The Boathouse is snoozy, but still a New York institution - Review - New York - The Infatuation
"In early 2024, the Central Park Boathouse reopened after two years of radio silence, and the people of Park Avenue started to talk. Rumors spread about better views and better food, and anyone who had ever eaten a mediocre egg there willed both to be true. This isn’t quite the case. On the edge of the lake in the most visited urban park in the world, the Central Park Boathouse has views as promised. But the American restaurant continues to serve a menu that would fit well inside a country club where not one thing has changed since the ‘70s. Still, it's a charming place to eat oysters Rockefeller or, yes, a mediocre plate of eggs before a sunny stroll through Central Park. (Preferably in the warmer months when those eggs won’t push you into hibernation.) If you’ve got family in town who prioritize every possible tourist attraction, bring them here and eat brunch next to an engagement after-party. You won’t be blown away, but it’s probably the only restaurant in New York City where you won’t hear a car horn out front. Food Rundown Complimentary Bites We've received a few slices of cucumber, a pleasantly lemony hummus, and some slimy olives at the beginning of meals here. The restaurant would be better off just serving free bread, but regardless, it’s nice to start with something free. Eggs Benedict This is a safe bet. On a good day, the eggs benedict is totally solid. On a bad day, it's still solid, though the hollandaise tastes like it's been sitting under a hot light for just a few minutes too long. photo credit: Willa Moore French Dip The brunch menu is fairly limited, but the lunch menu is quite lengthy, and you can mix and match from both during weekend brunch. The meat in this French dip leans dry, but the bread has a nice toasty crunch, and the jus helps immensely. photo credit: Willa Moore Side Salad 50% dressing and 50% tender lettuce isn't a winning ratio. At least the dressing has a nice tang to it." - Willa Moore
