River and Rail Cantina
Looking for a place where great food meets a fun, casual vibe? River and Rail Cantina in Cranford, NJ, is the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy delicious Mexican-inspired dishes. Located at 230 S Ave E, this charming cantina offers a lively atmosphere with just the right amount of noise, making it ideal for both a casual meal and a lively night out. Whether you're hanging out with friends or enjoying a family dinner, this spot has got you covered.
One of the things that sets River and Rail Cantina apart is its diverse menu, filled with mouthwatering options that will satisfy any craving. If you're a taco lover, you can’t go wrong with their Citrus Marinated Steak Tacos—they’re bursting with flavor and a fan favorite! The Steak Taco and Chimichurri Steak Plato are also crowd-pleasers for those who love a hearty meal. For something a little lighter, try their Classic Taco Salad or opt for a cheesy delight like the Quesadillas, which are perfect for sharing (or not!).
The restaurant’s atmosphere strikes a balance between casual and classy, making it a great choice for groups, families, or even a casual date night. The energy here is vibrant but not overwhelming, with moderate noise that adds to the fun, but not so loud that you can’t hold a conversation. Plus, the friendly staff and happy hour specials make it an even better choice for a fun evening out.
River and Rail Cantina is also family-friendly, so you can bring the kids along for a tasty meal. And if you’re looking for the best deal, be sure to check out their happy hour specials—you’ll find some great offers on drinks and appetizers that make it even more affordable to enjoy a night out with friends or family.
No matter what you're in the mood for, River and Rail Cantina delivers great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and an experience that keeps people coming back for more.
Reviews
Let me just say up front... this place is a feast for the eyes!! From the door, the decor pops and is vibrant, colorful, energetic and so celebrative. The ambience is so stimulating to look at in every direction... great job with that! The hosting staff is friendly, welcoming, and very attentive. And the food did not disappoint. Equally vibrant and pleasant to the eyes in plating... every dish we had was tasty and size-able. I never take home food... but this time simply couldn't finish my plate. It was great... from the chips and salsa to start, to the last bite... we enjoyed a great family dinner tonight. And the bill didn't hurt either... lol. We'll be back!!
Large Mexican themed venue with indoor & outdoor seating, as well as a separate bar area. Metered street parking when you can find an available spot. Metered lot nearby, & public garages nearby as well. Friendly staff, fair paced service. Typical Mexican themed interior. I've been here a time or two before, was not a fan of the food, but today was actually good. Had the sliders, one of each, & it was enjoyable. Had a lot of their margaritas, they were very good. This review is simple, cause I went there for another purpose, & ended up snapping 3 quick photos out of habit. Grades: Sliders: B+ Margaritas: A+
We lovvvvvve River & Rail..! It's a Mexican restaurant that actually is cozy and fun. I usually get the steak quesadilla and fries...BEST STEAK QUESADILLA anywhere...BEYOND fresh... But last week I decided to try the combo mini burrito and taco...omg ...SO YUMMY! We have a favorite server....Jessica...if you are lucky enough to get her, I can assure you that you'll get the very best service. She is not only attentive, but she makes you feel like you're visiting her home. In the summer, they have the outdoor patio ...it gets CROWDED....but it's very fun!