You walk in for coffee and leave feeling inspired. That’s what happens when you combine exceptional art with genuine community connection.
Our rotating gallery features work from Riverdale and Bronx artists who understand this neighborhood’s creative spirit. You’ll discover paintings that capture local landmarks, photography that tells our community’s stories, and sculptures that spark conversations over your morning latte.
The difference isn’t just what’s on the walls. It’s how art becomes part of your day, not something you have to travel to Manhattan to experience. You get culture, caffeine, and connection all in one place.
We opened The Café Galerie because Riverdale deserved better than generic coffee shops. We’ve created something that reflects who we are as a community.
We’re the space that fills the gap left when other local coffee spots closed. Our founders saw how much this neighborhood values authentic experiences over corporate chains, quality over convenience.
Since opening, we’ve become the gathering place where local artists connect, families find activities for their kids, and neighbors catch up over expertly crafted drinks. We’re not trying to be Manhattan. We’re celebrating what makes Riverdale special.
Walk in and you’ll immediately notice the artwork rotating monthly on our walls. Each piece is available for purchase, with information cards explaining the artist’s story and connection to our community.
Order your coffee from baristas who know the difference between a good cup and a great one. We source our beans carefully and prepare each drink with attention to detail that matches our commitment to showcasing quality art.
Find your spot whether you’re here for a quick morning coffee, an afternoon of work at our community tables, or an evening event featuring local musicians and poets. The space adapts to what you need, when you need it.
Ready to get started?
Our monthly artist spotlights feature painters, photographers, sculptors, and mixed-media artists from Riverdale and the greater Bronx area. Each exhibition runs for four weeks, giving you time to connect with the work and the artist.
We host opening receptions on the first Friday of each month, complete with wine, light bites, and the chance to meet the featured artist. These aren’t stuffy gallery events. They’re neighborhood gatherings where art becomes accessible and conversation flows easily.
Between exhibitions, we offer workshops for kids and adults, poetry readings, and acoustic music nights. Riverdale has incredible creative talent, and we’re here to make sure it gets the recognition it deserves while building the kind of community connections that make neighborhoods thrive.
We showcase a diverse range of visual art from local Riverdale and Bronx artists, including paintings, photography, sculptures, mixed media, and digital art. Our monthly rotating exhibitions feature everything from landscape paintings of Van Cortlandt Park to urban photography capturing Riverdale Avenue’s changing character.
Each artist is carefully selected based on their connection to our community and the quality of their work. We prioritize artists who live or work in the area, though we occasionally feature artists from other parts of New York City who have strong ties to the Bronx. The goal is always to reflect the diverse creative voices that make our neighborhood special.
All artwork displayed is available for purchase, with prices clearly marked and artist information readily available. We handle the transaction details, making it easy for you to take home a piece that speaks to you.
Yes, we’ve designed our space with remote workers and students in mind. We have comfortable seating areas with reliable WiFi, plenty of electrical outlets, and a quiet atmosphere during daytime hours that’s perfect for focused work.
Our community tables are ideal for small group meetings or collaborative projects, while individual seating options work well for solo work sessions. We understand that coffee shops serve as essential third spaces in urban communities, especially for people working from home or students from nearby colleges.
We ask that laptop users be mindful of peak coffee hours (typically 7-9 AM and 2-4 PM) when seating is at a premium. During slower periods, you’re welcome to settle in for longer work sessions. We also offer day passes for frequent users who want guaranteed workspace access.
We serve specialty coffee sourced from sustainable farms and roasted by local New York roasters who share our commitment to quality. Our espresso-based drinks are crafted by trained baristas who understand that great coffee requires attention to detail at every step.
Our food menu focuses on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. You’ll find artisanal pastries baked daily, breakfast sandwiches made with organic eggs, and light lunch options including salads and sandwiches. We also offer vegan and gluten-free options to accommodate different dietary needs.
We change our seasonal menu quarterly to reflect what’s available from local suppliers and to keep things interesting for regular customers. Our goal is to complement the art experience with food and drinks that are thoughtfully prepared and fairly priced for the Riverdale community.
We rotate our main gallery exhibition monthly, with new artwork installed on the last weekend of each month and opening receptions held the first Friday of the following month. This gives each featured artist a full month of exposure while keeping the space fresh and engaging for regular visitors.
Between major exhibitions, we often feature smaller displays or collaborative pieces in designated areas of the cafe. We also host special events like group shows during holidays or themed exhibitions that celebrate specific aspects of Bronx culture and history.
If you’re interested in being featured as an artist, we review submissions quarterly and maintain a waiting list of local artists. We prioritize artists who are actively engaged in the Riverdale community and whose work reflects the diverse creative spirit of our neighborhood.
We regularly host workshops for both children and adults, including painting classes, photography basics, and creative writing sessions. These are typically held on weekend afternoons and are designed to be accessible to participants of all skill levels.
For private events, we can accommodate small gatherings of up to 30 people during non-peak hours. This works well for art-related celebrations, book clubs, or community organization meetings. We provide basic catering options and can work with you to incorporate art activities into your event.
We also partner with local schools and community organizations to offer educational programs that combine art appreciation with hands-on creative activities. These programs are particularly popular with families looking for engaging activities for their children that go beyond typical entertainment options.
We’re open Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours on weekends to accommodate both coffee lovers and evening event attendees. Weekday hours are 7 AM to 6 PM, while weekends we stay open until 9 PM to host our cultural programming and evening events.
Street parking is available on Riverdale Avenue and surrounding side streets, with most spots offering reasonable time limits during business hours. There’s also a municipal parking lot two blocks away that’s free on weekends and reasonably priced during weekdays.
We’re easily accessible by public transportation, with the 1 train at 242nd Street just a short walk away. Many of our regular customers combine visits to us with trips to nearby attractions like Wave Hill or Van Cortlandt Park, making us a natural stop in a day of exploring Riverdale’s cultural offerings.
Local Resources
Other Services we provide in Riverdale
