Dine with us in the beautifully updated restaurant that reimagines the Boathouse's iconic history and charm. Whether returning after the long-awaited opening or making your first visit, our fully refreshed menu has something for everyone.Reviving old traditions and making new ones – we’ve got something for everybody.Monday - SaturdayLUNCH: 11am -4pmDINNER: 4pm - 9pmSundayBRUNCH: 11am - 2:45pmDINNER: 3pm - 8pmIn addition, our outdoor Cafe, which is open daily from 8am to 7pm. *For parties of 10 or more: please contact us at info@centralparkboathouse.com
There is only one way to describe it: Classic Russia in the heart of New York. The history of Russian Samovar starts well before the restaurant itself. Originally Jilly's Canteen, and owned by a friend of Frank Sinatra, Jilly Rizzo, Samovar was the go-to hot spot for Sinatra and The Rat Pack. In 1986, Roman Kaplan, founder of Russian Samovar acquired the property and was joined in 1987 by friends and business partners: Legendary dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov and Nobel Award Winning poet Joseph Brodsky. Baryshnikov's baby grand piano is still used daily by our performers and guests can still request the Brodsky table, where the legends used to sit and drink away the hours. Guests of private events also enjoy our private dining room, where Baryshnikov filmed Sex in the City.Samovar has remained a celebrity hangout over the years. We've been lucky enough to feature impromptu shows by Liza Minelli and rumor has it that Mel Brooks adapted The Producers to film while sitting at our bar.
A little about us & the culture that has been created… Friedmans is a family run business, which operates locations throughout New York City. Friedmans was named after the famous economist Milton Friedman who popularized the phrase, “there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch”. This phrase has gone on to be used in science, economics, finance, statistics, technology, sports, & now food. However, to put it simply, “to get one thing we like, we usually have to give up another thing we like.” Our mantra is simple, “Eat good food” and this is what we strive to deliver to our guests. For us, it has two meanings. Firstly, eat food that tastes good. Secondly, be proud of the food you serve. We know where our food comes from. We communicate regularly with our farmers and are proud to serve antibiotic free meats & local vegetables. Our mission is for you to love, respect, & enjoy, not only the food you serve, but also the team you work with.
