Tavern On the Green

We came with very high expectations to the place… The service was not good… The girl was very young and untrained… We left a 12% tip because she really was not no good … as soon as she took the check of the table she told her coworker… why is everyone acting to shitty… Bad experience! Food was good and atmosphere was great… but the waitress was very unpleasant… I know the name of the server just do not want to write it!

This place is all about the place. Historic, impressive, upscale ambiance, from the top hat doorman to the impressive dining room and bar, but the outdoor patio dining on a nice afternoon is what the Tavern on the Green is all about.
Pricey though. The cheeseburger was absolutely delicious, thick, juicy, and so tasty, but it costs $ 26 served with homemade potato chips and a pickle wedge. The chicken caesar salad was good, not huge, but enough, and is cost $ 26 also. Yes pricey, but still worth the experience. Still miss the old upstairs bar.

Food was fantastic. The music delightful. The service however was wanting from the hostess who seemed once removed to the lobby bar that forgot my daughters drink to the wait staff that missed some basics and opportunity for additional items. I would still return with he anticipation that maybe next time the service would match the food and ambience.

RAZZLED, FRAZZELED, DAZZELED STAFF.
Made reservations prior to arriving. Upon arrival we were given the option of dining outdoors or indoors. Seeing how erratic the weather can be for the month of May. We didn’t think it would be that nippy outdoors. But little did we know, no heating lamps just in case or mosquito repellent. Hello West Nile Virus in the middle of Central Park in the woods. We asked the waiter if we can be seated indoors. It was difficult task. Ok, we will ask for you. So we ended up being seating indoor by the bar.
Service took awhile once again. Whomp. Whomp. Whomp!
Ordered:
— Chilled Shrimp Cocktail (at least cut the middle lining of the shrimp and take the poo is it aka black thingy down the shrimp’s spine. no?)
— Foie Gras Parfait (D-​E-​L-​I– C– I– O-​U-​S)
— Caramelized Roasted Lambs (Portion was quite pleasing and good– NO COMPL. AINTS)
— Cioppino Fisherman’s Stew (NO COMPLAINTS HERE EITHER)
— Grilled Filet Mignon (I don’t understand how you can mess up a medium rare steak gone burnt and dry on the first try. They served the steak as is. Normally, we wasn’t going to say anything but as we decided to take a bite. God no. HELLA DRY FILET MIGNON) Server had to re-​ordered another one which came out in a jiffy. I was kind of hesitant to eat because of how quick it came out.
& some cocktails.
The only thing I would consider coming back for is the outdoor seating at the bar. Drinks and taking in the view. But make sure you spray yourself with bug repellant prior to seating outside
TOURIST THIRST TRAP– MEDICORE FOOD. SERVICE EHH.

My review of the new Tavern is good
I had a great server. I think her name was Migalya???
She suggested good drinks and desserts.
I was heavily disappointed in the menu though.
Lobster Risotto should never have those ingredients.
What is that chef thinking.
The short rib was great with the corn polenta. Beautiful.
Carrot cake, beyond beautiful and scrumptious
Thier gift shop was great
Thier fish was fresh, the bathrooms were spotless and the busser and reception desk were very nice.
I watched an erratic nasty man argue and torment an African American woman over something so petty.
She was calm and accommodating
I told them I’d wait just to hear him shut up!
I’ll return for brunch with my family soon! k

