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Discover River Boat Depot, a laid-back American bar and restaurant at 2 Riverside Ave S, Sartell, MN 56377, United States, with enquiries available at +1 320-656-1150. Sitting beside the Mississippi River, this neighborhood hangout combines classic bar food, cold drinks, friendly service, and one of its biggest advantages: a riverside patio. River Boat Depot in Sartell currently holds a 4.4 Google rating from more than 600 reviews, with typical spending around $10–$20 per person.
The menu is built around approachable American comfort food. One of the signatures is the Battleship Burger, a substantial combination of beef patties, cheese, bacon, onion rings, barbecue sauce, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. It is the kind of oversized burger that fits the restaurant’s casual, hearty personality. Guests regularly mention burgers among their favorite orders, and a February 2026 customer specifically praised the Battleship Burger alongside BBQ chicken wings and fries.
For something crispy, the Baker’s Dozen Wings are currently listed around $16.99, while the Beer Batter Shrimp Basket costs about $13.99. The shrimp delivers a crunchy exterior and tender seafood center, making it an appealing alternative to the burger-heavy side of the menu. Onion Rings, around $9.99, are another simple but memorable choice; one customer enthusiastically called them the “Best onion rings ever!!”
Other options include cheese curds, loaded potato skins, nachos, chicken baskets, wraps, taco salad, Reuben-style sandwiches, and rotating soup. Drinks are equally important to the experience, with beer, cocktails, wine, cider, and Bloody Marys complementing the pub-style menu. Sunday adds another dimension, as River Boat Depot advertises breakfast service in the morning.
Customer feedback repeatedly highlights speed, friendliness, and portion size. One recent guest reported receiving food in roughly ten minutes and praised both the toasted burger bun and butterfly shrimp basket. Another described the restaurant as a “great local dive bar with great bar food and friendly service.” The trade-off is atmosphere: some diners find the interior more dive-bar-like than polished, so this is better suited to casual meals than formal occasions.
The riverside setting is what gives River Boat Depot extra personality. Outdoor seating overlooks the water, while available amenities include dine-in, takeaway, delivery, wheelchair-accessible facilities, a kids’ menu, highchairs, free parking, a full bar, and pet-friendly access noted by current listings.
For diners comparing the best restaurants in Sartell for relaxed local dining experiences, River Boat Depot delivers strong value through hearty portions, familiar flavors, and an inviting riverfront setting. Visit with friends or family, order a Battleship Burger or shrimp basket, grab a cold drink, and choose the patio when Minnesota weather cooperates.
Your rating for this listing
Great service, lots of options. They have a very nice patio setup with a view of the river. Food was great.
My family had a wonderful experience! We had a battleship burger, BBQ chicken wings, and a grilled cheese with fries. They were all delicious. Also, we didn't have to wait for a long time to get our food. The server was kind and friendly. We'll definitely come back!
Great food with affordable prices, server was prompt and efficient.
I stopped into River Boat Depot in Sartell with a friend not long after I moved to the area, just looking to grab a drink — and I’m really glad I did. Even though I didn’t get food that day, I’ve heard plenty of great things about their menu from locals, and after being there, I can absolutely see why people love this place. The atmosphere is exactly what you’d expect from a small-town bar in the best possible way: comfortable, welcoming, and full of character. The staff made a great first impression — friendly, attentive, and easy to talk to without ever feeling pushy. Even the other customers added to the vibe. It felt like the kind of spot where everyone knows each other, but newcomers are still welcomed right in. It’s the kind of bar that makes you feel at home the moment you walk through the door, and I enjoyed every bit of my visit. I’ll definitely be back, and next time I’m trying the food.
Great service and food, the atmosphere is a bit dive bar though. It wouldn't take much to clean up the atmosphere a bit. They have a patio on the riverside which is great, but they still are not fully capitalizing on the great river views!
Best onion rings ever!! Great friendly servers. The outdoor seating looks right out onto the river. All we had to do was bring this great sunny day .