No :-( Jennifer's review (Apr 30th 2006)

I have to admit that this wasn’t my first trip to Downriver Grill. Remi and I visited once before a few years ago when the restaurant was newly opened. The food was mediocre but the patio was nice and business was booming. Considering all the buzz Downriver created around town, I thought the food would get better as the staff settled in and I promised myself to give the neighborhood restaurant another chance before writing it off. So while making my restaurant list for Project Spokane, I eschewed the other “D” options and chose Downriver Grill.

Frankly, even after a second visit, I still don’t understand the allure of Downriver. The restaurant regularly appears at the top of newspaper reader polls, locals recommend the place to visitors, and I’ve even seen it mentioned on Egullet and Chowhound. I have to give Downriver credit for the addicting gorgonzola waffle fries, but really it is just melted blue cheese and potatoes. The rest of the food is simply bland, plain, and uninspired. It’s Denny’s with a bit of chutney on the side. The food isn’t horrible, it just isn’t special. If I was hungry and in the area I’d probably stop in, but I definitely wouldn’t make dinner reservations or drive out of my way to dine at Downriver.

Maybe the Costco shirt clientele enjoys non-offensive, predictable food. Maybe after a long day on the nearby golf course anything tastes good. Maybe Downriver is just in a great location. I really can’t be sure. I certainly hope the appeal isn’t the overcooked tuna, boring focaccia, or flat salsa. If it is, Spokane isn’t the town I thought it was.

No :-( Remi's review (Aug 1st 2004)

OK, so the food isn’t anything special, but then again neither are the prices. Downriver Grill is, despite what some Costco Shirts may think, a glorified coffee-shop. They have some pretty decent food, like the pasta puttanesca (with Italian sausage from Sonnenberg’s) and some nice stinky gorgonzola fries (the highlight of the menu). It all tastes good, while not spectacular, and the patio seating is nice.

So yeah, worth checking out if you’re in the mood for some good, cheap coffee-shop quality food.

Yes :-) Stefan's review (Jun 6th 2006)

Okay, so Downriver Grill is a pretty popular place. I think they gained this popularity due in no small part to their great service. Their menu is pretty nice without being intimidating. I’m a huge fan of their Cobb salad. It’s vast and the ingredients are always the highest quality.

Here is what to be aware of if you are going to the Downriver Grill. First of all, understand that the food is not going to blow you away the way Luna or Moxie will. The quality is there, but I’ve got to say the menu could be a little bit more on the wild side. Second, you need to know that unless you are willing to make a reservation three or four days in advance be prepared to wait for between 20 and 40 minutes. One of the coolest things about Downriver Grill is that despite their popularity they have held 60% of their seats for walk in business.

Overall, I enjoy going to Downriver Grill. It’s consistent and doesn’t require a lot of ambition. The quality is very good and service is top notch.

Downriver Grill is also home to one of the nicest bartenders in town, Matt Dolan. My only real complaint is the dessert menu is hit and miss. I’m a fan of Pot de Cr? but its quality jumps around a lot. They also carry White Box pies which I think aren’t very good.

So what’s the dish?: Downriver Grill has a lot to offer and is a fun time when you are out with the family or friends. It may impress some, but lacks the panache of other restaurants in town. The bright spot is that the service is great.

Yes :-) altitudeaddict's review (May 6th 2006)

I”ve been to Downriver several times and been pleased each time. A bit expensive, but I’m cheap, so most things seem to be expensive to me. I especially liked the grilled veggie on bread (foccacia?) appetizer. I also have liked the seared tuna dish. Of course the gorgonzola fries are tasty blubber nuggets. I would definitely recommend this place.

No :-( Erin's review (Jul 29th 2006)

I have been there several times and was shocked to hear that somebody said they had top notch service. I would have to disagree I really don’t see how the service differs from Denny’s or some other low class restaurant. I really wasn’t impressed, however, they do have some good vegatarian pasta which is the only reason I go back.

Yes :-) Dan's review (Oct 10th 2006)

The tiramisu is worth the visit alone… and Im not a big coffee fan.

Yes :-) Cassidy's review (Jan 15th 2007)

The wait staff is efficient, helpful, and friendly. The wine to get there is Brassfield’s Serenity. It’s a Californian wine and is a white blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Pinot Grigio, and 5% Gewurztraminer. I can’t find it anywhere except at Downriver. I knew this place was good when I said I wanted a good white and he said “you have to try this” and just started pouring a taste for me. Once I said I liked it he poured me more. So, just ask to taste something. Because they don’t have a liquor license they are willing to go out of their way with beer and wine.

Although the dinner menu seems pricey, once the food hits your lips it’s heaven. The specials are usually the thing to get. On the lighter side, go for the lunch menu. Average prices here are about $8.

The steamed clams are a MUST HAVE. Best I’ve had in town so far. Ask for more bread to soak up every last bit. The tiramisu is also wonderful.

Call ahead on Friday and Saturday nights. Reservations are recommended, because it’s packed.

Great place for just a glass of wine, appetizers, or a full on meal with friends. Even a romantic evening with a loved one.

Yes :-) Kristine's review (Mar 4th 2007)

I have mixed emotions about this place. The decorating is nice. The wait staff was pretty bad. The food was pretty good, but I would NOT pay dinner prices. Go there for lunch and you won’t be dissapointed.

Yes :-) Erica's review (May 31st 2007)

Downriver Grill has one of the most impeccable wait staffs on the Spokane restaurant scene! And the food is amazing!!! Especially the DRG burger and the creme brulee! Best Cobb salad I’ve ever had, too!

Yes :-) Emily's review (Jun 7th 2007)

I’ve been to the Downriver Grill twice and was impressed both times. It is on the pricey side, but the service is good and the food is worth the $15-20 for an entree, as long as you’re not making weekly habit of it.

Yes :-) Chris's review (Oct 15th 2007)

This restaurant has a very warm atmosphere and that is hard to find in Spokane. Lots of places just don’t figure it out, but the owners put some real money into the design of the Downriver and it shows. The food is good too. I have driven from the other side of town to eat there. Twigs has a similar feel, but is way more hectic and loud. The Downriver is one of my favorites.

Yes :-) Keith's review (Jan 29th 2008)

I have been to the Down River Grill probably 12 times with my wife and we love it. We think the food is outstanding. Yet to have a bad meal there or bad service. We always eat in the wine bar and Matt is a big reason. A great bartender. And the wine selection is perfect.

No :-( liz's review (Apr 12th 2008)

i do agree that the service is ok, but i had soup and a salad and my bill was almost $11, just a little ridiculous in my humble opinion. There ARE better restaurants in town, with much better value for your hard earned cash. On a Friday night, restaurant is hoppin, and they can’t do creme brule?? one word…. unacceptable. lets get with the program folks.