River View Cafe

1 Allegheny Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, United States
+1 412-237-3417
$$$ Cafe
(31 Reviews)
Price Range $1–10

Welcome to the River View Cafe, a charming retreat nestled at 1 Allegheny Ave, Pittsburgh, PA. This welcoming cafe is the perfect spot to recharge during your visit to the nearby Carnegie Science Center or to simply enjoy a lovely meal while taking in river views.

The River View Cafe offers a delightful variety of options that cater to both families and individuals seeking a casual yet satisfying dining experience. The cafe is particularly well-known for its crispy, shoestring fries, which one enthusiastic patron declared to be “the best fries in Pittsburgh.” Perfectly seasoned and generously portioned, they are an absolute must-try! For a fun twist, indulge in their Soft Pretzel, served warm and soft, which pairs wonderfully with their rich Cheese Sauce.

Families will appreciate the Kids Meals, which include all-time favorites like Grilled Cheese, Peanut Butter & Jelly, and Chicken Tenders— all cooked to perfection and made fresh to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Our patrons rave about the classic Grilled Cheese, saying it’s always delicious, particularly when paired with a comforting bowl of soup.

The deli offerings are equally enticing, featuring the Chicken Salad Wrap and Tuna Salad Croissant that deliver fresh flavors wrapped in convenient hand-held packages. For something heartier, the Chicken Caesar Wrap and Turkey & Swiss on Wheat combine robust ingredients that make for a satisfying meal.

Reviewers consistently highlight the stellar service at River View Cafe, noting how the staff make each guest feel like family. One customer, Stephanie Corey, praised the “extremely helpful checkout person and kitchen staff,” emphasizing how they truly care about accommodating dietary needs, particularly for children with allergies. This kind of attentive service adds to the overall dining atmosphere, making guests feel valued and welcome.

Elena Xiao's experience encapsulates the charm of this cafe; she noted that the staff constantly wear smiles, making each visit feel warm and personal. Whether it's your first time visiting or a return trip, you’re bound to receive the kind of service that makes you feel right at home.

As the cafe has recently undergone a remodel, there’s a fresh ambiance that complements its delicious offerings. Bright and inviting, the space is perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to unwind while enjoying a satisfying meal.

In conclusion, the River View Cafe isn't just a cafe; it's an experience. With incredible food, attentive staff, and a picturesque location, it stands out as a must-visit while in Pittsburgh. Make a stop here to indulge in delicious bites, soak up a friendly atmosphere, and enjoy the beautiful view—you won’t regret it!

Service options
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dessert
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
Openings Hours

Monday

10:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 04:30 PM

31 Reviews
Elena Xiao

21 Aug 2025

It’s my final day volunteering at Carnegie Science Center, so I thought I’d get some final day fries. They were incredible fries in general, not greasy, seasoned, and very generous quantities. You definitely get the bang for your buck. I’d dare to say these are the best fries in Pittsburgh. Incredible stuff, highly recommend. Also, incredibly nice and generous staff, always a smile on their faces. Very clean open kitchen concept.

M W (MW)

13 Aug 2025

They've just reopened after a remodel earlier this year. The food isn't significantly different than before, which is good enough for a museum cafe. We like their fries, which are the shoestring type, and they're usually nice and crisp and hot. I had a great Cobb salad on our last visit. The best part though is the staff. What a nice set of folks to encounter! Very pleasant and accommodating and helpful. Always kind and patient with the kids! They always make it worth a visit.

Stephanie Saylor

10 Aug 2025

Extremely helpful checkout person and kitchen staff. I asked if the pizza was safe for my TN/sesame allergic kids. The cashier asked the kitchen manager and the manager checked right away. I felt like they took my concerns seriously and helped me find safe food for my allergy kids. Pizza tasted good too. All around great experience. Thank you!

Stephanie Corey

23 Jul 2025

Always delicious, especially the grilled cheese, fries, pizza, soup of the day. Really fast service, which is great when you’re there with kids!!

Visual Juicellc

30 Jun 2025

I went with my girlfriend a week ago and had a turkey blt I’m trying to figure out how I can make it at home because it was delciousssss the staff was great too they brought us our food kindly and also said I must’ve liked it because it was half way gone 3 mins in was absolutely great the staff was helpful and kind and very hospitable will be coming back for another 10/10 cafe all round !!!!

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