How is Central Park Boathouse restaurant rated?

Name: Central Park Boathouse
Address: E 72nd, New York, NY, United States, 10021
Telephone: (212) 517-2233
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.5

Central Park Boathouse

4.5

6566 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Top Tags:

With their 1858 landscaping plan under construction, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux began adding architectural features to their Park design. Around 1874, Vaux designed a two-story boathouse at the eastern end of the Lake. Here visitors could purchase refreshments, take boat rides, and watch other boats. After this wooden Victorian structure with sloping mansard roof burned down, the current Loeb Boathouse took its place in the 1950s. Today at the New York Boathouse visitors can enjoy a meal in any season, with overhead heating helping to extend as long as possible the pleasure of dining on the deck overlooking the Lake. Come visit a New York legend!

PROOF OF VACCINATION
Please note: New York law mandates that people 5 and older who visit restaurants are now required to show identification and proof they have received two vaccine doses, except for those who have received the one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
American, Seafood
Phone number
(212) 517-2233
Website
http://www.thecentralparkboathouse.com/
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
John Greeley
Private party facilities
The boathouse is the only place in Manhattan where you can host any affair right by the lake. Whether it is a wedding, conference or a private event we can provide the best you can find. Visit our banquets section at www.thecentralparkboathouse.com for more details.

Location
E 72nd, New York, NY 10021
Neighborhood
Midtown East
Cross street
72nd Street and 5th Avenue
Parking details
We recommend using the Metropolitan Museum garage at 80th Street and Fifth Avenue. The garage is open 24 hours.
Public transit
6 Train – Exit at Lexington Avenue @ 68th Street (Hunter College); Walk west to Central Park entrance at 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue B & C Train – Exit at 72nd (Central Park West) Walk east through Central Park across the 72nd Street Traverse.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Full Bar, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Popular dishes

Basket of Boathouse Breakfast Breads$12.00
house-made bread, croissants, biscuits, muffins
Greek Yogurt$12.00
toasted almonds, granola, fresh berries, local honey, chantilly cream
Mixed Greens$13.00
shaved vegetables, champagne vinaigrette
Macaroni au Gratin$11.00
vermont cheddar, toasted bacon crumble
Shaved Berkshire Prosciutto$21.00
marinated artichoke, burrata, arugula, toasted hazelnuts, balsamic drizzle
Tuna Carpaccio$22.00
salt cured capers, pickled red onion, radish, arugula, lemon vinaigrette
Seasonal Oysters
cocktail sauce, champagne mignonette, crackers
Seafood Cocktail$20.00
calamari, shrimp, scallops in a spicy tomato cocktail, heirloom pepper, avocado, crispy tortillas
Crab Cake$23.00
marinated cucumbers, bell pepper remoulade sauce

Main Courses

Full Boathouse Breakfast$25.00
fried eggs, sausage, irish bacon, baked beans, mushrooms, roasted tomato, fried potatoes
Eggs Benedict$21.00
grilled irish bacon, toasted english muffin, hollandaise, seasonal vegetable garnish
Steak and Eggs$34.00
grilled petite filet of beef, scrambled eggs, chive potato purée, peppercorn jus
Warm Vegetable Frittata$22.00
shitake mushroom, bell pepper, leeks, broccoli, feta cheese, mixed greens
Omelet of the Day
seasonal garnish
Waffles
warm mixed berry compote, whipped maple butter
Stuffed French Toast$22.00
blueberry mascarpone filling, lemon-scented sugar
Fish & Chips$28.00
beer battered cod, french fries, celery root and red cabbage slaw, chipotle aioli
Grilled Chicken$26.00
homemade french fries, braised white beans, salsa verde
Smoked Fish Platter$32.00
locally smoked Norwegian salmon, whitefish salad, smoked sturgeon, beefsteak tomatoes, bermuda onion, toasted bagel, capers, lemon, herb garnish
Sautéed Salmon$29.00
lemon crumb topping, beet hummus, asparagus, olive dressing

Sides

Crispy Bacon
Toasted Bagel with Créme Cheese
Esposito's Breakfast Sausage
Country Fried Potatoes
Sautéed Market Vegetables

Desserts

NY Cheesecake$12.00
macerated strawberries, raspberry coulis
Butterscotch Bread Pudding$12.00
caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream
Caramelized Banana Split$12.00
vanilla ice cream, sour cherry sorbet, walnut brittle, chocolate sauce
Chocolate Truffle Cake$12.00
raspberry and chocolate chip mint ice cream
Crème Brûlée$12.00
fresh berries and gingersnap cookie

What 6,566 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
4.4Service
4.7Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

