River Gods
Categories: Restaurants, Pubs [Edit]
Neighborhood: Central Square125 River Street
Cambridge, MA 02139 (617) 576-1881
- Nearest Transit:
Central (Red)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 3:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: No
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: No
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Dinner
- Music: DJ
- Best Nights: Mon, Tue, Wed
- Happy Hour: No
- Alcohol: Full Bar
- Smoking: No
- Coat Check: No
147 Reviews for River Gods
Interesting decorations behind the bar and under the ceiling. Guy sat next bar to us came here every Tuesday?( or some other day) for dinner special. Wait staff are very friendly.
Definitely unique decor in a cambridge, trying a tad bit too hard kind of way. But went for drinks and dinner with friends and was excited with the idea of a veggie/vegan menu served while sitting in a thrown.
Shared the grazing plate with tofu. It was alright. Tofu could have been seared a bit crispier and could have had a bit more flavor. I expected better from a place that says its veggie friendly. Was going to go for the skewers but changed my mind after this mediocre tofu.
Then the vegan korean handrolls. Not too shabby. The kimchee was delicous.
A friend enjoyed the cheese plate- exceptionally decadent brie and roasted garlic. It was certainly an "oh, ummmmmm" kind of moment. Delicious but kind of hard to screw up.
A busy bar on a friday night, and a waitress who smiles and is attentive. a doorman/bouncer that invites you in to have a good evening
what the hell is going on?
seriously cool place - food (if I recall) is tasty. beer selection is great. music (last night) was awesome - and every night is a different bag - saw that on some Tuesdays this month, Wii and Rock Band evenings - I think that rocks.
And if you come here with someone that lacks in conversational skills, you are bound to find something in the decor to chat about.
perfect size and vibe for a neighbor place - and while it's a solid 15 minute walk from my place, I definitely have this on the short list of options for random nights out.
and by random, I mean 'most'
I've probably dropped enough money in this place over the years for a new car, or a slap up luxury vacation. But I say that with no regrets. This is hands down my favourite bar in town. Maybe it's the great pour of Guinness. Or maybe it's the fantastic burgers and stellar fries (get the garlic aioli on the side). Or maybe it's the DJ's eclectic musical tastes. Or the crazy kitschy Irish gothic decor (check out the Irish beach diorama under the glass bar). I could go on and on about why I love this place - it's just a bloody gem.
One of the other reviewers here mentioned that the River Gods name refers to greek mythology, but that's incorrect. Actually it refers to the Irish River Gods, whose faces are carved on some of the bridges that span the Liffey in Dublin (there's a reproduction of one of these carvings on one of the walls).
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (4)
Do you know who the River Gods are? I had no idea, I had to Google it and it turns out that they are part of Greek mythology, and not the easy to remember or pronounce parts. Pretty cool, look it up sometime.
Anyway, I like this place a solid 3 star experience. Absolutely acceptable spot to grab a relatively good bite of food and a relatively fresh pint on a nice afternoon after work. The decor seriously needs a little help, I mean some of the stuff in here is cool but it is really all over the place. I can't tell if they are going for a 'tribute to the river gods' or a 'we like cool stuff' sort of thing - either way it's a little hurtin. The space itself is sort of cramped, well OK really cramped, even when the place is half empty so if you are claustrophobic take a deep breath and don't go all Rain Man in a corner like I do. Looks like they do all sorts of events here to, that would also be fun especially if you like to make fun of all the claustrophobic Rain Men in the corners.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (3)
Cool (2)
I went here last month with a friend for dinner. This is one of her favorite spots and she wanted me to try it while I was visiting.
I love the decor in the spot - I was told they change the decor each season - I would love to go back in the fall and winter!
They have a huge beer selection. I ended up having Guinness and Cider which is an interesting combination but very yummy.
The food here is very good. We shared a hummus plate and one of the specials w/ tuna. I would recommend this restaurant to others!
They also have a DJ on Friday nights that plays really good music!
French Fry World Tour Stop #1
I went to River Gods this week with my old roommate/bad influence, and picked the place because of the fries. All the food's good, sure, and River Gods is a more-than-respectable bar, but there's a reason that a full third of the hundred-plus reviews already posted mention this one item specifically.
