50 Best American Restaurants near Riva

“I've been here many times and I can only attest to the crabs and soup because I order the same thing every time. I love the outdoor dining by the water. I love the deck bar, although out of all the times I've been it's only been open once. If you're interested in saving money, crabs is not the best option, and there are better AYCE deals at other restaurants. If you want good crabs, and you want to sit outside, and you love a good cream / MD crab soup, then this place won't disappoint. I personally wish their alcohol beverage menu included frozen drinks and different beer options, but I can always find something to drink.“

“Wow, just wow! Our experience at Light House Bistro in Annapolis was nothing short of extraordinary! We stumbled upon this gem for breakfast and were blown away by what we found.From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality that made us feel right at home. Our server went above and beyond to ensure we had a fantastic dining experience.And let's talk about the food—oh my goodness, it was out of this world! Each dish was a flavor explosion that left us craving more. But what really stole the show was the open kitchen concept! Watching the chefs work their magic right before our eyes added an extra layer of excitement to our meal.The ambiance was simply amazing, and the vibe was so chill—it was like being transported to a bluesy paradise. Light House Bistro has definitely earned a top spot on our list of favorite breakfast spots in Annapolis!“

“A step up for Annapolis and West Street. Nice atmosphere - a bit more upscale than you would expect. Nice wine list by the glass and bottle. Reasonable.Menu is a bit limited but what they do offer they do well. Farm to table. Had the catfish -excellent. Chicken a bit dry but nice sauce. Presentation was best I have seen in annapolis. Nice app selection. Service was excellent! Great deserts. Will be back.“

“I was with my daughter's wedding party after the dress rehearsal. The food was fresh, hot! That. grilled Ceasars salad, tasty and delicious ?! The servers were friendly, polite, and timely refreshing our drinks!! I will be going there again?. It's not a hideaway to me anymore?“

“Delicious! Portion sizes are very generous. We ordered biscuits and wings appetizers, very good. Biscuits were enormous and the pepper jelly paired well with the butter. I got the sampler plate, easily enough for two people. The brisket, pulled pork and sausage were my favorite parts. My date ordered a burger, he devoured it. We also got Cajun fries, brussel sprouts, and cole slaw for sides. The cole slaw was bland and boring, do not recommend. The brussel sprouts were over cooked in my opinion, but the goat cheese on top was good. The cajun fries did not have a lot of seasoning, but they were delicious lol, can't go wrong with a crowd favorite. Over all good place to eat. Service was excellent, our server was very attentive.“

“I hosted a board of directors meeting here and it was amazing. The second floor space was more than enough for our group of 25. The atmosphere was relaxing and food was delicious. We enjoyed getting to know the staff members and they did a great job taking care of us. If you are looking for a space to host a private event, I highly recommend.“

“Meh, very expensive for a small portions and low quality. I ordered the ancient grain bowl and added steak, 25$! The steak - chewie The grains - hard and crunch The sauce and flavor is there but cmon for this price I want everything to HIT! If I order an expensive boogie salad that's what I want :/ My food should've been fresh. Especially since I ordered and waited with enough time order a drink.“

“Great breakfast spot! We’ve only had this restaurant in Illinois and we’re happy to find one in Maryland! The pancakes were good, and the fresh squeezed orange juice was delicious! Service could’ve been a bit friendlier but overall a great visit, will go again!“

“We went on a Friday night, and boy was it busy. It was about a 45 min wait, but we didn't mind. It was worth the wait! We ordered clams, skirt steak and pizza. Everything was delicious and fresh. Overall, we would definitely be back...one of my fave pizzas ever!“

“We apparently came on a bar crawl night but we still got seated for dinner immediately. Our server, Brooke, was great. She gave us time to ask questions and read through the menu/drinks. We ordered a calamari appetizer, chicken Riesling and crab cake dinner. All was great and my husband said the crab cake was one of the best he ever ate. My chicken had a creamier sauce with mushrooms and bacon. Very tasty! For dessert we had the special Bailey's cheesecake. It was topped with a thick piece of chocolate (not my favorite) but the creamy center was delicious. It was extremely loud but beyond that the food was good!“

