River Rocks is the Perfect Party Place

Life’s special occasions–from a simple date night to something more inspired such as an anniversary or birthday celebration, wedding or retirement party–deserve to be made memorable. With stunning views, a variety of dining room options, an eclectic menu with creative and classic foods, imaginative cocktails and an expansive beer and wine list, River Rocks feel a bit like a “choose-your-own-adventure” locale for unforgettable special occasions.

Photography by Jason Hook

The venue here is split into two dining friendly scenes. River Rocks is the inside restaurant at the north end of the property with a separate entrance and a chef-inspired menu. The wall, covered in river rocks, frame the elegantly appointed dining tables spread out to offer maximum views of the river. Outside, the Dock at River Rocks, features a huge wooded deck that also focuses on direct access views to the river, albeit in a much more “Florida casual” relaxed setting.

Photography by Jason Hook

For a luxurious date night, start at River Rocks bar with an appetizer and a glass of wine, then head to a table to dine on chef Alberto Sierra’s special of the night. Or, get an earlier start with their new Sunset Menu. From 4 to 5:30 p.m., this select menu offers a two-course meal including salad or lobster bisque and an elegant entrée such as Boursin Chicken, Shrimp and Grits or their award-winning prime rib, the best in the area, according to General Manager Joshua Kerwood.

After dinner, transition to the bar, where the brand-new back bar is stocked with all the ingredients for River Rocks’s signature after-dinner cocktails. Whether you sit at a table or at the bar, views of the sunset on the Indian River Lagoon are unmatched and splendid.

And for a special twist on a centuries-old tradition, consider the gazebo overlooking the water for a memorable engagement spot. After the big ask, the sometime-soon-to-be newlyweds can stroll down the dock for engagement photos, then dine inside with the whole family.

Ask for River Rocks’s semiprivate dining room when making reservations for a post-proposal party; depending on how busy the restaurant is, you might have the whole room for your festivities. Later, when planning the wedding, keep that same gazebo in mind, as it is a breathtaking site to exchange vows.

Photography by Jason Hook

Rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, birthday parties, baby showers, business meetings and all manners of special events meet their ideal location at River Rocks’s banquet room.

Separated from the rest of the restaurant by sliding doors, this spacious private room accommodates as many as 40 to 45 socially-distanced guests.

The room is rigged with tech to play audio from a personal device and to project slide-shows or videos, although guests might find their eyes wandering out the windows to the river view. Luckily for them, the banquet room has direct access to the gazebo and dock, so they can get a closer look without leaving the party.

Photography by Jason Hook

For larger affairs and swanky soirees, you might option to reserve the entire restaurant for your event. If you do, you can bring your own DJ or play music from your personal device direct on the restaurant’s sound system. You and your guests can enjoy the entire restaurant like royalty, with servers and staff on hand to help the party run smoothly.

With semi-private, private and buyout parties, River Rocks takes care of the table, including tablecloths, candles and, most importantly, a delicious selection of seven separate menus.

Photography by Jason Hook

Lunch menus start at $20 per person; dinner menus start at $40 per person and end at a three-course, $125-per-person meal worthy of the title “banquet.” Fresh fish, the classic River Rocks house salad and the famous prime rib make their appearances on many of the menus.

To start planning your event, contact River Rocks’s event coordinator, Gabrielle Rush, via the contact form on the River Rocks website. The managers would be happy to show you around so you can see for yourself the variety of rooms, table setups and menus available to make your celebration memorable.

No matter the size or style of the occasion, Joshua confirmed, River Rocks has the goods: picture perfect view, casual or refined ambience, family friendly, foody-friendly, affordable, and clever cocktails.

Heather Motro
Contributor at SpaceCoast LIVING | Website

In addition to writing and serving as Assistant Managing Editor for Space Coast Magazines, Heather Motro writes the sustainability blog The Blergh, manages social media for the Marine Resources Council and was co-Editor-in-Chief of Holy Trinity High School’s award-winning yearbook, The Tigrium. She is a member of Clemson University Honors College Class of ’24 (go Tigers!).