The River Café at 1 Water Street: DUMBO Waterfront Dining Beneath the Brooklyn Bridge

The River Café at 1 Water Street sits on a barge beneath the Brooklyn Bridge and has served prix-fixe dinners with a famous Manhattan skyline view since 1977. The dining room is elegant and romantic, and the restaurant is popular for proposals and special occasions.

DUMBO, short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is a cobblestone waterfront neighborhood with Brooklyn Bridge Park, art galleries and restaurants. Staying nearby puts the restaurant in walking distance, with Lower Manhattan a short ferry or subway ride across the river.

Subway Lines & Walking Distance to Water Street and the Brooklyn Bridge

The A and C stop at High Street–Brooklyn Bridge, about a fifteen-minute walk from the restaurant. The F stops at York Street, about ten minutes away, and the 2 and 3 stop at Clark Street in Brooklyn Heights. The East River Ferry stops at Fulton Ferry Landing, steps from the River Café.

From Midtown Manhattan, the A or C takes about 20 minutes to High Street. Check the MTA app for weekend service changes. Walking over the Brooklyn Bridge from City Hall takes about 30 minutes and ends near DUMBO.

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge at 60 Furman Street: Eco-Luxury Hotel with a Rooftop Pool

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge at 60 Furman Street occupies a waterfront building in Brooklyn Bridge Park, with a rooftop pool, natural materials and sweeping views of the skyline. Rooms are spacious and designed with reclaimed wood.

Rates usually start above $650. The walk to the River Café takes about ten minutes along the waterfront path. It suits couples who want a luxury hotel with a pool and a view, and who plan a special dinner.

Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge at 333 Adams Street: Large Hotel Near Borough Hall

The Brooklyn Marriott at 333 Adams Street, near Johnson Street, is a large full-service hotel in Downtown Brooklyn with a restaurant, fitness center and many room types. It sits near Borough Hall and the courts.

NU Hotel Brooklyn at 85 Smith Street: Boutique Hotel Near Brooklyn Heights

The NU Hotel Brooklyn at 85 Smith Street, between Atlantic Avenue and State Street, is a small boutique hotel in Boerum Hill with simple, modern rooms. The area has restaurants along Smith Street.

Ace Hotel Brooklyn at 252 Schermerhorn Street: Social Hotel in Downtown Brooklyn

The Ace Hotel Brooklyn at 252 Schermerhorn Street, at Hoyt Street, offers a stylish lobby, a bar and rooms with vintage-inspired design. It sits near the A, C and G at Hoyt–Schermerhorn Streets.

River Café Prix-Fixe Dinner, Dress Code & Things to Do in DUMBO

Dinner at the River Café is prix-fixe, with a multi-course menu of seasonal dishes, and prices are high. Dress is smart, and reservations open weeks ahead, especially for window tables. Ask for a table with a skyline view.

Best Time to Visit DUMBO & Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City

Sunset in spring and fall brings golden light on the skyline, and summer brings movies and events at the park. Winter evenings are cold, but the restaurant’s windows frame a glittering view. Weekends are crowded.

JFK, LaGuardia & Newark Airport to DUMBO by Taxi and Subway

From JFK, a taxi to DUMBO takes about 35 to 60 minutes. By transit, take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and the E train to Court Square, then the F to York Street, about 80.

2026 NYC Hotel Nightly Rates & Booking Tips in DUMBO & Brooklyn Heights

Plan on about $650 or more for a luxury hotel like 1 Hotel, $320 to $480 for stylish boutique hotels and $195 to $295 for value hotel rooms in Downtown Brooklyn. Midweek is cheaper than.

Brooklyn Bridge Park Walks, Jane’s Carousel & DUMBO Photo Spots

Brooklyn Bridge Park stretches along the East River with lawns, piers and playgrounds. Jane’s Carousel, in a glass pavilion at Empire Fulton Ferry, is a favorite for families, and Washington Street offers the famous view.

DUMBO Hotel Noise, Luggage & Transportation Tips

DUMBO’s cobblestones and narrow streets can be tricky with luggage, so ask your hotel about drop-off points. Rooms facing the bridges can be loud from traffic and trains, so request a higher floor.

Which Hotel Should You Book Near The River Café?

Choose 1 Hotel for luxury, the Marriott for a large chain stay, the NU Hotel for a quiet boutique base and the Ace for a social hotel. All sit within a short walk or ride.

Common questions