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- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Live, Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Fri, Wed
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Yes
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
27 reviews for Rivershack Tavern
Review Highlights
"They have live music here several nights a week."
(in 8 reviews)
"the alligator sausage was awesome."
(in 3 reviews)
"They also have really great fried pickles."
(in 3 reviews)
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27 reviews in English
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Review from Joi B.
Fried pickles + a cold one... tacky ashtrays + bar stools with "legs"... velvet paintings (Elvis *and* Alfred E Newman?!) Oh, and who doesn't love the idea of a shack "down by the river"?
Rivershack Tavern is friendly and brash, but not at all intimidating (not sure if there are dive bars here that are scary, but where I've lived in the past, there sure have been). Add "cheap" to the mix (Happy Hour features two for one draft beers) because it's a requirement of course. Add in big platters of insanely fattening food (I mean, I had a freaking *platter* of fried vegetables. I think the waitress sprained a wrist setting it down in front of me) and holy hell in a hand basket, we've got ourselves a winner here.
The cook has some kind of magic going on in the fryer because this stuff was perfectly crunchy and tasty and how it wasn't greasy, is beyond me. Magic, I tell ya. Prepare yourself, for you may not be able to stop shoveling the fried goodness in your mouth.
So what if I were jonesing for a salad or sandwich that didn't have meat or fish on it... hell, even a veggie burger. I know, I know. Hmmm, maybe next time I'll ask them to throw that fried platter on some bread, dress it up and have me a veggie po boy. I got me some deep fried inspiration...Listed in: Dive Bars, NOLA style, NOLA-Best Bloody Marys
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Review from Marielle S.
New Orleans, LA
12/28/2011
This a cool little place to see a band. The crowd is older, but that doesn't matter. It's a small place, but a nice hang out spot when a good band is there.
The staff is always really nice and there are pool tables, if you want to just go and hang out with friends and play a game of pool. My main complaint is that the place is really smoky and it's hard to handle after a little while. -
Review from Jason K.
New Orleans, LA
9/14/2011
Always heard about the Rivershack Tavern and one of the main things I always heard about was that it was a friendly place to go out and listen to good live music. So my wife and I decided to check it out one evening after a long day of running around doing errands.
Well, from the moment we both walked in, the people there made us feel out of place. It was like a scene out of one of those movies where the needle scratches on the record and everyone looked at us like we were from the other side of the tracks or something. I've lived in New Orleans my whole life and I've never been somewhere where the locals look at me like I'm from Mars or something. (Not that there is anything wrong with Martians.) One gentleman grumbled under his breath right at the door and made some off color remark about my wife and I being there which I didn't really care for but for the sake not making a scene and giving the place a chance, we both ignored him.
The bartender was really friendly and asked if we would like to see the bar menus which we did. The food there is reasonably priced and there is a lot to choose from. We both ordered burgers as well as two pints of Abita Amber. As we both drank our drinks and waited for our food, we turned around to watch the band play. Not sure what band they were but they seemed really good, it's just that no one was really interested in them. In some New Orleans bars, people move to the music. Even a nod of the head, at times. Not here. Everyone just kind of sat there in a trance just staring. Maybe because it was a Sunday night and people were dreading the upcoming Monday? Who knows.
The food came out and it was fantastic. Burgers were cooked just right and seasoned to perfection. Our bartender even came to check if we were good which is definitely a plus. All in all, it was an alright experience, but I had kind of hoped the place would be rockin a little more than it was that night. Maybe we'll stop by again on a Friday or Saturday night. -
Review from Jessica R.
New Orleans, LA
8/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Unfortunately, I had an upsetting experience at Rivershack last night, to the point that I'm not sure I want to go back. Overall, it seems like a decent place. I've only been there a handful of times (it's not on my regular rotation, so not the first place I'd think of to go), and clearly people seem to like it based on their other reviews.
So last night I went to Rivershack with a few friends for the Ghost Town Record Release party. The music was great, my wine was good, and by the time we got there (we walked a gazillion miles down the levee to get there, because I for some reason decided it would be a good idea to walk from Oak and Carrollton) the second set had just ended and the crowd was pouring out. Happened to be good timing, because I enjoyed the fact that it wasn't totally packed.
