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The River Oyster Bar

July 4, 2016

By Gary J. Arzt

Because the bar is located at the front of the restaurant, to the right as one enters, you might get the impression you’re in a neighborhood bar that serves food. Au contraire, The River Oyster House is a rather elegant restaurant, specializing in oysters and seafood and fish, that has a very well patronized attractive bar! In that sense, it is a heavily patronized place where the bar is busy… usually two deep, plus the high tops, at the close of the business day and for hours thereafter.

Opened in 2003, under the direction of Chef David Bracha, they offer the finest selection of oysters available in Miami. The range of fresh oysters changes frequently according to availability and will feature Blue Points, Wellfleets, Cormandel, Quonset Points, etc. Always fresh, expertly shucked and beautifully presented … they make an excellent accompaniment to your pre-dinner cocktail, or as an appetizer.

I invariably begin with a few dozen oysters when I dine there with friends; usually followed by the excellent Gazpacho. Other appetizers include a fish (tuna, snapper) tartar; ceviches and a special of the evening.

Mouth watering Gazpacho

Mouth watering Gazpacho

One Dozen Oysters

One Dozen Oysters

Remember, it’s an oyster house, so Fried Oysters, Oyster Shooters and Fire Roasted Oysters are always on the menu.

The selection of salads is something I have always found impressive. From the classic Caesar to Organic Masculine Greens and including Baby Octopus Salad, Vine Ripened Tomato salad, and a beautiful House Smoked Wahoo and Watercress Salad Avocado.

When it comes to the entrée, The River can accommodate the tastes of carnivores as well as fish lovers. Obviously, the selection of fish and the manner of preparation are more extensive than everything else on the menu. And, there is always a special as well.

Pan fried Snapper filet, Seared Sea Scallops, Grilled Alaskan Halibut, and fabulous Paella with clams, mussels, Maine Lobster, shrimp and scallops are among the entrées I can vouch for personally. I should add that their Alaskan Wild King Salmon is superb.

Charcuterie Plate with Jamón Serrano and Napa Valley goat cheese Salad

Charcuterie Plate with Jamón Serrano and Napa Valley goat cheese Salad

Side dishes may be ordered from an extensive selections with some interesting specialties that I have not seen elsewhere…Parmesan Brussel Sprouts, Coconut Spinach join standards such as Baked Mac and Cheese, Grilled Asparagus, Roasted Shitake Mushrooms and Hand Cut French Fries, to name a few.

The Managers, Marita Leonard and Michael Hidalgo, are always accommodating and pleasant, as are the bartenders and wait staff. Myself, I always enjoy the caliber of service cheerfully delivered by Duane Boone, who, as a ‘brother of the leaf, always appreciates the cigar (or two) I always give him.

While street parking is not plentiful, nor always available, there is a convenient lot behind the building that houses The River, on S. W. 7th Street.

Inside the Resturant

Inside the Resturant

River Oyster Bar Miami

The Well Patronized Bar

River Oyster Bar Miami

An Active Happy Hour

River Oyster Bar Miami

Friendly & Efficient Bartenders

River Oyster Bar Miami

Another Look Inside the Restaurant

A daily Happy Hour, from 4:30 to 7:00 PM offers half-price oysters, bar snacks and a variety of well known cocktails.

With an extensive wine list that will satisfy all tastes and purses, the meal is always a complete success.

If you live in Miami or are visiting from any other part of Florida, or elsewhere, make time for a visit to The River Oyster House. You’ll thank me for the advice!


The River Oyster Bar

650 S Miami Ave

Miami, FL 33130

Telephone: 305.530.1915
www.therivermiami.com
Reservations can be made online

  • All credit cards
  • Dress casual to business attire
  • Lunch Monday - Friday
  • Dinner Monday - Saturday
  • Closed Sundays

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