River North Public House

River North Public House River North is now available for private events, catering, and off-site gatherings.

After nearly 6 years as a neighborhood restaurant & bar, we're shifting our focus to what we’ve always done best: creating memorable experiences to bring people together.

This week we are no longer open as a neighborhood restaurant. I am incredibly grateful for the River North staff, I empl...
06/04/2025

This week we are no longer open as a neighborhood restaurant. I am incredibly grateful for the River North staff, I employed 55 team members over six years here, with 30% employed 2-5 years here. Wow, thank you!

We appreciate the greater Creston neighborhood, our guests, regulars, neighbors, business neighbors & community organizations who showed up at River North over the years.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!!!

Like the Phoenix, we are rising and evolving. This summer, River North is transitioning into a private event space and catering, booking June through August. We’re also selling a lot of our decor.

Our team worked hard to provide delicious food and beverages in a welcoming neighborhood space that valued community heart.

We tried to put care into every service, every gathering, every small moment that made this place feel like home. A lot of days, the orchestra of a running restaurant worked wonderfully, some days it didn’t. We’re sorry if we ever fell short on your experience.

Folks will say they never heard of us… others will say how we deserved to close down because ‘this one time at River North…’

We still wish you the best!

We know River North meant something to many. To those who worked here, whether for a season or for 4 years. To those who joyfully gathered here. To those who felt nurtured here. To those who healed here, felt at home here, safe here. This place was community.

Thanks again for you! I hope to see you this summer at an event, around the neighborhood, or out in the beautiful world we all share.

With gratitude and heart always…

Rachel Lee
River North

Event contact information and to sign up for our huge decor sale notification are listed on our website.

Cheers! https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2025/06/a-hail-mary-didnt-save-a-struggling-a-grand-rapids-restaurant.html

*Pictures are projects work-in-progress.

06/01/2025

Hey Friends!

As we wind down our last day serving you, we the staff wanted to take a moment to share some final thoughts and goodbyes.

It’s hard to truly put into words how amazing you all have been to us. Day in and day out y'all have shown up for us in ways that go beyond what we could have ever asked for. You’ve helped us get through the tough days, been understanding on the busy days, and have always shown up with a smile. You’ve shown us respect and kindness even on our worst days. You’ve given us the space to be the unique individuals we are, and took interest in knowing more about all of us.

What happened here is magic, there’s no doubt about it. No one came into this job expecting to build a community around them, and yet- WE did that! While we’re all saddened to part ways and start new chapters, we find solace knowing there’s a whole community of people cheering for us!

So THANK YOU! Thank you for giving us a place to grow, a place to learn and a place to heal. Thank you for trying our food and drink creations and giving your honest feedback. Thanks for choosing to let us into your lives and even more so, for being a part of ours. Thank you for choosing to spend your limited free time with us. Whether it was just a quick stop for a bite, or hours sitting at the bar, we thoroughly enjoyed your presence. We truly hope you all bring this same energy to your next go-to spot so they can also experience how great YOU are.

Take care of yourselves, enjoy the sun and may we all cross paths again.

Tonight’s the night. Our kitchen closes at 9:30 PM and that’s a wrap on full-service food & bar at River North. Wow, wha...
05/31/2025

Tonight’s the night. Our kitchen closes at 9:30 PM and that’s a wrap on full-service food & bar at River North. Wow, what a season...

Like most businesses, it started with a dream. A dream to build something meaningful. To evolve. To provide. To support. To give back.

To be able to do River North alongside our community and my family? That’s the real magic. And the appreciation we have for YOU runs deep.

Here are a few photos from the early days… back when this was just a vision, and a whole lot of hope. The goal was always to create a third space. A place for people to gather, unwind, feel seen, and celebrate life’s moments big and small.

And we did just that. Together.

Thank you for showing up for a women-owned and operated neighborhood restaurant. Thank you for making this place feel like home.

To our River North Team, past and present, your heart is woven into every memory made here. I appreciate YOU!

