River House

River House Restaurant Review:

Perched on a bluff with a view of the comings and goings of Ohio River traffic, River House is a great spot to relax on the patio with a drink and appetizer from the raw bar. Even the interior affords views through tall French doors. Chef John Varanese’s menu starts with baby-back ribs in a jalapeño-buttermilk sauce or fried Brussels sprouts and country ham salad. Due to the plentifully stocked aforementioned seafood and raw bar, any salad may be ramped up with fried oysters, smoked salmon or sautéed shrimp. Among the entrées are chicken and cavatappi in green chile cream sauce, seared diver scallops with tasso ham cheddar grits and slow-braised beef short rib. Good wines are offered by the glass and bottle. For dessert, enjoy the bourbon and white chocolate bread pudding topped with dried cherry-bourbon sauce. Service is professional but can be taxed when the place is packed, which it usually is.