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Loeb Boathouse is to return to Central Park this spring — after announcing in the fall that the restaurant had permanently shuttered.
A surprise announcement on Facebook this afternoon said: “It is with a full heart and great joy that we announce the reopening of the Boathouse! We missed you as much as you missed us. A heartfelt thank you to all those who reached out while we were closed.” Lunch, brunch, and private events can be booked from March 29.
In October, The City reported that the iconic restaurant had permanently closed with the layoff of over 160 staff. Workers had been furloughed from the start of the pandemic in March last year. By September, a filing with the Department of Labor said those layoffs “will now be considered permanent.”
At the time, Megan Moriarty, Parks Department spokesperson said that the restaurant would be allowed to reopen “to the extent it can operate in accordance with the applicable state COVID-related guidelines.”
Fans of the restaurant were quick to comment on the latest Facebook announcement. “What a beautiful thing to hear. I can’t wait to come back…and just in time for the nice weather,” said Roseann Scala.
The current boathouse was built in 1954, thanks to philanthropist Carl M. Loeb and his wife Adeline who donated $305,000. The lake has had rowing boats on it for over 150 years. The waterside restaurant has featured in movies — When Harry Met Sally, The Odd Couple, and The Manchurian Candidate, to name a few!
Initial opening times will be for lunch Monday to Friday 12-4pm and brunch at the weekends 9:30am-4pm. Reservations can be made at their website thecentralparkboathouse.com