Central Park Boathouse Reviews

I visited with a friend. We noticed the bad drainage smell as soon as we walked in. We had a gorgeous view of the frozen lake from our table, it really is a fabulous setting. We thoroughly enjoyed our Cosmo cocktails and the restaurant had a lovely atmosphere. I ordered the fish and chips after seeing someone else's very appetising meal. The potatoes were very very nice and very unusual. The fish was a generous portion but had undercooked batter. I left quite a lot of it and could tell as we were leaving that it wasn't sitting well with me. Unfortunately I was very sick shortly afterwards. My friend had a burger which was very nice. When she asked the waiter what the sauces were that had been provided, he just said 'green' to the green sauce and walked off. We never did find out what it was. It was a very expensive fish and chips/burger but you go for the setting.

Central Park was serene on the Sunday morning we visited. The weather was perfect. The foliage and skyscrapers in the background provided a calming ambience for a nice walk We stopped here for restroom break and lunch. After placing orders at the outdoor kiosk we found a table inside, instead of the outdoor patio. There appeared to be different sections: bar lounge, more formal dining and casual order over the counter self-service. The wait for food pick up was brisk. Good quality hot chili, soup and fries, surprisingly reasonable prices for NYC and the landmark location. From our table got a good view of the rowboats in the pond. It’s an enjoyable experience.

Starting with the positive, it is a beautiful location right in the heart of Central Park. Clean and classy atmosphere inside. The food was also good, came out hot and quite tasty. The menu is far too confusing, though. We wanted to sit outside where there were many open tables... but only drinks and appetizers were available there, and none of the appetizers were what our 10 y/o daughter eats so we went inside. We wanted to sit on the covered deck overlooking the water but there was no children's menu available for that room. So we ate further inside at what they called the Fireside Room since a children's menu was available there and only there. I had seen a lobster roll on the outdoor menu and asked the waiter if I could get it. Nope. Only people eating outside had the lobster roll available to them. I began to wonder... imagine a restaurant where you could order anything from the menu regardless of where your table was? I mean... it is all one restaurant but for whatever reason each "room" has different food available. It was absurd. Then there was the automatic gratuity. Our waiter was very nice (aside from not letting me get the lobster roll) but this practice of adding an automatic 20% tip is a problem. There is zero incentive for staff to put the effort in to earn that gratuity. They can be rude, slow, inattentive, or whatever and know they are still getting that extra 20%. I always tip at least 20% anyway but this automatic gratuity is a problem with service all over NYC and it is in place here. Overall I would not eat here again since the "different menu for every room" system is confusing and weird and there is a mandatory gratuity regardless of experience. Also because it seems clear they do not welcome children since a children's menu is only available in one specific room.

1) We had a wonderful server Galo, he was very nice, in overall, your staff is great, always makes jokes and being in a great mood! 2) Deserts are mind blowing , as well as pasta and the crab cake. Highly recommended. Appetizers size is quite a size, so don’t rush into ordering main course. 3) We were sitting right by the water, the view is stunning, so many fishies and turtles! So many people boating. Beautiful location

We attended Loeb boathouse for a Friday lunch when visiting New York. We had booked this months ago and our visit was highly anticipated due to good reviews. The food was excellent but the service really let the place down and severely tarnished our experience. We were one of the youngest in the restaurant (a couple in our mid 20s) and from the minute we arrived, our server appeared disinterested in serving us. He spoke to every table around us multiple times, checking in on their food and asking them if they were enjoying their meals/if they wanted something else/the cheque etc. However, throughout our meal he did not speak to us once apart from taking our order. We sat there for 20 minutes with cleared plates and had to get someone else to take them away, despite him walking past and looking over several times (he took everybody else’s plates away very promptly). Towards the end of the meal, we asked for the cheque and once we had placed our card on the tray, he rudely walked past and grabbed it with no comment (he thanked all the other tables for their payment). If it was not for the clear contrast in our treatment to the other tables, we would’ve just assumed he was unfriendly/not good with customer service. However, this treatment was unique to us which leads us to assume it was an age thing. This is reinforced by the fact that one of us has been with older family members several times and have never received such treatment. While we are young, we are more than able to afford the restaurant and pay a good tip, yet his behaviour made it clear he didn’t believe this. Consequently, we left before dessert and spent our hard earned money elsewhere. While the food and views were lovely, this subtle discrimination has left a bad taste in our mouths.

Had an outstanding lunch yesterday. The food was superb, the boathouse was in a beautiful setting, service was excellent throughout. Special mention and thanks to our waitress Amanda who was fantastic throughout.

We arrived at 2pm and sat at the bar, waited for 20 minutes before the bartenders acknowledge our presence. They passed by and ignore us. No eye contact, no greeting, nothing. They get their automatic 20 % tip so they don’t bother to provide any customer service at all. After 20 minutes, a Latino bartender throw the menus at us in a very rude manner. I made eye contact with him and ask for recommendations on a cabaret Sauvignon. He said a Cab is a Cab; My wife asked for a taste of the Rose. He responded in a very condensing tone like he was giving us the stuff for free, you wouldn’t like the rose is dry, you would like it. I travel the world and this is totally unacceptable and condensing. My wife doesn’t like confrontation so she settle for a boathouse martini. Which it was discussing; the worst ever. He keep treating me like a second class citizen because I asked about the Cabernet Sauvignon. I felt he didn’t want to be bother so I asked for water. He never come back to ask if we need anything, food, refill my water or anything, I wrote on the bill the worst service ever; he laughed and told me “asked if I care” Of course they get their automatic 20 percent tip and provide the worst service ever. I will never ever go there again. I would like to speak with the owner or district manager to let them know what is going on. May 07, 2025. Worst bartenders and rude at the boathouse Central Park NYC.

Beautiful restaurant, set on the lake. Fantastic service, delicious food. Highly recommend the pork chop with brussel sprouts! My husband had asked for a waterfront seat on booking as it was our anniversary. After finishing our mains the waiter brought us a complimentary dessert and glasses of sparkling which was a lovely surprise. It is a busy spot so would advise booking!

WOW! My friends from Cape Town were in NYC for 8hrs! They had never been to the city so the Boathouse was a must. We were all delighted. I did not expect to get a water side table but it worked out. The host staff was lovely and I was prepared to wait. The service was attentive and friendly. The food is fantastic! Fresh seafood and quality meats are prepared with expertise. I only wish they would bring back my frosé

Beautiful venue with fantastic views of central park. The crab cakes are delicious . try to get a table outside and enjoy the views.Their wine list is delicious and it is a great place for local people watching

My wife and I ate lunch here in March 2022. We had a nice view of the lake and boats from our table. The Loeb Boathouse is located not far from the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace. I had pasta for lunch - pasta, peas, mushrooms, tomatoes and cheese. My wife had rib steak. We shared an apple crisp for dessert and I had a cappuccino. The food and service were excellent. Before and after lunch we did a lot of walking around Central Park.

The views and ambiance are wonderful at the boathouse. The food is above average but nothing overtly spectacular. This is a great location for dinner in Central Park (and I recommend a walk around the park before/after).

Ordered coffee and muffin at the external counter of the cafe on a Saturday afternoon. My iced coffee came with a complimentary live maggot which I only discovered on stirring my sugar in. The counter that the sugar and milk was positioned was beside a dirty smelly bin and the service was dreadful. When I showed the server the maggot she shrugged, took it behind the counter and gave me another one. No apology, no offer to refund.

My wife and I just returned from a weekend getaway in New York. We have been there many times, and she has always wanted to visit Central Park and have Brunch at Loeb Boathouse. She called the restaurant before we headed to New York, and was advised no reservations are taken - first come first served. We headed up to the restaurant Saturday May 21st early around 10am, I called the restaurant during our walk through Central Park and advised we were on our way - I asked if they could hold a table and the hostess said no - first come first served. We got to the restaurant and it was fairly empty. My wife asked for a table on the water, and the Hostess said those were reserved for 4 people; as we were two we could not be seated there, even though there were other parties of 2 occupying those tables. We asked to speak to a Manager, and then Bob Uffer appeared - One off the rudest individuals I have ever met managing a restaurant. My wife explained to Bob we really would like a table on the water - we were celebrating our 25th Anniversary, we got engaged in New York at Central Park, and that we were visiting from Toronto. Bob tuned to her and said "I really don't care where you are from, I'm from upstate New York - You can see the water from the second row of seats just as well" I then turned to Bob, kept my cool, and politely said don't be rude to my wife - he didn't seem to care. after a little heated conversation, he sat us at the table on the water - I would have been more vocal after the comment he made to my wife and would have walked out, but my wife really wanted to experience the restaurant. We had Brunch and it was nothing special - $100 later for two people for Eggs and Bacon and a glass of Champagne. My wife ordered a frittata that had no mention of mushrooms in it, and there were mushrooms - we didn't care to complain - we ate, paid the bill and left. Bob came back a coupe times to check on us, but I had nothing to say to to him. Based on our experience, I would never visit the restaurant again, and would definitely not recommend. I'm also amazed that Bob Uffer has kept his job as a GM in the hospitality sector....its a good thing I don't own the restaurant

This restaurant has something for everyone in a beautiful spot in Central Park. Overlooks a small lake where people can rent rowboats - like something out of the movies. Best in nice weather when you can eat outside. Food is expensive and they can’t customize it, but worth it for the experience.

