The Loeb Boathouse

“Al fresca dining in the middle of Central Park with a stunning view of the lake – what more could you want?”

“All tables have a view of the row boat lake which is so unbelievably pretty in the Spring.”

“Started with the signature crab cake then the seared scallops and finished with the Cheesecake.”

The Loeb Boathouse

Takes Reservations: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Happy Hour: Yes
Coat Check: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
PokéStop Nearby: Yes

Price range.

$$$ Price range $31-60

8 reviews

  1. Finally brunched here recently when the SO's parents were visiting. Views of the pond are pretty and worth the extra $5-10 per dish you'll be paying to share this moment with 600 of your closest tourist friends. If you're thinking of boating, get yourself a dinghy and work those arms to earn your meal.

    It was a schlep to cut through the 30,000 people participating in the Aids Walk, but we got there eventually (thanks, Google Maps, for making me a tourist in my own city every damn day).

    Our wait wasn't too bad at 10:30 am (maybe 15-20 minutes until our pager went off), though I suspect it gets a lot worse for lunch and dinner. The service was friendly though food took forever to bring out. If you look around, you'll see why. It is just FULL. But it's full of out-of-towners, so they're for the most part well-behaved and won't disrupt your meal with strident nonsense conversations.

    We got coffees and juices as it was well before noon on Sunday, and survived without booze. For foodstuffs, I had the Benedict with lox, which was well executed. Among the bevy of plates on our table, one boasted scrumptious-looking French toast. Make that your second choice.

  2. Honestly, I don't understand the negative reviews. My sister and I had brunch here on a Saturday morning. We didn't have reservations, but there wasn't wait. We sat out on the beautiful patio overlooking the lake. There was a lovely breeze that kept us cool even in the 80+ degree heat.

    We shared the tuna ceviche appetizer. I would like to eat one of these every day. The ingredients are so fresh. There is just the right amount of acid and a little heat. Each bite was delicious.

    I decided on the smoked salmon benedict and my sister ordered the challah french toast. All the serving sizes are generous. We both cleaned our plates and couldn't find a thing that we disliked.

    For coffee fanatics like myself, they also have an iced cappucino that I would highly recommend.

    The service was attentive, quick and kind. The space was clean and airy. Our experience proved that there is quality going on in the kitchen as well.

    Great spot!

  3. This place is amazing.

    My aunt took us here for lunch after strolling around Central Park.

    The food was amazing. The view of the lake was splendid. An all-around great time!

    My aunt got the Crab Cakes and that sauce is to die for. My cousin got the Scallop Ceviche and that had nice flavor to it. My mom got the Steak and she enjoyed that. I got a poultry dish. Either Cornish Hen or Chicken. Not sure, but either way, it was delicious.

    Sure, it's pricey. You can't beat the view, the service and the food.

  4. There's no better place for brunch on a beautiful spring day. We brought my mom here and were pleasantly surprised by how good the food was. I was expecting a hefty markup and uninspired food as a result of being the only game in the park. But the steak and eggs were great and the tasty onion and Gruyere tart was a great accompaniment.  The French toast was also well done– thick slices that were crispy on the outside and moist and gooey inside. While it's pricey it's not much beyond typical Manhattan brunch prices.

  5. Food was average, but very pricey. And that's not surprising because you're paying for the location and views. My shrimp pasta was heavy on the sauce and the shrimp were completely dried out, almost to the point of being inedible, but I ate it because I was hungry. The menu was very limited. Not more than ten options total between appetizers and entrees. My red wine was too acidic and maybe had been sitting in an open bottle too long.

    Views are definitely superior in the daytime – at nighttime, it's just completely dark and you can't see anything, so if you're trying to impress your date, bring them for brunch/lunch. Restaurant itself is classy, servers are very professional and courteous. They were kind enough to bring separate checks for every two people because we had a very large party. I wouldn't discourage you from coming here if you really want to, as it is a cool location and fun to do once, but if you're a discriminating foodie and want the most bang for your buck, then this may not be the place for you.

  6. Great drinks, small beer glasses, a bit pricey – but inexpensive for where its located. Go have a drink!

  7. How many chances do you get in NYC for dining by a lake?

    The New American food is very good, the service is very friendly, the restaurant is pretty and the atmosphere relaxed.

    This is a unique NYC experience–and a great spot for a wedding or other event.

    There is also a casual bites side with very reasonable prices for Central Park and a very nice outdoor drinks area.

    Watch the rowboats, listen to the many foreign languages being spoken by happy guests and relax!

    One caution–there is no parking here and the closest subway stop is 77/Lexington.

  8. DO NOT LISTEN TO THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS!!
    This is my second visit here – the first a cold wintry Christmas lunch with to die for warm apple cider!

    This place is absolutely beautiful, the views are amazing (ahhhh sigh), the service was exceptional – our waiter was very professional, attentive and a little flirty ……. Which is fun for a girls lunch.
    The food was delicious – the crab cakes are their dish so you must have them! My dessert while amazing was very chocolaty for my taste – but that was my problem in ordering!!

    If you go for brunch on the weekend – people this is NYC – you have to line up for almost everything in peak times. In regard to it being touristy – again – this in NYC – one of the most visited places in the world – so again yes there will be tourists – due to the picturesque location – people want to go here!!!

    So sit back, enjoy your Bellini, the sunshine and the magnificent views. I will most definitely return – and you would be crazy not to go here at least once and enjoy all there is to enjoy about the beautiful Loeb Boathouse.

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5th Avenue
New York 10128 NY US
Get directions
Monday, 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Tuesday, 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Wednesday, 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Thursday, 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Friday, 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Saturday, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Sunday, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm