Tavern On the Green — Restaurant in New York

Came with a client/friend to celebrate 10yrs of working together, and overall I just feel super disappointed. We sat at a table that seats four (which is nice), someone filled our glasses with room temp tap water. The extra place settings were not removed. When the server came to ask for a drink order, I asked for sparkling water with limes. Someone brought the bubbly water with lemons, poured my friend some and took away the other free glass, leaving the glasses of tap water. It took us awhike to get someone to come over so we could ask for a glass for me, too. He didn’t seem to understand, and almost took away the bottle of sparkling. It took a lot of showy pointing for him to understand, and then he delivered.

I ordered a watermelon cocktail that is $22 and my friend asked for a mocktail that isn’t sweet. When he began to ask if a Seedlip drink with tonic could be altered, he was interrupted and told it was a batched cocktail, no alterations. (He wanted the NA spirit with sprite instead of tonic). So he didn’t order it, feeling quickly shut down. When my drink came, it had no fruitiness, no zip, and basically tasted like watered down juice. I had really wanted a great watermelon cocktail, and this was completely underwhelming and didn’t even take the edge of the hot summer day with a little buzz. I asked if it was batched, too, and the server confirmed it is. As someone with 20+ years in restaurant work, including several years bartending and mixology/cocktail knowledge, I struggle to understand why cocktails that are made with juice/fruit purees are batched—the juice oxidizes and will be in no way fresh. Batching drinks is ok for drinks without fresh ingredients, such as negronis. Why was a drink with carbonated ingredients also batched? And even so, if a customer wants a certain drink altered, why cannot the bartender make that one drink to spec, instead of the customer being shut down or told no? In any case, this was weird but I was still optimistic and we were enjoying conversation.

We had the tuna tartare which was excellent and substantial, the crabcake, which was very mediocre—no sweet lumps of crab to be found—and some fries which were basic and served with ketchup. We still managed to enjoy this course and were happy for the occasion.

For the mains, my friend ordered the scallops which were very tasty, although he didn’t enjoy the black rice served alongside. I ordered the rack of lamb ($56), which was rather awful. It was slightly under cooked for medium, but barely warm and honestly the chewiest, hardest lamb I have ever had to get down. Every bite felt like a struggle to consume—the texture and flavor was not quality. My friend tasted and agreed. It was served with a pile of lumpy lukewarm polenta and another pile of overcooked greens with a lot of garlic. No flavor of mint. I wanted to send it back because I was not enjoying it, but I feel something specific needs to have been done wrong by the kitchen, and this was just overall quality, which can’t be fixed. I had a nice glass of pinot noir that felt like relief.

Our server was curt and responsive but not warm, and seemed to be always rushing away. When we tried to get anyone else’s attention for help, at times someone turned and looked directly at us before turning away and rushing off. I noticed there were pretty much no women on staff besides two hosts.

The challenges to run a place like this are so many, but overall things felt rushed instead of graceful, corners cut on the food from not using quality ingredients to and presentation, and no love behind anything that came to the table. (You can always feel it when there is!) For the price and legacy of this place, it was a huge letdown. I was hoping for a memorable celebration at an iconic NYC location on a beautiful summer night, and I felt like we got the tourist experience of overpaying for mediocre food, wildly overpriced cocktails that are made poorly as a standard, and barely passable service. I have no desire to return, and can’t pass on a recommendation to friends...

Tavern on the Green in Central Park is an extraordinary dining experience that blends history, elegance, and culinary excellence. Nestled within the lush landscapes of Central Park, this iconic restaurant has been a New York City staple since 1934, offering a unique and enchanting atmosphere that’s perfect for any occasion.

From the moment you approach Tavern on the Green, you are greeted by its charming exterior, adorned with twinkling lights and beautiful landscaping. The historic building exudes a timeless elegance that sets the stage for a memorable dining experience. The location itself is magical, with the surrounding park providing a serene and picturesque backdrop that feels like a world away from the bustling city.