I'm going to run out of adjectives on this little World Tour of Places To Eat French Fries And Fuck Up Your Arteries ("World," here, meaning "Cambridge,") but that's a fundamental quality of the humble french fry. Potato: julienned, fried. Such a simple foundation for such infinite variation.
At River Gods, a $5 serving of fries is big enough for two, and comes with a garlic aioli dipping sauce that actually tastes enough like garlic that you don't have to give your fries a bath to taste it.* The fry:condiment ratio is excellent and the fries don't get soggy if they sit around for a while when you decide you want, for example, to eat your tofu and salmon skewers and not-especially-fancy cheese plate first. The number of over-crispy leftover bits is respectably low.
To sum up:
**** Serving Size
*** Condiment Novelty
**** French Fry Fortitude
**** Quality Control
*I say "aioli" because that's what the menu calls it, but y'all totally know "aioli" = "mayonnaise" so quit acting all grossed out when I ask for a ramekin of Hellman's the next time we eat together at a Local Casual Dining Establishment. I'm just kicking it Belgian style, so simmer the hell down.
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (7)
Cool (6)
I could not possibly say enough good things about this place. The food is amazing, the atmosphere is better. I think this might be my favorite date spot, ever.
I'm also a sucker for their Tuesday nights. Wii night, film night and YouTube night?! C'mon! YouTube night (or River Gods TV I think) is amazing. They DJ the whole night with rare concerts and random videos off of YouTube, it's super fun.
Their veggie burgers are the best ever. It's astonishing. Also good are the french fries (with amazing garlic aioli), the skewers (Chicken, Shrimp, Beef or Tofu: Mix & Match!) and the dips.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (3)
Steak sandwich good. Bread bad. Drinks good. Bartenders not as good. Kingly chair awesome. Not getting a seat because people can't find their food its so dark.. not so awesome.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I adore River Gods! From the moment I walked in I knew it was my kind of place, which is strange in a bar because I don't drink. It's something about the atmosphere and the other patrons. Totally awesome.
I've been there a few times for Rock Band (yay for Rock Band which officially makes it the coolest bar ever!!!) but tonight was the first time I had food so now I feel I can actually review it.
As other people have stated, it's small and often very crowded. I think this adds to the atmosphere, but I can see how hearing every word of your neighboring table's conversation may not be what you're going for. I'm willing to deal with it. The decor is interesting - in a good way I think. Today the rather gothic / pagan decor (crosses and slyph-like creatures, plus a green man) was complemented by pastel butterflies hanging from the ceiling.
They have an extensive vegetarian menu, conveniently located on the back of the menu and with even MORE conveniently labeled vegan options for many of the selections. They definitely got this right.
The fries are delicious, the Pepsi tastes Pepsi-like, and the tap water is... watery. Now you know everything I know about their food. But if I ever find someone who wants to go with me I'll go there for dinner.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
The Scene is about 4 stars. Great if you want a good pint in a funky joint on a weeknight. The DJs are consistently great. The nightly events are interesting and fun. It's off the beaten path.
The Staff is about 4 stars. Very friendly and fast.
The food is about 2.5 stars although I don't know the fairest way to rate food. Should it be rated on an absolute scale for restaurants (McDonalds to Rendevous)? Or a contextual scale for bars (McSorleys to Deep Ellum)? The fries are very good but overrated. The veggie burgers are decent and deep fried (or look like it).
This can be ideal if you are a Veggie Free Vegetarian (you don't eat meat yet you don't eat healthy).
I'd recommend the spot for a pre-date, pre-meal drink or two or three. I'd absolutely recommend for a post-dinner cocktail and scene. But if you are hoping for a great meal you should temper your expectations.
Love love love River Gods! Great drinks, great food, great atmosphere. One of my favorite bars of all time.
I'm not sure what I'd say is my favorite thing here. Might be the whiskey sours (it's a grandpa drink, I know, but it's so good here), the little DJ booth overlooking the bar, the suit of armor, the doorman, the kings chairs, the FOOD.
Okay, lots of drinks. Pretty decent beers on tap. And their alcohol menu lists each brand of gin, vodka, etc and suggests drinks to order for each kind. Creative ones, too!
The menu has a lot of vegan and vegetarian items on it, which I wouldn't have expected. From Korean handrolls to cheeseless pizza, I can always be sure my vegan and veggie friends will have more than one delicious entree to order. The specials are ALWAYS good.
The calendar of events/music changes monthly, with roots/gospel/blues hop nights, soul, and even electronica that won't make you want to tear your hair out. There are DJs pretty much every night around 8 or 9, and they're always excellent. Not sure what's up with the video screen they use sometimes, though.
Quite busy on a weekend evening, and you'll probably have to wait for a seat. So make sure you're not TOO hungry when you get here, but DO plan to eat AND drink at River Gods.
Oh Lord. River Gods is truly heaven-sent. Look, I'm already making stupid divinity jokes.
This bar is small, so get there early for seating or expect to feel a little like a sardine. It's worth it for the hobbit-hole-by-way-of-Heatherette vibe they've got going, though. The DJ plays his music a little loud, but it's good enough music that I didn't mind. And doggone it, they produced the best Bloody Mary I've ever had in my life.
Yeah, I drink Bloody Marys. I'm Blanche Devereaux. Deal with it.
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Funny (5)
Cool (7)
My first experience with River Gods was out the driver's side window of my car, driving past every day to work up River St. It wasn't until a year or so later that I finally found myself inside.
The interior is awesome, the crucifixes, fake fire, and gothic stylings all come together really well. The suit of armor in the back is a nice touch as well. The decor makes a for some great conversational pieces, though hearing said conversations might be a little tough (but honestly, this isn't such a bad thing - what's more depressing than a silent bar?).
I also dig how tiny it is. The only place I've been to with less room is the Littlest Bar, which I believe no longer exists. The beer selection is good, and you have to wait for a Guinness which is the way it should be.
I can't say anything about the food, as every time I've been there it's been too late and far too packed to serve anything substantial. If the food is good, I'll add another star.
Oh yeah, and I guess it earns extra brownie points for the Rock Band nights.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I know that the large chairs add to the decor and ambiance... ok, I get it , I get it. But come on - they take up the place of at least 2-3 paying customers. Are the chairs really that worth it?
Love the fries and the food comes through with shining stars. Music is solidly good although can indeed get loud as the night progresses. Love the mini-DJ booth.
All in all, a great place but can get really crowded so plan ahead for a "plan b" place to go. I've had to leave for my "plan b" place many a time.
I love River Gods. It's just cool. Really cool. Really, really cool.
It's sort of a mod dive bar. (Any Quadrophenia fans out there?) Some big cities have hundreds of bars that fit that description. Boston has maybe a dozen. It's dark, the beer selection is good and they have something cheap on tap or in bottles, food is pretty good, music is eclectic and can be pretty out there, sometimes perfect (old skool of every genre from punk to r&b to hip hop to funk), sometimes just weird (some of the electronica).
[Writing a review about the place based on the DJ one night is just unfair. It's like going to the Middle East and saying it sucks based on seeing one sucky band there. Those of you coming once and giving it mixed reviews are missing out, but to be perfectly honest, I'll be glad to have you stay away and reduce the crowds!]
Seriously, check out the website beforehand if you want to know what's happening that night. http://www.rivergodson...
That said, I am the first to admit that it does have some shortcomings, for which I more than forgive it. It does get crowded on weekend nights, and even at peak dinner hours during the week. I can handle it. I'll head to Green Street or the Enormous Room. Same with the nights when the music is not to my liking. If they played stuff everyone liked every night, it would be pretty boring. That uniqueness is part of why it's a cool place. It's actually different from most bars.
The food in my mind has some highs and lows. It's pretty short, and it's sort of weirdly priced, with some good deals and some seemingly not-so-good deals. Their salads are good; the pasta bolognese is very good; and the burger, veggie and steak sandwich are all very good. The fries are very good, and the garlic aioli dipping sauce is truly awesome.
Plus, any place where you can play Rock Band along with its creators from Harmonix (also in Central Square) is just really damn cool.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
Things that are awesome:
1. The decor and atmosphere makes you feel simultaneously decadent, relaxed, pampered, welcome, hip (but not in a dickhead way), urban, and like you're a member of a secret club that hangs out at really cool, nearly-hidden bars.
2. Brace yourself... the veggie burgers taste EXACTLY like chicken patty sandwiches (or "chicken rondolets" if you want to be fancy, which I don't). I said "brace yourself" because I could see someone going either way on that fact. I personally can't get enough of them. If you don't like the idea, order something else.
