing impressive about it. Â It's not a bad restaurant, it's simply forgettable.
prediction and perception....
unless things change quick this place is doomed and headed on a path of certain departure from the local community...unless the owner dumps his own loot into payroll and overhead
the menu is boring and hardly reflects the community at large. the menu is not creative or engaging...families on a budget, pub-goers, and regular working class folk may be less impressed by their experience. the one sandwich option is a burger...wow! the coyote down the street has a superior burger....
i realize the restaurant is new but so is Jo Jo's and they have kept up with the interests of the local consumer. they truly reflect what people want in an eating establishment...
owning a restaurant is cool, you can show your friends and walk around proud but you need to keep your ear to the ground and listen to the town....the one shining aspect is the interior and the bar, nicely decorated.
should have gone Gastro-Pub!
Nice new place in Maynard (at the old Sit n Bull location). Â I went the other night for a light dinner and drinks with the boyfriend. Â We sat at the bar which is simple, but nice and clean. Â They have a good beer selection- I had Wachusett Blueberry and they put actual blueberries in it. Â Boyfriend had a Sierra Nevada and then Long Trails. Beer prices were reasonable (about $4 each). Â
For food, I ordered the veggie burger. Â It was good, but the only thing that bothered me was that it was 75 cents per topping added. I only added cheese because of the steep price. However, the burger itself came with fries that were very tasty (they also have the option of sweet potato fries..yum). Â My boyfriend had something off the appetizer menu which was a mix of jumbo shrimp and a lobster tail. Â I don't like seafood, but it looked fresh and he said it was delicious.
Service was friendly and quick also. Â Overall, this is a nice new addition to Maynard and we will definitely go back- definitely for drinks and maybe for food.
Very nice interior decor plus outdoor seating. I had lunch the other day and ordered the gazpacho soup and chicken salad plate. The soup was hands down the best I've ever had - I have no idea how they make it so thick and delicious.
Clearly there's new talent in the kitchen because the menu and food prep are much, much improved from a year ago. I'm a fan.
I'd like to give this a 2.5 (between "Meh" and "A-OK"). Â Â Food was OK, but as Rob said "lackluster". Â Paella was OK but a little bland (rice tasted like it came from a box mix). Â "Underwhelmed" comes to mind too. Â But the place was packed at 7pm on a Saturday. Â Just wish they'd be a little more adventurous (read: Â get out the spices). Â Service was actually pretty good, food came out promptly. Â But the waitress couldn't remember who had what (just two of us).
Review Source:my office took someone here to impress them. Â it was a bit of a risk, considering none of us had been there before. Â and you know, it used to be the Sit 'N' Bull. Â the place that couldn't get french fries right. Â or hamburgers. Â or beer. Â the closest you could get in the northeast to the country western bar from 'The Blues Brothers'. Â
so anyway, it went all right. Â it's nice inside, with really nice tables and benches, even if the walls were so bare as to seem unfinished. Â the bar in particular looked inviting, and with their beer selection we might be more likely to go back to drink than eat.
don't get me wrong, the food selection is light years ahead of its predecessor; what i had was all right, and the french fries were good. Â but the general consensus was that it was a bit lackluster, and nice surroundings notwithstanding, might not unseat the Blue Coyote as the go-to restaurant for a sit-down meal.
but give 'em some time, they've got a lot of bad-restaurant karma to undo.
Beaten by Kerri O... Mmmm. Â No comment.
So the place was empty when we went, so I can't judge how they handle a full house, but we weren't negelcted, which can sometimes happen when it's really slow, too.
My Pumkin Ale was rimmed with cinnamon and sugar. Â I would not have chosen this, but I enjoyed it.
Here's a main point for me, I ordered a burger medium rare. Â It came out medium rare. Â Really, what more can you ask for? Â Also, the sweet potato fries were perfectly cooked, but they do not rival the fries at Cast Iron down the street. Â I also tried Kerri's salad, which was nice.
I did think it was a little pricey for a burger in Maynard but not break the bank pricey. Â The decor was sparse yet chic, except for the bar, which was warm and welcoming. Â Also, no coat racks or hooks to speak of? Â Put some hooks on those booths! Â Winter is coming!
This place is definitely worth a visit, and I imagine I'll be giving it another try, sooner or later, myself.
Given the fact that this new grill replaced a venerable dive bar, I was pleasantly surprised by the transformation.
The interior is simply, yet tastefully done up. Â The bar is nice, and off to the side.
The service was great. Â
The food was pretty darn good. Â I got the steak frites, which was a flank steak, and nice crispy fries. Â I got a side salad, which was done up Italian style, all peppered and salted, with a simple vinaigrette.
Dawn got the Burger, which they cooked right, and she ate it up quite happily. Â She got the sweet potato fries, which were really good, and crispy.
Good beer selection.
So, in summation, a great new place to eat in town. Â I'm still amazed at the transformation of the space. Â How did they get rid of the pervading Sit'n Bull stench? Because it was powerful, my friend.
I beat Dawn to review this joint!
River Rock Grill opened in the beginning of October, 2009. I just had the chance to go there for lunch today. And the verdict is..... outstanding. Food was great. I got the "Shrimp BLT" and the Fish Stew. Scrumptuous. Plus, service was really friendly. They're working at winning people over, and it shows. It's definitively more upscale than the other restaurants in Maynard, but it's not more expensive. Plus, they have Wachussett Country Ale -- the best micro brew I've found -- on tap. Speaking of which, looking forward to grabbing a beer at the River Rock Grill bar one of these nights -- perhaps for some Monday Night Football.
I've worked in Maynard for close to 10 years now, and always been pleasantly surprised at the number of decent restaurants in this funky little town. But this one is the best by far.
For full disclosure, I do know one of the owners, and he happens to be a great guy. All the more reason I'll return.
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