The interior of Tavern on the Green is equally impressive. The decor is a blend of classic and contemporary styles, with cozy fireplaces, stunning chandeliers, and large windows that offer breathtaking views of the park. Whether you’re seated in the main dining room, the outdoor patio, or the enchanting courtyard, the ambiance is warm, inviting, and utterly romantic.

The menu at Tavern on the Green is a culinary delight. Each dish is crafted with care and precision, showcasing fresh, high-quality ingredients and creative flavors. From the appetizers to the desserts, every course is a feast for the senses. Highlights include the perfectly cooked steaks, the delectable seafood options, and the inventive vegetarian dishes. The presentation of each dish is impeccable, adding to the overall dining experience.

The brunch at Tavern on the Green is a must-try, featuring an array of delicious options that cater to all tastes. The Eggs Benedict, fluffy pancakes, and fresh pastries are just a few of the standout items. Pair your meal with a signature cocktail or a glass of champagne, and you’re in for a truly indulgent treat.

The service at Tavern on the Green is exceptional. The staff are professional, attentive, and genuinely passionate about providing a top-notch dining experience. From the moment you arrive, you are made to feel welcome and well-cared for. The waitstaff are knowledgeable about the menu and are happy to provide recommendations, ensuring that your meal is perfectly tailored to your preferences.

One of the highlights of Tavern on the Green is its outdoor dining options. The garden seating area is an absolute gem, offering a tranquil and scenic setting that’s perfect for al fresco dining. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Central Park, it’s an ideal spot for a leisurely meal or a special celebration.

Tavern on the Green also excels in hosting private events and celebrations. The venue’s versatile spaces and stunning setting make it an ideal choice for weddings, parties, and corporate events. The event planning team is thorough and accommodating, ensuring that every detail is taken care of to create a flawless and unforgettable event.

Overall, Tavern on the Green is a true New York City treasure. Its combination of rich history, beautiful setting, exceptional cuisine, and outstanding service make it a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re enjoying a romantic dinner, a celebratory brunch, or a special event, Tavern on the Green promises an enchanting and unforgettable experience. I can’t wait to return and create more wonderful memories at this iconic...

Georgia O'Keeffe once said: "One can't paint New York as it is, but rather as it is felt." That is precisely why I came to Tavern On the Green tonight; at this restored, unique New York landmark full of charm and spark. To feel it. To feel and inhale its essence. And it has not betrayed. My palate is painting its colors.

The building has been exquisitely remodeled with a panoramic window bordered by tables with white leather chairs. Booths are cozy and modern, with white leather all over as well. The servers are all very kind, respectful, and friendly, and you can notice a sense of pride for serving at such an iconic place. There is a panoramic view of the open kitchen with such harmony and tranquility that it is almost surreal. The food is excellent—no less than that—Lamb chops were tender and crunchy on some sides, just heaven. Potatoes with rosemary wanted to marry the lamb chops, and it was the perfect honeymoon. My daughter's Salmon was so tender and tasty they ought to have used some type of cocker. Either a smoker or Something. It was just perfect in moisture and taste. The sautéed veggies around made it superb. I had the Beet soup as my entree. It was one of the most exotic plates I had in a while. The Cold soup ( of course, it is 88 in NYC right now) brought me to some of the flavors in my grandma's kitchen over Passover. Horseradish, dill, a creamy yet not too pasty taste. I enjoyed it very much. Deliciously interesting. My son's seafood salad was magnificent. Yet, we both agreed that I would have replaced the banana for pears for the green part. He would have replaced them with apples. He knows best. Dessert. Chocolate peanut butter lava cake. Yes. I would put it on my Santa list-- especially the ice cream on the side with pieces of crunchy peanut butter. I am not an expert on Cheesecake, I know it has a whole science, but I liked the one I had. Sturdy but not hard, not too sweet. Good. A must if you are visiting NYC. Espresso: was cold. Sacrilegio. This should be avoided at ALL costs. Overall, the wonderful experience at Tavern on the Green was outstanding for us. The fabulous addition of a digestive walk on Central Park has made the highlight of this trip. This was something my kids will never forget and probably could not afford for a while in their young lives. So I am sure it will be kept as a treasure in their minds—a pure New...