The Boathouse is Back!
I dare you to name a more iconic location than the Central Park Boathouse. This landmark destination has been around since 1954 (70 years next year!) and was saved from closure by Legends Hospitality earlier this year. With new ownership has come a breath of reinvigoration into the space. The company has pledged $3.5 million in improvements, which have already begun and the venue will continue to open in phases.
There are also not many places where you can grab a meal alongside an activity. I was fortunate enough to get to experience the quintessentially New York experience of a boat ride in Central Park, and later on sample some items from the cafe menu during a recent trip to the restaurant. The level of service from the staff feels like a hug before you’re transported to what feels like not New York once you’re on the boat and on your way . Hopefully you’re lucky enough to have someone row for you as that was not my strong suits! You’ll see locals and tourists alike taking in the relaxing experience. I suggest rowing then eating to work up an appetite!
The cafe menu runs from morning to afternoon so you have an opportunity to fulfill your breakfast or lunch fixes in the park. We got to sample a lot of dishes, including the filling Farro and Market Vegetable Salad, fresh Hearts of Romaine with Gulf Shrimp dish, and the hearty Roast Beef Sandwich. The star of the show, however, was the Lobster Roll, which was packed to the brim of the roll and at $25, is one of the most affordable and delicious lobster rolls in the city. It’s served with homemade potato chips too.
Other yummy options would be the Fish Sandwich, which was cooked to perfection, crispy outside and delicate inside or the Boathouse Burger, both served on a potato roll, reminiscent of every backyard barbecue you’ve ever been to. You’ll need to end on a sweet note and do not sleep on the daily special pastries or the custard if they have it!
Boat Rental hours for Winter is 9:30am-4pm daily, weather permitting until November 26th, and the Cafe is open 8am-5pm daily. While boat season is winding down, event season is heating up! For more information on the Boathouse or Boat Rental, please visit http://centralparkboathouse.com/. For event inquiries, you can submit a form here.
