Welcome to The River Downtown

Welcome to The River Downtown, your neighborhood watering hole and gathering place in the heart of California’s Gold Country. Housed in a historic downtown building, our space blends the soul of a rustic mining town with a modern edge. We're here to celebrate connection — to good food, flowing drinks, and the people who make this community vibrant.

We offer a curated selection of local and regional beer, hard and soft kombucha, rotating wine, and thoughtful zero-proof sips. Our taps flow from a wall of river rock, capped with crystal tap handles — a nod to the natural beauty that surrounds us.

Our menu features globally inspired small plates meant for sharing, savoring, and exploring. From fresh, seasonal ingredients to creative pairings that highlight our drink offerings, we believe in food that’s both elevated and approachable.

Come for the sips. Share the stories. Savor the tastes. This is The River Downtown — where flavor, community, and a sense of place meet.

 At The River Downtown, our mission is to offer a welcoming space where community, creativity, and connection flow together. As a family-owned establishment, we are committed to serving up small plates with big personality, rotating taps, and a come-as-you-are vibe. We celebrate the spirit of togetherness — honoring our roots, our town’s rich history, and the simple joy of gathering around great food and drink.    

  • Jimmy

    A lifelong builder and problem-solver, Jimmy brings a hands-on approach and a creative eye to everything from design to operations. With a background in semiconductor manufacturing start-ups and a deep love for carpentry and construction, he helped shape the space you see today — quite literally. After years spent living in Santa Cruz (where his two children and six grandchildren still reside), Jimmy now enjoys staying active, traveling, and striking up conversations with just about everyone he meets.

  • Christine

    The heart and hustle behind many of our ideas, Christine is a longtime local who moved to the area in 2005 and raised her three children here. With a background in real estate, homebuilding, and design, she brings a strong sense of style, spatial flow, and warmth to our concept. Christine thrives in the outdoors and finds joy in laughter, camping trips, and adventurous pursuits — all of which inspire the grounded yet vibrant spirit of The River Downtown.

  • Charles (Charlie)

    Always drawn to hospitality, Charles brings culinary curiosity and heart to the kitchen. After a pivot from Barber School in Boise due to the pandemic, he returned home and immersed himself in restaurant life, landing an intensive apprenticeship under a respected local chef. Charlie now channels his creativity into crafting flavorful, elevated dishes that reflect both skill and soul. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him soaking up the serenity of the Yuba River, walking his dog, or gathering with friends to share laughter, food, and conversation. He and his girlfriend Cheyanne love entertaining and whipping up meals and desserts to bring people together.

  • Olivia (Liv)

    Liv is known for her positive energy, love of the outdoors, a good book, and, of course, a great drink. The rockstar at our core, Olivia’s dependability and strength are what allowed us to begin this dream. With a background in nutrition and a sharp sense for hospitality, Olivia took an unexpected leap into restaurant life and found her calling. After returning home from her studies in San Luis Obispo, she quickly rose from server to manager, thanks to her talent for organization, detail, and creating a welcoming experience. Her travels to many countries deepens her worldview and appreciation for food, culture, and connection. She is always creating in the kitchen. (She would secretly like to work in the kitchen with Charlie) Last but not least, her beloved pet babies make home life as rich and joyful as her travels.