HOW TO GO
J. Austin’s Riverbank Café
Where: 102 Main St.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays
11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Fridays
9 a.m. to 12 a.m. Saturdays
9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays
Contact: 513-795-7640
For more information, reviews, and menu: Visit J. Austin's Riverbank Café's Facebook page, and Twitter handle @JAriverbankcafe
You may smell bourbon barbecue wings and savory macaroni and cheese wafting out the doors of 102 Main St., but the owners of J. Austin’s Riverbank Café are finishing up on final touches before declaring the restaurant fully open.
While J. Austin’s Riverbank Café, housed at the former Riverbank Café held a soft opening on Tuesday, manager Darren Spurlock said a grand opening should take place in about two weeks, after all tweaks, including finalizing weekend brunch menu items and completing staff, have been made.
“But already, we’ve had some people come back for lunch and then return that same day for dinner and order the same thing,” he said.
The lucky Hamiltonians who have gotten an early taste of J. Austin’s southern-inspired menu have emerged with smiles, full bellies, and relief that the building is back in business.
Danny Taylor of Hamilton used to frequent the former Riverbank Café on a regular basis, and said he was glad to see it open again.
He likes that bar food is provided along with full plates, and was happy with the prices.
“I got some smokehouse wings and three Bud Light bottles for $17,” he said. “You won’t get that at many other places.”
Bud Arbino, a Hamilton resident, credited the atmosphere of the restaurant.
“It’s a great place to sit at the bar, drink a Coke and watch the game,” he said.
His son, Scott Arbino, was impressed with the five craft beers on tap, including Cincinnati-based MadTree and Rhinegeist.
“It’s great that they’re supporting local breweries,” he said.
The southern-style fare includes short-rib poutine — a common Canadian dish of cheese curds and gravy over fries with the ribs providing southern comfort — a signature burger with fried egg and cheese on a cheddar biscuit bun, and slow-cooked pork belly served with sweet potato casserole and green beans.
Rose Mayer of Hamilton got the fish and chips and white cheddar macaroni and cheese for lunch, and was happy with her choices.
“I’m going to tell my husband about this place,” she said.
Sandy Suttmiller of Hamilton liked the Texas BBQ Burger.
“It was large for the price you pay,” she added.
City Director of Economic Development Jody Gunderson said he was excited about the restaurant opening.
“It continues our efforts to revitalize the central business district, and this restaurant, along with ones existing and hopefully future ones, will be a beneficiary of the continued growth and expansion in the district,” he said.
Owner Ken Riley said that plans are in the making for a grand opening in the next couple of weeks. He and his wife, Gloria Riley, have owned Riley’s restaurant in Springdale since 1981, and their son, James, purchased the Walt’s Barbeque restaurants in Hamilton and Cincinnati in July of 2013. The couple also operate the Vineyard Café inside the Vineyard Community Church.
They announced in March that they had purchased the building at 102 Main St., and set to work to renovate and to revitalize the corner establishment.
The Riverbank Café closed its doors in July 2013 after six years in business and several awards under its belt. Owner Dennis Kurlas cited personal and business issues as factors in its closing.
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