American restaurant

Tavern On the Green

Lincoln SquareManhattan

4.4· 7,943 reviewsClosed now
Tavern On the Green — american restaurant — in Lincoln Square — Manhattan — NYC
Tavern On the Green interior — Lincoln Square

Lincoln Square

Manhattan

The brief

About Tavern On the Green

Restored Central Park icon for American fare in an elegant setting with courtyard & garden seating.

Health inspection

NYC DOHMH Grade A

A

Score2(lower is better)

Inspected10/21/2024

Grade A is the highest mark from NYC's Department of Health — about 90% of restaurants earn it.

How grades work

Community Rating

4.4

out of 5

7,943 community reviews

Rating aggregated from community reviews across platforms. Read full reviews on Google or Yelp for detailed diner experiences.

Community-sourced rating

Reviews

What diners say about Tavern On the Green

15 verified Google reviews · 15 with owner responses

4.9

15 reviews

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T T
2 weeks ago

We had the reservation since February for our granddaughter's commencement after we had a wonderful time at this establishment.<br>Due to some unforeseeable circumstances we had to change the time and the number of people. The restaurant was very accommodating and set things right for us.<br>We were greeted by a very courteous and pleasant young man outside to confirm our reservation. Then we had Ramón as our waiter. (In fact, we asked for Lindsy as our waitress, as we still remember how attentive and nice she was. However, she was off on that day.) Ramón was just outstanding and gave us the best service, introducing all the nice specials for that day and brought us the most delicious bread (for someone who is a picky eater, particularly with bread. I was sold). They even had a "congratulations" card waiting on the table. They sure knew how to make their customers at home.<br>We met the friendly and caring manager, Coco. She was so welcoming and caring and made sure we were happy and satisfied during our stay.<br>Can't believe the food was so tasty and the portion was super generous. Never like cheesecake but Ramón recommended theirs which was different. We had to say that he was absolutely right! The best cheesecake we had (we travel often and have tried those so-called Michelin restaurants. Say that I was biased; the food, service and setting are far off better than those Michelin restaurants we had tried before, especially when you compare the prices.<br>We will definitely visit this restaurant again when we are in New York City.<br>Everything was beautiful and this place was perfect for families having a great intimate time together. They attended to all the details to make sure you were happy there. They even gave my granddaughter some sweets to take home.

Response from the owner

Wow, TT, what can we say? Thank you so very much for the absolutely glowing review! We are elated to read that your granddaughter's commencement was a celebration worth remembering. We cannot wait to share your kind words with Ramon, as he will be thrilled to hear of your praises. We hope that you will think of us for celebrations to come!

Kelly MLocal guide
3 weeks ago

Phenomenal birthday lunch! Really enjoyed the vibe, history, ambiance, friendly & attentive staff, and food! For your birthday they give you a birthday card and slice of cake and ice cream with a candle and chocolate Happy Birthday writing on the plate. So glad we experienced it!

Response from the owner

Hi Kelly,<br>Thank you for the informative review! We take birthdays very seriously around here, so we were glad to read that your celebration was special. Please come and visit us for your next family celebration!

Grahame AitchisonLocal guide
4 weeks ago

Celebrated my 60th birthday here. Our server Sarah was spot on with everything. Couldn't have had better service. The Lamb and under brick chicken were both delicious. All three of the desserts made sure you knew you were in New York. It was an A+ dining experience.

Response from the owner

Thank you, Grahame, for the wonderful review! We are so glad that your server Sarah took great care of you-you certainly were in great hands! We are so happy that we were able to be a part of your birthday celebration!

Stacy Leistner
a month ago

From our very first planning conversations through the final moments of the evening, the team at Tavern on the Green helped create an extraordinary experience for guests at The Auxiliary of Lenox Hill Hospital's 2026 Benefit.<br><br>Katrina and her team — including Marcelo and so many others behind the scenes — were thoughtful, responsive, professional, and incredibly gracious every step of the way. Their attention to detail, calm presence, and genuine commitment to hospitality made a complex event feel seamless and welcoming.<br><br>The setting was beautiful, the service team led by Nelson was polished and warm, and the entire evening reflected the level of care and excellence that Tavern on the Green is known for.<br><br>We are deeply grateful for their partnership and for helping us create such a memorable night for The Auxiliary's guests, supporters, and honorees. We were well supported from beginning to end.<br><br>— The TAGS Group on behalf of the Auxiliary of Lenox Hill Hospital

