Are you looking for a wedding venue to remember for a lifetime, or a hall for an important business meeting? Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, right on Jamaica Bay, has been combining both since 1987 — elegance, a skilled team, and multimillion-dollar renovated interiors that make an impression from the moment you step inside.
For Couples Planning a Polish Wedding
Many of Russo’s guests are families where parents or grandparents celebrated right here, in this very spot. Today, this same family tradition — spanning over 50 years, counting from Frank Russo Sr.’s Villa Russo — meets modern interiors: hand-blown Venetian glass chandeliers, geometric patterned granite floors, and an intimate bridal suite where you can catch your breath before entering the hall.
Choices range from the intimate Rose Lounge (up to 65 guests, private bar) to the massive The Encore with a retractable wall, accommodating over 500 people. Ceremonies can be organized in the Russo’s gardens, by the floating gazebo on the water, or at the sister venue Vetro by the bay. Dinners are always served plated rather than buffet-style, and before booking, couples sample dishes during a menu tasting — which can also be personalized, including for Polish cuisine. Tiered wedding cakes are made in-house at their own bakery.
For Businesses Organizing Corporate Meetings
Russo’s also runs a dedicated corporate events department — the Corporate Division — for conferences, seminars, trade shows, product launches, and galas. The halls are equipped with high-speed internet, audio-visual equipment rentals, and modern LED lighting, while guests enjoy complimentary valet parking. The multi-purpose lobby, created during the renovation, serves as a great greeting area for guests or a green room for key individuals during the event — providing the flexibility sought after for high-level meetings.
New Interiors, Same Family Philosophy
A few years ago, for its 25th anniversary, Russo’s underwent a two-year, multimillion-dollar renovation led by designer Bob Goldberg, a member of the Interior Design Society. Dark, formal wood paneling was replaced with lighter tones, gilded finishes, and a striking, custom-made bas-relief featuring Swarovski crystal accents. “Being a leader in this field means the ability to look ahead — just like any good host who can anticipate their guests’ expectations,” says Frank Russo Jr., owner of Russo’s On The Bay.
The result: interiors tailored to today’s expectations, while preserving what has attracted generations of families and businesses from all over New York for nearly four decades.
Schedule a private tour of the rooms and discuss your date: (718) 843-5055. Russo’s On The Bay, 162-45 Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach, Queens.
Also check out our full profile of halls and services and our guide on choosing a wedding venue in Queens.
