Our Story
With Café by the River, Chef José Andrés reimagines the classic American coffee shop and café with a touch of his signature Spanish flair.
In Spain, a café is more than a place to grab a cup of coffee. It’s a hub for conversation, new ideas, and, of course, enjoying a bite to eat. Café by the River takes that ethos and ushers it into the modern era, combining the flavors and hospitality of Spanish cafés with the convenience of an American coffee shop. The café sits on the river walk level of the soaring 55-story The Bank of America Tower, providing office workers with fuel and a side of Chicago River views all day long. With online ordering available for those who want a quick morning caffeine jolt, as well as a bright, airy dining room dotted with greenery for those who’d like to linger over lunch with friends, Café by the River has something for everyone as Chicagoans head back to the office.
Café by the River offers a full coffee and tea menu. The food selections — which include all-day breakfast, sandwiches, salads, and pastries — are inflected with Spanish flavors (a breakfast sandwich on Pan de Cristal bread, grilled cheese made with four Spanish cheeses, and the signature xuixo, a crispy fried cream-filled pastry rolled in sugar). To-go and catering packages ensure that meetings and coffee breaks are a step above typical conference room boxed lunches. In the café, service is always friendly and quick — but never rushed — to ensure office workers don’t have to travel far from their desks to enjoy a delicioso meal or snack.