April 25, 2024

Mystery Diner in Batavia: Riverside offers tasty pizza and a whole lot more

We've been fans of Riverside Pizza & Pub in Batavia ever since it opened last year in part of the former Walgreens in downtown Batavia, following a stunning makeover that turned it into a lively space with lots of visual touches.

By Mystery Diner

November 19, 2020 at 10:57 am CST

We can't enjoy the ambience right now, but the food holds up perfectly as takeout. We chose to prepay when we phoned in our order, and the staffer told us to head to the restaurant's back counter for the pickup. A sign on the door directs customers. (Shaw Media)

We can't enjoy the ambience right now, but the food holds up perfectly as takeout. We chose to prepay when we phoned in our order, and the staffer told us to head to the restaurant's back counter for the pickup. A sign on the door directs customers. (Shaw Media)

The friendly person who took our order got everything right, including my dining companion's slightly skewed pizza specifications. Living up to its name, Riverside produces outstanding pizza. In addition to the thin crust he chose, pies also come in double-crust cheese, pan style or Chicago style as well as stuffed cheese. [Added tip: Riverside has one of the best gluten-free crusts around, giving virtually no hint it's not the real deal.] He asked for a pie with double spinach, mushrooms, pineapple and bacon on the side so it wouldn't overpower the other ingredients. I confess, the thought of mixing spinach and pineapple held no appeal for me, until I tasted the pizza and it was terrific. Eat and learn.

I couldn't resist sharing an old favorite, the pub's Southwest salad. As always, it beautifully balances mixed greens, corn kernels, tomatoes, shredded cheese, black beans and tortilla strips with chipotle ranch dressing. Not too spicy, the dressing tastes smokey and complex; ask for extra. Add grilled or breaded chicken to make it a meal.

I tried something new for my main course, the baby back ribs, available in a half-pound or full-pound order.

It included coleslaw, and we upgraded to the waffle fries.

The entree features tangy house-made barbecue sauce with a little bite slathered on the tender ribs. It was a pure treat and provided leftovers. My favorite side was the homemade coleslaw. It was one of the best recipes I've tasted, with bright ingredients whose flavors pop in a creamy sauce. I will be ordering that slaw from here on out. Looking ahead to future carryout meals, the entrees extend to chicken Parmesan, jumbo fried shrimp and build-your-own pasta dishes. The burgers are Angus beef, and the sandwiches include one we highly recommend from a previous visit. The pot roast pub sandwich is prepared with garlic bread, baked mozzarella, sauteed mushroom and onions. It's brimming with pot roast, accompanied by homemade horseradish cream. Other locations of the appealing sports bar and restaurant are in St. Charles and South Elgin, and all three offer carryout, delivery and catering. • The Mystery Diner is a newsroom employee at the Kane County Chronicle. The diner’s identity is not revealed to restaurant staff when ordering or picking up the food. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a review. IF YOU GO WHAT: Riverside Pizza and Pub WHERE: 142 W. Wilson St., Batavia PHONE: 630-326-9596 INFO: riversidepizzapub.com