When a place racks up 4.7 stars from hundreds of locals, you know something special is happening behind those doors. Riverside Diner in South St. Louis keeps things simple, affordable, and downright delicious, serving the kind of plates that feel like a warm handshake. You get crispy edges, fluffy centers, and flavors that taste like they have history. Come hungry, leave happy, and probably plan your next visit before you hit the parking lot.
Buttermilk Pancake Stack
You know those pancakes that make you pause after the first bite and just smile That is the Riverside pancake stack. Golden edges, soft centers, and a sweet buttery aroma that fills the booth before the plate lands. The maple syrup glides down the sides like a slow curtain, and every forkful feels like weekend comfort.
Ask for a side of crispy bacon and let the salty crunch meet the fluffy pancakes. The diner keeps prices friendly, which means you can treat yourself without second guessing. Locals swear these never miss, and the griddle marks back them up. Grab a hot coffee, settle into the vinyl seat, and taste why regulars keep returning.
Classic Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
This is the kind of biscuits and gravy that holds its own on a chilly morning. Flaky biscuits split open to catch every pool of peppery sausage gravy, with savory bits tucked into each spoonful. The texture strikes a perfect balance, never gummy or thin, just rich enough to feel like a hug without weighing you down.
Pair it with a couple of eggs over easy to let the yolk mingle with the gravy. You will taste the seasoning dialed in from years of practice. The kitchen moves fast, so it arrives hot and ready. Order early on weekends, because this plate flies out the door and regulars guard their seats.
Two-Egg Breakfast Plate
Sometimes all you want is the perfect two egg breakfast done exactly your way. Riverside nails the details, from runny yolks that shimmer to fluffy scrambled eggs with just the right salt. Hash browns come golden and crackly, while toast arrives buttered edge to edge like someone cared.
Add bacon or sausage if you like a meaty kick. The plate is simple, honest, and satisfying, the kind of breakfast that sets the day straight. Coffee keeps flowing, servers check in at just the right moments, and conversation warms the room. It is the dependable order you will return to when decision fatigue hits and all you want is reliable deliciousness.
Crispy Hash Browns
These hash browns deserve their own spotlight. Thin shreds tangle into a golden lattice, crispy on the outside with that tender interior you chase with your fork. A little salt, maybe a dot of ketchup or hot sauce, and suddenly the plate disappears faster than planned.
Ask for them extra crispy if you like a pronounced crunch. They make an elite sidekick to eggs, pancakes, or a patty melt. There is a satisfying sizzle as they hit the griddle that carries to your booth. Locals call them the best under five bucks you can buy, and honestly, they might be right. Add cheese and onions if you want the full diner treatment.
Country Fried Steak with Gravy
Bring an appetite for this crunchy, tender country fried steak. The breading crackles under the fork, giving way to juicy beef that takes well to the creamy pepper gravy. It is the kind of plate that quiets a table because everyone is busy enjoying it.
Pair it with eggs or a biscuit to catch extra gravy. The portion is generous, but not wasteful, perfect for a late breakfast or early lunch. You will want a refill on coffee, and maybe a nap afterward. Riverside keeps it classic without fuss, which is exactly what makes it great. When locals say it still hits the spot, this is exhibit A.
Patty Melt on Rye
The patty melt here is pure griddle magic. A smash of beef gets seared just right, then tucked between buttery rye with Swiss and sweet caramelized onions. The bread crisps to a gentle crunch while the cheese melts into the edges, creating that glorious gooey pull.
Order a side of fries or those famous hash browns for dipping. Each bite holds smoky, savory depth that lingers in the best way. It is not overly heavy, just balanced and satisfying. You will finish it without even realizing how fast it went. Ask about a pickle spear, because the snap and acidity tie everything together perfectly.
Griddle French Toast
Thick slices of bread soak up custard and turn golden on the griddle. The result is French toast with crisp edges and a cloud-soft center that tastes like morning celebration. A dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of syrup make it shine, especially with a handful of berries.
Ask for cinnamon if you like a little spice warmth. It pairs beautifully with bacon for that sweet salty contrast everyone loves. Coffee or hot chocolate both hit the mark alongside. This is a reliable go to when pancakes feel too predictable. It is comfort wrapped in a fork, and perfect for lingering conversations in a booth by the window.