Having lived in NYC for a long time, I always had the Boat House in Central Park as a point of reference for my Spring brunches: a very sober and elegant place in form and substance, in food and service a place to go to feel pamperd by the soft athmosphere and when I learned that it had reopened beeing back to ther city I could not miss the occasion of reliving that pleasent sensation so I booked a table looking after my memories . Once seated I founded my self in a anywhere restaurant serving average food with a poor inadeguate service , long waiting , forgotten orders , drink spills on the table and a very fast food oriented managing What happened to the boat house ? was it worth to loose its souls in the name of numbers ? NYC has lost an unique iconic place ! I am happy I had the chance to live it at it as best and very sorry for all those who will never have this opportunity in the future

We had a nice dinner here when we visited New York. It was two adults and two children. The food was excellent. My husband had the chicken and I had the rigatoni. The waiter was really awesome and when we went to order for the kids, the suggested that they share a plate since they were pretty big. Service was great. We also got dessert here, and that was just as delicious. There was a party in another area that was quite loud, so that did ruin the ambience of it all, but other than that, this was a very nice dinner!

We are native New Yorkers who were curious to see the revamped old Boathouse restaurant. Gorgeous day, nice view of the lake but, overall, a disappointing experience.

It was the worst experience I've ever had at a place, the bartender basically threw our drinks at us (tip included), they kicked us out within five minutes, the host was extremely rude, seriously don't go to this place! The service is horrible.

I’ve been dying to have a meal here for years (ever since I saw it in Little Manhattan). We finally made it to brunch and it was just as magical as I imagined. We were seated on the outdoor terrace with a view of the lake (considered the dining room). The waiter was super kind and personable. The food was excellent. It was pricey of course, that’s expected but the portion sizes were also fairly big. I got the stuffed French toast (amazing). My only complaint is that it’s a little confusing when you first go in. There are a few different doors and if you go in the wrong one it’s hard to find the hostess stand. Make sure to go in the front and not the back! We went fairly early on Sunday around 10am or so and had no trouble getting in. Great experience! Would love to go again!

This is a great spot in central park, ideal for brunch. We went over labor day weekend so it was crazy busy. Food was good, nothing spectacular. Service was slow but understandable given how busy it was. Place is great to enjoy drinks while enjoying the nice view in the heart of central park.

Attended with family of 5 on June 15 at approx 2pm. We were on wait list for restaurant and decided to have drinks in bar. Bar service was horrible--bartenders appeared to be disgruntled and arrogant--only served people they wanted. There were 3 bartenders on duty and maybe 6 customers sitting around the bar. Bartenders avoided eye contact on purpose and it seemed they were there for themselves. Luckily, our table was ready. Table server was ok but not attentive to drink refills. Food was NOT great. Wife's salmon was dry and other's were not thrilled about food. Overall, experience was terrible. We should have listened to our Carriage Ride driver--Boathouse for pics (not drinks) and Tavern on the Green for food and service. We're retired US Military and recommend to our Brothers and Sisters at Arms to avoid this location--we'll continue posting our experience on veteran sites. We'll listen to others next time!

Nice to sit outside in the terrace to enjoy sunset with a glass of wine/ Champagne. Food is good but a bit expensive (what to expect at such a touristic place). Service is fine.

This is my second time visiting the Loeb Boathouse as I thoroughly enjoy its relaxed atmosphere. Today we ate off the breakfast and brunch menu and I was impressed. Choices were wide ranging and fit most budgets, staff was attentive and friendly. I had the smoked fish platter and it was amazing. We’ll worth it. I would have gone 5 stars but the longer wait for he table seemed unnecessary. There were three tables near the bar that were uncleared when we arrived and 40 minutes later, when we were seated they remained uncleared. Simply busing these tables would of course speed along the wait. But, still worth it.

I went to the boathouse with my girlfriend and her family to celebrate our engagement. We were on holiday in NY and my girlfriends mum had always wanted to go to this restaurant so we thought it would be a lovely day to go and celebrate there. The boathouse restaurant is in a lovely setting and has great views of the Central Park lake. Our main waiter arrived to take our orders and he was fairly abrupt and sullen in the way he spoke to us from the start. However, we passed comment on it between ourselves but not too much harm done at this point and still enjoying our day. The food arrived and we all thought it was pretty good, maybe not worth the price tag but you have to factor in the great views/setting into this. All of the support waiters who were providing drinks/checking on us were really polite and friendly. Our main waiter arrives and is once again sullen and abrupt when taking our dessert orders. Dessert is served, again by really friendly support waiters. Then we asked for the bill and this is when the real problems began. As we are tourists we were planning to pay with pre paid travel cards rather than our uk debit cards to avoid charges. My girlfriend have one if these to the main waiter and he took it away to swipe on the machine. We said between ourselves that it might need the pin code. He came back and abruptly said it’s been declined. I responded it definitely has enough money on there and he said he’ll try again, as I was suggesting you might have to enter the pin code rather than just swipe he walked off mid sentence. He swiped the card again and came back and said again rudely and loudly it’s been declined, I suggested again we might have to put the pin code in which he ignored and said it mustn’t have enough money on it (which it did) or it’s not authorised for use (which it was). I tried to suggest the pin code again and once more he ignored me and walked off. We were all quite shocked by the way we were being treated. My girlfriend then went up to desk and she to the waiter again and paid with her uk debit card which then worked and paid for the meal. The waiter seemed shocked that the transaction was successful. He was rude to her the whole time she was up there and acting like we couldn’t afford to be in the restaurant. Service charge of 15% had been automatically applied to the bill so we decided as a group not to leave anymore as we had had such a negative experience, when we got up to leave the waiter saw that we had not left any further tip and said to us loudly “Thanks very much guys!”. The worst service I’ve ever had and the only time I’ve never left a tip of 20% or over, if we could of left 0% we would have. This is unfortunate as the restaurant is lovely and has great views of the lake but I would never, ever return here after this experience. Truly awful.

We went as a family of 4 for brunch when we were in the park on a Sunday. We had stuffed french toast, waffles, eggs Benedict, the macaroni au gratin and a crab cake. Everything was fantastic, crab cake was almost all meat which was awesome. Macaroni was AMAZING but it's a pretty large portion so I'd definitely recommend sharing unless it's the only thing you order for your meal. My only complaint was the service. We were sat at the same time as a couple next to us. They had their food before our waiter even came to take our drink order. Once we got our food we had to flag the server down to come back another drink order because he never stopped back to check on us. My son dropped his fork and a waiter picked it up but never brought him a new one. Then when we got more drinks the waiter knocked my fork on the floor but also never got me a new one. Kind of weird. We had to flag him down to get our bill as well. For a $165 brunch you'd think you'd get better service. We kind of assume the lack of attention was due to the fact that we had two kids with us and most other tables were only adults.

We always try to visit the boathouse whenever we are in NYC. The menu for brunch is limited but always something for everyone. Excellent omelets and service-we sat right by the water-such a great and peaceful view

The woman on the check in desk was extremely unhelpful, unwelcoming and got the whole experience off to a bad start by claiming we were not booked in . Once she made an effort to actually find our booking ,there was no apology offered . Customer service was appalling. Fortunately our server at the table Liliana was so friendly, helpful and welcoming. The food was delicious and our table was in a beautiful location.

The location in the middle of Central Park, on a lake with basking turtles is wonderful. The food is quite good and the staff is very attentive. Food came quickly. The one caveat is that it is very expensive. A plate with 10 ricotta raviolis is $30. A steak is $65. A bowl of soup or a piece of cheesecake is $14. And a mandatory tip of 20% is added to all bills. If price is not an issue with you and you are looking for quality dining in a lovely environment, this is an excellent choice,

We have dined at Central Park Boathouse a couple of times before, but this visit did not live up to our expectations. We feel that the quality has dropped significantly. The food used to be delicious but did not impress at all unfortunately. The service was also not in sync. We had to stick to water and the aperitif for the starter. The wine came afterwards . Our son got his soft drink after finishing eating . Such a shame since the venue itself is a 5 star, which is also keeping the experience on a 3 and not lower together with the fact that the staff was really friendly.