When the band started playing the last song of their very last set (I think it was close to 1am), I did what I frequently do when I'm out listening to awesome music, and I took the band's tip jar around the bar. The band appreciated it (as they always do), and three or four of the ten or so people who were still there contributed $1 or $2. When I got close to the bar, one of the bartenders angrily demanded that I NOT do that, because the manager doesn't like that sort of thing. She was really mean about it, but I assumed it was because she was getting yelled at by her boss, and that I'd violated some major rule of conduct.
I've never in my life been yelled at for passing around a band tip jar at a show (with no cover!), so I was completely taken aback. It seemed like a REALLY BIG DEAL, because the girl was pissed, and so I apologized and went and put it back.
I felt awful, so I went back to the bar and asked her (Natasha, I believe her name was) if I could speak to the manager, so that I could apologize. She was like "the general manager isn't here, so I'm the manager on duty, and you can NOT be asking my customers for money because it makes them uncomfortable and makes them want to leave" and so on and so forth. The thing is, she could've said this to me nicely, or at least in a polite, civil manner. Instead, she chose to be a total bitch. Seriously, it almost made me cry, which is kind of lame, but I really don't like to be yelled at. Especially when I think I'm doing something nice. You know?
Here's the thing: at this point, the band was pretty much done playing, there were like ten or fifteen people still left at the bar, and even if I had made people so uncomfortable that they wanted to leave, they were probably closing the bar soon anyway. And who gets mad about tipping a band for a free show? It was the bartender chick's attitude that was making her customers uncomfortable to the point that they wanted to leave, and after getting yelled at like that I highly doubt I'll end up going back to the Rivershack. It sucks, but there's certainly no lack of other places to go. I'd really rather not run into her again. -
Review from Jeremy M.
New Orleans, LA
This was an amazing experience that was once again sparked by my infatuation with "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives."
We ventured off St.Charles and headed out to the Rivershack Tavern. We were all really glad that we did!!! I ordered the Tex-Mex burger and it was by far the best burger I have ever had. I am already trying to find a reason to make it back out there.
The service was great and the atmosphere was awesome. There were a lot of local "regulars" filling the bar and having a great time. I would recommend anyone that's looking for a fun place to check it out!! -
Review from Shannon S.
New Orleans, LA
11/29/2011
"The Home Of The Tacky Ashtray" is the way this dive bar describes itself. I'm not a smoker and unfortunately with all the ashtray love this place can get smoky at night so that is a big minus for me. The barstools are an entertaining sight to see and I won't describe them so you will have to see them yourself. This place also makes some mighty tasty food and has some pretty great lunch specials. They have some good burgers and other typical bar grub but the lunch specials typically kick it up a notch or two (or sometimes more). They also frequently have live music and although the space is a bit tight for dancing they will move the tables out a bit more if there aren't too many people sitting in them. I've always had a good time at the Rivershack and make it a point to keep it in my occasional rotation as both a good lunch spot and a fun nightlife/music venue.
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Review from Perrey L.
6/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've eaten here twice and thoroughly enjoyed myself both times. The first time I rode down River Road with the bf on our bikes, taking a study break from exams for some berled crawfish. Turns out they didn't have the berl going that day, so we skipped that, although the bartender was totally down to bring us a cold serving of yesterday's batch... no, thanks for the offer, though... I think we ended up having fried mushrooms (or was it pickles?) and a couple of sandwiches. I had a reuben, which was very good.
The second time I came for lunch with a group form work. It was vibrant and busy. We ordered the fried mushrooms and the fried ersters to start and they were both fantastic. I then had the buffalo chicken finger salad, which was of such gargantuan proportions that I didn't (as per usual) scarf the whole thing down. One caveat to that visit - the service was sloooooooooooooow.
In a nutshell, this is a fun place to go and get a cold beer and some delicious bar food. Check it out, but not if you are in a hurry to get back to the office (= IN ALL RESPECTS A PERFECT LUNCH SPOT FOR A TYPICAL WORKDAY). -
Review from David B.
Arlington, VA
8/29/2011
Interesting dive bar near uptown. It's only a couple minutes from Carrollton and St. Charles, but it feels like you've driven out to Breaux Bridge.
