Bar frequented by Manhattan students to close earlier

Faced with a slew of noise complaints and the risk of losing its liquor license, Riverdale City Grill has pledged to begin closing its doors a couple of hours earlier – at 2 a.m. 

The bar at 3541 Riverdale Ave. has drawn criticism from local residents over the past year about the number of people, typically Manhattan College students, who pour in on a weekly basis. 

The topic arose at an Aug. 25 meeting of the Public Safety Committee of Community Board 8, when River City, as the bar is known colloquially, was applying to renew its liquor license.

Police special operations Lt. John Foder of the 50th precinct said the bar could lose its license because of the frequency of noise complaints.

“We get numerous, numerous complaints of the kids walking from there and coming back to the dorms,” Lt. Foder told the meeting. “All the bars that they are kind of frequenting, we are closing. Now it is River City’s turn.”

Jamie Albert, one of the owners of the bar and restaurant, said she had complied with police each time they responded to a complaint. But police officials argued it was not enough, and Ms. Albert responded by offering to close at 2 a.m. The bar used to stay open until 4 a.m., the same as the city average. 

“I don’t really know what else to do,” Ms. Albert said. She said she used to be on site during the night to make sure noise levels remain low, but stopped doing that after the birth of her child. 

Closing earlier could deter some students from coming in and making noise, Ms. Albert said during deliberations with Lt. Foder and the community board. Police will go along with the plan, but they will be making occasional visits on weekends to make sure employees are following through on the promise, Lt. Foder said.

“I don’t want to see you guys closing down, but I want you know we are going to be coming back, and it’s coming soon because the kids are starting college again,” Lt. Foder said. 

The issue has been “a sore spot” for the 50th precinct’s commanding officer, Deputy Inspector Terence O’Toole, who recommended pulling the bar’s license, Lt. Foder said.