If you spent any time looking for a party in Central Jersey over the last decade, you’ve probably heard of Rho. Or maybe you knew it as Rho Ristorante. Or the "Discoteca." Or maybe you’re just confused because you drove past 50 Riverview Plaza recently and saw a sign for Cooper's Riverview instead.
Honestly, the story of Rho Trenton New Jersey is kind of a wild ride through the city's attempt to turn its industrial bones into a nightlife destination. It wasn't just a bar; it was this massive, multi-level Italian restaurant that would basically transform into a high-energy Vegas-style club the second the dinner plates were cleared.
The Rho Era: What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of people think Rho just vanished into thin air or went bankrupt. That’s not really the case. For years, Rho was the "it" spot for everything from Sweet 16s and Bar Mitzvahs to late-night sets by local DJs. It sat right on the Delaware River, taking over a building that literally used to be part of the Trenton Iron Works, dating back to 1874.
You’ve got to appreciate the irony. A place where workers used to forge iron cables for bridges—including the Brooklyn Bridge, fun fact—eventually became a place where people in dress shirts were doing shots of tequila on a Tuesday.
Rho worked because it felt "upscale casual." You could get a decent bowl of pasta or a "Rho Burger" with provolone and sun-dried tomato mayo, but you stayed for the light show. It had this 17,000-square-foot footprint that felt bottomless. But like anything in Trenton, the location was both its greatest asset and its biggest headache.
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Why the Name Changed (and Why It Matters)
Around 2018 and into 2019, the venue underwent a massive rebranding. It didn't close; it evolved. The owners shifted the vibe away from that "Discoteca" nightlife branding and leaned into something a bit more inclusive of the city’s history.
Enter Cooper’s Riverview.
If you go there today—and yes, it’s still very much active in 2026—you’ll find a spot that’s a bit more "riverfront pub" and a bit less "neon nightclub." They kept the waterfront deck, which is still one of the best places in Mercer County to grab a drink when the weather isn’t acting up.
Wait, what about the Sorority?
Okay, here is where people get super confused on Google. If you’re searching for "Rho Trenton" and you see things about the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, you’re looking at a completely different world. The Mu Lambda Sigma chapter is very active in the Trenton area, and they have "Rhoer" and "Rhosebud" clubs for young girls. It’s a great organization, but if you show up there looking for a dance floor and a cocktail, you’re going to be very disappointed (and probably asked to leave the meeting).
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The Reality of 50 Riverview Plaza Today
So, what’s actually happening at the old Rho site now?
As of early 2026, the venue is a staple for 80s nights, Country nights, and local live bands. It’s basically the anchor of the South Trenton waterfront. While the "Rho" name is mostly a memory for the millennial crowd that spent their 20s there, the physical space is actually part of a much bigger conversation about the future of Trenton.
There is this massive project called Reconnecting Trenton’s Riverfront. Basically, for decades, Route 29 has acted like a giant concrete wall between the people of Trenton and the Delaware River. It’s a high-speed highway that makes walking to the waterfront a bit of a death wish.
The city is currently working on turning that stretch of Route 29 into a "boulevard." The goal? Make the area around the old Rho (Cooper’s) and the Trenton Thunder ballpark a walkable entertainment district.
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Is it still worth the trip?
If you're looking for that specific 2012 Rho vibe—the one with the velvet ropes and the heavy bass—that’s mostly gone. The current atmosphere is more "neighborhood local meets waterfront event space."
- The Food: It’s standard American fare now. Think brisket, mac and cheese, and "pork roll burgers" (it’s Trenton, you have to have the pork roll).
- The Crowd: It’s a mix. You’ll see local officials, artists from the Mill Hill district, and people who just want to see a cover band.
- The View: Still the best in the city. Watching the sun go down over the Delaware with a beer in your hand is one of the few things in Trenton that hasn't changed.
Your Move: How to Experience the Waterfront
If you’re planning to visit the area formerly known as Rho, don’t just show up and hope for a DJ. Check the Cooper’s Riverview calendar first. They do specific themed nights—like the "80s Undercover" sets—and if you show up on a "Whiskey and Roses" country night expecting techno, you're going to have a weird time.
Also, park in the designated lot at the Executive Plaza. Don't try to get creative with street parking nearby; the traffic flow around the 29-tunnel can be a nightmare if you aren't used to it.
The era of Rho Trenton might be over, but the waterfront is actually just getting started. If the city actually pulls off this boulevard project, that whole "Riverview Plaza" area is going to look a lot different in the next few years. For now, grab a table on the deck, order the bangin' shrimp, and enjoy the fact that you can still touch the river in a city that’s spent fifty years trying to hide it.
Actionable Insight: If you're heading down there for a weekend night, aim to arrive before 8:00 PM. The deck fills up fast even in the shoulder seasons, and once the live music starts, the "upscale casual" vibe shifts quickly into a high-volume party. Also, keep an eye on the Route 29 construction updates—2026 is a big year for the "boulevard" transition, so your usual GPS route might be a mess.