This is my 2nd time dining at the Loeb Boathouse and it always is so satisfying. The food was delicious and our server was fantastic. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was because our sweet waiter got so booked with tables (I think they were understaffed) that he wasn't able to take our dessert order and it took almost an hour way after we were done eating to get the bill. We love the European habit of leisurely dining, but this was beyond. I think this is a sign of post lockdown and being short staffed - so that was my only criticism. Ask for a table by the water and and get the salmon!

Lovely venue overlooking the boating lake. Buzzing lively, nice tables with polished glasses and white linen. Noisy insccesible bar due to too many diners but the actual restaurant was fine apart from loud mouths at the bar near our table. The food was good but very unadventurous and unexciting , chips were good! Staff and service were good but the reception was lukewarm. Needless to say the bill for two was eyewatering $250 for lunch with tip , I’m numb with the cost of eating out in NY.

The manager Katarina is rude, unprofessional, disrespectful, immature and a truly disgusting human being. She should not be responsible for managing ANYTHING. Absolutely awful.

A nice view of the lake and super attention of the staff, if you like to take pictures this restaurant is ideal for its views, it is in the middle of the central park.

Lovely meals with stunning scenery as seen in many movies and tv series, Big menu to choose from, You can eat in the main restaurant or in or out at the takeaway section…. Sit with your meal and a drink and let the day carry on,,,, very relaxing atmosphere. Great friendly staff.

Once again, the central park boathouse was absolutely amazing ! The waiter Lisa is my absolut favorite ! Always happy and provides an impeccable service !

Central Park Boathouse is a great restaurant and amazing location. Food was really nice. The service was great. Wines pricy.

Great food accompanied by a truly impressive view. The price follows but it is money well spent for those who want to eat well in a nice place in the center of one of the most peculiar areas of New York. Swordfish is salmon are especially recommended.

Very tasty food. We had roast chicken , mushrooms and a burger. Great service. Amazing view. Would have been great in a summer.

The now Central Park Boathouse located at the heart of the NY Central Park is a must try when you’re in the park. Aside from the relaxing view of the lake, they serve delicious food. The service is also very satisfactory.

Mo was our waiter and he was excellent, suggested a rose glass of wine which did prove to be dry and excellent. My friend had crab cakes and loved it. I had the chicken Milanese which came with a salad . One piece was moist and delicious but the other piece was somewhat dry and overdone and I needed to ask for olive oil to add to it to make it edible. The view at the window table was wonderful and the jazz music was soothing after walking in 95 degree weather. This is fun for a one time experience but I feel other places for gourmet food might be elsewhere. I did appreciate the excellent service we received.

Excellent food, amazing service, very well priced. Would definitely recommend. We never felt rushed, waiters were very friendly and attentive.

Nice spot overlooking the pond in Central Park. We had apple ciders and coffee which were good. Quite pricey but good and the service was fast.

Italian menu which did not have a lot in it.The assortment of bread was excellent but would have preferred if they were warmed.

Our second visit here and it was great again. We did Saturday lunch seated on the patio against The Lake. Service and food were great. Entrees were smoked fish platter, fish/chips, Vege Frittata and Grilled Chicken - all excellent.

I took the boat ride, which was excellent. They say it’s a $20 fee for the boat ride and a $20 security deposit that you would get on the way back, but the staff is not returning the money saying that you passed the limit of time. They gave me a receipt saying that I got a $17 refund - due to the extra time - but only gave me a $10 refund and pocketed the rest. They told me to complain at the restaurant, I didn’t, but wanted to leave this review here so others are aware.

For years, I wanted to visit this restaurant. I was either too late in garnering a reservation or it was closed. Finally, this trip, I was able. I booked my reservation maybe 3 weeks out. Unfortunately, I was one day too late, after reservations opened, to get a Saturday lunch time, so I picked Friday at 11:30am. We were seated by the window with a perfect view of the lake. Service was exceptional from the door greeter to our waiter. My friend had the fish n’chips, which she said was the best she’s ever tasted. And that’s coming from a Seattleite born and raised on Pacific Northwest fish. I had the swordfish. Perfectly moist and seasoned including the side olive and artichoke salad. The Central Park Boathouse was one of the restaurant highlights of this trip!

Book it for 12pm and be there at that time or slightly earlier, we had a booking for 12.30 but changed it to 12 as we were walking around the park and noticed how busy the area was getting, good move as we had the pick of the water front tables overlooking the boating lake, and it didn’t take 20 minutes before most of not all tables were filled, it was an extremely hot summers day but with the fans and the air con it was fine, our waiter was great and the service brilliant, this isn’t a fast food place but there is a burger type menu for those that want that type of food but this is a slightly different restaurant located inside the building, which we ate in before in 2017, the main restaurant is top quality and well worth a visit whisky in NY

Lunch with friends a 20 minute walk through the park from the bottom of Central Park. Lovely setting, must be beautiful in the spring, summer and autumn. Friendly staff, super food. Only slight problem, bad smell emanating from the lake possibly, just spoilt it a little, but other than that, well worth a visit.

We came for lunch on New Year’s Day, the setting, service and food was 5 star. A wonderful way to start the new year, I would recommend this restaurant.

This is a lovely restaurant with very good, if pricey food. Excellent service. We had swordfish and trout both of which were very good. Excellent starters including a generous crab cocktail and superb mozerella salad.

We had brunch here a couple of times whilst in Central Park, lovely setting, great atmosphere, good service.

Our beautiful perch overlooking the lake added magic to a drizzly NY visit. Delish food, efficient and friendly servers, great mix of locals and tourists. Pricey, sure, but whatta view...

We were at the snack bar, which takes only plastic or "reverse ATM," which we were not directed to, just told that they did not take cash. I called later to complain about what seems a discriminatory practice, and was verbally abused by an unknown female, presumably in management. Very strange. Atop the abuse, the coffee wasn't great. My party and I do not recommend this place, although it was a very nice spot in days gone by.

The restaurant located very beautiful and very nice atmosphere which only makes it worth a visit. The service was fantastic. Food and drinks were good.

Family dinner for 11 (3 generations). Beautiful scenery and open outdoor venue. The venue itself is classic and upscale, white table cloth. Excellent service. Great menu. Food was outstanding, likely the best we had in NYC. It is a bit of a pleasant walk from 5th avenue to get to the restaurant. They sat us a half hour late from our reservation time, but we were a large party. Great experience, my third time here and I will return.

Went for a celebration meal after daughter’s wedding in Central Park. Beautiful setting in iconic location but let down by 1. stressed staff on front desk. 2. Two chicken main courses were almost cold, we complained, they were obviously microwaved but were still only moderately warm. It’s a shame because it’s not cheap and they are letting themselves down by lack of care. Starters were fine and we had a great waiter but it could be so much better.

The Boathouse is such a lovely restaurant located in Central Park with the lake providing a backdrop. We did not have really high expectations on the food as it is so touristy, however we were quickly proven wrong. The service was exceptional, food was very good, in particular the fish and chips, and overall the prices were not bad, especially when you consider the location. We were very lucky to get a table without a reservation and I would very much recommend booking ahead especially on the weekend.

We had a nice big late lunch in this restaurant one day during the first week in May 2022. The food was very good and service was excellent. Its a very nice restaurant in a great location but the problem with this restaurant is its success. It was just so overly busy and bustling with loud people (some very loud people at the table next to us!) who were obviously enjoying their lunchtime experience. The big letdown for us was the awful state of the restrooms. They were dirty, messy, very smelly and obviously not attended to for a long time. So, only three out of five for that reason (otherwise I'd have given 4 out of 5).

Wonderful experience. Wife made reservations 2 months ahead & we were seated immediately along the lake. Or waiter, Clay, was on the spot, made several recommendations which were on target - Perhaps the best crab cakes we have ever experienced and the fried chicken was fabulous. My Italian seafood pasta was very good, not great. Service and ambiance were outstanding.

Apparently it has changed hands recently and, it my opinion, it has dropped in standards. Food is now mediocre and it’s overpriced. The service charge is ridiculous and automatically added to your bill. In fact, it was so much that the server might just as well have joined us for dinner as her tip was more than my main course!! The saving grace is the beautiful view…however, you can stand outside and admire that for free. I will avoid on future visits to NYC!

Brunch was beyond amazing, the food was great, the service was better, and the atmosphere was a dream. We were seated right on the water, the weather was so nice, and the drinks were flowing, to say this was a perfect meal is not an exaggeration. Want an "only in New York" experience, this is definitely one of them.

A super experience. Lovely food, attentive and cheerful service, outside views in city elegance. Worth every dime of the five stars check! Iconic.

The service was very good but I found the food to be average. Been here several times and honestly it's not the food that brings me back...it's the view.