3. Their french fry appetizer comes with this dipping sauce that blows everyone away the first time they taste it. I don't know what the hell it is, but sometimes I wish I could dive into the little dipping cup and swim around in it. But then I'd be a really tiny person, and I already have enough trouble finding pants that fit right.
4. They have a giant projection screen at one end of the bar which allows the following nights to exist:
a) Wii Night. You mean I can drink beers, feel all of the emotions in #1, AND play Wii Tennis on a giant screen?
b) YouTube Night. Take out the Wii and insert an evening of awesome music videos, random YouTube videos, and the ability to request a video and have it actually be played.
c) Guitar Hero Night. No, I won't shut up because it's true.
d) FilmBeats Night. On the first Tuesday of every month at about 9:00, Hollywood Express hosts this. It's like going to a movie theater, only a billion times cooler and with a music-themed film. Past examples: Hedwig, The Elvis '68 Comeback Special, The Blues Brothers, and Krush Groove. I know. I know.
5. This is one of the best places you could go on a date. Because your date will feel all of the emotions listed in #1 and will almost certainly fall in love with you because you--yes, YOU, hot stuff--made him/her feel that way. I hope you want babies, because you might get them after a date at River Gods.
Only down side would be if you're intensely claustrophobic, because it can get cramped in there sometimes. But unless your claustrophobia is, like, clinical or whatever, I think you'd be fine.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
I wish I could give half stars- I'd give them 3.5, but it's not enough to go for the full 4.
Listen-- the River Gods has the following going for it:
Cool Name, Excellent Ambiance, Good Food, Good Service
Against it are the following:
*It's so damn loud in there. Don't go with someone you are interested in or want to talk to. The waitress couldn't hear us and when she repeated back part of the order it was wrong because it was so so loud in there.
*OMG How many things can you put creme fraiche in? It's in almost everything on their (extremely limited menu). Don't get me wrong, I love creme fraiche but on EVERYTHING. No.
*The menu is super duper limited. It's a folded 8x11 and the back side of it is the vegetarian menu which is the same as the stuff on the inside just pulled out. I don't know about you, but I think most vegetarians can extrapolate that a salad in the main part of the menu is vegetarian...no need to put it again on the back.
Eh. All in all, I wish it were bigger, quieter, and had a bigger menu.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
It earns stars for the following:
1.) Name
2.) Decor
3.) The amazing idea of having a dj playing electro-pop music of bands that will be coming to the area, THEN handing out a card with a number you can text that will respond to you with the name of the artist, the song being played, information about the concert, AND having it all work in real time.
It loses stars for the following:
1.) The MOST crowded seating situation I have ever seen. Literally fell into the lap of a member of the adjacent table while trying to get to my seat.
2.) The music was SO loud. It was like the management had no idea they were running a tiny bar, not replacing Lansdowne st.
3.) Totally mediocre food.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Oh River Gods...
The decor takes me straight to middle earth on a beautifully widdled elven boat, and once I get there a glass of the finest hobbity mead awaits me. A fair maiden behind the bar or at table side is always sure to be swift of foot and have my food and drink to me in an expeditious manner.
The provisions are delicious, well priced and hearty enough to help me build the strength I shall need in the next dragon slaying adventure Gandalf sends me on.
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
All hail the River Gods. Who are the River Gods anyway? Well... if you really must know:
http://homepage.mac.co...
Tiny, tiny, tiny place, much like a river compared to the ocean. There are calm moments and there are white water rapid moments. Upon arrival, there was not a seat in sight and if you don't find a seat you are practically on each other's toes. Within 15 minutes, us Yelpers were able to find seats throughout.
Despite the river's small size. The river had some things to offer. ROCKBAND. Although, their kitchen was closed, I was able to at least get their Crosstini & Hummus. Not bad, but not worth $5 either. They also charged me $2.50 for a coke and FOR TAP WATER! I should have just gotten another drink instead, but I was driving.
At any rate, the atmosphere was great. The prices are not. And if you're claustrophobic, I would suggest you go to another bar. Otherwise, ROCK ON!!!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (2)
Though it can feel like a sardine can, the good food, medieval decor, and good music combine to create a bar with lots of character. I recommend the salmon salad, burger, fries, and music by (I think these are their DJ names--DJ Matt Ransom and DJ Brian (can't remember the last part of his name)). New wave goes surprisingly well with the rest of it!