Came here with a group from work to celebrate a team members 5 year anniversary. We arrived on time for our reservation and then waited over 30 minutes to be seated, having to recheck with the host after 30 minutes had passed. We were taken a an outdoor table in an awesome courtyard with strings of lights and a live band.
A colleague was sitting awkwardly close to another due to an outdoor umbrella with a large base not allowing him to sit properly in front of the table. We asked the server to have it moved. She came back a few minutes later and said, politely, that it couldn’t be moved. I told her it actually was a problem and we needed it moved or to move to a new table. She brought over her manager who after seeing the situation was able to move the umbrella for us.
Overall, the service was okay. Everyone was polite however they tried multiple times to bring us the wrong food and drink along with having to wave any staff down for assistance or to order.
We started with a pitcher of the blackberry lemonade cocktail. Clever way to serve cocktails to a large table however quite tough to serve a proper drink with all the ice really wanting to stay in the pitcher and no spoon to be able to get it out.
We had the east and west coast oysters with mignonette, yum! The crab meat appetizers was quite nice with large pieces of fresh meat and avocado. The shrimp that came in the shrimp cocktail were large and tasty! We shared a couple of salads, the chopped vegetables were good and something I’d order again even as a main. For the main I had the scallops which were nicely seared and with a light pesto sauce over risotto. I think polenta or mashed potatoes would have been a better pairing. For dessert we all shared the whiskey cake with ice cream and tasty sauce and carrot cake, both which were large and good for sharing with a table.
The ambience is a total 5 star with the lights, live music, and dancing. The food is a 3 star; good but not mind blowing. The service is a 2 star from being seated to having to really advocate to actually have a table that say 5 instead of one person nearly sitting in another’s lap.

I was in the 10^th grade, when a girl by the name of Jade invited me to her sweet 16. She was different, a teenage girl slightly at odds with herself, who would eventually come to be a die hard punk rocker, worship the safety pin, forever chipped black nail polish and pail skin. She hosted her sweet sixteenth birthday party at Tavern on the Green when Tavern on the Green was decorated like the inside of a cake topper and one fully expected a rabbit to invite one to tea. Every one of my experiences with Tavern on the Green has been memorable, including the first time I walked into the newly designed space with my brother. It was and is a brilliant. In the reservation making process, the Tavern team is reassuring, unshakable, even warm. I know this from having adjusted the same reservation repeatedly on one of the most holy holidays.
Recently, Paco and I visited the patio for a drink on an early summer evening. Tavern continues to blend beauty and magic. It was dreamy. Thank you Tavern on the Green!

Went with visiting friends for the first time since it reopened… this restaurant is not for the knowing restaurant goer.
Service indifferent, and overall lacking… Drinks were poorly presented and made. Martini with a twist came in a water spotted glass and a full lemon wedge… Entrees were not served together, two then ten minutes later the other two. The food quality… pedestrian !
This is not the restaurant it use to be.
Two stars for the park setting. It’s not a place I would return too nor recommend.

Due to limited time to enjoy a leisurely lunch, we opted for the Tavern on the Green To-​Go window and ate outside on a warm, breezy day in the city. I had that day’s special, which was an avocado BLT, and my husband had the chicken caesar wrap. Both sandwiches were very large portion sizes and came with potato chips. We enjoyed our sandwiches, and more so, enjoyed the less expensive prices that come from the to-​go window over dining in the restaurant. It was very nice to sit on the patio and people watch in the park. I’m so happy this iconic restaurant has reopened, and I look forward to enjoying another meal there on a future trip.

Stopped in for a cold drink after a ramble through Central Park on a hot day. Perfect! Beautiful building and the staff persons were extremely gracious. Will be back.

I’m confused by the reviews this place gets, because my experience here was nothing less than excellent. My mom and I came in for lunch and were lucky enough to be blessed with great weather and a table outside.
Both my mom and I agreed that our Bloody Mary cocktails were the best we’ve ever had. The burger was absolutely FANTASTIC. They do not put lettuce or any condiments on the burger, and after tasting this burger, I can kind of see why — anything else put on the bun would literally just be overshadowed. This thing stands STRONG on its own, it is truly tasty. The Cobb Salad was very good as well — the avocado was perfect, the dressing was tasty without being overbearing, and the deviled eggs on the side were a delicious touch. Overall, we were very impressed with our experience at Tavern — delicious food and perfect service out in the beautiful Central Park? You can’t end a vacation much better than that.

