The River Café (Brooklyn)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Founder | Michael O'Keeffe |
| Headquarters | Brooklyn, New York City , United States |
| Products | Fine dining, American cuisine, California wines |
The River Café operates as a dining establishment situated on a repurposed coffee barge located beneath the Brooklyn Bridge on the East River. It has historically provided ferry transportation from Wall Street. Established in 1977 by Michael O'Keeffe, a restaurateur with multiple New York City venues, it was one of the early fine dining spots to emphasize organic and locally sourced ingredients, American-style cuisine, and upscale California wines. After sustaining significant damage during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the restaurant resumed operations in February 2014.
History and operations
Michael "Buzzy" O'Keeffe, who also manages Manhattan’s Water Club, launched The River Café in 1977 on leased waterfront property in Brooklyn following a dozen years of securing permits and preparations. In 1981, prior to the availability of NYC Ferry service to the area now called Dumbo, the restaurant introduced its own ferry route from Wall Street. This initiative contributed to revitalizing what had been a neglected waterfront district.
At a time when New York’s upscale dining predominantly highlighted French wines, The River Café was a pioneer in promoting organic, free-range produce and local sourcing while showcasing premium California wines. It also played a key role in elevating American cuisine within the fine dining scene.
The establishment benefits from long-standing staff members, including a wine director with over four decades of service. It is recognized for fostering prominent American chefs such as Larry Forgione, Charlie Palmer, David Burke, and Rick Laakkonen. Since 2000, Brad Steelman has held the position of executive chef.
Despite shifts in the restaurant industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The River Café continues to enforce a dress code requiring jackets. In 2012, accusations surfaced claiming the restaurant discriminated against patrons dressed casually or wearing Orthodox Jewish attire by strictly applying a minimum charge policy that was waived only for undercover journalists.
In May 2019, actress Jennifer Lawrence and her then-fiancé Cooke Maroney celebrated their engagement party at The River Café, an event attended by notable guests including actress Emma Stone.
Hurricane Sandy
Located on an underwater pier in the East River, within a former coffee barge structure, The River Café endured severe flooding damage during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. The flood caused corrosion of electrical systems, loss of food and wine inventory, and destruction of antiques along with a piano. Mold growth required replacement of interior walls. Although reopening was initially targeted for late 2013, repairs extended beyond one year. The restaurant eventually reopened in February 2014, adjusted its wine program focus, and regained its Michelin star that same year. However, it lost its Michelin star status in the 2023 guide.