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
When I started dating a girl who'd lived in Boston for years, this was one of the first places she took me. It would take visits to a few more bars to realize just how special this place was, but at the time I snapped open my menu and reviewed it warily.
"$9 for a plain burger?" I freaked. I'd come from a land filled with some of the heartiest, biggest beef in the U.S. of A. I'd been a short-order cook for a year. Previous Boston-area dining experiences had included T.G.I. Fridays and Cracker Barrel. Nothing in my mind could validate a $9 burger. I scoffed but finally ordered, because it was the second cheapest thing on the menu.
I prepared for disappointment, only to discover the unique glee that is a River Gods burger, cooked medium with Swiss cheese and sauteed mushrooms. Moist, flavorful, perfectly cooked. The mashed potatoes are divine (skip the fries!). My love of this burger, and my date's love of the Dark N' Stormy has made this a significant Cambridge watering (and scarfing) hole.
I can't disagree with anyone who considers this joint crammed and crowded--I often have better luck getting to the little lasses room by going under the table rather than around it. Tables are packed against tables and those monstrous wooden chairs are a bitch to move, but I steadfastly say "That's part of the charm!" The DJs spin in a cramped little murderhole above the bar, raining musical love down upon the patrons, who are an eclectic but not scenester mix of college kids, cambridgeport professionals, scruffy queers and various locals. Guitar Hero nights are pretty fab, even if they are sponsored by some major liquor company.
This is no dive bar. 5 star heaven all the way.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (5)
You know your dinner is good when it involves beer, a suit of armor, and sitting on a throne made of carved wood and scarlet velour.
The decor is dark, kingly, and packed with religous symbolism, making River Gods feel like a medieval paradise-- though I gotta believe that the food here is a hell of a lot better than it ever was during the Middle Ages. The menu can be best described as eclectic: options range from cheeseburgers to pizzettas to vegan skewers with peanut sauce. The veggie burger is herb-encrusted, the Korean hand rolls are divine, the Lesser God Salad is fit for the HIgher Gods, and the fries are served with a garlic aioli that is sure to you make you cum. Ahhhhh....!!!
The music flows naturally from indie rock to reggae to club beats and gangsta rap, always managing to maintain the mellow, social vibe. I've been to a Guitar Hero 3 night here, too, and got to play Guitar Hero on a huge wall screen in the middle of a bar filled with gods and suits of armor. Does it get any better?!
Only at River Gods does the decor change its mood depending on the season (and perhaps the mood of the staff)-- around Halloween they had S&M-looking Barbie dolls hanging from the ceiling with black vinyl; now that it's Christmas time, they have twinkly stars.
Really though, back to me getting to sit on a throne during dinner (okay, so its more like a fancy, high-backed chair, but it sure feels like a throne to me)... how cool is that?! Come for a pint, come for dinner with a friend, just come! But save room for me. It's wee.
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (3)
Cool (6)
Uh, no.
The ugly bar with it's river-and-found-art theme is not only a little obnoxious, but it's not very clean. It reminds me of a diorama I made in second grade with saran wrap as the water. It was about as equally impressive as the rest of the decor here. Ugly gothic benches and sticky pleather bar stools...who-hoo. At first glance it was a little cheesy. Upon closer inspection you find everything is rather shoddily thrown together and nobody is even trying to conceal the ripped seams. Maybe it's because they reportedly change the decor frequently? Props to them for wanting a rotating decor, but when it looks like the backstage of my highschool drama productions, than I'd have to take back those props, and drop them a few stars. Nothing is worse than poorly executed ideas.
Is it anywhere I would willingly head back? No. But I suppose if somebody were to kidnap me and force me to go here I wouldn't mind ordering some food. The fries and dipping platter were o.k. but not good enough to merit enduring the slightly obnoxious bartender and hideous decor.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (5)
Cool (2)
As a nondrinker, I often feel like I don't really belong when I go to a bar (which is why I almost never go to a bar except to eat or hear live music). I don't know bar etiquette and haven't the first idea how to integrate myself into the social scene. As if all that weren't enough, I can't go anyplace by myself without bringing something to read, and I've been in many bars where having a book out made me feel as conspicuously out of place as a walrus in the courthouse. (If you needed any explanation of why I have 23 coffeehouse reviews on this site, here it is.) So five stars to River Gods for being a place where I could sit at the bar, have a tasty meal and feel comfortable. I'll probably even go back.