Baking in the sun & enjoying ‘greens’ for review #420.
The irony of that statement is that very few stoners could actually afford to eat here (not to mention the majority would be drastically under-​dressed). This restaurant has been around since 1934 and has garnered quite the reputation, having served millions of tourists, locals, foreign dignitaries, Hollywood celebrities, and even U.S. presidents.
On my family’s first day on vacation in New York, we decided to start things off right by eating lunch at this iconic American restaurant. Tavern on the Green was recently renovated in 2014 and it shows. Clean, tastefully decorated, warm and very inviting. Once we got seated outdoors, I took one look at the lunch menu and went «oh good christ, a $ 26 burger & chips? Does it come dusted with gold bullion??» No, nothing here is cheap.
Eventually we came to the decision that ordering a few drinks and small plates to share would be best. My dad chose the BLT wedge salad [$ 16], which consisted of baby iceberg lettuce with blue cheese dressing, diced tomato and smoked bacon.
My mom ordered the roasted figs [$ 19] without hesitation. They were served with bresaola (dried salted beef, akin to proscuitto), goat cheese, arugula (aka ‘field greens’ or ‘weeds’, teehee), and a drizzle of honey.
I opted for the grilled jumbo asparagus [$ 16]; four large shoots were accompanied by crispy pancetta, a delightful poached egg, and topped with whole grain mustard dressing.
Between the three of us, we felt that although the price point was laughably high, the food itself was actually quite good. Plate presentation was uninspired, but the quality of ingredients and overall taste was impressive. Local beer was something like $ 7 a pint, and our server did a commendable job.
Bread = 4
Circuses = 5+
Although walk-​up seating is possible, I’d strongly recommend making a reservation well in advance. After all, Tavern on the Green has been featured in something like twenty movies, most notably the scene in Ghostbusters where Rick Moranis’s character (Louis Tully) runs towards patrons dining here, banging on the glass to escape the spirit of Vinz Clortho until he is eventually overcome. Which reminds me…
…Dana Barrett’s apartment? You know, the penthouse of spook central designed by the fictional Ivo Shandor? Yeah, that building exists right outside the restaurant, in Central Park West. My inner movie geek was totally nerding out over that fact.
Oh, and the bathrooms were immaculate. Literally one of the nicest, cleanest WC’s I’ve seen in my entire life. So if you dine here, plan on using their gorgeous facilities. I don’t upload many bathroom photos (because gross), but I make the exception for Tavern.
Their website mentions their «bucolic» setting (had to google that one), and I wholeheartedly agree. It’s a New York landmark that everyone should try to squeeze in if their schedule allows. And if you can stomach the eye-​popping cost of eating here, that is.
Yeah, I could’ve done a headshop or whatever for my 420^th posting, but Tavern on the Green is more deserving. A sensationally classy atmosphere bolstered by enjoyable food and amicable service, despite insanely-​priced menu items. Get a bite, grab a drink, and check this place off your NYC to-​do list.
Both Eric S and Dr. Peter Venkman would recommend!**
**Tavern on the Green not held liable for any incidents involving Terror Dogs, Sumerian shape-​shifting gods of destruction, or Gozer worshippers**

I had been here way back when before it closed under the old owners. While the place looks OK, it is just a tourist trap. The food is AWFUL. I got the eggs Benedict which may have been the worst I ever had. You get two dry english muffins, two over-​poached eggs (the yolks were solid), canadian bacon and two dollops of non-​descript Bearnaise sauce, I had the white peach Bellini which wasn’t even very cold (maybe the champagne was sitting out?) and the peach was not fruity.
My friend ordered the french toast that looked like a slab of bread with 4 slides strawberries on top. We also ordered the side of bacon that was COVERED in maple syrup! Who does that?! When I saw maple bacon, I assumed it meant maple cured, smoked, whatever. Not with maple syrup poured all over it! YUCK.
Over $ 100 for 3 drinks and the entrees — Sarabeths is 10x better as is the charming Buvette in the west village.

Came for brunch with the girls. I think the reputation of this place is why we came, not exactly to be wow’d by great food.
It’s nicely located by Central Park. The place is quite large and picturesque actually. Staff were all nice and accommodating to our semi-​large group.
I opted for the non-​alcoholic version of the Bellini which by other’s account of the alcoholic version, I think the non-​alcoholic version they made me was better tasting. The mimosas I think everyone who ordered it enjoyed.
They do serve some delicious bread.
I ordered Eggs Benedict with a side of avocado. Others had french toast, flat bread, scrambled eggs. Overall, no one was blown away by what they tasted, it was just reg food you can get any restaurant.
So if you want to have a great tasting brunch with many options, you can find it better and cheaper elsewhere.
But if you want the experience of dining here and taking pictures, then Tavern is your place.

