Looking for a memorable American restaurant experience in Battle Creek, MI? Clara's on the River is a top-rated dining destination known for its welcoming atmosphere, flavorful American cuisine, and consistently praised guest experience.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed lunch, a family dinner, or a special night out, Clara’s on the River brings together classic American favorites, fresh ingredients, and attentive hospitality in a setting that feels both comfortable and elevated.
For guests searching for a trusted American restaurant in Battle Creek, MI, Clara’s on the River offers the quality, warmth, and local charm that make every meal feel worthwhile.
To learn more about Clara’s on the River, the leading American restaurant in Battle Creek, MI, explore a dining experience designed to satisfy local food lovers and visiting guests alike.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at Clara's on the River
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
refried and black beans, montery jack and cheddar cheese, guacamole, black olives, seasoned sour cream, more cheese, chives, tomatoes and parsley, served with tortilla chips and salsa
button mushrooms lightly battered and fried, served with horseradish sauce
two large roasted portobello mushrooms are stuffed with warm spinach, artichoke heart, crabmeat, sauteed onions and cream cheese, then topped with melted monterey jack and parmesan cheese
six tender slow cooked pork ribs covered with our special bbq sauce and served with french fries
eight large steamed shrimp with cocktail sauce and lemon
sauteed onions simmered in a rich homemade broth, topped with croutons, swiss cheese and parmesan cheese.
broccoli, cheddar cheese in a thick creamy soup.
jamaican style spicy bean soup, topped with a hint of sour cream.
each day we prepare a different soup. please ask your server for our special
a favorite around here! tossed greens with diced pepperoni, provolone, croutons and red onion. served with your choice of dressing
a bowl of fresh spinach greens, sunflower nuts, provolone cheese, bacon bits, fresh mushrooms, eggs, croutons and creamy bacon dressing
a mound of tossed greens topped with crumbled bacon, turkey, ham, cheddar, provolone, black olives, croutons, egg and tomato. served with your choice of dressing
southern fried chicken strips and bacon pieces on top of tossed greens, cheddar cheese, diced egg and diced tomato with a sweet honey mustard ranch dressing
grilled chicken breast atop crisp lettuce tossed with a spicy ranch dressing. topped with red peppers, corn, black beans, pico de gallo, crisp corn tortilla strips and cheddar cheese
a san francisco salad with bands of crumbled bacon, diced chicken breast, cheddar cheese, diced boiled egg, black olives, tomato, diced avocado and crumbled bleu cheese. served with your choice of dressing
fajita-style grilled chicken, grilled green peppers and onions and melted jack and cheddar cheese in a grilled tortilla shell. topped with diced tomatoes and black olives. served with sour cream, guacamole, jalapenos and salsa.
crabmeat, spinach, artichoke hearts, sauteed onions, monterey jack and creamed cheeses are grilled in a flour tortilla and topped with diced tomato and black olives. sour cream, guacamole, jalapenos, and salsa are on the side.
jumbo onion rings and, bacon and cheese potato skins and fried mozzarella sticks. ... served with sour cream and marinara sauce
a basket of four of our delicious cheesy breadsticks with marinara sauce for dipping
a mountain of tortilla chips, cheese, lettuce, tomato and your choice of one of the styles listed below. guacamole, jalapeno peppers, salsa, and sour cream are served on the side
a generous wedge of new york style cheesecake resting on a thick layer of fudge, covered with a caramel sauce, garnished with chopped pecans and placed on a graham cracker butter crust
dark chocolate crumb crust filled with homemade velvety chocolate mousse, crunchy chocolate wafer chunks, and bittersweet milk chocolate bits. then we decorate the top with whipped cream, and chocolate syrup
creamy cheesecake rests on top of a butter shortbread cookie crust, topped with strawberries in syrup
a moist, hot brownie, covered with french vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup
classic carrot cake, covered in a cream cheese confection, creating copious cravings and causing the constant clamor of consummate connoisseurs crossing cleveland to corpus christi
Hear from our valued guests
Clara's on the River is an amazing historic building with an incredible restaurant. The service was fantastic, as was the food, decor and atmosphere.
