SEE’s Foodie Finds RiverGrille on the Tomoka

Imagine sitting along the Suwannee River with overgrown trees and native rivergrass lining the banks. The same can be found right here at the RiverGrille Restaurant in Ormand Beach, Florida, along our very own beautiful Tomoka River.

The wealth of history along the Tomoka River begins when the Native Americans were living along its banks, followed by sugar and cotton plantations. Because of its unspoiled natural setting, it is easy to imagine the Indians canoeing along the smooth water. Today, it is common to see manatee, dolphin and yes, alligators.

In this perfect location, RiverGrille Restaurant has embraced the setting with a vast three tiered deck that overlooks the river. Even though it feels like a hideaway when you are there, nestled along the river bank. It is tucked next to the only bridge over the Tomoka River in Ormond Beach, making it extremely easy to find. But it is more than just a destination restaurant, with a large local following and repeat customers it can only be one thing: the delicious food.

Fresh seafood, pasta dishes, steaks and awesome burgers can be found in their menu. A unique feature under fresh fish is the “Build Your Catch” where you are allowed to pick from seven fish choices, seven styles of cooking and five sauces to personalize your entrée! They have recently introduced a new menu with Cajun-infused pasta dishes, fresh seafood, sizzlin’ steaks and awesome appetizers.

There are two bars at RiverGrille with drink specials daily. Indoors there is a large room with a horseshoe-shaped bar named “Donna’s Piranha’s.” The room is decorated in warm wood tones with just the right amount of lighting-, not too bright, but you can still read the menu without a problem if you want to start with appetizers at the bar. There are ten beers on tap and the friendly bartender has no problem transferring your tab from the bar to the restaurant.

Outside there is a casual bar where you can enjoyed the vast view while sipping wine or a favorite fine scotch. With a full bar inside and out, the choice is yours.

The staff is friendly and enthusiastic. They are not shy about recommendations if you are having a hard time deciding between so many great options.

And just because part of the restaurant is outdoors does not mean weather needs to be a deterrent. They have thought of everything with clear roll down covers for rain, heat lamps for cold nights, and fans for the warmer days. Dining inside in a large comfortable dining room still allows you to see some of the view and you can always take a stroll after dinner to one of the two docks close to the river bank at the bottom of the layered decks.

Sit back, sip on a drink and relax with a gorgeous view of our famous Tomoka River with its lazy water gently moving north. Smell the mouthwatering mixture of seafood and steaks coming from the kitchen and enjoy some of the best food in the area. All found at RiverGrille.

~Edee Dalke

RiverGrille on the Tomoka

Open:   Sun. – Thurs. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Fri. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Lounge open daily 11 a.m. – midnight.

Address:  950 N. U.S. Hwy. 1, Ormond Beach, FL, 32174

Phone:  386-615-2004