“The food was delicious. Everyone was pleased. People at our table had halibut, snake bite, crab cakes, among others. These entries were great. There were great meat, seafood, and vegetarian options. Jacob D. Provided great service. He was knowledgeable, courteous, and responsive. The managers checked on us two times also. The restaurant is beautiful, and is great for a date or special occasion.“

“Food was very tasteful (breakfast quesadilla) Drinks were delicious (Bacon Bloody Mary & sunrise mimosa) Speedy service with great customer service!Parking: Parking garage is best option.Kid-friendliness: Bar seating as well as a separate dinning areaOut side seating available“

“It can get a little loud in the restaurant at times, but boisterous is better than deathly quiet for sure. Especially when the food is as good as it is here. We haven't had anything bad since we started coming over five years ago and the drinks are great too. Really solid rotating lineup of local draft beers and a great whiskey selection too. Cant recommend Fox's Den enough!“

“I wanted to stay in Annapolis but wasn't quite sure what I wanted to eat. Did a quick search and found this delight of a place. I was able to make reservations on the same day (Saturday) My wife and I arrived and were quickly seated. The restaurant has a nice intimate feel however this place was jumping. Tons of people inside with everyone having a good time. Our waitress was sweet. Made good suggestions and was very attentive. For starters we ordered the Crispy Calamri while my wife had a lemon drop for a drink. The Clamari was in fact crispy. Very solid crunch. The marinara sauce was PIPING hot. Good start to our dinner. The lemon drop was a good mix of alcohol and juice. They provide you the cup along with the remainder on the side. BIG TIME PLUS. For Dinner, I was starving. I ordered the Steak N Fries, along with the Rockfish and Not your Ordinary Mac & Cheese. The steak was delicious! Nice and juicy. Cooks to perfection. Fries were crispy. The Fish was tasty and the mashed potatoes were GREAT!!! The Mac & Cheese is definitely not ordinary. There was a tangy taste that I could do without. It was missing something but the rest of my food was so good I could easily overcook it. My wife ordered the Steak Brazil with mashed Potatoes & Broccoli. She also enjoyed her food. Broccoli was fresh. Mashed Potatoes were delicious. She preferred the filet cooked a little more but still ate them. I'd happily come back and plan on returning to J. Alexander. It was a great time. Great service, Wonderful atmosphere, and good food. I enjoyed myself.“

“After we were turned away from Harry Browne's because there was only one waitress and she couldn't handle additional guests, we saw this place and were delighted by the woman at the counter who was so warm and friendly and a pure delight. The food was delicious and came out FAST! We were surprised at how quickly 5 orders (sandwiches, salad, and loaded potatoes) all came out boom boom boom .... but the woman at the counter said it best, "we've been doing this for 28 years, we have it down." I loved seeing her chit chat with customers and making them each feel welcomed. Definitely loved the service and the food and wouldn't have even thought to try it until we stopped in front of the cafe wondering where to go eat at 2pm on President's Day. Definitely recommend!“

“Great little find. Came in for breakfast with my husband. He got a build your own omelette and I got the French Eggs Benedict. My husband enjoyed his omelette and I fully enjoyed my French Eggs Benedict! It was seasoned perfectly and I liked the French bread twist instead of an English muffin. The staff were friendly and our food came out quick. The decor is a bit dated but it gave it character. The pictures on the walls were fun to look at while we waited for our food. Definitely a great spot for breakfast!“

“Due to some unforseen health issues, I have to drastically change my diet. Nothing spicy, no fried foods, no dairy, no citrus, no caffeine, no chocolate. This has been really difficult.This place was AMAZING. I got the quinoa bowl, a side of Brussel sprouts, multi grain toast and 2 sides of ham. The person who took my order consulted with the chef for each item. I did initially have a pork patty with the ham but it was a little spicy. However, I didn't tell the cashier (totally my fault). The cashier came over and checked on me and was able to swap the patty for more ham.I literally but the Brussel sprouts and tore the ham up in the bowl. DELICIOUS. And best of all, everything was safe to eat.I've been having a difficult time going out because most places can't accommodate, and I get it. But it's such a joy, to find good food within these accommodations.Will definitely be back!“

