First Look: River’s Edge Social in Lindenwood Park

River’s Edge Social quietly opened at the end of March, debuting with little fanfare at 6997 Chippewa St., in Lindenwood Park along the River Des Peres. As Sauce reported in February, River’s Edge is the first restaurant ownership venture from Aurel Bardho.

“We just put out the open sign,” Bardho said. Even without a liquor license, he said response has been solid. This week, the restaurant should get its liquor license, and Bardho said the restaurant will officially open on Sunday, April 8.

Bardho and executive chef Phillip Paris put the sprawling kitchen to good use, putting out a large menu with a Mediterranean bent that aims to have something for everyone: plenty of hot and cold appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, pizzas and entrees ranging from kebobs to pasta to steak.

Bardho said the building, which used to house Johnny Gitto’s, was vacant for years and needed substantial renovation, including some extensive plumbing work that required removal of much of the old flooring. The new floor features a blue river motif that runs around the perimeter of the main dining room, which seats 200. River’s Edge also boasts a spacious patio and a private event room.

River’s Edge Social is open Sunday and Monday from 5 to 10 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight.