Burbank’s Secret - Riverside Cafe
Sunday, July 16, 2006 22:50As a good little foodie, one of the first things I did when I started my summer job was scope the area for local restaurants. My company’s website actually introduced me to Riverside Cafe. There wasn’t much info on the place, and google didn’t reveal too much either. All I knew is the food had to be at least good, considering the restaurant won a “Best Chef in Burbank” award.
I had my doubts when I first found Riverside Cafe. From the outside, it looked hardly more than a shack. Since I was meeting someone there, I decided it was too late to turn back. I was a little surprised when I walked in and found a cozy little restaurant. It seats about 18 people inside, but there is a little patio outside which can seat another dozen or so guests. As I sat and waited for my very tardy friend, I noticed the awards they have received. In addition to “Best Chef,” they also won “Best Service.” It’s easy to see why, as the friendly, warm waitress (who I think is the owner’s wife, but I could be wrong) brought me over a couple of magazines to read so I’d have something to look at while I waited for my friend.
The food was quite an interesting array. The regulars swear by the seafood stew ($16) and the steak casserole ($13.50). I’m taking their word for it on the stew, as I don’t plan to have it as long as the weather remains above 80 degrees. Other specials include Shepard’s Pie (which I highly recommend), various sausages/andouilles, stuffed potatoes, and various burgers. My first time there, I did go for the Shepard’s Pie ($13.50), which was served with perfectly steamed vegetables. The flavor was wonderful, and it was really hard to go back to work after such a delightful meal.
I did make repeat visits after that. Other winners include the fish and chips, served with their own homemade tartar sauce. I have to confess, I wasn’t really that impressed with the tartar sauce, but I loved how crispy the batter was without being heavy. I also liked how tender the fish was inside. My only constructive criticism is that it is a little bland without adding lemon juice and salt on your own. The fries were good, too, but I’ve noticed that their regular french fries are much crispier than the steak fries that I got with this order.
My most recent visit was another new adventure. Riverside Cafe often offers interesting takes on burgers. I had one friend who tried the venison burger and loved it. I decided to try Jacob’s Burger ($8.50), which is a unique chicken burger. They take ground chicken and mix it with tomatoes and basil to form the pattie for the burger. A very generous portion of grilled onions were included. I could actually see the basil pieces as I bit into the burger. It was absolutely wonderful, but very filling for me. My lunch companion on this day opted for the calamari burger, which he enjoyed and devoured pretty fast. That is saying something considering we had potato skins for appetizers.
Miscellaneous Notes:
After 3pm, Riverside Cafe transforms a bit into a bistro. Additional fancy menu items, such as rack of lamb with mint sauce are offered as well.
Also, try the fudge brownies. It is doesn’t look like much, but it is so decadent.
1221 W. Riverside Dr.
Burbank, CA 91506
818-563-3567
Hours:
Tue-Fri: 11am-8:30pm
Sat: 8:30am-9pm
Sun: 8:30am-8:30pm
By Pauline (see more of her posts).
DBD says:
July 17th, 2006 at 9:47 pm
Sounds great…and also sounds like the norm for this area of LA…a lot of little great places you don’t notice right away. Can’t wait to try…
Darlene says:
July 19th, 2006 at 7:26 am
It’s in my neck of the woods! I will definitely have to try it soon. Great review.
Pauline says:
July 19th, 2006 at 8:28 am
Let me know how you like it, especially if you go for dinner. I’m a bit curious about that.
Sharon says:
July 24th, 2006 at 5:15 pm
We liked the food but found the service to be very slow. This is a place to go when you’ve got plenty of time.
Jennifer says:
August 13th, 2006 at 5:43 pm
The food at riverside cafe is absolutly amazing…and i found the service to be flawless. My personal favorite is the veggie cous cous, perfect for us vegetarians. I’ve never been in the night so maybe you went in the night sharon. But the day crew seems to have it very together. Extremely friendly and there for your every need. I always seem to get the little brown haired waitress with the big smile, i think she might be the daughter of the owner Pauline was talking about. A great team i can see.
RC says:
November 8th, 2006 at 1:57 pm
I am a high functioning autistic of 60 years of age, and work hard in the music industry. Sometimes my patience works against me, but it didn’t warrant the treatment that I received last night at Riverside Cafe. Not only did it reflect lack of compassion, but it culminated in an unwarranted VIOLENT assault on me/ I had previously dined there once and was very happy. I was the only customer, and they treated me like a guest. Service was prompt. Dining alone, that’s important as I have nobody to talk with while waiting for the food. Last nite, I returned after a long day of car hassles. I was very hungry and wanted very badly to pamper myself with good food and service. But it turned into an evening from hell. The place was not busy, but there were a few tables. It was around 7:30pm. First, I ordered a sole dish, and the owner/chef came out of the kitchen and complained that I was ordering the wrong version and that the sole was so good I’d like it better plain. I told him that I wanted the shrimp topping and the sauce and he grudgingly walked away as if I’d offended him. Even the waiter apologized for him and said it wasn’t me. I ordered a side salad and cold gazpacho. I explained that I was starving and wanted the cold soup first. He came back with the salad right away, but for the next 15 minutes I waited for the soup. I asked the waiter, who seemed more concerned with a larger table. Seems he forgot that I tip well. Around 5 minutes into the wait, after I’d finished my salad and half of my bread, he said “promise it’s coming.” I asked if it had to be made to order. He said no, but there was a table for six ahead of me. I asked politely if he’d just steal a moment and bring my soup now, as I was uncomfortable twittling my thumbs. Still no soup. After at least 15 minutes since I’d ordered the soup, I got up, threw my napkin down and walked out. The waiter followed me out. That’s when my anxieties died down enough to realize that I needed to pay for the salad, so I pulled out my wallet. At that point, the owner/chef came out and confronted me physically, declining my offer of money for the salad. Again, I said all I wanted was to have a great meal and to be treated decently. He rushed at me and demanded that I leave his parking lot. As I was getting into my vehicle, he kicked me in the hip. I would guess that I missed a great filet of sole, but not worth being treated like crap and assaulted physically. I work with a handicap, but even a “normal” person doesn’t deserve to be met with violence other than in self defense. Soo, if you don’t mind taking a chance on bad service and attitude and a violent owner, then enjoy the fine cuisine.
Jennifer says:
November 8th, 2006 at 5:17 pm
In response to the review above me I would like to say that I was in the riverside cafe last night at the same time the man writing the review above me was and what you are saying is a complete exageration yes the food did take a while but considering there was about 20 people in there obviously not over booked but enough to slow down one waiter and one chef…with the physical part I was sitting outside…and you came into the waiters face first…didn’t write that part did you? Did you write that you told most of the restaurant that you were stoned during this? No..anyway…The chef heard you yeling and obviously ran outside to make sure the waiter is safe.. The chef then tried to get you back to your car calmly to walk away from the waiter..when you did FINALLY get back to your car it was not a full blown kick it was a tap he still doesn’t have any right to touch you I know but there is no need for you to act how YOU did
Pauline says:
November 8th, 2006 at 5:37 pm
Since I was not there last night, I can’t respond to either comments above. I know I have never once had a quality of service (or food) issue at Riverside Cafe. I stand behind my original review of this restaurant and remain a huge fan of this place. I hope the above comments will not detour anyone from trying or returning to Riverside Cafe.
RC says:
November 8th, 2006 at 5:57 pm
It was a full kick, which caused bruising. I never got in anyone’s face. I never left my table until finally I got fed up and threw my napkin on the table and walked out. They FOLLOWED me to my vehicle. Obviously the owner is pushing his own restaurant or is having his friends plug the place. Fact was, they were rude, I lost my patience and left and they followed me an one of them assaulted me. Again I’m sure I missed a great filet of sole, but it isn’t worth the horrid service and violent abuse when I’m paying for a nice meal. This was such a disappointment, as I thought I’d found a true gem where a person alone isn’t mistreated. If they’d brought the gazpacho the first time I asked, there would’ve been a huge tip, as I was soo hungry!!! Bottom line: NOTHING WARRANTS VIOLENCE, AND THIS WAS NOT A LITTLE TAP. IT WAS A SCARY KICK!! And the attitude started from the time I ordered the sole.
Pauline says:
November 8th, 2006 at 7:47 pm
re: Obviously the owner is pushing his own restaurant or is having his friends plug the place.
Every review and follow-up comment I post are written objectively. I do not personally know the owners of any of the restaurants I have reviewed. In the case of Riverside Cafe, I have never even met the owner/chef. When I reviewed this restaurant, I doubt the staff was even aware that I was going to write about them.
I have not supported or disputed any claims about what happened last night because I was not present. My comment defending Riverside Cafe is based on the numerous times I have dined there and the fact I have received good service every single time. This is not a comment I make about very many restaurants, even my absolute favorites.
Jennifer says:
November 9th, 2006 at 12:29 pm
I’m sorrry that you feel you need to stretch the truth…he followed you outside since you were walking out on a check that the waiter gave you fair warning about the wait…I’m sorry you feel you had a bad experoence there but there are many people that would object to your idea of them…