This isn’t a sad goodbye. It’s a transition. A lotus flower blooms in the mud.

We’re excited to launch into our 2025 summer offering: a beautiful event space and catering for the community we love so much.

Let’s keep gathering. Let’s keep celebrating. Let’s keep growing.

For private event or catering inquiries, reach out to [email protected].

With love and endless gratitude,
Rachel Lee
River North

After nearly six years as a neighborhood restaurant and bar, River North is stepping into a new chapter.Beginning June 4...
05/28/2025

After nearly six years as a neighborhood restaurant and bar, River North is stepping into a new chapter.

Beginning June 4, we will no longer be open for daily service. Instead, our space will be available for private events, celebrations, workshops, nonprofit night out, and more. A beautiful place to gather with purpose and joy. Sprinkle some River North jazz to your next meeting or event with our curated catering services.

We are so grateful and thankful to our community: our River North Team and our supporters. You made this place what it is.

We have absolutely loved being a part of your lives. We loved celebrating you! YOU!

From sitting at our bar to unwind after a long day, to sharing a great night out. From graduation parties to retirement to your 99th birthday celebration. We were here for your first date, for the surprise engagement party you threw for your best friend, for the post-wedding brunch with family, and your child’s first birthday party.

You came in to read a book at the bar. To meet friends. To reconnect with family. To feel nurtured. To laugh. To cry. To be yourself. To relax...

To the many librarians who loved us. To the regulars who became chosen family. To those who walked in once and found something special. To all the kiddos who made art here.

We were here.
And we’re still here.

Just shifting into a new way of showing up for you. If you are planning a celebration, an event, a private dinner, or a large gathering that is curated with warmth, intention, and beauty, serving delicious food and beverages, we would be honored to host you here or provide catering services brought to you!

This next chapter is full of possibilities. This week, it’s all about River North. We’d love to see you to say thank you…

Forever Grateful,

Rachel Lee
River North

OPEN MAY 28 - MAY 31
Wednesday - Thursday 4PM - 9PM
Friday 4PM - 10PM
Saturday 12PM - 10PM

If you’ve ever passed by River North on Thanksgiving or Christmas over the past years, you might have thought we were op...
05/07/2025

If you’ve ever passed by River North on Thanksgiving or Christmas over the past years, you might have thought we were open. The lights were on, the energy was alive, and the sound of laughter and conversation filled the space. In truth, it was the Lee family privately celebrating the holidays with loved ones in the warmest way we know how… around the table sharing a memorable meal.

Food has always been an essential focal point in our family. Our extended family reunions revolved around gathering for meals, where fellowship and family time came first. We grew up going to our grandparents’ home weekly for multicourse feasts. Summer reunions meant big cookouts with our great uncles taking turns at the grill. We were raised in a family that nurtured each other with delicious food, shared beverages, and unwavering support in welcoming, hospitable environments.

With delicious food at the heart of our lives, how wonderful it is to be part of a family that inspires building both community and family through shared meals and open doors.

On Saturday, May 3, my beloved older brother, Paul Lee, passed away, around the same time our Lee and Wong families came together to honor the remarkable 100-year life of our Grandma Lee.

Paul lived a big life, rooted in family, creativity, and care for community. Alongside his wife Jess, Paul built meaningful third places throughout our community, especially along historic Wealthy Street in the East Hills neighborhood: Wi******er, Donkey, Hancock & All In Hospitality. Our sympathies to all the restaurant teams as they navigate this huge loss too.

Cheers to you, Paul. Thank you for the meals, the memories, and the community. Your legacy lives on at the tables we gather around.

On behalf of my family, we are incredibly grateful for the many words of support, kindness, sympathies, offers of help, and for checking in. We appreciate you!

https://www.zaagman.com/obituaries/Paul-Lee?obId=42363119

Last night was a really special night at River North. We hosted i understand for our Nonprofit Night Out, and the energy...
05/01/2025

Last night was a really special night at River North. We hosted i understand for our Nonprofit Night Out, and the energy in the room was heavy with emotion, hope, laughter, & fellowship.

i understand, is a local nonprofit dedicated to providing compassionate comfort, hope, and understanding to those affected by su***de or mental/brain health illness and pain.