Response from the owner

Dear Stacy,<br><br>Thank you so much for your incredibly thoughtful review and for allowing Tavern on the Green to be a part of The Auxiliary of Lenox Hill Hospital’s 2026 Benefit. It was truly our pleasure to host such a meaningful event.<br><br>I am delighted to hear that Katrina, Marcelo, Nelson, and our team helped create a seamless and memorable experience for you and your guests. Your kind words regarding our team’s professionalism, hospitality, and attention to detail mean a great deal to all of us. We take enormous pride in creating special events that feel both polished and welcoming, and it is wonderful to know that came through throughout the evening.<br><br>Thank you again for your partnership and trust in our team. We were honored to support such an important event and hope to welcome you back to Tavern on the Green again soon.<br><br>Cheers,<br>Jason Eisen<br>General Manager

Heather Vozzelli
a month ago

It was better than I expected!! I thought it was gonna be a tourist attraction where they shuffle you in and out, but it was not. I took my daughter for her 17th birthday. Every detail was perfect. They gave her a birthday card. We were waited on as if we were royalty. The food was phenomenal and I honestly did not wanna leave there lol I will absolutely be going there again on my next trip!

Response from the owner

Dear Heather,<br><br>Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback following your daughter’s birthday lunch at Tavern on the Green.<br><br>We’re truly delighted to hear that the experience exceeded your expectations and that your daughter’s 17th birthday celebration felt so special. It’s wonderful to know our team was able to make the occasion memorable with attentive service and a birthday card, and that you enjoyed the food and overall experience so much.<br><br>Your kind words mean a great deal to our team, and we look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit.<br><br>Cheers,<br>Jason Eisen<br>General Manager

Mella McClyLocal guide
2 months ago

Wow. Simple ingredients cooked to perfection, where art, food, and perfection mingle. I have the trout, with green beans and almonds, all served on a bed of beautifully preserved potatoes. I also indulged in the goat cheese, spring mix appetizer. My friend had French fries, and a wedge salad, and even those were amazing!<br><br>The food is amazing, the staff is awesome, and the atmosphere is... well, it's the iconic Tavern on the Green! Don't forget to visit the gift shop, nice items at reasonable prices.<br>** Just a history lesson, but this building was built in 1870 and was actually a barn for the 200 sheep that grazed in central park.

Response from the owner

Thank you for the five star rating!

Eleisha MarchLocal guide
2 months ago

While exploring Central Park we grabbed lunch at here. We arrived a little past eleven, when it opens, and were seated right away in the dinning area.<br><br>Two options for visiting - meal experience or drinks with small bites in the lounge area. The dinning area has an open kitchen concept so you have the opportunity to watch the chef in action.<br><br>Our table opted for the New York clam chowder, figs with cream and honey, and the steak sandwich with fries. The food was filling and flavorful. The sandwich could be a shared plate. My clam chowder was good, but my brain was envisioning “New England” style clam chowder and was momentarily confused when what looked like vegetable soup was presented.<br><br>Our waitress was amazing! She gave pointers of things to experience while here and told us of some local favorites to grab some of the best food.<br><br>The views of the restaurant looking out into the park were relaxing. Great experience.

Response from the owner

Thank you, Eleisha, for the fantastic review! We are so glad that you enjoyed your time with us. We appreciate your kind words regarding food and service-we take both very seriously! Please come see us again the next time you are in New York City!

Fyujo NumdLocal guide
2 months ago

We had brunch at Tavern on the Green and I cannot tell you how many times I had walked past it over the years thinking it was probably just for tourists, which is a silly thing to think about a place that has been there for close to a hundred years and is literally inside Central Park. We made a reservation for a late Saturday morning and were seated near a window that looked straight out into the trees. The light was doing something very nice and people were jogging past outside while we waited for our food, and the whole thing felt slightly unreal in the best way. It is easy to understand why people come back.<br>The eggs Benedict were properly done, the hollandaise had real weight to it without being gluey, and the English muffin held together throughout the whole thing. My friend ordered the Tavern Burger and was happy immediately, which is always a good sign. We also shared the lobster mac and cheese, which was the correct decision. It was creamy and indulgent and had a genuinely surprising amount of lobster in it, more than you might expect from something listed as a side. A mimosa appeared and did not hurt anything. Between the food and the view, there was a stretch of maybe twenty minutes where nobody said much and we all just ate, which is usually when you know a place has done its job.<br>Service was attentive and warm without feeling like performance. Some tables nearby were clearly celebrating things, birthdays and what looked like a small family reunion, and the dining room had this low festive buzz that was pleasant to be inside. The prices are on the higher end but this is Central Park, and the food is good enough that you do not feel like you are paying entirely for the address. The garden terrace in warmer months also looks incredible if you can get a table out there. Genuinely glad we finally stopped making excuses and just went.