Beautiful restaurant in the centre of Central Park , top menu with a wide variety of options to suit everyone . Great service in a gorgeous setting overlooking the lake - what more could you ask for . Loved our visit. Precook a must and ask for a window seat away from the bar area that can be a bit noisy

This was a very nice experience with a great View good food and good service. I had the roast to duck which was very good my wife had the lump crab cake and my son had a the roasted chicken and it was delicious

From the moment of entry to the moment of exit, this restaurant disappointed. Appetizers missing common ingredients, like gherkins with pate. Trout laughably presented as shredded, atop mounds of greens. Busboys M.I.A. in clearing table. Look At The View. Do Not Eat Here.

We stopped in to have a coffee and pastry while walking around Central Park. I used the self order kiosk, and my order was ready in a few mins. We sat at a table on the park side of the boat house. It was a great place for people watching. The coffee cake as good and the cranberry muffin was excellent. The sticky bun was ok.

Had dinner and we were in a hurry otherwise we would not have left without bringing all of this directly to the managers attention: the bottle of water was TEN dollars (really!?), we were offered bread for the table (normally complimentary, right!?) without being told we would be charged for it (to the tune of NINE dollars!) and a gratuity of 20% was automatically added without being told (seriously!?)= ONE HUNDRED and FORTY FOUR DOLLARS (WITHOUT the 'accidental' 20$ tip!) for water, bread, 2 entrees (which were actually quite small…), a desert (also small at SIXTEEN dollars), she only had water, I had an Arnold Palmer (another SIX bucks): no alcohol and no appetizers... Suffice to say, once we really looked at the bill we felt completely and utterly ripped off! Just plain thievery. And im a NYer used to high prices! Look, I know the Boathouse has had some recent troubles but the way out of those troubles is not to deceive and cheat people FFS. And btw: we had just been on the row boats and the oars were almost all busted and most people were being forced to use little paddles!? Thats just low rent, mediocre BS. The Boathouse has a very long and distinguished history and I, as Im sure many others do, consider it a centerpiece of Central Park. This is New York City, man! Show some sophistication and class or go the f*ck home.... I used to really enjoy dining there but I WILL NOT be back.

Nice location. Interesting food choices. Unfortunately no gluten free items at all in menu. Also very cold at this time of year and would be nice with some blankets.

It’s wonderful to dine at a place that doesn’t trade on its fabulous location alone. At the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park, despite its lakeside locale dotted with rowboats and gondolas and encircled by a forest of trees, the food still comes first. For our meal, we opted for appetizers (several of which ate like a meal). Oysters were fresh and cold and served with all the proper accompaniments, and the crab cakes were loaded with fresh crab that had a crab:breading ratio that was more like 3:1 than the 1:3 one finds in many places. The macaroni au gratin was perfectly prepared with pasta al dente and a crisp bacon crumble and was well-accompanied by the shaved prosciutto (lean and beautifully colored) with burrata, arugula, and toasted hazelnuts. Despite the demands of a very busy day and likely shortage of staff, service was prompt and friendly reminding me why every visit to Central Park should include a visit here.

We’ve just visited The Boathouse for lunch. From start to finish this was a fabulous experience. We were seated straight away and water and bread were served. There were several different breads to choose from and the ones we chose, Olive & sourdough, were gorgeous. I had the pasta and my partner had the soup of the day (mushroom) and we were blown away with how fast both dishes were. My pasta was full of fresh flavours. We ended the meal with a slice of cheesecake and I can honestly say it was the nicest cheesecake I’ve had whilst in NYC. The atmosphere was so lovely in here, sat watching the boats on the lake.

I can't describe how horrible we were treated today at this restaurant!! Please don't go there!! The bartender and the hostess they so rude

Awful food, service and atmosphere - more sports bar, sliders and T shirts than classy, fine dining as it used to be before closing and reopening. The current management team should be ashamed of how they have driven standards so low.

Simply a must. This iconic restaurant located in the heart of Central Park is a great place to have lunch. Pro Tip - book online in advance.

Great place with direct view of Central Park lake. Good food but especially very nice waiters! If you speak Spanish feel free, they prefer! We have a good evening at reasonable prices considering the location...

Brought two SMALL tins of beer, 24 dollars ! Did not get offered a glass , so had to drink it from the tin too! I know food & drink is expensive in NY but that’s just a rip off !

We went for our Valentine's Day celebration. We arrived promptly at opening time (noon) and were given a good table with a nice view of the lake. The food is fresh and superbly prepared. We especially liked the panccheri pasta. Vegetables are cooked just right. The quality of the ingredients is good enough that they are lightly seasoned so the natural flavors come through and blend beautifully. The service is reasonably attentive but the few dings to the experience lie here: we had to ask for spoons for our soup, the champaign in the kir royale must have been left over from the day before - or two days before, bread service involved reaching across our plates, and our check was slow in coming. Minor details in the grand scheme of things but there were several of them. OTOH, everyone was nice and responsive. We left feeling we had a very nice dining experience.

Food came from the kitchen dry and cold. When we asked for hot food, it was taken into the kitchen and microwaved. The restaurant were taking on too many covers and neglecting service and quality. We asked for the bill twice and had to wait 15 minutes. Nice venue, but I wouldn’t go back.

We had brunch and really enjoyed everything! Despite it being busy, we were shown to a table right away. I had the grilled chicken with white beans and fries, which was delicious. The chicken was nice and moist and the fries were crispy. My wife had the tuna carpaccio and my friend went with the fish and chips. Our server was great and really made sure that everything was to our liking! It was perfect weather to sit out on their covered patio and watch the boats in the nearby pond.

Daughter had the Lobster Spaghetti, I had the Roasted Chicken, and my wife had the Ricotta Ravioli. We also had a Caprese salad and calamari starters. Everything was fantastic - though the Caprese was a bit bland for my taste. Some more salt would've been nice. The views were great, we watched an independent movie/TV show being filmed on the water. That was fun :)

After arriving at our hotel, we went for a midday walk in Central Park on the Memorial Day Sunday. We checked out the Boathouse and were able to get a table despite lots of people trying to enjoy the great weather. Seated on the patio overlooking the pond with rental boats was a great experience and the food and service were good as well! The shaved asparagus salad and quiche were both great, as was the rose. Worth the wait to finally be able to enjoy this place and views.

As a Centralpark fan, film lover and gourmet who likes beautiful Mood, good quality and delicious food along with warm Service, it has always been my wish when I am in New York to stay and dine there with a view of the lake and the wonderful panorama. I was there in the middle of the week at lunch time, unfortunately had not made a reservation and so it came to the only small downer that the lady at the reception made me understand as an individual that she could not give me a table at the window as an individual (although this was free), I had to sit in the second row, and also not to get involved in my question if I might have a little something there quickly until the next reservation, not when I told her that it was a "once in a life time wish of mine" and it already feels a bit like a two-class person as a single. I was very disappointed about this, wanted to leave on principle, but then, when I saw that they had a very good view from the second row, nevertheless got involved, and afterwards, when there was also another two-person table available at the window, I very politely asked my male operator, explained my wish to him and behold: It was possible, they still newly laid the table for me and I was warmly and courteously looked after, and treated like a little princess ;-). Food: Personally, I chose the American-oriented food from the lunch menu, as I can eat the other alternatives well at our place in Europe. So for me, fittingly for the season First as a starter: Butternut-Cream Soup with Maple Syrup Creme fraiche and Chili-Oil. Taste excellent. To the main course: Roasted Turkey Sandwich, with Apple, Brie, Ruccola, Cranberry Aioli with fresh Cranberry and homemade Potato Chips. A wonderful autumn combination. Personally, I would have preferred to eat it cold rather than hot...but it was excellent in taste and the potato chips were also really an explosion of taste in the mouth. For dessert: New England Maple Syrup Pie with whipped Cream. Delicious and lovingly decorated with a wafer-thin, copper and white chocolate maple leaf and maple syrup. More autumn could hardly be done and the view of the autumnal Centralpark scenery was simply unforgettablely good and beautiful. The bill was correspondingly high-priced, but worth every single dollar. And of course, the princess thanked me again for leaving the table and the nice, warm Service. Thanks for the unforgettable moments!

Dinner in the heart of Central Park. A wonderful evening overlooking the lake. The boathause offers a delicate menu with special combinations. We ate very well and the staff is very knowledgeable. The price is correct compared to the menu, the food and the location.

This is such a great place to visit, especially with out of town friends. The food is exceptional and the view is charming. I had the red wine braised short rib this time and it was fantastic. They're only open from April to October, and I'm looking forward to dining here again next spring. Make sure to make a dinner reservation through OpenTable to avoid a wait.

The location is obviously incredible. We went for lunch, and the food was okay; nothing really spectacular about it. Our waiter was unfriendly and uninterested; he was like he was on autopilot. This was a once-in-a lifetime visit for us; it didn't live up to the expectations. The best thing about it was the view.

