As reported by Gut Check in August, restaurant owner Sam Kogos would move his popular New Orleans-style restaurant to the space recently vacated by Harvest. Riverbend Restaurant and Bar (1059 South Big Bend Boulevard; 314-664-8443) opened in Richmond Heights in early November with an expanded menu and much bigger digs.
See also: Riverbend Restaurant & Bar to Take Over Former Harvest Space
Riverbend has amassed quite the following over the years, named the Best Cajun/Creole Restaurant in RFT's Best of St. Louis 2012, in addition to topping recent Gut Check reader polls for both most underrated Cajun/Creole restaurant and most underrated dessert (its Creole bread pudding with whiskey sauce). For more on Riverbend's authentic New Orleans back-story, check out this in-depth review from former RFT food critic Ian Froeb.
In its new spacious dining room complete with a full bar and fireplace, diners can start their meal with a list of seafood-centric "temptations," including Louisiana baked oysters ($12.99), peel-and-eat shrimp ($13.99) and crabmeat-stuffed mushrooms or shrimp ($9.99-$11.99). Soups include gumbos and bisques ($3.99-$7.99) with a short selection of salads also available.
From the entrees, choose from a list of classic dishes that includes shrimp or crawfish etouffee ($14.99), red beans and rice ($9.99) and jambalaya ($14.99). Po-boys ($7.99-$14.99) on fresh-baked French bread include fried seafood options, "Cochon de Lait" (house-roasted pork), and "the Riverbend" with hot ham, roast beef, gravy and Swiss cheese. Fried seafood platters, a pick-two lunch special, a kids' menu and a small selection of desserts are also available.
From the bar, choose from beers on draft, cocktails and wine by the glass or bottle. Riverbend Restaurant and Bar's current hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For the full menu and additional information, visit the Riverbend Restaurant and Bar website or follow it via Facebook.
Click through for more photos.