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OT
OpenTable Diner
Vancouver
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing experience. So sad that is closing
LP
LPalma
Charleston
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2022
overall5food4service4ambience5
Bucket list check off! Beautiful place in a perfect setting
c
corpus
Exclusive
3 reviews
vip
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2022
overall2food5service2ambience5
Staff made us feel very out of place and unwelcome as we did not match their typical high-class clientele. Not a great feeling when you are trying to enjoy a nice dinner. Will not be going back any time soon as it was extremely uncomfortable.
d
divine
New York Area
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Iconic. Hope it reopens soon. Much luck and success to all the great staff! Thank you for a beautiful evening.
SK
SamKaas
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 14, 2022
overall4food3service3ambience5
Great ambiance, very romantic atmosphere. Food of good quality (crabcake was superb). Service a bit hurried.
r
rdhuws
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our favorite restaurant to dine in NYC. Heartbroken it is closing today. Was very happy to have a final meal in this wonderful restaurant. Thanks for the memories!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
To celebrate my sons new job and my daughter’s masters, and just being able to spend time together on holiday list the pandemic. We had a table outside overlooking the boating lake, sun was shining, service exceptional, crab cake to die for, all food in fact was superb. Couldn’t fault it, a lovely celebratory lunch with loved ones
SZ
SusanZ
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food , service and ambiance are outstanding. The waiters worked together as a team and we received excellent service. I highly recommend this restaurant
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 12, 2022
overall4food3service4ambience5
The place itself is amazing . The view and the ambiance in general feels like a dream . Nevertheless food was just ok . The crab cake and the dessert were the highlights of the meal but the “seafood” pasta and the tuna tataki were kinda disappointing. To be fair I have high standards when it comes to food so its probably not as bad as I’m making it sound -and I apologize for that- I just wish food was another reason to come back . Don’t get wrong . I felt like in a movie, so I’ll definitely go back not necessarily for the food. Anyways, loved it .
j
jvbc
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 12, 2022
overall3food4service3ambience5
Ambience was amazing. Service was a little slow. No refill on my empty water cup for 15 minutes. Bread was hard and cold. Food was little for the price.
SB
StevenB
Glasgow
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such a beautiful spot for lunch but very sad to hear they will be closing their doors soon. Hope it’s bought by someone else and this iconic place continues
B
Bill
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
1.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 11, 2022
overall1food1service2ambience3
I ordered the halibut and was told they were out of it. My waiter recommended the Cod and I said ok. I’ve had Cod before at other restaurants. Cod is white and a big fish. I was served a very small flat Fish and it was brown or stored too long or overcooked. I don’t believe it was Cod. The vegetables were very funny. It was supposed to be Broccoli Rabe. Maybe it was but too many stems and few leaves. It was also served with tiny onions. A disappointing meal.
BR
BrendaR
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely ambience Delicious food Excellent serbice I recommend it highly.
RM
ReneM
Orlando
34 reviews
vip
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on October 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a lovely lunch at the venerable Central Park Boathouse. The weather was absolutely gorgeous. It is a shame that it is scheduled to close within days. Luckily we had reservations and our table was right next to the water with an unobstructed view of the lake and people rowing their boats. Now the food we started with a pumpkin soup. My wife then had the cod and I the crab cakes. As to the latter pure crab not filled with flour at all. My wife had a delicious cheesecake.
JS
JoannaS
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on October 10, 2022
overall1food1service4ambience3
Had such high expectations. The food was terrible. Very dry and felt as though it had been cooked the day before. It cost $205 before tips and we had two courses each and a glass of wine each. Very disappointed
h
hgteevee
New York Area
39 reviews
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on October 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Well- depending on which rumors come true, The Boathouse may or may not close indefinitely! At any rate, with all the business and such a large area to serve, everyone there, especially my server and busboy were upbeat and caring! The food was delicious and on a warm autumn, day, sitting by the water is pure heaven!
AS
AudreyS
Edinburgh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 10, 2022
overall5food3service5ambience5
Our first trip to New York and was advised to book here to eat. Beautiful and scenic part in Central Park, lovely premises, food was ok i ordered the cast-iron crispy chicken and found the meat was a bit tough. The service was excellent and would go back again but would order something else next time.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful outdoor dining and great food and drinks.
SD
SDSO
New York Area
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on October 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The staff could not be more gracious and welcoming! We had an amazing time! I really hope the restaurant will stay open!
BG
BethG
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful restaurant with beautiful backdrop of Central Park. Hope the restaurant remains open!! It will be a big loss to Central Park if it closes for good.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Newcastle
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 9, 2022
overall3food5service1ambience3
Great food shocking service
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on October 9, 2022
overall1food3service2ambience2
The food was decent but our drinks were served after our appetizers and we had to track down the servers multiple times
NJ
NancyJ
Kansas City
9 reviews
vip
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 8, 2022
overall3food3service2ambience4
My son and his wife were married there 8 yrs ago. The difference between the wedding in the banquet room and the dining room were like night and day. Servers were friendly but took a long time and was Luke warm. My husband’s quinoa dish was horrible - mushrooms like leather, asparagus mushy, and quinoa okThe kids pasta dishes and french fries came out hot and quickly. My husband had to look for the server to get the bill.
MA
MatthewA
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 7, 2022
overall3food2service4ambience5
Very average food for the price, you are essentially paying for the amazing setting by the lake
ML
MichelleL
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great ambience, delicious food and lovely staff. Would definitely recommend
MS
xoxoMcSorley
New York Area
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on October 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Boathouse is a New York treasure and I'm sorry to see it's existence end... Our crab cake appetizer was the best we've ever had.
ST
StanleyT
New York Area
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on October 5, 2022
overall2food1service3ambience4
Most diners comes to the Central Park Boathouse for the iconic location, the view and the ambience, myself included - especially this location have sentiment because of a life event for me that were held here many years ago. Nonetheless, the food is not great, and service is just ok.
C
Commish
New York Area
72 reviews
vip
4.0
72 reviews
Dined on October 4, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
Went for the last time before it closes with friends. Everything was wonderful. The view exceptional, service good, drinks good, food good with one exception. The calamari served with the halibut was overcooked and tough. Sad to see the restaurant closing.
MR
MRog
Los Angeles
35 reviews
vip
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on October 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing service and the food was incredible service! We went on a rainy day, and the views were still beautiful. Our group was worried service might be slow bc they were so busy, but food and drinks came out very fast!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food fast service. I was hoping to get a more romantic setting but it waa very noisy. Typical of tourist place.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dallas
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary. We enjoyed the restaurant very much. Our server was wonderful and food was very good.
KB
KellyB
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 2, 2022
overall3food2service2ambience4
Given the price of the food, I was expecting fine dining but the food was average and not very tasty unfortunately. I had the Lobster Toast for a starter but it didn't really taste of anything. I had the miso glazed oyster mushrooms for entree and it was "okay". The mushroom quinoa that it came with was cold which was a shame. The service was adequate, they add the tip to the bill so they probably know they don't have to make the effort. It's a stunning location but that is what you are paying top dollar for.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious crab cake appetizer and salmon entree, delightful pineapple mojito, great service, beautiful views.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wedding anniversary dinner
OT
OpenTable Diner
Columbus
10 reviews
vip
2.0
10 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2022
overall2food1service4ambience4
The server was great! The food was not good
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Monkfish was excellent. Butternut squash soup was velvety and creamy. Strawberry shortcake was heavenly. I hope this place does not close.
AA
AndrewA
Chicago
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Boathouse is a must. Closing 10/6 but hopefully new mgmt coming.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Salt Lake City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic girls get away in the city. Lakeside table and vistas. Patient service as we took our time. Beautiful afternoon. Beautiful park. Beautiful city!
A
Alie
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Special spot!! Love dining here each time we’re in nYC! :)
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went on a beautiful early fall day. Exceeded expectations all around. It is a shame they’re probably closing, and I’d suggest anyone thinking about going to do so.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Proof of vaccination required to dine indoors

