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Categories: Restaurants, Pubs [Edit]
Neighborhood: Central SquareCentral (Red)
Mon-Sun. 3:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
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This bar is pretty much as good as it gets.
The drinks are generous. The company is invigorating. And the food is really impressive. (Not to mention a total bargain.)
It's quirky, fun, and the DJs in the aerie are always rocking.
I find this place to be odd (decor) but it's pretty cool. So nice to see a veg section which is a great thing for restaurants to provide. I had the homemade veggie burger & it was pretty damn tasty.
I don't think their fries are anything great & yet they've won awards for them? Hmmm.
It's really small, so kinda awkard trying to get out & have to make people move, annoying. Yet is was busy for a weeknight.
I don't get the big deal about this place.
My possibility of a return here? Not so much.
Went to Saturday night. When walked in, it was kinda empty but its like the tiniest place in the world w/ MASSIVE Tables and Chairs... like really?
I don't know why they have more than 3 waitresses, and clearly they all work their own tables as opposed to pool the tips. If they did that, the service would be better.
Attitude of the waitresses, I mean MAN... could you get any bitchier? Clearly no sense of humor. The host was all flustered, didn't know what he was doing. The only good thing I guess I can say is that they have a vegan menu. But, I didn't eat here only went for drinks. There was a huge group of us and we managed to get there in time to grab tables and sit around to chat and stuff.
At one point the host said: I know some of you have already eaten, someone of you are waiting for food, and some are only getting drinks, its just that the tables are for food only... if a party of four comes that are waiting to be seated, I am going to have half of you to get up because otherwise I'll get in trouble.
What? We ordered food and drinks and were continuing in doing so...
Over crowded, loud, loud music... RIDICULOUS.
Expensive Wine(s) in cheap wine glasses. Why charge so much for a glass of wine if you're going to serve it so badly. No dessert menu.
i HATED this place.
One of my favorite bars! cool to hang out there on a weeknight, and really fun place to party and listen to cool music on the weekends. Love the decor.
Between the creative decor, the selection of drinks, the friendly staff, and the excellent food, I always leave here more content than I was when I came in.
The decor is creative and cool, and they change it up pretty regularly. The chairs are so grandiose,… Read more »
This is a bar that has crave-worthy french fries and burgers. The prices are ok too.
There are a few things that need to be noted before deciding to go:
1. It is TINY. Not much you can do about the space, except that they have thrones for seating in this bar. It's entirely not appropriate for an already cramped space. I waited for almost an hour on two separate occasions. Why, you ask? See above re: crave-worthy fries. But seriously the place can hold like 17 people.
2. Staff can be surly. Yes, I know your bar is small. But that doesn't make waiting for a table for close to an hour any easier. I'm hungry, godammit!
3. Music is too loud for a place that serves food during dinnertime. Ok, call me a curmudgeon. No really, I'm a 27-year-old fogey. But I'm here with my friends and you serve dinner at dinner tables, right? Turn it down a tad until the dinner crowd clears, please.
Another Cambridge joint that has the potential to be a really great place for food and drink. I'm not raving about this one.
Note: I removed a star from this review as I revisited the frustration of waiting for a table last week. F*k I was so hungry.
Excellent fries. Some of the best I've had in a looooong time.
I like the decor, the atmosphere was completely unaffected (in my opinion) by the Cambridge locals.
I love the window frames outside.
Dark, intimate, political, and delicious. Incredibly tiny bar near Harvard. You get to sit in throne-like chairs to eat. Short menu, and I can guarantee everything on it is delightful. Best french fries you'll ever eat, which always leads to a quandary for me because the mashed potatoes are awesome, too.
The angels can get creepy at holiday time. And the Obama shrine last November was kind of intense, but it's always interesting, intelligent, and a great way to spend an evening.
River Gods is SO fantastical. The decor is dark and castlelike. The high back chairs make you feel like you're the king or queen of the castle. (insert Borat joke) The beer selection is decent. The service was excellent. After we were done eating we offered to move from our table to the bar to free up a spot for diners. Our server said not to worry and we did not need to move. Very nice.