At River North, we say we’re more than a restaurant, we’re a third place for community. A third place to gather, to be nourished, to exhale, to feel human again.

Last night, the stories shared were raw, brave, and honest. People showed up who had been carrying pain in silence. Some walked in alone, not knowing a soul, but left feeling heard, supported & connected.

This week, as owner of River North Public House, I shared part of my story… navigating life after my oldest brother’s su***de in 1996, the journey of parenting an amazing teenager who last year tried to leave this world twice at the age of 15, and the ache of grief. And what came back to me were stories from others. From parents. From caregivers. From family. From best friends. From people trying to make it through the day while holding it all together.

To every single person who showed up, thank you. Your presence, your truth, your pain… it matters. You matter.

So let’s do it again! Since i understand offers critical resources for families for help — providing pathways to healing, and connecting survivors and families to support groups — we’ve decided to extend our Nonprofit Night Out support tonight from 4 PM - 9 PM at River North.

None of us are alone… even if it feels that way.

If you’re going through it right now, please know:

You are not alone.
There is community.
There is support.
We are here to hold space for you.
You matter.

River North does more than nourish you with delicious food & beverages… it’s good for your heart & peaceful to your mind.

988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline

This week Wednesday, our ‘Nonprofit Night Out’ hits close to home for many families in West Michigan, including our own....
04/29/2025

This week Wednesday, our ‘Nonprofit Night Out’ hits close to home for many families in West Michigan, including our own.

River North, a locally women-owned neighborhood restaurant and bar on Wednesday, April 30th from 4 PM to 9 PM is hosting 'i understand,' a local nonprofit dedicated to providing compassionate comfort, hope, and understanding to those affected by su***de or mental/brain health illness and pain.

We all carry pain that others may not see. Su***de is the second leading cause of death among middle and high school students aged 12-18.

'i understand' holds a deeply personal place in my heart as the owner of River North. Having lost my oldest brother to su***de when he was 24, I personally understand the grief & pain families go through after loss.

Over the fall and winter of 2024, I walked through the unimaginable again as my amazing 15-year-old son survived two su***de attempts. As parents and caregivers, navigating teenage mental health struggles can often feel overwhelmingly isolating. Many suffer silently, unsure where to turn or how to find support and help.

The truth is: the more we share our grief, our struggles, and our stories, the more we create safe spaces for others to reach out for help too.

None of us are alone… even if it feels that way.

'i understand' offers critical resources for families for help — providing pathways to healing, ways to get more involved and connecting survivors and families to valuable support groups.

I am grateful my teenage son is receiving treatment and I am thankful for organizations like 'i understand' for supporting me and countless others on our healing journey. By dining in or ordering takeout from River North this Wednesday, you’re not just supporting a local restaurant… you’re helping support hope, compassion, and healing for families right here in our community.

Together, we can change the conversation.

Together, we can help one another heal…

i understand River North Public House Creston Neighborhood Association

Three Ways to Support River North to Help Keep Our Doors Open...The past two weeks slowed us down, and your immediate su...
04/23/2025

Three Ways to Support River North to Help Keep Our Doors Open...

The past two weeks slowed us down, and your immediate support can truly make a difference in helping us bounce back! We appreciate your support, thank you!

1. Make a Reservation or Plan A Party:
Planning to visit River North soon? Reservations directly help our team plan for your experience. Reserve online or send us a direct message. Hosting a party? Send us a direct message to book your event.

2. Dine In, Take Out, or Delivery:
Join us this week, or next, for a handcrafted beverage, delicious dinner, quick snack, or leisurely Saturday lunch. Prefer eating at home or on-the-go? Ordering takeout or delivery online helps us tremendously!

