Riverbend Restaurant

The approach to the restaurant was a bit creepy. The restaurant is on a dead end road and there is cutover land on both sides of the road leading up to the restaurant. The view from the restaurant is quite nice, as it overlooks the river. Guests can walk out on the deck, but there is no seating out there. There was plexiglass in the area we were seated that looked out on the river. The food was just okay for me, and it was pricey. My husband and I both ordered cod. His was broiled and mine was fried. Both were dry. Service was good and the waitress was friendly. The waitress brought a big family sized slaw out, and a platter of pickles with a couple slices of raw onion prior to the meal. It was the oddest appetizer I've ever seen (we didn't order an appetizer). Our friend ordered catfish and he seemed to like it okay. The bill was just over $100 for four people, and we spent around $120 after tip, which seemed pricey since the food was mediocre.

Our party of 5 drove an hour to come taste what was supposed to be amazing catfish. We tried the filets as well as the whole catfish & were absolutely underwhelmed. No flavor at all. Just catfish in a breading. The oysters were so so on the seafood platter. The crab cake was not home made, it was served still frozen in the middle & was nuked in a microwave. The hush puppies were extremely greasy. Our server could not be bothered to go around our table to serve, just reached over my husband & father to hand plates & refill glasses. I have eaten catfish in many hole in the wall joints all over the country & this has to be right near the very bottom.

My family has eaten at River Bend restaurant for over 40 years! Love, love the fried catfish, hot and moist everytime! Hush puppies and French fries fried to a golden brown. Cole slaw is so good and fluffy. The owners are personable and friendly. We highly recommend this restaurant! Anything you order is wonderful. Definitely worth our 45 mins drive!