For twenty years, a breathtaking spot on the end cap of Riverwalk Place Retail Promenade in West New York has been the subject of lengthy legal battles. The prized riverfront space with panoramic Manhattan views sat empty as litigation between the condo association and the commercial owner played out. Finally, this first-generation location will open this spring as West & Co. Waterfront Brasserie.
Prominent restaurant operator Jeremy Casilli and NYC real estate power player Michael Besen are working together to bring another Casilli eatery to the Hudson River waterfront. West & Co. will set up shop in the end cap of the West New York retail promenade at 45 Riverwalk Place. The strategy is “activating premier waterfront properties with high design, experience-driven hospitality concepts.” For West & Co., the concept is a classic American Brasserie as seen through an Art Deco lens.
“Waterfront dining isn’t just about a view,” commented Casilli. “It’s about creating an experience that lives up to it.”
The food will celebrate indulgent comfort foods and classic brasserie fare designed for sharing. There will be plenty of seafood with a robust raw bar overflowing with clams, oysters, and seafood towers. The menu showcases favorite staples with a touch of showmanship. Diners will enjoy Mussels & Frites, Chicken Paillard, Branzino Amandine, Octopus Carpaccio, Nicoise and Bibb Lettuce Greens, Crispy Artichokes, French Onion Soup, a vegetarian “Veal” Parmigiana, a proprietary French Dip, and overloaded “OG” Baked Potatoes.
The 1920’s-inspired ‘liquor candy shop” bar will revive classic specialty cocktails including Brandy Alexanders, Vieux Carrés, Grasshoppers and Sidecars. Sharing the spotlight with these nostalgic drinks, a broad selection of wines, and a deep collection of spirits will further captivate guests.
The new 250-seat space is designed around a dramatic white oak central column. “The Oak Cascade” serves as a central cathedral canopy, anchoring the entire main room. Curved banquettes and fine hand-carved corbels create a feeling of intimacy while massive windows allow natural light to fill the restaurant. Terrazzo-style floors, cane-backed chairs, and natural wood give West & Co. a hand-crafted 1920’s vibe. JL Conrad Furnishings of Ohio provided many elements of the installation. Vanessa Deleon and Tim Davis from VDA Design executed the overall design vision
One more thing that will set West & Co. apart is an invitation-only speakeasy accessed through the kitchen and up a hidden staircase. For those lucky enough to get an invite, the intimate Wax Room will feature a broad collection of more than 1,000 vinyl records. Guests can spin albums and enjoy a drink in a private retreat.
“This space was always meant to be activated,” Casilli said. “It just needed the right timing and the right hands. The best part of being on the water is that you have an ever-changing backdrop, a living, breathing landscape that never stands still. The light shifts, the skyline glows, and vessels pass by throughout the day, creating a constant sense of movement and energy. It’s a view that’s never the same twice.”
Casilli’s portfolio includes four other Hudson River spots. 3 Westerly in Ossining offers superior outdoor dining with grand sunsets. Drift Restaurant & Bar, located at the Lincoln Harbor Burr–Hamilton duel site in Weehawken, features the only 360-degree rotating dining experience in New Jersey. Hudson & Co. in Jersey City boasts spectacular views of NYC’s downtown skyline. A second Jersey City spot, The Atelier on the Hudson, is a first-rate waterfront event venue.
West & Co. will be coming to West New York in late April.