3. Spread the Word:
Every share, tag, or personal recommendation means the world to us. Tell your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers about River North. We’re active in supporting nonprofits, community groups and volunteering for community-oriented events.

At River North, we’re proud to be a locally-owned, women-operated restaurant & bar. Our long-term team here works passionately to create a welcoming third space for our community.

Thank you deeply for helping keep our doors OPEN!

Cheers,
Rachel Lee
Owner & Operator
River North Public House
2115 Plainfield Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505

OPEN
Wednesday - Thursday 4 PM - 9 PM
Friday 4 PM - 10 PM
Saturday Noon - 10 PM

Rally Cry: We’d Love to See You!Your support (or even just a share) directly helps us recover from a slower spring break...
04/19/2025

Rally Cry: We’d Love to See You!

Your support (or even just a share) directly helps us recover from a slower spring break week and keeps our doors open longer. Dining in, meeting friends, or ordering takeout online. Thank you!

OPEN Saturday from 12–10 p.m. Stop in for great food, drinks, and community vibes.

We’re beyond grateful for our amazing team and for you, our guests, our River North fam.

Thanks to your support, this March was our busiest month of business in a year. We were excited to build on that momentum, and then the surprise passing of my grandmother in April had a great impact on me.

She was a constant source of strength and inspiration, and losing her so suddenly was incredibly hard. It reminded me how deeply this restaurant is rooted in family, love, and resilience. While I had to step back briefly to grieve and be with loved ones, I’m slowly finding my way back, carrying her spirit with me.

Thank you for your patience, your kindness when I dropped the ball, and for continuing to show up. We’re still here, still pushing forward, and more grateful than ever for this amazing community.

Wow, what a beautiful Saturday in the Creston neighborhood! The sun’s out, it’s warming up, and we’ve got our Burger & B...
04/12/2025

Wow, what a beautiful Saturday in the Creston neighborhood! The sun’s out, it’s warming up, and we’ve got our Burger & Beer deal going strong until 3 PM at River North.

We love seeing the neighborhood full of energy: neighbors out walking, soaking it all in. We work hard to be your go-to third space: welcoming, vibrant, and full of good vibes.

We have Masters on, the atmosphere is perfect, and the food (and beverages) are even better. Come hang with us today, we’d love to see you!

OPEN 12 PM - 10 PM

Hey friends! It’s spring break, the perfect time to heat up your week with a stop in River North! Whether you’re out exp...
04/09/2025

Hey friends! It’s spring break, the perfect time to heat up your week with a stop in River North! Whether you’re out exploring or just need a break from cooking, we’ve got something for everyone, especially the little ones.

Our kid-friendly menu is made to please even the pickiest eaters, and a big shoutout to our own team member, Abby for designing the adorable artwork on our kids’ menus.

Come check it out! OPEN 4-9 p.m.

🎉 TGIF! 🎉What a week it’s been! We were on the sharing our community work for the GR Neighborhood Summit, and we hosted...
03/28/2025

🎉 TGIF! 🎉

What a week it’s been! We were on the sharing our community work for the GR Neighborhood Summit, and we hosted a lively AARP Happy Hour event—because bringing people together is what we do best!

Now, let’s kick off the weekend with great food and even better company!

🐟Friday Feature: Our crispy, golden Fish & Chips—a must-try of our Walleye. OPEN 4-10 PM today.

🍔Saturday Lunch: Join us for Happy Hour Specials and our Saturday Burger Deal from 12-3 PM. OPEN 12-10 PM.

Community is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in giving back, creating opportunities, and making West Michigan a more welcoming place for all. By dining with us, you’re supporting local and helping us keep our doors OPEN in the beautiful Creston neighborhood. Thank You! ❤️

We welcome you to be our guest at River North Public House.

Address

2115 Plainfield Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI
49505

Opening Hours

Wednesday 4pm - 9pm
Thursday 4pm - 9pm
Friday 4pm - 10pm
Saturday 12pm - 10pm

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