River City Cafe

Name: River City Cafe
Address: 11 N Seaside Dr, Surfside Beach, South Carolina, 29575, US
Telephone: (843) 232-9797
Price range: $
Rating: 4.3

$ • Burgers, American, Vegan

Hours:
11 N Seaside Dr, Surfside Beach
(843) 232-9797

About River City Cafe

River City Cafe is a restaurant that offers a variety of food options, including burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, and cheese curds. It is known for its great atmosphere and kid-friendly environment. The restaurant is located next to the Surfside Pier and has both indoor and outdoor seating. If sitting outside, it is recommended to call ahead or arrive early, as it can get busy. The ambience is meant for the down home kinda people, making it a diamond in the rough despite its inward appearance.

The staff is friendly, and the service can be hit or miss, but when it’s good, it’s top-notch. The Pizza Burger, which is a cheeseburger topped with pizza sauce, pepperoni, and cheese curds on a pretzel roll, is a popular menu item. Prices can be higher during the summer season, but the food is worth it. Many customers enjoy peanuts provided on the table, a tradition to throw shells on the floor, though not everyone participates.

One unique aspect of the restaurant is that they provide peanuts for customers to eat, and it is a tradition to throw the shells on the floor. For those with mobility issues, there is an elevator available for easy access, as there is a big flight of stairs. The restaurant is part of a large group that owns several other restaurants in the area. Visitors often praise the great view of the ocean while dining, making it a highly recommended spot to experience good food and friendly service.

Recently, a visitor who previously worked in restaurant operations praised the welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff, though they mentioned that the food, especially the wings, fell short at their first visit. The wings were undercooked and not prepared as requested, requiring finishing in the oven, which was disappointing. However, the house-made ranch and French fries were excellent, and the overall experience was still positive. The visitor hopes future visits will see improvements in food quality.

Many customers consider River City Cafe one of the best burger places within at least 10 miles, thanks to its wide variety of burger options and great view of the beach and ocean. For lunch, guests often enjoy cheese curds, chili cheese burger, and a cold Corona while taking in the beautiful scenery. The restaurant’s atmosphere, views, and friendly service make it a favorite spot for many visitors.