The Boathouse overlooks a “lake” in Central Park and once you leave E 72 and 5th Ave you have a five minute walk to access the restaurant. It is a beautiful setting and the tables overlook the lake. Lovely place to watch the sunset. We were fortunate in that we had a table immediately overlooking the lake….enjoyed attentive service. We shared the tomato and burrata salad followed by the Colorado lamb loin - the best lamb in the world. Strawberry shortcake and cappuccinos rounded out our lovely evening.

Could not have asked for more from our recent visit to the Boathouse! The setting is just perfect especially as we were given table right on the water (I requested when booking). Food and drink is delicious, portion sizes are really generous and service is excellent. It’s not cheap but worth every cent!

We visited the Loeb Boathouse during a stroll through Central Park; it was wonderful to sit alongside the lake on the patio, watching the boats, fish and turtles (much to the delight of my daughters). The food was excellent quality, with a good choice of drinks. The servers were polite, and attentive. Definitely recommend a visit if you are in Central Park around lunch time!

What a wonderful restaurant and experience. The staff could not be more accomodating from the super friendly hostess (whose name I cannot remember but she was slender and very pretty) to Izzy, the bartender, who made our drinks just the way we asked. The food was excellent and you cannot beat the view!

Perhaps this restaurants unique position in Central Park has gone to its head, because I’ve never experienced such rude and unwelcoming service before. The attitude from the staff was appalling! Our family group of 6 came for drinks and were met with constant eye rolls when ordering, barked orders to move when we sat at a table by the bar (without a reserved sign), and general disdain. We also couldn’t see the dinner menu to try and book later that week because it was lunch time and the hostess declined to give us the menu. Disgraceful service given they’re charging extortionate prices based on the location, and we were appalled. Never going back.

Very romantic and upscale dining experience. The service was spectacular. It’s like they have it down to a science how to take orders, perfectly time when to ask if you’d like more drinks/to order something else, and take plates away. The food was amazing! Their squash soup was my favorite, and I loved the king oyster mushrooms as well. Perfectly executed. I was willing to spend the extra bit of money for a stellar experience, but if you’re on a tight budget for traveling (like I usually am), it is a pretty expensive place just for lunch. Though it was filling!

Fantastic location, lovely atmosphere, great pianist, lovely staff . I felt like we were in a movie set . So cold outside with lake frozen we came in and sat by the fire , it was heaven. I clumsily knocked my glass and cut my finger, the lovely girl working at the bar then got me a plaster and a new glass . I then went to sit with my wife who had spilled her wine . I told the girl and asked if could get another round in , she topped my wife’s glass up with out hesitating. Amazing service and what a fantastic setting.I think her name was Aleshia or similar to that . Any way she was totally professional at her job . I have recommended the boat house to my friends who are visiting New York shortly. Thank you for a lovely afternoon.

Over priced drinks. Not even proper cocktails. Glasses weren’t clean. One staff running round like a loon while another chap too busy playing on his phone. My ice tea was dreadful. Just tasted of off water. My misses cocktail was below average. I’d swerve if I was a tourist

Came here on a Saturday at 1 pm. The cocktails were delicious as was the food, and the atmosphere was lively. We sat in the room facing the water which was bright and beautiful, but next time I would like to try out the darker cabin-inspired space as it seemed super cozy! The outside terrace would be a great spot for a cocktail-tyle event. The waitstaff and manager on duty were professional and took great care of us. Would defiantly go back!

Had an excellent steak sandwich for lunch on the boatside deck. Friendly service, great view right on the Lake in the shade.

Loeb Boathouse An utterly quintessential Central Park spot with beautiful views can be found at The Boathouse. Overlooking the boat pond, the atmosphere is perfectly, spectacularly, iconically New York. The service is pleasant enough, the food (skillet chicken and burgers) were good…., but, let’s face it, you come here for the incredible views and ambiance. Just BEING at the Boathouse makes you happy, just taking in the gorgeous views and comfortably relaxing in the dining room underscores why NYC, and Central Park, is, IN FACT, the actual center of the universe. If you want the ultimate NYC experience, the Boathouse is a MUST visit.

The manager sent us out because we came with stroller. There are no signs that says kids or strollers are not allowed. This place deserve a zero star. There wer multiple other strollers in the restaurant and when we asked why others are allowed, the server asked another one to escort us out

My husband and I visited here 20 years ago and upon our return with our teenagers, we wanted to visit again and show them how lovely the Boathouse is. We were fortunate the day we went Central Park was filled with snow making it more magical. The Boathouse overlooks the lake and incase you don't know is quite a walk into the park but so worth it! We previously went for brunch but this time lunch and had the best time. We were fortunate enough to get a window seat in Main dining area overlooking the lake. The staff are attentive and helpful even when at its busiest and the food was amazing as expected it to be. I would not recommend visiting without booking as it is hugely popular. If i had to comment on something that was not straight forward would say make it clearer where to go when arrive as you walk into the bar area and had to walk round to find member of staff showing visitors to their tables.

Tp put it simply, the bartenders are bad. ZERO personality and or charm ! The place just reopened. No hello or welcoming attitude. There were 4 men behind the bar and still it took too much time to get anyone's attention. We are retired bar and restaurant people. I'm a former bartender , I was raised by a bartender, my father was a lifer. I know where of I speak. And I respect it as a profession.These guys are amateurs . You could not tell who were the bartenders and who were the barbacks. All they did was talk to each other and chuckle while the few people at the bar (it was not busy) attempted to get their attention. One guy said excuse me 3 times.Finally he raised his voice and the bartender seemed annoyed by this.It's not a big bar. It was a joke watching these guys.Their attention was more on themselves and the floor. There are no customers on the floor ,we are up here at the bar. My friend who used to run a very successful bar/restaurant before retiring said if he stood off to the side and watched these guys for 15 minutes he'd fire all of them. The owners of this place should take notice. These so called bartenders don't care and it shows . Sadly , in the end the joke was on us. They ADD a 20 percent tip to the check ! Hahahah right? If you want a nice drink and good service and some New York City bar/cocktail lounge charm ,professionalism and personality, if you want to be greeted by a bartender who has respect for you and the profession ,do not go here no matter how nice the view is.

Can’t beat the view and the location. Iconic. The food was good prob a 4 out of 5 but the location made up for it. Only negative was the young hostess. She was mean, rude and played favorites. We had an 8pm reservation. We arrived 45 minutes early. BUT she was seating walk ups even after 8pm…before us! When I approached her at 8:10p to ask where we were on the list, she said rudely “next”. Then, another guy came up and she promised him OUR table! Smh. Lol. Clearly l, I spoke up and she snapped my head off for reminding her the she said we were next and had a reservation and had been there an hour! She was so rude and mean. BUT we got our table at 8:23pm and, besides her bad attitude, it was great.

We walked in and were offered a table which wasn’t immediately next to the water but still had great views of the lake. The food was ok, I had the traditional Benedict, my husband the quiche and the kids had a burger each. They were chuffed all the extras were on the side so they could add what they wanted to it. Quality was ok and yes it was expensive for what it was but the views (and a/c) made up for it. Service was over the top for us brits, but that is probably ok for Americans!

We had a delicious dinner in the special historic restaurant overlooking the water in Central Park. Tho it was a rainy day and before the boats were running it was still lovely and the meal was delicious and service excellent. Little neck clams, calamari and Parker house rolls especially delish! What a romantic gem of a place worth a visit!

Fantastic ambience after a walk through the Ramble on a clear Autumn day. Great service and excellent food. Top-notch experience that sold my wife on NYC. Total recommend 🙂

Beautiful setting and weather. We had a near perfect day and waited tuntil 2pm to have lunch to try and avoid some of the lunch rush. Wait staff was friendly, but they had too many tables to manage. As a result, we never had a refill on water in over an hour lunch period. In addition, we ordered 4 different meals and they were all bland and tasteless. Quality of food was very poor and service was poor for a $200 lunch. Would not return.

We made the trek in again this past Sunday for brunch. No question, it's special. Had the stuffed French toast and waffles. Way too much to eat but very good. Service fast. Had the same problem mentioned elsewhere with disinterested girls at main entrance. But girls at seating podium were nice and prompt. Service was excellent. Fun pianist and lake was full of boats, hot day, doors open, very busy! Beautiful!

What a great afternoon at loeb boathouse. We had a table at the front and the weather and view was to die for. Our hostess Amanda was super nice and friendly and even went the extra mile to get my young daughter a blanket as she was cold from the wind. The food was sublime, we had the chicken, salmon and turbot mains which were all fantastic. Crab cakes lived up to their reiteration as well ! What made it extra special was the service and ambience, at no time were we rushed and everyone we dealt with were nice and happy. A memorable afternoon for sure ….