“The place is great! It's relaxed, friendly and has a good local vibe. Not too loud but just loud enough to be fun. It's sportscentric and inviting...not at all intimidating for the non-sportsy patrons. It's really a hero's bar for heroes and the decor shows all the pride the place has in the people protecting us every single day. The Chesapeake Bay wings were fantastic and paired well with the equally delish craft beers on tap. Went with friends on Trivia Night and I could be a little biased about the place cuz umm... We won lol.“

“Alright, let's break this down. I swung by Mission BBQ recently, and let me tell you, it's more than just BBQ. I went for the meatloaf, and man, it did not disappoint. This isn't your average, everyday meatloaf; we're talking about a dish with flavor that punches you in the taste buds in the best way possible. But the real story here is the atmosphere. You walk into this place, and it's like stepping into a tribute to our nation's heroes. We're talking military and law enforcement memorabilia all over the walls. It's a powerful setting that makes you pause and appreciate those who serve. They're not just slinging great food; they're building a space that respects and honors those who put their lives on the line. That's a vibe you don't get just anywhere. So, if you're out there looking for some solid eats and want to feel that patriotic spirit, Mission BBQ's got you covered. It's more than a meal; it's an experience that gives a nod to the brave men and women in service. The meatloaf's just a bonus.“

“Been here a few times now and it never disappoints! We’ve only ever gotten the Bar Harbor rolls and I think $25 is a totally fair price for the amount of meat and quality. The rolls are very tasty and the staff are friendly! Of course this isn’t the same as an actual lobster roll from Maine but it also isn’t the same price nor do you have to go the distance. I will continue coming here, this place is great!!“

“We attended a happy hour at the Rams Head Roadhouse for a networking event recently. It had been a while since I've been but to give an update. The place was nice, clean, had great beer selections, and the advertisers for delicious. I was impressed with the amount of rear parking that they have as well.“

“This is about a take out order so I understand I didn't get the full Memo's experience. Service was quick and polite. The food was ready when I got there. Once at home the food just didn't have much flavor. My fish still had bones in it. Appetizer was disappointing. I probably won't go back again.“

“Jacksonville native transplanted here. First of all, dont let anyone from Maryland fool you into thinking they invented blue crabs. They didn’t. That aside, their pimento cheese crab dip is a banger. It’s an appetizer, or boy dinner if you’re flying solo. The horchata beer was too easy to drink; tasted great and the buzz slowly creeps on you— definitely a beer you can drink in the morning.Great environment. I’ll be bringing my shiba next time.“

“Preserve is a great spot and they focus on local and responsible whenever possible !people who are vegetarian or vegan. They have an amazing salad called the harvest salad that u got and can do vegan and vegetarian on some dishes. Fresh and awesome!??Christina out server was so friendly and had great recommendation for me being vegan. ?“

“Food and service was great as always. The brunch menu is really good. The fried deviled egg Benedict is really delicious. The omlete is fantastic and the coconut French toast is amazing. The service is really great. The staff were really friendly and accommodating and checked on us multiple times during our visit.“

“This place rules. Years and years I've walked by it as I grew up here and decided to go for a solo lunch while in town visiting family. It is the last bastion of a fading type of eatery. A homely American style greasy spoon diner run by a husband and wife who are so nice and welcoming. I got the Rueben for lunch and a cup of ginseng tea to warm up. I will go back for breakfast before I leave. Just putting this out into the world: if this place served homestyle Korean food in addition to their regular diner menu it would be an absolute slam dunk of a gem.“

“We ordered food to go and had a couple drinks while we waited. The bartender was super nice and efficient and kept us updated on our food. We didn't have to wait long. I ordered the club, which was great, and my husband ordered the crabcake sandwich and said it was one of the best he's ever had.“

“A staff led by a great young lady that seems raised in hospitality. Attitudes reflect leadership. Killin' it! I'll be back soon. BTW, Cucumber simple syrup, that gin you got from the rep, and coconut water. Garnish cucumber skin swirl skewer. Serve chilled , up, In a martini glass. Spring-summer smash!!“

