History of
the River House Tavern Restaurant:
River House Tavern
is located on the Saugatuck
River near the heart of Westport. The menu matches the setting
with innovative New England Cooking. The River House is co-owned
by Kevin Brawley and Stephen Alward, the successful team from
Tavern on Main, also in Westport and by Kevin Burns and Marty
Resnick. Knowing the potential of
such a wonderful site, the partners gutted the
former restaurant previously in its space and took full
advantage of the amazing setting-- relaxed, fresh, inviting but
not trendy.
Views of the river from
every seat and bar stool surround the central riverstone
fireplace, which
accommodates guests in cold weather months.
The
light airy feel of the Bird's Eye maple walls, floor-to-ceiling
windows and mahogany and walnut floors gives the casual and
comfortable ambiance of River House Tavern. The mahogany bar
offers patrons views as well as an inviting place to return to.
A picturesque dining terrace outside overlooks the
Saugatuck--full of wildlife, boaters and fishermen.
Open every day for
lunch and dinner as well as Sunday Brunch. The River House's
menu changes slightly each season, capitalizing on the freshest
ingredients in the market. Diners will find comfort food to
gourmet fare, from the down-home to the upscale. Our inviting
fireplace and cozy atmosphere make the River House an ideal
choice for long winter nights. The umbrella-covered patio
provides a beautiful setting to
enjoy in the
warm spring or fall or the hot summer.
About
the Owners:
 Kevin
Brawley and Stephen Alward are lifelong friends, having grown
up together in Westport, and are seasoned veterans of the
restaurant business. Kevin and Stephen cut their teeth at
Mario's in Westport when they were just teenagers. In 1978
Stephen opened and owned the Georgetown Saloon in Redding.
Kevin subsequently opened
and owned Dunville's Restaurant in Westport for over 15 years,
until 1995 when he opened Tavern on Main. While cooking and
running the Georgetown Saloon, Stephen Alward attained his chef
qualifications from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde
Park, NY. Desiring better tutelage, he moved to San Francisco
where he cooked under Alice Waters of Chez Panisse and Joyce
Goldstein of Square One. Stephen rejoined Kevin at Tavern on
Main as General Manager soon after it opened. Kevin Burns and
Marty Resnick make up the rest of the ownership. They are both
financial advisors for Merrill Lynch and Resnick Investment
Advisors, respectively. |
Waterfront Dining 
