Last fall, Central Park’s iconic Loeb Boathouse shut its doors for what seemed to be the last time. After nearly 70 years in operation, the restaurant on the water struggled to keep up with the rising labor and costs of goods. The picturesque spot was made famous through movies like When Harry Met Sally, and The Manchurian Candidate, and losing it was a blow to both New Yorkers and tourists alike.

Earlier this year, however, a contract between the NYC Parks Department and Legends Hospitality—the group that provides concessions to places like Yankee Stadium and One World Observatory—was signed, allowing the venue to reopen, complete with a full restaurant, snack bar, and boat rentals.

As promised, the Boathouse Cafe officially reopened on June 18, and boat rentals will be up and running again—with online ticketing and no-cash payment options—later this summer. The dining room and bar overlooking the lake are expected to open in late summer or early fall.

The contract also includes renovations and improvements to the structure to restore the city’s only lakefront venue to its original grandeur. Upgrading the bar area to provide improved views of the lake, expanding the restrooms, and allowing for advanced ticketing for boat reservations are some of the highlights outlined in the proposed contract.

The new restaurant plans to offer brunch and lunch with menu items like brioche French toast, quiche, sandwiches, and burgers, while the dinner menu will feature more elevated menu items like lamb loin, duck ragout, and Chilean sea bass. Dessert items include honey buttermilk panna cotta, Dulcey blonde chocolate tart, and black velvet cake. There will also be a market with snacks, grab-and-go items, and a kids' menu.

Find more information on Central Park boat rentals here.

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