Last time we checked, there were more than 26,000 restaurants across New York’s five boroughs. But, even though we’re spoiled for choice, the River Café holds a special place in our hearts for several reasons. First, the iconic setting in Brooklyn’s DUMBO neighborhood, less than five miles from J. McLaughlin HQ. Located beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, the restaurant sits on a former coffee barge, offering Hollywood-worthy views of the East River and lower Manhattan. Second, the charming backstory. The River Café opened in 1977—the same year that Jay and Kevin McLaughlin founded our company. The owner, a friend of the McLaughlin brothers named Buzzy O’Keefe, had worked for 12 years, lobbying the city to let him open a restaurant in this gritty industrial area. (He still has a letter from City Hall, informing him that his idea was impossible.) Last but not least: the romance! From the first sip of champagne to the last luscious bite of the signature Chocolate Brooklyn Bridge dessert, date night at The River Café is always a magical, swoon-inducing experience.

Ready for a romantic autumn rendezvous at the River Café?

Here’s what to wear for lunch, brunch or dinner:

A timeless combo: Animal and camel. Pair our Ivana dress in animal print and top it off with our stylish bouclé Lark camel coat.

Neutral elegance. Our equestrian-print Lois silk twill shirt, white Lexi jeans, and this fall's must-have Sienna Clutch.

Show your stripes. A bit subtle, a bit statement, our Terin dress in Tigre (an elegant spin on tiger stripes).

And for him: our new Joel cardigan in Italian wool over a Carnegie shirt with our Taylor pant.