Boathouse
Restaurant: E74 -
Loeb Boathouse And Cafe
[Constructed 1954]
Chief Park Designer: Stuart Constable
(212) 517-2233
Located at the northeastern tip of the Lake, stands the Loeb Boathouse that
houses the Boathouse Restaurant, a famous icon of Central Park.
This current building built in 1954
was largely financed with a gift from
investment banker Carl Loeb.
As familiar and as enduring as this
Boathouse might be to most Park
visitors, this was not the original
building. The previous boathouse,
constructed out of wood was built
in 1873 and was designed by
Calvert Vaux. It was a Victorian two
level building that enabled passengers
to rent rowboats and purchase
refreshments all while enjoying a
scenic view of the Lake. It endured
for over eighty, years, but by 1952
its edifice had become broken-down
and was demolished.
The Loeb Boathouse is a warm welcome to the many visitors to
Central Park. Its distinctive copper
roof with green patina and canopied
glass enclosures offer an air of
elegance as it gently embraces the Lake.
Inside this red brick and limestone
building visitors can expect a visually
enticing dining experience.
Overlooking the Lake it is the perfect
place to dine on a relaxing afternoon
lunch or romantic dinner in the warmer
months. Many diners prefer the deck
where they can sit back and watch the
rowboats and occasional gondola drift
by on the Lake as they enjoy a salad or
refined fish platter. It is easy to lose
oneself in this magical atmosphere and
truly forget you are still in the City.
Swans and ducks frequently approach
the restaurant’s deck in search for a
friendly handout. From the restaurant’s
seasonal outdoor terrace, you can see Bethesda Terrace in the distance.
Catering is also provided in a large
room on the northern wing devoted
reserved for private parties and weddings.
There is also a small outdoor casual bar
that is frequently enjoyed by many.
During the summer months the chatter
of dinnerware, glasses and happy voices
resonate in the air, as the crowds grow
larger and larger. With so many people
mingling together, it is definitely the place
to dine, enjoy the great view and be seen.
