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Sweetwaters on the River Reviews List

Sweetwaters on the River

Sweetwaters on the River is a time-honored classic. Located on the banks of the Willamette River, at Valley River Inn. SweetWaters on the River is a Eugene, Oregon restaurant for corporate diners, the culinary tourist and fine food epicurean. With our panoramic view and three season outdoor patio we define the quintessential Oregon dining experience. Predicated upon local producers of meat, produce and unique ingredients such as Oregon truffles, huckleberries and artisan cheeses, this restaurant in Eugene maintains a focus on local and fresh ingredients. Centrally located in the Southern Willamette Valley wine region our unique geographic position is perfect for the wine enthusiast. Our wine list showcases Oregon’s growing wine industry where world class Pinot Noir is compared to the best of those from Burgundy. Guests with a palate for fresh innovative cuisine and an enthusiasm for fine wine will appreciate the unrivaled service and authentic ambiance of Sweetwaters on the River.
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28 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
(28 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 28 reviews
5 stars
(12)
4 stars
(7)
3 stars
(6)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(1)
Food 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Service 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Ambiance 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
Noise Level
1.4 / 3
Moderate
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Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • scenic view(23)
  • special occasion(17)
  • great for outdoor dining(14)
  • romantic(13)
  • great for brunch(11)
  • good for groups(8)
Sweetwaters on the River Reviews List
Review 1 for Sweetwaters on the River
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Very nice evening

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/20/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We had a very enjoyable business dinner."
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 2 for Sweetwaters on the River
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Sunday Brunch & overall fine dining

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/19/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Sweetwaters is an excellent restaurant that is a bit overpriced. The food is good... very good, actually... but not great. And certainly not worth the price. The thing you're paying for is the view of the river. Which, frankly, also is not worth the price. It's beautiful but not epic. The service is tremendous. Staff is friendly, helpful and prompt but not overbearing. I do recommend Sweetwaters but be ready to shell out some cash for your meal.
Sunday Brunch is very good, either from the buffet or menu."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 3 for Sweetwaters on the River
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great food, great view

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Always a good sign when it's difficult to make a decision as to what to order! It was the same with the wine selection - lots of local wines featured. Friendly and professional staff, as well as a lovely view."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, scenic view, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 4 for Sweetwaters on the River
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Outdoor Seating, if you can get it.

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I love coming here any time of the year for the scenic view of the Willamette River, but when the weather is sunny, eating at the outdoor tables is sublime! I was disappointed this visit that we were not able to sit outside, even though just after being seated and told we had to sit indoors, a table opened up outside and sat open for quite a while. Eggs Benedict was delectable and you should not pass up their buttermilk biscuits, well worth the calories. :)"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: scenic view, special occasion
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Review 5 for Sweetwaters on the River
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/10/2013
Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The menu we were presented was much different than the on-line menu,View and setting are terrific. Service was very poor, food was average to below average for the prices charged. This could be the best resturant in Eugene, but they just can't seen to get it together..what a shame.."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view
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Review 6 for Sweetwaters on the River
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We enjoyed a wonderful breakfast!!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We enjoyed a wonderful breakfast!!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
 2013
Special Features: great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 7 for Sweetwaters on the River
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great food and service was

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Great food and service was exceptional!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
 2013
Special Features: great for brunch, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 8 for Sweetwaters on the River
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Business Lunch

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Had lunch with Holt International. I would highly recommend Sweetwaters with great food and atmosphere."
Dined on 02/27/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 9 for Sweetwaters on the River
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Make my family go there every

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Make my family go there every time we go to Eurgene. Not any more. Just toooo slooow."
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2012
Special Features: notable wine list, scenic view
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Review 10 for Sweetwaters on the River
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

We have been there several

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
"We have been there several times and the food is good, just not crazy about special valentines menu. We determined that next Valentines day we will celebrate on the 13th or 15th."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2012
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Review 11 for Sweetwaters on the River
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Love the service... Food

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Love the service... Food was ok, but honestly not amazing at all... Been there twice lately and both times they had some sort of special menu, so I've yet to try the dishes I went to try.."
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2009
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 12 for Sweetwaters on the River
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Food needs improving. Menu

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Food needs improving. Menu minimal for lunch."
Dined on 02/10/2013
 2013
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 13 for Sweetwaters on the River
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The brunch was not very well

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The brunch was not very well promoted but man was it good. The staff really made the effort to satisfy our every want and need. The huckelberries and the quiche "oh yah". When most everyone else had left we still felt welcome, and enjoyed coffee and desert."
Dined on 02/03/2013
 2012
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, notable wine list, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Sweetwaters on the River
Based on the average of (15) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
1 out of 1 recommend this product
Food 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Service 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Ambiance 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
Noise Level
1.6 / 3
Moderate