Legends Hospitality takes over operation of Central Park Boathouse in NYC

New York City’s Central Park Boathouse, the lakeside restaurant and cafe that has been closed for two years, is reopening under the management of Legends Hospitality, the foodservice provider for Yankee Stadium.  

The cafe and rowboat rentals opened last Saturday, with the restaurant and catering venues scheduled to follow later this year. Consulting chef Dave Pasternack, formerly of fine-dining seafood restaurant Esca, is overseeing the all-day cafe menu in collaboration with the Legends team.

The cafe is open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. seven days a week, starting with pastries, breakfast sandwiches and beverages in the morning. Lunch selections include everything from a griddled dog with braised onions and mustard, to a crispy Atlantic cod sandwich, a lobster roll and grilled vegetable toasted sandwich. Salads and sides include chicken salad, hearts of Romaine with gulf shrimp and frites with homemade mayonnaise.

For a sweet treat, frozen custard and arborio rice pudding are available. And on the beverage side, there’s a full selection of hot and cold teas and barista-style coffees, wines by the glass and local craft beers. Signature cocktails are also on hand for $16 each.

The cafe features exposed brick walls and a separate entrance from the main dining room and bar, opening this fall. The interior features large patio-facing windows, an overhead display menu board and a horseshoe counter where guests place their orders. All orders can be packaged to-go for diners to enjoy on the adjoining patio that includes 80 al fresco seats.   

The Boathouse was rebuilt after a fire destroyed the original structure and reopened in 1954. It was operated by restaurateur Dean Poll from 2000 until the pandemic forced its closure in 2020, then reopened briefly in 2021. Legends took over operation of the venue after a competitive bidding process through the NYC Parks Department, and is bringing the landmark restaurant venue back to life.