Waterfront Dining, Weekend Brunch and Celebrations Made Even Better by the View

3 days ago

4 min read

Sunset over a waterfront restaurant patio with diners, glowing lights, rippling water, and orange clouds over the bay.

For more than 20 years, the Grille at Riverview has been part of the rhythm of New Smyrna Beach. Right on the river, where dolphins play and boats drift past. It's the kind of place where sandals and sundresses feel just as right as cocktail dresses and ties. People come for happy hour, they come for weekend brunch, they come for the sunset. But more than anything, people come because being by the water has a way of slowing you down, making you stop and really appreciate the beauty of New Smyrna Beach.

While it sits right along Flagler Avenue, once you’re on the property, it somehow feels like its own little escape. Head straight out to the deck and you’re right on the water, or stay inside for the air conditioning on really hot days and still take in those beautiful river views. It works just as well for a casual afternoon as it does for something worth dressing up for.

Happy Hour | Monday - Friday | 4:00 - 6:00PM

Happy Hour at The Grille at Riverview has become one of my favorite ways to catch up with friends. Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m., the specials run throughout the entire restaurant, so you can settle in by the water, order a few appetizers for the table and enjoy a drink while the sun starts to drop.

The drink specials include $4 wells, domestics and house wines, $5 imports, and $3 off premium liquors. And if margaritas are more your style, the $5 Hornitos margaritas, available in all flavors, are offered all day, every day. Add 25% off appetizers and flatbreads, and it becomes the perfect excuse to order a few things to share. The escargot is one of my husband’s favorites, and I’m always happy to see the sliders and crispy tempura shrimp hit the table.

Serving New Smyrna Beach for Over 20 Years

Weekend Brunch | Saturday & Sunday | 10:30AM -3PM

If you haven’t had brunch at The Grille at Riverview yet, it’s absolutely worth adding to your weekend plans. Served every Saturday and Sunday from 10.30 a.m. to 3 p.m., the brunch menu covers the classics and then some: Quiche of the day with fresh fruit and breakfast potatoes, avocado toast, traditional Eggs Benedict, omelets your way, filet mignon and eggs, and French toast.

Weekend Brunch is available every Saturday & Sunday from 10:30 am - 3 pm and include Mimosa Kits for only $19.95.

I’m not really a big breakfast person, so I especially love that they also serve a Saturday and Sunday lunch menu during the same hours. That means I can still get French onion soup or a BLT with avocado. And of course, the best part might be the Mimosa Kit. For $19.95, they bring a chilled bottle of champagne to your table with fresh juices and fruit, so you can make each mimosa exactly how you like it. No waiting on refills, no “too much juice” moment, just a chilled bottle right there at the table. In my opinion, that’s how brunch should be done.

Elegant waterfront dining room set for an event, with white tablecloths, colorful flower centerpieces, and warm brick-and-wood decor.

The Perfect Venue for Your Next Event

With the holidays coming up, The Grille at Riverview is a beautiful spot for parties, gift exchanges and get-togethers. They go all out with the decorations, and the river makes the perfect backdrop for just about any event.

I'll be here on Oct. 24 for Authors on the River: A Literary Luncheon, and Peppers Boutique returns Nov. 16 for another fashion show. Check their website for more upcoming events, or contact Peggy to plan your own. She’ll help you choose the right space, menu and setup to make it exactly what you need.

Plan Your Event

KEY WEST DECK + NORTH DECK

For a true waterfront event, you can't beat the outdoor space. The Key West Deck accommodates up to 100 guests and includes its own private bar and entertainment area, while the neighboring North Deck offers additional open-air riverfront seating for groups of 30 to 80. Reserve these spaces together or separately.

Elegant private dining room with a long set table, black napkins, wine glasses, warm wood bar, and brick walls in cozy amber light

PROMENADE ROOM

Upstairs, the Promenade Room accommodates up to 60 guests and combines privacy with some of the restaurant's signature river and sunset views. The separate setting makes it especially well suited for events that need their own space.

REEF BAR

An intimate lounge setting for up to 35 guests, perfect for cocktail receptions, meet-and-greets or a relaxed private gathering. With its own bar and doors that can be closed for added privacy, the space feels both comfortable and exclusive.

MANATEE ROOM

Located inside on the main floor, this space accommodates up to 45 guests and offers views of the river. It's a comfortable choice for smaller gatherings, showers, rehearsal dinners, family celebrations and more.