The negatives: the tables are on top of each other. We joined in the conversation of the table next to us (Faceoff was the discussion). Also, I wasn't a fan of the food. I got the skewers with tofu, shrimp and filet. Not so good. I would try their burger next time if I'm not feeling in a healthy mood. OH! Helpful hint...if you're trying to get a table on a Saturday make sure you're there by 6:30 or 7:00. Anytime after that and your chances diminish greatly.
Overall I'm a fan and I'll be back!
I see some people on these reviews are going so far as to say this looks like Hunter S Thompsons closet or whatever, but I will say that I like the darkness of the atmosphere. It very much looks like it could be Nick Caves birthday party in here.
It seems like snobs could come in here much of the time though, but thats just what I pick up. Also a Miller high life was $3.75, but yet Hoegaarden seemed to be close to the price that it should be.
Pricey place, probably good food, but didnt wanna spend the money.
Would I go back? Yes, would I accessively? No.
Sure it may look like the inside of Boy George's closet, but don't let that scare you.
Because River Gods has somethings going for it that not all other bars do, especially in the area:
1) Pretty damn decent food.
2) Decent beer selection.
3) All-lady-wait-staff.
Ultimately though, you can't go here too often because doing so will make you want to get into s&m. And whilst s&m may sound fun at first, you ultimately realize that the only sort of people who are actually into s&m are typically Germans and fat people. Neither of which really do anything for me beyond building good cars and well, making me look thin.
So there you go. River Gods, worth a visit, but just don't make it your regular.
I love River Gods. It is one of my favorite haunts in the Boston area. Why?
A) Great, I mean GREAT food. Really really good. You might not expect a pub to have such an amazing selection and such beautifully prepared delicious food. Generous portions and plenty of meat and veg options. YUM!
B) Great music. Local DJs spin records from the semi-hidden gothic cockpit above the bar area. Good variety - some nights are mellow, some dancy (though no dance floor). Everything from old time to obscure international classic rock to techno. On different nights, of course :)
C) Great beer and cocktail selection and skilled, friendly bartending.
D) The bar is a river.
T-accessible via multiple buses and Central Square Red Line stop.
Tiny - pricey - I agree with the other poster snobs, cambridge pretense at it's worst
This was definitely one of the most creatively decorated bars that I had been to in a long time. I felt like I walked right into Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (the hotel scene when the acid starts to hit him and there is soothing elevator music playing in the background while the floor starts to move and bright colors start to engulf the surroundings). However, after you get over the initial shock, you forget about it and it's a cute little bar. It's very tiny however. I've heard this place is definitely a site on Halloween. I may stop by in October just to see what they do.
The beer selection is decent. Mostly stuck to mixed drinks and hard alcohol that night however. The drink sizes and portions were decent and the bartender was very friendly. Prices are decent, a little expensive, but not unusual.
I thought the silent movies being shown on the wall was definitely an interesting concept. I also really enjoyed the music. Apparently there is a live DJ there every night, definitely a plus.
The Gods did indeed walk straight outta the Charles, up Mass Ave and bless this little corner of Central Square. The atmosphere is definitely cramped, but it's incredibly unique and cool. Even the bathrooms are tricked out. It's definitely the sort of place that's better on a weekday than on a weekend. Sometimes you have to wait and it's awkward trying not to knock your ass into someone's aioli sitting on a neaby table.
They recently updated the menu and I have to say they've made some fabulous changes, most notably the barbeque chicken sandwich. Wow. Some of the best barbeque I've had in Boston... actually some of the best I've ever had period. With quality cheddar and avocado... genius.
They have a decent selection of beer, I wish they would flesh out the drink menu a bit more with more suggestions of specialty drinks. The service is usually pretty good, although sometimes they forget you're there, sitting sandwiched between a suit of armor and a harpsichord, about to fade into some kind of medieval wrinkle in time if you don't get a refill on your vodka and soda.
