The Riverside Grill & Gazebo - Peterborough, Ontario

Linda Wong

A friend and I went for a drink during their happy hour at the outdoor Gazebo area last Friday. Labatt 50, small poutine and half pound chicken wings were all half price. The location, facing the water, is very nice for catching a breeze, and there was a live band that evening. There is room for improvement in service, but overall a great place to hang out.

Happy Hour:
Beer $5 Domestic

Chris Kostecki

This place is a hidden gem (and so deserving of more than 3.4 stars). I think most of the bad reviews are for the inside, and maybe the hotel/buffet breakfast.

The outside patio is right on the river. Server was fantastic, and the food was absolutely amazing. They have their own smoker, you can smell it faintly when you walk onto the patio. My son and I both had the brisket and it was amazing. I can’t wait to get back.

I wouldn’t go to Peterborough and not stop in here, it’s that good. It’s also on the river which is rare in Peterborough

Go, try the bbq, you won’t regret it.

R GS

I love Riverside Grill!! I have been several times and the patio is incredible. This visit, we had the pleasure of being served by Esteban. He was attentive, professional and personable. Our drinks were perfect and we had a great time!

I would happily recommend Riverside Grill if you are in Peterborough!

Harleen Singh

We stayed 2 nights, and breakfast buffet is quite good, and hot items are refilled in the buffet. Breakfast service was good.
Based on that, we decided to have dinner here on Friday night. We are not big eaters, so decided on the smashburger, which was quite good with the salad that I ordered. My husband ordered his with fries, which were truly terrible. It seemed like leftover fries from lunch which were reheated.
The manager tried to make it right by giving us a 50 percent discount, which we did appreciate. Our complaint was not with the intention of getting a free meal or discount and the server agreed that the fries did indeed look stale and reheated.
We have eaten at restaurants at various Holiday Inn locations in Ontario and we truly felt this was not up to their usual standards. I'm not sure if it is run or owned by the hotel, but it was a very disappointing association. The view is great, but doesn't make up for the lackluster offerings on our plates.

Catherine Cisco

BEWARE, it's very likely you'll have a bad experience at this establishment. Such a shame because it's one of the few restaurants in the area that is by the water.
Our party of five arrived at the gazebo patio at 1pm for lunch. Two tables were put together for us, but only one table had an umbrella... we asked the server for another umbrella, but were told they couldn't do that as it was unsafe...meanwhile the guests next to us had two tables together with an umbrella on each...
The server finally came to take our order, 15 to 20 minutes after we arrived. We ordered drinks and meals at the same time. My beer came in a dirty glass. I took it back to the bar and it was replaced with a clean glass.
Three of us ordered the single smash burger and were promptly told it was very small, and are you sure you don't want the double? .... just odd. Misleading attempts to up-sell sides that sounded like they were included. After waiting for an HOUR our meals finally came, all except mine which was a smash burger. I was told mine would be along shortly.... I finally canceled my order after waiting an additional 20 minutes while tables around us were served the same thing I ordered......!
I was offered a complimentary Caesar salad that was left over after a mistake the server had made with another table's order....
As well, the meals were served but we had no cutlery or napkins. My brother-in-law ordered a rack of ribs and was served with no knife.
Just a lot of hassles when it should have been so simple and pleasant.
I'll never return to this restaurant, ever.

Debbie Webster

We had a late dinner here and the food was decent. It was a cool night and French Onion Soup, at the top of the menu was appealing but unfortunately, they were out of it.

The restaurant was quiet and the view of the river was nice.

Our server, Valeria, was very pleasant. She was apologetic about the soup and another missing item but very efficient with our order.

David Wass

Had a really pleasant visit with a good friend and my pup today. I usually am a burger guy at this place but I wanted fish and chips. I just hate fish and chips that are super greasy and I asked our waitress if it was greasy or not. She confirmed it wasn't greasy and so I ordered 2 fish and an extra spicy Caesar. The fish came and they were massive and definitely not greasy. Fish was moist and flaky and the slaw and tartar were perfect sides. I won't hesitate next visit. Fish and chips and the perfect Caesar.. just a beautiful lunch and such a friendly waitress!

Terry Price

From Georgia USA, the smoked meats were exceptionally delicious.... didn't know the culinary knowledge went this far North. Seeing the smokers and Raj, the chef working the stick burner ( translation real wood, not pellets) smoker with Maple wood was a 5 star treat. The service with Stephanie just added to our evening, knew the menu and answered questions with pride of where she was working. Don't usually write reviews but in this restaurant, worthy of attention and impressed the good old boy and his southern wife who remarked... " great smoked meats and no cleaning the kitchen after you" Stephanie liked the accent as we loved her attention and kindness in serving us.