Lunch alone, quite pleasant. The setting is lovely, the food enjoyable and fairly basic. The service is fairly quick and quite friendly. The only thing I didn't like was that they brought me a glass of wine instead of pouring it in front of me, which left me feeling perplexed and unsure that I had actually been served what I had ordered. The champagne, in this case, tasted more like ordinary prosecco or any similar lower-grade sparkling wine. Serving your customers in front of them would avoid any doubt and would also prevent any potential abuse of that sort.

A perfect spot to make a stop in the Central Park. Very good food, we were there for lunch. Great and friendly service and staff. We’ll come again.

We had a perfect Birthday Celebration at the Boathouse. We are visiting from London for my husband’s 65th Birthday so wanted to take him somewhere special. I had been to the Boathouse 10 years ago on a previous visit. The Boathouse did not disappoint again with fabulous service, great food and it has been renovated beautifully! The staff were lovely, Marina who served us was lovely, very attentive and a great help with the menu and taking photos etc. The food was fantastic and cooked to perfection. We had the prawn starter, the duck and lamb for our mains and a lovely cheesecake to finish. Highly recommend!

I will always go back to the Central Park Boathouse when in New York City, because I was so well treated by Renny the manager of the restaurant. My family and I traveled to New York City for Thanksgiving. We reserved a table at the Boathouse for our Thanksgiving meal. The location is unbeatable, windows looking out over the park and the city lights at the edge. Our service had several problems and while we enjoyed our time together, it was not what I hoped. I phoned the Boathouse a few days later, the manager answered phone and patiently listened to my disappointments. She was fully engaged and sincerely apologized. She phoned back a few days later telling me all the changes they had put in place to ensure others would not be disappointed. Who does that? Further she reimbursed me for a few items I was concerned about. It was a notable experience and I hope the readers will have a meal there and experience that unusual level of service.

Great location for a day out in Central Park. Food was simply delicious and the waiter was very attentive to our needs. Highly recommended.

I arrived and stood to talk to the hostess. It took 2+ minutes to get her attention although there was no one in line. She was chatting with another hostess both doing something on their iPads. When I got her attention I announced I had a reservation. She seated me at the first table at the entrance in the middle of all tables although there were plenty of tables on the side at mezzanine and below. I asked to be seated at the table next to the window. I would not have minded any of the other side tables away from the window. I was told they can seat me there but only for 45 minutes because it was reserved and I was not offered any other table. I didn’t want to make a scene and I just simply sat at the table she gave me. In few minutes 2 women arrived and she seated them at the same exact table I asked.i don’t know what would it have been the problem if I was simply got seated where I asked as a courtesy of first come first served not based on some other criteria which I’m not even going to try to guess. On the other hand, the waiter was very courteous and professional and therefore the 3 stars. The food was ok. I was looking for a nice afternoon relaxing experience. Alas….

My wife and I eat out a lot and we’ve lived in New Orleans, so we’re very familiar with good food, good service, and good atmospheres. This place has all three! The crab cakes rival the best in Maryland and the Pacherri Pasta with Rock Shrimp was simply delicious. Our waiter, Clay, was everything you’d want a waiter to be. This restaurant will be a regular stop on all of our trips to NYC.

This review might be a bit biased since I was here for a work event but I had a lovely experience. I have never been to the boathouse before, out of all the times I've been to Central Park. It was a Tuesday afternoon at around 3 pm and it was pretty crowded for such a weird hour. You should definitely try to sit outside if you can because that's where you'll get the best view of the lake and all the boats. The cocktails are pretty good and are a nice addition to the view.

We had fine experience at the Boathouse. Reservations made for no wait and we were seated right next to the lake. Service was prompt and professional despite how busy the restaurant was. Had a beautiful chilled pea soup and a glorious spinach salad with strawberries, feta and candied pecans. My friends had a very generous and tasty MAnhatten clam chowder, the guys very hearty and delicious short rib sandwiches. Make sure to reserve so you can avoid the lines!

Please read the entire review as it's actually a good restaurant. I have been coming to the Loeb Boathouse on and off for over a decade, but it's been a go few years between visits (COVID did not help). It was closed for a while, but I kept my eyes on it and when I found out that it reopened, I started trying to get a reservation. Unfortunately, the restaurant uses OpenTable for its reservations and no matter how much I tried I could not get a reservation; my wife and I decided to chance it and turn up when we were passing (we don't live in America). We happened to be in New York so popped in and the first girl I met was charming and said no problem, we would get a table and our wait would only be 20 minutes. If you have been to the boathouse before then you know that really the only place to sit is next to the windows overlooking the water. When the next lady came to get us, I asked for a window table and was told that they were all reserved (turned out to be a lie). I explained that I could not get a reservation (not for the lack of trying) and she knew that reservations were a problem but still would not give us a table next to the window (many were still empty). I managed to get hold of the manager who put us next to a window (without any problem). During the entire lunch many of the tables next to the windows remained vacant so I feel like some training is required. Now onto the food and service. On both counts, I am happy to report that it is business as usual. Our waiter was excellent. We had a couple of cosmopolitans to start (our go to first drink) and ordered a bottle of Sancerre (delicious). The portion sizes are good and considering the location the value for money is excellent. I was thinking about what dish to recommend, I would have to say the spicy jumbo lump crab & avocado cocktail was my favourite and the spaghetti with lobster (although fiddly and messy) was equally delicious. I would recommend coming but suggest (if possible) get a window table and enjoy the views across the water and central park.

It was such a treat coming to the Boathouse during the holiday season. We first tried going to Tavern on the Green but it was closed for a private event. Thank goodness we checked out the Boathouse as well! We loved how the venue was decorated, especially the white pillars on the exterior, and it was lovely how the natural light was shining on us. We were big fans of the Boathouse martinis (such a pretty and tasty drink) and the Parker house rolls – to die for! Crab cakes were excellent as well.

We loved it! Perfect setting, food and service, we couldn’t have asked for more. Would definitely return.

If in the park, this is a good choice for a quick ordered lunch to be eaten outdoors. The Greek salad was standard but good.

We made a reservation for lunch at the Boathouse Restaurant a few days prior to our trip. Showed up and seated on-time, right next to the lake! Our seating was on the 'indoor' side of the restaurant, so covered from sun and A/C, which was much appreciated on the hot summer day we went! They had a nice drink menu with some interesting cocktails. Food menu was pleasant and they do offer a children's menu. Appetizer's were Parker House Rolls (bread, not sushi!) and Calamari. These were delicious and noticed many other diners ordering this combo of apps for their groups. Entrees were the Prime Rib Sandwich, House blend burger, Chicken tenders and fries, and Chicken Milanese. The food was cooked to our liking, tasty, and rather quick service for a restaurant of this size at lunch service! The servers were excellent! Polite, attentive, knew the menu and quick with any recommendations/opinions. Overall we HIGHLY RECOMMEND the Boathouse for a wonderful lunch break as you journey around Central Park; couples, families, groups of friends!

A catastrophic experience! Super salty fries with a strong fried taste! Horrible ! Homemade mayonnaise? Horrible ! No taste ! Let's talk about the Burger: not good... the meat tasted like a poorly washed grill. The secret sauce? Non-existent and tasteless. Industrial cheddar… Well, I was hoping to make up for it with homemade lemonade but it was extremely sweet! Flee this tourist trap! The price ? Two burgers, a drink and a tray of fries: $40! When sitting down, don't stand on the edges, the watering comes on from time to time and soaks you!

This restaurant is in a beautiful setting, with very good offerings. Sitting by the pond adds a special note, as you can watch the turtles. Unfortunately, it was very loud and uncomfortabky crowded.

A very nice restaurant with excellent service. Located in Central Park overviewing a lake. Wide selection of food. I recommend going for brunch and ordering French toast or Eggs Benedict!

The calamaris were very nice, the salmon perfectly cooked but the burger in the kids menu was a bit basic. Great view and very nice service

My now fiancée and I traveled from the UK to visit New York in December for our anniversary. I was planning to propose to her in the park one morning, and celebrate by coming here afterwards as it looked like such a lovely place (and it really is!). I really wanted to make it a special moment, as it should be, and enquired about arranging to have flowers and champagne waiting for us at the table. I also asked about the boats, but these were over for the season which wasn't a problem. I reached out to them and was met with unhelpful and abrupt responses despite making them aware of the situation. I was open to suggestions or any advice you might expect to give a visitor arranging a special occasion at your restaurant. I got none. In the end, I could only arrange for the Champagne to be waiting at the table, as I called around local florists to arrange for flowers (Loeb eventually said these had to be below 30cm in height) but they couldn't guarantee they could be delivered in time. I received heartwarming responses from the florists though, and they wished me the best of luck with the proposal, nothing like this from Loeb. A manager then emailed to reassure me it would be a memorable experience. When we got there, I had to ask for the Champagne as it wasn't there waiting for us. They were kind enough to give us a surprise free dessert and wished us a Happy Anniversary. I thought maybe the proposal would have reached their notes but maybe I expect too much. We tipped regardless, as the food really was good, however, the excessive floor heating made us and a few seated around us quite uncomfortable while eating. The service was impersonal, and not what you'd expect for the price. The people at the door/reception looked like they didn't want to be there either. There's certainly room for improvement here.