If I lived on River Street this would be my neighborhood bar for sure. It's a small place with good food and beer. It's not cheap but it's good quality and healthy portions so it's good value. I've only been here a handful of times but really like it when I'm on this side of the river. It can get loud but it's a bar and bars should be loud right?
A diverse beer selection never hurt anyone. The size might: you gotta get here early in the night or you're going to be sitting outside on the street or eating your food on someone's shoulder.
Their food is meh - ok (hence no 5 stars) but I love the beer selection. Very unique. Tasty unique. Their music selection can be absolutely chaotic: I've heard some great music here that they were promoting and then I've heard some very strange stuff (even to me... I'm very open for anything being a crappy musician myself). But that's why you go here. Variety is the spice of life.
This restaurant sure knows how to keep things original and real. The decor inside has a mid evil type of feel, while some of the chairs might make one feel like a king/queen. The waitresses are always kind, and try to come around as much as possible given how busy the place always is during dinner.
I always get the cheeseburger with either mashed potatoes, which are delicious, or the regular fries. I have no doubt in my mind that all the rest of the food is delicious, its just that the reason I go is to have their burger. They also have a descent beer selection, which goes nice with the food.
Only gave it a four because one time I went when it opened and the burger was not nearly as good as the evening ones, tasted like something was missing...and because one time we waited for 30 mins before being seated. I highly recommend any one who comes to Cambridge to eat at River Gods, you wont be disappointed!
Like finally going over to that crazy person's house in your neighborhood that no one goes to on Halloween and realizing they're not crazy and actually pretty chill to hang out with.
Quick summary:
-Cool ambience & nice feel
-Decent Beer selection
-Horrible DJ playing
-Overprice and overcooked burgers tasted like sh%&! (friend ordered med rare and i had medium and both were thoroughly well done).
The last 2 items really killed this place. If you like a well done burger perhaps you'd enjoy it but it was dry and chewy. To top it off the burger cost over $14! It's $10 normally but if you want something other then american cheese they charge you a few dollars and then another few dollars to add bacon. If I'm ordering a $14 burger I really expect that they could cook it how I ask. It's not hard to cook a burger.. Add the DJ spinning songs you'd hear on 94.5, which did not at all match the crowd or bar, and we couldn't wait to get out of there.
I regret going and it will take a lot to convince me to go back.
This is my favorite Central Square bar for its unique feel. It's tucked away on River St. in my neighborhood and I love the ambiance, quirky decor and the music.
I'm still on a 'best burger in Boston' quest but River Gods has definitely been at the top of my list so far. YUM. I liked it so much that to be honest, I just order it every single time I come here and haven't tried much else on the menu :) And love to eat the fries with their garlic aioli sauce.
It's really small so if you want a table, you have to wait quite awhile and you're often crawling over each other and bumping elbows even when you're seated. But that adds to some of its charm. Bedsides, how can you complain when you're sitting on a plush makeshift throne while you dine?
I am a big fan of Action Sunday here at River Gods.
Garage rock spinning all night long? Delicious fries with garlic aioli? Vegan sushi? Beer and ambiance?! I'd like to give a hell ya! The DJ booth is this little window just above (and to the right) of the bar... looking up at the DJ is like seeing the munchkin of rock emerge from the gates of the Emerald City. Oh, what a dream (although this could be a nightmare to some, I suppose)!
I only wish there was a more extensive late night bar menu. After a long night of beer, conversation and awesome rock -- sometimes hummus or potato chips just ain't gonna cut it.
___
Action Sunday aside, the music here is always pleasant and the food is tasty. Awesome decorations and throne-like seating (the kind of kings, not of johns).
Check out Action Sunday at 9pm if garage is your thing
River Gods is one of my boyfriend's favorite places to grab a drink and I can see why. It's a fun, kooky atmosphere with solid food and service. I was a bit disappointed with the special summer drink I ordered, which tasted like suntan lotion, but my flatbread pizza was fantastic. The decor was unique and the music was even more so. A bit loud to talk, but I will definitely be back again to this little gem outside Central Square.
