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Interior - Otto's on the River, Augusta, ME

Otto's on the River

4.1 (343)
$30 and under
American
287 Water St, Augusta, ME 04330

Make a reservation

A photo of Otto's on the River restaurant

Otto's on the River

4.1
$30 and under
American
Augusta

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 4 times today

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Good for business meals
  • Neighborhood gem
At Otto's on the River, we provide our guests with attentive service and outstanding food in an opulent & artsy atmosphere. We have pristine views of the Kennebec River from our Dining Room & Outdoor Deck! We specialize in Seafood, Pasta & Vegan Specialties. Live Music every Thursday & Saturday from 5:30pm-8:30pm. Our Patio is perfect for sipping our Signature Cocktails while conversing with your friends. Book your next Business Meeting, Anniversary & Wedding Rehearsal Dinner here at Otto’s. Daily Specials & Events are featured on our Instagram @ottosontheriver. We look forward to hosting you.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Seafood, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Sat 9:00 am–12:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–5:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Catering
    We have 25 years experience in onsite catering. We do all events and occasions, either at Otto's or at your location. Inquire with Wyatt or Steve about details.
  • Private party facilities
    We have an expandable Centerpiece Table that fits 6-12 people comfortably. Our Dining Room is perfect for Wedding Receptions, Business Meetings, Prom Dinner, Graduation, etc. Please call us directly if you're looking to book the entire restaurant, we can seat 80 people comfortably.
  • Neighborhood
    Augusta
  • Cross street
    Winthrop St
  • Parking details
    We have ample Free Parking in front & behind our restaurant.
  • Entertainment
    Live Music every Thursday & Saturday Night from 5:30pm-8:30pm
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Otto's on the River.

4.1

4.1
(343)
  • 4.2Food
  • 4.1Service
  • 4.1Ambience
  • 3.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Maine

    Healthy

  • Central Maine

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Otto's on the River offers an exceptional dining experience with a "wonderful dining experience" praised for its "excellent" food and service. The historic decor adds charm, and the owner's passion enhances the atmosphere. Standout dishes include the lobster bisque and maple seared scallops. Despite occasional service delays, the restaurant remains a "well-kept secret" with a strong local artist presence.
343 Reviews
  1. Jack Gold

    Phoenix16 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on October 26, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Lunch at Otto's was delicious, perfectly prepared lobster bisque and scallop main dish. Only the bar side of the restaurant is open for lunch, so there was no river view.

    Is this helpful?

  2. SUSAN Gold

    New York City84 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 19, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful restaurant. Food was excellent. A biscuit started the meal I was there yesterday for my anniversary. They gave us complimentary champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. Attentive and friendly waitress. Easy parking

    1 person found this helpful

  3. Leslie Gold

    Tampa13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 10, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    From greeting by staff to the excellence of the food this restaurant is a well-kept secret! What an amazing meal - and they featured local artists throughout the restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Joan Gold

    Richmond9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 7, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We loved Otto's on the River! The owner was present and was very friendly and you could tell he loved the restaurant and wanted his clients happy. We loved the artsy decor. The service and food was excellent. The chocolate flourless torte made at the restaurant and it was exceptional! We look forward to going back very soon!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Ron

    Naples2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on August 27, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Although it seemed that the wait staff was shorthanded (it was our waitress's first day on the job), they did a commendable job of keeping customers satisfied and getting the food to us promptly. The food was superb, particularly the maple seared scallops. We will definitely go back.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Ann Gold

    Naples6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on August 15, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What a find! Cosy, delightfully decorated in a historic building in Augusta, Otto’s menu is broad and creative and the results delicious! Welcoming and attentive service!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Heidi

    Greater Boston13 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on July 24, 2026

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 2
    We had reservations for in the restaurant and were seated in the bar. Our server took our order at 6:35 and apparently the kitchen lost our ticket. We sat for 1-1/2 hours waiting for dinner - which was mediocre. The restaurant manager came to our table to reassure us our food was coming and that he would take care of us. My husband had to go find the manager when the bill came, as there had been no alteration to the price. After locating the manager, he finally took half price off. Diasappointing experience to say the least.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Terah

    Cincinnati8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 18, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was a wonderful dining experience at Otto’s! Perfect wine and food recommendations.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Jeff Gold

    Palm Springs217 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on July 11, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The special cocktails of the day were excellent. So were the special soups (crab and lobster). Both were served quickly and were something different. The main course took a long to be delivered. Both our entrees were just average. Our waiter seemed to be overwhelmed even though the restaurant was not crowded. The hostess made up for any slack.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Bethany

    Greater Boston1 review

    1.0

    Dined on July 3, 2026

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The people were very personable and nice. The old building was beautiful, had a great view of the river. In regards to the food, the mashed potatoes and carrots were cold (you didn’t have a choice in this area everything came with mashed potatoes & carrots) I had the seafood casserole the seafood was overcooked and rubbery, overloaded with butter even tho advertised with a sauce. I couldn’t eat it. My husband had the baked stuffed haddock and the haddock was dry. They were very nice about it and took my meal off the check and did offer me to order something else. It was disappointing as we did go there to celebrate my birthday andnI wanted to try someplace different.

    Is this helpful?

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Seafood, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Sat 9:00 am–12:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–5:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Catering
    We have 25 years experience in onsite catering. We do all events and occasions, either at Otto's or at your location. Inquire with Wyatt or Steve about details.
  • Private party facilities
    We have an expandable Centerpiece Table that fits 6-12 people comfortably. Our Dining Room is perfect for Wedding Receptions, Business Meetings, Prom Dinner, Graduation, etc. Please call us directly if you're looking to book the entire restaurant, we can seat 80 people comfortably.
  • Neighborhood
    Augusta
  • Cross street
    Winthrop St
  • Parking details
    We have ample Free Parking in front & behind our restaurant.
  • Entertainment
    Live Music every Thursday & Saturday Night from 5:30pm-8:30pm
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

Thursday or Saturday are great choices, the restaurant hosts live music every Thursday and Saturday from 5:30 pm–8:30 pm, and guests frequently praise it for special evenings and anniversary visits.

Yes, Otto's on the River is often chosen for special evenings: the restaurant's opulent, artsy atmosphere, river views and guest reports of anniversary and date-night visits make it a strong pick for a romantic night out.

Some starters and entrees come in generous portions, reviewers note the Otto’s crab dip as a particularly large starter (described as a "huge portion for two") and several guests mention nicely sized entrées.

Otto’s on the River is a great pick for live music on Thursday or Saturday evenings (live music runs 5:30–8:30pm), while Tuesday evenings or later nights (after about 8:30pm) tend to be much quieter for a relaxed meal.

Yes, families do dine here: multiple reviewers describe bringing children (including an 8‑year‑old who enjoyed fettuccine Alfredo) and note the team handling family gatherings, so you can expect the restaurant to welcome kids.

Casual dress is the guide, neat, comfortable attire is appropriate and nothing formal is required.

Yes, Otto’s features an outdoor deck/patio with river views, a spot guests enjoy for drinks and alfresco dining.

Otto’s on the River feels opulent and artsy with a charming, slightly quirky decor and lovely river views; the dining room reads classy but informal, while the bar area is more casual and welcoming.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Maine
  4. Central Maine
  5. Augusta

Make a reservation

A photo of Otto's on the River restaurant

Otto's on the River

4.1
$30 and under
American
Augusta

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 4 times today
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