Welcome to River Road Café
River Road Café serves up breakfast and lunch with a touch of Southern charm in Bluffton, SC. Located at 70 Pennington Dr Ste. 20, this cozy spot is perfect for everyone, from families to solo diners. Expect fast service and great coffee to kickstart your day. The café shines with its local specialties, including New Orleans-inspired delights like gumbo and po'boys. At prices ranging from $10 to $20, River Road Café delivers satisfying comfort foods that keep locals and tourists alike coming back for more. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this hidden gem welcomes all with open arms. Don't miss out on their dessert—the bread pudding is a must-try!
River Road Café is more than just a meal; it's a community hub where flavor and friendliness come together.
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About
Nestled in Bluffton, River Road Café brings a unique blend of Southern hospitality and vibrant flavors to the breakfast and lunch scene. This charming café is conveniently located just off the main road, making it an easy stop for both locals and visitors exploring the area. With its wheelchair-accessible facilities and family-friendly vibe, River Road Café ensures everyone feels at home. Parking is hassle-free with options like free street parking and a parking lot at your disposal. The café could be described as a cozy oasis with a laid-back atmosphere, ideal for family gatherings or catching up over coffee with friends. It's not just about the food here; it’s about the experience, complete with warm smiles from the staff. You'll often find friendly locals enjoying brunch while sharing stories, adding to the café's welcoming spirit. During peak times, the atmosphere buzzes with excitement, especially on Saturdays at 11 AM, when it's at full capacity.
River Road Café embodies the spirit of Bluffton by serving not just meals, but also a sense of community.
Working Hours
- SundayOpen
- MondayOpen
- TuesdayOpen
- WednesdayOpen
- ThursdayOpen
- FridayOpen
- SaturdayOpen
What People Say
Most Liked
Customers rave about River Road Café's loaded hash browns, particularly the version with sausage gravy and eggs—an absolute crowd pleaser. The gumbo comes highly recommended, hailed as some of the best outside New Orleans, making it a must-try for anyone craving authentic Cajun flavors. Breakfast staples like biscuits and gravy and the River Road Breakfast plate gain accolades for flavor and portion size.
Desserts, especially the bread pudding, receive glowing reviews, often leaving diners looking for a spoon to savor every last bite. The swift service also garners positive feedback, ensuring guests can enjoy quality meals without long waits, which is a rare find during busy brunch hours.
Most Disliked
While most reviews celebrate the food, some patrons have noted that the café can get quite busy during peak dining times, particularly on Saturdays at 11 AM, which can lead to a crowded atmosphere. A few customers expressed a desire for more varied lunch options, believing the menu is shorter than comparable spots in the area. Occasionally, service might slow down during rush hours, which can be a minor inconvenience for those in a hurry.
Another point mentioned by some diners is the café’s basic décor, which, while cozy, lacks the flair that some expect from a dining experience. However, this simplicity adds to its friendly neighborhood charm, and many overlook it for the quality of food and service.
Reviews
Italia C.
I was in the area and searched for a good brunch place and River Road Cafe had good ratings. It was an hour before close so I was hoping that the food and service would be good. It wasn't very busy and I was able to be seated immediately. I ordered the loaded browns, which consisted of hash browns, sausage gravy, cheese and two eggs with sour cream, spring onion garnish. When I took that first bite...let me tell you, I actually said "oh my goodness"! Have you ever bitten into something and said to yourself, I'm eating this entire thing? Well, that was me! That dish was cooked to perfection, and every bite absolutely melted in your mouth! And yes, I ate every single bite.. DELISH!!! Will definitely be back to try some of the other favorites people have suggested.
Taylor P.
We came here yesterday for breakfast! Breakfast was C’est si bon! Then today, we came here for lunch! Hands down best New Orleans style food in this area! The roast beef poboys were amazing! Gumbo, shrimp and crab soup, and the red beans were fantastic! That means a lot coming from me especially since I’m from New Orleans, LA! We will definitely be back! I’ll make sure to spread the word! Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Tom K.
We stumbled across this gem in a recent visit to HHI. We were craving some great gumbo for lunch, and, our research led us here. We were greeted immediately by a friendly young woman, whom we later learned was part of this family-run business. When we placed our gumbo order, we mentioned we normally frequented another local cajun-style restaurant. She smiled and graciously accepted the gumbo challenge! We could not be more pleased and thankful we stopped into River Road Cafe'. We ended up meeting the family and on subsequent visits talked with Emmett who took time out to share stories on how this family restaurant came to be. This place will be at the top of our "MUST VISIT" list for years to come!! Thank you for making us welcome and serving us GREAT food!! PS: the Po'Boys were awesome too! We'll be back in '26!! Tom & Dixie, Lexington, KY
Thomas D.
Had a very nice breakfast here today with my wife and in-laws. The food was great—and service by Julie was brilliant and timely!
Jonathon D.
Hidden gem. The food is very flavorful and has a nice blend of classics with new flavors. The restaurant is very clean and the staff is very friendly. I appreciate that the chef cares about portion sizes and flavors and I can tell that the food is fresh. Every dish I have gotten has been great and had its own flair. Highly recommend.
Sarah G.
We had a very pleasant experience here! The service was excellent as well as the food. Considering the whole restaurant was full when we arrived, we got our food in a very timely manner. Everything was delicious and our order was exactly right. I highly recommend this restaurant!
LASHAUNA J.
River Front Cafe is hands down one of my favorite spots in town! The moment you step in, you’re greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere and stunning views of the river that instantly set the tone for a great experience. The vibe is relaxed yet vibrant—perfect for brunch with friends, a casual date, or even solo unwinding. The food? Exceptional. Every dish is clearly made with care, fresh ingredients, and bold flavors that hit the mark. Whether you’re going for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or one of their seasonal specials, you can count on it being delicious and beautifully presented. Pair it with a perfectly brewed coffee or a crisp glass of wine, and you’ve got a perfect meal. The staff is friendly and attentive without being overbearing, making you feel welcome from the first smile to the last bite. River Front Cafe has mastered the blend of quality, charm, and comfort—definitely a local treasure worth visiting again and again!