Cambridge area rocks; the food, the bars... the atmosphere. Being in an educated-rich environment, it's important that it's students and non-students alike, have a place to unwind, get f'ing drunk and grab a bite.
Every time I come to the area, my friends take me to the great places, and River Gods is no exception.
The menu is odd, the decor is interesting, and the prices are affordable.
The salads look great, the French fries are tasty and the Mac and cheese special is outstanding.
The place is off the beaten path, which means, pretty much locals are the patrons.
They serve the Guinness in the proper glass, and service is attentive, but not stalkish. This is the type of place where, you go just to relax and enjoy a drink or two... or many and enjoys living life.
River Gods is definitely my favorite place to go for fries. Anywhere. They're hand-cut, thin, not overly greasy, and speckled with spices -- mainly garlic, salt, and a green herb that I think are chives. With the fries they give you a garlic aioli with chunks of garlic in it. It's absolutely delicious. Surprisingly not too strong which I worried about given the large chunks of garlic in it. They supply the perfect accompanying accent of flavor to the fries. I'll admit, this is the only thing I ate here for a few years.
The last time I went I finally decided to venture outside of the fries and tried their kabob platter. I got the shrimp, chicken, and filet mignon kabobs. They also come in Salmon and a few vegetarian options. The sauces that went with them were an herbe creme fraiche and peanut chili sauce. Yes, I'm a bit of a fanatic for sauces, I'll freely admit it. The peanut sauce was really flavorful and went well with the chicken and shrimp. It wasn't overly spicy which was a nice change of pace compared to other places and allowed me to enjoy the overall flavor of the meat and sauce. I had the creme fraiche primarily with the filet mignon. While it was a good sauce as well, it was a little too subtle in flavor for my taste.
Their drink selection is pretty decent. They have a respectable selection of whiskeys, gin, and beers of draft. They also have Mangers Irish Cider which always makes me happy to see. For each hard liquor they list on their drink menu they give a suggestion(s) for what to get. For example for their rum they suggest a Dark and Stormy (ginger beer and rum). That is generally my drink of choice when I go there.
The atmosphere is chill and their decor is a mix of fun and kitsch; especially during Halloween! The only issue I generally have with River Gods is that it is sometimes a little too loud. Other than that, it's perfect! The waitstaff is always helpful and attentive and the food and drinks are consistently solid.
At first glance, especially from the outside, River Gods appears to be nothing more than your typical dive bar. But lest we forget, don't judge a book by its cover.
Upon entering, the first thing you will notice is the decor. The place definitely has a Gothic/Medieval vibe to it--between the suit of armor, old organ, and the cathedral pew/throne-like seats. It makes for a very cool, not to mention unique, atmosphere.
But bars are not built on atmosphere alone. I can't speak for the menu as a whole, since I've only been twice; but, the Cheese Burger, with or without bacon, is delicious. Angus beef, American cheese, and caramelized onions paired with a serving of some of the tastiest fries I've ever had. Top all that off with beer, wine, or a cocktail, and you've got yourself a tasty, tasty meal. I recommend the Black Velvet, which is Magners Cider topped off with Guinness in a pint glass. Liquid awesome.
If you're looking to get some good grub in a bar that provides a change of pace from what you're used to, seek out River Gods. You'll be glad you did.
My first experience at River Gods was attributed to the fact that my boyfriend and I wanted to go to the "Dark Was The Night" listening party. As we wandered down an unsuspecting street that more resembled a residential area in the Federal Hill section of Providence than a Cambridge neighborhood, we began to wonder what kind of dive bar we were in for. Boy, were we mistaken.
As other reviewers will tell you, the decor is different. Odd, even. We wondered aloud whether you a) first acquire a church's whole collection of chairs and decide to open a bar, or b) the other way around.
The important part -- the food! The menu overall looked very promising; I can understand why the chef (Luke Park) is happy to put his name on it. Not exactly your typical "bar fare" -- though my boyfriend had a pulled bbq chicken sandwich that he said was amazing. If only it had been a little bigger, he wondered.
