Nestled along the picturesque St. Joseph River, **On the River Tavern & Mo’s Cigar Bar** offers a vibrant dining experience that combines delicious American cuisine with a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. This unique venue, with its outdoor seating and scenic views, is not just a restaurant but a cultural hub where live music and community spirit thrive. Patrons rave about the **Nacho Burger** and **Moscow Mules**, highlighting both their taste and presentation. The tavern’s signature dishes, including the **Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich** and a variety of wraps, promise bold flavors and hearty portions. The **Snack Basket** featuring deep-fried Shishito peppers and exquisite house-made pickles is a standout starter that reflects the tavern’s commitment to quality. However, some reviews signal a need for improvement in managing the indoor air quality, particularly concerning cigar smoke, which detracted from a few dining experiences. While recent management changes have brought a fresh vibe, guests appreciate the friendly service and relaxed energy. Whether you're enjoying a meal after a day on the water or savoring a cigar on the deck, On the River Tavern is a delightful stop for both locals and visitors, ensuring an experience that is memorable and uniquely St. Joseph.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Does not have assistive hearing loop
From the business
Identifies as veteran-owned
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Has fireplace
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Has live music
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Amenities
Has Wi-Fi
No toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Photos
Reviews For On the River Tavern & Mo’s Cigar Bar
James Mrowicki
May 22,2025
New management took over a bit ago. We liked the prior manager and staff. Was a cozy dive and great river view outdoor seating. The new people added a cigar room with outdoor seating. Fine with that but, I went in a bit ago a f the indoors smelled of cigar smoke. Not sure if people had smoked in the bar or carried over from the room. I heard several saying g the same. So strong when my wife came she couldn't stand it and left. I left after a football game but my clothes seemed to smell. Not going back nor recommending this to anyone till this issue is fixed.
Steven McHugh
May 7,2025
what a great place!!! On the River Tavern hit the spot and the food looked as brilliant as it tasted!! We enjoyed a chill vibe and who would of though we'd walk under a Jimmy Buffett sign entering their outside area the day after he passed!! All meant to be!! A paradise and a 5'o clock somewhere can be found here and the live music made the night even better as me and my daughter danced the dinner away!! We enjoyed a burger, the taco salad and boats passing by the marina's as we indulged and we promise to be back for more next summer season!!!
Chelsea Summers
May 5,2025
The nacho burger is the best ever, and so are their Moscow mules. Julie is amazing at her job and always makes sure we are well taken care of! Thank you.
Glen Head
Mar 11,2025
I found great treasure on the St. Joseph River in St. Joseph, Michigan...Tavern On The River. When you walk in, you get feeling you are walking into a joint in the Florida Keys. It’s freshly painted and cleaned up, and it’s ready to please locals and tourists alike. You’ll find plenty of tables right on the river’s edge. It’s a fantastic spot! As the 2-man band set up on the dockside stage near the new outdoor bar, we grabbed a couple of brews and started in on the Snack Basket appetizer (Picture a charcuterie basket, instead of charcuterie board.) It had a variety of rarities not found in Southwest Michigan, such as deep fried Shishito peppers, which were not breaded and carried a touch of spicy kick. The house-made garlic Cornichon pickles were also excellent and something I had not had before. The basket had several delightful cheeses, including a fantastic feta that crumbled like feta, yet had a velvety smoothness to it. It’s mild saltiness and creaminess cooled my tongue from the zip of the Shishitos. Reading the menu to order the Greek Salad, I learned that the delicious Feta cheese is from Kourellas, one the premier dairy companies in Greece widely known for top quality organic ingredients for the Mediterranean diet. I was impressed with the Greek Vinaigrette, which didn’t have a dominant vinegar bite that I often find in vinaigrettes. We added grilled chicken to the salad for only 4 more, but you can also add crispy chicken, shaved ribeye or choose shrimp to stick with Mediterranean cuisine. For its pizza, Tavern on the River makes a fermented dough that takes 36 hours to ready (according to the owner, Jordan), and it is cooked to perfection. The bottom and edges were crispy, but the center was soft with a little chew. The longer fermentation process enriches both the structure and taste of the dough. “Do you like spicy?” Check out the chicken sandwich called Nashville Hot. This sandwich isn’t for people who say I like it a little spicy.’” If you can’t handle the heat, don’t order the Nashville Hot from the Tavern on the River kitchen! It was BLAZZIN’ HOT and I LOVED IT!! It is hands-down my new favorite sandwich in St. Joseph. The chicken was so juicy from the buttermilk brine and had an excellent fried crisp. Sweet Hottie pickles, crunchy slaw, lettuce, tomato, and Louisiana mayonnaise awaited their crown...Nashville Hot sauce made with roasted red Fresno peppers. Jesus himself would order this over the Chick-Fil-A Spicy Chicken Sandwich. Lol Bring the whole gang, it is very family friendly place.
Megan Holden
Feb 24,2025
Awesome hometown “dive” / relaxed bar with live music and great fully stocked bar, ample selection and great prices. Great service and fun energy. Love this cute riverside bar in St Joe/ Benton Harbor area.
Justin Edmonds
Feb 23,2025
Some of the best bar food around, and pricing is good. Best chicken strips and crinkle fries!
Taylor Else
Feb 20,2025
Kate, Brian and Rob were great. The food and drinks were awesome. The buffalo chicken sandwich is the best. The drinks were great and a huge drink selection to pick from. We sat outside on the patio and was very comfortable. We will definitely be back.
Tim Blanksvard
Feb 11,2025
We had a fantastic burger and service was exceptional! The cigars are a bit on the high priced side, but they have a good selection. The cigar lounge is really nice.
Reviews For On the River Tavern & Mo’s Cigar Bar