P.S. The flickering "fireplace" projected against the wall? Hilarious.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
River Gods in Cambridge-MA is great. I had two black and tans and got ROCKED! The Asian-Glow if you must. You know, we have a genetic enzyme that doesn't allow us to break alcohol down as quick... or something, yada yada yah.
River Gods though is seriously awesome. In the last few years I've been finding myself digging the smaller size restaurants/bars because of the atmosphere and service. The waitress was super nice. She was also patience when I was looking at the menu (larger chain-restaurants always rush you, ya know!?!). The food was excellent and cooked just perfect. Great place for a date, after work drink or a meal (han SOLO style).
Two items I highly recommend:
Korean Handrolls sushi: seaweed wrapped, vegan prepared vegetables, with housemade kimchee & sauces vegon potion: completely vegon 8.50
Dipping Sampler 3 housemade dips of: mushroom tapenade - hummus - zesty lemon white bean served with fresh vegetables crispy pita chips, toast points & rustic bread vegon option: no hummus. cheese or toast points extra pita chips
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
I have come here twice, and only got in once because I made it there early enough for it not to be packed. Despite its problematically small environment I had a great time. The atmosphere is nice and the chairs are really cool and medieval like. The suit of armor is exciting as well.
The DJ played some awesome music that night as well, and people were way into it. I heard MIA and The Cool Kids which was a plus for me, some old school Bel Biv Devoe and Boyz II Men. It was sick. And he has a pretty nice set up in a window/nook up by the ceiling toward the end of the bar.
Didn't eat anything, didn't drink anything, but I liked it.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
It has that vibe. You know, the one where you walk in and immediately know that the place is exactly your kind of cool. River Gods definitely had it.
They also have guest DJs come in and play whatever they want on Monday nights. I saw two dear friends spin tunes from the music loft perched above the cozy, dark and comfortable bar. The service is good, there is a great mix of old regulars and young regulars, and I immediately felt at home.
Good vibe.
If not for the mural depicting some sort of demon (or a God, perhaps?) on the side of the building, you would easily assume River Gods is one of those average neighborhood bars...
As I walked in from the blistering cold (I know it's only November. But I'm not used to this 30 degree weather) with my date I noticed the aesthetic leans more towards the Goth/Religious side, with subtle flares that I found to be quite interesting. These included a collection of beautifully crafted crosses, on a mantle above one of the windows as well as hanging figurines of what appeared to be Jesus and the Virgin Mary on the bathroom doors that represented the Men's and Ladies' rooms... respectfully. Sac relig??? I don't know...but I liked it.
We were seated all the way in the back left corner next to a tiny organ that didn't work, but held our condiments for dinner very nicely. A display of full body armor was propped directly on the right of our table, which I then had to move because I was unable to pull out my chair all the way. It was surprisingly very light. Which lead me to believe any man wearing this in battle would surely be destroyed. The seating arrangement wasn't ideal because of the tight squeeze between the people seated next to us and Sir Lancelot but because the table was so small, it was very conducive to having a friendly convo with someone while trying to drown out that of others around you.
One look at the menu and I fell insanely smitten, not your average bar food at a ridiculously affordable price. I decided on the vegan skewer and she got the pizzetta with mushrooms, pesto and mozzarella. The skewer was full of delicious veggies (potatoes, mushroom, peppers and zucchini) and laid on two fried pieces of tofu. It was perfectly cooked and had a great flavor, as did the tofu pieces. It also came with two tomato based dipping sauces (one spicy and the other mild). I snagged a slice of the pizzetta, which I thought had a great balance of cheese, sauce and crunch. The pesto, was exceptionally tasty.
After dinner, we just chilled and talked over a few pints of Guinness. The music they played was quite enjoyable. The Shins, Sigur Ros and Deathcab for Cutie filled the air, although at times a little loud. Ill over look that however, just because it's not everywhere I'm able to listen to some of my favorite bands while dining out.
People thought this was:
Useful (7)
Funny (4)
Cool (7)
I really thought I'd already reviewed this many moons ago. I guess not.
