Mystery Diner in Batavia: Riverside Pizza & Pub opens doors

BATAVIA – A striking makeover has turned a portion of the former Walgreens in downtown Batavia into an appealing sports bar and restaurant with the advent of Riverside Pizza & Pub at 142 W. Wilson St.

As renovations drew to a close, we were impatient to check out the new eatery after hearing good things about its sister locations in St. Charles and South Elgin.

The Batavia space draws the eye upward to the architecturally interesting barrel ceiling, while old-fashioned-style filament bulbs provide an industrial chic vibe. Decorative beer taps line the tops of walls accented with wood set off by subtle lighting.

The marble-topped bar is the focal point of the large and lively room, offering numerous televisions for sports fans. The spirits displayed in the center are lit by changing colors of illumination for an artsy touch. Cozy high-tops ring the bar.

At the rear of the room are two electronic dartboards on one side and a pair of pool tables, near the jukebox, on the other. Windows line the front of the space. One half takes advantage of mild temperatures with glass garage doors that raise to reveal screens for a patio feel sans bugs. And in a nod to Batavia's heritage, large, 14-blade wooden ceiling fans are reminiscent of windmills.

Friends joined us so we could sample from the menu's wide range of items and we dived in with a tasty appetizer of garlic bread with cheese, followed by the Southwest salad to share.

The salad was outstanding, beautifully balancing mixed greens, corn kernels, tomatoes, shredded cheese, black beans and tortilla strips with chipotle ranch dressing. The dressing tasted smokey and complex.

"It's rare to find a Southwest salad of this caliber and big enough to share," a dining companion said.

A sampler basket featured fried mushrooms, mozzarella sticks, onion rings and jalapeño poppers with marinara sauce. The zippy poppers with their mild kick was a favorite.

The pizza lived up to its claim to fame. We opted for thin crust that was delicious with fresh spinach, mushrooms and sausage. Choices also include double-crust, pan style, Chicago style and stuffed cheese.

I tried the gluten-free pizza, which arrived with perfectly cooked green pepper, sausage and onion. Best of all, the crust gave virtually no hint it wasn't the real deal, with wonderful crispiness and flavor – and missing the overly sweet component so common when compensating for leaving out the gluten. It's a winner for gluten-free folks.

Another hit was the pot roast pub sandwich, prepared with garlic bread, baked mozzarella, sauteed mushroom and onions, brimming with pot roast and accompanied by homemade horseradish cream.

Our friend said the horseradish was mild, sweet and creamy, and the meat "so juicy and tender." The pot roast reminded him of home and his mother's cooking.

Accompanying the sandwich were crinkle-cut fries that arrived hot and crispy.

A vegetarian among us opted for the build-your-own pasta entree, choosing cheese tortellini and marinara, which he gave a thumbs-up for flavor. Crispy garlic bread wedges garnished the dish.

Our server was attentive and answered our questions about food and libations. For dessert, she said Riverside offers cinnamon-dipped dough that's rolled in chocolate and caramel sauces.

Looking ahead to return visits, the entrees extend to chicken Parmesan, jumbo fried shrimp and baby back ribs. The burgers are Angus beef.

The menu notes that all salads can be prepared as wraps. At the moment, there's no soup for you, to quote a "Seinfeld" episode. Soups are served from September to April. A kids menu caters to children age 12 and younger.

Craft beer lovers will find a long list of rotating craft beer bottles and guest draft selections on tap, including eight IPAs the night we were there.

Cocktails range from martinis and a house margarita to the Dark N' Stormy with dark rum, ginger beer and fresh lime; and the Riverside lemonade with vodka, Blue Curacao, sour, lemonade and splash of lemon-lime soda.

Riverside Pizza & Pub offers carry out, delivery and catering. Brightening its entry off the central downtown mall are beer kegs turned into planters for petunias.

The Mystery Diner is a newsroom employee at the Kane County Chronicle. The diner’s identity is not revealed to the restaurant staff before or during the meal. The Mystery Diner visits a different restaurant and then reports on the experience. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a review.

If you go

What: Riverside Pizza & Pub

Where: 142 W. Wilson St., Batavia

Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday; 10:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday

More info: riversidepizzapub.com, 630-326-9596