“We gave this place a try last week when we had a friend staying with us from out of town. It is about what you'd expect from the branding and menu! Our server was super friendly and on the ball with refilling our drinks. There was a band warming up on a Saturday night around 6/630, but the waitress said they didn't start playing until later that night (like 8 or 9pm, I forget the exact time!). It seemed like it would be loud when they started playing, though. The menu was diverse and had tons of options for everyone. We ordered two appetizers (loaded cauliflower/Brussels sprouts and steamed shrimp). Two of us ordered burgers and the third ordered a salad. The appetizers came out quickly and then less than five minutes later our entrees came out- we could have used slower pacing between the two to relax and enjoy our meal. All of the food was good- although it wasn't amazing, everything was solid. Our only complaint was that some of the shrimp were overcooked, but the majority were cooked well. While we were able to get seated right away, there was a few groups waiting by the time we left. Overall, we are glad we gave this place a try and will likely be back!“

“Great experience here. The crab cake in the crab cake sandwich was huge and it was so worth it. Our server Jeanette was one of the best we have had in a while. Very friendly, efficient and informative. We wanted to try one of the milkshakes where you get to keep the glass, but after seeing the portions of the food had to decide against it. Very busy but for good reason. The wait was about 15 min at around 11am on a Sunday.“

“Fun spot. Food and drinks were great. The pictures of the interior on open table do not do it justice. We almost did not pick this place due to the sparse interior. FOR YOUR SAKE PLEASE CHANGE YOUR INTERIOR PICTURES! We had a great time in a cool spot. Noise level was a bit high, could put up a few acoustic panels to go help.“

“My partner and I have been here many times, and the only time I've ever been disappointed is today. My only complaint is about the amazing pretzels. It is a crime I tell you! I ran out of pretzels before I ran out cheese! I need more pretzels! ?Seriously though, great service and food!“

“I went with friends and had crab dip, lasagna, glass of wine and apple pie. The crab dip tasted more like cream cheese with a bit of crab than crabby; I wouldn't order it again. The lasagna was fresh but too cheesy; it overwhelmed the flavor. The waiter suggested I get extra sauce but it never came. The Syrah wine was crisp and smooth. The apple pie was excellent with a thick crust, lots of nuts and filling and had a yummy buttery taste. I recommend it.I like the ambiance and the family ownership feel of the place. The staff is well trained and efficient. We were annoyed by the numerous times (at least 6) someone stopped by to check on us. It became a distraction to our conversations. Further, we felt very rushed; they provide about 1:45 minutes to dine and they mean it. I suggest dining with no more than 2 people to make it worth the visit.I really like the place but the owner responses to the negative reviews have me concerned if I were to have an issue. I'll be joining a group of 8 soon so I hope it all goes well and we are not rushed in and out. I do another review afterwards.“

“We went to Severn inn for the first time a few weeks ago. This place is spectacular. Best water views in Anne Arundel county. The food is amazing. Lauren our server was the sweetest and provided excellent service. We have no reason to go anywhere else for meals anymore. Severn inn is by far the best restaurant in the area.“

“I've been to Allison's probably 20 times, maybe more - and I've never had a bad meal. They prepare consistently outstanding meals. If you want a great meal, make reservations at Allison's. You won't be disappointed.“

“Perry's Restaurant in Odenton truly earns its five-star rating. The atmosphere is welcoming and classy, setting the stage for an enjoyable dining experience. The menu offers a diverse selection of dishes, all expertly prepared with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor. Whether you're in the mood for classic American fare or adventurous international cuisine, Perry's delivers. The staff is attentive and friendly, ensuring that every visit is met with excellent service. From the beautifully presented dishes to the well-curated wine list, Perry's attention to detail shines through. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a great meal, Perry's Restaurant is a top choice in Odenton.“

“Idk what they do with their crab dip but it’s so airy and delicious. The pretzel/bread it comes in is so good it’s insane. The bartenders here are also incredible and super accommodating! We loved this place when it was Magothy seafood and we were so skeptical when it became the point…we’re fools. They gave this place such a glow up.Parking: There are a ton of spots all over the marina. Just make sure you’re noting if the spot has signs for marina parking only. There are only a few and the signs will make them really obvious :)“

