Riverboat slogan: "Home of the Big Name Bands."

The Riverboat was a formerly famous New York City nightclub that’s name was an homage to Mark Twain. It was housed in the Empire State Building and was a big deal during the 1960s and 1970s, when Lüchows was still legendary and the Auto-Pub was on the radar. The ticket stub bears the Riverboat’s catchphrase: “Home of the Big Name Bands.”

The club’s fortunes had flagged by the ’60s but were revived by Latvian immigrant restaurateur Jan Mitchell, who brought in amazing acts like Count Basie. Mitchell was known for rescuing faded franchises and had previously reinvigorated Lüchows and Longchamps. He ultimately sold his holdings to the Riese Organization in 1967. That company’s taste in music wasn’t quite as good, as you can see in this excerpt about the Riverboat from the April 19, 1976 New York magazine:

“Beginning next Monday, the Riverboat, New York’s most opulent nightclub (in the Empire State Building) is commencing an ambitious 10 week presentation of the great names that have been away from New York too long.

Aside to the current ‘Tie & Jackets Set’ who were dubbed ‘hippies’ or ‘Rock freaks’ in the ’60s–Remember Mickey Dolenz of the Monkees, Mary Wells, Gary Lewis & the Playboys, Sam Sham & the Pharaohs?? They’ll all appear at the Riverboat in sequence. No increase in the incredible Riverboat ‘Nite on the Town’ deal of All You Can Drink, Steak, Dancing, plus a concert by these legendary Golden Oldies greats. It’s only $11.95 plus $2.50 music charge for the whole deal. And just in time for Prom season. Call Miss Foy at the Riverboat 736-6210 for the details.”