Love this place. The atmosphere is excellent (the whole pseudo-gothic thing resonates well with me), the food is excellent and their beer list is good enough. I don't come here often (I have in the past, but not of late) just due to a combination of location and its small size (which is the one fatal flaw, it can get very crowded quite easily), but every time I go I say to myself, "Self, how come I don't come here more often?"
The steak sandwich and the fries are personal favorites of mine.
Sadly, I don't learn from my mistakes very often.
With all that said, I can't give it a full 5 stars. Why? Well, because it is always so damned crowded. I know that's not their fault, in fact it speaks well of them - but it keeps me from wanting to go there oftentimes. I was just lamenting the other day how much better this (and a few other local spots) had been before people knew it existed.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
Wow...great funky music with a good selection of beer. Minus one star for bringing out a well done burger when I asked for medium.
River Gods sits somewhere between dive bar and heaven. It is a fantasy place with little nun dolls around an elevated DJ Booth. Angels live in the loft behind the bar and religiousy paraphernalia abounds. The fact Gods is pluralized may raise the blood pressure of some tight-wads.
Mixed drinks have a strength and size to match any old-testament punishment. The food portions seemed rather small. I was filled, but expected a little hidden compartment in my plate with an additional steak sandwich.
Food quality was pretty good, but next time i'll probably just go for drinks on a Tourfilter http://tourfilter.com night (third thursday of the month).
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Very cool. Good drinks, well made, they actually put ice water in your glass beforehand so that is will be "chilled" for your fancy beverage - I felt so spoiled, it was cool. The decorations are very interesting and unique and worth a second look about. It appeared that people had been eating earlier in the night - looks like it would be a good romantic but not cheesy date place. Pricewise, my cosmo was $8, credit card minimum is $10. Definitely a place I will return to.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
3.6 stars
I love their build your own pizza options. There must have been half a pound of smoked gouda on mine!! I LOVE IT!
The decor is fun, the music can be fun, and the crowd can be kinda iffy. That's ok though, I don't go for the crowd (yeah, screw you too!)
My only complaint about this place (and that's where it loses points) is that I think they make their martinis with scented water. I literally drank three of their martinis on an empty stomach and felt nothing.
As long as you avoid those, it's a fun place.
Good neighborhood bar. Went with a small group and it was fun - good food, good DJ. Cool decor. I would go back!
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Following many reviews here, and wanting to test Robyn's theory that the steak sandwich rocked, I went here with my brother last night.
Okay, the place is small. Like 12 tables small and a bar that was shortened because it was video game night, which brought out all the boys who've never kissed girls. Kidding.
So we got seats at the bar and asked for menus and the bartender asked my brother and I if we were the DJs. Now, I'm not quite sure what clubs she's from, but I don't look like a DJ. Well, maybe DJ like your cousin Sal who's doing your wedding for cheap and that consists of Bon Jovi's Slippery When Wet album on repeat. It turns out we got the "Guest" Menus, which I thought was funny because aren't we all guests?
Moving on, ordered the steak tips sandwich medium rare, because to cook it more is for communists. It was good indeed. The fries, which have won Best in Boston, were good. Not destination fries, but good.
Overall, it was a cool place that has lots of different food that looked good. I'd go back if I was near there or wanted that sandwich again. But I probably won't be driving from my house anytime soon.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
I was really excited about going to River Gods...a number of people had talked it up. So I got there with two visiting friends, and we had great seats and all....but the waitress was in such a sour mood...it was enough to almost make us get up and leave. The food was average, the beer selection was limited. I wasn't that thrilled. Maybe I went on a lowkey day, but all in all I think this place is overrated. It was just a dingy bar that was trying to be a restaurant, with gloomy unenthusiastic staff. Not my cup of tea.
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Cool (1)
This place is small, and the seating is cramped with thrones, but you HAVE to appreciate this place for being that little, specially decorated nest in a sea of plain bars serving the same shite. It's the only place I like to dj, because it is unpretentious, a feat to get the patrons to dance a little in the limited space or bob their heads while they are merrymaking, and it's great to blow kisses down from the cozy dj booth and spread a little love to cambridge and get some back. All the nibbles are all fantastic...well cared for, tasty, dimly lit, little beatfilled nook of a bar. love it.
People thought this was:
Cool (2)