It usually has good live music and first-class people watching. I haven't tried the food but I've heard good things.
Favorites are: music, atmosphere -
Review from Allison J.
Henderson, NV
5/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been coming here for over 7 years and I can't believe I'm just now writing a review. It's become such a regular place for me when I'm in New Orleans that it's like I've taken it for granted and haven't Yelped about it. Shame on me!
I may be staying in the French Quarter but you can bet I'll make the trek to The Rivershack at least once each time I return to NOLA. The fried pickles here are perfect and the burgers are tasty. I love bringing people here for the first time because it's way out of town in what seems to be BFE. But it's this hoppin' place with good beer and a lively crowd. If there's a band, get there early for a table. Otherwise expect to stand your whole visit there.
Lunch is pretty good too. I always leave with a full belly from one order of whatever and go right back to bed. -
Review from Derek R.
Destin, FL
5/25/2011
Great dive bar on River Road!
Good bar food, a funky atmosphere, and just a fun place to go.
Usually a band plays on the weekends.
Featured on the Food Network - Diner's, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Cheers! -
Review from Tommy B.
Hattiesburg, MS
12/27/2011
Went there today at lunch for the first time. I was hoping there was a good special happening but nothing to amazing. Bacon burger was just ok the bacon was little flimsy fries were cold. The tuna Spanish salad was ok but tuna had a funny smell. The waitress was ok but no smile even though we were smiling. They were busy right upon opening. I won't be back.
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Review from Justin R.
2/15/2011
Good bar with equally good food and cold beer. Funny barstools too!
When crawfish season rolls around, this is where you need to go. You get a huge platter of crawfish, while they last, for an inexpensive price. And boy oh boy are they good! They also have really great fried pickles! Yum!
i have never been here really late, but the place is usually really busy. And it seems to be a regular occurrence to have a live band. If you are driving down Rive Road, stop in for some hot fried pickles and a cold beer! -
Review from Greg B.
New Orleans, LA
This place is great. Not the place to go if you're trying to lose a few pounds, but a great place to go get some great food and listen to music.
They have live music here several nights a week. Abita, beans and blues on Monday night is excellent: red beans and rice and live blues music can't be beat. They also have live music on weekend nights.
The food is great across the board, although like I mentioned earlier, not really on the lighter side. Fried pickles, fried green tomatos, sweet potato fries, all good starters, especially with their special "shack sauce" to dip them in. For main courses they have good burgers and po boys, as well as a chicken sandwich that's fried and loaded with cheese and bacon. Delicious.
This place is a little out of the way, right across from the levee just west of Causeway, but hey, the hard to find places are the best anyway! -
Review from Cork C.
San Francisco, CA
8/28/2011
I love stopping here to pig out after a long ride along the levee. It is always full of hospital workers, but there is space for everyone. The beer selection is pretty good and their burgers were tasty.
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Review from Todd O.
Mandeville, LA
6/30/2011
I love this place! Excellent alligator sausage. It goes way back for me and my old production colleagues. We threw a memorial for our old friend Klutz at the rivershack, he loved this place too. Shot his ashes out of a mortar tube with a little fireworks show for family and friends. Miss you Klutz!
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Review from Kris A.
7/28/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Tex mex burger(thick bacon,saute onions,mushrooms and pepperjack cheese) rocks! Great chill atmosphere. Shank you(hot sausage patty on top hamburger patty with choice of cheese) burger is equally as good and I was surprised how juicy the alligator sausage app was. My next order will be an alligator sausage poboy! Yum! I love the light hearted personality of the place with its "legged" bar stools and memorabilia on the walls and ceiling. Lots of fans and high celings so its never smoky :)
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Review from Allen G.
Harvey, LA
7/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great place to grab a drink! They have daily drink specials that are always quite nice. Wednesday is pint night!
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Review from William R.
Kenner, LA
7/24/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Great place for great food and good drinks.I went for a friends birthday get together and the food was delicious can't wait to go back.the burgers or to die for.the alligator sausage was awesome.
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Review from Lindsay A.
