Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Destination for Timeless Dining in Central Park
Tavern On The Green stands as an iconic landmark restaurant nestled within Central Park, offering a dining experience rooted in local, seasonal ingredients and a warm, celebratory atmosphere. Since 1934, we have welcomed guests ranging from New York locals to international visitors, creating a vibrant space where diverse cultures converge. Our historic building, originally designed by Calvert Vaux in 1870, has evolved from a sheepfold to a culinary destination that captures the spirit of New York City. Our menu emphasizes hearty, rustic dishes crafted with care, reflecting our commitment to quality and tradition. Under the leadership of proprietors Jim Caiola and David Salama, alongside Executive Chef Bill Peet, we continue to innovate while honoring our legacy.The restaurant hosts weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings, complemented by live music performances that enhance our guests' experiences. Our dress code encourages smart casual attire, ensuring comfort without compromising elegance. Customer stories and testimonials highlight our role as a cherished gathering place for both everyday moments and special occasions. We remain dedicated to preserving our historic charm while adapting to modern expectations, ensuring every visit feels both timeless and contemporary. Through our email updates and reservation systems, we strive to maintain seamless communication and accessibility for all patrons.
Services
Restaurant Dining
Wedding Events
Corporate Events
Gift Cards
To-Go Orders
Details
- Year established: 1934
Highlights and features
- We offer a historic Central Park dining experience since 1934
- Our menu features locally sourced, seasonal ingredients
- We host weddings and events in a landmark setting
- Our team includes experienced culinary professionals
- Live music enhances our celebratory atmosphere
What people say
Magical atmosphere
Seasonal menu excellence
Historic significance
Vibrant events
Cultural melting pot
Services
Restaurant Dining
Our historic restaurant offers a rustic menu featuring locally sourced ingredients in a vibrant Central Park setting. Guests enjoy seasonal American cuisine crafted by experienced chefs in an atmosphere that blends architectural heritage with modern comfort. The space accommodates both casual meals and special occasions, reflecting New York City's cultural diversity through its international clientele.
Wedding Events
We provide elegant venues for wedding ceremonies and receptions within our landmark Central Park location. Our event planning team coordinates custom arrangements, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, combining historic charm with modern amenities. The venue's unique atmosphere creates memorable backdrops for photography and guest experiences.
Corporate Events
Our spaces accommodate business meetings, conferences, and corporate celebrations with professional support services. The historic setting offers a distinctive environment for networking and presentations, enhanced by customized catering options. Audiovisual capabilities and dedicated event coordination ensure seamless professional gatherings.
Gift Cards
We offer gift cards for dining experiences and event bookings at our Central Park location. These digital and physical cards provide flexible options for special occasions, employee recognition, or personal celebrations. Recipients can redeem them for meals, events, or merchandise at this iconic New York establishment.
To-Go Orders
Our takeout service provides curated menu selections for off-site enjoyment while maintaining culinary quality. Customers can order prepared meals and specialty items for pickup, preserving the restaurant's signature flavors beyond our dining room. The program accommodates both individual meals and larger party orders.
People
Jim Caiola
Proprietor
Former actor turned restaurateur, Jim Caiola became proprietor after being inspired by Tavern's magic during his 1980s acting studies. He now leads the iconic establishment with decades of hospitality experience.
David Salama
Proprietor
Co-proprietor David Salama brings extensive hospitality industry expertise to Tavern On The Green's operations. He works alongside Jim Caiola to maintain the restaurant's legacy while implementing modern improvements.
Bill Peet
Executive Chef
Executive Chef Bill Peet crafts seasonal menus using local ingredients, balancing traditional and contemporary culinary techniques. His leadership ensures consistent quality across Tavern's dining experiences and event offerings.
Questions
What makes Tavern on the Green unique?
Our historic Central Park location, architectural heritage, and role as a cultural gathering place since 1934 create a dining experience unlike any other New York restaurant.
Do you host private events?
Yes, we offer multiple venues for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings with customized planning and catering services in our landmark setting.
What is your dress code?
We recommend smart casual attire. While jackets and ties aren't required, our dress code maintains an atmosphere of refined comfort appropriate for our historic venue.
Can I order food to go?
Yes, we offer curated takeout options featuring our signature dishes and seasonal specialties for pickup at our Central Park location.
How far in advance can I book reservations?
We accept a la carte reservations up to two months ahead. For holiday bookings, please contact our reservations department directly for availability.
Do you serve seasonal menus?
Our menu changes with the seasons to showcase the best local ingredients, reflecting our commitment to fresh, regional produce and culinary innovation.