Great Location on a beautiful day, food was good, but the service was fair. Nice dessert menu. They didn’t have a large selection of appetizers.
Overall A Good Experience.

Historic and the local favorite.
There are awesome WORLD CLASS NYC bars and restaurants so if this place were anywhere else it would rank better. «I try to bias rank based on location and options.»
This place is open to the public, but be respectful of the patrons and its history. Do not come in shorts and tees. The ambiance is beautiful and classic like most of their patrons. Families, couples, young and old, come to enjoy themselves in a place that allows them to go back in time and be a part of something special.
Come, bring someone special. You won’t disappoint or be let down. I’ll be back again and again.

Came here on the perfect spring day and it could not have been nicer! Not only was there zero wait, but the service was excellent. My friend and I both got «The Tavern Burger», which has the most delicious, well toasted and buttery bun. The fries definitely had some truffle oil and made the burger even better. I would love to come back here for dinner one night so I can enjoy the beautiful lighting they have hanging outdoors.

Tavern on the Green is a beautiful restaurant in an even more lovely location, Central Park.
The wait staff was nothing but pleasant, attentive and helpful throughout our entire meal.
Our meal was delicious and prepared perfectly. When the waitress noticed that my son however wasn’t a fan of the béarnaise sauce that came with his steak (it was good, just not to his young palate) she told the chef and he personally created 3 different steak sauces for him to try, he loved them all!

Folgers Crystals in the Crystal Room
I’ve always wanted to come here since seeing the Folgers Crystals commercials in the 1980’s
Folgers had a line of ads that featured the America’s finest restaurants that included :
Arnaud’s in New Orleans
The Peacock Caffe’ in NYC (closed)
Perino’s In L.A.‘s (closed)
Blue Fox in San Francisco (closed)
Maxim’s in Chicago (closed)
Anthony’s in Atlanta (closed)
Maison Robert in Boston (closed)
Google these places to see examples on a different era of fine dinning .
It was also featured in the film Beaches, 1988 with Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey. I loved that tear-​jerker when I was younger.
It was also used in a pivotal scene in the film, Stella, 1990 (another Bette Midler vehicle)
«I love ya, Jenny girl ! «
It closed it 2009, so when I went to NYC the first time, it was shuttered. I was heartbroken. It had became a visitor center…
As luck would have it, they reopopend before my upcoming visit to NYC !!!
It was on the top of my list of places to see that week. It was a gorgeous October day, as we made our trek through Central Par, arriving at Tarern On The Green midday. We decided to have drinks on the patio since we weren’t eating. We sat at a table that didn’t have service, so we had to order at the bar. We spent hours here enjoying conversation and watching all the tourists enjoy their experience as well. As dinner time approached, I became peckish and purchased some chips from a snack bar window located outside the main seating area, and brought them back to our table. The snack bar is open to anyone walking through the park that needs a quick bite or beverage. We had dinner reservation at Candle 79 later so we didn’t want to order food.
As we were siting there, the winds started to pick up and I told my friends that it looked like a storm was brewing, and that I thought it was going to dump rain any minute. They ignored my warnings. Then the storm came! When it rains in NYC, it REALLY rains! We were under an umbrella, so it was fine at first. It was humorous, watching the chaos as some of patrons ran inside. We continued to sip our wine as the rain poured down around us. Others people choose to wait out the storm as well.
Two older men sitting beside us began to crowd in on us when their umbrella started to leak. One of the men was practically sitting on my girlfriends lap. I told him that he was being rude but it fell on deaf ears.
The drama continued as thunder made its presence known. We quickly ran inside and snagged a sofa, in a prime spot in the bar. We had a window to watch the storm while staying safe and dry.
Some people were still hanging outside when the lighting started. They quickly retreated to the safety of the indoors. It was a dramatic scenario with everyone trying to fit inside, some wet carrying drinks with them. We continued with a few more rounds before moving on. The interior was tastefully decorated.
The renovated Crystal Room was gorgeous. I can’t add anything on the service since we ordered at the bar .
Trying to get a taxi while its the raining was hilarious. Über was price surging «price gouging» so we walked to our next destination, getting soaked along the way.
I highly recommend this place to anyone visiting NYC
We visited 10 – 2015
Instant coffee anyone?