In full disclosure, we did not eat a meal at the Boathouse but had coffee and sat outside. It took a while to get our two chais, but the weather was nice and we enjoyed sipping them while people watching at the outdoor tables. Taking a look at the food menu in the main dining area, it looked like it was more expensive than what we would have paid for lunch so we skipped it. You can also use the public restrooms and walk around the grounds.

Had a couple of drinks here one afternoon in May. Nothing to rave about at all- the coffee tasted like beef dripping and the place looked untidy and unkempt. Was a bit disappointed as I’d read so many things about this place being a good place to go. Service was slow . Maybe we went on a bad day , but I wouldn’t return or order a coffee there again.

Overpriced mediocre food. Wait staff gets 20% automatically so they were not friendly and service was poor Don’t waste your money

I was very well served, the hostel a dear... I asked to take a picture of a table with a view and she put me in this table! Wonderful food, beautiful view!! Very worth it! Delicious red wine

Excellent cuisine! we chose fish dishes, cooking was totally controlled and tastes exquisite. Table with white tablecloth (we appreciate) in a relaxing bucolic decor. The bill is salty, but it's NY...

So disappointed! We used to go there a lot and loved the food, the atmosphere, the elegance and the service. The food was terrible, the service okay as there was about 20% of the table occupied.

We had a bit of a problem getting a reservation but with a bit of perseverance, we finally managed it. Our group showed up early and so we sat at the bar for 30 min, which was delightful. Once seated we were seated by the window with a beautiful vew of the water and our servers (we were a group of 8) was excellent. They were friendly and so helpful. The cocktails, food and desserts were yummy and the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because the lobster spaghetti - while just delicious - was a hassle to eat. The lobster came IN the shell in and amonst the pasta, yet no tools/silverware were given to help extract the lobster meat. Gah!! I would say that the parker house rolls that we ordered for our appetizer were the BEST I've ever had. I'll definitely be back.

The person taking the order is very very unpleasant! Talk about customers thinking you understand her! And the food is “very basic.” I would recommend not to consume in this place. They don't clean tables or floors, it's very unpleasant.

If there were a zero option I would give that. Booked a table well in advance, as it was a treat for the last day of our 25th wedding anniversary trip to NYC. We arrived 15 minutes early and was brusquely told to come back at my time. At that time the maitre d shouted out my name across the bar area to get us to come forward. Not very becoming of a relatively expensive restaurant. We were shown to our table, which was actually in the bar area. I politely asked to sit at one of several empty tables in the restaurant area, one of which was by the window. “Everyone wants to sit there” was the abrupt and terse reply. This lady really is quite rude I’m realising by now. I explained I had booked in the restaurant for a special occasion. “Everyone has a special occasion” and “this is the restaurant” came the barked response. I politely insisted this was the bar area and requested a table in the restaurant. “This is the restaurant” here we go again. But then we were told we could sit in the restaurant but we would have to go to the back of the queue along with the walk ins. I reluctantly agreed, at which point I was told to “stand to the side”. I must have looked surprised by this as it was repeated, only louder. I have been to the boathouse on two occasions pre covid and pre their apparent and always found it really friendly. Not cheap but a good location and experience. This was the opposite The end of the story is we left and had a nice lunch at the tavern on the green. 15 minutes walk and really nice service and food. My advice is to go straight there and save yourself the hassle.

We visited at lunchtime midweek, without prior reservations. The sun was shining on compacted snow, almost “deep and crisp and even,” making for a picturesque view outside. The weather was cold outside, in Central Park. But the welcome we had within was definitely very heartwarming. The menu looked inviting too. Chicken, salmon, steak and mussels… For a visiting Brit however, the absence of lamb and pork appeared significant. That did not detract from the varied food on offer. All served promptly and with aplomb. The staff were most considerate. Nothing was too small for them or not worth the effort. Food was cooked to perfection. And served in style. Certainly a superior eating place!

It was our first time visiting to Central Park, stumbled across this place, welcoming friendly bar, busy but service was great, seemed exclusive but all were welcomed, food fantastic, attentive staff and personal service, our host Sani of 13 year’s service at the Boathouse and colleagues were all fantastic. We would recommend anyone who is visiting Central Park, to visit here, as a must, beautiful location and great value for money.

We ate at the cafe at Central Park Boathouse on a Sunday afternoon. There was a short line and then you order at the counter which is also where you get your food when it is ready. We would have preferred the interior of the restaurant overlooking the water but the menu is very different and much more expensive. Even at the cafe our meal for 4 was around $100 but our kids liked the selection better. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed our time eating in the park.

We had dinner scheduled for 4:30pm. We arrived 30 min early cuz wanted to have drink at the bar. Once we got seated and was given an amazing window seat, our service was impeccable. Our waiter and bus person very personable and drinks/food were very timely. The only downfall was since we had reservation we thought we would have somewhere to have a drink at bar ahead of time but was very full. I think anyone could stop in and have drink in bar. My daughter and I ordered little dirty martinis and I always say really cold. Understand very busy (only looked like they had 2 bartenders for entire restaurant). We could only drink a few sips of them. They weren't very chilled and really no dirt. Her's had a wierd taste to it and we have been drinking martini's for years. Waiter was nice enough to get us something else and take off the bill.

We made a reservation for 6 online 2 days prior and were seated by a window as we had requested. The food, prime rib sandwich, chicken marsala, and burgers, were great, and the staff was very attentive. I had told them we were celebrating my birthday, and they brought out a small pastry with a lit candle after we had eaten. It was a great experience and we highly recommend going there.

I had a reservation with a client for lunch on a sunny and oppressively hot day. Fortunately, I was able to sit inside the airy and high ceilinged air conditioned dining room, overlooking the magnificent lakefront setting, reminiscent of being in Europe. We shared the Cast Iron Crispy Chicken, served with chive whipped potatoes and green beans, and the Boathouse Burger (perfect for sharing as it arrived as two individual burgers on buns) with hand-cut french fries. The chocolate truffle cake (really a warm chocolate lava type dessert) with mint chip ice cream was sublime. as well as their housemade ice creams and sorbets (had the peach, as peaches are in season).

Very high bill for substandard food, no genuinely friendly staff and a messy service. If you are still taking reservations at 8pm, it is very strange that you close the bar at 8:45pm (8:45pm) and start cleaning up the furniture.

Location, location location sitting in front of the Central Park, Pond, and all its Majestic. Beauty makes every meal more delicious. The service is outstanding. Everybody works hard to make sure you have a nice pleasant experience. Everyone is cool. I sat alone by the window I was very grateful, the only downside is the food could be better. It doesn’t match the aesthetics of the newly renovated room and beautiful view. It’s not terrible, but it could be better.

Booked in advance as soon as reservations opened 3 weeks out. Glad we did as on a Summer Friday at 1pm, it was super busy. Our waiter Clay was super attentive and really looked after us. The food and drinks were delicious and Clay made fuss of me as it was my 50th birthday. Loved the views of the boating lake and the location in Central Park.

Waiter with ponytail and goatee is very rude didn’t even speak, spoke to everyone else barely gave us a menu. Food was good drinks are great. From out of town no reason for the rudeness

Had some lunch here after a busy morning doing separate things, but agreed to meet here. The site is excellent, in a lovely location with great views of the lake. The ladies arrived first but weren't allowed a seat in the dining area until everyone arrived, which I can understand. We had a quick drink, then sat for food, seated outside the building and by the railings adjacent to where people queued for the boats, so not great seats. Service was at best okay, the food, however, was good. It felt impersonal and the focus was maximising how many diners they can get in, not about great service, but I guess that's just good business sense. Didn't walk away feeling super relaxed and well dined, but all the ingredients to do so were there.

The Boathouse is solely for the view and location. We visited on a Thursday with a reservation for lunch - the waiting staff seemed to be in a rush all the time. We had to ask for the drinks menu three times for it to be brought to us. The food sounded interesting but was not good - every piece of meat was overcooked and dry - the chicken, pork and beef. Prices run high for what is delivered. Drinks were good though. Go for drinks and the view, not the food.

The boathouse is a great place to stop while out for a walk in Central Park or even if you want to take a significant other out for a romantic glass of wine or meal in a lovely location. Although we were only interested in a short pause in our exploration of the park, this seemed the natural break point. I am sure there have been some marriage proposals carried out here! Lovely place that we never, unfortunately, got back to in our stay.