Response from the owner

Dear Fyujo,<br><br>Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and detailed review. We’re delighted that you finally decided to join us and that your experience at Tavern on the Green exceeded your expectations.<br><br>It’s wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed your brunch, from the eggs Benedict and lobster mac and cheese to the Tavern Burger. We’re especially glad the setting added to the experience—the view of Central Park truly does create a unique and memorable atmosphere that we’re proud to share with our guests.<br><br>Your kind words about our team’s service mean a great deal to us as well. Creating a warm, attentive, and natural dining experience is exactly what we strive for, and it’s great to know that came through during your visit.<br><br>We appreciate your thoughtful perspective and are so happy you stopped by. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon—perhaps next time on the garden terrace.<br><br>Cheers,<br>Jason Eisen<br>General Manager

Scott RyanLocal guide
3 months ago

Nicole was absolutely amazing. We ordered two of the chicken dishes and one of the flatbread of the day, a side of shoestring, french fries, lobster mac & cheese, and broccoli. I think we ate so much of our food that we were completely full and then some with food left over. Nicole was just the best. She took great care of us. She was laughing and joking with us. She made us feel very welcome for our very first time here at Tavern on the green. You made a dream come true for my mom and myself. We have always wanting to visit here, especially since this is my first time in New York and Nichole just made our experience here as best as it could have ever been so we thank you Nicole.

Response from the owner

Dear Scott,<br><br>Thank you for sharing such a wonderful review. We’re thrilled to hear that your first visit to Tavern on the Green—and your first time in New York—was such a memorable experience for you and your mom.<br><br>It’s especially meaningful to know that Nicole helped make your visit so special. Our team takes great pride in creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and it’s clear she went above and beyond to ensure you felt right at home while enjoying your meal. She will be so happy to hear your kind words.<br><br>We’re also glad you enjoyed the variety of dishes and left feeling full and satisfied—that’s exactly the experience we aim to deliver.<br><br>We truly appreciate you choosing to dine with us for such an important occasion and hope to welcome you both back again on your next visit to New York.<br><br>Cheers,<br>Jason Eisen<br>General Manager

Bald-kugoLocal guide
3 months ago

I always have an amazing experience here, no matter how many times I go! The place is so beautiful, from the inside and out. The atmosphere is always gorgeous, best decoration, and the view through windows are simply beautiful, expecially when they have the winter scene out. It's such a shame it comes out only once a year! Usually places with good presentation don't have the best food, but that is DEFINITELY not the case for this restaurant. Every dish is not only so pleasing to the eyes but also so delicious! I've had many different kinds of food here, but from meat, to vegetable, to even pasta, everything is cooked to perfection and it tastes perfect too! The menu changes ever so often, so you'll never be bored of the options any time you go as well. The servers are so kind and attentive, I have never felt like I was neglected at my table, even on the most busiest of days. I personally love the poke chips, and although I know many people do not find raw fish appealing, this is one place you just have to try it. Because you might just change your mind! From appetizers, entrees, Dinner, desert, and anything else, I'm sure that any food you'll have here will be GOOD food. Also the drinks are fantastic! Not alot of places have such a diverse and tasty selection of non alcoholic beverages, but I suppose Tavern On the Green is simply in a league of its own. I've been here multiple times, but I'd definitely recommend anyone to go and Im sure I'll be back again!!

Response from the owner

Thank you so much for the detailed review! We are elated to read that you enjoyed your visit, from service to food. We cannot wait to welcome you back to Tavern On The Green!

Tee TatLocal guide
4 months ago

Beautiful place to stop and have a coffee or lunch when in Central Park.<br>Booking is advised but if you haven’t and the wait is too long, they have the bar area where you can also eat and drink. It’s very pretty and cosy plus there is a roaring fire, perfect for these winter days.<br>We had lunch in the restaurant and the food was delicious. Service was excellent.

