Ratings and reviews

Travelers' Choice2022
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
About
Renew your spirit at the full service restaurant and bar at Big Sur River Inn. Enjoy a fabulous breakfast, lunch or dinner in the historic dining room or outside on the deck, the lawn or along the bank of the Big Sur River. Have a seat on one of the bent willow chairs in the river and let the smooth current cool your feet as you enjoy the best Big Sur lunch around. What sets us apart from other Big Sur restaurants is our 100-year-old tradition of locally grown fine food, friendly, efficient service and warm hospitality. And yes, we still serve the original homesteader’s version of "Hot Apple Pie!"
PRICE RANGE
€9 - €36
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night
CUISINES
American, Bar
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Highchairs Available, Live Music
Reviews (666)
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666 results
Traveler rating
195
282
111
41
37
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Traveler rating
195
282
111
41
37
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Reviewed June 24, 2023 via mobile

After a mesmerizing drive on Highway 1 South from Monterey, my wife and I stopped for lunch. We sat down at the lower level of the restaurant. The Big Sur River flows nearby. I ordered a glass of Malbec and a BLT. The BLT was...the absolute best sandwich I have ever had. I fully understand why Jack Kerouac escaped to one of the most sacred and most beautiful places in California.More

Date of visit: June 2023
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Reviewed October 24, 2022

My New York steak was basically inedible. Tough and flavorless. Companion's chicken was meh. I never send food back for obvious reasons. Other reviews are glowing, so I'm not sure what happened when we were at this place. Maybe I should have ordered the $21...burger.More

Date of visit: October 2022
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Reviewed October 22, 2022

Ate outside overlooking the river greenery. Food and service were great. After lunch, we walked down to the river where people sit in the water in chairs. Decided to just watch that.

Date of visit: October 2022
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Reviewed October 18, 2022 via mobile

We ordered vegetarian pasta (garden harvest) and burger (vegan burger) with fries on the side. The burger was quite tasty, pasta was okay okay. Drinks were also good. Staff was friendly and service was quick. Nice ambience with both indoor and outdoor seating available.

Date of visit: October 2022
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Reviewed October 9, 2022 via mobile

After lunch in the deck make sure you wander down to the river to sit a spell in the chairs IN the river. So charming. Our food was good and our waiter attentive.

Date of visit: October 2022
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Reviewed October 1, 2022

the big sur river inn is a stop on my one day big sur road trip! i made a y0u tube video with tips and info you need to know about all 5 stops & 2 restaurants, so you can be prepared! search "Nikko Gandia...Travels" or find a link to my y0u tube on my profile. all stops have free parking options and are easily accessible to most and can be explored rather quickly.More

Date of visit: September 2022
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Reviewed September 15, 2022 via mobile

We stopped in here for lunch on our way to Santa Cruz. Had lunch out on the deck. Weather was warm yet they had a nice amount of shade. Food was delicious. Fun place if you want to soak your feet in the river.

Date of visit: September 2022
Helpful?1  
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Reviewed August 11, 2022

When we placed our order we clearly stated that we wanted mayo for the burgers but when they arrived there was no mayo. We again asked for mayo and the waiter said he would get some. After we waited waited I asked the host to...get us some mayo. She promised she would be she never showed up. Eventually the waiter brought some. At that time we asked for refills on the soft drinks which the menu said were included. The waiter never came back with them. When he brought the check I said to my friend, do you want that soft drink refill? and the waiter still didn't bring one. I was going to complain to the host, but she was no where to be found. Finally, the bathroom was a mess. It smelled and there was toilet paper all over the floor.More

Date of visit: August 2022
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Reviewed August 2, 2022

What a location to stop at when on your journey on the PCH . We had Black angus burger ,Portabello chicken and Salmon with chips . Food was good and tasty with good service . Great views over the Ocean from here . Nice place...to relax here before moving on with rest of your journey .More

Date of visit: June 2022
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Reviewed May 26, 2022 via mobile

Great food, great service. We shared a New York strip steak (with herbed butter), mashed potatoes (real) and fresh steamed broccoli and carrots, with a side salad (greens, blue cheese, candied pecans and sliced apples with raspberry vinaigrette). everything was delicious and our server, as...Well as his helpers are all friendly and attentive. Highly recommend!More

Date of visit: May 2022
Helpful?1  
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Reviewed April 28, 2022

I have eaten here many a time. In fact, every time I visit Big Sur, which is often, I make a point to have lunch or dinner here. I love this place so much. The food is amazing. Everything on the menu is good. The...fish & chips are fabulous. My favorite is the burger and fries. The calamari is delicious. Great soups and salads too. I recommend dining outside (weather permitting), and make sure you walk down to the creek and sit in the Adirondack chairs, sip some wine, watch your kids play, relax.More

Date of visit: April 2022
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Reviewed April 27, 2022

The key here is getting a table on one of the two decks overlooking the river. The food was appealing but pretty much what you'd expect. We also had a very fine server.

Date of visit: April 2022
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Reviewed April 14, 2022 via mobile
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Date of visit: May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed April 10, 2022 via mobile

Perfect spot to enjoy Big Sur. Cocktails were very good as was menu selections. Definite must is having your cocktail in the River. If travelling with children, you definitely must eat here.

Date of visit: April 2022
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Reviewed March 31, 2022 via mobile

Food was delicious, I had the lobster raviolis and the big sur salad and devoured the entire thing! The location is lovely, we sat on the patio that’s located next to the river, they have heaters to keep you warm and toasty. Service was great,...everyone was so nice. Would recommend!More

Date of visit: April 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Questions & Answers
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carsondublin
July 23, 2017|
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Response from Chip144 | Reviewed this property |
I was there Saturday. Call the restaurant.
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169robinb
May 8, 2017|
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Response from Chip144 | Reviewed this property |
I did not know they had that sorry. Try calling restaurant.
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Dori Z
October 4, 2015|
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Response from 607happytraveler | Reviewed this property |
We are usually a small party and have not encounter this situation. Best to call and ask.
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BIG SUR RIVER INN RESTAURANT - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Big Sur River Inn Restaurant

Yes, Big Sur River Inn Restaurant offers takeout services.

Big Sur River Inn Restaurant is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travelers:
  • Food: 4
  • Service: 4
  • Value: 3.5
  • Atmosphere: 4.5