I have always wanted to eat at this restaurant (big When Harry Met Sally fan) so I felt lucky to snag a reservation for lunch this past week and it did not disappoint. From the food, to the aesthetics, to the majority of the service- everything was wonderful. To be honest, I was a little worried that this might be some kind of tourist trap; the common NYC kind (fancy looking place with mediocre food and a big price tag and service where they churn you in and out like cattle) but this was absolutely not the case here. Our waiter, Clay, was so friendly and helpful (especially with our semi-cranky toddler) and guided our meal selections with perfection. The cocktails, while pricy, were also excellent and you truly can't beat the view, especially on a gorgeous spring day. The only slight gripe was with the check in area/hostess stand. It was an absolute zoo (to be fair it was spring break and the first really nice day in the city) but the hostess was a bit cold and dismissive. I let her know that we had a toddler and requested a high chair but never arrived until we requested again from our waiter. There was a slight wait even though we had a reservation (fine, we understand) but she told me I should go wait at the bar (with my...toddler...???). She also seemed annoyed when I asked for clarification on how I would be notified our table was ready (I did not want to stray too far if they call your name vs texting you, as it was crowded and loud up there). They said it would be a text notification but they ended up just shouting our name, which thankfully my husband caught while I was outside with the baby. It just all seemed odd in comparison to the rest of our experience. Regardless of the check in experience everything else was so wonderful; we will certainly be back and highly recommend here to all! I can't wait to see this place through all four seasons!

The food is a disaster. Sorry, ate there ten years ago, on another level. This time it all crashed. Well done meat was blody inside, og burned outside. The ham was cooked to long, disgusting texture, with too much mustard. The chicken was dry, extremely dry. Iced tea was water with to drops of taste. And the people "working" there was having a lot of fun, talking loud, ignoring the guests, and was clearly fed up with handing the guests. We where given a micro discount when complaining. No one was really interested. And the manager backed away instead of apologizing. Almost forgot, overpriced. Walked to Magnolia Bakery and saved the day with cup cakes.

Don’t let the rain and cold weather stop you from a fabulous Prime Rib Sandwich. The romantic atmosphere over looking Central Park cozy waterfront table was some thing to experience. Even featured in SNL skit for MOTHERS DAY tells it ALL.

We were conflicted as whether to go to this restaurant after reading conflicting reviews and we are so glad we did! It was a perfect summer night and the atmosphere can’t be matched. I would caution you not to go in a very hot or rainy day, it definitely wouldn’t be the same pleasant experience. We were greeted by the friendliest host and the service continued to be excellent. Be advised, they will try to turn the table as quickly as possible. But, we told our server we would like to have a leisurely dinner and he respected our request. As warned by previous reviewers, the food was just ok. Nothing spectacular, just ok. Still, I would recommend a visit to this restaurant for the experience and the atmosphere. Request a table right beside the railing for a the best view. And after dinner take some time to wonder through the park…it’s magical at night.

Good location, food was excellent, nice table overlooking the lake. The service was a little cool to start with but the waiter became a little more pleasant as the afternoon went on. Quite chaotic in the bar area so make sure you book. Ladies toilets / restrooms queuing was ridiculous, 2 toilets for a restaurant of this size isn’t acceptable, waiting for 20 minutes plus does put a dampener on the experience, when your husband is sat on his own for this length of time every time you want to visit the restrooms.

We came for Sunday brunch in January and we’re seated overlooking the lake which was lovely. Service was excellent and we started with Aperol Spritz, for brunch we had the Boathouse breakfast which was excellent. It was such an experience to dine in the memorable spot.

Had a party of eight, six adults and two children. We were seated and brought ice water. Shortly after, bread was brought to our table and we were each asked to choose from a selection of 5 or 6 types. We were each given ONE piece of somewhat chewy tough crusted bread. We had to ask if there was a children's menu and was advised that there was a "Kids Burger", as that is what was both of the young ones were wanting. When our order's arrived, I was disappointed to see that the $30 Twin Burgers I had ordered were basically 2 "sliders sized" burgers with an inch and a half square piece of cheese each. The Kids Burgers looked to be larger in portion. Mine was undercooked and lacked any seasoning, as were both of the children's. The "cast iron cooked onions" that accompanied my burgers were TWO slivers of onion of maybe 1/4 inch wide and 2 inches long. My son, filet was tender and cooked to his liking, but it was undersized. Two members had the crabcakes which they both liked. If all you want is atmosphere, this place is ok, but I would suggest you find a different place if interested in the food.

What a lovely contrast to the brutalist architecture of the city. An oasis of style, brilliant cuisine, efficient service and good wines. As a lover of white table cloths and thoughtfully designed menus reflecting American food culture I was very pleased. Hope to be back soon.

Visited the cafe on our last day in New York and wished we had visited for brunch on previous Sunday. Food was served quickly, service was very efficient and views over Central Park were amazing. I had the beef and barley broth - absolutely delicious, subtle seasoning cooked to perfection.

Local here. While our kids went for a boat ride, my friend and I went for a drink to the bar. Easter week, the park was packed and the restaurant & bar barely busy. No one greeted us and so we went to a standing table by the bar, no service, no nada and after maybe some 15 mins I went to the bar to ask for menus, no following up for another like 10 mins and then some service personal came to our table - no friendly welcome etc. - only pointing to a corner at the bar to order and get our drinks & bill - 20% gratuity added without any service whatsoever - side note: I was with a friend from Switzerland and we spoke in Swiss german - is that how we treat our tourists these days … I loooooved the ‘old’ boathouse, but the new management/owner comes across greedy (prices up, service down and there is nooooo love - everything seems to be calculated to the cent) - well, my 2 cents!! This place totally lost its charm & good food!!

If you are looking for a wonderful Sunday Brunch, this is your place! My sisters and I are from New Orleans, so we are real foodies, and this place wins our approval! We arrived at The Boathouse 20 minutes early for brunch because they do not accept reservations. We were 3rd in line and were seated quickly. I would recommend arriving early because there was a wait when we left. The food was delicious. I had a crab cake that was ALL crab and deliciously prepared and a salad that could have easily been shared. My sisters were equally pleased with their food choices. The service was prompt, courteous, and professional. We were able to have a window seat and enjoyed the view of the lake. One note is that they cannot serve alcohol before 10 AM - remember we are from New Orleans so this was unusual for us! The ONLY negative I would give The Boathouse was the smell upon entering. I do not know if it was the smell of the water- I know stinky swamp water smell, but it smelled of sewage at the front door which is located near the bar and restrooms. The rest of the restaurant did not smell offensively. I did not complain or bring it to the attention of management due to my overall pleasant experience.

Lovely place, overlooking the pond in central park, nice inside seating and terrace, prices are quite high though overall.

Beautiful view. We sat at a table right by lake. Hostess and wait staff were wonderful. Food disappointing. First the bar does not stock dark rum so we couldn’t get hurricanes (aka dark and stormies). This is NYC and I expected better. I drank ginger beer no alcohol. Complimentary Relish tray is sweet gesture. We ordered stuffed mushrooms and oysters Rockefeller to start. They were ok. We shared an order of spaghetti with lobster. Described as house made pasta, the pasta was very dry, the lobster was fine. For these prices you are paying for the view, not food of high quality.

I had a wonderful experience at The Loeb Boathouse in Central Park! The atmosphere is absolutely magical — right by the water, surrounded by nature, yet still in the heart of the city. The food was delicious, especially the seafood, and the service was warm and attentive. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing lunch or a romantic dinner. Whether you’re visiting New York or you’re a local, this spot is a must-visit. I’ll definitely be coming back!

We arrived without Reservation and the very friendly receptionist led us to a table in the beer garden without waiting. The location is very nice and the drinks and food were also good. Only minus point for the plastic cutlery, which unfortunately seems cheap and does not fit the otherwise beautiful ambience. For a break while exploring the park a good address.

You can’t beat the views here and the whole place looks brand new but that’s about it. The food menu really needs an overhaul and the wine list too. Very limited and basic food choices but with a price tag far in excess of what you get. I’m done.

As a long time New Yorker, I’m so thrilled that this place is BACK! Love bringing out-of-towners here, such a special location. My rating is tempered with the fact that they’re just getting things off the ground since reopening. Two cons - 1) they’re not serving brunch on Saturdays (hopefully that will change) and that’s the whole reason we went. 2) even though we were early and only a few tables were seated, they put us at the farthest corner next to a cold door with zero ambiance - before we sat down, I asked if they had another table, but she said they were “all reserved”. Not sure if there’s a separate VIP list I missed, but there was an entire row of four-tops available. I didn’t care for me, but my family was visiting and it was like we were cast to the shadows. Pros: Even though we were expecting brunch, we were happy with the appetizer of Stuffed Mushrooms (melt in your mouth, HIGHLY recommend) and the Prime Ribeye French Dip sandwich (it could use more meat, but was very good on yummy bread with a great au jus). The accompanying fries were nothing special, pretty bland and a bit soggy. Service was great as always.