I was thrilled to see they had a "vegetarian/vegan" section on the menu (I'm actually neither, but always tend to favor those selections more). I opted for the dipping plate which included roasted garlic in olive oil, house made hummus and Indian dahl with cilantro yogurt. AMAZING.
The best part, actually (above the food, even!) was the service. Our waitress was attentive, even though the bar was packed, and when I asked for a chocolate stout to replace my Black Velvet, which I regretted ordering (don't order this unless you really like hard cider), she quickly brought out my beer and apologetically said that she had taken the Black Velvet off of the bill ("It's not everyone's taste -- they either like it or they don't.") Awesome. Double thumbs up.
What I take away from this place: a) Don't judge a book by its cover, b) Order the beer straight, not fancy-mixed, and c) Try something that sounds different on the menu.
Definitely returning.
Fries Rankings
Five Guys (VA)
*River Gods*
Bartley's
Thirsty Scholar
RF O'Sullivan's
Burger Rankings
Miracle of Science / Audobon Circle
RF O'Sullivan's
In-N-Out / Five Guys (VA)
Sweetwater Tavern (VA)
*River Gods*
Bartley's
Joe Sent Me
Thirsty Scholar
Though it can feel like a sardine can, the good food, medieval decor, and good music combine to… Read more »
If you imagine a bar in Cambridge where grownups actually go, you're pretty much imagining River Gods. It's not too often that I feel like the youngest person in an establishment, but I sure did here. It was a little weird at first but then I remembered that this is Cambridge where the thirty- and forty-somethings are sensible and laid back and still listen to cool music. So no sweat.
Other reviewers have called the place "gothic" -- I'd go with "eclectic" and leave it at that. Oh, the chairs look like thrones and there are random weird seasonal-ish decorations (I seem to recall there being a cupid last time I was there?), but it's not too over-the-top. The projector is a nice touch too. Early in the evening it's quiet, and later there's usually a DJ.
The food is pretty solid (served until 10); my companions raved about the veggie burgers, and the meaty ones are pretty credible too. The fries are probably the best I've found in this town. There aren't many pubs in town I'd recommend going for dinner; this place is an exception.
The beer selection is very strongly biased towards the British isles; not entirely my bag, but they have Belhaven. I didn't regret ordering a martini either.
Hangups: they close at 1, the place is pretty small, and it's a couple of miles too far from my home to be my cool neighborhood bar.
My loss.
I stopped in here for dinner this weekend. I'd heard good things about the food, so we figured, why not?
I dug the decor quite a bit. I'm not versed enough in old mythologies to really have recognized some of the artifacts around us, but I did appreciate the tree spirit-y thing above us on the ceiling. I'd go here for drinks, just to be surrounded by their motif.
I got the pesto pizzetta, and while it was good, and I enjoyed it, I didn't realize that "thin-crust" meant that it was essentially a tortilla with toppings. Not bad, just not what I had expected. The service was pretty slow, but I think they only had one person working the tables, so that's understandable.
I'm not sure that I'd go back for the food necessarily, but the drink menu and the atmosphere would definitely bring me back here for drinks.
My number one bar in Central. I love everything about it but the beer selection, and even that's better than most. The burgers are dynamite, and the cheese plate is worth every penny.
Ok, let me explain about the beers. Their list is tragically short, but they have Ipswich IPA on tap and a great rotating feature beer. Really not much to complain about.
We found this place by accident and it is a gem.
The bar may well be more diverse than Cambridge itself.
For being so close in proximity to me... I just can't bring myself to go to River Gods more than once a quarter.
The food is okay (I have had better burgers at Four Burgers) but the service is just so slow, it is painful. I sat at the bar and watched as my food just sat under the hot lamp waiting for the bartender to grab it (approx 5 feet away from her) and bring it to me. I knew it was mine and I just sat patiently and waited.... ugh! The cook even rang the bell multiple times, to no avail.
I also do not appreciate the looks I get from the host (i.e. you are definitely not Cambridge-y enough to be in here)...
This little place on River Street near Central Square is why I decided to join Yelp. It is hands down the quirkiest bar in the area and definitely has the most charisma. It would get 5 full stars if not for the following unfortunate circumstances:
- Really small and tends to get crowded really fast. Come early.
- Service is fairly slow. I also had a (probably uncharacteristic) experience in which I tried to order three different things for dinner, only to have the waitress come back each time and tell me there was some reason why I'd have to change my order (e.g., they were out of soup, I had to order at least three skewers, etc.).
- Food was only so-so (which surprised me because I'd heard great things). Fries, however, were quite tasty.
All of that aside -- this place has really got "it". A bit dark, smarmy, and everything you could want as far as character goes. Great DJs on some nights (they vary) -- the first night I came, the music was absolutely fantastic. Plus, cool video-projection.
Come early if you want a table, but the place is so small that standing around is, at least, not awkward.
I had to check this place out because of all of the raving about their burgers and fries. Those rave reviews were spot-on... yum!
A pleasant surprise during my River Gods adventure was that there was a double chocolate stout on tap. I wasn't sure if it would be as delightful as it sounded, so the waitress let me try a little before ordering a full pint. Holy Double Chocolate Beer, Batman! It was so good. In case you're wondering, chocolate beer goes really well with a perfect River Gods burger and those Best of Boston fries they serve.
Seating is cramped and uncomfortable, and menu options are limited, so I've only got 4 stars to offer for this review... but technically, they get 4 stars, and a special place in my heart, cuz they pretty much rule.
River Gods is a big smokin' pile of fun. I admit it, I'm a sucker for decor. The fairies-and-old-wood style really makes this place. I also like the kinkily attired Barbies hanging from the ceiling (especially around Halloween time). Also, River Gods is small enough that you can end up in a conversation with a stranger who isn't necessarily just trying to pick you up. Hell, the place is usually so packed that you're practically on TOP of each other anyway.
Good pub food, too. Bathroom is small but acceptable if tipsy enough.
A nieghborhood pseudo dive bar with a hip clientele, a DJ spinning, and a suit of armor, high backed chairs, and a bog goddess suspended from the ceiling for decoration? Not just a fun place, but the kind of place you can't wait to introduce a friend to.
Delicious food, if you're willing to come early and wait a lonnnng time for it to come out. Creative mixology yields delicious drinks.
This is also a great place to meet people, but since it's a "neighborhood place," it does close a little early, even for Boston.
What separates this Irish pub from every other Irish pub in Boston (and we have a few) is what they mean by "Irish."
They don't mean quaint, back-country Irish paraphenalia. They mean ancient, pagan, screw-you-St-Patrick Irish. Dark and mysterious. Older than old school.
Decent pub grub, and they pour a good pint of Guinness. Definitely worth the trip if you're looking for something different.
Pro tip: Monday nights are Weekly Wax - two dueling DJs take turns in the booth upstairs and mix their own favorites. Always a good time to drop in.
Ahhhhh River Gods!
Upon arriving in Boston, my good friend Nick who resides in Cambridge took us here. What a perfect way to start a Boston-NYC trip. He likened River Gods to Turf Club in San Diego for it's "hip factor." No grilling of your own meat here though.
Inside River Gods you'll find eclectic decor from interesting sculptures hanging from the ceiling, to throne like chairs. Artsy, tattooed types will serve you a range of local brews, or a cocktail of choice. This place is very vegetarian and vegan friendly too.
This is a must-eat-at if you live in Cambridge, visiting, or wanna try something new.
Drinks are awesome, food is good, service is friendly, and the decor is over the top. 5 stars for River Gods!!!
Their steak sandwiches are as good as the burgers in Father's Office in Santa Monica, CA, with caramelized onions and boursin cheese!
The bar/restaurant is a cool hang out spot too. The place tends to be packed with local residents and students from harvard or mit. Some nights they have guitar hero/wii competitions but mainly the place is known for their music. They have different dj's every night.
Daily Appetizer & Entree…
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Category: Pubs
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