Great location in a former train station with wonderful views in any direction (the river, the garden patio, the cityscape). The interior decoration is fascinating and historical. The menu is upscale pub fare with some added entrée choices including Michigan seafood selections. The staff is warm and helpful - an all 'round great dining experience for us.
You have got to take the drive to Battle Creek and check out this absolutely amazing restaurant. The setting is an old train station and the architecture is amazing. Right downtown on the river and surrounded by awesome buildings. You can check out the WK Kellogg headquarters which is a tiny walk away. The menu is ridiculous with something for everyone, it's 6 pages long and I have never had a good meal, they have all been great or fantastic. Plenty of Gluten Free options if you need or want it. Have had an annual meal there for the last 5 years and always look forward to it.
Lovely restaurant with a deep history, it's like visiting a museum. The food was lovely and delicious and well priced. The service was efficient and friendly. All in all, a great dining experience with a unique historical experience to go with it. My daughter loved it so much she even left them a picture that they hung up, which was nice of them, it made her day.
Very fun atmosphere, good food, friendly service. The rosemary bread on the BLT is awesome and a very nice change. The staff were very kind in telling us about the restaurant and where to start looking at all the history. Very happy we stopped here for lunch.
A Top notch staff tells me people like their job, they must love working here. The service is excellent. We came for the Sunday brunch. It is mainly breakfast items, but everything is fresh and hot. We both had made-to-order omelettes. There's a good selection of toppings for freshly made mini waffles. They do have tossed salad, sausage, bacon, potatoes and anything else you'd expect for a buffet. To finish it all off, some desert items. Come hungry, it's well worth the price. Thank you Clara's for an outstanding Easter brunch buffet!!
We go to Clara's fairly often and during a recent visit service was pretty slow- (maybe someone in training)- definitely not the usual service we are accustomed too. Later during the meal, the manager came over (we had not said anything) she apologized for the slow service and offered a dessert as a courtesy and gesture of goodwill. It was appreciated and welcomed as it was my birthday too ;) That shows the kind of establishment they are and why they have been successful for so long in Battle Creek. Always great food no matter what you order and the carrot cake was so good!
Outdoor seating was fantastic. Jade was an attentive and efficient waitress.
The reastruant has an old fashioned charm and a beautiful view of the river. Our food arrived quickly and had an authentic Italian flovor. Bravo!
I was looking for a place to sit at the bar so I chose Clara's on the River in Battle Creek. Lots of sitting room for patrons but the bar was quite small. The service was a bit slow for being a cozy afternoon without many customers, but the Espresso Martini was on point, I also had the Chicken Noodle Soup and of course that was delicious. I didnt know Children are allowed to sit at the bar, so that surprised me but all in all I enjoyed by visit and plan to go back. By the way the Espresso Martini was only $7.79, to me, thats a great price.
Common questions about Clara's on the River
Clara's on the River is located at 44 McCamly St, Battle Creek, MI 49017, United States, Battle Creek, MI, United States.
You can reach Clara's on the River by calling +1 269-963-0966.
Clara's on the River has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 3131 customer reviews.
Clara's on the River features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Clara's on the River features the following service options: Outdoor seating, Kerbside pickup, Delivery, On-site services, Takeaway, Dine-in.
Clara's on the River features the following highlights: Fast service, Fireplace, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great coffee, Great dessert, Great tea selection, Great wine list, Live music, Serves local specialty.
Clara's on the River features the following popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining.
Clara's on the River features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Comfort food, Happy-hour drinks, Healthy options, Private dining room, Small plates, Spirits, Vegetarian options, Wine.
Clara's on the River features the following dining options: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
Clara's on the River features the following amenities: Bar on site, Restroom, Wi-Fi, Free Wi-Fi.
Clara's on the River features the following atmosphere: Casual, Cozy, Historic, Quiet, Romantic, Trendy.
Clara's on the River features the following crowd: Family friendly, Groups, Tourists.
Clara's on the River features the following planning: Brunch reservations recommended, Accepts reservations.
Clara's on the River features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments.
Clara's on the River features the following children: Good for kids, Has changing table(s), High chairs, Kids' menu.
Clara's on the River features the following parking: Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Plenty of parking.
Business Features
We look forward to welcoming you. Make a reservation or stop by - walk-ins welcome!
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