New Orleans, LA
3/11/2011
Rivershack is tacky ("Home of the Tacky Ashtray", way too much crap up on the walls, and those funky bar stools) but I like it. I have been here several times while out on River Rd. and I find it to be a great last minute hungry place. As in I never really set out to go here, but end up here because I'm hungry and I know I can get good food and cold beer at a decent price. I haven't been out for any live music yet, but I hear that it's a great place to hear some local tunes. Monday night Abita, Red Beans, and Blues sounds like my kind of night. Actually, I had red beans there on Lundi Gras. I went out for Cowbell but they were closed so we kept on to Rivershack. Their red beans with sausage special was pretty good. (needed a touch of hot sauce but that's standard for me). The beer was awesome (NOLA Hopitoulas) and I took a few sips of a Poncharita (fresh strawberry margarita) which was very tasty.
Bottom line: Kitschy bar place with above average bar food, decent prices, and live music available most nights. Maybe not worth going out of your way for, but a definite stop if you're close by. -
Review from August R.
New Orleans, LA
7/29/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Excellent Place... Food is awesome and greta selection of beers.. Plus on weekends, free live music!!
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Review from Russell W.
New Orleans, LA
6/19/2008
My relationship with the Rivershack began with deception: The outside of the building has a bunch of old "Grocery" signs, so we stopped in looking for a few groceries on our bike ride. Turns out it is strictly a bar/restaurant. We came back another time (without the false pretenses) and had a good time. The burgers are pretty good but I'm sorry, I won't write a poem about them. They have "funky" decor, which includes the odd crap on the walls as well as bar stools which resemble human legs so that when you are sitting on them it appears as if you are are standing and have the legs of a plumber! What fun, I know. Anyway, if you are biking on the riverpath it's worth a stop in. If anything it's a place to earn back some of those calories you wasted by biking. Prices are OK, about 10-ish american dollars for the burgers.
For what it is, I award 3.3 stars to the rivershack. -
Review from Chris C.
Huntington Beach, CA
8/9/2009
I'm a big fan. The draft beer selection is good and the beer is served cold. The locations is great, right across from the Mississippi River levee bike path. They also have a nice outdoor area to eat. The clientele is nicely mixed and very casual. You can always find a contingent from the nearby Ochsner hospital.
It gets four stars for the great food. Every sandwich I have tried is good. Last night I had an 'ANITA FLICKS' - roast beef, pastrami, Swiss cheese, a dash of horseradish and Creole mustard on toasted rye. Mmmmm good! The fries were a little undercooked. A great touch is the homemade spicy mayonnaise on each table. Love it.
They have live music on Th/Fr/Sa nights. The book a nice variety of bands and the place is large with tall ceiling, making it good for music. -
Review from Ayo L.
New Orleans, LA
11/28/2010
Incredible food. Great neighborhood bar atmosphere. Expect to pack on the pounds, but the food is worth tipping the scales.
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Review from Nick C.
New Orleans, LA
5/31/2010
Monday night's abitas, beans and blues is hard to beat.
$2 ice-cold draft Abita, around $8.75 for a heaping platter of red beans and a baby's arm of grilled sausage, and free entertainment by a fairly talented female blues musician who gets progressively drunker as the night wears on. -
Review from April F.
Crestview, FL
5/12/2010
I had the catfish poboy and my friend had a hamburger. We shared buffalo shrimp. Food was yummy. My friend loved her hamburger. Beer was cold. I'd go here again, but wouldn't make a special trip.
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Review from Jen L.
1/30/2009 1 Check-in Here
The Rivershack was indeed a grocery once upon a time, maybe in the 1940s. But it's always been a bar in my lifetime. It's a solid neighborhood bar with decent food (expanded beyond the typical bar menu). They only get 3 stars because the decor is too self-conscious, with it's ashtray collection and funky barstools. They just need to take a deep breath.
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Review from mardi c.
New Orleans, LA
9/16/2009
love this place... love the buffalo oysters.... yup, just like buffalo wings... a different owner from the original, but still a stand up nola joint. right near the bike path, and the sandwiches are all excellent, the bloody mary's too.
fun and funky, lots of old timey decor, mixed with odd nola art, strange seats at the bar, but very unique, which gives this place a very "different" feel to it. poker machines, food, drinks, and live music...
when out at the airport? we usually stop at this hot spot... YUM