“Cute local place! Great salads and dressings. One of our faves is the salad with chicken salad on it and the raspberry vinaigrette dressing. I love that Garry's includes a small muffin on the side instead of the usual of bread. Their wings are fantastic but recommend ordering in the restaurant for optimal experience. (Wings don't travel as well) Their breakfasts are yummy. Service was also great - always quick for pickup or in the restaurant. Garry's is in our regular restaurant rotation!“

“I love a good local place. The coffee is amazing and so is the food but that isn't what makes this place the best. It's the staff. They care and thats important. From the owner to the dishwasher. They care and it shows. It's a staple in the community and I enjoy going every day.“

“As always, Coopers Hawk lives up to it's reputation. I try to visit these no matter where in the country I am. My "only" concern was the waitress had a difficult applying my membership perks to my bill (ie: $25 credit on my account and using my tastings for a glass of wine). Highly recommend to experience the restaurant, tasting area, and shop for wine glasses, decanters and wine.“

“This is one of my favorite spots in Annapolis. The pizza is my favorite in town. Yes, the pizza. Great location not directly in the middle of the crowd of Annapolis. Parking isn’t great especially now that you have to pay for everything in the area. Very cute inside.“

“Omg! Absolutely amazing! Homemade food everything handmade everything on point! Cute restaurant run by the family that owns it! I also heard tell of some delicious cupcakes they get every Thursday that are a must try! But hurry cuz they go quick! And if you're looking for an amazing delicious breakfast I recommend stopping in they have breakfast and lunch from open to close! The breakfast potatoes wow! The French toast yum yum yum! The people so friendly! If you're looking for a cute little hole in the wall with some amazing food I recommend heading to the Driftwood Diner!!“

“I started coming to Frisco's a couple of years ago after I moved to the area. My wife has been a long-time patron of the place and frequently comes here with her friends. I always found the place to be mediocre at best (my pub standards are pretty high). After our visit today, I can honestly say that I love the place. Most of the praise goes to the new bartender Corey H who was incredible. Not only was he down to earth and personable, he was attentive to our groups needs and shared in fun small talk, everything you could ask for in a bartender. I'd gladly return to Frisco's just to experience the service that Corey offered us today.Side note, that new school brunch burrito with spicy was ?. ? deliciousness“

“We visited for lunch on a Thursday to celebrate the birthday of a family member. We were seated immediately when we arrived. The service was great and the ambiance was very nice. The food was enjoyed and the only complaint was that the soup was lukewarm when it arrived to our table. I would give the overall experience a 4.5 out of 5.“

“Excellent meal with friendly and quick service. The Club, as expected, has nautical theme. Visit their website to view a menu and find the times the Club is opened for members only and available to the general public. If you are visiting the Academy, visit the Club for a meal or a drink at the bar.“

“Amazing food good drinks and great people! Environment overall was amazing ! Thanks Google for taking me to my new crab dip pretzel spot! Thank y'all! I'm full and happy now !Kid-friendliness: They do offer a kids menu. For the parents that want a nice drink at dinner and good food !“

“We went in with eight people and tried a little bit of everything. There was not a bad dish out of anything we tried. Everything was fresh and way above what you expect for bar food. Maryland half and half crab soup was awesome. The staff was super nice and willing to meet people's needs. I would definitely recommend this place and If I was here for longer, I would come back“

“I can’t recommend Ashling enough they are a dream to work with! The food was amazing all I heard throughout the night was how it was the best wedding food people have ever had. They are so organized and on top everything they really help guide you to your perfect vision. Danielle is not only amazing at her job but an amazing person she’s is very warm and friendly after meeting her I felt so much more at ease and suddenly everything wasn’t scary anymore! She also came up with so many wonderful ideas that I certainly would’ve never thought of. If you get the privilege to work with Danielle just know your day with be perfect and everything you dream of!!!!“

“What a gem! You’d never guess a place next to a highway would have such a nice outdoor space. Food was creative and delicious, especially the cauliflower wings! And our server was so kind and helpful (and knew so much about the food). He clearly loved the restaurant and made us feel the same. Will definitely return. Wish the stage was open though—seemed like a really fun place for live music.“

“Always love Adams! Chill bar. Great staff. Awesome food and beer selection. The Annapolis location was my first experience and this one is just as great! Bonus points for being directly adjacent to one of the best liquor stores (Dawson's) in the area!“