Rounding up to 4 stars. Came here for restaurant week during lunch…$ 25 is a steal for a 3 course meal here!
I absolutely loved their chopped salad here… it was SO delicious and fresh! The flatbread was pretty tasty as well.
The burger was good, but it doesn’t come with lettuce/​tomato/​onions unless you ask for it. We did later on and they brought it out to us, so yay to that! Kinda weird, though…
The dessert was alright, just ate half of it…
Anyways, service was great and this place is beautiful!

As a New Yorker, I should have known much better than to go to an über tourist trap — but the recent renovation gave me some hope, and the restaurant week deal was so enticing that I fell for it.
We made a 1:15p lunch reservation on Open Table, and were told upon checking in that our wait would be about 15 – 20 minutes. We were OK with that, however, we were not seated until 2:00p — which was after speaking to the hostess three times.
When we were finally escorted to our table, we entered a room with at least 20 empty tables. Clearly they were understaffed, but it was infuriating that we waited 45 minutes for a table and there were tons available. We were given a free drink each to help quell our anger, but the adventure did not stop there…
We ordered the three course, Restaurant Week lunch menu for $ 25. We were served two rolls to start — but my bread plate was dirty, appeared to be some kind of leftover greens on it. For my starter, I ordered a flatbread with cheese, arugula and onions (good), but my main course was not as great. I had expected a sizeable juicy thick burger from a place like Tavern on the Green, but alas, I received a petite patty (though the bun was great), with chips on the side. To be honest, I had stopped for fast food the day prior and had ordered a burger — and they were sadly very similar. Thus — I would recommend something other than the burger.
The dessert was fantastic. A caramel chocolate tart that was very tasty.
In summary, I would not come back to this restaurant — I would need a lot of convincing. The waitstaff was very pleasant and tried their best, and the service was fine — but all the things mentioned above would not bring me back here. For me, Restaurant Week is a chance to try new restaurants, and make new recommendations to friends and family — and this experience sadly did not meet any of my expectations.

My husband and I were fortunate enough to receive a Tavern On The Green gift certificate for Christmas, so that definitely put this place on our list of dining establishments to check out. After the awesome experience we had, however, we would still come here even if we didn’t have a gift certificate.
Located in Central Park, this is a beautiful restaurant. The lighting is perfect: not too bright, and not too dim. We were seated at one of the tables with a cushioned booth along the wall. Our server was a very nice gentleman from Virginia. He did a great job with answering our questions about the menu.
For my meal, I had the shrimp scampi. Oh. My. God. This was, hands down, the best shrimp scampi I’ve ever had. This is not your average shrimp scampi. It comes with two giant (and when I say giant, I mean it) prawns, cooked with garlic and Frascati White Wine. It is served on Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe. I swear, my mouth sang the halleluja chorus as soon as the taste hit it.
My husband had their filet mignon, cooked medium. It was absolutely perfect (he was kind enough to let me sample some of his). It is served with Potato croquettes, Haricots Verts (a fancy term for green beans) and Béarnaise sauce. He thoroughly enjoyed his meal as well.
You’re going to spend a bit of money to eat here, but it is worth every penny.

Tavern on the Green lived up to its fame for me. It’s in a stunning location, it’s gorgeous inside and out with amazing views of Central Park. If you are visiting it’s defiantly worth the trip.
We went for brunch. My husband had the flatbread with eggs and chorizo. It was so good.
I just had the scrambled eggs, they come with mushrooms but I’m not a fan so I got them plain. They were good, I also got the bacon which was awesome! It’s around $ 10 for a side of bacon but it’s totally worth it. It’s a large order, big enough for sharing and it’s the best bacon I have ever had.
We also got a side of biscuits and gravy to try, this was by far the best biscuit I have even had. It was so so so good. I’m almost sad I ate it because it was so good and I know I’m going to crave it and not be able to get it again for a long time.
The Tavern did not disappoint, A+