FAQs

Central Park Boathouse is rated 4.5 stars by 6566 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

Cross street
72nd Street and 5th Avenue
Neighborhood
Midtown East
Cuisines
American, Seafood
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
We recommend using the Metropolitan Museum garage at 80th Street and Fifth Avenue. The garage is open 24 hours.
Public transit
6 Train – Exit at Lexington Avenue @ 68th Street (Hunter College); Walk west to Central Park entrance at 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue B & C Train – Exit at 72nd (Central Park West) Walk east through Central Park across the 72nd Street Traverse.
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
John Greeley
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Full Bar, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Website
http://www.thecentralparkboathouse.com/
Phone number
(212) 517-2233
Private party facilities
The boathouse is the only place in Manhattan where you can host any affair right by the lake. Whether it is a wedding, conference or a private event we can provide the best you can find. Visit our banquets section at www.thecentralparkboathouse.com for more details.

Central Park Boathouse

Permanently Closed

Additional information

Jumbo Crab Cake

Garden Salad

Sauteéd Salmon

Appetizers

Basket of Boathouse Breakfast Breads$12.00

Greek Yogurt$12.00

Mixed Greens$13.00

Macaroni au Gratin$11.00

Shaved Berkshire Prosciutto$21.00

Tuna Carpaccio$22.00

Seasonal Oysters

Seafood Cocktail$20.00

Crab Cake$23.00

Main Courses

Full Boathouse Breakfast$25.00

Eggs Benedict$21.00

Steak and Eggs$34.00

Warm Vegetable Frittata$22.00

Omelet of the Day

Waffles

Stuffed French Toast$22.00

Fish & Chips$28.00

Grilled Chicken$26.00

Smoked Fish Platter$32.00

Sautéed Salmon$29.00

Sides

Crispy Bacon

Toasted Bagel with Créme Cheese

Esposito's Breakfast Sausage

Country Fried Potatoes

Sautéed Market Vegetables

Desserts

NY Cheesecake$12.00

Butterscotch Bread Pudding$12.00

Caramelized Banana Split$12.00

Chocolate Truffle Cake$12.00

Crème Brûlée$12.00

Overall ratings and reviews

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Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

How is Central Park Boathouse restaurant rated?

Permanently Closed

Additional information