Riverview Wine Bar

02/23/09

Come for the Theater...but skip this winebar

by fallscrawl

What a great location for a wine bar. On my first visit, I sincerely hoped I had stumbled upon my new neighborhood hang out. After numerous visits, however, it became apparent that I must keep looking. Gross inconsistency of service combined with questionable execution in the kitchen has forced me out.

The RiverView Wine Bar's menu is anchored by unique pizza selections. However, what the pizza appears offer in creativity; it fails to deliver in flavor. Appetizers are unimaginative (read: cheese plate) and/or quite bland (read: Baked Artichoke and Parmesan Dip). The beer selection would be fantastic...if your chosen brew happens to be in stock. My trips have proven this to be unlikely.

I believe a restaurant cannot be judged on 1, 2, or even 3 visits. Over a half dozen trips, however, it has become clear that I have not received sufficient value to justify continued patronage. My quest continues for a new neighbor hood hangout?(suggestions welcome)

• Pros: Location
• Cons: Execution and Service

This relaxing neighborhood gem pours more than 30 worldly wines by the glass and serves up tempting antipasti and pizzas.

by Contributor

In Short
Adjacent to the Riverview Cafe (closed French doors connect the two) and across from the retro Riverview movie theater, this Italian-inspired respite is rich with stylish lighting and warm with gold and garnet hues. Groups of friends gather in back, where a lounge-y low-lit area sports a sofa near the fireplace. Neighborhood regulars get together at tables sipping wine, nibbling on antipasti, cheese plates and cracker-like crust pizzas laden with diversely delicious toppings.

09/05/07

Always leave here satisfied

by guqingirl

this is my new fave. cozy neighborhood fee,l kiddy corner from riverview theater, yet sophisticated and classy special occasion-type place. love the wine flights! the selection of beer is exciting! live jazz on the patio. staff is friendly, cool, and knowledgeable. bar guy knows his shiz and offers great recommendations. the food is fab. love the roasted beet salad with green apples, gorgonzola, and curry dress. the pizzas are great for snacking - try the gorgonzola pear. yum. the stefano is always good. walt's special is a pleasant surprise. even though they don't have a pastry chef, the italian creme cake they sell is divine and a can't resist kinda thing. i ALWAYS leave here happy and satisfied.

06/08/06

Great Wine Bar

by rapolster

This is a great neighborhood wine bar. I recommend trying the wine flights, the Pear Gorgonzola Pizza (wow), and the Cheese Plate. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and fun. Great place for after work or a date.

01/09/06

Excellent!

by mollyminneapolis

Great pizza and snack type food. I had a couple great flights of wine. Very reasonably priced and the service was very accomodating!

01/09/06

Terrific way to unwind

by bellecatt

What a find! Wines from around the world, reasonably priced, GOOD wines, great food and ambiance, the staff was knowledgeable and friendly, low-key atmosphere, you couldn't ask for a better way to end the day.

• Pros: relaxing, unusual wines, many wines