Response from the owner

Dear Tee Tat,<br><br>Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review of your visit to Tavern on the Green. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed both the atmosphere and your lunch with us, especially during the winter season when the fireplace and cozy setting truly shine.<br><br>It’s wonderful to know that the food was delicious and that our team provided excellent service throughout your visit. We also appreciate you highlighting the flexibility of our bar area, which can be a great option for guests enjoying Central Park without a reservation.<br><br>Thank you again for your kind words. We hope to welcome you back to Tavern on the Green again soon, whether for coffee, lunch, or another relaxing stop in the park.<br><br>Cheers,<br>Jason Eisen<br>General Manager<br>Tavern on the Green

Robyn LewisLocal guide
5 months ago

The food was average, which was a shame but they were busy. The fish didn't have enough sauce and the gnocchi was far, far too salty. No one asked how our food was despite me eating barely any of the Gnocchi. Our soup was delivered to our table while we had no spoon and took us quite a while to wave someone down to get one. The ham (no idea how) was flavourless. The eggnog brulee was excellent as was the gingerbread. It was very pretty inside and while hit and miss the service was friendly.

Response from the owner

Thank you, Robyn, for the review. We are so glad that you had some wonderful highlights to your visit, and we are so sorry that some of the food left something to be desired. We will share your feedback with our culinary team, as it is important for us to know where improvements can be made. We appreciate you taking the time to leave such a detailed recap of your visit, and we hope that you will come visit us again at Tavern On The Green!

Mila KLocal guide
5 months ago

Beautiful ambience with lots of lights and a stunning interior. We sat outdoors, the service was excellent, everyone was kind and attentive. Food was well plated and very good: honey roasted figs and roasted baby octopus to start, grilled whole fish and pan-roasted sea bass for mains, and a cherry meringue tart for dessert. Would definitely come back!

Response from the owner

Thank you, Mila, for the fantastic review! We are so glad that you enjoyed your time with us in the beautiful setting. We can't wait to share your praise of the food with our culinary team-they have been working so very hard all holiday season. Please come visit us again very soon!

The TravelerLocal guide
6 months ago

What a fantastic lunch we enjoyed here today. It was truly an experience. The venue was stunning. Well decorated, it felt like stepping into a gingerbread house. The decor was incredible. The food was really tasty. The drinks, desserts, and even the coffee were delightful. The service were very attentive, even though the place was super busy. We received the attention we needed. The only downside was the lack of a parking lot, requiring a walk of about a block to reach a garage, but that’s to be expected in New York City. This is definitely a spot I recommend for both tourists and locals, especially during the holiday season.

Response from the owner

Dear Guest,<br><br>Thank you for the wonderful review and for joining us at Tavern on the Green. We’re delighted to hear that lunch felt like a true experience—from the holiday décor and food to the drinks, desserts, and coffee. It’s especially gratifying to know our team took great care of you despite the holiday bustle.<br><br>We appreciate your understanding about parking in New York City, and we’re grateful for your recommendation to both visitors and locals. We hope to welcome you back again soon, especially during the festive season.<br><br>Cheers,<br>Jason Eisen<br>General Manager

Donna BrobergLocal guide
8 months ago

We were at Tavern on the Green to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. The food was outstanding as was the service. We were asked if we were celebrating anything and upon hearing it was our anniversary we received a card from the managing partners, Jim and David. The card was placed on our table visible to staff and many stopped as they were passing to give their well wishes. This made us feel so special. We received a gratis box of truffles on a beautifully decorated plate to help us celebrate. This was such a lovely experience. The only reason I rated atmosphere 4 stars instead of 5 was because the noise level was high as there were several tables around us with children. It wasn't quite as romantic as we had hoped.

Response from the owner

Hi Donna,<br>Thank you so much for the thoughtful review! We are elated that you and your husband were able to enjoy your anniversary celebration. We are sorry about the noise level-the sound tends to bounce off the glass. You will have to come visit us on a summer day when you can sit outside and enjoy the magic of the courtyard. Again, thank you so much for the wonderful review, and we hope to celebrate many more milestones with you!

Reviews sourced from Google. Displayed for informational purposes. Ratings reflect reviewer opinions at the time of posting.

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