Loaded Breakfast Burrito
If you like everything in one bite, the breakfast burrito delivers big. Scrambled eggs, sausage, peppers, and melty cheese tuck into a warm tortilla with potatoes for heft. It is neatly griddled so the outside has a gentle crisp that keeps things together.
Add salsa or hot sauce if you want a kick. The portion is generous but not unwieldy, easy to handle and perfect for a late morning appetite. It is a solid choice when you are on the go but still want the Riverside comfort. Pair with a side of fruit or hash browns. You will not be hungry again for a while, and that is the point.
Housemade Chili Bowl
Riverside chili tastes like a recipe that has been tuned through countless cold days. It is thick, meaty, and balanced with a mild heat that creeps in pleasantly. A sprinkle of cheddar and onions adds texture and brightness without stealing the show.
Grab crackers or toast for dunking, because you will want every last spoonful. It doubles as a topping for fries or a burger if you are feeling bold. The staff will happily make suggestions based on your spice comfort. It is affordable, filling, and perfect when you need something cozy before 2 PM. Locals often pair it with a fountain soda and call it lunch done right.
Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich
Light but satisfying, the grilled chicken club checks every box. Juicy chicken breast, crisp bacon, cool lettuce, and fresh tomato stack high on toasted bread with a swipe of mayo. It is the kind of sandwich that makes you nod after the first bite.
Fries or a side salad both work, though hash browns are a sleeper pairing. The flavors feel clean and bright, especially with a pickle spear on the side. If you want a lighter lunch without losing diner comfort, this is an easy pick. Ask for extra napkins, because the bacon crunch may send crumbs flying. You will not mind one bit.
BLT with Thick-Cut Bacon
Sometimes the simplest things are the best, and this BLT proves it. Thick cut bacon brings real heft, layered with cold lettuce and ripe tomato that tastes like summer. Toasted bread and a careful swipe of mayo pull it all together.
Add a cup of chili or fries for a fuller meal. The balance of crunch, salt, and freshness makes every bite pop. It is easy to share but hard to give up once you start. Riverside keeps the price low and the quality high, which explains the steady lunchtime crowd. Order one and you will understand why regulars keep this in their rotation.
Cheeseburger with Hand-Cut Fries
When a diner burger hits right, you feel it. Riverside forms a juicy patty with a proper sear, then crowns it with melted American cheese for the classic drip. Crisp lettuce, tomato, and pickles keep it bright, and the bun holds without getting soggy.
The hand cut fries come hot and lightly salted, ideal for ketchup, mustard, or a swipe through chili. This is not a fussy burger, it is a craveable one. Order medium unless you like extra pink, and add bacon if you are feeling indulgent. The price to satisfaction ratio is excellent, which makes it a repeat order for many.
Sausage Links and Eggs
The sausage links here brown beautifully, with snaps that release savory juices. Pair them with eggs sunny side up and let the yolks become a glossy sauce. Toast anchors the plate, perfect for swiping up the last bits.
It is a straightforward breakfast that feels more than the sum of its parts. Add hash browns to round it out or fruit if you want a lighter touch. Coffee refills keep the momentum going. This plate is ideal for a quick in and out visit before work or errands. You will leave satisfied and ready to tackle the day.
Western Omelet
The Western omelet is colorful, hearty, and generously filled. Ham, peppers, onions, and melted cheddar fold into a fluffy three egg canvas that never tastes overworked. Each bite brings a little sweetness from the peppers and a savory kick from the ham.
Hash browns on the side supply crunch, while toast adds balance. Ask for salsa if you like extra zip. It is a go to for regulars who want flavor without heaviness. You will appreciate how well the fillings are distributed, so every forkful delivers. This omelet feels like a complete meal and makes a strong lunch play before closing time.
Coffee and Pie Combo
There is something timeless about finishing with coffee and pie. Riverside keeps a rotating selection, but expect staples like apple or cherry with a flaky crust that shatters softly. A hot mug of coffee cuts the sweetness and ties everything together like a final toast.
This combo is perfect for lingering conversations or one last quiet moment before heading out. Ask your server what is freshest that day and trust the recommendation. You will leave on a high note, satisfied and a little nostalgic. It is a simple ritual that feels right every time.